AAAOM Research

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:31:58 GMT

06/05/2003 - ACUPUNCTURE FOR FIBROMYALGIA

Posted By Administration, Thursday, June 05, 2003
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[CMS] The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) commissioned an expedited review of the literature on acupuncture for fibromyalgia from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). In order to expedite the review, CMS requested that the review be based on systematic reviews that are published by other groups.

http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/technology-assessments-details.aspx?TAId=18

Acupuncture Reduces Nausea and Vomiting, Pain after Major Breast Surgery

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:30:49 GMT

09/22/2004 - ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES NAUSEA AND VOMITING, PAIN AFTER MAJOR BREAST SURGERY

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Science Daily] In the first such clinical trial of its kind, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that acupuncture is more effective at reducing nausea and vomiting after major breast surgery than the leading medication.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/09/040922070424.htm

Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:29:40 GMT

12/20/2004 - ACUPUNCTURE FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Posted By Administration, Monday, December 20, 2004
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[NCCAM] A landmark study has shown that acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee and serves as an effective complement to standard care. The study, the largest Phase III clinical trial of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis, was funded by NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, both components of the National Institutes of Health.

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/acu-osteo.htm

Yale Researchers Studying Acupuncture to Reduce Back Pain in Pregnancy

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:28:40 GMT

02/09/2005 - YALE RESEARCHER STUDYING ACUPUNCTURE TO REDUCE BACK PAIN IN PREGNANCY

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Science Daily] A Yale researcher and expert in the practice of acupuncture is conducting a three-year study on the effectiveness of this ancient Chinese practice in reducing low back pain during pregnancy.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050205105313.htm

Effects of Acupuncture as Adjunct to Standard Treatment in Pregnant Women With Pelvic Girdle Pain

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:27:16 GMT

03/31/2005 - EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND STABILISING EXERCISES AS ADJUNCT TO STANDARD TREATMENT IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PELVIC GIRDLE PAIN

Posted By Administration, Thursday, March 31, 2005
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[BMJ] Acupuncture and stabilising exercises constitute efficient complements to standard treatment for the management of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture was superior to stabilising exercises in this study.

http://www.bmj.com/content/330/7494/761

Treatment of Low Back Pain by Acupressure and Physical Therapy

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:26:02 GMT

01/10/2006 - TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN BY ACUPRESSURE AND PHYSICAL THERAPY: RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Posted By Administration, Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[BMJ] Acupressure was effective in reducing low back pain in terms of disability, pain scores, and functional status. The benefit was sustained for six months.

http://www.bmj.com/content/332/7543/696?rss

Acupuncture Relieves Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:24:51 GMT

06/14/2006 - ACUPUNCTURE RELIEVES SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA, MAYO CLINIC STUDY FINDS

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Science Daily] In Mayo's trial, patients who received acupuncture to counter their fibromyalgia symptoms reported improvement in fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060614000759.htm

Acupuncture May Help Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:15:39 GMT

01/06/2007 - ACUPUNCTURE MAY HELP SYMPTOMS OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Posted By Administration, Saturday, January 06, 2007
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[NCCAM] A pilot study shows that acupuncture may help people with posttraumatic stress disorder. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/092107.htm

Overactive Touch-Sensing Nerve Cells Explain Common "Ringing in the Ears"

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:14:03 GMT

01/09/2008 - OVERACTIVE TOUCH-SENSING NERVE CELLS EXPLAIN COMMON “RINGING IN THE EARS”

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[University of Michigan] Acupuncture and similar methods to calm nerves in head and neck could relieve tinnitus, U-M animal study suggests.

http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2008/tinnitus.htm

Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:12:43 GMT

03/08/2008 - ACUPUNCTURE SHOWS PROMISE IN IMPROVING RATES OF PREGNANCY FOLLOWING IVF

Posted By Administration, Saturday, March 08, 2008
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[NCCAM] A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples experience reproductive difficulty and seek specialist fertility treatments, such as IVF. IVF, which involves retrieving a woman's egg, fertilizing it in the laboratory, and then transferring the embryo back into the woman's womb is an expensive, lengthy, and stressful process. Identifying a complementary approach that can improve success would be welcome to patients and providers.

