News

30-Dec-2020: Bloomberg: Thailand Clears Use of Herbal Medicine for Covid-19 Treatment Andrographis paniculata, known as Chuan Xin Lian in Chinese and Kalamegh in Ayurveda, this herb is being investigated in the west too as a potential treatment for Covid-19. 24-Nov-2020: The Sun: Pins and Needles: David Beckham looks like a pin cushion with 25 needles sticking out of his leg as he shares acupuncture session Proof that price does not always equal competence: More needles does not produce a better result. In fact, the best acupuncturists try to achieve the maximum result with the minimum of intervention. 19-Nov-2020: The Print: Herbal teas made with sage, perilla leaves suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication, German study finds I don't usually report on Indian news but this is definitely newsworthy and the source paper comes from Germany. 12-Nov-2020: NY Times: Revisiting an Ancient Theory of Herbalism A discussion of the perseverance of the "doctrine of signatures" in ancient herbalism. In my opinion theories like these were and still function as mnemonics to help remember what herbs do, and perhaps in the past to give a guideline to working out what a new or foraged herb might do. However, there enough exceptions to the rule that it seems pretty clear that ancient people did not stick to it dogmatically when it was not working. 11-Nov-2020: Forbes: From Acupuncture To Sound Healing: The Alternative Therapies That Are Moving Online Herbs can be quite straightforward to move online, but not everyone is aware of how acupuncturists have been moving towards guided acupressure sessions. Not mentioned here is the option to stimulate points using oils that can be bought by the patient and used to stimulate points further. 30-Oct-2020: NY Times: Acupuncture Helped People With Back Pain Walk and Bend Better More research supporting acupuncture. 29-Oct-2020: Metro: Liam Gallagher heads out for bike ride after doctors advise him to stop jogging due to arthritis Liam also reveals that he manages the pain with acupuncture. 25-Oct-2020: The Conversation: The spooky and dangerous side of black licorice Article on the toxicity of licorice which is often overlooked since it is such a common sweetener. 13-Oct-2020: The Guardian: China still allowing use of pangolin scales in traditional medicine Not so much allowing as failing to enforce but sadly the illegal trade is continuing on an industrial scale and further efforts need to be applied. China can enforce things if they really want to, so its up to the rest of the world to put enough pressure on them to do so. 6-Oct-2020: BBC: 'Long Covid': Why are some people not recovering? Recovery from long term illness is where herbal medicine and acupuncture can play an important role. The alarming number of people struggling to recover from Covid suggest this may where traditional medicines can make a real difference. 24-Sep-2020: The Guardian: Man dies after eating bag of licorice every day for a few weeks Licorice is an important medicine in both Eastern and Western traditions but as with any medicine, irresponsible use can have adverse effects. Sadly too few licorice products warn about this. 20-Sep-2020: Coronavirus: WHO sets rules for testing African herbal remedies This could be the basis for testing on other herbal remedies worldwide. 17-Sep-2020: National Geographic: Pangolin scale seizures at all-time high in 2019, showing illegal trade still booming Sadly, despite bans by both the international community and China the trade continues illegally. 02-Sep-2020: The Conversation: This ancient Chinese anatomical atlas changes what we know about acupuncture and medical history 22-Aug-2020: The Mirror: Herbal remedies to help you with everything from stress levels to your sex life Short article on adaptogens and how they can help your life. 17-Aug-2020: NY Post: Acupuncture could help coronavirus patients, study says Acupuncture treated mice experienced better survival rates (40%) when experiencing a cytokine storm, than those who did not (20%). Those treated before the storm developed had even better survival rates (80%) supporting the classical principle to treat disease before it has emerged. Also covered by Harvard Medical School with the original article in Neuron. 16-Aug-2020: The Telegraph: Plant power: why demand for traditional herbal remedies is booming 4-Aug-2020: Newpapers respond to the NICE report from yesterday: The Telegraph: Chronic pain should be treated with acupuncture rather than opiates, new guidance suggests The Guardian: Painkillers such as aspirin 'do more harm than good' for chronic pain BBC News: Chronic pain: Antidepressants not painkillers recommended 3-Aug-2020: NICE: Commonly used treatments for chronic pain can do more harm than good and should not be used, says NICE in draft guidance New clinical guidelines by NICE suggest acupuncture and some exercises and psychological treatments as possible alternatives. 1-Jul-2020: BBC News: 'My business will close if I can't reopen soon' Complementary therapists using massage in pain relief are feeling the pressure after being told they cannot reopen in July. The issue of whether massage is a medical treatment or a luxury service is discussed and put to parliament. 29-Jun-2020: BBC News: Covid-19: China pushes traditional remedies amid outbreak Summarises and updates the methods used in China to control the outbreak and the controversy surrounding their attempts to export their findings to the world. 