Alternative medicine: Walnut
By Patricia Khashayar, MD.
Walnuts are native to south-east Europe, and south-west and central Asia. The walnut tree is a 20 to 30 meter tall
tree which has a thick trunk and many twisting branches. The walnut fruit is oval shaped and has a shiny, green,
soft coat called a husk or shuck which changes to dark brown when it ripens.
The ancient Greeks used walnuts as food because of its high calorie content. They are also a good source of
fats, protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium and vitamins B, E and D. Walnuts are high in
antioxidants (phytochemical, ellagic acid) and ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain arginine,
an amino acid that the body uses to produce the necessary nitric oxide for keeping blood vessels flexible. Nucin or Juglon is the active
principle of the walnut tree. The kernels contain oil, mucilage, albumin, minerals, cellulose and water.
In traditional Chinese medicine walnut seeds were considered a kidney tonic and good for the brain, back, and skin. Walnut seeds also
relieve constipation secondary to dehydration. They can also help reduce the onset of arterial inflammation and oxidation after
high-in-saturated fat meals. They also help the arteries maintain their elasticity and flexibility even in the presence of higher cholesterol.
The FDA has announced that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce heart
disease risk. A walnut diet significantly reduces total and LDL (bad) cholesterol; it also increases arterial elasticity and prevents
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Regular walnut use can improve the cholesterol profile in diabetics.
Walnuts are not only rich in melatonin but also triple melatonin blood levels and its antioxidant activity. Melatonin improves sleep in night
shift workers and those suffering from jet lag. Maintaining healthy levels of this hormone is important in individuals aged 40 years and
older as it fights free radical-related diseases.
The omega-3 content of walnuts can help cardiovascular protection and promote cognitive function. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are
helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis as well as eye lid inflammation.
Walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound, ellagic acid, that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer
properties. Walnut extract can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Walnuts are a very good source of manganese and copper, two minerals that are essential cofactors in antioxidant defenses. Like other
nuts, walnuts reduce the risk of strokes, of developing type 2 diabetes, dementia, advanced macular degeneration and gallstones.
They improve metabolism and reduce excessive perspiration. Frequent nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk of weight gain
(5 kg or more).
Walnut bark and leaves have laxative, astringent, and detergent properties, and are used in the treatment of skin diseases including
scrofulous diseases, herpes, and eczema. And they are recommended for patients with liver ailments.
The leaves can be used in treating infantile dermatitis. Finally, the infusion of powdered walnut bark is an effective purgative.
Caution: Walnuts can be an allergen. The leaves and outer green husk are deadly poisons for fish and most animals.
By Patricia Khashayar, MD.
Walnuts are native to south-east Europe, and south-west and central Asia. The walnut tree is a 20 to 30 meter tall
tree which has a thick trunk and many twisting branches. The walnut fruit is oval shaped and has a shiny, green,
soft coat called a husk or shuck which changes to dark brown when it ripens.
The ancient Greeks used walnuts as food because of its high calorie content. They are also a good source of
fats, protein, fiber, phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium and vitamins B, E and D. Walnuts are high in
antioxidants (phytochemical, ellagic acid) and ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain arginine,
an amino acid that the body uses to produce the necessary nitric oxide for keeping blood vessels flexible. Nucin or Juglon is the active
principle of the walnut tree. The kernels contain oil, mucilage, albumin, minerals, cellulose and water.
In traditional Chinese medicine walnut seeds were considered a kidney tonic and good for the brain, back, and skin. Walnut seeds also
relieve constipation secondary to dehydration. They can also help reduce the onset of arterial inflammation and oxidation after
high-in-saturated fat meals. They also help the arteries maintain their elasticity and flexibility even in the presence of higher cholesterol.
The FDA has announced that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce heart
disease risk. A walnut diet significantly reduces total and LDL (bad) cholesterol; it also increases arterial elasticity and prevents
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Regular walnut use can improve the cholesterol profile in diabetics.
Walnuts are not only rich in melatonin but also triple melatonin blood levels and its antioxidant activity. Melatonin improves sleep in night
shift workers and those suffering from jet lag. Maintaining healthy levels of this hormone is important in individuals aged 40 years and
older as it fights free radical-related diseases.
