The GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA of AlTERNATIVE MEDICINE SECOND EDITION The GALE of Alternative MEDICINE ENCYCLOPEDIA SECOND EDITION VOLUME A-C JACQUELINE L LONGE, PROJECT EDITOR The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Second Edition Project Editor Jacqueline L Longe Rights Acquisition Management Margaret Abendroth, Ann Taylor Composition and Electronic Prepress Evi Seoud, Mary Beth Trimper Editorial Deirdre S Blanchfield, Laurie Fundukian, Erin Watts Imaging Randy Bassett, Lezlie Light, Dan W Newell, Robyn V Young Manufacturing Wendy Blurton, Dorothy Maki Editorial Support Services Andrea Lopeman Product Design Michelle DiMercurio, Tracey Rowens ©2005 Thomson Gale, a part of The Thomson Corporation This publication is a creative work fully protected by all applicable copyright laws, as well as by misappropriation, trade secret, unfair condition, and other applicable laws The authors and editors of this work have added value to the underlying factual material herein through one or more of 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: alk paper) ISBN 0-7876-7426-5 (v : alk paper) ISBN 0-7876-7427-3 (v : alk paper) ISBN 0-7876-7428-1 (v : alk paper) Alternative medicine Encyclopedias [DNLM: Complementary Therapies Encyclopedias English Internal Medicine-Encyclopedias English WB 13 G1507 2005] I Title: Encyclopedia of alternative medicine II Longe, Jacqueline L R733.G34 2005 615.5'03 dc22 2004022502 This title is also available as an e-book ISBN 7876-9396-0 (set) Contact your Gale sales representative for ordering information ISBN 0-7876-7424-9(set) 0-7876-7425-7 (Vol 1) 0-7876-7426-5 (Vol 2) 0-7876-7427-3 (Vol 3) 0-7876-7428-1 (Vol 4) Printed in the United States of America 10 CONTENTS List of Entries vii About the Encyclopedia xvii Advisory Board xix Contributors xxi Entries Volume 1: A-C Volume 2: D-K 523 Volume 3: L-R 1029 Volume 4: S-Z 1523 Organizations 2199 Glossary 2225 General Index 2293 GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE V LIST OF ENTRIES A Abscess Acidophilus Acne Aconite Acupressure Acupuncture Ademetionine Adie’s pupil African pygeum Agastache Aging AIDS Alcoholism Alexander technique Alfalfa Alisma Allergies Allium cepa Aloe Alpha-hydroxy Alzheimer’s disease Amino acids Andrographis Androstenedione Anemarrhena Anemia Angelica root Angina Anise Ankylosing spondylitis Anorexia nervosa Anthroposophical medicine Antioxidants Anxiety Apis Apitherapy Appendicitis Applied kinesiology Apricot seed Arginine Arnica Aromatherapy Arrowroot Arsenicum album Art therapy Ashwaganda Asthma Astigmatism Aston-Patterning Astragalus Atherosclerosis Athlete’s foot Atkins diet Atractylodes (white) Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Aucklandia Auditory integration training Aura therapy Auriculotherapy Autism Ayurvedic medicine B Bad breath Balm of Gilead Barberry Barley grass GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Bates method Bayberry Bedsores Bedwetting Bee pollen Behavioral optometry Behavioral therapy Belladonna Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyric acid Beta carotene Betaine hydrochloride Bhakti yoga Bilberry Binge eating disorder Biofeedback Bioflavonoids Biota Biotin Bipolar disorder Bird flu Bites and stings Bitter melon Bitters Black cohosh Black currant seed oil Black haw Black walnut Black cumin seed extract Bladder cancer Bladder infection Blessed thistle Blisters Blood poisoning Blood clots Bloodroot VII List of Entries Blue cohosh Body odor Boils Bone spurs Bonemeal Boneset Borage oil Boron Boswellia Botanical medicine Breast cancer Breastfeeding problems Breath therapy Breema Brewer’s yeast Bromelain Bronchitis Bruises Bruxism Bryonia Buchu Buckthorn Bugleweed Bulimia nervosa Bunions Burdock root Burns Bursitis Butcher’s broom Buteyko C Cadmium poisoning Caffeine Calcarea carbonica Calcium Calendula Cancer Cancer treatments, biological Candidiasis Canker sores Cantharis Carnitine Carotenoids Carpal tunnel syndrome VIII Cartilage supplements Castor oil Cat’s claw Cataracts Catnip Cayce systems Cayenne Celiac disease Cell therapy Cell salt therapy Cellulite Cerebral vascular insufficiency Cerebral palsy Cervical dysplasia Chakra balancing Chamomile Charcoal, activated Chasteberry tree Chelated minerals Chelation therapy Chemical poisoning Cherry bark Chickenpox Chickweed Chicory Childbirth Childhood nutrition Chills Chinese massage Chinese system of food cures Chinese thoroughwax Chinese yam Chinese foxglove root Chiropractic Chlamydia Chlorella Cholesterol Chondroitin Christian Science healing Chromium Chronic fatigue syndrome Chrysanthemum flower Chymotrypsin Cicada Cinnamon bark Cirrhosis Cnidium seeds Codonopsis root Coenzyme Q10 Coix Cold sores Coleus Colic Colloidal silver Colonic irrigation Color therapy Colorectal cancer Colostrum Coltsfoot Comfrey Common cold Conjunctivitis Constipation Contact dermatitis Copper Coptis Cordyceps Corns and calluses Cornsilk Cornus Corydalis Cotton root bark Cough Cradle cap Cramp bark Cranberry Craniosacral therapy Creatine Crohn’s disease Croup Crystal healing Cupping Curanderismo Cuscuta Cuts and scratches Cymatic therapy Cyperus D Damiana Dance therapy Dandelion Dandruff GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE E Ear infection Earache Echinacea Eczema Edema Elder Electroacupuncture Elimination diet Emphysema Endometriosis Energy medicine Environmental therapy Enzyme therapy Ephedra Epididymitis Epilepsy Epimedium Essential fatty acids Essential oils Essiac tea Eucalyptus Eucommia bark Evening primrose oil Evodia fruit Exercise Eyebright F Facial massage Fasting Fatigue Feldenkrais Feng shui Fennel Fenugreek Ferrum phosphoricum Fever Feverfew Fibrocystic breast disease Fibromyalgia Fish oil 5-HTP Flaxseed Flower remedies Fo ti Folic acid Food poisoning Foxglove Fractures French green clay Fritillaria Frostbite and frostnip Fungal infections List of Entries Deglycyrrhizanated licorice Dementia Depression Dermatitis Detoxification Devil’s claw DHEA Diabetes mellitus Diamond diet Diaper rash Diarrhea Diathermy Diets Digestive enzymes Diverticulitis Dizziness Dolomite Dong quai Dry mouth Dyslexia Dysmenorrhea Gelsemium Genital herpes Genital warts Gentiana Geriatric massage Gerson therapy Ginger Ginkgo biloba Ginseng, American Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Siberian Glaucoma Glucosamine Glutamine Glutathione Goldenrod Goldenseal Gonorrhea Gotu kola Gout Grains-of-paradise fruit Grape skin Grape seed extract Grapefruit seed extract Green tea Guggul Guided imagery Gulf War syndrome Gum disease Gymnema H G Gallstones Gamma-linoleic acid Gangrene Ganoderma Gardenia Garlic Gas Gastritis Gastrodia Gastroenteritis GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Hair loss Hangover Hatha yoga Hawthorn Hay fever Headache Hearing loss Heart disease Heart attack Heartburn Heavy metal poisoning Heel spurs Hellerwork IX List of Entries Hemorrhoids Hepar sulphuris Hepatitis Herbalism, Western Herbalism, traditional Chinese Herniated disk Hiatal hernia Hibiscus Hiccups High sensitivity C reactive protein test High-fiber diet Hives Hodgkin’s disease Holistic dentistry Holistic medicine Homeopathy Homeopathy, acute prescribing Homeopathy, constitutional prescribing Honeysuckle Hops Horehound Horse chestnut Horsetail Hot flashes Humor therapy Huna Hydrotherapy Hypercortisolemia Hyperopia Hyperparathyroidism Hypertension Hyperthermia Hyperthyroidism Hypnotherapy Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism Hyssop I Iceland moss Ignatia Immuno-augmentation therapy Impetigo Impotence Indigestion X Infant massage Infections Infertility Inflammatory bowel disease Influenza Ingrown nail Insomnia Insulin resistance Iodine Ipecac Ipriflavone Iridology Iron Irritable bowel syndrome Ischemia Itching J Jaundice Jet lag Jock itch Jojoba oil Journal therapy Juice therapies Juniper Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis K Kali bichromicum Kampo medicine Kaposi’s sarcoma Kava kava Kegel exercises Kelley-Gonzalez diet Kelp Kidney stones Kidney infections Kirlian photography Knee pain Kneipp wellness Kola nut Kombucha Kudzu L Labyrinth walking Lachesis Lacto-ovo vegetarianism Laryngitis Lavender Lazy eye Lead poisoning Learning disorders Lecithin Ledum Lemon