My name is Mark Tryling. I am with Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Bedford, Texas.
I provide traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture services to various age segments of population in our local area.
Personally, my focus is in the area of women’s health, fertility treatments, pain management and treating internal medical conditions using pharmacy grade Chinese herbal medicine to replace or supplement the traditional prescription medicines of my patients. So these are some of my conditions that I address and manage on a daily basis.
Chinese medicine is very useful as a tool and a medicine that can be helpful for a whole array of emotional issues ranging from depressions, anxieties to irritability and just even common menstrual-related or post-menstrual and post-menopausal related emotional issues.
In Chinese medicine we believe that emotions are very integrated into your physical body. It is actually a two-way street. Emotional imbalances can manifest physical problems, disorders and diseases and likewise, physical ailments can manifest emotional problems. It is all based on the concept that the energies that provide all the organs and tissues with health and nourishment become irregular in their movement, stagnant or deficient. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are designed to correct and harmonize these energetic imbalances allowing the body's emotional and physical levels to naturally balance themselves without the need for long-term use of prescription drugs that simply mask the symptoms.
So a lot of time when we look at and address emotional health issues we tend to also look at how our physical body plays a role in the emotional being.
So every time when we prescribe acupuncture treatment or prescribe some herbs for patients, we always look and examine that integration issue.
So we call this an integral medicine. We believe that the emotions are very much part of our physical body, so when we treat it we look at both sides of it.
So when we look at anxiety, for example, there are certain herbs that we would use. There are certain acupuncture techniques we would use.
Chinese medicine, being and integral medicine, encompasses a variety of techniques to re-establish health and wellness. In my practice I use a multifaceted approach for each patient in order to get the results we both want. The tools I use to help each patient are acupuncture, my Chinese herbal compounding pharmacy, Chinese dietary therapy, food energetics and a unique approach to exercise. In this way I tackle each patients health issues from various angles and perspectives to get them on the road to health and wellness and stay there. I love to work with patients who like having a partner in their long-term health care.
I also help guide my patients to look at how they can have a better lifestyle in dealing with anxiety. I give them tools, give them techniques, give them things that they can do at home, in their work, that can be helpful to really manage their nervousness and their anxiety.
For example depression, which can range from mild to moderate depression situations. Not every single depression situation needs medications. I have seen many of my patients respond very nicely to Chinese medicine without having to begin or continue prescription drug therapy.
So we are trying to teach a very important aspect of emotional health to our patients. We are trying to teach our patients to have a grasp, have a grip on what they can do to manage emotional issues especially relating to depressions, how they can work with their community, their support communities such as their spouse, such as their friends who can help them go through the depressions better.
So there are things that we do to help them, so that it's not just taking a medication or doing one technique to help them, but rather looking at all the ways that could help in their lifestyle to really help their condition.
About Mark Tryling:
Mark Tryling is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Texas by the Texas Medical Board and is a Diplomat of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology NCCAOM. He has been active in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) profession as well as professional organizations. He has studied and practiced a unique and powerful style of acupuncture known as Balance Method and is the only Balance Method preferred provider in North Texas. Mark Tryling is well known for his groundbreaking work in Chinese pulse diagnosis, called the Pulse Matrix, which he uses to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions. He teaches Balance Method and the Pulse Matrix to other acupuncturists. Mark Tryling is a member of the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, International Balance Method Practitioners.
Visit Mark Tryling at Meridian Harmonics
Friday, March 15, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Acupuncture Myths
Have You Heard These Acupuncture Myths?
As an acupuncturist, I do a lot of myth debunking. It’s understandable. After all, acupuncture speaks an entirely different language from the one through which most Westerners learned to see the world. However, with acupuncture continuing to grow in popularity and gain acceptance by mainstream medicine, it’s important to clarify a few myths and misconceptions that have a strong hold on our collective psyche.
Here are the five most common myths and misconceptions I hear about acupuncture.
“Acupuncture is only for pain.”
Ask most people what acupuncture helps with and the overwhelming majority will say pain. It is true that acupuncture can work wonders for back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, postoperative pain, and pretty much any other kind of pain you can think of. However, pain is just one of many ailments for which acupuncture can provide relief.
Acupuncture alleviates digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, allergies, insomnia, stress and anxiety, asthma, and several other conditions. While many acupuncturists are generalists who treat a wide range of ailments, some specialize. So do a little homework before booking an appointment to find out whether an acupuncturist has experience treating whatever you need help with.
“Acupuncture doesn’t work because I’ve had it once and nothing changed.”
I hear this one a lot. It’s a myth that is easily debunked by thinking about your car. If you go for years without getting your car checked, when you take it to the mechanic it’s going to require more work than if you had come in for regular tune-ups. Similarly, if you’ve been experiencing back pain for six months, it will probably take more than one acupuncture treatment before you notice results.
After your first treatment, an acupuncturist usually will provide an estimate for how many treatments you’re likely to need. This is always an estimate because response times to acupuncture can vary widely, but it’s a good guideline.
Acupuncture is a cumulative process, much like going to the gym: You don’t start running faster or lifting heavier weights after just one trip. That said, most people notice at least some changes after 10 acupuncture treatments. If you haven’t seen any improvement after giving it 10 appointments, I suggest trying another acupuncturist.
“Acupuncture doesn’t work because we don’t know how it works.”
This is an understandable misconception. When it comes to concepts with which we are unfamiliar, it’s comforting to have solid proof. Although there is tentative evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy, definitive, Western-friendly proof of how acupuncture works is unavailable.
There is good reason for this. Controlled, double-blind trials are inappropriate for studying acupuncture. Most acupuncture research models look at a standard selection of acupuncture points to determine if they are effective for a certain condition. But from an acupuncture perspective, one condition can have several different causes—and therefore would require completely different acupuncture points.
Researchers are beginning to look at acupuncture using MRI. I believe this method of studying acupuncture is the most promising yet. Rather than concentrating on people’s perceptions, which can be misled by placebos or prejudices, the MRI studies look directly at how acupuncture changes brain activity. These MRI studies also address findings from previous research that show effects from fake or “sham” acupuncture. Through MRI, we know that both real and sham acupuncture relieve pain but that the effects on the brain are considerably different.
We may not know yet exactly how acupuncture works, but we are gaining a better understanding of the therapeutic effect that acupuncture causes.
“Acupuncture hurts.”
I disagree with acupuncturists who say that acupuncture needles are so thin you can’t even feel them. In my experience, most people feel acupuncture.
When needles are inserted in the right places, they often produce a feeling of heaviness, like a dull ache. Since this sensation is unfamiliar for most people who have never had acupuncture before, it’s commonly interpreted as pain.
If I describe this dull-achy feeling to people before beginning a treatment, they are less likely to experience the sensation as pain. They are prepared, which means their bodies are less tense. Often the “hurt” associated with acupuncture can be attributed to anxiety about the unknown.
I also make a point of telling my patients that acupuncture—rarely, but on occasion—can cause pain after a treatment. Sometimes needles in certain acupuncture points, after they’re removed, can cause a residual feeling of ache, almost like a bruise. When people understand ahead of time that this is a completely normal outcome, their perception of acupuncture as something that hurts seems to shift.
“Acupuncture is religious.” (Also known as “Acupuncture is voodoo.”)
I have been told, “I don’t believe in acupuncture because I’m a Christian.” Although it’s becoming less common as the general public gets more educated about acupuncture, the myth of acupuncture as a religion or supernatural phenomenon remains.
Acupuncture is not religious, nor is it voodoo. There is nothing supernatural or otherworldly happening during an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a healthcare modality designed to help balance your body’s various, interconnected systems.
You don’t need to “believe” in acupuncture in order to experience its benefits because there is nothing to believe in.
I think some of the misinformation surrounding acupuncture’s origins and intentions stems from the word “qi,” which is often described as “vital energy.”
A better interpretation of what ancient Chinese practitioners meant by qi is simply oxygen. They understood that oxygen and nutrients were needed throughout the body in order for it to function properly. They called it qi and Blood, but acupuncture is merely a tool for moving the oxygen and nutrients that our bodies need to thrive.
For more information on acupuncture and Chinese medicine, check out my website.
As an acupuncturist, I do a lot of myth debunking. It’s understandable. After all, acupuncture speaks an entirely different language from the one through which most Westerners learned to see the world. However, with acupuncture continuing to grow in popularity and gain acceptance by mainstream medicine, it’s important to clarify a few myths and misconceptions that have a strong hold on our collective psyche.
Here are the five most common myths and misconceptions I hear about acupuncture.
“Acupuncture is only for pain.”
Ask most people what acupuncture helps with and the overwhelming majority will say pain. It is true that acupuncture can work wonders for back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, postoperative pain, and pretty much any other kind of pain you can think of. However, pain is just one of many ailments for which acupuncture can provide relief.
Acupuncture alleviates digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, allergies, insomnia, stress and anxiety, asthma, and several other conditions. While many acupuncturists are generalists who treat a wide range of ailments, some specialize. So do a little homework before booking an appointment to find out whether an acupuncturist has experience treating whatever you need help with.
“Acupuncture doesn’t work because I’ve had it once and nothing changed.”
I hear this one a lot. It’s a myth that is easily debunked by thinking about your car. If you go for years without getting your car checked, when you take it to the mechanic it’s going to require more work than if you had come in for regular tune-ups. Similarly, if you’ve been experiencing back pain for six months, it will probably take more than one acupuncture treatment before you notice results.
After your first treatment, an acupuncturist usually will provide an estimate for how many treatments you’re likely to need. This is always an estimate because response times to acupuncture can vary widely, but it’s a good guideline.
Acupuncture is a cumulative process, much like going to the gym: You don’t start running faster or lifting heavier weights after just one trip. That said, most people notice at least some changes after 10 acupuncture treatments. If you haven’t seen any improvement after giving it 10 appointments, I suggest trying another acupuncturist.
“Acupuncture doesn’t work because we don’t know how it works.”
This is an understandable misconception. When it comes to concepts with which we are unfamiliar, it’s comforting to have solid proof. Although there is tentative evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy, definitive, Western-friendly proof of how acupuncture works is unavailable.
There is good reason for this. Controlled, double-blind trials are inappropriate for studying acupuncture. Most acupuncture research models look at a standard selection of acupuncture points to determine if they are effective for a certain condition. But from an acupuncture perspective, one condition can have several different causes—and therefore would require completely different acupuncture points.
Researchers are beginning to look at acupuncture using MRI. I believe this method of studying acupuncture is the most promising yet. Rather than concentrating on people’s perceptions, which can be misled by placebos or prejudices, the MRI studies look directly at how acupuncture changes brain activity. These MRI studies also address findings from previous research that show effects from fake or “sham” acupuncture. Through MRI, we know that both real and sham acupuncture relieve pain but that the effects on the brain are considerably different.
