ACUPUNCTURE, KNEE PAIN, ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS

– Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Physical Therapies

“[Clinical study on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis by acupuncture plus manipulative regulation of knee muscle],” Sun K, Bao XM, et al, Zhongguo Gu Shang, 2010 Dec; 23(12): 895-8. (Address: Acupuncture-Moxibustion Hospital Affiliated to Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230061, Anhui, China. E-mail: sunyk@sina.com ).

In a randomized study involving 121 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, treatment with acupuncture plus manipulative regulation of knee muscle balance was found to significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, as compared to a control group who received treatment with diclofenac sodium sustained release tablets.

Patients were divided into a treatment group (n=63 cases involving 83 knees, 47 females, 16 males, average age: 60 years), and a control group (n=58 cases involving 73 knees, 45 females, 13 males, average age: 58 years). Appraisal scores of symptoms and physical signs index in the treatment group reduced from 39.81 to 9.69 (compared to 39.89 to 13.62 among controls), the numerical scale of pain reduced from 7.61 to 2.17 (compared to 7.55 to 3.34), joint function reduced from 1.47 to 0.61 (compared to 1.33 to 0.93), and joint swelling reduced from 1.23 to 0.42 (compared to 0.97 to 0.58 in the control group).

While both groups experienced reductions in symptoms, those in the acupuncture plus manipulative therapy group were found to have a better therapeutic effect in terms of scores of symptoms and physical signs index, numerical rating scale of pain, and joint function.

After the treatment period, 12 patients in the treatment group were considered “clinically cured,” as compared to 5 in the control group. 48 patients in the treatment group were found to have “remarkable effects” as compared to 31 in the control group, 19 were found to have “good” effects, as compared to 34 in the control group, and 4 were found “ineffective” as compared to 3 in the control group.

When the patients were followed up with three months post-treatment, these numbers were 8, 42, 27, and 6 in the treatment group, as compared to 5, 21, 37, and 10, in the control group.

The authors conclude, “Acupuncture plus manipulative regulation of knee muscle balance can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and knee joint’s motor function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and can avoid the further development of disease. It is a proved effective method for knee osteoarthritis.”

From February 7, 2011 Newsletter

Improve your vision by up to 30% in just two months 

From Robert J. Rowen, MD in SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

You probably already know that certain plant flavonoids can protect your eyes. I’ve told you in the past about bilberry, grape seed extract, and other flavonoids. Now there’s a way to increase the protection – and improve your vision.

In 46 diabetic patients with mild to moderate eye disease, Pycnogenol dramatically helped. Pycnogenol is a water extract from the bark of the French maritime pine. The participants took it for three months. Compared to a placebo group, the Pycnogenol reduced retinal edema and improved retinal thickness.

Better still, Pycnogenol increased retinal blood flow in the central retinal artery (measured by Laser Doppler) significantly. The increase went from 34 to 44 cm/s. That’s a big jump. On the Snellen visual acuity chart, 18 of the 24 patients had significant improvement. And they saw the benefits after only two months. Because of how it works, this extract ought to help protect your eyes from glaucoma as well.

From February 7, 2011 Newsletter

Colds and flu

Here is an interesting article from Dr. Mercola all about avoiding and trating colds and flu

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/22/the-common-cold-simple-strategies-for-prevention-and-treatment.aspx

Also go back to my emails and reread my two emails about prevention of colds and flus and colloidal silver:

http://www.integrative-energetics.com/colloidalsilver.html

http://www.integrative-energetics.com/elderberryFlu.html

I just discovered a new article/interview by Kirk Hamilton about Juice Plus+. I have been taking it for over fifteen years…(and I never get a cold)

Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,”Br J Nutr , 2010 Aug 23;1-5; [Epub ahead of print]. 48189 (11/2010) “Reduction Of Common Cold Symptoms By Encapsulated Juice Powder Concentrate Of Fruits And Vegetables

Kirk Hamilton: Can you please share with us your educational background and currentposition?

Stephanie Roll: I am a statistician working at the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology andHealth Economics at the Charité University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany. I received my Ph.D. atCharité University doing research about Health Services, Epidemiology and Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

KH: What got you interested in studying the role of an encapsulated juice powder concentrates(Juice Plus®) on the common cold?

SR: There was evidence from previous studies indicating the effects of Juice Plus® on the common cold, but these were explorative results. Thus, we wanted to conduct a study on the symptoms of the common cold as our primary research question.

KH: Where did you come up with a daily dose of four capsules per day? How was it taken? Withmeals or away from meals? In a single dose or divided dose? Why did you choose this particular juice powder concentrate?

SR: A daily dose of four capsules is the recommended dosage for this retail product. In our study,participants were required to take two capsules in the morning with breakfast, and two capsules in the evening with dinner. This intervention was chosen to further investigate published findings from groups in Graz, Austria and Florida, USA.

