The holidays are coming soon and so is the season for indulging in chocolates, cookies and pies. Why is sugar so bad, you ask? When you consume simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (cookies, pastries made with refined flour), the pancreas produces and releases insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. In this case, the action is done too quickly, often inducing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which causes fatigue, shaking, sweats, difficulty concentrating, mood swings and increased allergy symptoms.
Eventually, the pancreas gives out when it is exhausted from a poor diet. As its function decreases, one's body is unable to uptake the sugar normally from the blood so the sugar level rises until it becomes damaging to healthy tissues. This results is diabetes. In Chinese medicine, it is called "Depletion and Thirst Syndrome." Why should you fear diabetes? Because it is a degenerative condition that literally "eats" away your body. Complications from diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness and peripheral neuropathy that can eventually result in gangrene of the foot and possible amputation if infection is allowed to set in, kidney failure, coronary heart disease and skin conditions resulting in itching and infections. Even if you have Type II diabetes, there is still hope that you can reverse the disease and restore your health. It's never too late to start, as long as you follow some simple guidelines and make a commitment to follow through.
The 4 step approach is: 1) Stop eating refined sugar in any form & reduce natural sugars like fruits, honey and maple syrup; 2) Start a program of daily cardiovascular exercises of at least 20 minutes; 3) Start a stress reduction program; 4) Get annual check ups with your general practitioner.
Chinese medicine has a lot to offer both hypoglycemic and diabetic patients. Schedule an appointment today and restore your good health.
Meridian Harmonics
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Chinese Herb Ba Jiao Key Flu Ingredient
A Chinese spice that increases the flavor of food has become the center of public attention, thanks to the growing profile of bird flu. Ba Jiao, an herbal fruit mainly grown in China, as well as Viet Nam, is a primary ingredient in the production of an anti-viral drug which helps to fight bird flu symptoms.
More specifically, ba jiao is the basic component for Shikimic acid. Shikimic acid is the base material for the production of Tamiflu, the only drug available that combats the deadly strain of avian flu, which some fear may kill millions of humans. The new market value and soaring fears of a Tamiflu shortage have triggered a price surge for ba jiao in its main production regions of China. Despite its new fame as the key ingredient of Tamiflu, ba jiao, it traditionally is used to treat hernia, abdominal and back pain.
Meridian Harmonics
More specifically, ba jiao is the basic component for Shikimic acid. Shikimic acid is the base material for the production of Tamiflu, the only drug available that combats the deadly strain of avian flu, which some fear may kill millions of humans. The new market value and soaring fears of a Tamiflu shortage have triggered a price surge for ba jiao in its main production regions of China. Despite its new fame as the key ingredient of Tamiflu, ba jiao, it traditionally is used to treat hernia, abdominal and back pain.
Meridian Harmonics
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Foods to stop Cancer
A diet rich in beans, nuts and cereals could be a way to prevent cancer. Scientists have discovered that these everyday foods contain a potent anti-cancer compound. This blocks a key enzyme involved in tumor growth. Scientists have been exploring specific enzymes as a target for cancer treatment for some time but inhibitors have been difficult to develop because of problems with chemical stability and toxicity.
Researchers have discovered that a natural compound, called inositol pentakisphosphate, which is found in most legumes as well as in wheat bran and nuts, blocks the activity of the enzyme. When they tested its action in mice with ovarian and lung cancer they found it not only blocked tumor growth but also enhanced the effect of other cancer-killing drugs. It also appeared to be non-toxic, unlike conventional chemotherapy agents.
It is always encouraging when a newly discovered chemical is shown to have anti-cancer activity in the laboratory, especially when it occurs naturally in foods like beans and peas. A diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
Meridian Harmonics
Researchers have discovered that a natural compound, called inositol pentakisphosphate, which is found in most legumes as well as in wheat bran and nuts, blocks the activity of the enzyme. When they tested its action in mice with ovarian and lung cancer they found it not only blocked tumor growth but also enhanced the effect of other cancer-killing drugs. It also appeared to be non-toxic, unlike conventional chemotherapy agents.
It is always encouraging when a newly discovered chemical is shown to have anti-cancer activity in the laboratory, especially when it occurs naturally in foods like beans and peas. A diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
Meridian Harmonics
The Holidays and Diabetes
The holidays are coming soon and so is the season for indulging in chocolates, cookies and pies. Why is sugar so bad, you ask? When you consume simple sugars and refined carbohydrates (cookies, pastries made with refined flour), the pancreas produces and releases insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. In this case, the action is done too quickly, often inducing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which causes fatigue, shaking, sweats, difficulty concentrating, mood swings and increased allergy symptoms.
