The Summer Season

The summer season increases the opportunity for heat related disorders to develop or become aggravated. Heat affects many aspects of our bodies. Heat can enter the blood system creating symptoms such as: rashes, bloody or painful urination, coughing with blood streaked sputum, nose bleeds, vomiting blood, menstrual problems, intestinal disorders, uterine bleeding, acute febrile diseases, high fever, unconsciousness, delirium, swollen & sore throat, scrofula, subcutaneous nodules and gangrene of fingers or toes. Heat affects our internal organs. Heat entering the stomach may cause irritability, thirst, mouth sores, swollen painful gums, stomach and intestinal ulcers and headaches. Heat can also affect the Heart with symptoms of restlessness, melancholia and insomnia. The liver and gallbladder are especially prone to heat disorders. Typical symptoms are red swollen eyes, vaginal discharge, migraines, jaundice and malaria. Fortunately, Chinese medicine is highly effective in treating all types of heat disorders. In treating heat disorders, a variety of methods are useful including, diet and lifestyle adjustments, proper exercise, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines. To ward off the effects of the summer heat, make your wellness appointment today.

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Heart Psychophysiology

In Chinese Medicine, organ physiology is known as Zang-Fu. The organs are either Yin or Yang, nature. The Heart is considered one of the Yin organs. It shares the energetic level known as Shaoyin with another Yin organ, the Kidney.

Chinese Medicine recognizes the Heart as the Sovereign ruler of the Body-Mind-Spirit. It is considered to be the most important of all the internal organs. It stores the Shen or Spirit-Mind-Consciousness. It regulates the blood vessels, Blood circulation and the pulse. It is manifested on the tongue through speech and expresses itself on the face. It controls all the Yin and Yang organs.

The Heart is associated with the season of Summer and the Fire phase. Its climate is, therefore, Hot. It derives its influence from the south. The Heart is also associated with flourishing growth. The Heart is very sensitive to excessive Heat.

Disharmonies in the Heart or its meridian system may manifest in the following disorders: circulation, perspiration, over excitement, excessive dreams, sleeping problems, speech disorders, mental and emotional problems, and memory problems. All dreams are related to the Heart whether there is excess or lack of dreaming.

Like all the organs, imbalances within the Heart or its meridian system rarely occur alone. Other organ disharmonies can have a huge impact on the health of the Heart. Since the Kidney shares the Shaoyin level with the Heart, Kidney disharmonies can be reflected in the Heart. Within Five Element Theory, the Heart is said to be “generated” by the Liver and when in balance, will successfully “generate” the Spleen. Imbalances within the Liver or Spleen result in excessive stress on the Heart.

Many times patients complain of symptoms generally associated with a Heart disorder. In light of the physical, mental and emotional stress we are experiencing as a result of economic uncertainty, fear of what the future may hold, family problems and self destructive behavior, it is no wonder that many people today are experiencing dis – ease of the Heart.

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The Spring Season

The Spring season is a volatile time. It is typically characterized by wind, rain, and oscillating temperature ranges. Because of this, we can be more susceptible to invasion by external pathogenic factors.

Chinese medicine recognizes these pathogenic factors as wind, dampness, heat, cold and dryness. In the Spring time the primary pathogenic factor is Wind. It can act alone or be accompanied by any of the others. When one’s defensive system is weakened or compromised, the result may be: upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, influenza, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, acute bronchitis and allergic rhinitis.

These disorders can occur during any season but are prevalent during the Spring. Oriental medicine is very effective in treating and preventing these disorders. If treated improperly or too late the external pathogenic factors progress inward affecting the internal organs. When this occurs the disease process becomes more severe. The changing seasons are good times of the year for maintenance or tune-up treatments. Many patients take advantage of the changing seasons by seeking preventative treatment in order to boost their defensive and immune systems. Call today to schedule your tune-up appointment.

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Ephedra , Ma Huang

The mass media has duped the American public. They have brainwashed most people to believe that Ephedra, known as Ma Huang, in Chinese, is a weight loss herb. In Chinese herbal pharmacology, ephedra belongs to a very important group of herbs for addressing such disorders as the common cold, influenza, asthma, and edema, to name a few. Nowhere in the ancient texts does it mention that ma huang should be used as a means to shed unnecessary weight. Its primary functions are to release pathogenic factors to the exterior, for early stage upper respiratory disorders. It achieves this by inducing perspiration.

Like all herbs, ma huang has its unique cautions and contraindications. It is a warm, acrid and bitter herb and is, therefore, contraindicated for people who have an underlying internal inflammatory condition or for those with hypertension, palpitations, spontaneous or nighttime sweating and insomnia.

Many people who struggle with weight problems concurrently have these disorders, as well. The reason for all the bad press over ma huang is due to the fact the diet drug industry has not properly educated consumers about the cautions of not only herbs but also mainstream western prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is extremely important not to self medicate yourself.

