Herbal medicine may inhibit tumor growth

Scientists in Hong Kong have demonstrated Chinese herbal formula tianxian liquid may inhibit the the growth of colon cancer cells (source: BioMed Central Chinese Medicine).

Acupuncture of benefit for IBS sufferers

#Acupuncture treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has been recently recommended by researchers from the World-renowned Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The researchers concluded that the use of acupuncture in treating IBS is "recommended due to its satisfactory therapeutic effect" (source: Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science).

Chinese medicine for fibromyalgia

Recently published research suggests #Chinesemedicine appears effective in treating fibromyalgia. Researchers from the UK, Norway and China undertook the review of clinical trials (source: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine).

Acupuncture for children with cerebral palsy

A new review has concluded that #acupuncture treatment may benefit children with cerebral palsy. The research has been conducted by the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine together with the China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing (source: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine).

Acupuncture cuts oxytocin use at Iraq childbirths

Doctors in Iraq have successfully used #acupuncture during childbirth to cut down on oxytocin use. Oxytocin is a drug which is often given to mothers just after a Caesarean delivery to help the womb contract and to cut the risk of bleeding. However, this drug was in short supply in Iraq. Oxytocin is a hormone that also occurs naturally in the body during labour.

The study covered emergency Caesarean sections at the Red Crescent Hospital for Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Baghdad between 2004 and 2006, when oxytocin stocks were low. "Oxytocin proved largely unnecessary in my series of patients, apparently through the action of acupuncture" Lazgeen Zcherky, an anaesthetist who led the study, said in a statement. "We were thus able to conserve stocks of those drugs we held in short supply without ill effects on our patients" (source: Reuters).

Acupuncture may help asthma

The World Health Organization (WHO) deems #acupuncture to be a viable treatment for asthma and a study by the University of Vienna Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care has found that 70 percent or more of patients treated for asthma with acupuncture see improvement (source: EmpowHER).

Acupuncture aids spinal recovery

Research in South Korea shows #acupuncture reduces inflammation and nerve cell death in subjects with damaged spines, thereby facilitating better recovery (source: Neurobiology of Disease, New Scientist).

Acupuncture relieves the pain of childbirth

Danish trials involving 607 women suggest #acupuncture reduces the need for pain relieving drugs during childbirth. The study concluded that "acupuncture is a good supplement to existing pain relief methods" (source: Birth).

Acupuncture reduces food cravings

Psychological #acupuncture has been shown to be successful in reducing food cravings in people who are overweight or obese. Lead researcher and psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton said the study showed the impact on food cravings was almost immediate and long lasting. Food cravings significantly reduced after just four sessions and were maintained at a six-month follow-up (source: Medical News).

Acupressure for chronic headache

Clinical trials in Taiwan suggest massage at #acupuncture points (known as acupressure or tuina) is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic headache (source: American Journal of Chinese Medicine).

Moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis

Research from Shanghai suggests the #Chinesemedicine technique of moxibustion helps prevent further development of knee osteoarthritis, improves joint function and quality of life (source: China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, PubMed).

Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain

Clinical trials have shown #acupuncture combined with drug treatment is better than drug treatment alone for relieving chronic lower back pain (source: BioMed Central Chinese Medicine).

Scientists use light to prick acupuncture mystery

Chinese scientists are trying to solve the mystery of #acupuncture points of using the country's most expensive ever science project, a light-emitting synchrotron. The Shanghai-based synchrotron, which uses super-powerful X-rays to resolve the structure of matter down to the level of atoms, has detected evidence that acupuncture points differ from other parts of the body (source: People's Daily Online).

Acupuncture and moxibustion for Crohn’s Disease

Research in Germany has concluded that #acupuncture offers an "additional therapeutic benefit" in patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's Disease (source: Digestion).

Acupuncture shown to relieve migraine

Clinical trials have shown #acupuncture to be effective at relieving migraine headaches. Researchers in China gave acupuncture treatment to a group 175 patients suffering migraine. It was reported that over 40% of patients experienced complete pain relief with almost 80% of patients not suffering any recurrence of their migraine (source: Headache).