balm Lemongrass Leukemia Lice infestation Licorice Light therapy Linoleic acid Livingston-Wheeler therapy Lobelia Lomatium Lomilomi Lou Gehrig’s disease Low back pain Lung cancer Lutein Lycium fruit Lycopene Lycopodium Lyme disease Lymphatic drainage Lysimachia Lysine M Macrobiotic diet Macular degeneration Magnesium Magnetic therapy Magnolia Maitake Malaria Malignant lymphoma Manganese GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE N Narcolepsy Native American medicine Natrum muriaticum Natural hygiene diet Natural hormone replacement therapy Naturopathic medicine Nausea Neck pain Neem Nettle Neural therapy Neuralgia Neurolinguistic programming Niacin Night blindness Noni Nosebleeds Notoginseng root Nutmeg Nutrition Nux vomica O Oak Obesity Obsessive-compulsive disorder Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-6 fatty acids Ophiopogon Oregano essential oil Ornish diet Ortho-bionomy Orthomolecular medicine Osha Osteoarthritis Osteopathy Osteoporosis Ovarian cancer Ovarian cysts Oxygen/Ozone therapy P Pain Paleolithic diet GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE List of Entries Marijuana Marsh mallow Martial arts Massage therapy McDougall diet Measles Meditation Mediterranean diet Medium-chain triglycerides Melatonin Memory loss Meniere’s disease Meningitis Menopause Menstruation Mercurius vivus Mesoglycan Metabolic therapies Methionine Mexican yam Migraine headache Milk thistle Mind/Body medicine Mistletoe Mononucleosis Morning sickness Motherwort Motion sickness Movement therapy Moxibustion MSM Mugwort leaf Mullein Multiple chemical sensitivity Multiple sclerosis Mumps Muscle spasms and cramps Music therapy Myopia Myotherapy Myrrh Panchakarma Pancreatitis Panic disorder Pantothenic acid Parasitic infections Parkinson’s disease Parsley Passionflower Past-life therapy Pau d’arco Pelvic inflammatory disease Pennyroyal Peppermint Peripheral neuropathy Periwinkle Pet therapy Phlebitis Phobias Phosphorus Pilates Pinched nerve Pine bark extract Pinellia Pityriasis rosea Placebo effect Plantain Pleurisy Pneumonia Polarity therapy Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress disorder Potassium Pranic healing Prayer and spirituality Pregnancy Pregnancy massage Premenstrual syndrome Prickly heat Prickly pear cactus Pritikin diet Probiotics Prolotherapy Prostate enlargement Prostate cancer Psoriasis Psychoneuroimmunology Psychophysiology Psychosomatic medicine XI List of Entries Psychotherapy Psyllium Pulsatilla Pulse diagnosis Pyridoxine Russian massage Ruta S Q Qigong Quan yin R Rabies Radiation injuries Radiesthesia Radionics Rashes Raspberry Raynaud’s syndrome Red cedar Red clover Red yeast rice extract Reflexology Reiki Reishi mushroom Relaxation Rescue Remedy Restless leg syndrome Retinal detachment Retinopathy Rheumatic fever Rheumatoid arthritis Rhinitis Rhubarb root Rhus toxicodendron Riboflavin Rolfing Rosacea Rose hip Rosemary Rosen method Royal jelly Rubella Rubenfeld synergy XII Safflower flower Saffron Sage Saliva sample testing Sargassum seaweed Sassafras Saw palmetto Scabies Scallion Scarlet fever Schisandra Schizophrenia Sciatica Scoliosis Seasonal affective disorder Selenium Senior nutrition Senna Sensory deprivation Sensory integration disorder Sepia Sesame oil Sexual dysfunction Shamanism Sheep sorrel Shiatsu Shiitake mushroom Shin splints Shingles Shintaido Sick building syndrome Sickle cell anemia Silica Sinus infection Sjögren’s syndrome Skin cancer Skullcap Sleep apnea Sleep disorders Slippery elm Smoking Sneezing Snoring Sodium Somatics Sore throat Sound therapy South Beach diet Soy protein Spearmint Spinal manipulative therapy Spirulina Sports massage Sprains and strains Squawvine St John’s wort Staphylococcal infections Sties Stomachaches Stone massage Strep throat Stress Stroke Substance abuse and dependence Sulfur Suma Sun’s soup Sunburn Swedish massage Sweet clover Swimmer’s ear Syntonic optometry Syphilis Systemic lupus erythematoses T T’ai chi Tangerine peel Tea tree oil Teenage nutrition Teething problems Temporomandibular joint syndrome Tendinitis Tennis elbow Tetanus Thai massage GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PERIODICALS Peppercorn, Mark A., and Susannah K Gordon “Making Sense of a Mystery Ailment: Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Harvard Health Letter 22, no (December 1996): 4+ Sachar, David “Maintenance Strategies in Crohn’s Disease.” Hospital Practice 31, no (January 15, 1996): 99+ Karpa, Kelly Dowhower “Crohn’s disease patients find new relief from old drug.” Drug Topics 145, no 21 (November 5, 2001): 16; ORGANIZATIONS Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc 386 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-8804 (800) 932-2423 Paula Ford–Martin Teresa G Odle Croup Definition Croup is a common ailment of early childhood involving inflammation of the larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs The condition is characterized by a harsh, barking cough, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing Description Croup is most likely to be found in children between the ages of three months to six years Most incidences occur during the cold weather seasons Spasmodic croup is usually mild and may be due to bacterial infection or allergies For the most part, the child will not have a fever Viral croup, also called laryngotracheobronchitis, is more severe and is often accompanied by fever Both types follow a very similar course, which depends on the severity of the illness In many instances, a child may have had a cold or the flu just before the onset of croup symptoms These symptoms tend to come on very suddenly It is not uncommon for a child with croup to waken in the middle of the night coughing violently and gasping for breath In fact, the croup symptoms will usually be worse at night and get better during the day GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Causes & symptoms During the immune system response to an infection or an allergic reaction, the respiratory passages become swollen, and they are congested with mucus and fluid They also become more and more irritated There is a great deal of coughing, and the child may become hoarse The airways are narrowed, and the breathing is difficult and noisy This leads to the characteristic symptom of stridor, or noisy aspiration, as the child attempts to draw in air through narrowed passages The constriction of these airways is usually accompanied by a highpitched cough, often described as sounding like the bark of a seal Diagnosis Diagnosis of croup is primarily based on a good history taken by the health care provider, including the physical symptoms of the illness, the presentation of the illness, and its progression If a physical exam is performed, it will probably include listening with a stethoscope for the breathing sounds which are characteristic of croup When the symptoms appear to be severe, or the history suggests it, x rays may be taken to rule out epiglottitis (infection of the epiglottis) or aspiration of a foreign body, which are emergency situations Treatment Supportive measures Most treatment can be done at home, using relaxing and supportive measures to relieve symptoms Steam inhalation is quite helpful in this respect A cool-mist humidifier is recommended, as a hot vaporizer is often hazardous, especially around young children One of the best ways to produce a lot of moist air in a short time, is to make use of the bathroom shower The procedure is to close the bathroom door and turn on the cool water shower faucet full blast Then the child can be a held while seated on a chair or the closed commode, breathing in steam as it fills the room This can be done for up to 15 minutes, and often brings instant relief from congestion Cool air seems to relax and soothe the respiratory system Therefore, taking a car ride with the window rolled will sometimes effect good results in reducing the coughing associated with croup There is a strong possibility of dehydration due to the illness Increasing fluid intake as much as possible and insuring plenty of rest will enhance immune functioning, helping the body to help itself In addition, smoking should be prohibited within the house 571 Croup Long, James W The Essential Guide to Chronic