Pipe fish is a type of fish that is closely related to the sea horse. There are an estimated 200 varieties of pipe fish, including a few varieties that live in fresh water.
The typical pipe fish ranges between five and six inches in length (although some have been known to reach a height of 18 inches), with long, slender bodies encased in segmented plates and a four-sided tail. Some pipe fishes have a small hump located just behind the eyes; others have long snouts. The whole fish is used as a medicinal. It is caught, cleaned, then dried in the sun and used either whole, or as a powder.
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, pipe fish has sweet, salty and slightly warm properties, and is associated with the Kidney meridian. Its main function is to strengthen the kidney. It is also considered an aphrodisiac; the larger the pipe fish, the more potent its properties. Pipe fish is often incorporated into kidney yang tonics. Studies conducted in China suggest that pipefish may be beneficial in reducing the growth of some cancerous tumors, but this research has yet to be conducted on a large scale.
The typical dosage of pipe fish is between 1.5 and 3 grams, taken up to three times per day, usually powdered and decocted in water for oral use.
Whole, dried pipe fish can be found at some herbal shops, but is extremely rare and quite expensive. Powdered pipe fish is also available from some vendors, but it is also extremely expensive.
Pipe fish should not be taken by patients diagnosed with yin heat deficiency. As of this writing, there are no known side-effects or drug interactions associated with pipe fish. As always, however, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking pipe fish or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
| Digital Exclusive
Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