19-27-Jun-2020: YouTube: Part 1: "If Chinese Medicine is so Good Why Don't the Chinese Use It?" Some Surprising Info on Its Use Today Part 2: Ancient Acupuncture & Chinese medicine in the Modern World Part 3: What's Different About How a Skilled Chinese Medicine Doctor Thinks? A series of videos aimed at responding to critical news stories and educating people on the use, history and basic principles of Chinese medicine and why it is relevant today. 14-Jun-2020: Daily Mail: Barbarous trade in bones from captive lions for use in Chinese 'medicines', wines and jewellery could spark risk of new pandemic, warn experts I had not heard of lion bones in TCM, only tiger, but it seems that the illegal animal trade are breeding lions to slaughter as a cheaper alternative. 9-Jun-2020: The Guardian: China raises protection for pangolins by removing scales from medicine list A positive move in legislation. I hope they stick to it and can actually enforce it. 3-Jun-2020: The Guardian: Beijing draws up plans to outlaw criticism of traditional Chinese medicine Banning criticism only makes people wonder why it cannot stand up to criticism. Research it and use the evidence to adapt the system and respond to criticism. You will also end up with a more effective system of traditional medicine. 2-Jun-2020: BBC Travel: Taiwan's 2000-Year Old Knife Massage This was a new one on me but sounds interesting. 26-May-2020: The Guardian: 'This makes Chinese medicine look bad': TCM supporters condemn illegal wildlife trade Chinese medical experts weigh in on the wildlife debate, stating how it is not a part of official TCM and that Chinese medicine was founded on a deep respect for the balance of nature. The issue is with common superstition and the big businesses that thrive on it. 21-May-2020: Independent: Brazilans remote tribes in Amazon turn to tree bark and honey to treat coronavirus 16-May-2020: Independent: Coronavirus: Fears for threatened sun bear after China touts injecting bear bile in fight against virus Poachers inevitably cashing in on fears about corona and the Chinese government are not helping. There are compounds in bear bile that are being researched for medicinal value but we can produce synthetic alternatives and let the bears live in peace. 6-May-2020: Nature: China is promoting coronavirus treatments based on unproven traditional medicines A sceptical article on China's promotion of Chinese medicine abroad to assist with coronavirus. Herbs can have a role in prevention, mild cases and recuperation, for which we can draw on existing knowledge to help, but if herbs have a curative role, it is too early in the scientific investigation to tell. 4-May-2020: BBC News: Coronavirus: Tanzanian president promises to import Madagascar's 'cure' Made from Artemisia annua, a Chinese herb now used as the drug of choice in treating malaria. There is insufficient evidence it treats coronavirus to date. 4-May-2020: Forbes: Did The WHO's Endorsement Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Cause The COVID-19 Pandemic? Scathing article on China's treatment of animals valued for medicinal benefits. 20-Apr-2020: Express: Hair loss treatment: The ancient practice shown to stimulate hair growth Applies only to alopecia areata and involved tapping the skin with a dermal hammer to stimulate blood flow. 11-Apr-2020: Independent: 'Shut it down': Pressure piles on China to rethink relationship with wild animals as pandemic causes global chaos Covers the mounting worldwide criticism of China's "wet markets" and the use of wild animals to acquire medicinal ingredients. In this interview Prof. Peter Li discusses how China's infamous animal rights legacy is rooted in the cold and dominating ideals of Maoist communism which turned against the compassion and harmony promoted in Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. 11-Apr-2020: The Economist: China backs unproven treatments for covid-19 6-Apr-2020: BBC: Coronavirus: Putting the spotlight on the global wildlife trade One positive of the pandemic is that may force Asia to re-evaluate its attitude towards wildlife and bring a revival of Daoist concepts of living in harmony with nature, instead of living to harvest it. 6-Apr-2020: Business Standard: Coronavirus: Traditional Chinese medicines and the Ayurveda connection The Ayurveda connection is a bit tentative, besides the fact that many Chinese herbs are also used in Ayurveda. 05-Apr-2020: NBC News: China is encouraging herbal remedies to treat COVID-19. But scientists warn against it. Edzard Ernst gives his usual knee-jerk reaction but includes a few other more balanced criticisms and mention of Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules being sent to Italy and Shu Feng Jie Du capsules, another patent remedy used for acute upper respiratory tract infections. 26-Mar-2020: National Geographic: China promotes bear bile as coronavirus treatment, alarming wildlife advocates Despite the pandemic most likely coming from the use of wild animals in Chinese medicine, the Chinese appear not to have learned their lesson and chosen to fight fire with fire. 26-Mar-2020: BBC News: Coronavirus: Pangolins found to carry related strains Further evidence that the pandemic may have come from illegal trade in wild animals for medicinal purposes. 