Illness New York: HarperPerennial, 1997 Saibil, Fred Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 1997 Croup To help ease croup, apply pressure for one minute to these acupressure points At left, use gentle pressure on the point in the center of the baby’s chest, midway between the nipples At right, ease coughing by applying pressure about a half inch below the large hollow under the collarbone, on the outer part of the chest near the shoulder (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group The Gale Group.) Herbs Respiratory herbs can be used to soothe swollen and irritated tissues, reduce inflammation, and gently loosen and expel mucus The following herbs should be given three times per day diluted in water or other liquids until symptoms are gone: • Grindelia spp., gum weed, 1-2 ml • Sambucus nigra, elder flowers, 2-4 ml • Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, 1-3 ml • Verbascum thapsus, mullein, 2-4ml • Astragalus senticocosus, 2-4 ml (This herb is an immune system stimulant and should be given as a preventative for those who have chronic bouts of croup.) Slippery elm bark can also be taken, as it is soothing to the throat Homeopathy ly if the breathing sounds as if wood were being sawed Alternately, try Hepar sulphuris, indicated by a mucusfilled cough Give a dosage of 12X or 30C every 30 minutes until the child is able to fall asleep Allopathic treatment In most cases, croup can be easily and successfully treated at home However, if the symptoms become severe, the child will need to be seen by a physician Prompt medical attention is needed if: • The child’s fever goes up to 104°F (39.9°C) • The child seems pale or bluish around the mouth or fingernails • The child refuses all liquids or can’t swallow • The child is drooling a great deal • The child’s breathing becomes increasingly rapid or difficult Aconite is the most favored remedy to use for croup If it does not work, Spongia can be tried, especial- Severe cases may warrant the use of inhalants, such as epinephrine, to reduce swelling and give the child easier 572 GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE If a child is hospitalized for further observation or treatment, intravenous (IV) fluids may be given to reduce dehydration In a few very severe cases, a tube has to be inserted through the nose or mouth (intubation) to keep the airway passage open for breathing There is a slight risk of injury to the respiratory system during the introduction and the removal of the tube Expected results Croup ordinarily lasts three to seven days Most cases are mild and gradually improve with care Some children have recurring bouts with croup, but they usually outgrow this by seven years of age It is important to monitor a child with croup throughout the night An adult should probably consider sleeping or resting nearby If the child is having a serious struggle with breathing, emergency services should be contacted immediately This means either calling 911 or making a trip to the nearest emergency room Hospital visits are necessary in about one to 15% of the reported cases of croup Prevention Croup is generally the result of an infectious disease Avoiding exposure to others with respiratory infections is the best way to avoid getting croup Children should be taught to maintain good hygiene practices such as not eating food from the silverware or dishes of others and washing their hands Care should be taken with colds and the flu so that there is no progression to symptoms of croup In general, an adequate intake of vitamins A and C, bioflavonoids, and zinc can help to prevent the respiratory infections and allergic reactions that lead to croup Resources BOOKS Bunch, Bryan, ed The Family Encyclopedia of Diseases: a Complete and Concise Guide to Illnesses and Symptoms New York: Scientific Publishing, Inc., 1999 The Editors of Time-Life Books The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, Inc., 1997 KEY TERMS Aspiration—Accidental inhaling of an object such as food into the airway passages This is dangerous, in that it may cause obstruction and difficulty breathing Corticosteroid—A hormonal drug that acts on the immune system to control inflammation and swelling Epiglottitis—A serious bacterial infection that can develop rapidly and lead to airway obstruction Epinephrine—A hormonal drug used chiefly to stimulate to the heart Inflammation—Reaction by body tissues to infection or injury Usually the area will be hot, red, painful, and swollen due to the immune response Intravenous fluids—In cases of immediate need for hydration, nourishment, or medicine, a needle with tubing is inserted directly into the vein Intubation—A procedure in which a flexible tube is carefully passed down the throat to keep the breathing passage open Stridor—A noisy wheezing sound during breathing that may indicate an airway obstruction “Croup” Merck & Co., Inc http://www.merck.com “Croup and Your Young Child” American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org (2000) Patience Paradox Crystal healing Definition A crystal is a mineral that is nearly transparent and colorless or has a slight color Practitioners of crystal healing believe that crystals, particularly quartz crystals such as amethyst or clear quartz, contain energy that enhances healing of both body and mind They believe that crystals can be “charged” with this healing energy, in a manner similar to the charging of a flashlight battery The charged crystal can then be used to alter the energy patterns in the person receiving treatment Some crystal healers also say that arrowheads and other stones can be used to diagnose illness OTHER “Childhood Infections” The Nemours Foundation http://kidshealth.org (1999) “The Common Cold” Natural Medicine Online http://www nat-med.com (2000) Aboriginal, shamanistic cultures throughout the world, including Native Americans and the Inuit of GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 573 Origins Crystal healing breathing Inhalants have limited effectiveness over time, and care must be taken to avoid undesirable side effects Oxygen may also be administered in more severe cases Corticosteroids are given to decrease pain and swelling Crystal healing Woman experiencing crystal healing (© Chris Lisle/Corbis Reproduced by permission) northern Canada, have long believed in the healing properties of semiprecious and precious stones These views were further developed and widely popularized during the late twentieth century by New Age healers Benefits Crystal healing is used to enhance healing of a wide range of physical and mental ailments For example, amethyst is said to be useful against acne, atacamite against venereal diseases, agate against ulcers, and lapis lazuli against stroke symptoms Crystals may also be used to counter environmental hazards such as electromagnetic radiation, food additives, and polluted air and water They are thought by some to minimize the detrimental effects of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol In addition, some practitioners use crystals before and after surgery to minimize trauma Description Although its effectiveness is disputed, crystal healing is generally safe and inexpensive Crystals are used in a wide variety of ways The best results are said to occur when both the patient and the healer are holding crystals The healer may hold a stone in one hand while using the 574 other to touch the body part in need of healing Crystals may also be worn as pendants (this is said to be particularly effective in treating thymus gland problems) Appropriate stones can be selected, healers say, by simply picking up various crystals and determining which ones seem to harmonize with the frequencies of the patient’s body This may be indicated by a feeling of warmth or tingling Some healers work solely with crystals while others combine them with aura or chakra work Preparations Numerous techniques are used to prepare crystals before therapeutic use One such technique is clearing, which involves using an invocation to remove negative emotional energy from the stone Another method is cleansing, which is said to maintain the crystal’s existing energy level but converts negative energy to positive This may be accomplished by immersing