Chinese Herbal Medicine helps male fertility

A trial suggests Chinese #herbalmedicine formula qianlie beixi may improve sperm motility. Researchers at the prestigious Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, have published promising results from a trial involving men with sperm motility issues (source: National Journal of Andrology).

Acupuncture curbs back pain in pregnancy

A special #acupuncture technique can help ease lower back and pelvic pain in pregnant women, new research shows. In a study, women who had pressure needles at three acupuncture points in their ears were more likely to experience significant reductions in lower back and pelvic pain than those women in control groups. Ear acupuncture might offer a drug-free way to help ease pain in these women (source: Reuters).

Could cupping ease chronic knee pain?

The ancient #Chinesemedicine therapy of cupping is being tested as a new treatment for knee arthritis. The traditional remedy, popular with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, is being put through the rigours of a clinical trial. Some research suggests that cupping, which involves placing heated cups upside down on the skin, can result in significant reduction in lower back pain compared with painkillers. Other studies showed positive effects in trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that affects nerves in the face. Now, in a new trial, researchers at Charite University, Berlin, are hoping to gain similar success with patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (source: Daily Mail).

Acupuncture for post-Caesarean pain

Research has shown post-Caesarean patients receiving #acupuncture may need less pain relief medication. The onset of post-Caesarean acupuncture patients requesting pain killers seems to be delayed and the doses required appear to decrease (source: Chinese Medical Journal).

Acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation

Randomised clinical trials demonstrate #acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of poststroke rehabilitation. This is the view of the influential American Heart Association. It is a view seemingly supported by the NHS (source: Stroke, American Heart Association, NHS Evidence).

Acupuncture may enhance sports performance

Newly published research suggests #acupuncture treatment may enhance sports performance. Researchers found the use of acupuncture in resistance and endurance sports activities tended to increase muscular strength and power. Acupuncture also seemed to improve the haemodynamic parameters of endurance athletes (source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, PubMed).

Peter Hain in support of CAM

Complementary therapies, such as #acupuncture and #herbalmedicine, should be made available on the NHS, according to Welsh Secretary Peter Hain. The Neath MP, a fan of alternative medicine, will write to Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones in a bid to persuade him to consider introducing a pilot scheme in Wales. Mr Hain’s comments come as English Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced a pilot project will assess the feasibility and benefits of complementary and alternative therapies to treat low back pain in the NHS.

Mr Hain said: "I am a big supporter of integrated health and very much welcome the announcement by the Department of Health that a pilot on the use of complementary and alternative treatments will take place in England. This follows the complementary health pilot I oversaw in Northern Ireland, while Secretary of State, which focused on a range of alternative treatments for stress, depression, anxiety and musculoskeletal problems. The results of the Northern Ireland pilot demonstrated considerable benefits to both patients, who reported improved health, and to the NHS, with reduced patient visits and prescriptions as well as benefits to the wider economy with people taking less time off work. This suggests the potential for massive cost savings in the NHS drugs bills and overheads, releasing more funds to improve patient care" (source: Wales Online).

Study suggests acupuncture relieves insomnia

Clinical trials of #acupuncture to treat insomnia are showing promising results. The research is being conducted at the influential UPMC facility in Pittsburgh, USA. Patient Anna Squilla told how acupuncture treatment has done nothing but help.

"For me, being very apprehensive coming in, not expecting it to work at all to be quite honest, it worked within two weeks," said Squilla.

Several patients have reported improvements, however, two years still remain in the study (source: WTAE).

Facial acupuncture can combat wrinkles

"Facial #acupuncture, in my view, is the only credible alternative to botox when it comes to treating wrinkles and tissue tone" says Sarah Vine in The Times. The journalist says she has experienced the benefits of facial acupuncture before and finds it to be "highly personalised and highly effective" (source: Times).

Newspaper suggests acupuncture for hay fever

Having #acupuncture before the symptoms of hay fever start can help prevent the onset of itchy eyes and the stuffy, blocked nose that will be all too familiar to sufferers, so says the Western Mail. The popular term hay fever dates back to 1828 when a British physician noticed his allergy symptoms worsened during the hay making season. Allergic rhinitis, to give the condition its proper name, is caused by the immune system’s super-sensitivity to allergy triggers called allergens. Common airborne allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and moulds. Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat and headaches.

