Clinical Uses of CBD for Minor Medical Conditions


by Sabrina Brunner, DACM

As a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cincinnati, my patients are looking for ways to help themselves without using over-the-counter medication. Not only do individuals want to limit their OTC pain relievers, but they also choose not to explore the use of medical marijuana. I have found a way to help my patients without using OTC medications for minor medical conditions. What I have found with clinical experience is to apply the CBD salve on the area of acute or chronic pain after my patient has been treated by acupuncture, cupping (cupping opens the pores of the skin allowing the CBD salve to penetrate the skin), then medical massage (rubs the salve into the fascia and muscle itself) on the localized area of pain. The patient can take the 1,000 mg tincture under the tongue and apply the salve for pain management for up to three days after treatment, then as needed for flare-ups. My patients are guided to use CBD for short-term use.

According to National Institute of Health (NIH), cannabidiol (CBD) is “a Phyto-cannabinoid derived from Cannabis species, which is devoid of psychoactive activity with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and chemo-preventive activities.”1 This is why CBD is such a complement to alternative medicine and provides a safe and organic way to extend treatment at home. I tried five different CBD product lines before I found Dao Zen. My patients love the effects of Dao Zen. The Dao Zen line that I use provides a salve (topical containing 300 mg of CBD and 30 ml) and a tincture (sublingual containing 1,000 mg of CBD and 30 ml). Prior to using CBD salves on clients, I explain the product and ask for their permission to use it in their care. One caution that has been found is that CBD oil interacts in the metabolism of medications such as blood thinners.2 Some working professionals and professional athletes are not allowed to use CBD products due to random drug testing.

The State of Ohio uses the NIH definition of hemp as “The plant cannabis sativa L. and any parts of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, salts of the isomers, whether growing or not with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.”1 This definition provides support to the low amounts of THC in CBD, making CBD products more easily accepted than medical marijuana.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is found in the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, adipose tissue, and surrounds muscle tissue. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is found throughout the brain, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system.3 CBD products work very well for people due to the harmonizing effect shared between the CBD salves and CB1 receptors, CBD tinctures, and CB2 receptors. CBD products can be used for several conditions in conjunction with alternative medicine. Treatments for some of these conditions are described below.


Headaches and Migraines

Use acupuncture points Li4, 11, Lr 3, St 36, Sj5, Gb 43, 34 and local head points to address the headache/migraine.4 Next cup, and then apply a pea-sized amount of CBD salve to the upper back, shoulders, and neck, followed by medical massage. At home, the patient is reminded that CBD salve can be applied to the base of the skull, top of the neck, and shoulders every four to six hours as needed. At night, one may add three to six drops of CBD tincture under the tongue. The patient is cautioned not to use CBD tincture more than three days in a row.

It has been concluded that “Cannabinoids appear to modulate and interact at many pathways inherent to migraine, triptan mechanisms of action, and opiate pathways suggesting potential synergistic or similar benefits.”5


Low Back Pain

Apply Si 3, Ub 40, 62, 24, 23, 22 and Du 3 to address the low back pain.6 Cup the lower back area once the needles are removed, then add CBD salve to the needled area, then perform medical massage. The patient is guided to apply the salve every four to six hours as needed for pain. Patients can also add three to six drops of CBD tincture under the tongue before bed.


Menstrual Cramps

Provide acupuncture points P6, Sp 4, 6, 9, Gb 26, Ren 2, 3 and Zigong to address the menstrual cramps,7 followed by CBD salve on the skin over the uterus. Cupping and medical massage is not provided on the abdomen or over the uterus for menstrual cramps. If the patient is experiencing low back pain from menstruating, then one can apply cupping, CBD salve, and medical massage to the localized area of pain. At home, the patient may apply CBD salve to the skin over the uterus every four to six hours as needed and take three to six drops of CBD tincture until the menstrual cramps have ceased. Armour, et al. found that “Hemp/CBD oil was the most highly rated in terms of self-reported effectiveness in pain reduction” in a study for Australian woman with endometriosis.8


Anxiety

Provide acupuncture P6, H7, Sp6, K3, St36, Ren14, 17 and Sishencong (four points on the crown of the head) to address the stress/anxiety.9 Apply cupping, CBD salve, and medical massage to the Shu points on the back to help soothe the patient. Patient can take three drops of CBD tincture at night two hours before bed for up to three nights. Also, recommend the patient follow up with a visit to their therapist. When I am treating teenagers and young adults for anxiety, I obtain the consent of the parent. I will also only sell the CBD tincture to the parents if their child is working with a therapist. I explain to the young patient that CBD tincture is not a substitution for therapy but rather a complement to therapy.


Generalized Aches or Pain:

Home Use When CBD treatment is being used for generalized aches or pains, the products are most often used together at home. Such conditions would result from overuse of muscles in gardening, yardwork, housework, or other more strenuous home projects. Place CBD salve to localized areas of aches or pain before bed while taking three drops of CDB tincture sublingually; reapply CBD salve in the morning for up to three days. I always recommended three days for the salve and tincture together and then as often as needed. Depending on the patient’s preference, the salve and tincture can be taken separately. However, my patients have reported that they have more success using the two products together within a shorter duration of time with pain.

Sabrina Brunner is a doctor in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She has a double Masters from Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Los Angeles, California. She has 20 years of professional experience with pee-wee through professional athletes while specializing in sports injuries. Dr. Brunner is licensed through the State Medical Board of Ohio for acupuncture and medical massage. She also has national certifications in both acupuncture (NCCAOM) and massage (NCTMB). Dr. Sabrina Brunner, DACM, is well known in Cincinnati for her successful treatments that consist of acupuncture, cupping, medical massage, and tinctures of her choice.

References

  1. “Cannabidiol.” NIH National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/cannabidiol
  2. Healthline. www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-anxiety#side-effects.
  3. Nunley, K. Understanding Your Cannabinoids Receptors. Medical Marijuana, Inc. August 2019. www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/understanding-cannabinoidsrecptors/
  4. Kuoch, David. 2007. Acupuncture Desk Reference. Acumedwest, LLC. p.253
  5. Baron, Eric P. Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache: What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been. Headache. June 2015; 55(6):885-916.
  6. Kuoch, David. 2007. Acupuncture Desk Reference. Acumedwest, LLC. p.229
  7. Kuoch, David. 2007. Acupuncture Desk Reference. Acumedwest, LLC. p.251
  8. Armour Mike, Justin Sinclair, K. Jane Chalmers, Caroline Smith. Self-management strategies amongst Australian women with endometriosis: a national online survey. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jan 15;19(1):17.
  9. Kuoch, David. 2007. Acupuncture Desk Reference. Acumedwest, LLC. p.248