We may not know yet exactly how acupuncture works, but we are gaining a better understanding of the therapeutic effect that acupuncture causes.
“Acupuncture hurts.”
I disagree with acupuncturists who say that acupuncture needles are so thin you can’t even feel them. In my experience, most people feel acupuncture.
When needles are inserted in the right places, they often produce a feeling of heaviness, like a dull ache. Since this sensation is unfamiliar for most people who have never had acupuncture before, it’s commonly interpreted as pain.
If I describe this dull-achy feeling to people before beginning a treatment, they are less likely to experience the sensation as pain. They are prepared, which means their bodies are less tense. Often the “hurt” associated with acupuncture can be attributed to anxiety about the unknown.
I also make a point of telling my patients that acupuncture—rarely, but on occasion—can cause pain after a treatment. Sometimes needles in certain acupuncture points, after they’re removed, can cause a residual feeling of ache, almost like a bruise. When people understand ahead of time that this is a completely normal outcome, their perception of acupuncture as something that hurts seems to shift.
“Acupuncture is religious.” (Also known as “Acupuncture is voodoo.”)
I have been told, “I don’t believe in acupuncture because I’m a Christian.” Although it’s becoming less common as the general public gets more educated about acupuncture, the myth of acupuncture as a religion or supernatural phenomenon remains.
Acupuncture is not religious, nor is it voodoo. There is nothing supernatural or otherworldly happening during an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a healthcare modality designed to help balance your body’s various, interconnected systems.
You don’t need to “believe” in acupuncture in order to experience its benefits because there is nothing to believe in.
I think some of the misinformation surrounding acupuncture’s origins and intentions stems from the word “qi,” which is often described as “vital energy.”
A better interpretation of what ancient Chinese practitioners meant by qi is simply oxygen. They understood that oxygen and nutrients were needed throughout the body in order for it to function properly. They called it qi and Blood, but acupuncture is merely a tool for moving the oxygen and nutrients that our bodies need to thrive.
For more information on acupuncture and Chinese medicine, check out my website.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Chinese Herbal Medicine
How are Chinese herbs different than Western herbs?
Over the last several years, there has been an increasing interest especially in industrialized countries to reintroduce the concept of using herbal medicine as part of an ongoing goal to improve health. There is a great deal of information available, especially in regards to what we call "Western herbs". These herbs are most often used singularly, meaning they are not necessarily combined with other herbs into a formula.
The term "Western herbs" applies to the method of using the herbs rather than to the origins of the herb itself. Western herb books often list herbs such as Gotu Kola, Ginger, Dong Quai and Licorice, yet these herbs are Asian in origin. Other herbs such as Capsicum and Devil's Claw come from Africa. Damiana and Pau d'Arco come from South America and Camomile and Myrrh come from Egypt.
In China, herbalists have developed the use of a class of herbs called "tonics", which can be taken daily for increased resistance to disease, to boost energy levels and general health, and to enhance longevity. These herbs are unique to China. Chinese herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - a wide range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts, which have been developed in China over 5,000 years ago.
Chinese herbs are most often combined into Chinese herbal medicine formulas. The herbalist first determines which underlying conditions or patterns are manifesting in the patient's unique situation. Then, an appropriate Chinese herbal medicine formula is chosen with the understanding that the different herbs work together, each having their own action and balancing out the total effect. It is not uncommon for a Chinese herbal medicine formula to contain more than 10 different herbs.
Traditionally, Chinese herbs were usually taken in a decoction, which involves boiling them into a tea. Today, more scientific methods of preparation are available for Chinese herbal medicine formulas. One of the preferred methods is to make a decoction under specific conditions and then dry it to make a concentrate, which can be used as a powder or pressed into a tablet. Powder or tablet forms are just as effective and much more convenient for the typical patient. Another method is to extract the herbs in alcohol, which is called a tincture. Chinese herbal medicine tinctures are an effective alternative, but a less convenient way to utilize each herb's medicinal ingredients.
If you are interested in purchasing Chinese herbal medicine products, consider making an appointment for a herbal consultation. We offer herbal products that are developed by U.S. based companies. The herbs must pass government inspection and are tested by independent laboratories for pesticides, sulfide, bacteria or other contamination and have strict standards for purity and potency. If you have specific questions about any herbal products, please contact me through my website.
Over the last several years, there has been an increasing interest especially in industrialized countries to reintroduce the concept of using herbal medicine as part of an ongoing goal to improve health. There is a great deal of information available, especially in regards to what we call "Western herbs". These herbs are most often used singularly, meaning they are not necessarily combined with other herbs into a formula.
The term "Western herbs" applies to the method of using the herbs rather than to the origins of the herb itself. Western herb books often list herbs such as Gotu Kola, Ginger, Dong Quai and Licorice, yet these herbs are Asian in origin. Other herbs such as Capsicum and Devil's Claw come from Africa. Damiana and Pau d'Arco come from South America and Camomile and Myrrh come from Egypt.
In China, herbalists have developed the use of a class of herbs called "tonics", which can be taken daily for increased resistance to disease, to boost energy levels and general health, and to enhance longevity. These herbs are unique to China. Chinese herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - a wide range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts, which have been developed in China over 5,000 years ago.
Chinese herbs are most often combined into Chinese herbal medicine formulas. The herbalist first determines which underlying conditions or patterns are manifesting in the patient's unique situation. Then, an appropriate Chinese herbal medicine formula is chosen with the understanding that the different herbs work together, each having their own action and balancing out the total effect. It is not uncommon for a Chinese herbal medicine formula to contain more than 10 different herbs.
Traditionally, Chinese herbs were usually taken in a decoction, which involves boiling them into a tea. Today, more scientific methods of preparation are available for Chinese herbal medicine formulas. One of the preferred methods is to make a decoction under specific conditions and then dry it to make a concentrate, which can be used as a powder or pressed into a tablet. Powder or tablet forms are just as effective and much more convenient for the typical patient. Another method is to extract the herbs in alcohol, which is called a tincture. Chinese herbal medicine tinctures are an effective alternative, but a less convenient way to utilize each herb's medicinal ingredients.
If you are interested in purchasing Chinese herbal medicine products, consider making an appointment for a herbal consultation. We offer herbal products that are developed by U.S. based companies. The herbs must pass government inspection and are tested by independent laboratories for pesticides, sulfide, bacteria or other contamination and have strict standards for purity and potency. If you have specific questions about any herbal products, please contact me through my website.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Acupuncture can be a remedy for chronic headache pain
Acupuncture is a form of complementary or alternative medicine, and many of my patients ask about it. It first gained recognition in the United States in 1971 when a well-known New York Times columnist, James Reston, developed appendicitis on a trip to China. His pain following surgery was treated not with conventional pain medicines but with acupuncture. Reston reported that his pain had been completely relieved by acupuncture. His standing and credibility caused many people to take acupuncture seriously.
Acupuncture has long been used to treat headaches. But until recently, there hadn’t been strong evidence to support its use for headache pain. Two large scientific reviews have changed that. One review found that acupuncture may help people with episodic or chronic tension headaches. The other review found that acupuncture may prevent migraine headaches as well as or better than medications.
The tension headache review looked at 11 studies involving about 2,300 people. In two large studies included in the review, nearly half of people who received acupuncture in addition to their usual headache treatment said their headache days were cut by at least half. Only 16 percent of those who received typical headache treatment, but no acupuncture, reported the same level of headache relief.
The migraine review found evidence that getting regular acupuncture treatments in addition to typical migraine treatments (such as taking painkillers) cut the frequency of migraines. Also, when acupuncture was compared to taking a preventive drug, people who received acupuncture improved more and had fewer side effects than those taking medications.
According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by affecting the flow of energy, called “qi,” through pathways or channels of energy that run through the body. The practitioner inserts very fine needles at specific points along these pathways.
Acupuncture has many variations. It typically involves four to 10 needles left in place for 10-30 minutes. A course of treatment may include six to 12 sessions. Most people report that acupuncture needles cause little or no pain.
Acupuncture is among the most promising of nontraditional headache therapies.
Some patients may require additional therapies, such as Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunct to their acupuncture treatments. Typically, the frequency of acupuncture treatments is one to three times per week. On the other hand, Chinese herbal medicine to treat headaches can be used daily. Patients who are able to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat their condition get the best results.
If you decide to try acupuncture, do your homework before choosing a practitioner. If possible, choose a therapist with a state license. If you live in a state that doesn’t require licensing, seek out one who’s certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
You may also want to get a referral from your doctor. (In any case, inform your doctor if you are going to try acupuncture.)
Meridian Harmonics provides various acupuncture and customized Chinese herbal therapies to treat the many different types of headaches and migraines.
Acupuncture has long been used to treat headaches. But until recently, there hadn’t been strong evidence to support its use for headache pain. Two large scientific reviews have changed that. One review found that acupuncture may help people with episodic or chronic tension headaches. The other review found that acupuncture may prevent migraine headaches as well as or better than medications.
The tension headache review looked at 11 studies involving about 2,300 people. In two large studies included in the review, nearly half of people who received acupuncture in addition to their usual headache treatment said their headache days were cut by at least half. Only 16 percent of those who received typical headache treatment, but no acupuncture, reported the same level of headache relief.
The migraine review found evidence that getting regular acupuncture treatments in addition to typical migraine treatments (such as taking painkillers) cut the frequency of migraines. Also, when acupuncture was compared to taking a preventive drug, people who received acupuncture improved more and had fewer side effects than those taking medications.
According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by affecting the flow of energy, called “qi,” through pathways or channels of energy that run through the body. The practitioner inserts very fine needles at specific points along these pathways.
Acupuncture has many variations. It typically involves four to 10 needles left in place for 10-30 minutes. A course of treatment may include six to 12 sessions. Most people report that acupuncture needles cause little or no pain.
Acupuncture is among the most promising of nontraditional headache therapies.
Some patients may require additional therapies, such as Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunct to their acupuncture treatments. Typically, the frequency of acupuncture treatments is one to three times per week. On the other hand, Chinese herbal medicine to treat headaches can be used daily. Patients who are able to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat their condition get the best results.
If you decide to try acupuncture, do your homework before choosing a practitioner. If possible, choose a therapist with a state license. If you live in a state that doesn’t require licensing, seek out one who’s certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
You may also want to get a referral from your doctor. (In any case, inform your doctor if you are going to try acupuncture.)
Meridian Harmonics provides various acupuncture and customized Chinese herbal therapies to treat the many different types of headaches and migraines.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Flu Season Immune Boosting Tips
Ah, January, the time when you pack away the holiday lights, put away the presents ... and get ready for the flu season.
