| Professional Edition Volume 1 Issue 6 June 11, 2007 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
From Cathy Wong
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of symptoms you have had for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months. It always involves abdominal
pain or discomfort along with two of the following three characteristics: Pain or discomfort relieved by defecation; Change in the frequency
of bowel movements; Change in the appearance of stools
Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1) Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It is thought to reduce the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel
syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines and easing excessive muscle contraction
there. Peppermint is considered a carminative herb, which means that it is used to eliminate excess gas in the intestines.
Eight out of twelve studies on peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome have found that it is more effective than a placebo.
Although peppermint oil is available in many forms, it should only be used in enteric-coated capsules otherwise the oil can relax the lower
esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn.
Peppermint oil, especially in excessive doses, may result in nausea, loss of appetite, heart problems, nervous system disorders, and lead
to kidney failure and even death. Peppermint oil should not be taken internally by children or pregnant or nursing women. Peppermint oil
may interact with the drug cyclosporine (used to prevent organ transplant rejection and for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis), so they
should not be combined unless under medical supervision.
2) Probiotics
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract and vagina. Sometimes referred to as "friendly"
bacteria, probiotics are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune
function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.
There are over 400 species of microorganisms in the human digestive tract and the balance between beneficial bacteria and potentially
harmful bacteria is important. One theory is that people with irritable bowel syndrome may have an imbalance in their normal intestinal
bacteria, with an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria.
Studies have found that probiotics may be helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome. For example, a fairly large study published in
the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the use of three different doses of Bifidobacterium infantis or a placebo in 362 women
with irritable bowel syndrome. After four weeks, the B. infantis dose of 1 x 10(8) c.f.u. was found to be more effective than a placebo at
reducing abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining, and gas.
There are many different probiotic strains, and some may be more effective for irritable bowel syndrome. Another study compared
lactobacillus salivarius, bifidobacterium infantis, or a placebo in 77 people with irritable bowel syndrome. Only people who took B. infantis
had a greater reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement difficulty. For more information on probiotics, read the Probiotics
Fact Sheet.
3) Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent
diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. PHGG also appears to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria,
lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestines.
One study compared PHGG (5 grams per day), wheat bran (30 grams per day), and a placebo in 199 people with irritable bowel syndrome.
After 12 weeks, both the PHGG and wheat bran resulted in an improvement in absominal pain and bowel habits, but the PHGG was better
tolerated and preferred.
4) Food Intolerances
Food intolerances may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by triggering immune responses in the gut, leading to low-grade
inflammation and an imbalance of intestinal bacteria.
The most common food intolerances reported by people with irritable bowel syndrome are dairy and grains.
A trained practitioner can supervise an elimination and challenge diet. Many foods are removed from the diet for a brief period of time, then
re-introduced sequentially to isolate the body's reaction to the offending foods. Since grains are a common culprit, it is important to
remember that carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth and that chewing grains thoroughly allows amylase, the digestive enzyme
present in saliva, to digest the grains.
Other Natural Remedies
Pancreatic enzymes have been suggested for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that are aggravated after a fatty meal.
Cathy Wong, ND, CNS, is a licensed naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition specialist with the American College of Nutrition. Cathy's
work and opinion on complementary and alternative medicine have appeared in First For Women, Woman's World, Natural Health, Body +
Soul, Woman's Day, Top Sante, Spa Business, Alternative Medicine, among other consumer magazines and health publications.
From Cathy Wong
- What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain, cramping,
and changes in normal bowel function, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
As many as one in five adults in the United States has irritable bowel syndrome. It is a functional
disorder, which means that there are no structural abnormalities seen on x-ray, endoscopy, or blood
tests.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of symptoms you have had for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months. It always involves abdominal
pain or discomfort along with two of the following three characteristics: Pain or discomfort relieved by defecation; Change in the frequency
of bowel movements; Change in the appearance of stools
Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1) Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It is thought to reduce the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel
syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines and easing excessive muscle contraction
there. Peppermint is considered a carminative herb, which means that it is used to eliminate excess gas in the intestines.
Eight out of twelve studies on peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome have found that it is more effective than a placebo.