Acupuncture has been used in China and other eastern cultures to restore vitality and alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions for more than 2,500 years. Acupuncture is great for the symptoms of hay fever and all kinds of allergic conditions due to the significant effect it has on modulating the immune system. In the case of hay fever, it is often aggravated by a pathogen, which causes problems in the respiratory system, and acupuncture uses needles to restore the normal functioning of this system. Because of the way acupuncture can calm a hyper-sensitive immune system, the time to go for treatment is shortly before the start of the hay fever season thus alleviating the problem (source: Western Mail, Wales Online).

Acupuncture and the London Marathon

Paula Radcliffe is an #acupuncture fan and athletes in other sports, including the tennis player Maria Sharapova, also use it. Serious runners will leave no stone unturned in their quest for speed. The latest trend is acupuncture to ease weary limbs, niggling injuries and post-race fatigue (source: Times).

Acupuncture for international footballer's injury

Andy Webster is having #acupuncture in an attempt to make the starting line-up for the Scottish Cup semi-final meeting with Raith Rovers. The Dundee United and Scotland defender, who has been in magnificent form since arriving on-loan from Rangers at the start of the season, feared he was about to suffer a calf tear so asked to be substituted during the win over St Johnstone on Monday night. Webster’s calf has caused him problems for most of the season but a scan on Tuesday showed no lasting damage and instead pointed to a nerve problem in his back. The 27-year-old was given acupuncture in an effort to ensure he will be fit for the weekend (source: Herald).

Yet more benefits from green tea

A review by researchers suggests long-term consumption of green tea could be beneficial in fighting diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes. Drinking the beverage may also reduce the risk of coronary disease. The newly published research highlights the benefits of consuming "catechins" which are contained in green tea (source: BioMed Central Chinese Medicine).

Acupuncture may restore lost sense of smell

#Acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for patients who suffer from persistent post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD), or a loss of the sense of smell, according to new research. Olfactory dysfunction can arise from a variety of causes and can profoundly influence a person's quality of life. In tests, over 50% of patients treated with acupuncture experienced a marked improvement in their condition. There is currently no validated pharmacotherapy for PVOD (source: American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery).

Green tea may reduce tooth loss

Drinking one cup a day of green tea may improve dental health and reduce the risk of losing teeth by about 20 per cent, according to a new study from Japan. Drinking more cups appears to confer additional risk reductions, with five or more cups a day associated with a 23 per cent reduction in risk, according to the findings (source: Nutra Ingredients, Preventive Medicine).

Drink green tea to help eye health

Drinking green tea may improve the health of your eyes. Laboratory tests showed antioxidants found in the drink can be absorbed deep inside the eye, helping to protect it against disease. Antioxidants are natural chemicals that neutralise free radicals, the potentially damaging molecules linked to disease. Green tea is rich in these and is said to have a wide range of health benefits, including fighting cancer.

Although previous studies have suggested green tea may reduce the risk of conditions such as glaucoma, new research confirms the eyes can actually absorb antioxidants from the blood. In the study, scientists measured levels in eye tissue. They found the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images are formed, soaked up the most while the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, absorbed the least (source: Daily Mail).

Acupuncture eases dental patient anxiety

A report from the BMJ shows #acupuncture eases the anxiety of nervous dental patients. Dr Palle Rosted, who led the research, said the findings were extremely promising. A brief acupuncture treatment, involving just two points, was administered to the patients prior to them seeing their dentist. Results showed a significant decrease in anxiety.

"These were patients who would have previously run screaming out of the door or would have to have been held down by a dental assistant to have their teeth checked." added Dr Rosted. On previous dental visits, three of the patients had to be knocked out with a general anaesthetic to cope with their fears, while six others had needed strong sedatives.

The story was picked up by numerous news sources and has also been reported by, amongst others, the NHS, BBC, Channel 4, Telegraph and Independent (source: BMJ Acupuncture in Medicine).