the stone for a minimum of 24 hours in dry salt or saline solution Crystals can also be charged, like a battery, by exposing them to running water, magnets, sunlight, moonlight, pyramids, fire, laser light, or living animals, birds, fish, or plants Some practitioners attempt to charge stones by putting them near a mother who is giving birth, or someGALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Aura—A person’s vital energy field; the energies are said to be seen as colors and represent states of being Halos have been considered a type of aura Chakra—A theoretical rotating wheel of energy within the body, believed to cause illness when out of alignment Placebo effect—The tendency of an ineffective therapy to benefit a patient who believes in the healing ability of the therapy one who is dying Crystals have been wrapped in a newborn’s placenta, then given to the child seven years later Gem stones that have been near meteorite fragments, earthquakes, volcanoes, or trees struck by lightening are also highly valued for healing properties Some healers believe that healing crystals can be programmed with human thoughts This may be done by placing a crystal against the forehead, then visualizing a desired outcome Precautions Crystal healing is largely viewed as an enhancement to other therapies It should not be used exclusively in cases of serious illness Side effects There are few, if any, proven side effects to crystal healing Research & general acceptance Medical professionals place little credence in crystal therapy, attributing any observed benefits to placebo effect Their skepticism stems from a lack of scientific evidence for the healing effects of crystals, and from differences of opinion among practitioners about how the therapy actually works BOOKS Elsbeth, Marguerite Crystal Medicine St Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 1997 ORGANIZATIONS The International Association of Crystal Healing Therapists P.O Box 344, Manchester, M60 2EZ, United Kingdom Telephone: (UK) 01200-426061 Fax: (UK) 01200444776 info@iacht.co.uk http://www.iacht.co.uk/ David Helwig Cupping Definition Cupping is a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for certain health conditions Glass or bamboo cups are placed on the skin with suction, which is believed to influence the flow of energy and blood in the body Cupping should not be confused with the percussive technique in Swedish massage called “cupping” or “clapping.” Origins Cupping was originally called “horn therapy” in ancient China, but variations of it have been used in Turkey, Greece, France, Italy, and Eastern Europe Cupping has a long history of use in acupuncture practice and has been combined with bloodletting, but it is a therapy in its own right There are specialist cupping practitioners in Japan Benefits Cupping is a safe, non-invasive, and inexpensive technique It is used by practitioners of Chinese medicine to treat colds, lung infections, and problems in the internal organs It is also used to treat muscle and joint pain and spasms, particularly in the back Cupping can be used on people for whom the injection of acupuncture needles poses a problem or risk Cupping therapy is thought to stimulate blood circulation Training & certification Description Practitioners of crystal healing tend to be New Age spiritual healers A number of schools in Europe and North America offer courses in crystal therapy, but the field is largely unregulated Many individuals use crystals for self-healing Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine begin treatment by diagnosing a patient through interviews, close examinations of the pulse, tongue and other parts of the body, and other methods TCM strives to balance GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 575 Cupping Resources KEY TERMS Cupping Therapist performing cupping on a patient’s back (Photo Researchers, Inc Reproduced by permission.) and improve the flow of qi, or life energy, which travels throughout the body in channels called meridians According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness is caused when qi does not move properly in the body Acupuncturists are trained to determine where qi is stagnated, weak, or out of balance Acupuncturists use cupping for specific problems in the flow of qi Cupping disperses and moves qi by exerting suction and pressure Cupping is used when the qi is blocked at certain points, or when qi needs to be drawn to the surface of the body from deep within For instance, cupping is used to treat lung infections and colds, because it is believed that the suction disperses and energizes the qi that has become blocked and stagnated in the lungs Cups can also pull out “wind-cold” that in Chinese medicine is believed to cause lung infections Patients usually lie down for a cupping treatment Cups are made of bamboo or strong glass To create a vacuum, a flame from a lighter or a burning cotton ball is placed in an upside-down cup When the oxygen in the cup is burned off, the cup is placed directly on the skin, where it is held in place by a surprisingly strong suction Often, the skin inside the cup visibly rises There are also cups available that use pumps instead of 576 burning to create the proper suction Cupping is generally a painless procedure More than one cup at a time may be used to cover an area thoroughly Cups may be left in the same place for several minutes, or removed quickly and placed elsewhere Cups are sometimes placed over acupuncture needles that have been inserted Moving cupping may also be performed, by first rubbing the skin with a small amount of oil to allow the cups to slide around After cupping, patients may remain lying down for several minutes When cups are used to treat colds and lung infections, patients are advised to wrap up in blankets to stay warm after treatment Acupuncturists may also prescribe herbal remedies, dietary changes, and other health recommendations Precautions Cupping should be performed by experienced professionals Although it is a simple treatment, people should not attempt it on themselves Improper glass vessels can shatter and cause injury, and cupping may cause bruising Side effects Cupping causes blood to be drawn to the surface of the skin, which can cause red marks, swelling, and bruising GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Meridian—Subtle channel in the body where qi flows Qi—Universal life energy present in air, food, water, sunlight, and the body Traditional Chinese medicine—System of healing originating in ancient China using acupuncture, herbal remedies, and other methods Resources BOOKS Fleischman, Dr Gary F Acupuncture: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Barrytown, NY: Station Hill, 1998 Williams, Tom, Ph.D The Complete Illustrated Guide to Chinese Medicine Rockport, MA: Element, 1996 ORGANIZATIONS American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 433 Front St., Catasaugua, PA 18032 (610) 266-1433 Douglas Dupler Curanderismo Definition Curanderismo is a holistic system of Latin American folk medicine This type of folk medicine has characteristics specific to the area where it is practiced (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Argentina, Mexico, the southwestern region of the United States, etc.) Curanderismo blends religious beliefs, faith, and prayer with the use of herbs, massage, and other traditional methods of healing Curanderismo can be defined as a set of traditional beliefs, rituals, and practices that address the physical, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of the people who use it The Spanish verb curar means to heal Therefore, curanderismo is translated as a system of healing The goal of curanderismo is to create a balance between the patient and his or her environment, thereby sustaining health The healer who practices curanderismo is referred to as a curandero (male healer) or curandera (female healer) Healing terms vary with the language and culture of the area in which the system is practiced For example, a female healer in Argentina is called a remedieras GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Curanderismo in Mexico is based on Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish influences The ancient native