Although peppermint oil is available in many forms, it should only be used in enteric-coated capsules otherwise the oil can relax the lower
esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn.
Peppermint oil, especially in excessive doses, may result in nausea, loss of appetite, heart problems, nervous system disorders, and lead
to kidney failure and even death. Peppermint oil should not be taken internally by children or pregnant or nursing women. Peppermint oil
may interact with the drug cyclosporine (used to prevent organ transplant rejection and for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis), so they
should not be combined unless under medical supervision.
2) Probiotics
Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract and vagina. Sometimes referred to as "friendly"
bacteria, probiotics are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune
function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.
There are over 400 species of microorganisms in the human digestive tract and the balance between beneficial bacteria and potentially
harmful bacteria is important. One theory is that people with irritable bowel syndrome may have an imbalance in their normal intestinal
bacteria, with an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria.
Studies have found that probiotics may be helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome. For example, a fairly large study published in
the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the use of three different doses of Bifidobacterium infantis or a placebo in 362 women
with irritable bowel syndrome. After four weeks, the B. infantis dose of 1 x 10(8) c.f.u. was found to be more effective than a placebo at
reducing abdominal pain, bloating, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining, and gas.
There are many different probiotic strains, and some may be more effective for irritable bowel syndrome. Another study compared
lactobacillus salivarius, bifidobacterium infantis, or a placebo in 77 people with irritable bowel syndrome. Only people who took B. infantis
had a greater reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movement difficulty. For more information on probiotics, read the Probiotics
Fact Sheet.
3) Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent
diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. PHGG also appears to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria,
lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestines.
One study compared PHGG (5 grams per day), wheat bran (30 grams per day), and a placebo in 199 people with irritable bowel syndrome.
After 12 weeks, both the PHGG and wheat bran resulted in an improvement in absominal pain and bowel habits, but the PHGG was better
tolerated and preferred.
4) Food Intolerances
Food intolerances may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by triggering immune responses in the gut, leading to low-grade
inflammation and an imbalance of intestinal bacteria.
The most common food intolerances reported by people with irritable bowel syndrome are dairy and grains.
A trained practitioner can supervise an elimination and challenge diet. Many foods are removed from the diet for a brief period of time, then
re-introduced sequentially to isolate the body's reaction to the offending foods. Since grains are a common culprit, it is important to
remember that carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth and that chewing grains thoroughly allows amylase, the digestive enzyme
present in saliva, to digest the grains.
Other Natural Remedies
Pancreatic enzymes have been suggested for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that are aggravated after a fatty meal.
Cathy Wong, ND, CNS, is a licensed naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition specialist with the American College of Nutrition. Cathy's
work and opinion on complementary and alternative medicine have appeared in First For Women, Woman's World, Natural Health, Body +
Soul, Woman's Day, Top Sante, Spa Business, Alternative Medicine, among other consumer magazines and health publications.
- Do you know how to use Fu Zi , Chuan Wu and Cao Wu?
Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis), Chuan Wu (Radix Aconiti Carmichaeli), and Cao Wu (Radix
Aconiti Kusnezoffii) are three strong Chinese herbs used for treating Yang deficiency and other
disease conditions. In fact, these three herbs are the most important herbs for tonifying Yang in
the TCM pharmacopoeia and they are widely used in different formulas. However, serious side
effects can occur if they are not used properly.
Based on TCM property classification, Fu Zi, Chuan Wu, and Cao Wu are acrid and extremely
hot, and they all enter the heart, kidney, and spleen channels. Chemically, these three herbs
contain compounds such as aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine, higenamine,
coryneinechloride, talatisamine, carmichaeline, in addition to other active compounds.
sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart stimulation effects. The heart stimulating effect of these
herbs is a biological basis for their use in treating Yang deficiency and Yang failure, including conditions such as
bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), shock, and heart failure. These
therapeutic effects are due to the increase of cardiac muscle contractility and cardiac pacemaker activity, as well as the
dilation of blood vessels. All these effects increase cardiac output, improve systemic blood circulation and move the
vital “Qi” in the body. They are, therefore, beneficial for patients having Yang deficiency and Yang failure. Yang deficiency in other channels
such as the kidney channel can also be improved, the herbs producing diuretic effects to reduce edema and cold dampness. Yang failure
conditions often lead to medical emergencies and in the U.S. are usually treated in an emergency room rather than in an oriental medical
doctor’s office
Another important clinical indication of these herbs is chronic pain due to inflammation, nerve injury, cancer, and many other
pathological conditions. They are useful for chronic pain because they have potent inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators and they
act directly on sensory nerve terminals to block pain signal conduction. In addition, these herbs can act on nerve-muscle junctions to relax
tightened muscles and can act on the central nervous system to modulate pain perception. Formulas that contain these herbs are widely
used for treating arthritic pain, sciatica, pain due to disc protrusion, inflammatory shoulder pain, cancer pain, trigeminal pain, as well as
many other chronic pain conditions. For example, Er Wu Tang is a decoction prepared with Chuan Wu, Cao Wu, Dang Gui, San Qi and 8
other herbs, and is taken orally for treating sciatica with good effects.
When taken orally, formulas that contain Fu Zhi, Chuan Wu, or Cao Wu should be used very cautiously because they have a relatively
narrow range of safety. Improper use may lead to serious side effects and herb poisoning. Side effects and herb poisoning from these
herbs are usually due to improper processing, an over-dose, or to their inappropriate combination with other herbs, and/or an inaccurate
diagnosis.
Unprocessed forms of these three herbs are quite toxic. Therefore, they are usually sold in a processed form. When purchasing these
herbs for oral use, one should make sure that only the processed forms are purchased. There are different methods to process these
herbs, but the most common is to boil the herbs for 4 to 6 hours. These processed herbs usually need to be pre-decocted for 30 to 60
minutes again before the addition of other herbs when using them in a multi-herb formula. Proper processing reduces the toxicity of these
herbs by several thousand times. The addition of dried ginger and licorice in the formulas is believed to reduce toxicity and strengthen the
therapeutic effect.
As with any drug with a narrow safety range, an over-dose of these herbs will cause side effects. Practitioners should tell patients to
follow strictly the dosage instructions when taking these herbs orally. Topical formulas that contain these herbs, on the other hand, usually
do not have the over-dose problem when applied locally.
Patients who have a history of cardiovascular disorders such as an abnormally high heart rate, and/or an irregular heart beat should be
extremely cautious when taking these herbs orally because they may trigger these heart problems. Patients who are taking antiarrhythmic
medications should also be very cautious when using these herbs orally because there may be herb-drug interactions with anti-arrhythmic
drugs such as quinidine, propafenone (Rythmol), and procainamide (Pronestyl).
It is important for practitioners and patients to know the early symptoms of the side effects so that patients can terminate the use of
these herbs before serious toxicity occurs. Symptoms of side effects can be nerve numbness, tremor in movement, and abnormal heart
beat. Numbness usually starts at the lips, tongue, and mouth, and gradually spreads to the body and extremities. Tremor and involuntary
movement can occur in the tongue and extremities. Abnormal heart beat patterns include arrhythmia (irregular beat), tachyarrhythmia (fast
beat), and bradycardia (slow beat). Patients should see a doctor immediately should these symptoms occur. In TCM, Rou Gui (Cortex
Cinnamomi) is usually used to reverse early-stage symptoms of an overdose of these herbs.
Herb shows potential to reduce cancer-related fatigue
Source: Mayo Clinic
North Central Cancer Treatment Group researchers, based at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., have
generated preliminary data suggesting that a form of American ginseng provides greater improvements in fatigue
and vitality in patients who receive the highest doses tested, compared to lower doses or no treatment.
The results of their scientifically rigorous pilot study, the first to evaluate the Wisconsin species of American
ginseng as a possible therapy for cancer-related fatigue, were presented June 3rd at the annual meeting of the American Society of
Clinical Oncology.
Many cancer patients face extreme fatigue after diagnosis and during treatment. Getting more sleep or rest often does not relieve the
fatigue, nor is it related to activity levels. Other than exercise, there isn’t a good solution available for these patients. “We hope
that Wisconsin ginseng may offer us a much-needed treatment to improve our patients’ quality of life, and we look forward to further
evaluation,” says Debra Barton, Ph.D., a registered nurse, Mayo Clinic cancer researcher and the study’s primary investigator.
“Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most profound and distressing issues patients face,” she says. This unique type of fatigue can have
dozens of causes, and for patients who have completed cancer therapy, fatigue is among their foremost concerns, second only to fear of
disease recurrence.”
Traditional Chinese medicine and current understanding of ginseng’s function both point to its characteristics as an adaptogen - a
substance that helps the body overcome the effects of environmental stress. Since cancer patients have stressors ranging from the
psychological stress of diagnosis to the physiological stresses of chemotherapy and radiation, if ginseng helps, the researchers think it
would be a valuable addition to currently available therapies.
The investigators enrolled 282 patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, averaging 71 patients per each of four arms, with
between 39 and 48 patients in each arm completing the eight weeks of treatment. Treatment arms consisted of placebo, and three
different daily doses of Wisconsin ginseng - 750, 1,000 and 2,000 milligrams.
Of the four treatment arms, patients receiving the placebo and the lowest dose of ginseng reported very little improvement in fatigue or
other areas of physical or psychological well-being. The patients receiving the larger doses showed improvements in overall energy levels,
reporting higher vitality levels and less interference with activity from fatigue. They also reported an improvement in overall mental, physical,
spiritual and emotional well-being.
Dr. Barton’s research team hopes to open a new clinical trial in 2008 looking at a specific dose of Wisconsin ginseng versus placebo
and trying to better refine the results, in hopes of a confirming a new treatment option for cancer-related fatigue.
Source: Mayo Clinic
North Central Cancer Treatment Group researchers, based at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., have
generated preliminary data suggesting that a form of American ginseng provides greater improvements in fatigue
and vitality in patients who receive the highest doses tested, compared to lower doses or no treatment.
The results of their scientifically rigorous pilot study, the first to evaluate the Wisconsin species of American
ginseng as a possible therapy for cancer-related fatigue, were presented June 3rd at the annual meeting of the American Society of
Clinical Oncology.
Many cancer patients face extreme fatigue after diagnosis and during treatment. Getting more sleep or rest often does not relieve the
fatigue, nor is it related to activity levels. Other than exercise, there isn’t a good solution available for these patients. “We hope
that Wisconsin ginseng may offer us a much-needed treatment to improve our patients’ quality of life, and we look forward to further
evaluation,” says Debra Barton, Ph.D., a registered nurse, Mayo Clinic cancer researcher and the study’s primary investigator.
“Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most profound and distressing issues patients face,” she says. This unique type of fatigue can have
dozens of causes, and for patients who have completed cancer therapy, fatigue is among their foremost concerns, second only to fear of
disease recurrence.”
Traditional Chinese medicine and current understanding of ginseng’s function both point to its characteristics as an adaptogen - a
substance that helps the body overcome the effects of environmental stress. Since cancer patients have stressors ranging from the
psychological stress of diagnosis to the physiological stresses of chemotherapy and radiation, if ginseng helps, the researchers think it
would be a valuable addition to currently available therapies.
The investigators enrolled 282 patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, averaging 71 patients per each of four arms, with
between 39 and 48 patients in each arm completing the eight weeks of treatment. Treatment arms consisted of placebo, and three
different daily doses of Wisconsin ginseng - 750, 1,000 and 2,000 milligrams.
Of the four treatment arms, patients receiving the placebo and the lowest dose of ginseng reported very little improvement in fatigue or
other areas of physical or psychological well-being. The patients receiving the larger doses showed improvements in overall energy levels,
reporting higher vitality levels and less interference with activity from fatigue. They also reported an improvement in overall mental, physical,
spiritual and emotional well-being.
Dr. Barton’s research team hopes to open a new clinical trial in 2008 looking at a specific dose of Wisconsin ginseng versus placebo
and trying to better refine the results, in hopes of a confirming a new treatment option for cancer-related fatigue.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
Aconiti Radix
Ashi Home | Products and Orders | Contact Us | ©2006 Ashi Research, Inc. All rights reserved.