Before beginning any program that includes herbal medicine and/or prescription medications, consult with your healthcare provider on their cautions and contraindications for your unique constitutional and energetic profile. Doctors of Oriental Medicine are well trained in the proper use of herbal medicine as it relates to your particular disorder and can safely prescribe the correct herbal medicines to restore balance to your system and overall health. We are quickly approaching the Spring season. With it comes the incidental increase of upper respiratory diseases. In order to protect yourself during this changing season, make an appointment today for your Spring season wellness check-up and treatment.

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Allergies from a Oriental Medical Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, any disease can be the result of excessive or deficient energy within the body’s meridian and organ systems. Allergies and sensitivities are no different.

Every substance, natural and man-made, has a unique electromagnetic signature or profile. The human body is also comprised of electromagnetic energy. This is known as Qi. In the presence of a substance the body has only three responses: hyper-sensitivity, hypo-sensitivity or no response. This is true whether the substance is a food, a weed, a grass, a chemical, a pet, or whatever. The human body is constantly working to maintain balance in all of its systems. Its ability to do this is compromised, however, by overwork, emotional stress, poor diet, lack of sufficient sleep, etc.

If the body’s systems are imbalanced for an extended period of time, the immune system’s health also suffers. The effect of a substance on the body is directly related to the immune system and can be measured. This is called Bio Energetic Stress Testing. Meridian Harmonics uses FDA approved technology to determine excessive and deficient energy in the meridian systems of the body and thus a patient’s sensitivities. Once identified, the immune system can be reprogrammed to elicit no response to substances previously causing hyper or hypo sensitive symptoms. Additionally, modifying those lifestyle areas responsible for devitalizing the immune system will prevent the body from continually reacting to “allergic” substances. The result is a reduction or elimination in the episodes of allergic reactions and the number of medications needed to treat these symptoms.

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Diseases of the New Millennium

Have you noticed how many people seem to have the following health problems: arthritis, bronchitis, cholecystitis, colitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, encephalitis, endometritis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, meningitis, phlebitis, prostatitis, rhinitis, thyroiditis, urethritis, vaginitis, vulvitis, etc… Notice that each of these has the common suffix itis. That is, they are all inflammatory diseases. Though not new, they seem to be the most commonly diagnosed diseases of internal medical doctors in recent years. Though the terminology is somewhat different, Chinese medicine has recognized these diseases for thousands of years. Inflammatory diseases are successfully treated using Chinese medicine.

It is no coincidence that the largest group of herbs in the Chinese herbal pharmacy is a group of herbs that addresses all the many types of inflammatory diseases. This is a very powerful group of herbs, with antibacterial and antiviral properties. They are, typically, cold and bitter, in nature. This is to facilitate the mechanism of draining excess heat, dampness and toxins from the body. The wonderful aspect of Chinese herbal medicine is that it is free of the many worrisome side effects that western prescription medications have. However, all herbs have contraindications and are not to be used for certain conditions. Unfortunately, many people tend to self diagnose and self medicate themselves. Unless one has specialized knowledge of herbal energetics, more harm than good can result.

Doctors of Chinese medicine are well trained in the proper use of herbs. When used correctly herbal medicines have an amazing ability to correct the imbalances that cause inflammation. This is due to the fact that, in addition to treating the acute problems, Oriental medical doctors also treat the underlying constitutional imbalances that prevent a patient from maintaining optimum wellness. To discuss a particular problem, call today to schedule a consultation appointment.

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Chinese Lung Psychophysiology

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Lung:
1) governs the Qi (body’s energy)
2) facilitates the immune function by assisting the dispersal of the Wei Qi (Protective, Defensive System)
3) regulates the rhythm of respiration, the pulse, and all bodily processes
4) is related to strength and sustainability
5) moves and adjusts fluid metabolism.

The Lungs are considered to be the most “external” of all the body’s organs. This is due to its direct connection to the environment through the bronchial tubes. Because of this, they are more susceptible to environmental changes.

Healthy expressions of the Lung are righteousness and courage. Imbalance, dysfunction, illness or weakness of the Lungs can be associated with excessive grief, sadness, worry, and depression. Worry depletes the Lung Qi (energy). Signs of a Lung imbalance include panting, yawning, sneezing, pain in the upper back, shoulder, and chest, colds with stuffed nose, hoarseness, wheezing respiration, frequent urination with small amounts, heavy chest, reduced lung capacity, coughing and nasal discharge.

It is important to note that imbalances in other organ systems may cause excess or deficiency signs in the Lung. It is very rare that a patient exhibits signs and symptoms associated with only one organ system. Most cases are more complex. Chinese medicine is based on correct diagnosis of the diseased system(s) and proper treatment to restore balance and harmony to the body. To keep your lungs healthy make a wellness checkup today before the “flu season” arrives.