Flu activity usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February. According to this week's FluView report posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is on the rise for the season in the U.S., with 29 states experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness.
Ten states including California report low or minimal flu activity. These levels of influenza are comparable to those of moderately severe flu seasons in the past.
What can you do to prevent the flu? Practice good hygiene including washing your hands frequently, including before you touch your face or eat.
If you have not been vaccinated against the flu, you should do so now. If you have severe influenza illness, or are at risk for influenza illness-related complications, you should get the influenza antiviral medications (regardless of whether you've had the flu vaccine).
In addition, there are a number of holistic interventions you can do to boost your immunity before or during a flu or upper-respiratory infection.
Here are our top holistic immunity-boosting tips for the flu season:
Decrease your intake of processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. Even small amounts of sugar can suppress the immune system and make you more likely to get an infection, or more sick when you have one.
The herbs Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are for prevention and long-term immune support. Doses generally used are 2.5 grams of root taken preventively, and can be tripled to head off an impending infection.
The herb Androgrophis paniculata is used in acute viral or bacterial infections. Doses used are typically 1,000 milligrams per day of extract, or about 6 grams of the herb.
The herb Ashwgandha is considered an adaptogen, and can help the body respond to stress and ward off illness. It can also help insomnia related to the flu
if taken in the evening. Doses of Ashwgandha are around 1,000 miligrams a day, or a couple pills a day when the pills doses are around 400 to 500 milligrams.
Fresh ginger steeped in hot water to form a hot tea can be a natural immune booster, and can help against nausea, congestion and abdominal bloating. You can add a little fresh lemon and honey to the tea to calm a sore throat.
Nasal saline rinses, or nedipots, used daily can help wash out viruses and bacteria in the nasal passages.
Garlic, raw, cooked or in the form of supplements can boost immunity and has been shown to reduce cough and congestion.
Doses of garlic recommended are 2 to 5 grams of fresh raw garlic, 0.4 to 1.2 grams of garlic powder or 2 to 5 milligrams of garlic oil daily.
Garlic can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Exercising in moderation has been shown in many studies to be a natural immunity booster, and may reduce the incidence and severity of viral infections.
If you think you have the flu, contact your physician.
If you don't have the flu, make sure you have had the flu vaccination, eat healthfully and exercise daily.
Try these holistic remedies if needed, in conjunction with your physician's advice. We hope you have a healthy flu-free winter.
Flu activity usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February. According to this week's FluView report posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is on the rise for the season in the U.S., with 29 states experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness.
Ten states including California report low or minimal flu activity. These levels of influenza are comparable to those of moderately severe flu seasons in the past.
What can you do to prevent the flu? Practice good hygiene including washing your hands frequently, including before you touch your face or eat.
If you have not been vaccinated against the flu, you should do so now. If you have severe influenza illness, or are at risk for influenza illness-related complications, you should get the influenza antiviral medications (regardless of whether you've had the flu vaccine).
In addition, there are a number of holistic interventions you can do to boost your immunity before or during a flu or upper-respiratory infection.
Here are our top holistic immunity-boosting tips for the flu season:
Decrease your intake of processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. Even small amounts of sugar can suppress the immune system and make you more likely to get an infection, or more sick when you have one.
The herbs Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are for prevention and long-term immune support. Doses generally used are 2.5 grams of root taken preventively, and can be tripled to head off an impending infection.
The herb Androgrophis paniculata is used in acute viral or bacterial infections. Doses used are typically 1,000 milligrams per day of extract, or about 6 grams of the herb.
The herb Ashwgandha is considered an adaptogen, and can help the body respond to stress and ward off illness. It can also help insomnia related to the flu
if taken in the evening. Doses of Ashwgandha are around 1,000 miligrams a day, or a couple pills a day when the pills doses are around 400 to 500 milligrams.
Fresh ginger steeped in hot water to form a hot tea can be a natural immune booster, and can help against nausea, congestion and abdominal bloating. You can add a little fresh lemon and honey to the tea to calm a sore throat.
Nasal saline rinses, or nedipots, used daily can help wash out viruses and bacteria in the nasal passages.
Garlic, raw, cooked or in the form of supplements can boost immunity and has been shown to reduce cough and congestion.
Doses of garlic recommended are 2 to 5 grams of fresh raw garlic, 0.4 to 1.2 grams of garlic powder or 2 to 5 milligrams of garlic oil daily.
Garlic can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Exercising in moderation has been shown in many studies to be a natural immunity booster, and may reduce the incidence and severity of viral infections.
If you think you have the flu, contact your physician.
If you don't have the flu, make sure you have had the flu vaccination, eat healthfully and exercise daily.
Try these holistic remedies if needed, in conjunction with your physician's advice. We hope you have a healthy flu-free winter.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Herbal Medicine: What it Is, What it Does
Herbal medicine is an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. Studies have shown that as much as 40% of all American adults use herbal products, with the amount of money spent on herbal remedies in this country each year in the tens of billions. The use of herbal medicine is even higher overseas, with some countries reporting a usage rate of 75% or greater.
The term "herbal medicine" refers to the use of a plant's seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purposes. While the scientific study of herbs in the United States began just over two centuries ago, herbs and botanical's have been used to treat a wide range of health problems in Asia for thousands of years.
When used to facilitate healing in chronic, ongoing problems, herbal medicine has a great deal to offer. Studies have shown that herbal products can treat a variety of conditions, including colds, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, arthritis, skin disorders, asthma, and a host of other problems usually treated with pharmaceuticals and prescription medications.
INSOMNIA
For example, patient complaints of insomnia are on the rise. Various factors contribute to insomnia in its three basic forms: 1) difficulty getting to sleep, 2) difficulty staying asleep once waking and 3) a combination of these two. Acupuncture itself can offer great relief for insomnia sufferers. However, most patients are not going to receive acupuncture treatments on a daily basis.
In most cases, I like to combine acupuncture with a customized herbal solution to address their problem. Chinese herbs can be used on a daily basis to treat many health conditions, especially insomnia. Chinese herbs are very affordable. A single daily dose of customized herbal remedies can cost less than a pack of cigarettes!
Prescription drugs to treat insomnia can be very effective. Unfortunately, all drugs have various side affects and may interact with other medications. Typical side affects of insomnia medications are: Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness (including daytime drowsiness); "drugged" feeling; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nose or throat irritation; sluggishness; stomach upset; weakness.
More SEVERE side affects can include: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, legs, mouth, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; throat closing; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; behavior changes; chest pain; confusion; decreased coordination; difficulty swallowing or breathing; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory problems (e.g., memory loss); mental or mood changes (e.g., aggression, agitation, anxiety); new or worsening depression; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; vision changes.
Most patients want to minimize their number of medications, side affects and drug interactions. Integrating Chinese herbal medicine into their lifestyle can easily do this. The nice thing about Chinese herbs is they’re safe, effective and actually treat the root causes of a particular problem, as well as the symptoms. Chinese herbs help to restore balance to the body’s internal organs, regulate blood flow throughout the body, strengthen the immune system, increase energy, reduce stress and provide a deep sense of health and wellness.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Preparing for the Winter Season
From a western medicine perspective, bacterial and viral infections are the main cause of winter ailments. Lack of sunlight and low temperatures in the cold seasons provide an ideal setting for viral and bacterial infections, which can give rise to colds, coughs, sore throats, flu and other winter illnesses. Furthermore the body’s immunity also tends to get weakened during the colder season and therefore it is more susceptible to attacks from various viruses and bacteria. These infections are also highly contagious and can be passed on easily from one person to another by simple actions like coughing or sneezing. This is one of the main reasons why common colds and coughs spread so easily. People who suffer from various allergies also have a difficult time during the winter months. These allergies also tend to last longer because most people prefer staying indoors when the temperatures are lower. Winter ailments can affect people of all age groups but tend to affect older individuals sooner than others because of their lowered immunity. Even pregnant women and individuals who suffer from immune system disorders are more prone to winter ailments because of a weakened immunity. People who have unhealthy eating habits and follow a sedentary lifestyle are also more at risk from different types of winter ailments. Poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity can directly impact a person’s immunity and raise the risk of succumbing to winter diseases. Therefore it is very important to follow a healthy balanced diet that can provide the body with all the essential nutrients it needs to be strong and healthy. Regular exercise can also help a great deal to increase your general fitness levels, boost your immune and help prevent not just infections, but minimize allergic reactions as well. Winter ailments like chilblain can also be avoided with the help of a good diet and regular exercise.
Chinese Medicine Model of Winter Disease
In Chinese medicine, each one of the seasons necessitates we modify our lifestyle and diet. Each season is characterized by a primary significant pathogenic factor. The winter months provide a stronger opportunity for the Cold pathogenic factor to affect our bodies. Cold affects the body by stagnating Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. Cold transforms active energy in the various organs and their associative acupuncture meridians and channels and converts the activated energy to potential or stagnant energy. Potential energy in the body is energy that is waiting to be activated. Chinese medical theory recognizes that activated energy in the body is required to maintain good health, increase longevity, boost immunity and minimize disease symptoms. Unfortunately, the Cold pathogenic factor of the winter season deactivates the body’s energy by stagnating it. An important precept of Chinese medicine is when all the body’s subtle energies are moving harmoniously then health will be manifested. Conversely, when these energies are stagnant then the disease process and accompanying symptoms will be manifested.
If you suspect that you’re experiencing a Cold Invasion, here are a few of the typical symptoms: chilliness, cold and weak knees, cold limbs, fatigue, low back pain, swelling or edema in the lower body, reduced appetite, desire for warm places, food and drinks, lack of thirst, loose stools, abundant clear urine, white tongue coating, pale complexion, blue tinged lips, fingers, toes or extremities.
Combating the Cold pathogenic factor can be accomplished in two major ways: diet and exercise.
In winter the selection of whole foods is sparse compared to the abundant choices we have during the summer. However, the foods that are readily available are perfectly suited for winter. Some excellent food choices for the winter season are shown below.
Spices/Herbs: basil, bay leaves, black pepper, capers, cardamom, cayenne, chives, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, dill seed, fennel seed, garlic, ginger, mustard seed, nutmeg, pine kernel, rosemary, spearmint, anise, fenugreek
Foods: cherry, chestnut, chicken, dates, goat, lamb, leek, lychee, longan, mussel, mustard leaf, mutton, onion, peach, scallion, shrimp, squash, sweet rice, trout, turnip, vinegar, walnut, lobster, venison
The exercises that you would normally engage in during the other seasons can be done in the winter. However, more emphasis should be placed on strengthening exercises rather than cardiovascular exercises. Winter is the Yin time of year. This is the time of year that is more consolidating and less active. It is a time for rebuilding and nourishing the body’s energy, instead of expending energy. In nature, this is a quieter, less active time and should be reflected in our lives, as well.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are great ways to boost your immune system as well as treating winter diseases and disorders, without the side affects typical of western drug therapies.