Letter from practitioner
My patient had HZ (Herpes Zoster) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. She took Prednisone and Valtrex for short period of time and has finished
taking them. Her pain is in the right sacral and SI joint area and it radiates to the hip and anterior thigh. The pain is burning, moderate to
severe. She is taking Lysine per her nutritionist's recommendations. I have given her some formulas, Myrrh tablets and Red Peony from 7
Forest, but she hasn't taken them yet. Which Ashi research products can I give to the patient?
I would also like to order your product for a man who has chronic upper back and neck pain with headaches as well as some of your
other products. What is the meaning of BW, BM, LW, LM etc? I heard about your products from a colleague, Nan Bakamjian.
Thank you,
Sylvia Heyman, D.C., L.Ac
Response from Ashi Research
Dear Dr. Heyman,
According to your description, your patient is in the acute phase of HZ. You may have her use our Ashi Acute Pain, which helps reduce
inflammation and soothe the burning pain. At this acute stage, herbs that suppress Herpes virus can be taken orally to help in fighting the
virus. Herbs such as Ben Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) can suppress it.
Other Ashi products are for chronic pain. BW is for chronic low Back pain in Women and BM is for chronic low Back pain in Men. LW is
for chronic Lower body pain in Women and LM is for chronic Low body pain in Men. Chronic low body pain includes pain at the areas of
knee, hip, and ankle. UW is for chronic Upper body pain in Women and UM is for chronic Upper body pain in Men. Chronic upper body
pain includes pain at the areas of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and carpal. The above Ashi products relieve chronic pain in these areas
caused by arthritis, nerve injury, inflammation and other pathological conditions. These products can also be used for post-herpetic
neuralgia, a pain problem in chronic stage after a herpes infection. You can place orders online from our website, by e-mail, or by phone.
Thank you for your interest in Ashi Research.
Ashi Research Team
www.ashi-research.com
My patient had HZ (Herpes Zoster) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. She took Prednisone and Valtrex for short period of time and has finished
taking them. Her pain is in the right sacral and SI joint area and it radiates to the hip and anterior thigh. The pain is burning, moderate to
severe. She is taking Lysine per her nutritionist's recommendations. I have given her some formulas, Myrrh tablets and Red Peony from 7
Forest, but she hasn't taken them yet. Which Ashi research products can I give to the patient?
I would also like to order your product for a man who has chronic upper back and neck pain with headaches as well as some of your
other products. What is the meaning of BW, BM, LW, LM etc? I heard about your products from a colleague, Nan Bakamjian.
Thank you,
Sylvia Heyman, D.C., L.Ac
Response from Ashi Research
Dear Dr. Heyman,
According to your description, your patient is in the acute phase of HZ. You may have her use our Ashi Acute Pain, which helps reduce
inflammation and soothe the burning pain. At this acute stage, herbs that suppress Herpes virus can be taken orally to help in fighting the
virus. Herbs such as Ben Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) can suppress it.
Other Ashi products are for chronic pain. BW is for chronic low Back pain in Women and BM is for chronic low Back pain in Men. LW is
for chronic Lower body pain in Women and LM is for chronic Low body pain in Men. Chronic low body pain includes pain at the areas of
knee, hip, and ankle. UW is for chronic Upper body pain in Women and UM is for chronic Upper body pain in Men. Chronic upper body
pain includes pain at the areas of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and carpal. The above Ashi products relieve chronic pain in these areas
caused by arthritis, nerve injury, inflammation and other pathological conditions. These products can also be used for post-herpetic
neuralgia, a pain problem in chronic stage after a herpes infection. You can place orders online from our website, by e-mail, or by phone.
Thank you for your interest in Ashi Research.
Ashi Research Team
www.ashi-research.com
One of my female patients complained of having pain in the back of her neck at the base of her skull, very tight
shoulders, and difficulty in sleeping. She also has headaches and felt as if she had a tight band around her head.
