The Spring season is a volatile time. It is typically characterized by wind, rain, and oscillating temperature ranges. Because of this, we can be more susceptible to invasion by external pathogenic factors.
Chinese medicine recognizes these pathogenic factors as wind, dampness, heat, cold and dryness. In the Spring time the primary pathogenic factor is Wind. It can act alone or be accompanied by any of the others. When one’s defensive system is weakened or compromised, the result may be: upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, influenza, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, acute bronchitis and allergic rhinitis.
These disorders can occur during any season but are prevalent during the Spring. Oriental medicine is very effective in treating and preventing these disorders. If treated improperly or too late the external pathogenic factors progress inward affecting the internal organs. When this occurs the disease process becomes more severe. The changing seasons are good times of the year for maintenance or tune-up treatments. Many patients take advantage of the changing seasons by seeking preventative treatment in order to boost their defensive and immune systems. Call today to schedule your tune-up appointment.
Meridian Harmonics
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Ephedra , Ma Huang
The mass media has duped the American public. They have brainwashed most people to believe that Ephedra, known as Ma Huang, in Chinese, is a weight loss herb. In Chinese herbal pharmacology, ephedra belongs to a very important group of herbs for addressing such disorders as the common cold, influenza, asthma, and edema, to name a few. Nowhere in the ancient texts does it mention that ma huang should be used as a means to shed unnecessary weight. Its primary functions are to release pathogenic factors to the exterior, for early stage upper respiratory disorders. It achieves this by inducing perspiration.
Like all herbs, ma huang has its unique cautions and contraindications. It is a warm, acrid and bitter herb and is, therefore, contraindicated for people who have an underlying internal inflammatory condition or for those with hypertension, palpitations, spontaneous or nighttime sweating and insomnia.
Many people who struggle with weight problems concurrently have these disorders, as well. The reason for all the bad press over ma huang is due to the fact the diet drug industry has not properly educated consumers about the cautions of not only herbs but also mainstream western prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is extremely important not to self medicate yourself.
Before beginning any program that includes herbal medicine and/or prescription medications, consult with your healthcare provider on their cautions and contraindications for your unique constitutional and energetic profile. Doctors of Oriental Medicine are well trained in the proper use of herbal medicine as it relates to your particular disorder and can safely prescribe the correct herbal medicines to restore balance to your system and overall health. We are quickly approaching the Spring season. With it comes the incidental increase of upper respiratory diseases. In order to protect yourself during this changing season, make an appointment today for your Spring season wellness check-up and treatment.
Meridian Harmonics
Like all herbs, ma huang has its unique cautions and contraindications. It is a warm, acrid and bitter herb and is, therefore, contraindicated for people who have an underlying internal inflammatory condition or for those with hypertension, palpitations, spontaneous or nighttime sweating and insomnia.
Many people who struggle with weight problems concurrently have these disorders, as well. The reason for all the bad press over ma huang is due to the fact the diet drug industry has not properly educated consumers about the cautions of not only herbs but also mainstream western prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is extremely important not to self medicate yourself.
Before beginning any program that includes herbal medicine and/or prescription medications, consult with your healthcare provider on their cautions and contraindications for your unique constitutional and energetic profile. Doctors of Oriental Medicine are well trained in the proper use of herbal medicine as it relates to your particular disorder and can safely prescribe the correct herbal medicines to restore balance to your system and overall health. We are quickly approaching the Spring season. With it comes the incidental increase of upper respiratory diseases. In order to protect yourself during this changing season, make an appointment today for your Spring season wellness check-up and treatment.
Meridian Harmonics
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