IVF success boosted by acupuncture

Having #acupuncture while undergoing IVF increases the chances of falling pregnant by 65 percent, according to research. Experts found evidence of success for women who had acupuncture near the time of embryo transfer. A total of 1,366 women undergoing IVF were included in the trials and the results found a 65 percent increased chance of falling pregnant with acupuncture compared to control groups (source: Daily Mail).

Acupuncture promotes ovulation in PCOS

Scientists have found #acupuncture promotes ovulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The team of researchers found a short course of acupuncture treatment lessened the presence of testosterone and estradiol, promoted ovulation, enhanced endometrial receptivity and blastocyte implantation (source: Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, PubMed).

Acupuncture helps elite volleyball players

#Acupuncture was successfully used to improve shoulder problems experienced by international female volleyball players during a month-long period of intense competition. Range of movement, strength and pain were assessed before and after treatment by a group of researchers from the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. All scores were improved post-treatment and athletes were able to continue overhead activities.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture "may help maintain rotator cuff balance and strength, reducing further pain and injury" (source: BMJ Acupuncture in Medicine).

Barbican Acupuncture open as usual for Easter

Barbican #Acupuncture will be open for appointments as usual throughout the Easter holiday period with the exception of the following closures:

Friday 2 April 2010 - Closed
Saturday 3 April 2010 - Closed
Sunday 4 April 2010 - Closed
Monday 5 April 2010 - Closed

We will be open for appointments as usual throughout the rest of the Easter holiday period.

We hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing break and please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any assistance.

With kindest regards
Gary

Gary Minns
BSc Hons TCM, Dip Tn, MBAcC, MRCHM, MATCM
Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Barbican Acupuncture
1 Wallside
Barbican
London
EC2Y 8BH

T 020 7638 4322
E Gary@BarbicanAcupuncture.com
W www.BarbicanAcupuncture.com

Acupuncture curbs back pain in pregnancy

Ear #acupuncture curbs back pain in pregnant women. A special acupuncture technique can help ease lower back and pelvic pain in pregnant women, new research shows. In a study, women who had pressure needles at three acupuncture points in their ears were more likely to experience significant reductions in lower back and pelvic pain than those women in control groups. Ear acupuncture might offer a drug-free way to help ease pain in these women (source: Reuters).

Chinese medicine assists fertility and IVF

#Acupuncture and #herbalmedicine treatments have proved very effective and popular in assisting fertility. Gynaecologist and fertility consultant Michael Dooley has been referring his most difficult cases to Chinese medicine practitioners for many years. The results have been amazing, although he admits he does not understand the treatment process. "I don't understand it at all but results are amazing and I'm keeping an open mind" (source: Guardian).

Acupuncture benefits stroke patients

#Acupuncture stimulation improves balance function in stroke patients. The results of this study suggest that acupuncture stimulation may induce an immediate effect that improves balance function in stroke patients (source: American Journal of Chinese Medicine).

Chinese herb found to treat swine flu

#herbalmedicine #chinesemedicine Scientists in China have discovered that a local plant, used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic, contains substances with powerful effects in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus. The herb has a pleasant onion-like taste when cooked and is known as ewei in Chinese. However, in its raw state it is sometimes referred to as "dung of the devil" due to its pungent smell (source: Science Daily).

Study maps effects of acupuncture on brain

Important 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.

The study, by researchers at the University of York and the Hull York Medical School, published in Brain Research, indicates that acupuncture has a significant effect on specific neural structures. When a patient receives acupuncture treatment, a sensation called "deqi" can be obtained. Scientific analysis shows that this deactivates areas within the brain that are associated with the processing of pain. These results provide objective scientific evidence that acupuncture has specific effects within the brain (source: Brain Research, Health Canal).

Acupuncture effective for fibromyalgia

Newly published research suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective to relieve pain for fibromyalgia patients (source: BioMed Central Chinese Medicine).

Chinese herb may block breast cancer

Extracts of the Chinese herb kugua (bitter melon) appear to have breast cancer blocking powers, say researchers. Scientists found key ingredients of the green and knobbly fruit interfered with chemical pathways involved in cancer growth. They turned off signals telling the breast cancer cells to divide and switched on signals encouraging them to commit suicide (source: BBC).