20-Mar-2020: Daily Mail: Beat the coronavirus with your body energy: TCM experts advise people to stay away from humid areas and practise Tai Chi during the pandemic 19-Mar-2020: AP News: Li Yu, Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine Lianhua Qingwen Plays an Important Role in Fighting Against COVID-19 Refers to Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsules that were used against SARS and are now being deployed against coronavirus. 18-Mar-2020: CGTN: New Yorkers turn to traditional Chinese medicine to help avoid COVID-19 A television report into the upsurge of demand for Chinese herbs in New York amid the coronavirus pandemic. 14-Mar-2020: CNN: Beijing is promoting traditional medicine as a 'Chinese solution' to coronavirus. Not everyone is on board Includes reference to a Lung Clearing and Detoxifying Soup being promoted by TCM hospitals for coronavirus. 9-Mar-2020: New York Post: Demand for Chinese herbs, acupuncture spikes amid coronavirus outbreak 16-Feb-2020: Daily Mail: Chinese scientists 'are using 2,000-year-old traditional remedies on patients suffering with coronavirus' say experts Containing another reference to Shuang Huang Lian Oral Liquid and particularly highlighting Forsythia fruit as a potential remedy. 15-Feb-2020: Nature: More than 80 clinical trials launch to test coronavirus treatments Covering how western scientists are training Chinese clinical trial operators in proper experimental procedure so they can test both modern and traditional remedies against coronavirus. 13-Feb-2020: BBC News: Cannabis oil products "could be off the shelves in a year" Chinese medicine has used cannabis for thousands of years, apparently selectively bred for low THC while maintaining CBD levels demonstrated by the decline in psychoactive effects being mentioned as history progresses (Brand and Zhao, 2017). 11-Feb-2020: Independent: Coronavirus: Illegal wildlife traders cash in on virus by selling 'cures' of horn from endangered rhinos Of course, it does nothing but endanger the species, create a trafficking trade that uses the desperately poor as mules who are paid from the wallets of those fearful enough to buy it. 11-Feb-2020: Deutche Welle: Coronavirus: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine help fight the disease? Includes some suggestions for herbs and formulas being recommended to medical staff to prevent infection including Gui Zhi Tang, Fu Ling and Bai Zhu, and the reaction of skeptics. 8-Feb-2020: The Guardian: Pangolins might have spread Coronavirus to Humans Pangolin scales (Chuan Shan Jia) are an endangered Chinese medicine so if true this might lead to the government finally protecting these animals properly. 7-Feb-2020: Metro: No, 'anti-viral essential oils' probably won't stop you getting ill Acknowledges that they can be useful in alleviating symptoms, but cannot actually kill viruses or stop them spreading. 2-Feb-2020: Washington Post: Kimchi, cow poop and other spurious coronavirus remedies Another article on remedies that are being suggested across Asia for the coronavirus outbreak, including China, India and Korea. 1-Feb-2020: CNN: A traditional Chinese remedy said to help fight Wuhan coronavirus sparks skepticism -- and panic buying Chinese Academy of Sciences endorses Shuang Huang Lian Oral Liquid to help inhibit Coronavirus, sparking panic buying despite warnings against gathering in large numbers and that inhibition is not the same as prevention or cure. 29-Jan-2020: Magic mushroom compound provides anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects lasting years, study finds Evidence continues to mount for the therapeutic potential of psilocybin mushrooms after a 4 year follow up in the Journal of Psychopharmacology 34(2) finds continued benefits. 24-Jan-2020: Forbes: Medicare Will Now Pay For Acupuncture In Part Due To Opioid Abuse 22-Jan-2020: BBC: Scientists discover 'why stress turns hair white' Despite the tragedy of making so many mice suffer for our vanity, this study sheds light on how the stress management strategies of Chinese medicine may help keep us looking young. He Shou Wu, a herb said to prevent whitening of hair, was found to inhibit the protein responsible by Ling and Wu (2016). 22-Jan-2020: Independent: Magic mushrooms and LSD give sustained boost in mood after recreational use, study concludes Further evidence that magic mushrooms may be an important tool in the treatment of depression, reconnecting us to our emotions instead of disconnecting us from them like most antidepressants do. Original Article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Jan 2020, 201918477; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918477117M. 21-Jan-2020: BBC: Cancer patient trial finds acupuncture lessens chemotherapy neuropathy No published paper on this yet but the original press releases from The Christie NHS Trust can be found here and here. 12-Jan-2020: National Geographic: Nature's Prescriptions Article on the importance and issues surrounding natural medicines following up the Healing Remedies special edition released in December 2018. 9-Jan-2020: Yale Environment 360: Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health Connection with nature lies at the heart of Chinese medicine and this technique is demonstrating a number of mental and physical health benefits. 8-Jan-2020: BBC: The medications that change who we are Some research that demonstrates a Chinese medical principle: drugs designed to act on our bodies may also have unanticipated effects on our minds as well.