cultures believed that a delicate balance existed between health, nature, and religion Illness occurred when one of these areas was out of balance The use of nature’s resources was very important to the native cultures In the fifteenth century, the Huaxtepec garden was developed by the Aztec leader Montezuma I This garden was a collection of several thousand medicinal plants The Aztec priests used this garden to perform research on the medicinal properties of the plants When the Spanish conquistadors came to Mexico in the sixteenth century, they destroyed the garden and all of the priests’ research because the Catholic Church considered these “sciences” to be blasphemous Although the written knowledge was destroyed, the plant wisdom was remembered, passed down by the native peoples, and became an integral part of curanderismo The Spanish missionaries who were sent to the New World introduced the native peoples to the Catholic religion and European healing philosophies Prayers to Catholic saints were soon integrated into healing rituals Another doctrine that was passed on to the native peoples by the Europeans was their belief in witchcraft, sorcery, and other superstitions, and the philosophy that illness is often caused by supernatural forces As the native and Spanish cultures intermingled over the centuries, a new culture was formed, as was the folk medicine of curanderismo Benefits Curanderismo is used to treat ailments arising from physical, psychological, spiritual, or social conditions Illness is said to be caused by either natural or supernatural forces Naturally caused illness is treated with herbal medicine, massage, and prayer Much of this illness is thought to be brought about by intense emotions caused by trauma or a specific event Susto, for example, is an illness that is caused by fright A startling event such as a fire, earthquake, dog attack, car accident, or death may cause the patient to become ill Symptoms of susto are insomnia, diarrhea, extreme nervousness, sadness, depression, loss of appetite, loss of brilliance in the eyes, and lack of dreams The events are thought to dislodge a person’s spirit from the body Bilis is an ailment that is the result of excessive emotional stress Bilis is caused by prolonged anger and fear The ailment is thought to occur when excessive bile 577 Curanderismo Origins KEY TERMS Cuscuta is trapped in the system and causes tension, irritability, and loss of appetite Empacho and colic are ailments treated by massage and herbs Empacho is a blocked intestine disease where the intestines are plugged by something indigestible such as chewing gum or unbaked dough To treat this condition, the curandera performs a massage in which she pulls on the skin of the back just above the coccyx (tailbone) When the skin makes a snapping noise the food has been loosened Herbal tea is also given to complement the massage Colic is caused by excessive coldness of the stomach, and mint is used for such digestive problems Supernaturally caused illnesses or conditions are initiated by witchcraft, sorcery, or hexes Physical symptoms might manifest as nervous breakdowns, paranoia, schizophrenia, depression, or excessive worrying Supernatural forces can also create social problems A person who has a streak of continued bad luck, or who suffers from marital problems, the loss of a job, or car troubles will deem the problem to be caused by a supernatural force To heal these ailments and remove the hex or problem, the curandera uses rituals, spiritual cleansings, herbs, and prayer Description Prayer is the foundation of curanderismo Curanderas have strong religious faith and believe that they were given the ability to heal as a gift from God Curanderas pray to spirits and/or Catholic saints for help in healing their patients, often praying to specific saints for particular conditions A traditional healing session may include one or more of the following: spiritual cleansing (limpia), ritual, massage, and/or herbal therapy Curanderas use a variety of objects in their healing sessions, including herbs and spices, eggs, lemons, flowers, fruits, holy water, pictures of saints, crucifixes, candles, incense, and oils Each object has a specific purpose Holy water is used for protection from negativity or evil spirits Eggs and lemons are patted on the patient’s body to absorb negative energies Rosemary, basil, and rue branches are brushed on the body to remove negativity Candles are burned to absorb negative energy and create a healing environment Different colored candles are burned for different reasons: red for strength, blue for harmony, pink for good will Incense is used to purify the room, while garlic and oils are used as protection from negativity and bad spirits KEY TERMS Anthropology—The study of the origin and physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of groups of people people fear that it will be lost from lack of interest on the part of the younger generation or reliance on mainstream medical procedures There is a great deal of research on curanderismo in the field of anthropology Training & certification Curanderas are generally trained informally The information is passed from generation to generation (i.e., mother to daughter) Often the curandera starts out as an apprentice to a more experienced curandera Resources BOOKS Perrone, Bobette, Henrietta H Stockel, and Victoria Kruger Medicine Women, Curanderas, and Women Doctors Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1989 Sandoval, Annette Homegrown Healing: Traditional Remedies From Mexico New York: Berkley Books, 1998 Trotter, Robert T., II, and Juan Antonio Chavira Curanderismo: Mexican American Folk Healing 2nd ed Athens, GA: The University of Georgia Press, 1997 Jennifer Wurges Cuscuta Description Cuscuta is the name of a group of plants in the morning glory family, of which the species Cuscuta epithymum is most commonly used in healing A member of the Cuscutaceae family, species of cuscuta are found almost everywhere in the world, although cuscuta is more often called dodder in English-speaking countries Other names include hellweed, devil’s gut, beggarweed, strangle tare, scaldweed, dodder of thyme, greater dodder, and lesser dodder In Chinese, cuscuta seeds are called tu si zi Although much of the Hispanic community is currently devoted to the practice of curanderismo, many Cuscuta is a parasitic plant It has no chlorophyll and cannot make its own food by photosynthesis Instead, it grows on other plants, using their nutrients for its growth and weakening the host plant Agriculturalists 578 GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Research & general acceptance • ringing in the ears Cuscuta is a leafless plant with branching stems ranging in thickness from thread-like filaments to heavy cords The seeds germinate like other seeds The stems begin to grow and attach themselves to nearby host plants Once they are firmly attached to a host, the cuscuta root withers away The mature plant lives its entire life without attachment to the ground The stems of cuscuta are used in Western herbalism and the seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) • tired eyes General use Despite the fact that cuscuta is unpopular with farmers, it has a long history of folk use In Western herbalism, cuscuta was traditionally used to treat liver, spleen, and gallbladder disorders such as jaundice; and to support liver function It is still used, although rarely, in that way by modern herbalists It is also a mild laxative Other traditional Western claims for cuscuta are that it is a mild diuretic, and that it can be used to treat sciatica and scurvy Externally, it can be gathered fresh and applied to the skin to treat scrofuladerma Extracts of the herb have a very bitter taste In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds of cuscuta, called tu si zi, have been used for thousands of years In the Chinese understanding of health, yin aspects inside the person and outside in the environment must be kept in balance with yang aspects Ill health occurs when the energies and elements of the body are out of balance or in disharmony with nature Health is restored by taking herbs and treatments that restore internal and external balance According to