Caution! Do not self medicate. To determine the correct herbal combinations for your specific conditions (bronchitis, influenza, respiratory infections, ear infections, etc) obtain an herbal consultation with an Oriental Medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis and proper course of treatment recommendation.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Pain Management Using Oriental Medicine
In Chinese medicine, acupuncture meridian theory states that there are 14 primary channels of energy within the body. These channels or meridians are similar to a highway system. Qi, pronounced chee, (energy and information) is transmitted through the meridians so the body can perform specific tasks. When there is an interruption of the flow of energy or information in the meridian systems, one of the first signs can be discomfort or pain. Each of the meridians has internal and external branches or pathways. Acupuncture points lie on the external branches. The internal branches connect to other meridians or channels and to the internal organs. In this way acupuncture points can treat both pain and disharmony in the organs.
How does Tai Chi and Qi Gong help to relieve pain?
Chinese medicine is rooted in several major concepts and laws that govern the physical universe. One of these concepts is that Movement = Health and Non-movement (Stagnation) = Disease. To use this concept we need to understand that the body consists of meridians that transport Qi, blood vessels that transport Blood and tissues/organs that transport specific body fluids or food. These systems are designed to be dynamic or moving. When they cease to move efficiently or effectively, then the body will suffer. Longstanding lack of movement will, eventually, cause pain. To prevent or reduce pain, the ancient Chinese discovered that physical movement was one of the keys to health.
How does Chinese Herbal Medicine treat Pain?
They’re numerous pathogenic causes to pain. In western medicine most of these causes are rooted in nervous system disorders. Chinese Medicine, however, is not based on the nervous system. Therefore, pain can be caused by disharmonies with Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and environmental factors. Some examples of these disharmonies and just a few herbs to treat them are listed below.
Qi (Energy) Deficiency: Pain is worse with exertion; fatigue, weakness, swelling, distending pain; pain alleviated with pressure
Astragulus Root – augments Qi, strengthens blood; for numbness in limbs and painful obstructions
Licorice root – replenishes Qi, reduces toxicity, relieves spasms & pain
Qi (Energy) Stagnation: Achy pain, especially in the rib cage; anxiety, irritability, depression; pain aggravated with pressure
Tangerine Peel – regulates Qi, normalizes Spleen and Stomach functioning
Bupleurum – soothes Liver for pain in abdomen, chest and rib cage
Blood Deficiency: Heart palpitations, restless, irritable, fatigue, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, inability to concentrate, poor memory, muscle weakness, spasms, numbness, irritability; pain alleviated by pressure
Angelica Root – nourishes and invigorates blood to stop pain; especially beneficial for all female disorders
White Peony root – nourishes blood, soothes Liver, stops pain
Blood Stagnation: Heart palpitations, cold extremities (hands, feet, legs, arms), sharp stabbing pain, insomnia, dark or purplish coloration, restless; pain aggravated by pressure
Turmeric – aids with pain due to stagnation of blood
Lovage Root – invigorates blood, moves Qi, stops pain
Heat: Pain is aggravated by heat; red coloration with possible swelling
Phellodendrum bark – clears heat & inflammation, reduces swelling
Gypsum – strongly clears heat and inflammation to stop pain
Cold (Yang Deficiency or Cold Climate): Pain is aggravated by cold; pale, blue or purplish coloration with possible swelling
Peppers – contain Capsaicin (extremely hot): best for pain aggravated by cold
Aconite – dispels cold to stop pain
Damp: Pain is aggravated by damp, humid conditions; swelling or edema
Ginger – aids in resolving damp/phlegm accumulations in joints; also helpful with nausea and vomiting due to damp/phlegm/food
Atractylodes – resolves dampness to stop pain, especially in knee and foot joints
Dry (Yin Deficiency or Dry Climate): Aggravated by dryness, low grade fever, irritability, irritability, dry mouth and throat, dry skin, thirst, restless, low back pain, bone pain, constipation due to dry stools
Foxglove Root – nourishes Blood to stop pain, relieves dryness
Scrophularia root – clears heat nourishes Yin, purges heat, relieves toxity to stop pain
Food Stagnation: Stagnation of food in the gastrointestinal track can cause pain in the chest, abdomen, rib cage, back and intestines.
Pinellia rhizome – dries damp accumulations, lowers adverse Qi to stop nausea, vomiting and pain
Hawthorn fruit – dissipates clumps, reduces food stagnation for abdominal distention, pain, chest pain
Caution! Do not self medicate. To determine the correct herbal combinations for your specific type of pain, obtain an herbal consultation with an Oriental Medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis and proper course of treatment recommendation.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Power Foods to Increase Your Energy
If you're wondering why you're tired after a full night's sleep the answer might be on your plate. Nutritional deficiencies can make you feel under the weather. And eating too much of the wrong things can have the same effect. So if you haven't been functioning at 100 percent, try these foods to give your well-being a big boost.
Eat this to boost energy Feel like every day is a labor to just get through? You may not be getting enough iron. Add in the fact that you lose the mineral when you menstruate, and you may feel groggy and fuzzy-headed even if you don't have a full-blown deficiency.
The remedy: Eat more red meats, fish, and poultry—the best animal-based sources of iron. (Liver contains one of the highest amounts, too, but steer clear if you're pregnant, since its high vitamin A content may be dangerous to a developing baby.) Don't eat meat? Go for soybeans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Iron isn't as easily absorbed by your body in those forms, but adding vitamin C will help, so enjoy a glass of orange juice with those cornflakes.
If you tend to have heavy periods, you're probably losing more iron than the average woman, so be extra sure you're eating plenty of iron-rich foods.
Eat this to feel calm You know that caffeine can put you on edge. But here's another source of jitters: too many refined carbs—foods high in white flour (cookies, sugary cereals, white bread, etc.) and stripped of nutrients and fiber that normally keep your blood sugar stable.
A big dose of refined carbs causes your blood sugar level to soar and an excessive amount of insulin to be secreted by the pancreas. You may be antsy as a result: think toe-tapping and/or an inability to focus. Then, the extra insulin will make your blood sugar plummet, Levine explains, leaving you feeling sluggish.
To help prevent those drastic spikes and drops in blood sugar, Levine says, your meals and snacks should be based around lean protein, healthy fats, and unrefined carbohydrates. That means loading up on brown rice, whole-grain bread and pasta, whole oats, and, of course, fruits, veggies, and legumes.
Eat this to get sharp So you misplaced your car keys. Again. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12—both brain-boosting nutrients—could be to blame.
"Omega-3s are loaded with DHA, a type of fatty acid that helps promote well-functioning synapses," says Dr. Joseph Quinn, associate professor of neurology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.
Translation: It keeps neurons in your brain firing more effectively. A lack of B12, meanwhile, has been linked with confusion, numbness, and fatigue. Up to 15 percent of Americans could be low on B12, according to the NIH, in part because some people may have trouble absorbing the nutrient.
Get your brain back on track by including more fatty, omega-3-rich fish like mackerel, trout, herring, tuna, and salmon. To get more B12, try fortified breakfast cereal (many have 100 percent of the recommended daily value), liver, cooked clams, yogurt, cheese, whole eggs, and ham, as well as fish like salmon and trout. If you're upping your intake of these foods and still feel disoriented, ask your doctor if you should consider having your B12 level tested.
Eat this to beat bloating Yes, veggies and legumes are great for you. But certain ones—like beans, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower—can produce lots of gas, leaving you with major bloat. (Complex sugars may be the culprit - difficult to digest for some folks.) Carbonated drinks can also increase bloating, both because they're bubbly and because their artificial sweeteners can be hard for your body to break down.
If your belly's feeling swollen, try halving the amount of bloat-boosting veggies you normally eat for a week to see if that helps. Don't cut them out completely, though, because they provide crucial nutrients.
Avoid soda and seltzer, but keep drinking flat water, which helps relieve constipation—another cause of bloating. Taking probiotic supplements may help, too; talk to your doctor about which one might be right for you.
Eat this to curb cramps Cramps could mean you're low on electrolytes like potassium or magnesium. Potassium works with sodium to keep muscle contractions in check, so if you sweat it out, you may also have to deal with some pain in your calves or feet.
Your food Rx: While bananas are the most famous source of potassium, you actually get twice as much of the mineral from a medium-size baked potato. Prunes and orange juice have lots of it, too. As for magnesium, go for almonds and most other nuts, greens like spinach, and bran flakes and other unrefined grains. Consuming calcium also helps; get it from low-fat milk, tofu, and dark, leafy greens like collards. Dehydration can cause cramps, too, so don't forget to keep chugging H2O.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with Chinese Medicine
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression, is a debilitating problem that interferes with the quality of life of thousands of patients, especially during the fall, winter and early spring. It is considered to be a seasonal disruption of mood that typically occurs during the winter months, SAD symptoms usually begin in September when days begin to shorten and last until March when the days begin to lengthen again. Individuals with SAD feel depressed, slow down, overeat, and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer, these same individuals feel elated, active and energetic. Both adults and children can be affected. In individuals intolerant to heat, SAD symptoms may occur in summer.
This syndrome seems to be a worldwide phenomenon and occurs cross culturally, especially in countries far from the equator. Symptoms that reappear regularly with the seasonal changes include: lethargy, difficulty concentrating, depression, negative thoughts, elevated cravings for carbohydrates with corresponding overeating and weight gain, hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), tiredness in the morning, diminished libido, and decreased social interaction. Patients typically become more anxious by the end of the summer as they anticipate the coming months, during which less sunlight is present and their symptoms return.
Patients may have other mental problems as well, such as substance abuse disorders, personality disorders and anxiety disorders, which, further exacerbate the degree of the SAD patient's symptoms. SAD is regarded as "a variant of bipolar disorder characterized by cyclic manic, depressive or mixed mood states that are somehow triggered by external clues to changing seasons, including principally, increased or decreased day length. Individuals with SAD tend to become depressed during the autumn months and manic during the springtime." This is a complicated disorder that can accompany many severe illnesses such as cardiovascular and endocrine disease, and for which a patient should seek qualified professional help.
Seasonal affective disorder does, however, respond well to treatment with Oriental medicine. I prefer to use acupuncture, herbs and lifestyle modifications to address the problem. While there are a core group of symptoms that patients share, each patient has their own medical history and clinical manifestations, along with mental or physical illnesses. Treating the root pattern allows for individualized treatment with corresponding best results obtained.