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/020808.htm

Acupuncture Reduces Pain and Dysfunction in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:11:15 GMT

05/31/2008 - ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES PAIN AND DYSFUNCTION IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS AFTER NECK DISSECTION

Posted By Administration, Saturday, May 31, 2008
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center] New data from a randomized, controlled trial found that acupuncture provided significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection.

http://www.mskcc.org/pressroom/press/acupuncture-reduces-pain-and-dysfunction-head-and-neck-patients-after-neck-dissection

Calming Children Before Surgery

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:10:19 GMT

10/02/2008 - CALMING CHILDREN BEFORE SURGERY

Posted By Administration, Sunday, November 02, 2008
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

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[UC Irvine] Surgery is stressful for even the calmest patient, but for children it can be particularly traumatic and frightening. For anesthesiologists, soothing anxious children about to enter surgery is a critical part of the job, and Dr. Zeev Kain, anesthesiology & perioperative care chair at UC Irvine, is turning to ancient Chinese medicine for new methods.

http://news.uci.edu/features/calming-children-before-surgery/

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the United States

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:09:26 GMT

03/31/2009 ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE (AOM) IN THE UNITED STATES

Posted By Administration, Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2014

[AAAOM/SAR] Written cooperatively by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) and the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR), this document presents a general background on the field of acupuncture as it relates to traditional Chinese medicine and, in addition, provides information on the safety and cost-effectiveness of this intervention as well as the education and entry level requirements for the profession. Further, the AAAOM and SAR jointly request that fully trained and licensed professionals in the field of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) participate in the dialogues that develop healthcare policies and reform at the national level.

https://www.aaaomonline.org/page/AOMinUS/?

Economic Evaluation in Acupuncture: Past and Future

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:08:27 GMT

AAAOM_EHB_Economic_Evaluatio.pdf

09/01/2009 - ECONOMIC EVALUATION IN ACUPUNCTURE: PAST AND FUTURE

Posted By Administration, Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2014

[American Acupuncturist] As health care reform continues to be the nation’s priority, we are pleased to introduce an important article entitled "Economic Evaluation in Acupuncture,” written by Michael Jabbour, LAc, MS. This article profiles a recent study on both the cost effectiveness and cost benefits of acupuncture. This is an in-depth view of the financial value of acupuncture in the current U.S. health care system.

Study Maps Effects of Acupuncture on the Brain

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:07:24 GMT

02/05/2010 - STUDY MAPS EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE BRAIN

Posted By Administration, Friday, February 05, 2010
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Science Daily] New research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101736.htm

Acupuncture Calms Highly Anxious Dental Patients

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:06:11 GMT

03/30/2010 - ACUPUNCTURE CALMS HIGHLY ANXIOUS DENTAL PATIENTS, STUDY SUGGESTS

Posted By Administration, Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[Science Daily] Acupuncture can calm highly anxious dental patients and ensure that they can be given the treatment they need, suggests a small study.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100329203535.htm

Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:05:08 GMT

05/11/2011 - ACUPUNCTURE FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Updated: Friday, July 11, 2014

[NCCAM] In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, acupuncture or simulated acupuncture treatments fared better than usual care in managing low back pain. However, neither tailoring acupuncture needle sites to the individual nor penetrating the skin appeared to be essential for receiving therapeutic benefit. These results are of importance to patients and practitioners seeking a relatively safe and effective treatment for back pain.

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/062109.htm

Menopause-Related Symptoms: TCM vs. Hormone Therapy

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:04:01 GMT

07/01/2011 - MENOPAUSE-RELATED SYMPTOMS: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE VS HORMONE THERAPY

Posted By Administration, Friday, July 01, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), acupuncture, and hormone therapy on menopause- related symptoms of peri- and postmenopausal women.

STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven Chinese women completed 2 months of treatment with either CHM (5 g twice daily, n = 22), acupuncture plus CHM (Kun Bao Wan) 5 g twice daily plus sessions of acupuncture, n = 20), or hormone therapy (n = 15). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Kupperman index score, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol, and the number of symptoms before and after treatment were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS: CHM, acupuncture plus CHM, and hormone therapy significantly decreased Kupperman score (P < .001 in each group) and number of symptoms (P < .05). The mean difference in Kupperman score between baseline and 2 months among the three groups was significantly varied (P = .02). The difference was only between acupuncture plus CHM and CHM with significantly better results by acupuncture plus CHM. Acupuncture plus CHM, as well as hormone therapy, significantly reduced the level of FSH (P < .05), but CHM alone didn't cause any significant decrease in FSH levels (P > .05). The mean difference in the level of FSH between baseline and 2 months among the three groups was significantly different (P = .02). This difference was only between CHM and hormone therapy with significantly better results by hormone therapy. The three treatments didn't make any significant increase in the level of E2 (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: application of the combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture proved as effective as hormone therapy in the treatment of menopause-related symptoms, and it achieved better outcomes than herbal medicine alone.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22314633#

Natural Herbal Medicine H1N1 Trial

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:02:54 GMT

09/01/2011 - NATURAL HERBAL MEDICINE LIANHUAQINGWEN CAPSULE ANTI-INFLUENZA A (H1N1) TRIAL: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND, POSITIVE CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Posted By Administration, Thursday, September 01, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

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[NIH] BACKGROUND: The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is associated with the high risk of severe complications and is spreading more rapidly throughout the world than other reported seasonal influenzas. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the nature herbal medicine Lianhuaqingwen capsule (LHC) in patients infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus.

METHODS: A total of 244 patients aged 16 - 65 years confirmed with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by the real time RT-PCR were randomized to one of two treatment groups of 122 patients each. Each group assigned to receive either LHC or Oseltamivir for five days and observation for seven days. The patients were enrolled within 36 hours of illness onset if they had an axillary temperature of ≥ 37.4°C and with at least one of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, myalgia, chills and sweating. The primary end point was the duration of illness.

RESULTS: Of 244 patients, 240 (98.36%) patients with a median age 21 years completed the study between October 24, 2009 and November 23, 2009. There were no significant overall differences between LHC treated and Oseltamivir treated patients in the median duration of illness (LHC 69 hours vs. Oseltamivir 85 hours P > 0.05) or the median duration of viral shedding (LHC 103 hours vs. Oseltamivir 96 hours, P > 0.05). However, it was worthwhile to note that LHC significantly reduced the severity of illness and the duration of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue (P < 0.05). Both study medications were well tolerated. No drug related serious adverse events occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Oseltamivir, LHC achieved a similar therapeutic effectiveness reduction of the duration of illness and duration of viral shedding. Therefore, LHC might be an alternative therapeutic measure for influenza A (H1N1) virus infections.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22040504#

The Efficacy and Tolerability of FuFang DanShen for Uncontrolled Hypertension

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:01:34 GMT

09/02/2011 - THE EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF FUFANG DANSHEN (SALVIA MILTIORRHIZA) AS ADD-ON ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY IN TAIWANESE PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION

