The centipede is a long, flattened insect found worldwide. There are approximately 2,800 species of centipede known to exist; in China, they are produced predominantly in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi and Anhui provinces. The typical centipede is between four and eight inches long and less than half an inch wide, ranges in color from yellow to red to brown, and is divided into 22 segments, with a pair of antennae and a pair of jaw-like hooks on the head. Centipedes usually have an unpleasant odor, and are somewhat salty in taste. They are usually boiled, dried in the sun, then smashed into a powder for use in herbal preparations.
In traditional Chinese medicine, centipede is associated with the Liver meridian, and has pungent, warm and slightly toxic properties. Its functions are to clear wind and spasm, and to dissipate toxins and nodules. Centipede is used to treat conditions such as lockjaw, seizures and convulsions. It is also employed to relieve sores and carbuncles on the skin, and alleviate pain, especially headaches. Occasionally, centipede can be applied topically. Centipede is often used with herbs and substances such as gastrodia, silkworm and uncaria.
The typical dose of centipede is between 0.6 grams and 1 gram, taken three times per day. It is usually powdered and taken as a decoction.
Centipede is usually available as a powder. It is extremely expensive.
Centipede is considered toxic; a bite from a live centipede can cause swelling and may even require medical attention. As such, it should be used only with extreme caution, and should never be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking centipede or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
A research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides early findings from the most recent (2022) survey on the use of complementary health approaches (CHA). The findings include data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which conducts interviews both by phone and in-person. The CHA results have been published in 2002, 2012 and again in 2022.
When learning traditional East Asian medicine, we are taught the four pillars of diagnosis: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. When it comes to palpation, there is often a quick mention of feeling the acupuncture channels, and then the focus moves on to pulse diagnosis. Little to no time is spent palpating the channels – or the skin for that matter.
Topical analgesics (TAs) are effective. In fact, the American Geriatric Society recommends the use of topical agents for localized neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain as a front-line measure. The benefit of TAs is their high compliance, ease of use, direct application to the painful site, and limited systemic cross-reactions. The real challenge is choosing the appropriate topical for each patient given the myriad choices available.
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