So how does one determine the underlying pattern(s) responsible for the symptoms of SAD? Personally, I choose to use the Pulse Matrix pulse diagnosis system to determine the primary pathological conditions and treatment strategies. This allows for extremely detailed and customized strategies for each patient. There are some general guidelines that can help structure the treatments:
* Keep your treatments simple by addressing the root of the disorder instead of treating symptoms.
* Begin treatment at any time; however, the summer is ideal. By doing so, there is a good chance your doctor can break up the cyclic pattern of symptoms so that they are reduced or even eliminated before the problematic seasons arrive.
* Seek treatment 1-2 times a week, depending upon which interval works best for you and in light of the degree of your symptoms.
Advice for Seasonal Affective Disorder
* With seasonal affective disorder, one may crave carbohydrates in the form of starches and sweets. If needed, consume breads, pastas and pastries made of whole grains instead of white flour. Add more protein to the diet such as nuts, lean meat, fish and small amounts of fat from cheeses or other sources; some fresh fruit; and plenty of cooked leafy vegetables, whole grains and baked vegetables such as yams or baked potatoes.
* Exercise regularly by walking vigorously 20 minutes, 5-7 days per week, in the morning or when there is the most sunlight.
* Work with lots of light by the windows to allow exposure to natural light.
* Avoid overeating or gaining weight. Both will make you more tired and more sensitive and depressed.
* Try to go to bed earlier and get up earlier when there are more daylight hours. Avoid naps during the day, which can interfere with sleep in the evening.
* Think positive, happy thoughts. Try not to worry or be fearful. Enjoy the warmth of family, friends or any activity that brings "fire" to your life. Encourage the cultivation of joy in your life.
Breathing. We take if for granted because we don't think about breathing. Begin intentional breathing, especially during exercise (walking, jogging, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, etc.). Whatever you do intentionally begin to do some deep abdominal breathing. You'll be amazed at how energizing it is. The affects will begin to dispel many of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in no time at all! Of course, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help dispel SAD even quicker. Enjoy the season. Even though it's a bit gloomy, don't let SAD ruin your days and your life. Happy Winter! Looking forward to Spring!
Meridian Harmonics
This syndrome seems to be a worldwide phenomenon and occurs cross culturally, especially in countries far from the equator. Symptoms that reappear regularly with the seasonal changes include: lethargy, difficulty concentrating, depression, negative thoughts, elevated cravings for carbohydrates with corresponding overeating and weight gain, hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), tiredness in the morning, diminished libido, and decreased social interaction. Patients typically become more anxious by the end of the summer as they anticipate the coming months, during which less sunlight is present and their symptoms return.
Patients may have other mental problems as well, such as substance abuse disorders, personality disorders and anxiety disorders, which, further exacerbate the degree of the SAD patient's symptoms. SAD is regarded as "a variant of bipolar disorder characterized by cyclic manic, depressive or mixed mood states that are somehow triggered by external clues to changing seasons, including principally, increased or decreased day length. Individuals with SAD tend to become depressed during the autumn months and manic during the springtime." This is a complicated disorder that can accompany many severe illnesses such as cardiovascular and endocrine disease, and for which a patient should seek qualified professional help.
Seasonal affective disorder does, however, respond well to treatment with Oriental medicine. I prefer to use acupuncture, herbs and lifestyle modifications to address the problem. While there are a core group of symptoms that patients share, each patient has their own medical history and clinical manifestations, along with mental or physical illnesses. Treating the root pattern allows for individualized treatment with corresponding best results obtained.
So how does one determine the underlying pattern(s) responsible for the symptoms of SAD? Personally, I choose to use the Pulse Matrix pulse diagnosis system to determine the primary pathological conditions and treatment strategies. This allows for extremely detailed and customized strategies for each patient. There are some general guidelines that can help structure the treatments:
* Keep your treatments simple by addressing the root of the disorder instead of treating symptoms.
* Begin treatment at any time; however, the summer is ideal. By doing so, there is a good chance your doctor can break up the cyclic pattern of symptoms so that they are reduced or even eliminated before the problematic seasons arrive.
* Seek treatment 1-2 times a week, depending upon which interval works best for you and in light of the degree of your symptoms.
Advice for Seasonal Affective Disorder
* With seasonal affective disorder, one may crave carbohydrates in the form of starches and sweets. If needed, consume breads, pastas and pastries made of whole grains instead of white flour. Add more protein to the diet such as nuts, lean meat, fish and small amounts of fat from cheeses or other sources; some fresh fruit; and plenty of cooked leafy vegetables, whole grains and baked vegetables such as yams or baked potatoes.
* Exercise regularly by walking vigorously 20 minutes, 5-7 days per week, in the morning or when there is the most sunlight.
* Work with lots of light by the windows to allow exposure to natural light.
* Avoid overeating or gaining weight. Both will make you more tired and more sensitive and depressed.
* Try to go to bed earlier and get up earlier when there are more daylight hours. Avoid naps during the day, which can interfere with sleep in the evening.
* Think positive, happy thoughts. Try not to worry or be fearful. Enjoy the warmth of family, friends or any activity that brings "fire" to your life. Encourage the cultivation of joy in your life.
Breathing. We take if for granted because we don't think about breathing. Begin intentional breathing, especially during exercise (walking, jogging, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, etc.). Whatever you do intentionally begin to do some deep abdominal breathing. You'll be amazed at how energizing it is. The affects will begin to dispel many of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in no time at all! Of course, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help dispel SAD even quicker. Enjoy the season. Even though it's a bit gloomy, don't let SAD ruin your days and your life. Happy Winter! Looking forward to Spring!
Meridian Harmonics
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Acupuncture gains momentum in military health care
According to an Army News Service article published June 25, a report released by the Army's surgeon general June 23 recommended more than 100 changes in the Army's health care system. "The Pain Management Task Force's final report, which was initiated by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker in August of 2009, addresses the lack of a comprehensive pain management strategy across the Army, and suggests alternative treatments to medication such as acupuncture, meditation, biofeedback and yoga.
Also noted in the report is the fact that pain management has changed very little since the discovery of morphine in 1805. Warner Barracks is one of a few Army health clinics to respond to the pain management strategy with the use of auricular acupuncture for mild Traumatic Brain Injury patients. Auricular acupuncture refers to points located on the ears. "This and further concerns about combining medications in drug therapy have led to an increase in alternative medicine throughout Army health care communities. I believe that the 'spread' going on reflects the fact that more and more physicians are pursuing training in acupuncture," said Lt.Col. Larry R. Patterson, Bamberg Health Clinic commander. "Treatments become more available because of a larger pool of trained physicians."
Dr. Natalia Whitman, a neurologist and medical director of the clinic has seen in past years that this method of treatment would greatly benefit patients suffering from a variety of ailments. Whitman is encouraged by findings published in "The American Family Physician." Volume 80, No. 5, Sept. 1, 2009 reads, "Acupuncture was found to improve headaches and health-related quality of life when added to medical management in patients with chronic daily headache." Multiple doctors at the Landstuhl Regional Medical center are qualified to perform acupuncture and are doing so through the Anesthesia Interventional Pain Management department and have begun utilizing acupuncture or hope to do so in the near future.
Study Links Weight Loss and Acupuncture
Could a few pinpricks make someone thinner? Evidence weighs heavily in favor of that proposition, according to the results of a new study to be presented at the Pacific Symposium in San Diego this week. The groundbreaking study, "The Effects of Acupuncture on Weight-Loss in Over-Weight and Obese Adults Over 24 Years Old," reports that 95 percent of its subjects lost weight in a six-week period after receiving regular acupuncture treatments. Of those subjects, another 50 percent continued to lose weight after treatments stopped. Dr. Edward Lamadrid, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine, conducted the study and authored its findings. Lamadrid has treated thousands of patients with a variety of problems and health conditions, and he has long suspected that acupuncture assists in weight loss. However, it wasn't until this controlled, scientific study that the Chicago-based expert could positively confirm a more formal hypothesis and the positive conclusions.
"What's particularly interesting and somewhat shocking about the study's findings is that weight loss occurred across the board without much exercise or dieting, something everyone believes is essential to trimming down," Lamadrid says. "I certainly don't want to discount the importance of healthy habits such as good fitness and eating nutritionally, but this study confirms that acupuncture is a viable tool for successful weight loss." Key conclusions found that 81 percent of participants in Group A, which received three weeks of acupuncture treatments, lost weight, averaging 2 lbs. per week for men and 1 lb. per week for women. After the treatments ceased, 54 percent continued to lose weight. Meanwhile, 79 percent of those in Group B, the control group, which didn't receive acupuncture, gained weight over the three-week period.
At the end of those three weeks, this control group then received regular acupuncture treatments, and 77 percent then lost weight at a rate similar to Group A. Feedback from the subjects noted significant improvements both physically and emotionally. "Patients understand the importance of preventative medicine and a holistic approach to treatment," Lamadrid says. "This body of evidence on the acupuncture-weight loss link is groundbreaking for the worldwide healthcare and fitness community, considering obesity is now a global epidemic."
Chinese medicine approaches weight gain and obesity as imbalances or irregular functioning of one or more internal organs. All of the body’s organ systems are designed to interact with each other in a dynamic supportive manner. However, there are a variety of pathological conditions that contribute to the breakdown of each organ to operate at its optimal energy state. The key to successful treatment is to identify the key players and treat them at their source. In this way the body is able to resume maintaining its health on its own.
Meridian Harmonics
Meridian Harmonics
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tips for Losing Weight at Home
1. Set the mood Turn up the lighting in your kitchen and dining room. Dim lights make food look more attractive, which encourages binge eating. Music may help curb stress-related eating; it can fill an inner need that might otherwise lead to overeating. Keep your favorite calming song or CD on hand.
2. Go blue Avoid painting the walls red, yellow, and orange in the kitchen and dining areas; these colors may make us hungry! If your walls aren’t blue and repainting is just too much work, use blue silverware, blue plates, napkins, or place mats to help get the same non-hungry effect. Use blue lights in your kitchen or dining room. In a study published in Contract magazine, gala attendees who dined in a blue room ate 33-percent less than those who ate in a yellow or red room. Blue lights make food look less appealing, while warmer colors, especially yellow, have the opposite effect. Fast-food restaurants have known and used this fact for decades, which is why almost all of them have yellowish interiors--they want you to eat more.
3. Downsize Extensive diet research shows that people eat what's put on their plates - even if it's more than they need to satisfy their hunger. If you have huge dinner plates, buy smaller dishes for your home. Buy smaller glasses so you don’t consume too many liquid calories. It’s more difficult to exercise portion control when you’re pouring into a large glass. Use smaller juice glasses and stay away from oversized wine glasses.