US Air Force introduces battlefield acupuncture

Using ancient Chinese medical techniques, a small team of military doctors at Andrews Air Force Base, USA, has begun using acupuncture to treat wounded troops suffering from severe or chronic pain. The technique is proving so successful that the Air Force will begin teaching "battlefield acupuncture" to physicians deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The initiative marks the first high-level endorsement of acupuncture by the traditionally conservative military medical community, officials said (source: Baltimore Sun).

Sandra Bullock keeps young with acupuncture

Sandra Bullock has regular sessions of acupuncture. "Sandra gets the treatment three times a week whether she’s at home or on set" a source revealed. The actress, 45, who recently won an Oscar for her role in The Blind Side gets pricks to her forehead, face, stomach and feet. "It’s her secret weapon," explained the insider (source: Showbiz Spy).

Acupuncture for depression in pregnancy

A new study demonstrates that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy.

"Depression during pregnancy is an issue of concern because it has negative effects on both the mother and the baby as well as the rest of the family," said Dr Schnyer, one of the study’s authors. About 20 percent of women have increased symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

The results showed that the women who received acupuncture experienced a significantly greater decrease in depression severity compared to control groups. "The results of our study show that the acupuncture protocol we tested could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy," said Dr Schnyer (source: Psych Central).

Chinese herbs help prevent diabetes

Chinese herbal medicine can be effective in the prevention of diabetes according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Western Sydney, Australia. Researchers conducted an analysis of 16 previously published studies conducted on a total of 1,391 adults who suffered from either impaired glucose tolerance or fasting glucose, both of which lead to mildly elevated blood sugar levels known as pre-diabetes and raise the risk of developing full-blown diabetes.

The researchers found that participants who took Chinese herbs were twice as likely to achieve normal blood sugar levels as those who used lifestyle changes alone, and two-thirds less likely to develop diabetes over the course of a given study (source: Cochrane Library, Natural News).

Acupuncture effective for PCOS

Researchers at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, report that "acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)". Almost 40 years of trials were analysed before the positive conclusions were reached (source: Gynecological Endocrinology, PubMed).

Acupuncture beats drug to treat hot flushes

Acupuncture works as well as a drug commonly used to combat hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms that can accompany breast cancer treatment, and its benefits last longer, without bad side effects, researchers report.

They tested acupuncture against the Effexor, for hot flushes in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture was just as effective as Effexor, also called venlafaxine, in managing symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats, according to research led by Dr Eleanor Walker of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, USA. There were no bad side effects with acupuncture, and women reported increased energy, overall sense of well-being and sexual desire, the researchers said (source: Reuters, Dose).

Acupuncture could help period pain

Acupuncture may be an effective way of easing severe period pain, a South Korean review of 27 studies suggests. Researchers said there was "promising evidence" for acupuncture in treating cramps (source: BBC, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology).

Acupuncture helps IVF women have babies

It has already been credited with helping to reduce the pain of childbirth. Now research suggests acupuncture could also play a crucial role in helping women undergoing fertility treatment to fall pregnant in the first place.

Women who underwent the ancient Chinese treatment during IVF treatment increased their chances of having a baby from one in five to one in three, according to the major scientific study (source: Daily Mail).

Celebs go acupuncture crazy

Everywhere you turn there are stories about celebrities getting acupuncture. Supermodel Elle Macpherson recently said in an interview "I have acupuncture regularly".

Elle is not the only celebrity that seems to have become star-struck with this traditional form of healthcare. Gwyneth Paltrow, a longtime advocate of the benefits of acupuncture, once said that having acupuncture had guided her to a "new level" in life. Dr Maoshing Ni, an acupuncturist in Santa Monica, lists Jim Carrey and Helen Hunt as two of his many famous clients.

Acupuncture is becoming more and more respected by conventional medicine, so much so that there were acupuncturists on-site for the athletes at both the Summer and Winter Olympics (source: Press Zoom).

