Neil Kingham

Known by acupuncturists in New York as ‘The Urban Stress Point’, this acupoint on the top of the foot is one of the most popular points for dealing with stress.

In Chinese Medicine terms it helps to ‘spread the Liver Qi’ – this means that it deals with Qi stagnation, which can cause symptoms such as irritability, frustration, depression, mood swings, stress, irregular periods and pain.

It is also a nourishing point for the Liver Blood and Yin, making it useful for insomnia, dry skin, weak nails etc. The Liver relates to the eyes, and Liver 3 is often used for dry and blurry eyes.

It is located on the top (dorsum) of the foot between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. To find it, place your finger at the meeting point of the big and 2nd toes and slide it up the groove away from the toes. A pronounced depression can normally be felt at the location of Liver 3. You may have to press with a little more pressure if you can’t feel it.

For any problem that is worse with stress, Liver 3 can be used.Simple acupressure on this point can be used to help to relieve stress and clear the head and eyes. Apply pressure until a Qi sensation is felt or until the point is slightly sore.

‘The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs’ by Ron Teeguarden

Ron Teeguarden is an American herbalist who overcame serious ill health at an early age by using Chinese herbs, and has since specialised in the ‘tonic’ herbs, which is what this book is all about. The tonic herbs are those considered most safe and useful for the general population, and Teeguarden here describes his 22 favourites in detail. Some, such as ginseng, are well known, others you may have come across (goji berries, dang gui, cordyceps) and still others are more unusual (morinda root, deer antler, gynostemma.) Each herb has a number of pages devoted to its effects and uses, how to take it, and what to look for when purchasing.

Another couple of dozen herbs are given brief mentions – these are the ‘supporting cast of herbs’ and then a number of herbal formulations are described along with specific advice for different goals – ‘mental energy’, ‘fertility’, ‘athlete’s programs’ etc. Teeguarden sells a number of his own formulas in the USA, but to his credit, also mentions plenty of traditional formulas which are easily available outside the states.

Teeguarden is certainly enthusiastic about these herbs, you’d be forgiven for thinking they can cure all disease and bestow immortality! Still, the book is an excellent introduction to the topic with enough info to start trying some herbs yourself if you choose to. It is written for the layperson in an easy to read style, and although a little Chinese medicine knowledge would help, it is not necessary.

It is available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

The effect of acupuncture in easing hot flushes and night sweats associated with the menopause has already been proved, but now a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of hot flushes that occur as the side-effect of breast cancer treatment.

The study shows acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy with Effexor (venlafaxine) at easing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, but it also improved sex drive, energy levels, and clarity of thought.

Researcher Eleanor Walker, MD, of the department of radiation oncology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, says “Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects.”

The study followed 50 breast cancer patients who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or drug treatment for 12 weeks. They were then surveyed for one year. Both groups experienced a 50% decline in hot flushes and symptoms of depression, but the acupuncture treatment appeared to have more lasting effects with fewer side effects.

There were 18 instances of negative side effects in the drug group including nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety, but no side effects reported among the acupuncture group. Patients in the acupuncture group also reported improvements in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.

In Chinese medical thought, hot flashes and night sweats are normally associated with a deficiency of Yin. This tends to occur with menopausal women, and Yin can also be damaged by some drugs, including Effexor.

Acupuncture and other disciplines within Chinese medicine can help to control hot flushes, reduce night sweats and improve overall health and well-being.