Eventually, the pancreas gives out when it is exhausted from a poor diet. As its function decreases, one's body is unable to uptake the sugar normally from the blood so the sugar level rises until it becomes damaging to healthy tissues. This results in diabetes. In Chinese medicine, it is called "Depletion and Thirst Syndrome." Why should you fear diabetes? Because it is a degenerative condition that literally "eats" away your body. Complications from diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness, peripheral neuropathy that can eventually result in gangrene of the foot and possible amputation if infection is allowed to set in, kidney failure, coronary heart disease and skin conditions resulting in itching and infections. Even if you have Type II diabetes, there is still hope that you can reverse the disease and restore your health. It's never too late to start, as long as you follow some simple guidelines and make a commitment to follow through.
The 4 step approach is: 1) Stop eating refined sugar in any form & reduce natural sugars like fruits, honey and maple syrup; 2) Start a program of daily cardiovascular exercises of at least 20 minutes; 3) Start a stress reduction program; 4) Get annual check ups with your general practitioner.
Chinese medicine has a lot to offer both hypoglycemic and diabetic patients. Schedule an appointment today and get your good health back.
Meridian Harmonics
Eventually, the pancreas gives out when it is exhausted from a poor diet. As its function decreases, one's body is unable to uptake the sugar normally from the blood so the sugar level rises until it becomes damaging to healthy tissues. This results in diabetes. In Chinese medicine, it is called "Depletion and Thirst Syndrome." Why should you fear diabetes? Because it is a degenerative condition that literally "eats" away your body. Complications from diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness, peripheral neuropathy that can eventually result in gangrene of the foot and possible amputation if infection is allowed to set in, kidney failure, coronary heart disease and skin conditions resulting in itching and infections. Even if you have Type II diabetes, there is still hope that you can reverse the disease and restore your health. It's never too late to start, as long as you follow some simple guidelines and make a commitment to follow through.
The 4 step approach is: 1) Stop eating refined sugar in any form & reduce natural sugars like fruits, honey and maple syrup; 2) Start a program of daily cardiovascular exercises of at least 20 minutes; 3) Start a stress reduction program; 4) Get annual check ups with your general practitioner.
Chinese medicine has a lot to offer both hypoglycemic and diabetic patients. Schedule an appointment today and get your good health back.
Meridian Harmonics
Monday, August 01, 2005
Building Immunity Part 2 – Environment
The immune system is our body's defense system against infections and diseases. Organs, tissues, and cells work together to respond to dangerous organisms (like viruses or bacteria) and substances that may enter the body from the environment. Maintaining a pleasant living and working environment is the second facet of building immunity. Key aspects are sunlight, clean and fresh air and pure drinking water. Avoid overexposure to damp conditions and the other four extreme climatic factors: heat, cold, dryness and wind. The common denominator for lowering immunity involves any type of stress, physical, mental, emotional, etc.
Our environment can be a source of stress, leading to diminished immunity. Environmental stress initially causes a Qi or Energetic mechanism imbalance within our organ systems. Prolonged organ imbalance weakens our organs and their ability to perform their functions. Our organs exist in a very sensitive balance with each other. Their relationships revolve around promoting wellness in each other and preventing disharmony within the organ network. Environmental stress comes in the form of air & water pollution, chemical additives in foods and overexposure to toxic chemicals used in both industrial and residential applications.
To overcome environmental stress, we recommend specific lymphatic massage to drain toxins from the lymphatic system and immune boosting acupuncture and herbal treatments to strengthen the body’s immune system.
Meridian Harmonics
Our environment can be a source of stress, leading to diminished immunity. Environmental stress initially causes a Qi or Energetic mechanism imbalance within our organ systems. Prolonged organ imbalance weakens our organs and their ability to perform their functions. Our organs exist in a very sensitive balance with each other. Their relationships revolve around promoting wellness in each other and preventing disharmony within the organ network. Environmental stress comes in the form of air & water pollution, chemical additives in foods and overexposure to toxic chemicals used in both industrial and residential applications.
To overcome environmental stress, we recommend specific lymphatic massage to drain toxins from the lymphatic system and immune boosting acupuncture and herbal treatments to strengthen the body’s immune system.
Meridian Harmonics
Sports drinks & tooth decay
Consumption of sports drinks increases with the summer temperature. The hotter the day, the more young athletes and adults consume sports drinks with electrolytes. Researchers tested some of the most popular sports drinks. They found the beverages caused three to 11 times more tooth enamel damage than cola-based drinks.