KH: Were blood levels of any components of the juice powder concentrate or other biochemical markers taken before, during or after the intervention? If so did they correlate with symptoms of the common cold?

SR: In out trial we considered patient relevant outcomes (like symptoms or days with common cold), and did not take blood samples.

KH: Can you tell us about your study and the basic results?

SR: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included healthcare professionals (mainly nursing staff) from a large university hospital in Berlin. Over the winter period, 529 healthy participants took four capsules of Juice Plus® or matching placebo daily for 8 months. Regarding the number of days with moderate or severe common cold symptoms over 6 months, after a two month run-in, which was our primary outcome, we found a mean of 7.6 days in the Juice Plus® group and 9.5 in the placebo group, indicating a 20% reduction in duration of symptom days with Juice Plus® use.

KH: Were there any side effects with the juice powder concentrate therapy? How was the patient compliance?

SR: We did not find side effects or adverse events. The compliance in the study was high in bothgroups (96.0% in the Juice Plus® group and 96.5% in the placebo group). No side effects were reported.

KH: Who is a candidate for this therapy? Everyone since everyone gets a common cold? Who?

SR: In this study, we did not use Juice Plus® for therapy. We included healthy participants to assess any preventive effects of the product. Anyone who can eat fruits and vegetables might want to consider adding Juice Plus® to their diet. We did not expect an immediate effect, which is why we had all subjects on a two month run in with their study capsules before the six month period of interest.

KH: Could you get this same kind of effect by just eating a lot of fruits and vegetables?

SR: That is an interesting question. We have not done research on this topic, so we cannot say. JuicePlus® is not intended to replace eating fruits and vegetables, but seems a reasonable addition to the diet reported by the subjects in this project.

KH: How can the public or health professionals use this information? Do you have any further comments on this very interesting subject?

SR: Since our study was the first randomized, double-blind trial regarding common cold symptoms in healthcare professionals, further long-term studies should aim to assess similar effects in different populations.

If you’d like to try Juice Plus+ and learn more about it, please go to www.juiceplus.com/+ns08490

Health Info: November 29, 2010

Resveratrol

from www.drjanson.com

Resveratrol is a plant compound produced by several plants when attacked by bacteria or fungus. Many studies show its beneficial effects in yeasts and lower animals, suppressing inflammation and oxidative damage. A new study shows that resveratrol also has these same benefits in humans. Two groups of 10 subjects were given either a placebo or 40 mg of resveratrol for six weeks and blood samples were taken at one, three, and six weeks. (Ghanim H, et al., An antiinflammatory and reactive oxygen species suppressive effects of an extract of Polygonum cuspidatum containing resveratrol. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print]

In those taking the active supplement, the blood specimens revealed the reduction of numerous markers of inflammation, including TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP). It also lowered all of the markers that they evaluated that reflect oxidative stress. They noted that these markers were also associated with the development of insulin resistance and diabetes, so reducing them could have widespread benefits, lowering the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, and slowing the aging process.

In lower animals, resveratrol has been shown to extend life, but this kind of study is difficult to do in humans (as it would take an inordinate amount of time). However, resveratrol increases the activity of the enzyme telomerase, which helps to preserve DNA length during cell division. This has been associated with decreased cell aging and prolongation of life in all the animals studied.

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and (perhaps more famously) red wine. It is also found in peanuts, blueberries, cranberries, and mulberries. Per ounce, peanuts have about half as much resveratrol as red wine, but some Concord grape products can have quite a bit more than wine. Most supplements are derived from Japanese knotweed. You would have to drink unhealthy amounts of wine to get therapeutic levels of resveratrol, so other sources and supplements are better. (I take 75 mg per day of trans-resveratrol.)

More:
Resveratrol has wider potential for health benefits. It is an activator for a group of enzymes called “sirtuins.” In laboratory and animal studies these enzymes appear to slow the aging process, and new evidence shows that they promote memory and brain agility. The molecular effects of these enzymes are similar to the benefits of caloric restriction in protecting DNA and promoting longevity (without the discipline required and the other sacrifices involved when reducing your food intake).

SIRT1, the mammalian form of this enzyme, plays a role in cardiac function and DNA repair, in addition to its effects on the brain. Activation of SIRT1 improves the plasticity of brain synapses (the connections between neurons) and the formation of memory. In addition to memory and longevity, SIRT1 has a direct role in maintaining normal brain function. (Gao J, et al., A novel pathway regulates memory and plasticity via SIRT1 and miR-134. Nature. 2010 Jul 11. [Epub ahead of print]).

Weight loss (if you haven’t seen me for the past six months I have lost approximately 30 pounds by using the product below)

A weight loss trial was conducted at the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine using SlimStyles Meal Replacement Drink Mix with PGX from December to February, possibly the most difficult time of year to lose weight. In spite of the holiday season, participants were able to continuously lose body fat and achieve their weight loss goals. Most diets fail because they cause you to lose lean muscle and body water, slowing your overall metabolic rate which increases fat retention and increases the likelihood of gaining that weight back.

