Yellow leaves symbolising recovery by acupuncture from Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis – how acupuncture and herbs integrate to heal

Liver fibrosis occurs when proteins such as collagen begin to build up excessively around liver cells. This process often develops as a result of chronic liver diseases of various kinds like fatty liver.

For a long time, science viewed liver fibrosis as an irreversible condition. However, recent research suggests that this may not be the case.

Acupuncture has been increasingly recognised for its potential in treating chronic liver conditions, and naturally, we’re curious about its role in liver fibrosis. Interestingly, both acupuncture and curcumin — the active compound in turmeric — have attracted considerable attention from researchers in recent years.

A study by Xiao-Ping Zhang and colleagues, published in the peer-reviewed journal Acupuncture in Medicine, explored how these two traditional therapies might work together to combat liver fibrosis. Their findings were remarkable: acupuncture significantly enhanced curcumin’s effects on liver fibrosis at the cellular level.

The researchers observed key biochemical changes, noting that the combination of acupuncture and curcumin disrupted the PDGF-βR/ERK signalling pathway and promoted the breakdown of the extracellular matrix — both crucial mechanisms in reducing fibrotic tissue formation.

This study provides a fascinating example of how acupuncture and herbal medicine can complement one another, amplifying each other’s therapeutic benefits.

In summary, the dynamic combination of acupuncture and curcumin represents an exciting frontier in liver fibrosis research. While more studies, particularly human trials, are needed to confirm these effects beyond animal models, this research offers valuable molecular insights into how these traditional therapies might one day help prevent or treat liver fibrosis.

Reference:
Zhang X-P et al. Acupuncture combined with curcumin disrupts platelet-derived growth factor-β receptor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signalling and stimulates extracellular matrix degradation in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Acupuncture in Medicine. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010167

Eczema children TCM

Chinese medicine relieves eczema in children

Researchers from Hong Kong confirmed that Chinese medicine effectively relieves eczema in children.

42 kids who took Chinese medicine had their eczema improved and their use of corticosteroids was reduced. Another 43 kids suffering from eczema took a placebo did not observe the same effect.

The paper was published in the August issue of the British Journal of Dermatology.

The Chinese medicine (five herbs) used to relieve eczema were:

  • Flos lonicerae (Jinyinhua),
  • Herba menthae (Bohe),
  • Cortex moutan (Danpi),
  • Rhizoma atractylodis (Cangzhu)
  • Cortex phellodendri (Huangbai).
Insulin resistance bitter melon

Diabetes – bitter melon increases insulin secretion by 160%

Bitter melon, a unique and delicious vegetable enjoyed by many in China, offers an array of healing properties. Apart from its ability to lower blood sugar levels and exhibit anti-cancer effects, recent research has shed light on its potential benefits for diabetes sufferers.

Boosting Insulin Production by 160%:

Chinese scientists have discovered that bitter melon can significantly enhance insulin production, increasing it by an impressive 160%. Additionally, it may even repair pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

Optimising the Benefits:

It’s important to note that likely these remarkable benefits may only be partially utilised by simply consuming traditional dishes made with bitter melon. To truly unlock its potential, the melon should be dried and decocted (cooked) in a traditional manner.

Conclusion:

For individuals battling diabetes, the discovery of bitter melon’s ability to boost insulin production and repair pancreatic cells is promising news. By incorporating this powerful fruit into their diet, diabetes sufferers can benefit from its natural and health-boosting properties. Just remember, to reap the full rewards, bitter melon should be dried and decocted in the traditional way.