The omega-3 content of walnuts can help cardiovascular protection and promote cognitive function. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are
helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis as well as eye lid inflammation.
Walnuts also contain an antioxidant compound, ellagic acid, that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer
properties. Walnut extract can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Walnuts are a very good source of manganese and copper, two minerals that are essential cofactors in antioxidant defenses. Like other
nuts, walnuts reduce the risk of strokes, of developing type 2 diabetes, dementia, advanced macular degeneration and gallstones.
They improve metabolism and reduce excessive perspiration. Frequent nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk of weight gain
(5 kg or more).
Walnut bark and leaves have laxative, astringent, and detergent properties, and are used in the treatment of skin diseases including
scrofulous diseases, herpes, and eczema. And they are recommended for patients with liver ailments.
The leaves can be used in treating infantile dermatitis. Finally, the infusion of powdered walnut bark is an effective purgative.
Caution: Walnuts can be an allergen. The leaves and outer green husk are deadly poisons for fish and most animals.
| Professional Edition Volume 2 Issue 1 January 15, 2008 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Coca-Cola Investigating Chinese Medicine
BEIJING, 12/18/2007 - The Coca-Cola Co. opened The Coca-Cola Research Center for Chinese Medicine
at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing. The research center is part of the company’s
long-term collaboration agreement with the academy, and will focus on development of beverages using
Chinese herbal ingredients and formulas.
“We see this center as an important step in strengthening our innovation pipeline for beverages that
contribute to well-being,” said Rhona Applebaum, Ph.D., vice president, chief scientific and regulatory
officer, Coca-Cola Co. (Coca-Cola.com). “This collaboration will ultimately help us bring the insights and benefits of Traditional Chinese
Medicine to consumers all over the world. As the world’s largest beverage company, we can add global reach and world-class marketing
skills to help promote Chinese wisdom in preventive holistic health through new and innovative beverages.”
Dr. Huaying Zhang, director of Asia of Coca-Cola’s Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness (BIHW), will establish an office at the academy
in Beijing to work collaboratively with researchers. Maurice Arnaud, executive director, BIHW, will join the academy’s advisory board.
BEIJING, 12/18/2007 - The Coca-Cola Co. opened The Coca-Cola Research Center for Chinese Medicine
at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing. The research center is part of the company’s
long-term collaboration agreement with the academy, and will focus on development of beverages using
Chinese herbal ingredients and formulas.
“We see this center as an important step in strengthening our innovation pipeline for beverages that
contribute to well-being,” said Rhona Applebaum, Ph.D., vice president, chief scientific and regulatory
officer, Coca-Cola Co. (Coca-Cola.com). “This collaboration will ultimately help us bring the insights and benefits of Traditional Chinese
Medicine to consumers all over the world. As the world’s largest beverage company, we can add global reach and world-class marketing
skills to help promote Chinese wisdom in preventive holistic health through new and innovative beverages.”
Dr. Huaying Zhang, director of Asia of Coca-Cola’s Beverage Institute for Health & Wellness (BIHW), will establish an office at the academy
in Beijing to work collaboratively with researchers. Maurice Arnaud, executive director, BIHW, will join the academy’s advisory board.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
Ashi Home | Products and Orders | Contact Us | ©2006 Ashi Research, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
By Roberts Baird
Tendinitis is a painful inflammation of tendons and of tendon-muscle attachments to bone, usually in the
shoulders, hips, Achilles tendons, or hamstrings. Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or more of the
fluid-filled sacs that cover and cushion the ends of bones. Bursitis usually occurs under the shoulder
muscles, at the elbows, the hip sockets, heel bones, or kneecaps.
What Causes them?
Tendinitis commonly results from injury (such as strain during sports activity), another musculoskeletal
disorder (rheumatic diseases, congenital defects), poor posture, abnormal body development, or loose tendons.
Bursitis usually occurs in middle age from repeated injury to a joint or from an inflammatory joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis, gout).
Chronic bursitis follows attacks of acute bursitis or repeated injury and infection. Infectious bursitis may result from wound infection or from
bacterial invasion of skin over the bursa.