The researchers found that participants using the SlimStyles Meal Replacement Drink Mix consistently lost up to two pounds per week, which was primarily made up of body fat. In addition, the SlimStyles weight loss program maintained lean muscle mass and did not affect body water levels.

PGX is a blend of naturally-occurring water-soluble polysaccharides (fibres) that can absorb many times their weight in water. It is the result of years of intensive clinical and laboratory research at Canadian universities in collaboration with Canadian Center for Functional Medicine.

It was found that a certain soluble fibre could stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce blood cholesterol levels, regulate appetite and help people lose weight without feeling deprived, a key to life long weight management. PGX has an even greater effect on appetite and weight loss as its water-binding capacity is 5 times greater than the fibre studied, and 10 to 20 times greater than other soluble fibres such as psyllium or guar gum. This means that smaller doses of PGX can have greater beneficial health effects than other fibres, as well as supporting safe, sustainable weight loss.

The SlimStyles Meal Replacement Drink Mix with PGX is initially a smooth appealing texture. Once ingested, the PGX absorbs water causing it to thicken and expand for a few hours afterward. This expansion helps to prevent overeating, food cravings and snacking, making healthy weight loss possible. It is important to drink lots of water with PGX to ensure proper absorption. PGX helps your appetite under control for hours and provides a sense of fullness.

Benefits:

• Promotes healthy weight loss
• Curbs appetite and prevents food cravings
• Keeps you full and satisfied for hours
• Provides high nutrition with low calories
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Supports healthy cholesterol levels
• Stimulant free

SlimStyles can be ordered through Emerson Ecologics, see the instructions at the top of this email. Slim Styles is available as a meal replacement drink or as capsules which are to be taken before a meal to enhance the sense of fullness and satiety.

A short video about SlimStyles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HBpybYdt0w

August 4, 2010

Memory Enhancement…

The Secret of the Ancient Rishis from: www.SecondOpinionNewsletter.com

Thousands of years ago — before the written word — people passed on their knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation through exhaustive oral histories.

In ancient India, this task was entrusted to the Rishi holy men. The Rishi were famous for their ability to perform epic poems at will…and for days on end.

They could reel off hours of Hindu prayers and recite epics completely from memory, without pausing. One famous oral history, the Rig-Veda, contained 1,028 hymns — each one taking eight hours to sing! Another classic poem, the Mahabharata, took several weeks to recite in Sanskrit.

When finally translated to written form thousands of years later, some of these epics contained nearly 9,000 pages of text. But the Rishis were able to recite them word-for-word!

How Did They Do It?

The Rishis attributed their amazing memory to a special tea brewed from a wild herb that grew along the sacred River Ganges. This humble plant was so prized for its memory-enhancing power, they named it Brahmi, after the Hindu creator god.

Thousands of years later, modern scientists began to study the plant, known as bacopa monnieri. And what they found shocked them: 14 separate studies found that bacopa really works!

For example, one clinical trial in Australia tested 46 volunteers on reasoning skills, memorization, and learning ability.

After 3 months, nearly everyone in the bacopa group improved their ability to grasp new information without forgetting it a few days later. They were also able to speed up decision-making and think more quickly on their feet.

In a separate study, people were divided into two separate groups. Both groups were taught to perform a specific task, but the difference was that one group took bacopa and the other did not.

Result: While the people in the control group took an average of 10 days to learn the task, the people taking bacopa took only 6 days to learn the same task! That’s a whopping 40% increase in learning ability.

Sound good so far?

It gets even better. Bacopa can also help protect you from stress.

You already know that excessive stress is bad for your health. But did you know it’s also bad for your brain?

For one thing, it impairs short-term memory. It also affects concentration, which is why you become inefficient, forgetful and accident-prone during stressful times.

Happily, bacopa helps your brain manage the rigors of stress. People who take bacopa regularly say it gives them a sense of calm and peace without making them feel tired or groggy.

In one study, bacopa helped lower anxiety levels in patients by about 20 percent. What’s more, participants said they didn’t tire as easily, and enjoyed better short-term memory. Plus, physical symptoms of stress overload — like headaches, sleeplessness, and irritability — were also relieved.

Emerson Ecologics carries this product plus many other formula with Bacopa. See the link at the top to order.

BrainWave Plus® 120 vcaps (BRA24)

Produce Stickers

When you buy an apple at the grocery store, you know what that little sticker is for. It gives the cashier a code to ring up the sale.

But that sticker also has a secret to share with you – something that doesn’t concern the cashier at all.

According to the website Fruit Sticker (fruitsticker.com), the code reveals some very useful information:

Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit number on the sticker.

Organic produce gets a five-digit number that begins with a 9.
And produce items that are genetically modified also get five digits, but they begin with an 8.

So the produce aisle, more than anywhere else in life, is where being a 9 makes you MUCH better than being an 8!