Mindy Barrows, Owner
Pecan Grove Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic
Richmond, TX
[email protected]
Mindy Barrows, BSc in biology, MAOM, DACM, has more than 30 years of experience in the health and nutrition field and both a master’s degree and doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In her clinical practice, she specializes in neuro-acupuncture. Barrows’ passion for education comes through in her lectures and frequent guest appearances on radio and TV health programs, where she uses science-based presentations to encourage the embrace of a healthy lifestyle. Here she discusses acupuncture and the use of supplements.
Question: What kind of supplements do you often suggest to your clients/patients and why?
Answer: My background is in biology and nutrition as well as in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncturists utilize TCM to treat every person as an individual; therefore, herbs and supplements suggested are unique to that individual. The nutritional supplements we use at the clinic encompass Chinese herbs, Western herbs, vitamins and minerals and are of the highest quality with cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) certification and third-party testing being extremely important. I believe that the average American does not get adequate nutrition in the standard American diet (SAD). Often, I will suggest the “Fab Four” basics to patients which include a multiple vitamin, multi-mineral, omega-3 fatty acids and a probiotic. These are the very basics and additional supplements or specific herbal formulas may be necessary.
Chronic pain is perhaps the most common and celebrated use of acupuncture on the human body, and as such, it has undergone the most research to test its efficacy. There are common herbs that are used in both Western and TCM for chronic pain, inflammation and fatigue associated with pain. Ru Xiang helps move qi in cases of stagnation which can result in pain. This is known as boswellia (Boswellia serrata) in Western medicine. Ru Xiang has been shown to help with circulation, relieving swelling and pain, and assisting with tissue regeneration. Jiang Huang reduces blood stasis by moving qi and blood. Jiang Huang is also known as turmeric (Curcuma longa). Turmeric contains the compound curcumin. Curcumin has been documented to be useful for inflammation and pain. Qi deficiency or fatigue often accompanies chronic pain. Ren Shen is known to tonify qi and increase yang. Prepared Ren Shen is recognized as red ginseng (steamed Panax ginseng) and has been suggested for use to increase energy and endurance. A common formula for pain is Shao Yao Gan Cao Jia Yan Hu Tang. This is commonly known in the United States as corydalis formula.
Question: How can retailers address supplement use with customers who work with acupuncturists?
Answer: TCM and Western philosophies may differ with regard to the mechanism of action. TCM seeks the body as a garden with channels and seeks to cultivate health and wellbeing in the garden. The Western philosophy sees health as the absence of disease in the various body systems. Both perspectives are valuable for the common goal of impacting health and wellbeing. Acupuncture patients may have a list of vitamins, minerals and Western herbs that they are taking. Acupuncturists are well versed in Chinese herbal medicine, but may know very little about other nutritional supplements. When I was an intern in clinic, we had many patients that used nutritional supplements. The other interns and some of the senior acupuncturists were not sure about nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and Western herbs. Because of my background, I became a resource rather quickly. Retailers that network with acupuncturists can be a resource for the patients that would like to utilize both Chinese herbs and Western nutritional supplements. This could also be of benefit for the acupuncturist. Another approach is to talk to the acupuncturist about the products carried in the store.
Question: What types of products should they carry?
Answer: TCM is by design unique to each individual, but there are some Chinese herbal formulas that are more commonly used. With this being said, the use of a Chinese herbal formula should be reevaluated regularly. The top health concerns that are seen in the clinic are first and foremost pain, stress and anxiety. Nutritional supplements that are beneficial to help reduce pain and inflammation would be good for retailers to feature. Retailers should also carry nutritional supplements that support a healthy metabolism, circulation and immune health.
Question: How has the coronavirus affected your practice and the use of supplements?
Answer: The coronavirus COVID-19 has indeed affected the clinic and the patients. I chose to close the clinic for a month, and since reopening we have implemented screening for each patient. The pandemic has brought awareness to maintaining a healthy immune system. We offer nutritional supplements for immune support and wellness, such as vitamins C and D, zinc and a wellness support formula. There are also Chinese herbal formulas that have historically been used to regulate the immune system—products, such as Yu Ping Fang San (Jade Wind Screen) and Yu Ping Fang San Jia Cang Er Zi (Jade Wind Screen with Cang Er Zi). There are some formulas available for respiratory health, but each formula is unique to the symptoms that the patient presents.