4. Stay out of the kitchen Many people talk on the kitchen phone and work at the kitchen table. They're always around food, which increases their likelihood of eating. Just like you sleep better when you don’t work in your bed, you’ll eat better if you don’t work in your kitchen. Don’t confuse the space.
5. Spray lavender on your bed pillows Studies show that natural remedies like lavender can help promote healthy sleep cycles, which in turn may help promote weight loss. People who sleep five hours a night versus the recommended seven to eight hours are 50-percent more likely to be obese.
6. Spray jasmine around the house Peppermint or jasmine scents have been linked to increased energy and alertness. Burn a candle or spray the scent around your home to help boost your energy.
7. Keep simple workout equipment around the house Having dumbbells or a yoga mat sitting around will help keep exercise on your mind. If you’re watching television in the evening and you see your dumbbells, you may be more inclined to pick them up and do a few sets of exercises than if they were hidden away in the closet. Also, if you have stairs, take advantage of them! The average person can burn 105 calories taking the stairs up and down for 15 minutes. If you do that every day for a week you'll burn at least 735 calories.
8. Get rid of "fat clothes" Women often have clothes that span in sizes; this makes it easy to gain weight back because you’re using the wide range of sizes as a safety net. Clean out your closet and get rid of the clothes that are bigger in size.
9. Decorate slim Keep a magazine clipping on your fridge. Use the visual to help you imagine how you will feel when you achieve your goal.
10. Get an App for that! From a Chinese medical perspective, weight management is all about energy management or in terms of physics, energy conservation. As far as food is concerned, energy is measured in terms of kilo calories or calories, for short. Most people in western society consume in excess of 2500-3500 calories per day. Some folks are consuming close to 4000 or more calories each day. Most adults only need 1800-2000 calories each day for the body to perform its necessary functions. So what happens with all those extra-consumed calories? The body just simply stores them in fatty tissue. So, when a person is consuming 1500 calories a day more than they need, it won't take long for the weight to begin to add up!
One way to monitor calories consumed and calories expended is by using any of the many apps on your smartphone. They're great for storing your commonly consumed foods and your favorite workout and exercises. Many of these apps can keep you informed by emailing you a periodic report! That way you can monitor your daily weight, exercise calories and consumed foods and much more. One of my favorite iPhone apps is Tap & Track. Tap&Track has been recommended in New York Times, as one of the four apps ideal for losing weight! It's also the only paid app in the article and “Users say it's worth every penny!”
Meridian Harmonics
2. Go blue Avoid painting the walls red, yellow, and orange in the kitchen and dining areas; these colors may make us hungry! If your walls aren’t blue and repainting is just too much work, use blue silverware, blue plates, napkins, or place mats to help get the same non-hungry effect. Use blue lights in your kitchen or dining room. In a study published in Contract magazine, gala attendees who dined in a blue room ate 33-percent less than those who ate in a yellow or red room. Blue lights make food look less appealing, while warmer colors, especially yellow, have the opposite effect. Fast-food restaurants have known and used this fact for decades, which is why almost all of them have yellowish interiors--they want you to eat more.
3. Downsize Extensive diet research shows that people eat what's put on their plates - even if it's more than they need to satisfy their hunger. If you have huge dinner plates, buy smaller dishes for your home. Buy smaller glasses so you don’t consume too many liquid calories. It’s more difficult to exercise portion control when you’re pouring into a large glass. Use smaller juice glasses and stay away from oversized wine glasses.
4. Stay out of the kitchen Many people talk on the kitchen phone and work at the kitchen table. They're always around food, which increases their likelihood of eating. Just like you sleep better when you don’t work in your bed, you’ll eat better if you don’t work in your kitchen. Don’t confuse the space.
5. Spray lavender on your bed pillows Studies show that natural remedies like lavender can help promote healthy sleep cycles, which in turn may help promote weight loss. People who sleep five hours a night versus the recommended seven to eight hours are 50-percent more likely to be obese.
6. Spray jasmine around the house Peppermint or jasmine scents have been linked to increased energy and alertness. Burn a candle or spray the scent around your home to help boost your energy.
7. Keep simple workout equipment around the house Having dumbbells or a yoga mat sitting around will help keep exercise on your mind. If you’re watching television in the evening and you see your dumbbells, you may be more inclined to pick them up and do a few sets of exercises than if they were hidden away in the closet. Also, if you have stairs, take advantage of them! The average person can burn 105 calories taking the stairs up and down for 15 minutes. If you do that every day for a week you'll burn at least 735 calories.
8. Get rid of "fat clothes" Women often have clothes that span in sizes; this makes it easy to gain weight back because you’re using the wide range of sizes as a safety net. Clean out your closet and get rid of the clothes that are bigger in size.
9. Decorate slim Keep a magazine clipping on your fridge. Use the visual to help you imagine how you will feel when you achieve your goal.
10. Get an App for that! From a Chinese medical perspective, weight management is all about energy management or in terms of physics, energy conservation. As far as food is concerned, energy is measured in terms of kilo calories or calories, for short. Most people in western society consume in excess of 2500-3500 calories per day. Some folks are consuming close to 4000 or more calories each day. Most adults only need 1800-2000 calories each day for the body to perform its necessary functions. So what happens with all those extra-consumed calories? The body just simply stores them in fatty tissue. So, when a person is consuming 1500 calories a day more than they need, it won't take long for the weight to begin to add up!
One way to monitor calories consumed and calories expended is by using any of the many apps on your smartphone. They're great for storing your commonly consumed foods and your favorite workout and exercises. Many of these apps can keep you informed by emailing you a periodic report! That way you can monitor your daily weight, exercise calories and consumed foods and much more. One of my favorite iPhone apps is Tap & Track. Tap&Track has been recommended in New York Times, as one of the four apps ideal for losing weight! It's also the only paid app in the article and “Users say it's worth every penny!”
Meridian Harmonics
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Acupuncture Improves Exercise Tolerance
German cardiology researchers have found that acupuncture can improve exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure.
Their study included 17 patients with congestive heart failure with mild or marked limitation to their activity, all on optimized medication.
Patients were randomized to receive acupuncture or placebo – a needle that simulates the procedure without piercing the skin.
No improvement in cardiac ejection fraction or peak oxygen uptake was seen. But the six minute walk distance was ‘remarkably increased’ in the acupuncture group by 32m on average, compared to a drop of 1m in the placebo group.
Post-exercise recovery and ventilatory efficiency were both improved in the acupuncture group but not in the placebo group.
Study leader Dr Johannes Backs, head of the research group at the department of cardiology of Heidelberg University Hospital, said: ‘This is the first indication that acupuncture may improve exercise tolerance in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, when given in addition to optimized standard heart failure medication.'
Their study included 17 patients with congestive heart failure with mild or marked limitation to their activity, all on optimized medication.
Patients were randomized to receive acupuncture or placebo – a needle that simulates the procedure without piercing the skin.
No improvement in cardiac ejection fraction or peak oxygen uptake was seen. But the six minute walk distance was ‘remarkably increased’ in the acupuncture group by 32m on average, compared to a drop of 1m in the placebo group.
Post-exercise recovery and ventilatory efficiency were both improved in the acupuncture group but not in the placebo group.
Study leader Dr Johannes Backs, head of the research group at the department of cardiology of Heidelberg University Hospital, said: ‘This is the first indication that acupuncture may improve exercise tolerance in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, when given in addition to optimized standard heart failure medication.'
The Science of Chinese Medicine
A major concept of Chinese medicine is Qi, (also chi or ki), pronounced chee. But what is it really? If you ask most acupuncturists or doctors of Oriental medicine, chances are you will receive a wide variety of answers.
Have you ever played the game, where in a large group of people someone whispers a message to the person sitting next to them and the idea is to whisper the exact same message to the next person and so on, until the last person receives the message and in a normal voice tells everyone in the room what the original message was "supposed" to be? Chinese medicine, in many of its major theories and ideas, is very similar to that.
Over the centuries and even thousands of years, early concepts have changed, or more accurately, were mangled, as a result of varying interpretations or translations of the original language and syntax. What this has produced, in our modern culture, is a population of practitioners who have no idea how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine really work and more importantly, do not know how to intelligently explain the medicine to their patients or inquisitive doctors in other fields (MD's, DO's, DC's, etc.).
Traditional schools of alopathic medicine do an excellent job of preparing doctors. Medical students are extensively taught the hard science of their medicine: organic chemistry, biochemistry, endocrinology, anatomy and physiology. Acupuncture schools do a fairly good job of preparing students to become competent practitioners. Unfortunately, schools of Oriental medicine do a poor job of teaching the hard science of our medicine. This is evident whenever a practitioner of Oriental medicine is asked a technical question and is unable to satisfactorily answer the question. Most likely, this is due to the fact that most Oriental medical school faculties are not trained or have backgrounds rooted in these sciences. When I was in school my classmates and I were taught that Chinese medicine was much different from alopathic medicine and operated under different rules or laws. This is not entirely true. There are universal laws that govern everything in the universe. All matter in the universe must comply with these laws. There are no exceptions. Western medicine and Chinese medicine have unique paradigms, though, the laws that govern both must comply with universal laws. The way for western and eastern medicine to be integrated is through these universal laws.
What's unfortunate is most practitioners do not have a background or education rooted in hard or difficult sciences. In a followup post, I'll discuss the foundational sciences of Chinese medicine and how amazing it is that the ancient doctors of Chinese medicine had extensive knowledge of these sciences and how to apply them to physical, mental and spiritual health.
Have you ever played the game, where in a large group of people someone whispers a message to the person sitting next to them and the idea is to whisper the exact same message to the next person and so on, until the last person receives the message and in a normal voice tells everyone in the room what the original message was "supposed" to be? Chinese medicine, in many of its major theories and ideas, is very similar to that.
Over the centuries and even thousands of years, early concepts have changed, or more accurately, were mangled, as a result of varying interpretations or translations of the original language and syntax. What this has produced, in our modern culture, is a population of practitioners who have no idea how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine really work and more importantly, do not know how to intelligently explain the medicine to their patients or inquisitive doctors in other fields (MD's, DO's, DC's, etc.).
Traditional schools of alopathic medicine do an excellent job of preparing doctors. Medical students are extensively taught the hard science of their medicine: organic chemistry, biochemistry, endocrinology, anatomy and physiology. Acupuncture schools do a fairly good job of preparing students to become competent practitioners. Unfortunately, schools of Oriental medicine do a poor job of teaching the hard science of our medicine. This is evident whenever a practitioner of Oriental medicine is asked a technical question and is unable to satisfactorily answer the question. Most likely, this is due to the fact that most Oriental medical school faculties are not trained or have backgrounds rooted in these sciences. When I was in school my classmates and I were taught that Chinese medicine was much different from alopathic medicine and operated under different rules or laws. This is not entirely true. There are universal laws that govern everything in the universe. All matter in the universe must comply with these laws. There are no exceptions. Western medicine and Chinese medicine have unique paradigms, though, the laws that govern both must comply with universal laws. The way for western and eastern medicine to be integrated is through these universal laws.
