November 2005 [Volume 4, Issue 11]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Provides Short-Term Relief of Knee Osteoarthritis
• Herb of the Month - Andrographis (chuan xin lian)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage starts to break down, causing a degeneration of body joints that leads to excessive pain and inflammation. The knees are often affected by osteoarthritis, as are the joints of the hips, feet and fingers. A new study suggests that while acupuncture may not reverse osteoarthritis, it can offer significant relief from its symptoms - at least in the short term.

In the study, 294 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were assigned to one of three groups - real acupuncture, "minimal acupuncture" (with superficial insertion of needles into non-acupuncture points), or a control group. Treatment was given 12 times over an eight-week period, with each treatment session lasting 30 minutes. Patients completed surveys about knee pain and disability at the end of the eight-week treatment session, with follow-up surveys taken at 26 weeks and 52 weeks.

At the end of eight weeks, the average score on a standard osteoarthritis scale was 26.9 (out of 100) for patients who received real acupuncture, compared to 35.8 for patients who received minimal acupuncture, and 49.6 for control patients - a finding the researchers called "clinically important." By 52 weeks, however, the difference in osteoarthritis scores had reduced to a point that they were "no longer significant."

The results of this study show that acupuncture reduces pain and improves joint function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. As such, it may be a valuable intervention that can be used as a stand-alone form of care, or in conjunction with other therapies. For more information on the use of acupuncture to treat osteoarthritis and other conditions, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/articles/clinical.html.

Andrographis is a tall, flowering plant that originated in India, but is now grown in China as well. It consists of a long, thin stem, from which protrude green, oval-shaped leaves and smaller branches containing small white flowers. The leaves and flowers are used medicinally.

Andrographis has had a long history of use in both traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine. Most commonly, it has been used for digestive problems and various infections. Several trials published in the mid- and late-1990s found that andrographis, either alone or with Siberian ginseng, could reduce the severity of symptoms in people suffering from the common cold. There is also anecdotal evidence that andrographis can benefit people suffering from viral hepatitis.

The amount of andrographis to be taken depends on the form being used and the condition(s) being treated. For dried andrographis, 500-3,000 milligrams can be taken three times per day. An extract can also be consumed, or andgrophis can be drunk as a tea (using one teaspoon of herb for every cup of hot water).

The American Herbal Products Association has given andrographis a class 2B rating, meaning that it should not be taken by pregnant women. In addition, it should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Some people have been known to develop an upset stomach when taking andrographis. If this happens, patients are advised to reduce the amount taken, or eat it with meals. As always, make sure to speak with a licensed, qualified health care provider before taking andrographis or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral.

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: I would love any information you could provide about acne, the imbalances that cause it, and treatment options.

Answer: Acne is a symptom that acupuncture and/or Chinese medicinal herbs can help reduce. It indicates an imbalance in the system. The cause is individually diagnosed, and then treatment given to correct the imbalance. In general, a person will have around ten acupuncture treatments. The points are often in the arms or legs.

Question #2: I was playing football two years ago on a cold day, had my feet knocked out from under me, and had my entire body weight come down on my right hip. The pain persisted throughout the winter, although I had X-rays and nothing was broken. The persisting pain feels like it is right at the very point where my pelvis meets my femur. The pain seems to subside somewhat in summer, but I have re-injured it every year with various athletic activities. I also went to a physical therapy center for a few months but the pain has come back. I tried stopping all vigorous physical activity for a month with no success. I frequently play squash, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. I am now almost 17 years old. What form of treatment would you recommend?

Answer: It sounds like a condition that will respond best to a combination of treatments, (such as) acupuncture and manipulations involving traction. You may also need to rest for rehabilitation longer than a month. It is difficult to say too much about your individual case without a physical exam. Your age and general level of physical activity indicates you will likely get past it.

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Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

The staff of AcupunctureToday.com offers its condolences to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families. Those interested in participating in ongoing hurricane relief efforts are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) or to visit www.redcross.org.

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