From a dental perspective, the concern is the acid, the sugar—that constant quenching, drenching the teeth with it. There’s no rest time. Acid on the teeth combines with sugars in the mouth and erodes the surface of the tooth. Liquid sugar does not clear from the mouth for 20 minutes.
Any drink under 5.7 on the ph scale can cause dental erosion. Gatorade tested at 2.8; Powerade was 2.6 and Cytomax was 3.2. One exposure to a drink high in acid causes an acid attack that lasts for about 20 minutes. So if you consume a sports drink over a long period of time, you also extend the acid attack and increase the risk of cavities.
If someone is going to consume a sports drink, it is better to drink it all at once. This summer, encourage your children to drink lots of water instead of bottled drinks, because the pH of water is always just right.
Meridian Harmonics
From a dental perspective, the concern is the acid, the sugar—that constant quenching, drenching the teeth with it. There’s no rest time. Acid on the teeth combines with sugars in the mouth and erodes the surface of the tooth. Liquid sugar does not clear from the mouth for 20 minutes.
Any drink under 5.7 on the ph scale can cause dental erosion. Gatorade tested at 2.8; Powerade was 2.6 and Cytomax was 3.2. One exposure to a drink high in acid causes an acid attack that lasts for about 20 minutes. So if you consume a sports drink over a long period of time, you also extend the acid attack and increase the risk of cavities.
If someone is going to consume a sports drink, it is better to drink it all at once. This summer, encourage your children to drink lots of water instead of bottled drinks, because the pH of water is always just right.
Meridian Harmonics
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Building Immunity Part 1 – Attitudinal Healing
Attitude, especially gratitude and forgiveness, are the foundation for immunity. One of the ancient texts of Chinese medicine states “Those who act with bravery and courage will overcome diseases, while those who act out of fear will fall ill”.
Belief is a very powerful universal force. Patient’s, who have a strong belief in their medicine of choice, whether it is acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine or traditional western pharmacological medicine, tend to respond much more favorably to treatments. Those who simply go through the motions, don’t believe in the medicine and don’t support the therapies, in regards to diet, lifestyle, exercise, etc. tend not to respond favorably to treatment. In fact, I find it very shocking that patients come in and say they want to get well but their actions and attitudes don’t support what their saying.
According to traditional Chinese physiology, getting rid of old resentments clears the liver of obstructions, which in turn permits the smooth and vigorous circulation of protective and other bodily energies. It really is true that physiologically, we hurt ourselves with anger or resentment. Without first resolving the attitudes and emotions surrounding any disease or disorder, patients tend to continue eating and living a lifestyle that supports the disease or disorder, itself.
Chinese medicine has always recognized the importance of one’s emotional environment. Physical symptoms can be alleviated or agitated depending one’s emotional environment. In order to elicit change at the physical level of the body, one must first elicit change at the psycho-emotional level of the mind. This is where true long-lasting healing occurs.
Meridian Harmonics
Belief is a very powerful universal force. Patient’s, who have a strong belief in their medicine of choice, whether it is acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine or traditional western pharmacological medicine, tend to respond much more favorably to treatments. Those who simply go through the motions, don’t believe in the medicine and don’t support the therapies, in regards to diet, lifestyle, exercise, etc. tend not to respond favorably to treatment. In fact, I find it very shocking that patients come in and say they want to get well but their actions and attitudes don’t support what their saying.
According to traditional Chinese physiology, getting rid of old resentments clears the liver of obstructions, which in turn permits the smooth and vigorous circulation of protective and other bodily energies. It really is true that physiologically, we hurt ourselves with anger or resentment. Without first resolving the attitudes and emotions surrounding any disease or disorder, patients tend to continue eating and living a lifestyle that supports the disease or disorder, itself.
Chinese medicine has always recognized the importance of one’s emotional environment. Physical symptoms can be alleviated or agitated depending one’s emotional environment. In order to elicit change at the physical level of the body, one must first elicit change at the psycho-emotional level of the mind. This is where true long-lasting healing occurs.
Meridian Harmonics
Dandruff in Air Pollution
Research studies show humans and animals contribute as much to air pollution as automobile exhaust and industrial smoke do. Fur, pollens, cell fragments, skin particles, spores, bacteria, protein crystals and fungi shed by humans, animals and plants are present widely in aerosols in the atmosphere, according to the Institute for Atmospheric Physics at Mainz University, Germany.
