January 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 1]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Acupuncture, Moxibustion Reduce Inflammation of the Aorta
• Herb of the Month - Licorice (gan cao)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Aortitis is a swelling of the aorta, the main trunk of systemic arteries that carry blood away from the heart. It can be caused by conditions such as rheumatic fever or syphilis and, if left untreated, can dramatically reduce the flow of blood to the brain and upper body. A recent study published in the Journal of Traditional Medicine has found that a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion is superior to a regimen of Western drugs and salvia in the treatment of aortitis, reducing inflammation and improving blood flow without unwanted side-effects.

In the study, 80 patients with aortitis were assigned to one of two treatment groups. The first group was treated with a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion twice daily for four weeks, with points on the limbs needled in the morning, and points on the head and back needled in the afternoon. The second group received a combination of saline solution and injections of salvia once per day, and oral administration of cilostazol, a heart failure medication, twice per day for four weeks.

In the acupuncture/moxibustion group, the effectiveness rate of treatment was 95 percent; 77.5 percent of the patients were either cured or experienced "much relief" from aortitis. In the drug group, the effectiveness rate was 75 percent; however, no patients were considered "cured" by the researchers, and the treatment failed to improve any signs or symptoms in 25 percent of the patients. The researchers believed that both acupuncture and moxibustion helped to regulate microcirculation, which increased blood flow while relieving muscle spasms.

Licorice is a plant originally grown in central Europe, but now found all across Europe and Asia. Aside from its medicinal properties, it has been used to flavor foods for centuries. Today, licorice remains one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

The two most important components of licorice are glychrrhizin and flavonoids. Glycyrrhizin works as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral and inhibits the breakdown of cortisol. Licorice flavonoids are powerful antioxidants; they work to protect liver cells and help digestive tract cells heal. In addition to its use as a flavoring, licorice has traditionally been employed to sooth coughs and sore throats; coat the digestive and urinary tracts; and treat various conditions ranging from diabetes to tuberculosis.

Licorice root can be found at some health food stores and most Asian markets. Many health stores also sell standard licorice tablets, capsules and extracts.

Licorice products that contain glycyrrhizin may increase a person's blood pressure and cause water retention. Consumption of more than seven grams of licorice per day for more than seven days consecutively could increase blood testosterone levels. According to the German Commission E monographs, licorice should not be used by pregnant women or people with liver and/or kidney disorders. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking licorice 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: Can you tell me if acupuncture can help with weight loss?

Answer: Treatment will decrease your appetite and improve your metabolism. You still need to have a proper diet, which the acupuncturist will review with you.

Question #2: My husband had a knee replacement in August 2005 and a manipulation of the joint in October 2005. He has pain all the time, and limited knee movement. Would acupuncture help with this?

Answer: It is difficult to know the answer without an examination. It is quite likely that acupuncture will help relieve his residual symptoms. In general, he would have 10 to 15 treatments to evaluate the effectiveness in his situation.

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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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