Acupuncture helps women have babies

One in three women given acupuncture alongside their IVF treatment successfully conceived, scientists from the University of Southampton discovered. The success rate among those who did not combine fertility treatment with acupuncture was one in five.

The study, which involved more than 2,000 women, discovered that the chance of the embryo implanting successfully, triggering pregnancy, increased if the patient was treated with acupuncture (source: Daily Telegraph).

Elle MacPherson and her love of acupuncture

Supermodel Elle MacPherson speaks to Sarah Brown about her love of Traditional Chinese Medicine: "I have acupuncture regularly and I see a Chinese doctor who treats most common ailments with herbs. Maintenance is a concept for me across the board" (source: News of the World).

Acupuncture may help treat insomnia

The journal Medical Acupuncture reports that insomnia is a common problem with a prevalence of nearly 40% in some populations. Acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and has an excellent tolerability and safety profile. Increased awareness of the potential utility of acupuncture for the treatment of sleep impairment may result in improved patient care.

Green tea may block lung cancer

Drinking green tea may offer some protection against lung cancer, say experts who studied the disease at a medical university in Taiwan. The latest work, on more than 500 people, adds to growing evidence suggesting the beverage has anti-cancer powers. In the study, smokers and non-smokers who drank at least a cup a day cut their lung cancer risk significantly, a US cancer research conference heard (from BBC).

Rhubarb may help fight cancer

Good news for those looking for tasty ways to potentially improve their odds of staying healthy: baked rhubarb may help fight cancer. Researchers found that baking British garden rhubarb for 20 minutes dramatically boosted levels of anti-cancer chemicals called polyphenols. Previous research on Oriental medicinal rhubarb (known as dahuang) has shown that polyphenols selectively kill or prevent the growth of cancer cells (source: Health Day).

Acupuncture during surgery benefits patients

Surgery patients at Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, USA, are being given acupuncture during their operations to help speed recovery. Many patients suffer from nausea and vomiting after surgery but doctors have seen these problems reduce in patients given acupuncture (from www.mync.com).

Experts explore the art of Chinese medicine

A high level Sino-UK summit on Chinese medicine has taken place at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. It was organised to explore the Chinese art of healing with delegates including the Chinese Health Minister and Cambridge University professors.

Chinese herbs help Parkinson patients

Trials in Hong Kong with patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease suggest a commonly used Chinese herbal formula helps improve their ability to communicate (from Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

Acupuncture relieves indigestion in pregnancy

Up to 80% of pregnant women suffer with indigestion or heartburn at some point during their pregnancy. Channel 4 report that studies have shown acupuncture may help relieve such symptoms.

Acupuncture helps athletes recover from fatigue

Interesting research in Taiwan has shown that acupuncture helps athletes recover from muscle fatigue. Elite basketball players were put through hard training with some of the players receiving acupuncture treatment. Those having acupuncture were recorded as having lower heart rates and lower levels of lactic acid, the substance that causes muscles to feel very stiff after exercise (from American Journal of Chinese Medicine via PubMed).

Gwyneth extols virtues of Chinese medicine

Gwyneth Paltrow has been praising the health benefits of Chinese medicine. The Daily Express may have been surprised by "cupping" but it is a commonly used procedure that can be hugely effective in relieving muscular pain, particularly on the back and shoulders.

"Cupping" involves attaching small glass cups to the skin by means of vacuum pressure. The cups are normally left in place for a few minutes and cause no pain, although they can leave slightly red, circular patches on the skin which will fade after a day or two.

Chinese herbs may prevent diabetes

Researchers at the prestigious Cochrane Library have found some Chinese herbal medicines to be effective in preventing diabetes. They found using Chinese herbal medicines along with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and regular exercise, twice as effective as lifestyle changes alone in normalising high blood sugar levels. "Our results suggest that some Chinese herbal medicines can help to prevent diabetes" stated a researcher (from Natural News).

Acupuncture beats aspirin for chronic headache

Acupuncture works better than drugs like aspirin to reduce the severity and frequency of chronic headaches, US researchers have reported. A review of studies involving nearly 4,000 patients with migraine, tension headache and other forms of chronic headache showed that 62 percent of the acupuncture patients reported headache relief compared to 45 percent of people taking medications, the team at Duke University found.

