A Conversation with Kun Xiang, O.M.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncture and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine are gaining wider acceptance and use in the United States and other Western countries. For perspective on these ancient healing techniques, and their effectiveness in treating physical ailments common among middle aged and elderly people, Bay Area Summit spoke in June 2004 with Dr. Kun Xiang (pronounced "Kwan Sean"), a physician who has practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine in San Francisco for 15 years.

Dr. Xiang is a graduate of China's Shanghai Medical University, where he studied both Chinese and Western medicine with a focus on acupuncture. He practiced as a medical doctor and general surgeon in China before moving to the United States, where he continued his study of acupuncture and graduated from the San Francisco Acupuncture College. Dr. Xiang is a member of the United California Practitioners of Chinese Medicine. His patients have included professional and Olympic athletes, and dancers from the San Francisco Ballet and Smuin Ballet.

Bay Area Summit (BAS): Although they are age-old practices in China, acupuncture and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine are still relatively new to the West. Can you briefly describe acupuncture and Chinese medicine as you practice them?

Kun Xiang (KX): You're right. They are very old, effective forms of medicine. I practice acupuncture and Chinese medicine (A/CM) primarily to treat injuries and physical aches. After an injury, the body tightens up to protect against getting worse. But this tightness is bad for healing because muscle spasms cut off blood circulation. We're used to seeing scar tissue build up after big injuries, but the same thing happens around smaller, repetitive injuries. Acupuncture breaks down scar tissue, increases blood circulation, increases body energy - also know as chi - and speeds the healing process.

BAS: What are some of the conditions common to older people that you treat with A/CM?

KX: Acupuncture is effective in treating many of the conditions that are common among older people, including arthritis, soft tissue injuries and joint and muscle aches. Many of my older patients have experienced chronic pain in the lower back, shoulder or knees, and acupuncture has helped relieve these pains. Acupuncture is also effective in treating sciatica, ankle sprains, headaches, hemorrhoids and insomnia. The best results from herbal medicine are for sore throats, colds and gastric disorders, like stomachaches and ulcers.

BAS: In your view, is A/CM most effective when used by itself, or when used in conjunction with Western medicine?

KX: That depends on which ailment is being treated, and at what stage. For soft tissue injuries or colds, all you need is an experienced acupuncturist. But if you have breast cancer, you should certainly use Western-style surgery to get rid of the tumor. But after the surgery you should use herbs and acupuncture to increase circulation and boost your immune system, which will aid your recovery. It's also important to put your body in the best condition possible before surgery, and A/CM can help with this as well.

BAS: Is there any pain associated with acupuncture? The fear that needles will hurt when they enter the body must be a barrier for some people who've never had acupuncture.

KX: There's no pain involved. At most, some people feel a slight pinch-like sensation.

BAS: There are many places where Chinese herbal remedies can be purchased over the counter. What advice do you have for choosing the right brand and form of herbal medicine?

KX: Get good advice from an experienced herbalist. The best herbs come from referrals. Always buy from FDA-approved manufacturers and dealers.

BAS: What other advice do you have for aging adults in terms of prolonging a healthy life?

KX: Life depends on movement. Try to get the amount of exercise that suits you best - as much as possible without hurting yourself. Always listen to your body. Also, it's important that older adults with muscle and joint aches use dry heat, like a heating pad or hot water bottle, to treat these pains.

BAS: Do you have any specific dietary advice?

KX: I recommend a diet that includes green tea, red wine, soy products, yogurt, high fiber like that found in green leafy vegetables and "bone" soup. These foods are all very important for aging people (and for young people, too), especially as many people in this country eat richer fast foods.

BAS: Why these particular foods?

KX: Green tea has been proven to fight cancer and diabetes, and its calcium is good for preventing osteoporosis. Yes, green tea has caffeine, but the amount is negligible compared to coffee. Research has shown that drinking 100cc of red wine per day is beneficial for the heart and arteries. Soy beans are full of vegetable protein. Yogurt helps produce good bacteria while inhibiting bad bacteria. And soy, yogurt and "bone soup" (any soup made by boiling raw chicken or pork chops on the bone) all have natural calcium, which is better than the chemical calcium found in supplements. Fiber helps remove toxins and cleans the colon.

BAS: Is there anything you advise avoiding?

KX: Again, listen to your body. If your knee aches, find out why and cut down on activities that could be causing the ache. If you have a sore throat, that's often the first sign of a cold, so cut back on your activity and take care of yourself with herbs, plenty of rest and acupuncture treatments, if needed. If you have a stomachache, avoid cold soda and other cold foods. It's better to eat something warm and soft, such as soup. Stomachaches and colds often result from periods when you don't take care of yourself, either physically or emotionally, or are under stress.

BAS: Many people view A/CM as a luxury when it comes to medical treatment. Is it covered by any insurance plans?

KX: A/CM is gaining wider acceptance among Western doctors and medical plans. It is now covered by worker's compensation and many health plans.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the subject of this interview are not necessarily those of Bay Area Summit's staff or its sponsors.

(This article originally appeared in the Summer 2004 issue of Bay Area Summit)

< Back to "Health"