Posted By Administration, Friday, September 02, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] Hypertension generally requires the use of a combination therapy to achieve the satisfactory control of blood pressure. A traditional Chinese herb, Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has been shown to have cardioprotective effects in animals and humans. The study investigated the add-on effect of Fufang Danshen extract capsule in Taiwanese hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-center study clinical trial. Fifty-five patients with uncontrolled mild to moderate hypertension were enrolled under current conventional antihypertensive treatment, randomized equally to receive a Fufang Danshen capsule (formula mixture) 1000 mg twice-daily or a placebo capsule for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were the control rate and the response rate. By ITT analysis at week 12, the control rates were 25.5% in the Fufang Danshen group and 7.3% in the control group (p = 0.016). The response rates were 45.6% in the Fufang Danshen group and 38.2% in the placebo group (p = 0.946). A significant reduction of systolic blood pressure at week 12 was noted in the Fufang Danshen group compared with the placebo group (13.8 vs 4.2 mmHg, p = 0.005). A decrease of pulse rate was also noted in the Fufang Danshen group (- 3.2 vs +2.7/min, p = 0.027). Adverse events were not statistically different between the two groups. It was concluded that Fufang Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) extract reduced systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, and was well tolerated in patients with hypertension.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21887804#

Effects of the Ganning Formula on Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 18:00:23 GMT

12/01/2011 - EFFECTS OF THE GANNING FORMULA ON LIVER FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B

Posted By Administration, Thursday, December 01, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Ganning formula for the treatment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 150 patients with liver fibrosis secondary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive either the Ganning formula (a Chinese herbal decoction; active treatment group) or oral entecavir (control group) for two 3-month courses. Patients were monitored for any treatment-induced changes in liver function test parameters (ALT, AST, and GGT), liver fibrosis markers (LN, HA, IV-C, and PCIII), HBV DNA level, hepatosplenic imaging, quality of life scores, or psychological and social functioning scores. Patients were also observed for any adverse effects.

RESULTS: After treatment, patients in both groups experienced significant improvements in liver function, HBV DNA load, hepatosplenic B-mode ultrasonography, quality of life, and psychological and social functioning (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Patients receiving the Ganning formula achieved greater improvements in HA, IV-C, quality of life, and psychological and social functioning compared with those on entecavir (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There were no abnormal changes in blood tests, urine, feces, renal function, or electrocardiogram. Additionally, no adverse effects were observed in any patients in either group.

CONCLUSIONS: The Ganning formula appears to have the potential to inhibit liver fibrosis and therefore improve liver function by inhibiting HBV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Additionally, this formula is helpful in improving quality of life and psychological and social functioning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22462232#

Chronic Thrombocytopenia with Herbal Medicine and Western Medicine

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:58:13 GMT

12/01/2011 - MULTI-CENTRAL CLINICAL RESEARCH INTO TREATING 80 CASES OF CHRONIC THROMBOCYTOPENIA WITH QI-SUPPLEMENTING AND YIN-NOURISHING THERAPY AND WESTERN MEDICINE

Posted By Administration, Thursday, December 01, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] OBJECTIVE: To probe the effects of qi-supplementing and yin-nourishing therapy (blood-increasing decoction and blood generating powder) on chronic thrombocytopenia.

METHODS: Two hundred patients with chronic thrombocytopenia were randomly divided into control (n = 100) and test groups (n = 100) with Amino-polypeptide as a basic treatment for both. Test group patients consumed a blood-increasing decoction and blood-generating powder for 1-3 months. Improvements in platelet counts and TCM syndrome were observed.

RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-four (80 in the test group and 84 in the control group) of 189 total participants were treated for 3 months. The total effective rate in improving TCM syndrome was 95.00% in the test group and 79.76% in the control group (P < 0.05). There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in the accumulated score of TCM syndrome between the two groups treated at different time points. The total effective rate of platelet counts was 86.25% in the test group and 59.52% in the control group (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in platelet counts before and after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant differences in platelet count between the two groups treated for 1-2 months; however, a significant difference was found between the two groups after treatment for 3 months (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: After a 3-month treatment of chronic thrombocytopenia patients with qi-supplementing and yin-nourishing therapy, TCM syndrome was improved and platelet counts increased with no obvious side effects, and the quality of life of the participants was enhanced with noticeable long-term curative effects.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22462231#

