Patients' Corner

Brain Scans Confirm Acupuncture Relieves Pain

Doctors at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey demonstrated through brain scans that acupuncture relieves pain. Researchers induced pain in twelve subjects by touching a filament to their upper lips, which resulted in increased brain activity and blood flow to the parictal area and brain stem, as shown on magnetic resonance imaging devices (MRIs). The researchers then inserted acupuncture needles into Large Intestine 4 (a traditional point for pain). As the pain diminished, the MRIs showed the activity in the brain decreasing 60-70 percent.

"We're using a new technology to understand how this 2,500 year old technique works." Study co-author Huey-Jen Lee said. "So many people with pain, whether from cancer, headache or a chronic, unexplained condition, rely on medicines, such as morphine, which can become addicting. Acupuncture has no side effects, and other studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months. The researchers presented their findings to the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago in December.

Pulse Diagnosis

Have you ever wondered what your practitioner is doing when he or she is taking your pulse? What is he feeling for? What does she mean when she says your pulse is "thready" or "pounding"?

Pulse diagnosis is one of the truly remarkable diagnostic methods, and cornerstones, of traditional Chinese Medicine. It dates back two thousand years, long before the development of Western laboratory tests. It can be so accurate that to those who do not understand, it seems like magic. However, it is both a and science an art.

The pulse at the radial artery is divided into three areas of positions, each approximately one-finger width wide. The size varies with the size of the patient as well as the practitioner. Children's pulses may be so close together that a practitioner must take each individually due to their tiny size rather than taking all three at once.

Each position has three depths. If you place the ball of your finger lightly on the three different positions on the radial artery, you may notice that each position has a slightly different quality. (In many people, little or no pulse will be felt at the top or superficial layer.) However, as you press down, you reach a point where you feel the pulse under your fingertip. Gradually press deeper and you will feel the quality of the pulse change under your fingertips. It may feel broader or thinner, faster or slower, stronger or weaker, smoother or rougher.

Each quality, depth and position provides different information to the practitioner. For example, on the left hand, the deep pulses, from the base of the thumb toward the elbow, are Heart, Liver and Kidney. The superficial pulses are Small Intestine, Gall Bladder and Urinary Bladder.

In Oriental Medicine, these terms relate to more than the organs named. For example, the Heart relates to the circulation of blood as well as sleep, memory, clarity of mind, laughter and joy. Liver relates to anger, frustration and eyesight as well as the liver itself. Practitioners feel for various qualities of the pulse. A normal pulse has been described in the classics as "soft and even, well separated, as the footsteps of a chicken touching the ground. When the pulse is full, the frequency increases, like chicken lifting its feet; then one speaks of diseases."

Each pulse has a different meaning. For example, a 'thready' pulse feels like a distinct, clear fine thread. It can indicate deficiency due to stress or deficiency or QI and Blood. A 'wirey' pulse feels like a guitar string. It can indicate disorders of the Liver and Gall Bladder, pain or retained fluid. A 'rolling' pulse feels like a pearl rolling under your finger. It can indicate phlegm, retention of food or heat.

Always feel free to communicate with your practitioner regarding what you are feeling and what she/he is finding. The path to health is a partnership. We each have our role.

Wellness Tips

• In Oriental Medicine, winter is a time to rest and recoup your energy. It is not a time for intense and prolonged expenditure of energy. Take this opportunity to reflect and go inward, to access where you have been and where you want to go next, to set your goals that you may manifest in the more outward seasons of spring and summer.

• Looking for a new breakfast food? Try congee, a type of rice gruel or porridge. It is incredibly simple and has a number of health benefits. It is easy to digest, tonifies QI and Blood, tones and harmonizes the Middle Burner and promotes urination. To make congee, place one part rice per five to six parts water in a heavy lidded pot. Place the pot on warm on an electric stove or the lowest possible flame on a gas stove. Let it simmer four to six hours. For breakfast start it just before going to bed. Upon rising stir the pot so it will not burn. Crock-pots work well. Leftovers can be added to bread dough. For variety, add dry ginger for Deficient or Cold conditions, mung beans to cool Summer Heat, aduki beans to reduce Damp, chestnuts to tonify the Kidneys. For other Chinese medicinal recipes, order The Book of Jook or The Tao of Health Eating from Blue Poppy Press 800/487-9296.

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	VOLUSIA CENTER for COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE Debra Pardee Gaffney,  A.P., Ph.D., DCN, C.C.P.A. 339 E. New York Avenue DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 734-4126 or (800) 734-4580 FAX 386-736-7556 www.acudebra.com