Articles

Honora Lee Wolfe, Dipl. Ac.

An Acupuncture Approach to Improved Breast Health, Part IÂ

Tea is considered the second-most consumed beverage in the world behind water. Legend holds that tea was discovered more than 5,000 years ago by a Chinese emperor, when leaves from a tea tree accidentally fell into his cup.¹ Since then, tea has become a staple of Chinese culture and cuisine, with more than 1,000 types of tea on the market.

In the past few years, studies in China and Europe have shown that a combination of body and ear (or auricular) acupuncture can reduce symptoms in patients with minor depression, chronic anxiety disorders and general anxiety disorders. However, few studies have examined the effect of ear acupuncture alone in treating anxiety. Moreover, many popular acupuncture textbooks have theorized that stimulating ear acupoints in and of themselves can help patients relax.

In one of the largest trials of its kind published to date, researchers in Maryland have found that acupuncture applied to specific points on the leg can provide significant pain relief and improve function in patients who have osteoarthritis of the knee. The results of the trial, published in the Dec. 21, 2004 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest that acupuncture may be a safe, effective therapy that can be used in conjunction with other forms of care in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and that it has the potential

Researchers Find Technique "Beneficial and Harmless"

By Michael Devitt, Managing Editor

Each year in the U.S., an estimated 2.5 million burn injuries, 30 million lacerations and six million abrasions occur that are serious enough to warrant medical treatment.¹ Although the typical approach to helping skin wounds heal properly is to use antibacterial drugs and antiseptics, there are situations (excessive burn damage, severe obesity, malnutrition, etc.) in which the healing process can be compromised.

By Michael Devitt, Managing Editor

Morning sickness is a condition that occurs naturally during pregnancy. Studies show that between 50-80% of all women experience some nausea or vomiting while pregnant, which usually subsides with time. However, between 1-2% suffer a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarium, an instance of morning sickness so severe and long-lasting that it can cause weight loss, dehydration, and even hospitalization.

By Michael Devitt, Managing Editor

Study Suggests Treatment Is Effective, Even in Difficult Cases

By Michael Devitt, Managing Editor

One of the most frequent injuries suffered by professional athletes and weekend warriors alike is epicondylitis, an inflammation of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. More commonly known as tennis elbow, it is caused by repeated twisting of the wrist or frequent rotation of the forearm, and can lead to a weakened grip, elbow pain, and damage to the tendons that connect to the humerus, the bone of the upper arm.

Heidi M. Hawkins, MAc, LAc

Mold Allergy

Mold Allergy Is Common