What's unfortunate is most practitioners do not have a background or education rooted in hard or difficult sciences. In a followup post, I'll discuss the foundational sciences of Chinese medicine and how amazing it is that the ancient doctors of Chinese medicine had extensive knowledge of these sciences and how to apply them to physical, mental and spiritual health.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Improving Vision With Chinese Medicine
Researchers in Hong Kong have found acupuncture to improve the eyesight of children suffering from lazy eye.
Two studies found that a course of acupuncture along with wearing spectacles improved the eyesight in almost 60 per cent of children aged 3 to 6, compared with 14 per cent of those who wore glasses alone.
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a condition that affects around 4 per cent of children under 6 worldwide. It occurs because the brain does not acknowledge signals from one eye and, left untreated, can cause loss of vision and depth perception.
It is usually treated by occlusion therapy, covering the good eye with a patch to train the lazy eye, and also with spectacles. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Chinese University in Hong Kong and Shantou University in southern China did the research, involving 171 children.
In the two clinical trials, two groups of children, aged 3 to 6 and the other aged 7 to 12, were given acupuncture as supplementary or alternative therapy. The needles were applied to five points on the head, ankle and hand five times a week.
In the younger group, an improvement was seen in 57.5 per cent of those who underwent acupuncture within 15 weeks, compared with 14.6 per cent of the children who were treated with spectacles only.
In the older group, an improvement was seen within 25 weeks in 42.1 per cent of those who underwent acupuncture, compared with 30 per cent of those who wore spectacles only.
Professor Dennis Shun-chiu Lam, who led the research, said the acupuncture accelerated the treatment response, improved the overall treatment results and shortened the total treatment duration.
He said the study also opened up the potential use of acupuncture in treating other eye disorders and diseases. In addition to lazy eye, there are acupuncture and herbal strategies for treating such eye disorders as macular degeneration.
Two studies found that a course of acupuncture along with wearing spectacles improved the eyesight in almost 60 per cent of children aged 3 to 6, compared with 14 per cent of those who wore glasses alone.
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a condition that affects around 4 per cent of children under 6 worldwide. It occurs because the brain does not acknowledge signals from one eye and, left untreated, can cause loss of vision and depth perception.
It is usually treated by occlusion therapy, covering the good eye with a patch to train the lazy eye, and also with spectacles. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Chinese University in Hong Kong and Shantou University in southern China did the research, involving 171 children.
In the two clinical trials, two groups of children, aged 3 to 6 and the other aged 7 to 12, were given acupuncture as supplementary or alternative therapy. The needles were applied to five points on the head, ankle and hand five times a week.
In the younger group, an improvement was seen in 57.5 per cent of those who underwent acupuncture within 15 weeks, compared with 14.6 per cent of the children who were treated with spectacles only.
In the older group, an improvement was seen within 25 weeks in 42.1 per cent of those who underwent acupuncture, compared with 30 per cent of those who wore spectacles only.
Professor Dennis Shun-chiu Lam, who led the research, said the acupuncture accelerated the treatment response, improved the overall treatment results and shortened the total treatment duration.
He said the study also opened up the potential use of acupuncture in treating other eye disorders and diseases. In addition to lazy eye, there are acupuncture and herbal strategies for treating such eye disorders as macular degeneration.
The Chemistry Behind Acupuncture For Pain Management
Medical science is getting a better understanding of how acupuncture works, and some of the findings could demonstrate why it works well for many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The research revealed that acupuncture activates several biochemical and electromagnetic mechanisms in the body. One of these biochemical mechanisms involves the release of adenosine, which produces an anti-inflammatory affect.
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center say that acupuncture triggers the release of adenosine, a natural painkiller in the body, as well as metabolites of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the major source of cellular energy.
Adenosine blocks pain signals to keep them from being sent to the brain. It's typically released in response to injury. While the acupuncture needle typically causes little or no pain, it damages enough cells to trigger adenosine release.
The results are interesting for sleep and energy, as well as pain. Adenosine is believed to be involved in regulating the sleep cycle, which is typically deregulated in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. ATP, which was also increased in the study, provides energy for cellular function -- and some studies have suggested that ATP is deficient in people with these illnesses.
After an acupuncture session, patients report feeling less pain, more relaxed and energized. Another side affect is they sleep really well for a night or two, following their treatments.
Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for over 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained skeptical.
Even though the ancient Chinese physicians were unfamiliar with the complex biochemistry of the body, their concept of re-establishing harmony and balance is designed to reflect a variety of changes in order to facilitate the goal of relieving pain or some other internal medical disorder. What’s so amazing is that this ancient medicine does exactly that!
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center say that acupuncture triggers the release of adenosine, a natural painkiller in the body, as well as metabolites of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the major source of cellular energy.
Adenosine blocks pain signals to keep them from being sent to the brain. It's typically released in response to injury. While the acupuncture needle typically causes little or no pain, it damages enough cells to trigger adenosine release.
The results are interesting for sleep and energy, as well as pain. Adenosine is believed to be involved in regulating the sleep cycle, which is typically deregulated in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. ATP, which was also increased in the study, provides energy for cellular function -- and some studies have suggested that ATP is deficient in people with these illnesses.
After an acupuncture session, patients report feeling less pain, more relaxed and energized. Another side affect is they sleep really well for a night or two, following their treatments.
Acupuncture has been a mainstay of medical treatment in certain parts of the world for over 4,000 years, but because it has not been understood completely, many people have remained skeptical.
Even though the ancient Chinese physicians were unfamiliar with the complex biochemistry of the body, their concept of re-establishing harmony and balance is designed to reflect a variety of changes in order to facilitate the goal of relieving pain or some other internal medical disorder. What’s so amazing is that this ancient medicine does exactly that!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Pulse Matrix Chinese Pulse Diagnosis
Now Available: Pulse Matrix Chinese Pulse Diagnosis
MERIDIAN HARMONICS Announces Revolutionary Pulse Diagnosis
Revolutionary Diagnostic System Invented by Meridian Harmonics
Chinese medicine has steadily been gaining credibility in the United States since the mid 1970's. Unfortunately, most doctors of Oriental medicine are not trained in the "hard science" of this 8000 year old medicine. Why? Because most practitioners and instructors in this field are not trained in the scientific disciplines that comprise the foundational basis for ALL medicine.
Most people do not realize that there are scientific principles and laws governing all matter in the universe. Nothing is exempt, especially medicine. This applies to western and eastern medicine. Both must play by the same rules.
For 13 years Mark Tryling has been studying the primary diagnostic system of Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis, for a way to merge the concepts of western science with eastern medicine. His new book, for professionals, The Pulse Matrix, describes this system in great detail. He is now using this system, exclusively, with all his patients. A few of the benefits of this system are shown below:
Vascular Efficiency
Spinal Segment Imbalance Relationships to Systemic Organic Disorders
Treatment Strategy Options
Organ Stability and Volatility
Abdominal and Thoracic Cavity Organ Vitality
Endocrine System Imbalances
Organ Toxicity
He is a certified and credentialed CME (Continued Medical Education) Instructor for the Texas Medical Board and will begin teaching this complete system of diagnosis and treatment to other physicians and practitioners this year.
A Message from your acupuncturist:
Patient care is highly individualized. No two patients are considered to be the same in regards to their underlying disease processes or treatment strategies. At Meridian Harmonics, we understand this. As a result we work with each patient to design a treatment program to restore and maximize health and wellness in a timely fashion. Our best patients are those who are embrace the concepts of natural health and wellness, are willing to become educated in this 8000 year old medicine and team up with us in helping them reach their health goals.
D. Mark Tryling, LAC, D. AC, CH
About MERIDIAN HARMONICS
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is located in Bedford, Texas. It has been providing patient care since 2001. It provides the three primary disciplines of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, and has a complete Chinese herbal compounding pharmacy to provide herbal solutions to internal medical disorders.
MERIDIAN HARMONICS Announces Revolutionary Pulse Diagnosis
Revolutionary Diagnostic System Invented by Meridian Harmonics
Chinese medicine has steadily been gaining credibility in the United States since the mid 1970's. Unfortunately, most doctors of Oriental medicine are not trained in the "hard science" of this 8000 year old medicine. Why? Because most practitioners and instructors in this field are not trained in the scientific disciplines that comprise the foundational basis for ALL medicine.
Most people do not realize that there are scientific principles and laws governing all matter in the universe. Nothing is exempt, especially medicine. This applies to western and eastern medicine. Both must play by the same rules.
For 13 years Mark Tryling has been studying the primary diagnostic system of Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis, for a way to merge the concepts of western science with eastern medicine. His new book, for professionals, The Pulse Matrix, describes this system in great detail. He is now using this system, exclusively, with all his patients. A few of the benefits of this system are shown below:
Vascular Efficiency
Spinal Segment Imbalance Relationships to Systemic Organic Disorders
Treatment Strategy Options
Organ Stability and Volatility
Abdominal and Thoracic Cavity Organ Vitality
Endocrine System Imbalances
Organ Toxicity
He is a certified and credentialed CME (Continued Medical Education) Instructor for the Texas Medical Board and will begin teaching this complete system of diagnosis and treatment to other physicians and practitioners this year.
A Message from your acupuncturist:
Patient care is highly individualized. No two patients are considered to be the same in regards to their underlying disease processes or treatment strategies. At Meridian Harmonics, we understand this. As a result we work with each patient to design a treatment program to restore and maximize health and wellness in a timely fashion. Our best patients are those who are embrace the concepts of natural health and wellness, are willing to become educated in this 8000 year old medicine and team up with us in helping them reach their health goals.
D. Mark Tryling, LAC, D. AC, CH
About MERIDIAN HARMONICS
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is located in Bedford, Texas. It has been providing patient care since 2001. It provides the three primary disciplines of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, and has a complete Chinese herbal compounding pharmacy to provide herbal solutions to internal medical disorders.
Treating Eczema with Chinese Medicine
An estimated 15 million people in the United States suffer from eczema, which usually looks like dry, scaly red skin patches accompanied by intense itching.
Standard treatment to reduce inflammation and itchiness can include corticosteroids, which have some serious side effects, including cataracts, glaucoma, gastrointestinal effects, hypertension, osteoporosis and weight gain.
A group of German researchers may have an answer to provide relief from the itching. Thirty people with eczema were treated right after being exposed to an allergen such as dust mites or pollen. All patients went through three different test conditions. The first treatment condition was "point-specific" acupuncture targeted at areas designed to treat itchy skin (Quchi and Xuehai points). The second treatment condition was "placebo-point" acupuncture treatment where the points selected were not those used to treat itchy skin. The third test condition was no treatment following allergen exposure.