What are their Symptoms?
With tendinitis of the shoulder, rotation of the arm is difficult and painful. The pain is usually worse at night, interfering with sleep. Pain
typically extends from the top of the shoulder to a point under the large shoulder muscle in the back. Fluid accumulation causes swelling;
in some cases, calcium deposits in the tendon cause weakness. These deposits may spread into nearby joints and bursae, aggravating
the condition.
In bursitis, fluid accumulation in the bursae causes irritation, inflammation, and sudden or gradual pain, and limits movement. Other
symptoms vary according to the affected site. Shoulder bursitis interferes with arm movement. Kneecap bursitis (housemaid's knee)
produces pain when the person climbs stairs. Hip bursitis makes it painful to cross the legs.
How are they Diagnosed?
In tendinitis, X-rays may be normal at first but later show bony fragments, changes in the bone, or calcium deposits. Diagnosis of tendinitis
must rule out other causes of shoulder pain, such as blocked arteries and tendon injury. Characteristically, heat treatment aggravates the
shoulder pain of tendinitis, in contrast to other painful joint disorders, in which heat is palliative.
Localized pain and inflammation and a history of unusual strain or injury 2 to 3 days before pain begins indicate bursitis. During its early
stages X-rays may appear normal except in calcific bursitis, in which X-rays may show calcium deposits.
How are they Treated?
Treatment to relieve pain includes resting the joint (by immobilizing it with a sling, splint, or cast), pain medication, applying cold or heat,
ultrasound therapy, or local injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. A mixture of a corticosteroid and an
anesthetic, such as Xylocaine, generally provides immediate pain relief. Extended-release injections of corticosteroids offer longer pain
relief.
Treatment also includes oral anti-inflammatory agents, such as Clinoril and Indocin, and other pain relievers, until the person is free of
pain and able to perform range-of-motion exercises easily.
Other Treatments
Other treatments include fluid aspiration (removal through a needle), physical therapy to preserve motion and prevent frozen joints (usually
effective in 1 to 4 weeks), and heat therapy; and ice packs for calcific tendinitis. Rarely, calcific tendinitis requires surgical removal of the
calcium deposits. Long-term control of chronic bursitis and tendinitis may require changes in the person's activities to prevent more joint
irritation.
By Roberts Baird
Tendinitis is a painful inflammation of tendons and of tendon-muscle attachments to bone, usually in the
shoulders, hips, Achilles tendons, or hamstrings. Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or more of the
fluid-filled sacs that cover and cushion the ends of bones. Bursitis usually occurs under the shoulder
muscles, at the elbows, the hip sockets, heel bones, or kneecaps.
What Causes them?
Tendinitis commonly results from injury (such as strain during sports activity), another musculoskeletal
disorder (rheumatic diseases, congenital defects), poor posture, abnormal body development, or loose tendons.
Bursitis usually occurs in middle age from repeated injury to a joint or from an inflammatory joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis, gout).
Chronic bursitis follows attacks of acute bursitis or repeated injury and infection. Infectious bursitis may result from wound infection or from
bacterial invasion of skin over the bursa.
What are their Symptoms?
With tendinitis of the shoulder, rotation of the arm is difficult and painful. The pain is usually worse at night, interfering with sleep. Pain
typically extends from the top of the shoulder to a point under the large shoulder muscle in the back. Fluid accumulation causes swelling;
in some cases, calcium deposits in the tendon cause weakness. These deposits may spread into nearby joints and bursae, aggravating
the condition.
In bursitis, fluid accumulation in the bursae causes irritation, inflammation, and sudden or gradual pain, and limits movement. Other
symptoms vary according to the affected site. Shoulder bursitis interferes with arm movement. Kneecap bursitis (housemaid's knee)
produces pain when the person climbs stairs. Hip bursitis makes it painful to cross the legs.
How are they Diagnosed?
In tendinitis, X-rays may be normal at first but later show bony fragments, changes in the bone, or calcium deposits. Diagnosis of tendinitis
must rule out other causes of shoulder pain, such as blocked arteries and tendon injury. Characteristically, heat treatment aggravates the
shoulder pain of tendinitis, in contrast to other painful joint disorders, in which heat is palliative.