Toxicities by Herbal Medicines with Emphasis to TCM

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:56:15 GMT

12/12/2011 - TOXICITIES BY HERBAL MEDICINES WITH EMPHASIS TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Posted By Administration, Monday, December 12, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] It is estimated that three quarters of the world population rely on herbal and traditional medicine as a basis for primary health care. Therefore, it is one of the most important and challenging tasks for scientists working in drug research to investigate the efficacy of herbal medicine, to dissect favorable from adverse effects, to identify active principles in medicinal plants and to ban poisonous plants or contaminations from herbal mixtures. In the present review, some problems are critically discussed. Botanical misidentification or mislabeling of plant material can play a role for toxic reactions in humans. Some plant descriptions in traditional herbal medicine (e.g. traditional Chinese medicine) have changed over time, which may lead to unintended intoxication by using wrong plants. A problem is also the contamination of herbals with microorganisms, fungal toxins such as aflatoxin, with pesticides and heavy metals. Unprofessional processing, which differs from safe traditional preparation represents another potential source for herbal poisoning. Unwanted effects of herbal products may also develop by the interaction of herbs with conventional drugs upon concomitant intake. The art of herbal medicine is to dissect pharmacologically and therapeutically valuable herbal drugs from harmful and toxic ones and to develop combinations of medicinal plants as safe and efficient herbal remedies. Standardization and strict control measures are necessary to monitor sustainable high quality of herbal products and to exclude contaminations that badly affect patients consuming herbal medicine.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21892916#

Chinese Medicine for Menopausal Syndrome

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:53:16 GMT

12/17/2011 - CHINESE MEDICINE FOR MENOPAUSAL SYNDROME: CURRENT STATUS, PROBLEMS AND STRATEGIES

Posted By Administration, Saturday, December 17, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] The use of Chinese medicine (CM) for the management of: menopausal syndrome is considered effective both at home and abroad, and more and more clinical studies are confirming its efficacy. However, many problems still exit in current studies, such as the standard of CM syndrome differentiation, the design methodology and criteria to assess the quality of clinical trials and the efficacy of interventions. In this paper, the authors present the CM research and treatment strategies for menopausal syndrome with concepts explaining the CM understanding of the mechanism of the disorder. It is concluded that CM is effective for menopausal syndrome, but improvement in both study methodology and treatment strategy is needed. In detail, it is firstly necessary to conduct clinical studies to evaluate the difference of various CM treatments for menopausal syndrome manifesting different symptoms, so as to establish a comprehensive treatment protocol of CM. Secondly, an acknowledged evaluation system needs to be founded, which embodies the characteristics of CM, and covers appropriate endpoint indices and parameters to objectively evaluate the effect and study quality of CM. Finally, an epidemiological survey with large sample size should be implemented with robust statistical design and CM expertise to collect data for establishing diagnostic criteria for menopause in different stages and with different symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22139539#

Paradoxes in Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Moving Forward

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:52:03 GMT

01/08/2012 - PARADOXES IN ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH: STRATEGIES FOR MOVING FORWARD

Posted By Administration, Sunday, January 08, 2012
Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2014

[Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine] Some of the challenges associated with acupuncture research are identified in this paper. The authors suggest a two-phase approach--"top down" whole-system approaches and "bottom up" studies to determine mechanisms of action.