traditional Chinese healers, cuscuta seeds have a neutral nature and a pungent, sweet taste They are associated with the liver and kidneys and are used in formulas that help both yin and yang deficiencies, depending on the patient’s condition and the other herbs in the formula Cuscuta was considered both an aphrodisiac and a longevity herb because it slowed down the loss of fluids from the body Contemporary Chinese herbalists use cuscuta in formulas to treat a range of conditions, including: • impotence • premature ejaculation • sperm leakage • frequent urination GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Cuscuta consider cuscuta a destructive weed and attempt to eradicate it It parasitizes wild and cultivated plants, and is especially destructive to such commercially valuable crops as flax, alfalfa, beans, and potatoes It also grows on such common ornamentals as English ivy, petunias, dahlias, and chrysanthemums For medicinal purposes, herbalists prefer C epithymum that grows on thyme • lower back pain • sore knees • white discharge from the vagina (leucorrhea) • dry eyes • blurred vision Cuscuta is one of nine herbs included in the manufacture of Equiguard, a Chinese herbal medicine recommended for kidney and prostate disorders Research performed at New York Medical College indicates that the combination of ingredients in Equiguard may well be effective in the treatment of prostate cancer The preparation inhibited the growth of cancer cells, increased the rate of self-destruction (apoptosis) of cancer cells, and prevented the surviving cells from forming colonies Cuscuta is also used in the Indian system of Ayurvedic healing to treat jaundice, muscle pain, coughs, and problems with urination Little scientific research has been done in the West on cuscuta A purgative compound has been isolated from the herb, however, that supports its traditional use as a liver and gallbladder tonic Other research done at Asian universities indicates that cuscuta seeds contain a complex carbohydrate that stimulates the immune system and has some antioxidant properties as well Preparations In Western herbalism, the entire thread-like stems of cuscuta are used They are boiled in water along with such herbs as ginger and allspice to make a decoction In Chinese herbalism, only the seeds are used They are almost always used in combination with other herbs, as in concha marguerita and ligastrum formulas Precautions No special precautions are necessary when cuscuta is used in the doses normally prescribed by herbalists Side effects No side effects have been reported when cuscuta is used in doses prescribed by herbalists Interactions Cuscuta has been used for centuries with other Chinese herbs without any reported interactions Studies of interactions between cuscuta and Western pharmaceuticals have not yet been performed 579 Cuts and scratches KEY TERMS Antioxidant—An enzyme or other organic substance that is able to counteract the damaging effects of oxidation in living tissue Diuretic—Any substance that increases the production of urine Sciatica—Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and thigh caused pressure on the sciatic nerve Scrofuloderma—Abscesses on the skin associated with tuberculosis and caused by mycobacteria Scurvy—A disease caused by the absence of vitamin C in the diet Yang aspects—Yang aspects, in nature and in the human body, include such qualities as warmth, activity, light, and forcefulness Yin aspects—Yin aspects are the opposite of yang aspects and are represented by such qualities as cold, stillness, darkness, and passivity Resources BOOKS Chevallier, Andrew Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 1996 Molony, David Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine New York: Berkeley Books, 1998 PDR for Herbal Medicines Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, 1998 Teegaurden, Ron The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs New York: Warner Books, 1998 PERIODICALS Bao, X., Z Wang, J Fang, et al “Structural Features of an Immunostimulating and Antioxidant Acidic Polysaccharide from the Seeds of Cuscuta chinensis.” Planta Medica 68 (March 2002): 237-243 Hsieh, T C., X Lu, J Guo et al “Effects of Herbal Preparation Equiguard on Hormone-Responsive and Hormone-Refractory Prostate Carcinoma Cells: Mechanistic Studies.” International Journal of Oncology 20 (April 2002): 681-689 ORGANIZATIONS American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) 433 Front Street, Catasauqua, PA 18032 (610) 266-2433 OTHER “Cuscuta epithymum.” Plants for a Future Tish Davidson Rebecca J Frey, PhD 580 Cuts and scratches Definition Cuts are wounds that break through the skin, and sometimes reach the underlying tissue Scratches are usually superficial wounds where the skin is scraped by a sharp object Description The skin is a barrier between the environment and the rest of the body Usually it offers protection from the invasion of infective organisms If the skin is broken by cutting or scratching, there is an increased possibility of infection, along with pain and blood loss Most cuts and scratches are relatively minor and respond well to home remedies Deep cuts may require medical help and repairing the skin with stitches to heal properly Causes & symptoms A cut or scratch is often due to an accidental injury or intentional violence Age-related changes may be a contributing factor, because the skin becomes more thin and fragile with age, and thus, more susceptible to cuts and scratches Infection is a primary concern in dealing with cuts and scratches Signs of infection include redness, pain or tenderness, local swelling, warmth, a discharge from the wound site, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and red streaks spreading out from the wound site Diagnosis Minor cuts and scratches not usually require diagnosis However, if an infection sets in, the wound may need to be assessed by a healthcare provider taking a history of the injury and performing a physical exam Treatment Homeopathic topical preparations can be useful in treating cuts and scratches Calendulaand Hypericum perforatum are herbs that can be applied topically as a cream, gel, or ointment Hypericum 30c can be taken internally, as well It is particularly indicated if the cut is very painful Staphysagria 30c is indicated for deep cuts and stab wounds Aconite 30c may be given every 30 minutes for up to three to five doses if a person is very anxious as well as injured Ayurvedic medicine recommends several simple applications for minor cuts and scratches These include fresh aloe vera gel, plain ghee, and coconut oil Licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) can GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Cuts and scratches Abrasion Incision Laceration Puncture Avulsion Amputation Examples of open wounds (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group The Gale Group.) be added to any of these to make a paste that will help the skin heal Western herbal remedies that promote the healing of cuts and scratches include a strong tea made from Calendula officinale flowers, which can be used as a soak or a wash for wounds; distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) which may also stop bleeding; goldenseal (Hydrastis canadesis) powder or salve, a specific for skin healing; a poultice of crushed plantain leaves (Plantago spp.); and comfrey root salve (Symphytum officinale) Raw honey can also be directly applied to help disinfect superficial wounds and to promote healing Echinacea spp tincture can also be used as a disinfectant or antimicrobial to the affected site The alcohol in the tincture may cause the wound to sting Topical applications should not be used on a deep wound until some initial healing has occurred According to aromatherapy, a spray of diluted essential oils can be used as an antiseptic They may also repair skin damage and encourage new cell growth Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, tea tree, eucalyptus, juniper, rosemary, helichrysum, eucalyptus, rose geranium, and sandalwood are all appropriate to use on cuts and scratches About 10 drops of the full-strength oil should be added, singularly or blended, to two ounces of distilled water and one half