It turned out that the subjects all reported lower levels of itchiness after receiving the point-specific acupuncture compared to either placebo acupuncture or no treatment. Even more interesting, when they got a second exposure to the allergen after the point-specific acupuncture, their flare-ups were less severe. Lead researcher Dr. Florian Pfab concluded: "Acupuncture at the correct points showed a significant reduction in type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with atopic eczema."
Another similar study was done in Israel two years ago, looking at the effectiveness of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema). In that study, 20 patients between the ages of 13 and 48 were given a combined treatment of herbs and acupuncture three times daily for 12 weeks. All subjects were assessed at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12. At the end of the 12 weeks, patient assessment of itch improved by 45 percent and quality of life improved by 39 percent. In that second study, the researchers concluded, "The results of this study suggest that the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a beneficial effect on patients with atopic dermatitis."
Many patients have some type of skin problem. Our skin is considered our largest organ and easily manifests internal imbalance, disharmony and toxicities. Depending on the severity and age of the problem, some patients will require a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. As with all internal medical conditions, Meridian Harmonics uses the Pulse Matrix™ diagnostic system to determine the correct acupuncture, herbal and dietary treatment strategies for each patient.
Standard treatment to reduce inflammation and itchiness can include corticosteroids, which have some serious side effects, including cataracts, glaucoma, gastrointestinal effects, hypertension, osteoporosis and weight gain.
A group of German researchers may have an answer to provide relief from the itching. Thirty people with eczema were treated right after being exposed to an allergen such as dust mites or pollen. All patients went through three different test conditions. The first treatment condition was "point-specific" acupuncture targeted at areas designed to treat itchy skin (Quchi and Xuehai points). The second treatment condition was "placebo-point" acupuncture treatment where the points selected were not those used to treat itchy skin. The third test condition was no treatment following allergen exposure.
It turned out that the subjects all reported lower levels of itchiness after receiving the point-specific acupuncture compared to either placebo acupuncture or no treatment. Even more interesting, when they got a second exposure to the allergen after the point-specific acupuncture, their flare-ups were less severe. Lead researcher Dr. Florian Pfab concluded: "Acupuncture at the correct points showed a significant reduction in type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with atopic eczema."
Another similar study was done in Israel two years ago, looking at the effectiveness of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema). In that study, 20 patients between the ages of 13 and 48 were given a combined treatment of herbs and acupuncture three times daily for 12 weeks. All subjects were assessed at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12. At the end of the 12 weeks, patient assessment of itch improved by 45 percent and quality of life improved by 39 percent. In that second study, the researchers concluded, "The results of this study suggest that the combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a beneficial effect on patients with atopic dermatitis."
Many patients have some type of skin problem. Our skin is considered our largest organ and easily manifests internal imbalance, disharmony and toxicities. Depending on the severity and age of the problem, some patients will require a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. As with all internal medical conditions, Meridian Harmonics uses the Pulse Matrix™ diagnostic system to determine the correct acupuncture, herbal and dietary treatment strategies for each patient.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Signs & Symptoms of Exterior Pathogenic Cold
Cold is prevalent in winter. It usually attacks the body when the temperature is low and one fails to adapt oneself to the change by dressing properly. Pathogenic Cold may attack the Exterior of the body or invade the interior of the body directly. Diseases in the former case are called affliction of pathogenic Cold, and those in the latter case, direct attack of Cold on the interior.
Pathogenic Cold has the following features:
First, being a Yin pathogen, Cold tends to impair Yang Qi. Cold is the prevalent climate in winter, in which Yin Qi of nature is flourishing, so it is a Yin pathogen. Like attracts like. So Yin of the body will become hyperactive in the case of invasion of Cold and Yang Qi is over-restricted. For example, Cold attacking the Exterior often obstructs Defensive Qi (the immune system), leading to failure of the Exterior to be warmed and resultant chills. Direct attack of Cold on the Spleen and Stomach usually cause Cold pain in the abdomen, watery diarrhea, etc., meaning that Spleen Yang is impaired and its transforming and transporting actions are disturbed.
Second, cold is liable to cause coagulation of Blood and retention of Body Fluids. Blood and body fluids depend on the propelling effect of Yang Qi and a moderate temperature for their free circulation. If Cold invades the body, Yang Qi will be impaired and body temperature will be lowered. So the flow of Blood and Body Fluids will become sluggish, or even coagulated, which is clinically marked by pain. For example, rheumatic arthralgia is marked by Cold pain of the joints, which is usually severe and fixed.
Third, contracting nature of Cold. Cold often leads to inward movement of Qi, contraction of the muscle tissue and convulsion of tendons and vessels. If attacked by pathogenic Cold, the muscle tissue and the sweat pores will be closed, leading to obstruction of Defensive Qi, fever or chills and an absence of sweating. Cold Invasion into the vessels will cause coagulation of Qi and Blood and contraction of the vessels, leading to headache, pantalgia, tense pulse, etc. Inability of the limbs to flex and extend freely or Cold and numbness of the limbs will follow if the Cold attacks the Channels and joints and results in contraction of the tendons and Channels.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can be used to treat pathogenic Cold preventing it from creating more serious problems.
Meridian Harmonics
Pathogenic Cold has the following features:
First, being a Yin pathogen, Cold tends to impair Yang Qi. Cold is the prevalent climate in winter, in which Yin Qi of nature is flourishing, so it is a Yin pathogen. Like attracts like. So Yin of the body will become hyperactive in the case of invasion of Cold and Yang Qi is over-restricted. For example, Cold attacking the Exterior often obstructs Defensive Qi (the immune system), leading to failure of the Exterior to be warmed and resultant chills. Direct attack of Cold on the Spleen and Stomach usually cause Cold pain in the abdomen, watery diarrhea, etc., meaning that Spleen Yang is impaired and its transforming and transporting actions are disturbed.
Second, cold is liable to cause coagulation of Blood and retention of Body Fluids. Blood and body fluids depend on the propelling effect of Yang Qi and a moderate temperature for their free circulation. If Cold invades the body, Yang Qi will be impaired and body temperature will be lowered. So the flow of Blood and Body Fluids will become sluggish, or even coagulated, which is clinically marked by pain. For example, rheumatic arthralgia is marked by Cold pain of the joints, which is usually severe and fixed.
Third, contracting nature of Cold. Cold often leads to inward movement of Qi, contraction of the muscle tissue and convulsion of tendons and vessels. If attacked by pathogenic Cold, the muscle tissue and the sweat pores will be closed, leading to obstruction of Defensive Qi, fever or chills and an absence of sweating. Cold Invasion into the vessels will cause coagulation of Qi and Blood and contraction of the vessels, leading to headache, pantalgia, tense pulse, etc. Inability of the limbs to flex and extend freely or Cold and numbness of the limbs will follow if the Cold attacks the Channels and joints and results in contraction of the tendons and Channels.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can be used to treat pathogenic Cold preventing it from creating more serious problems.
Meridian Harmonics
Brief History of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine
The origin of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be traced back to three legendary Emperors/mythical rulers: Fu Xi, Shen Nong, and Huang Di.
Shen Nong and Fu Xi are believed to be early tribal leaders. Fu Xi developed the Yi Jing (I Ching) or Book of Changes.
Shen Nong was known as the "Divine Cultivator" by the Chinese, because he is considered the founder of herbal medicine, and taught people how to farm. In order to determine the nature of different herbal medicines, Shen Nong sampled various kinds of plants, ingesting them himself to test and analyzed their individual effects.
Shen Nong is believed to have tasted a hundred herbs, including 70 toxic substances in a single day, in order to rid people of their illnesses. As there were no written records, the discoveries of Shen Nong were passed down verbally from generation to generation. Many years later, the oldest known book on agriculture and medicinal plants was compiled - Shen Nong Bencao Jing.
In 1578, Li Shizhen completed the Bencao Gangmu, also known as the Compendium of Materia Medica, which has been translated into 20 languages and used as a Chinese herbal reference until today. Clinical diagnosis and treatment in TCM are mainly based on the yin-yang and five elements theories. These theories use natural laws to study of the physiological activities and pathological changes of the human body and its interrelationships.
TCM diagnostics are based on overall observation of human symptoms rather than laboratory tests. There are four types of TCM diagnostic methods: observe, hear and smell, ask questions and palpation.
The diagnostics of an ailment includes its cause, mechanism, location, and nature, and the confrontation between the pathogenic factor and body resistance. Treatment is not based only on the symptoms, but differentiation of specific patterns.
Consequently, those with identical ailments may be treated in different ways, and on the other hand, different ailments may result in the same syndrome and are treated in similar ways.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine comprise one of the oldest organized systems of medicine the world has ever seen (8000 years) and has been used to address nearly every health concern that allopathic medicine traditionally has been treating the last 200 years.
Meridian Harmonics
Shen Nong and Fu Xi are believed to be early tribal leaders. Fu Xi developed the Yi Jing (I Ching) or Book of Changes.
Shen Nong was known as the "Divine Cultivator" by the Chinese, because he is considered the founder of herbal medicine, and taught people how to farm. In order to determine the nature of different herbal medicines, Shen Nong sampled various kinds of plants, ingesting them himself to test and analyzed their individual effects.
Shen Nong is believed to have tasted a hundred herbs, including 70 toxic substances in a single day, in order to rid people of their illnesses. As there were no written records, the discoveries of Shen Nong were passed down verbally from generation to generation. Many years later, the oldest known book on agriculture and medicinal plants was compiled - Shen Nong Bencao Jing.
In 1578, Li Shizhen completed the Bencao Gangmu, also known as the Compendium of Materia Medica, which has been translated into 20 languages and used as a Chinese herbal reference until today. Clinical diagnosis and treatment in TCM are mainly based on the yin-yang and five elements theories. These theories use natural laws to study of the physiological activities and pathological changes of the human body and its interrelationships.
TCM diagnostics are based on overall observation of human symptoms rather than laboratory tests. There are four types of TCM diagnostic methods: observe, hear and smell, ask questions and palpation.
The diagnostics of an ailment includes its cause, mechanism, location, and nature, and the confrontation between the pathogenic factor and body resistance. Treatment is not based only on the symptoms, but differentiation of specific patterns.
Consequently, those with identical ailments may be treated in different ways, and on the other hand, different ailments may result in the same syndrome and are treated in similar ways.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine comprise one of the oldest organized systems of medicine the world has ever seen (8000 years) and has been used to address nearly every health concern that allopathic medicine traditionally has been treating the last 200 years.
Meridian Harmonics
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