Localized pain and inflammation and a history of unusual strain or injury 2 to 3 days before pain begins indicate bursitis. During its early
stages X-rays may appear normal except in calcific bursitis, in which X-rays may show calcium deposits.
How are they Treated?
Treatment to relieve pain includes resting the joint (by immobilizing it with a sling, splint, or cast), pain medication, applying cold or heat,
ultrasound therapy, or local injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. A mixture of a corticosteroid and an
anesthetic, such as Xylocaine, generally provides immediate pain relief. Extended-release injections of corticosteroids offer longer pain
relief.
Treatment also includes oral anti-inflammatory agents, such as Clinoril and Indocin, and other pain relievers, until the person is free of
pain and able to perform range-of-motion exercises easily.
Other Treatments
Other treatments include fluid aspiration (removal through a needle), physical therapy to preserve motion and prevent frozen joints (usually
effective in 1 to 4 weeks), and heat therapy; and ice packs for calcific tendinitis. Rarely, calcific tendinitis requires surgical removal of the
calcium deposits. Long-term control of chronic bursitis and tendinitis may require changes in the person's activities to prevent more joint
irritation.
It Can Happen To Anyone!
This is a story written by an experienced acupuncture practitioner who recently had a “needling
accident” in a clinical practice. The practitioner contacted Ashi Research to request us to post this
story in the Ashi Newsletter so that every acupuncture practitioner may learn an important lesson.
The name of the acupuncture practitioner is being withheld in order to avoid any legal ramifications.
I have been working as a Respiratory Therapist for almost 27 yrs. and have always taken pride in
the fact that I have a strong background in western medicine as well as my Masters in Oriental
Medicine. It makes it a lot easier to educate my patients on many levels because I can explain things
to them in both eastern and western terms. My education in Oriental Medicine at what is currently
known as the Florida College of Integrated Medicine stressed safety in both needle and herbal usage. I had incredible teachers from all
over the world and I will always respect what they taught me. I do not use many herbs in my practice as I am not always comfortable in
mixing the western drugs of today with the eastern "safe" herbs of our ancestors. It is a personal choice. It is because of an accident that I
am writing this story.
About a month or so ago, I had a new patient come to my office. She had called to inquire about treatment for Macular Degeneration. I
briefly explained to her that I thought I could prevent the loss of eyesight from occurring as quickly but that was the best we could hope for
without herbs. Sue (not her real name) came in and during the interview shared that she had COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease). I did not think that she appeared particularly short of breath so I did not push the issue. After all, she was seeking vision
improvement not breathing improvement. After the usual interview and education process, I took her in for a face up treatment focusing on
her liver and spleen meridians with some balancing points as well. I also did orbital points of the B and GB meridians.
While on the table she asked if I could do something to help her right shoulder pain while I was at it. As an accommodating physician I
gave her a shallow GB21. THAT was my mistake. With the drugs she was taking for her COPD, she was slightly antsy and wiggly. As a
Respiratory Therapist I knew that she could become short of breath from lying almost flat for the 30 min. treatment so I was not too alarmed
when she had a slight increase in breathing labor. I had another appointment who had already arrived so I asked Sue if she would mind
staying at my office until I was satisfied that her breathing would get back to her "normal". She agreed. I checked on her several times over
the next hr. and when I was finished, I asked if I could drive her home for her NOW 2 hr. late bronchodilator treatment that she did every 6
hrs. at home. She agreed and I took her home. After 3 back to back treatments, I was NOT satisfied with her improvement so I asked if I
could take her to the emergency room to make sure there was not a hole in her lung. She agreed and sure enough, I had given her a
pneumothorax. You can imagine how embarrassed I was!! I owned completely that because her lungs were stretched out from her
emphysema, I had most likely pierced her right apical lobe with the GB21 point.
The ER doctor was a friend of mine from the hospital and her comment was only, "humbling; isn't it"? I told her that I NEVER thought it
could happen to ME; after all, I'd specialized in lungs for almost 27 yrs!!