ounce of goldenseal tincture or alcohol The essential oil mixture should be shaken well before each use, and it can then be sprayed on two or three times per day Bromelain, the digestive enzyme from pineapple, can be taken between meals as needed to reduce inflammation Allopathic treatment Most cuts and scratches are minor and can be handled at home A physician should be consulted if: • The cut is very large or deep • There is uncontrolled bleeding • There is damage to muscles, nerves, or other deep tissues • The wound edges are very jagged or not seem to join together for healing • The wound site is very dirty or contains difficult-to-remove foreign material, such as gravel • There is weakness or numbness below the injury • The cut is on the face, chest, fingers, genitals, back, stomach, palm of the hand, or over a joint • There are signs of infection • The lymph nodes become swollen • The injured person has a history of diabetes, poor circulation, mitral valve prolapse, an artificial heart valve, or an artificial hip Vitamins E and A are necessary for the skin to heal well and quickly These vitamin oils can be squeezed directly from their capsules onto the affected areas several times per day They can be taken orally, as well, along with a multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, E, and B complex Healing following an injury is also speeded up by supplementation with the amino acids arginine and glycine A cut or scratch should be washed with a mild soap and water Tweezers that have been disinfected by washing in hot, soapy water and soaking in rubbing alcohol can be used to remove any dirt, glass, or gravel remaining in the wound Pressure can be applied directly to wound with clean gauze pad until bleeding has stopped The wound can be protected while it heals by covering it with an adhesive bandage The use of an antibiotic or antiseptic ointment is optional The use of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are not recommended for minor cuts and scratches, as they can cause irritation of the wound GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 581 Cymatic therapy Resources KEY TERMS Ghee—Butter heated to removed the fat, used in Ayurvedic foods and remedies Keloids—An excessive overgrowth of collagen scar tissue, often found in young women and African Americans Lymph nodes—Structures that form white blood cells and help fight infection in the body Poultice—Fresh chopped herbs applied to an injured part of the body, and often covered with a cloth, for healing pains, diseases, and infections BOOKS Dollemore, Doug and Prevention Health Books for Seniors Staff The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Seniors Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 2000 Kirchheimer, Sid and Prevention Magazine Health Book Editors The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 1993 OTHER Alternative Medicine.com http://www.alternativemedicine.com MotherNature.com http://www.mothernature.com Patience Paradox Aspirin, acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen can be taken to reduce pain If there is a lot of bleeding, however, aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided because they may interfere with blood clotting Keeping the edges of the wound together can help keep dirt out, speeds healing, and decreases scarring Stitches are helpful in this regard, but they, too, can cause scarring Butterfly bandages or steri-strips may also be used to keep the wound closed If a cut is more than 0.5 in (1.25 cm) deep, stitches will usually be needed Expected results Most cuts and scratches are superficial, and heal within a few days Sometimes keloids form, and these painless scars become gradually less prominent and visible over a period of months to years Deep cuts may result in permanent decrease in function Serious damage may also result if an infected wound is left untreated Prevention It is especially easy to get cuts and scratches while working outdoors Protective clothing and gloves are therefore recommended for any kind of manual labor outside the house Using a moisturizer on the skin ensures that it will not become dried out Dry skin is much more susceptible to cuts, scratches, and cracking than moist skin Care should be taken to avoid accidents in the home The safety of problem areas should be addressed For example, hardwood floors and stairs are often slippery, as are loose rugs and broken steps or floorboards Also, the shower can be a major site of home injuries Furniture may have to be moved if there are repeated accidents Overexposure to the sun’s rays should be avoided, as it is a major cause of fragile skin leading to injury In addition, a tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years 582 Cyanocobalamin see Vitamin B12 Cymatic therapy Definition A form of sound therapy that is not applied through hearing, but by instruments that send audible sound waves directly into the body through the skin Origins Sound, particularly in the form of music, drumbeats, or chanting, was used for healing purposes in numerous ancient traditions The physiological effects of different types of music on blood pressure and other bodily indicators were first noticed during the late 1800s The term “cymatics” was coined by Hans Jenny, a Swiss scientist who derived it from the Greek word kyma (a great wave) Jenny published a book about the structure, dynamics, and effects of sound vibrations in 1967 Present-day cymatic therapy was largely developed by Sir Peter Guy Manners, an English medical doctor and osteopath, starting in the 1960s Benefits Practitioners of cymatic therapy believe that sound is capable of rearranging the structure of molecules, and therefore has unlimited potential as a tool for healing They claim to have successfully treated otherwise incurable and terminal diseases At the same time, they acknowledge that some patients seem to be unaffected by sound therapy The treatment has been used on patients with tumors, internal bruises, calcified joints, bacterial or viral infections, blood diseases, and other problems GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Sound consists of mechanical vibrations that travel through a medium such as air, water, or in the case of cymatic therapy, the body Sound healers believe that all parts of the body vibrate and therefore produce sound, either at a healthy, “harmonious” frequency, or at an inharmonious, unhealthy frequency Using a computerized instrument, cymatic therapists direct healing frequencies into the body to restore resonance and harmony The healing frequencies are related to those emitted by a healthy organ or body part In this way, cymatic healers say, the immune system and other natural regulatory functions are stimulated Frequencies may be applied directly, or transmitted along acupuncture meridians Cymatic therapy does not directly heal, practitioners say Rather, it creates a near-optimal environment for organs or cells In such an environment, they say, the body can heal itself without drugs or surgical intervention The instrument produces as many as 800 controlled audible frequencies The therapy may also be delivered without such equipment, with the use of instruments such as tuning forks Precautions Patients with cardiac pacemakers are advised to avoid this therapy Because of the controversial nature of cymatic treatment, a medical doctor should be consulted in all cases of serious illness Side effects Cymatic therapy is thought to be generally free of adverse side effects Research & general acceptance The variability with which different body tissues absorb and reflect sound is universally acknowledged It is this variability that makes ultrasound scanning a useful form of medical imaging However, few physicians are convinced that healing can be facilitated by “tuning” a sound device to a patient’s cellular vibrations Hence, medical doctors tend to be highly skeptical about cymatic therapy tions, the field is unregulated and patients must therefore take care to ensure the competence of their healer Resources ORGANIZATIONS Brentforton Scientific and Medical Trust Brentforton Hall, Vale of Evesharm, Worcs., WR11 5JH England Telephone: 01386-830537 Sound Healers Association P.O Box 2240 Boulder, CO 80306 (303) 