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Treating Influenza with Chinese Medicine

Influenza is an acute viral respiratory illness. The disease is mostly seen in the winter. Most of the outbreaks and epidemics of flu are caused by the Influenza A virus, although illness caused by other viruses (rhinovirus, echovirus) may cause identical presentations and be called "the flu" even if the influenza virus was not at fault. Pandemics have occurred every 10-15 years since the Great Pandemic of 1918-19. The incubation period is 48 hours. The onset is usually extremely abrupt. The key signs and symptoms of influenza include: 1) Headache, 2) Fever, 3) Malaise, 4) Myalgias: especially the back and legs, 5) Respiratory illness: characterized by sore throat and cough, 6) Easy lacrimation, 7) Weakness and fatigue and 8) Inflammation of the oropharynx .

Chinese medicine recognizes several patterns responsible for influenza. In case you begin to feel down and out, be sure to make an appointment so that your particular pattern is identified and properly treated. Improper diagnosis and treatment may result in exacerbation of your symptoms.

Nutritionally, the recommended eating principles should be: 1) eat as little as possible, 2) increase foods rich in Vitamin C, 3) fast for a short period, 4) eat foods that are easy to digest, 5) drink plenty of liquids: water, water and honey, 6) support the spleen & stomach, nourish immune system (Wei Qi). Examples of therapeutic foods: lemon, orange, watercress; fresh juices: watercress and apple with 1/4 tsp. pure cream of tartar, lemon, orange, carrot and spinach, carrot/celery/spinach/parsley, horseradish and lemon.

Avoid these foods while you’re still symptomatic: heavy protein foods, fats, meats, vinegars, shellfish, cow's milk and other dairy products, white bread, refined foods, processed foods, sugar and sweets, catarrh-forming foods: tofu, ice cream, shellfish.

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Asthma Notes

Asthma is defined as hypersensitivity reaction causing brochospasm, mucosal edema and increased bronchial mucous secretion leading to respiratory distress. Asthma is most common in children under 10 years old, and is twice as common in males. It affects about 3% of the general population. Factors involved with asthmatic reactions include a variety of stimuli: upper respiratory infection; exercise; emotional upset; food sensitivities; inhalation of cold air or irritating substances (smoke, gas fumes, paint fumes); suppression of previously more minor diseases such as eczema or otitis media with drug therapy; and reactions to specific allergens, such as pollens. There are two types of asthma: 1) extrinsic asthma, also called atopic asthma, is considered to be IgE-mediated. Attacks are mostly initiated by exposure to allergens: dust, molds, pollens, animal dander, and foods; 2) intrinsic asthma does not seem related to an antigen-antibody complex. Rather, the bronchial reaction is due to other factors as mentioned above: cold air, exercise, infection, emotional upset and irritating inhalants. Most patients seem to have a mixture of the two types, although it is thought that the allergic type is the more common asthma in infants and children.
Bioenergetic Medicine is an ideal way to determine allergens responsible for eliciting asthmatic events. This process is known as Metabolic Stress Assessment and can be done in approximately 30-60 minutes. Maintaining organic and meridian balance prevents the immune system from being overwhelmed. Desensitization of particular allergens is accomplished through the use of acupuncture and homeopathic remedies. Call today to make your wellness check up appointment.

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Preventing Diseases of Autumn with Chinese Medicine

Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes five seasons, rather than the standard four “western” seasons? TCM also recognizes each season has certain pathogenic factors associated with them and the pathogenic factors for each season typically affect particular organ systems. We normally transition from one season to the next without thinking about it. From a wellness perspective, there are specific measures we can take to prevent our health from suffering during these transitional phases, as well as maintaining health and wellness throughout the term of each season. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can actually boost and stimulate the immune system. In doing so, we have the ability to ward off the external pathogenic factors associated with the seasons. Along with proper diet, exercise and sleep, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can keep you and your family healthy when others seem to always get sick. Some foods to avoid, limit or remove from your diet during the fall season are: 1) allergens/food intolerances, especially milk and milk products; 2) grains, especially wheat; stimulating foods, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and cold drinks; 3) white bread, refined foods, processed foods, sugar and sweets, catarrh-forming foods: oranges, tofu, tomatoes; 4) meat, ice cream, shellfish; 5) cooling foods and eggs are contraindicated for some conditions, while garlic, fresh ginger, pork, mustard green, sweet rice, sugar and walnuts should not be used for others.; 6) for excess phlegm in the lungs avoid dairy, soy products, coconut, sugar, sweet rice, persimmon, pork, almond, honey and peanuts. Make an appointment early so that you can learn more about your particular constitutional body type. That way a customized prevention program can be designed just for you. Enjoy the Autumn season with the changing fall colors without being distracted from the affects of a compromised immune system.

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