Samples of air over a period of 15 years, found that biological matter constituted almost as much as 40 per cent of all aerosols in some areas and around 25 per cent in others.
Aerosols are involved in climate regulation, by warming the atmosphere by absorbing heat and cooling it by reflecting sunlight. This research can help climate scientists to study the effects of air pollution on climate and can also provide keys to certain health problems related to certain geographical regions.
Concentration of pollens was higher in spring, while the presence of cellular material was higher during winter and fall.
Scientists are being urged to take the role of bio-aerosols seriously in health and climate research.
Meridian Harmonics
Samples of air over a period of 15 years, found that biological matter constituted almost as much as 40 per cent of all aerosols in some areas and around 25 per cent in others.
Aerosols are involved in climate regulation, by warming the atmosphere by absorbing heat and cooling it by reflecting sunlight. This research can help climate scientists to study the effects of air pollution on climate and can also provide keys to certain health problems related to certain geographical regions.
Concentration of pollens was higher in spring, while the presence of cellular material was higher during winter and fall.
Scientists are being urged to take the role of bio-aerosols seriously in health and climate research.
Meridian Harmonics
Friday, April 01, 2005
Seasonal Treatments Boost’s Immune Systems
In Chinese medicine, seasonal treatments occurring during the beginning of each season will help keep a person’s immune system strong. In addition to the four seasons, there also exists 24 periods or festivals within Chinese astrology, that are designated either Yin or Yang. Since Chinese medicine emphasizes balance of the Yin and Yang energies of the body, those who receive acupuncture treatments during these pivotal points in the natural energetic cycles of the body, tend to have less incidence of compromised health. These festivals are dependent on the Chinese New Year and occur about every 15 days and are based on a combination of both the solar and lunar months.
These natural cycles are similar to circadian rhythms. Chinese medicine has several interactive cycles. One cycle repeats every 60 years and is rooted in the concept of Yin, Yang, Chinese 5 Element theory and the Chinese astrological animal. Since 2005 is a Green Rooster year, the next Green Rooster year will not occur until 2065. An example of a shorter cycle is the concept of the Chinese clock. It recognizes that certain times of the day are either Yin or Yang and that specific organs are related, energetically, with specific periods of the day. For instance, the Liver is associated with the period between 1-3 AM and is responsible for patients who have difficulty sleeping during this time and afterwards.
When we begin to observe and respect the natural cycles that govern both the natural world, as well as our own lives, we can begin to maximize our health and wellness.
Meridian Harmonics
These natural cycles are similar to circadian rhythms. Chinese medicine has several interactive cycles. One cycle repeats every 60 years and is rooted in the concept of Yin, Yang, Chinese 5 Element theory and the Chinese astrological animal. Since 2005 is a Green Rooster year, the next Green Rooster year will not occur until 2065. An example of a shorter cycle is the concept of the Chinese clock. It recognizes that certain times of the day are either Yin or Yang and that specific organs are related, energetically, with specific periods of the day. For instance, the Liver is associated with the period between 1-3 AM and is responsible for patients who have difficulty sleeping during this time and afterwards.
When we begin to observe and respect the natural cycles that govern both the natural world, as well as our own lives, we can begin to maximize our health and wellness.
Meridian Harmonics
Children Dying Sooner Than Parents
For the first time in modern history, today's younger generation will have shorter and less healthy lives than their parents. Within 50 years obesity will shorten the average life span two to five years to 72.6. Obesity is now affecting nearly 2 out of 10 of U.S. school-age children.
Some sobering obesity statistics: 2 out of 3 U.S. adults are overweight or obese; 1 out of 3 adults qualify as obese; 30 percent of U.S. children are overweight. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 25 years; Childhood diabetes has increased 10-fold in the past 20 years; 4 to 16 year-old children are developing Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate.
Chinese medicine and food energetics can play a major role in helping people to prevent obesity and its related health risks. Restoring balance to the body is a key factor in addressing the root causes of obesity, the disease process and a poor quality of life. Examples of food energetics are the cooling properties of watermelon, the warming and blood moving aspect of cinnamon, the lubricating and yin nurturing quality of bananas and the diuretic and diaphoretic actions of onions. Food selection can either hinder or boost a person’s ability to recover from diseases and disorders. The key is to choose your food wisely.
Meridian Harmonics
Some sobering obesity statistics: 2 out of 3 U.S. adults are overweight or obese; 1 out of 3 adults qualify as obese; 30 percent of U.S. children are overweight. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 25 years; Childhood diabetes has increased 10-fold in the past 20 years; 4 to 16 year-old children are developing Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate.
