Expert: Tamsen Staniford, L.Ac. - 11/3/2009

Question
I have 2 issues.  I am an active 64 year old female. 1.  I have developed pain in my left groin occurring when I try to stretch.  I was told this could be hip arthritis.  Will acupuncture help this condition?  I would like more mobility.  Yoga?  If arthritis, can progression of this condition be be halted?   2. I am reluctantly admitting I might have allergies.  Change of weather brings on hoarseness and loss of voice with some dry coughing.  Any herbs that may help this condition?  Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful response.

Answer
Hello,

Acupuncture can be wonderful for relieving inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.  And both yoga and acupuncture will help keep the energy in the hip/groin area flowing with promotes the health of that area.  Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and in some cases slow the onset of joint destruction by reducing the inflammation and increasing circulation in and around the joint.
Change of weather allergies are very common and there are some wonderful Chinese herbal formulas that can help.  Make an appointment with a Licensed Acupuncturist or herbalist in your area to get a formula tailored to your specific allergy needs.  A specially tailored formula will work better for you than any of the allergy formulas you might find sold in health food stores.  That said, there are a few good products out there such as Astragalus Plus from Gaia Herbs that work very well for change of season allergy preventions.  Check with your local health care professional knowledgeable about the herbs in that product to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.  For simple symptomatic relief try some slippery elm lozenges to soothe that dry throat.