When she came to see me, she had suffered the pain for a week and the pain was getting worse. I treated her with
acupuncture in my clinic. I also gave her Ashi Pain UW (for women in chronic pain of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist,
and carpal) and had her rub the cream on her neck and shoulders at home. After three days of using the Ashi cream
as directed, she felt significant relaxation in her neck and shoulders, and her headache was much reduced. Her
sleeping problems were also greatly improved. With the combination of the acupuncture treatment in my clinic and
the use of Ashi cream at home, the pain symptoms in this patient disappeared in two weeks of the treatment. Both my
patient and I are very happy with the Ashi Pain relief product.
Jacqueline Lee, A.P., Dipl. Ac
California
Comments from Ashi Research
Based on the description, this female patient had what is called a “tension headache” using a western medical diagnostic term. The
exact causes of tension headaches are unknown. Many researchers believe that the headache pain is caused by muscle contractions in
the face, neck, and scalp, perhaps due to heightened emotions, tension, or stress. However, some researchers now believe that tension
headaches may result from changes in certain brain chemicals i.e. serotonin, endorphins, and perhaps numerous others. Although it is
unclear why the chemical levels fluctuate, the process is thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain's
ability to suppress the pain. On the one hand, tight muscles in the neck and scalp may contribute to a headache in someone with altered
chemical levels. On the other hand, the tight muscles may be a result of these chemical changes.
There are many possible triggers of tension headaches. A patient may have no identifiable or consistent trigger, or may have several
that are obvious. Potential triggers include:
• Stress
• Depression and anxiety
• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep routine
• Skipping meals
• Poor posture
• Working in awkward positions or holding one position for a long time
• Lack of physical activity
• Occasionally, hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or hormone use.
• Medications used for other conditions, such as depression or high blood pressure.
• Overuse of headache medication.
• Half the people with tension headaches report that they felt stressed or hungry before their headache began.
Although Ashi Pain UW (for women in chronic pain of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and carpal) was not developed specifically for headache
relief, the case above indicates that the cream, together with acupuncture, are effective for tension headaches when the cream is applied to
the neck near the base of the skull and the shoulders.
shoulders, and difficulty in sleeping. She also has headaches and felt as if she had a tight band around her head.
When she came to see me, she had suffered the pain for a week and the pain was getting worse. I treated her with
acupuncture in my clinic. I also gave her Ashi Pain UW (for women in chronic pain of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist,
and carpal) and had her rub the cream on her neck and shoulders at home. After three days of using the Ashi cream
as directed, she felt significant relaxation in her neck and shoulders, and her headache was much reduced. Her
sleeping problems were also greatly improved. With the combination of the acupuncture treatment in my clinic and
the use of Ashi cream at home, the pain symptoms in this patient disappeared in two weeks of the treatment. Both my
patient and I are very happy with the Ashi Pain relief product.
Jacqueline Lee, A.P., Dipl. Ac
California
Comments from Ashi Research
Based on the description, this female patient had what is called a “tension headache” using a western medical diagnostic term. The
exact causes of tension headaches are unknown. Many researchers believe that the headache pain is caused by muscle contractions in
the face, neck, and scalp, perhaps due to heightened emotions, tension, or stress. However, some researchers now believe that tension
headaches may result from changes in certain brain chemicals i.e. serotonin, endorphins, and perhaps numerous others. Although it is
unclear why the chemical levels fluctuate, the process is thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain's
ability to suppress the pain. On the one hand, tight muscles in the neck and scalp may contribute to a headache in someone with altered
chemical levels. On the other hand, the tight muscles may be a result of these chemical changes.
There are many possible triggers of tension headaches. A patient may have no identifiable or consistent trigger, or may have several
that are obvious. Potential triggers include:
• Stress
• Depression and anxiety
• Lack of sleep or changes in sleep routine
• Skipping meals
• Poor posture
• Working in awkward positions or holding one position for a long time
• Lack of physical activity
• Occasionally, hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or hormone use.
• Medications used for other conditions, such as depression or high blood pressure.
• Overuse of headache medication.
• Half the people with tension headaches report that they felt stressed or hungry before their headache began.
Although Ashi Pain UW (for women in chronic pain of neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and carpal) was not developed specifically for headache
relief, the case above indicates that the cream, together with acupuncture, are effective for tension headaches when the cream is applied to
the neck near the base of the skull and the shoulders.
Herpes Zoster