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2011/180805/

Integrative Medicine in America

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:49:22 GMT

02/01/2012 - INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IN AMERICA

Posted By Administration, Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[Bravewell Collaborative] In 2011, The Bravewell Collaborative commissioned a survey to determine how integrative medicine was currently being practiced across the United States by (1) describing the patient populations and health conditions most commonly treated, (2) defining the core practices and models of care, (3) ascertaining how services are reimbursed, (4) identifying the values and principles underlying the care, and (5) determining the biggest factors driving successful implementation.

http://bravewell.org/content/Downlaods/IMinAm.pdf

Effects of a Chinese Medical Herbs Complex on Cellular Immunity and Toxicity-Related Conditions of Breast Cancer Patients

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:47:57 GMT

03/01/2012 - EFFECTS OF A CHINESE MEDICAL HERBS COMPLEX ON CELLULAR IMMUNITY AND TOXICITY-RELATED CONDITIONS OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Posted By Administration, Thursday, March 01, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[NIH] Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, Geraniaceae) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes wound healing. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomodulatory functions. In the present study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to examine whether the Chinese medicinal herb complex, RG-CMH, which represents a mixture of rose geranium and extracts of G. tsugae, C. pilosula and A. sinensis, can improve the immune cell count of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to prevent leucopenia and immune impairment that usually occurs during cancer therapy. A total of fifty-eight breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. Immune cell levels in patient serum were determined before, and following, 6 weeks of cancer treatment for patients receiving either an RG-CMH or a placebo. Administration of RG-CMH was associated with a significant reduction in levels of leucocytes from 31·5 % for the placebo group to 13·4 % for the RG-CMH group. Similarly, levels of neutrophils significantly decreased from 35·6 % for the placebo group to 11·0 % for the RG-CMH group. RG-CMH intervention was also associated with a decrease in levels of T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells compared with the placebo group. However, these differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, administration of RG-CMH to patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy may have the capacity to delay, or ease, the reduction in levels of leucocytes and neutrophils that are experienced by patients during cancer treatment.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21864416#

Proceedings of the National Academy of Science Raises some Red Flags Over Very Old News

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:44:28 GMT

05/04/2012 - THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE RAISES SOME RED FLAGS OVER VERY OLD NEWS

Posted By Administration, Friday, May 04, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, July 16, 2014

[AAAOM/Al Stone] In the April 9th, 2012 online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, an article appeared titled:Aristolochic acid-associated urothelial cancer in Taiwan. This article describes a higher incidence of a particular kidney cancer in Taiwan, where herbs containing aristolochic acid (AA) were used with some frequency leading to a public health concern.

In the USA, news like this brings out those who call for banning of all Chinese herbal medicines, stricter regulations or any of a number of knee-jerk reactions to a problem that the FDA had solved years ago. This article describes that import ban as well as provides some of the background information on herbs that contain aristolochic acid.

The FDA Banned Herbs that Contain Aristolochic Acid in 2000

Aristolochic acid (AA) is a chemical found in a few Chinese herbs, some of which were widely used in mainland China from the 1930's through 2003 when they were banned for medicinal use in mainland China [source]. The US FDA also moved to alert the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) community of the dangers of AA as early asMay 31, 2000. Since then, AA containing herbs have disappeared from professional distributors that supply practitioners with their bulk herbs and herb extracts.

As far as professional Chinese medicine herbalists go, this is a problem that was solved years ago, but it continually arises in the press and so we must continually remind consumers that AA containing herbs are no longer available in the US. However, there may be some old "patent formulas" that remain on store shelves with the banned ingredients. These are the over-the-counter equivalent of what AOM practitioners use in practice. These pre-made herbal products that are imported from China represent where consumers may still run into adulterated or contaminated products that can represent a potential health risk.

Which products are safe, and which are not? That is not something I can answer because there are unfortunately numerous counterfeit products on the market as well as name-brands that are respected and trusted in China and the US. As a rule, practitioners of AOM purchase their herbs from distributors that support the professional-use market. However some practitioners grew up with or have some other affinity for many of the common pre-made formulas available in herb pharmacies such as you might find in a Chinatown and so their in-house pharmacies may carry these products.

Working directly with a practitioner in your area is the best choice, however the major herb brands that you may find available online also have a vested interest in your health and welfare. That's why one of the better methods to determine if your brand of herbs is playing by the rules is to purchase from brands, manufacturers or retailers that have become a member of the American Herbal Products Association which supports companies that have shown an interest in protecting the good name of herbal medicines.