443-8181 http://www.healingsounds.com David Helwig Cyperus Description Cyperus refers to a family of marsh-dwelling grasslike plants known as sedges Perhaps the best known member of this family is the reed, which ancient Egyptians used to make papyrus However, many other members of this family have proved useful as food and medicine Cyperus articulatus and Cyperus rotundus are the two species most often associated with healing C articulatus, also called adrue or Guinea rush, is a tall sedge that mainly grows in Jamaica, Turkey, and along the Nile River in Egypt The medicinal part of the plant is its root or tuber This part is blackish in color and shaped like a top Tubers are usually about 0.7-1 in (1.12.5 cm) long and about 0.5-0.7 in (1.3-1.7 cm) in diameter The tubers may be connected in groups of two or three by underground stems They are harvested and dried for healing The herb is bitter in taste and aromatic, similar to lavender C rotundus is used primarily in Asia and Africa but also grows in Australia, Europe, and North America It grows in low, damp places near water Like C articulatus, the tuber is the part of the plant used in healing Its Chinese name is xiang fu and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years C rotundus is also called tiririca, nutsedge, nut grass, musta, mutha, and a host of other local names General use Training & certification Cymatic devices are used by a variety of alternative practitioners, including osteopaths, acupuncturists, and chiropractors Specific training is needed to operate the machines This can be obtained through books, tapes, seminars, and correspondence courses In most jurisdic- C articulatus is used mainly for digestive disorders It is an antiemetic, meaning that it suppresses vomiting This is useful in reducing the symptoms of morning sickness during pregnancy Because it gives the body a general feeling of warmth, C articulatus is sometimes used as a sedative, generally in connection with sup- GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 583 Cyperus Description Cyperus pressing nausea Cyperus is also used to relieve gas in the stomach and intestines In the Peruvian Amazon, native people use the herb to treat infection and in Africa it is used to treat epilepsy There are few scientific studies of C articulatus An Argentinian study conducted in 1995 looked at the bacteria-killing properties of the herb It concluded that decoctions of C articulatus completely inhibited the growth of one species of Staphylococcus bacteria and partially inhibited the growth in one species of Pseudominas bacteria Both of these bacteria strains are capable of causing severe, and sometimes fatal, infections It was ineffective against five other infection-causing organisms tested Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 1996 by Swiss investigators found that extracts of C articulatus reduced certain types of spontaneous neuron firings in the brains of rats These scientists suggested that this suppression might be the basis for C articulatus’s effectiveness in treating headache and epilepsy C rotundus is used in Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo formulations It is rarely used alone and can be found in formulas that relieve pain, especially pain associated with menstruation It is also used in formulas for stomachache and diarrhea, to improve menstrual function, to treat impotence or heighten sexual potency, to treat bacterial infections, dry or tired eyes, and in tonics for general wellness In other Asian and African countries, C rotundus is also used as a diuretic and to treat high blood pressure It is also spread on the skin as a bactericide and a fungicide to prevent infection of wounds, but these properties have not been studied extensively in the laboratory In two studies, one done in Thailand and the other in Tanzania, compounds found in extracts from the root of C rotundus were isolated and several were found to have antimalarial properties A recent Japanese study indicates that cyperus extract acts as an anticoagulant by preventing blood platelets from clumping together to form clots A recent Egyptian study of cyperus lends some support to the traditional Chinese use of the herb as a remedy for menstrual disorders The Egyptian researchers found that cyperus extract has a moderate level of estrogenic activity Preparations C articulatus is usually prepared as a decoction or liquid extract to be taken internally C rotundus may be prepared two different ways It can be boiled to make a liquid to be mixed with other herbs The tubers can also be ground into a paste with or without other herbs The paste can either be formed into pills to be taken internally or applied externally to wounds or skin rashes This paste is also sometimes applied directly to the temples to treat headaches 584 KEY TERMS Antiemetic—A preparation or medication given to stop vomiting Antimalarial—Any substance that reduces the effects of the tropical disease malaria Bactericide—A substance that kills bacteria Decoction—A preparation made by boiling an herb, then straining the solid material out The liquid is then taken internally as a drink Diuretic—Any substance that increases the production of urine Fungicide—A substance that kills fungi Kampo—Traditional Japanese system of herbal medicine Neuron—A nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses Precautions No particular precautions have been reported as being necessary in using cyperus Side effects No side effects have been reported in using cyperus However, this herb has a long tradition of folk use, but its effects on humans have not been studied in any structured way Interactions Cyperus is often used in conjunction with other herbs in Chinese formulations with no reported interactions Cyperus is, however, reported to be mixed with hallucinogenic plants by certain tribes living in the Brazilian rain forest, in order to prolong the action of the hallucinogens As of 2002, there are no studies of interactions between cyperus and standard Western pharmaceuticals A recent Korean report on several new compounds isolated from cyperus, however, indicates that it inhibits the action of benzodiazepine tranquilizers and modifies the effectiveness of several neurotransmitters in the central nervous system Resources BOOKS Molony, David Complete Guide to Chinese Herbal Medicine New York: Berkeley Books, 1998 PDR for Herbal Medicines Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, 1998 GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PERIODICALS Ha, J H., K Y Lee, H C Choi, et al “Modulation of Radioligand Binding to the GABA(A)-Benzodiazepine Receptor Complex by a New Component from Cyperus rotundus.” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 25 (January 2002): 128-130 Makino, T., H Wakushima, T Okamoto, et al “Effects of Kangen-Karyu on Coagulation System and Platelet Aggregation in Mice.” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 25 (April 2002): 523-525 Nassar, M I., A F Abdel-Razik, Eel-D El-Khrisy, et al “A Benzoquinone and Flavonoids from Cyperus alopecuroides.” Phytochemistry 60 (June 2002): 385-387 GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ORGANIZATIONS American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) 433 Front Street, Catasauqua, PA 18032 (610) 266-2433 Centre for International Ethnomedicinal Education and Research (CIEER) OTHER “Tiririca” Rain-Tree info@rain-tree.com http://rain-tree.com/ tirirca.htm Tish Davidson Rebecca J Frey, PhD Cystitis see Bladder infection Cysts, ovarian see Ovarian cysts 585 Cyperus Reid, Daniel Chinese Herbal Medicine Boston: Shambala, 1996 ...The GALE of Alternative MEDICINE ENCYCLOPEDIA SECOND EDITION VOLUME A-C JACQUELINE L LONGE, PROJECT EDITOR The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Second Edition Project Editor Jacqueline... 0-7876-7428 -1 (v : alk paper) Alternative medicine Encyclopedias [DNLM: Complementary Therapies Encyclopedias English Internal Medicine- Encyclopedias English WB 13 G1507 2005] I Title: Encyclopedia of alternative. .. germ GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Z Zinc Zone diet XIII PLEASE READ – IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine is a medical reference product designed to