Chinese medicine and food energetics can play a major role in helping people to prevent obesity and its related health risks. Restoring balance to the body is a key factor in addressing the root causes of obesity, the disease process and a poor quality of life. Examples of food energetics are the cooling properties of watermelon, the warming and blood moving aspect of cinnamon, the lubricating and yin nurturing quality of bananas and the diuretic and diaphoretic actions of onions. Food selection can either hinder or boost a person’s ability to recover from diseases and disorders. The key is to choose your food wisely.
Meridian Harmonics
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Work Burnout Linked to Poor Sleep
Worker burnout is triggered by a drastic resetting of sleep patterns. Burnout is not recognized in the classic manuals of mental health disorders. But the main symptoms are taken to be long-term, excessive fatigue and cognitive impairment.
It usually affects people who are very committed to work. One day they wake up and they just can’t get out of bed. Then they take a few weeks sick leave, but they don’t improve. Researchers took regular sleep EEG readings of 35 patients who had been off work for a minimum of three months. The tests consistently showed extreme sleep fragmentation and disruption. These patients were living on as little as four or five hours of sleep each night, with a 40% reduction in slow-wave sleep compared with healthy people. If you experience stress for a long period of time, you establish a new high baseline of physiological activation - and this interferes with sleep.
The strongest predictor of burnout is personality. People who score high on emotionality scales experience more distress as a result of workplace pressures and stress.
Chinese medicine has been shown to improve or eliminate the symptoms of burnout and insomnia.
Meridian Harmonics
It usually affects people who are very committed to work. One day they wake up and they just can’t get out of bed. Then they take a few weeks sick leave, but they don’t improve. Researchers took regular sleep EEG readings of 35 patients who had been off work for a minimum of three months. The tests consistently showed extreme sleep fragmentation and disruption. These patients were living on as little as four or five hours of sleep each night, with a 40% reduction in slow-wave sleep compared with healthy people. If you experience stress for a long period of time, you establish a new high baseline of physiological activation - and this interferes with sleep.
The strongest predictor of burnout is personality. People who score high on emotionality scales experience more distress as a result of workplace pressures and stress.
Chinese medicine has been shown to improve or eliminate the symptoms of burnout and insomnia.
Meridian Harmonics
Low Fat vs. Low Carb Diets
Regardless of how they shed pounds in the first place, big losers stayed that way by limiting fat rather than carbohydrates, according to new research that could add fuel to the backlash against low-carb diets.
Researchers studied 2,700 people who entered the National Weight Control Registry from 1995 through 2003. Their average age was 47, most were women, and they had lost an average of 72 pounds initially. Doctors compared their diets to see whether one type or another made a difference in how much weight they had lost and how much they had regained a year later.
All reported eating only about 1,400 calories a day, but the portion that came from fat rose -- from 24 percent in 1995 to more than 29 percent in 2003 -- while the part from carbohydrates fell, from 56 percent to 49 percent.
The number on low-carb diets (less than 90 grams a day) rose from 6 percent to 17 percent during the same period. The type of diet -- low-fat, low-carb or in between -- made no difference in how people lost weight initially. But those who increased their fat intake over a year regained the most weight. That meant they ate less carbohydrates, because the amount of protein in their diets stayed the same. People who are keeping the weight off are eating a low-fat, high-carb diet.
Though patients want to believe in a magic treatment, common dietary sense seems to prevail.
Meridian Harmonics
Researchers studied 2,700 people who entered the National Weight Control Registry from 1995 through 2003. Their average age was 47, most were women, and they had lost an average of 72 pounds initially. Doctors compared their diets to see whether one type or another made a difference in how much weight they had lost and how much they had regained a year later.
All reported eating only about 1,400 calories a day, but the portion that came from fat rose -- from 24 percent in 1995 to more than 29 percent in 2003 -- while the part from carbohydrates fell, from 56 percent to 49 percent.
The number on low-carb diets (less than 90 grams a day) rose from 6 percent to 17 percent during the same period. The type of diet -- low-fat, low-carb or in between -- made no difference in how people lost weight initially. But those who increased their fat intake over a year regained the most weight. That meant they ate less carbohydrates, because the amount of protein in their diets stayed the same. People who are keeping the weight off are eating a low-fat, high-carb diet.
Though patients want to believe in a magic treatment, common dietary sense seems to prevail.
Meridian Harmonics
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