All of this being said, AA is a dangerous adulterant and I support the FDA's work to screen AA out of any of our products being used for health and healing.

39 Dead in Belgium

I would like to address one frightening statistic that often arises in any discussion of AA, and some of the lessons learned from the horrific outcomes that appeared after a weight loss clinic in Belgium used some Chinese herbs. In the 90's, a weight loss clinic was throwing anything and everything at their patients under the treatment principle that more is better (ironic for a weight loss protocol).

One of the ingredients of their proprietary weight loss formula included "fang ji" (or fangchi) which is a diuretic herb most often used for arthritic pains associated with edema. However, due to a number of errors, the following incidents took place:

Han Fang Ji (Stephania) was erroneously replaced by Guang Fang Ji (Aristolochia). The reason for this is three-fold:
1. The two herbs have similar properties and therapeutic functions.
2. They look similar when the root is chopped up and sold to herb pharmacies.
3. Their names both include "fang ji" though the first part obviously different.
The traditional methods of cooking this herb were not followed (according to the Merck index, AA is insoluble in water, which may be why reports of toxicity in water decoctions were not observed up until this point in Chinese medicine's long history.) Rather, the herb was simply ground up and added to some other ingredients.

The take-home message here is that these were physicians who were not trained in the safe and efficacious use of Chinese medicine. As it turns out, we have many really safe diuretics if that is needed for weight loss. I have yet to understand why they chose either of the "fang ji" herbs.

Fallacy: Chinese Herbal Medicines Aren't as Safe as the Better Researched Western Drugs

I bring up this fallacy because of the Belgium weight loss clinic described above wasn't killing their patients with only AA containing herbs, but with an FDA approved drugfor weight loss known colloquially as "Fen Phen" (fenfluramine/phentermine). This drug causes heart valve issues and deadly pulmonary hypertension. There were 113 adverse events recorded before the FDA acted.

While AOM practitioners often cite the 2000 years of safe usage of medicinal herbs in China, the fact remains that over those 2000 years, many herbs have fallen into disuse because of observed adverse events such as those arising with AA containing herbs.

In this regard, Chinese and Western medicine both get to learn from their mistakes.

Consumers Can Check Their Medicine Cabinets

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science article, the damage done by AA is irreversible, and patients treated with Aristolochia herbal preparations at any time in their life are at signiﬁcant risk of developing kidney cancer or chronic kidney disease.

Aristolochic acid herbs appeared in a few Chinese herb formulas that were imported into the US, however it is unknown to what extent. It does not appear that the FDA asked for a recall of these products at the time, only the raw herbs (branches, roots, etc.) that contain AA were recalled.

In the formula called "Longdan Xiegan Tang" the herb "mu tong" is used, however as is the case with "fang ji" there are varieties of mu tong that contain AA and those that do not. If you have any Longdan Xiegan Tang, look for the ingredient Guanmutong (Aristolochia manchuriensis). That's the ingredient you'll want to avoid. If you see "mu tong" with no latin, then you should perhaps pass on that version as well. FDA regulations (DSHEA) require that herbal product labels list ingredients using the "latin binomial" botanical name of the plant or material used. So it should be easy to see the word "Aristolochia" there. If the product is not compliant with this basic DSHEA requirement of providing the latin names, then they may not be compliant with other good manufacturing practices, either. Something to think about.

First, Do No Harm

These were the first words my own clinical supervisor impressed upon me early in my education, and this is not unique to my experience. Licensed practitioners of Oriental medicine have a vested interest in your health. It is inconsistent with our economic or humanistic goals to provide our patients with known carcinogens. Aristolochic acid is one example of the way in which a profession learns and grows. While we learn more from mistakes than successes, they are fortunately very few and far between.

-Al Stone, L.Ac., DAOM

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Tue, 06 Sep 2016 17:39:45 GMT