December 2005 [Volume 4, Issue 12]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture Effective in Treating Synovitis of the Knee
• Herb of the Month - Teasel Root (xu duan)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Synovitis, or inflammation of the synovial joints, is a common condition in the elderly and the middle aged. Although it usually affects the hip, synovitis can also occur in the knee. The most common type of knee synovitis is synovitis with effusion, sometimes referred to as "water on the knee," which creates swelling and can be quite painful, particularly during movement. Synovitis with effusion is usually treated with a combination of heat, liniments and other medications, but there is no definitive cure for the condition.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers attempted to treat synovitis with effusion using acupuncture. In the study, 50 people with the condition were treated using needle insertion at two main points (qixue 1, located 0.5 cun lateral to Stomach 34, and qixue 2, 0.5 cun lateral to Spleen 10) and several adjunct points (xiyan [EX-LE 5], Stomach 36, Gallbladder 34, Spleen 9 and Spleen 6). Needles were manipulated every 5-10 minutes and retained for 30 minutes after the arrival of qi. Acupuncture was performed once per day every 3-5 days, with 10 acupuncture sessions constituting a therapeutic course of care.

At the end of the study period, 30 patients were deemed to be cured, which was defined as a disappearance of swelling and pain in the knee joint, a resumption of free movement and range of motion, and no recurrence of the condition in more than six months. Treatment was "markedly effective" in another 18 patients; slight improvement was seen in the remaining two patients. The authors surmised that acupuncture treatment "may produce a quite satisfactory treatment in a relatively short duration."

Also known as dipsacus, teasel is a flowering plant similar in appearance to a lilac, with long, cylindrical flowers and curved, thorny, leaf-like protuberances called bracts. The roots of the plant are used medicinally.

In traditional Chinese medicine, teasel root is affiliated with the Liver and Kidney meridians, and has bitter, pungent and warm properties. Its functions are to tonify the liver and kidneys, promote blood circulation, and strengthen the bones and tendons.

Teasel root can be used internally or externally. Internally, teasel root treats pain and weakness in the knees and lower back, helps repair damaged tissues such as bones and ligaments, and can control bleeding during a woman's pregnancy. Externally, it can be combined into a poultice with drynaria and dragon's blood to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

The amount of teasel root being used depends on the condition(s) being treated. Generally, most practitioners recommend between 6 and 21 grams of teasel root per day. Some herbalists recommend a slightly higher minimum dose (10 grams per day). Raw and cooked teasel root is available at some Asian markets and most herbal shops. Teasel root is also available in powder, capsule and pill form.

The American Herbal Products Association has given teasel root a class 1 rating, meaning that it can safely be consumed when used appropriately. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with teasel root or side-effects associated with large amounts of teasel root. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking teasel root 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 am wondering if acupuncture can help with restless leg syndrome. It is not life-threatening, but it is very uncomfortable and is getting worse.

Answer: Acupuncturists do treat the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Treatment is determined by the condition of the patient, so you need to be seen for an evaluation. In general, you would have a series of 10 or 12 treatment sessions.

Question #2: Hello. I am currently being treated by an acupuncturist for pain in my shoulder and read that acupuncture can also treat depression. I noticed after my first treatment for the pain that I also experienced a sense of well-being (my depression had lifted). I went home, took my prescribed antidepressant medication, and took a nap. When I awoke, I felt tired and angry.

My question is: Do antidepressants and acupuncture work well together? Or is it counterproductive?

Answer: Your acupuncture treatments may help you decrease your medication requirements. Discuss any change in your prescription with your physician and acupuncturist.

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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 Rita. 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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