February 2006 [Volume 5, Issue 2]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Ulcerative Colitis Patients Find Better Relief With Acupuncture Than With Drugs
• Herb of the Month - Lotus Leaf (he ye)
• Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights From the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine. It affects up to 2 million Americans, and can affect people of both sexes and all ages. While some doctors prescribe medications to reduce the swelling associated with ulcerative colitis, there is no known cure for the condition, which has led scientists to study other possible remedies, including acupuncture. In fact, the results of a recent study suggest that acupuncture is superior to drugs in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, with more acupuncture patients reporting complete relief of symptoms and a higher overall effectiveness rate compared to patients taking anti-inflammatory agents.

In the study, 121 patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis were assigned randomly to two groups, with 76 patients being treated with acupuncture and 45 patients placed on a drug regimen. Acupuncture patients were treated at various points, including shang ju xu (ST 37), tian shu (ST 25), guan yuan (CV 4), zu san li (ST 36), zhong wan (CV 12), da chang shu (BL 25) and chang qiang (GV 1), with each point needled for 30 minutes. After the needles were withdrawn, moxibustion was applied at zhong wan, tian shu and guan yuan. In the drug group, patients took between 1 gram and 2 grams of azulfidine, an anti-inflammatory agent, four times daily. Patients in both groups were treated for between one and three courses of treatment, with 20 days constituting one therapeutic course, with a five-day interval between courses.

Of the 76 patients in the acupuncture group, 45 (59.2 percent) were considered "cured," and the total effectiveness rate of care was 96.1 percent. Of the 45 patients taking azlufidine, only 15 (33.3 percent) were cured, and the overall effectiveness rate was 71.1 percent. The researchers stated that the combination of points used in the acupuncture protocol help by strengthening the spleen and eliminate dampness, thus promoting bowel movements, and by warming the kidney, which help to resolve instances of diarrhea.

Lotus leaf comes from the lotus, a perennial aquatic plant related to the water lily. It grows throughout the tropical regions of Asia and the Middle East, with light green leaves and vibrant white flowers. The leaves can grow extremely large at times, reaching more than 18 inches in diameter. They are typically collected in the summer and autumn, cleaned, then dried in the sun and cut into small pieces.

Based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, lotus leaf is slightly bitter, and mild, and is attributed to the Liver and Spleen meridians. The main functions of lotus leaf are to stop bleeding and invigorate the blood. An active ingredient in lotus leaf, nuciferine, also helps to reduce muscle spasms. In addition, lotus leaf is sometimes used to treat dizziness and fevers.

The typical dosage of lotus leaf is between 6 and 12 grams, boiled in water and drunk as a decoction. Large doses can be taken depending on the condition being treated. Dried, sliced lotus leaf can be found at many herbal shops and Asian markets. Lotus leaf is also available in pill, powder and capsule form.

Lotus leaf is considered extremely safe; the American Herbal Products Association has given it a class 1 rating, meaning that it can be safely consumed when used appropriately. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking lotus leaf 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: My husband and I have been trying to have a child for 14 months without any luck. I have normal cycles (about 28 days), but still have not become pregnant yet, so I was wondering if acupuncture can help me with my (or my husband's) infertility? This is kind of off the subject, but I also have gastritis and get food poisoning very often (about 2-3 times a month) and was wondering if acupuncture could help with this as well.

Answer: Yes, acupuncture can be used to enhance fertility and reduce the symptoms of gastritis. You should see an acupuncturist who will examine both you and your husband using traditional techniques as well as Western laboratory tests. Most often, Chinese herbal medicines are part of the treatment for you both. These may also be helpful for the gastritis symptoms. Other dietary or lifestyle changes may be recommended.

Question #2: I recently started a course of acupuncture following a recommendation from friends; this was for stress. I also have a kidney disorder for which I am taking ACE inhibitors; this conditions now is in regression. Along with the acupuncture, I have been given jia wei xiao yao and gui pi wan tablets, along with some fresh herbs to boil and drink.

I'm about two weeks in and was finding it quite calming until someone told me that it could be quite dangerous if you have a kidney condition. I did declare all of this to the TCM doctor, and she seemed to think it was OK. I'm a bit worried now. Should I have run it past my GP first?

Answer: Most Chinese herbal medicines would be safe for use by most patients having a kidney condition requiring ACE inhibitors. Since there can be exceptions, your specific condition should be reconciled with the actions of the individual herbal medicines. Your TCM practitioner would be in a better position to do this than your MD, who probably is unfamiliar with these individual herbs and would not investigate. Acupuncturists are trained in Western medicine and are taught to refer when it is appropriate. She (your TCM doctor) is able and qualified to make this assessment.

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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.

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