"Acupuncture is becoming a favourable option for a variety of purposes, ranging from enhancing fertility to decreasing post-operative pain, because people experience significantly fewer side effects and it can be less expensive than other options. This analysis reinforces that acupuncture also is a successful source of relief from chronic headaches." said the lead researcher (from Reuters via www.dose.ca).

Acupuncture helps depression in pregnancy

Acupuncture may offer a drug-free alternative for treating depression in pregnant women, researchers have found. Two thirds of women in the trial reported a significant improvement of their symptoms when receiving acupuncture. The study of 150 women with depression was conducted by a team at Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA (from Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology via Telegraph).

Euro Parliament holds Chinese medicine lecture

The European Parliament recently held a lecture on Chinese medicine, the first of its kind that has ever taken place inside the European Union's legislative body. The lecture was part of the European Parliament's three-day special event marking the Chinese new year (from www.crienglish.com).

Acupuncture promising for peripheral neuropathy

Acupuncture shows promising results for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may help to improve nerve conduction and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as a useful therapy for neurologic symptoms like peripheral neuropathy. Although an individual may not recover immediately or completely through acupuncture, relief of symptoms can make a difference to patient comfort and quality of life. With time, acupuncture treatments may have a lasting positive impact on peripheral neuropathy (from www.castanet.net).

Reduce the signs of ageing with acupuncture

Anne McElvoy, of the London Evening Standard, tries cosmetic acupuncture for herself and is pleasantly surprised by the results. Acupuncture rejuvenates new tissues and regenerates stronger and firmer fibres of collagen and elastin to improve the structure of the face and visibly reduce the signs of ageing (from Evening Standard).

Scientists show acupuncture lessens pain

Acupuncture may work by making the brain no longer experience pain, according to new research. Scientists who scanned the brains of volunteers as they were given acupuncture found it deactivated pathways that govern pain. Complementary medicine expert Dr Hugh MacPherson, of the University of York, says the research could help to clear the way for acupuncture to be more broadly accepted as a treatment option (from Telegraph).

Facial acupuncture as good as botox

How facial acupuncture can give results as good as botox (from Mail).

Chinese herbs treat functional dyspepsia

Researchers suggest Chinese Herbal Medicine formula xiaoyao san appears to be more effective than prokinetic drugs in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (from Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology via Wiley InterScience).

Electro-acupuncture promising for arthritis

Electro-acupuncture shows promise for knee arthritis (Reuters). A modern twist on traditional acupuncture may bring pain relief to people with knee arthritis, a study suggests. Researchers report electro-acupuncture may be beneficial to patients with knee osteo-arthritis, the common "wear-and-tear" form of arthritis.

Hot flushes reduced by acupuncture

Randomised trials in South Korea have concluded the use of acupuncture was associated with marked clinical improvement in hot flushes and other menopause-related symptoms (from Menopause).

Researchers suggest why acupuncture works

After 3,000 years of mystery, the secrets of acupuncture have been unlocked by Curtin University of Technology researchers.

Curtin Adjunct Professor, Dr Morry Silberstein, has developed a new theory that explains, for the first time, the scientific reasons why acupuncture works (from Curtin University of Technology).

Acupuncture benefits neck pain

Acupuncture may have lasting benefits for neck pain, the authors of a study say.

The study found that people who received acupuncture had less pain three years later than people with similar pain who received a dummy treatment (from New York Times).

Acupuncture eases anxiety

Doctors sometimes joke that when children have surgery, their parents may need sedatives, too.

"Usually, high-anxiety parents have high-anxiety kids," said Dr Shuming Wang, an anesthesiologist at the Yale School of Medicine.

But in a study, Dr Wang and her colleagues report on another approach, acupuncture. Simple devices resembling thumbtacks attached to the ear significantly reduce parents' anxiety, they reported (from New York Times).

US approves Chinese liver formula

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Chinese herbal medicine formula devised in Shanghai. The combination of herbs is said to help treat liver fibrosis resulting from hepatitis (source: Shanghai Daily, East Day).