Finally. For more information contact Kate Henderson MS, LAc at acupuncture@centerforsw.com.

After I looked in the mirror this morning and was shocked by the few gray hairs reflecting back in my scalp, I asked the internet what is the most important supplements to take to help prevent or reverse gray hair. This is what I found.

Vitamin B12 is involved in the health of melanocytes that are responsible for hair color. Now it’s not shown to reverse gray hair but it can help stop more gray by nourishing these cells.

Zinc is an essential trace element. It inhibits the enzyme procactin that naturally increases with age. Procactin yields harmful DHT, shrinking the follicles causing hair loss in both men and women. Zinc deficiency not only produces problems with hair loss, but also with changes in the scalp. The scalp may become too dry or flaky and may often times be irritated because of the lack of nutrients. Study shows that zinc has been shown to be effective in stopping hair from turning gray. Even when hair is already gray or becoming thinner and balding, zinc can reverse the effects when taken in proper amounts.

Also:
The vitamins considered useful in guarding against premature graying of hair are pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of para-aminobenzoic acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-graying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yogurt daily and a tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in addition to the yeast and yogurt, and not as a substitute for them.

Hair, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, reflects the quality of blood and the strength of the kidneys. The kidneys and blood have a broader role in TCM than they do in Western physiology. So avoid foods that cause excess uric acid like meat, dairy, fructose, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Foods that are thought to strengthen the blood and kidneys are:
Hijiki seaweed
Blackstrap molasses
Black sesame seeds
Nettles
Wheat grass
Chlorophyll

In Ayurveda, hair is associated with an imbalance in the pitta constitutional type. An imbalance in the vata constitutional type, aggravated by stress, is also associated with premature greying.

A herb that is used in Ayurveda for gray hair is called bringaraja, translated as “king of the hair”. It is taken by mouth to support the liver and kidney energies, however, there aren’t any studies on the safety or effectiveness of this herb. It is also an ingredient in Ayurvedic hair oils and tonics, which are applied topically to the scalp.

Another popular Ayurvedic herb is called amla. It is used for inflammatory conditions, to strengthen eyes, and to address prematurely gray hair.

Study finds it superior to usual care.
By Tina Beychok

There seems to be no question that Americans spend a great deal of money dealing with back pain. According to research, we spend at least $37 billion annually on medical care for back pain. Furthermore, the economy suffers another $19.8 billion in lost worker productivity due to back pain.

In response to this, there has been extensive research on the use of acupuncture for treating back pain. A 2008 literature review concluded that there was “strong evidence” for the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional therapy for lower back pain. Now, a new study published in the May 11, 2009 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine has added even further to the literature on the value of acupuncture in treating back pain.

Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD, and colleagues examined a group of 638 patients suffering from back pain to determine not only if acupuncture is superior to usual care for treating back pain, but to see if needle insertion at individualized points is the mechanism of action by which acupuncture works best. A total of 10 acupuncture treatments was provided over the course of eight weeks.

The researchers started by dividing the patients into four groups:
Individualized acupuncture: This treatment was prescribed by the diagnostician at the beginning of each visit. There were no constraints on number of needles, depth of insertion or needle manipulation. Needles were retained for 18 minutes. Seventy-four distinct points were used.
Continue reading Acupuncture Found Effective for Back Pain

Circadian comes from the combination of circle (circa) of one day (diem). All organs in the body are staggered time wise as they reach peak performance and wind down 12 hours later to shift focus of their energy on their own regeneration. This chart shows the lull pattern of the organs. Organs may show problems or pathologies more clearly at these times during the day. For instance, if you are stirred awake at 3am your body may be telling you to get your lungs checked out. Do it. You may be surprised by how chatty your body can be.