The point of my story is: If you ever have a patient who is short of breath after acupuncture, MAKE SURE that you keep an eye on them
until their breathing returns to their "NORMAL". If they do not wish to stay, make sure you tell them to go to the emergency room should there
be any sudden change or progressive change in their breathing. I would much rather be embarrassed by an accident than have the
guilt of a death occurring because of a simple needle accident. Please take my experience with you in your practice. I'm sharing this
because it is SO important! For the record, Sue was amazingly understanding and has been back several times since that first day.
Her shoulder is no longer hurting and her vision is clearing up (both much to my surprise). I told her that this happened to US because she
would forgive me and I would tell the story to all who would listen.
Just remember.......it CAN happen to anyone!
This is a story written by an experienced acupuncture practitioner who recently had a “needling
accident” in a clinical practice. The practitioner contacted Ashi Research to request us to post this
story in the Ashi Newsletter so that every acupuncture practitioner may learn an important lesson.
The name of the acupuncture practitioner is being withheld in order to avoid any legal ramifications.
I have been working as a Respiratory Therapist for almost 27 yrs. and have always taken pride in
the fact that I have a strong background in western medicine as well as my Masters in Oriental
Medicine. It makes it a lot easier to educate my patients on many levels because I can explain things
to them in both eastern and western terms. My education in Oriental Medicine at what is currently
known as the Florida College of Integrated Medicine stressed safety in both needle and herbal usage. I had incredible teachers from all
over the world and I will always respect what they taught me. I do not use many herbs in my practice as I am not always comfortable in
mixing the western drugs of today with the eastern "safe" herbs of our ancestors. It is a personal choice. It is because of an accident that I
am writing this story.
About a month or so ago, I had a new patient come to my office. She had called to inquire about treatment for Macular Degeneration. I
briefly explained to her that I thought I could prevent the loss of eyesight from occurring as quickly but that was the best we could hope for
without herbs. Sue (not her real name) came in and during the interview shared that she had COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease). I did not think that she appeared particularly short of breath so I did not push the issue. After all, she was seeking vision
improvement not breathing improvement. After the usual interview and education process, I took her in for a face up treatment focusing on
her liver and spleen meridians with some balancing points as well. I also did orbital points of the B and GB meridians.
While on the table she asked if I could do something to help her right shoulder pain while I was at it. As an accommodating physician I
gave her a shallow GB21. THAT was my mistake. With the drugs she was taking for her COPD, she was slightly antsy and wiggly. As a
Respiratory Therapist I knew that she could become short of breath from lying almost flat for the 30 min. treatment so I was not too alarmed
when she had a slight increase in breathing labor. I had another appointment who had already arrived so I asked Sue if she would mind
staying at my office until I was satisfied that her breathing would get back to her "normal". She agreed. I checked on her several times over
the next hr. and when I was finished, I asked if I could drive her home for her NOW 2 hr. late bronchodilator treatment that she did every 6
hrs. at home. She agreed and I took her home. After 3 back to back treatments, I was NOT satisfied with her improvement so I asked if I
could take her to the emergency room to make sure there was not a hole in her lung. She agreed and sure enough, I had given her a
pneumothorax. You can imagine how embarrassed I was!! I owned completely that because her lungs were stretched out from her
emphysema, I had most likely pierced her right apical lobe with the GB21 point.
The ER doctor was a friend of mine from the hospital and her comment was only, "humbling; isn't it"? I told her that I NEVER thought it
could happen to ME; after all, I'd specialized in lungs for almost 27 yrs!!
The point of my story is: If you ever have a patient who is short of breath after acupuncture, MAKE SURE that you keep an eye on them
until their breathing returns to their "NORMAL". If they do not wish to stay, make sure you tell them to go to the emergency room should there
be any sudden change or progressive change in their breathing. I would much rather be embarrassed by an accident than have the
guilt of a death occurring because of a simple needle accident. Please take my experience with you in your practice. I'm sharing this
because it is SO important! For the record, Sue was amazingly understanding and has been back several times since that first day.
Her shoulder is no longer hurting and her vision is clearing up (both much to my surprise). I told her that this happened to US because she
would forgive me and I would tell the story to all who would listen.
Just remember.......it CAN happen to anyone!
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