Yin & Yang – The Basics of Chinese Medicine

In my classes, I tell my students that when they can understand the entire theory of Yin and Yang then they will completely understand all there is to know about Chinese medicine.

So what is Yin and Yang? Yin and Yang represent the bipolar energies existing in all matter, both at the atomic and astronomical levels. Think about it. All matter, including our bodies, is made up of basic building blocks vibrating at unique and specific frequencies. Because of this, every person is unique and individual. At the level of our bodies, Yin and Yang has an infinite number of ways to be expressed. Some examples or Yin are: female, cold, interior diseases, stillness, nighttime, winter and deficiency. Examples of Yang are; male, heat, exterior diseases, activity, daytime, summer and excess. Even symptoms, disorders and disease can be classified as either Yin or Yang.

Every patient has a variety of imbalances that make up their unique health challenge. Some are Yin and others are Yang. Most patients exhibit a little disparity of both Yin and Yang. The focus of treatment is always in correcting this imbalance either with acupuncture or Chinese herbs, or both.

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Infertility Treatment with Chinese Medicine

A San Francisco woman and her husband, tried for three frustrating years to get pregnant. For their final desperate attempt, the couple tried acupuncture. Her doctor gave her a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant, given her age of 40.

More Western doctors are recommending acupuncture to couples with fertility problems. Dr. Vick Sahakian of UCLA believes it can reduce stress for women trying to get pregnant. It can improve pregnancy rates by improving blood flow to the uterus where the embryos are basically implanted.

A study by German researches found that women who used acupuncture while undergoing in-vitro fertilization increased their success rates by almost 50 percent. Sahakian said his own patients have expressed confidence in the procedure.
Alternative therapies may still raise some eyebrows in the scientific community, but many of these couples say they have all the proof they need. The San Francisco couple says it worked for them — twice.

Infertility, in women, can have a variety of causes. To maximize treatment results women are recommended to schedule a consultation to determine if they are good candidates for Oriental medicine. Typical etiologies include emotional stress, internal cold or heat, Kidney Essence deficiency or an accumulation of Phlegm-Dampness in one or more organ-meridian systems. Once the underlying cause is identified, treatment will involve acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The focus of treatment is to remove the underlying mechanisms, allowing the natural process of pregnancy to resume.

Patients with obstetric and gynecological disorders have numerous treatment options available to them with Chinese medicine. Most have no side affects.

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Permanent Makeup Scarring

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert warning of possible disfigurements from injecting permanent ink as eyeliner, lip liner or eyebrow coloring.

The notice listed scarring and difficulty eating among the worst side effects of so-called "permanent makeup."

The FDA is investigating the 50 claims it has received thus far, according to an agency statement.

Swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering, scarring and the forming of granulomas -- chronic swelling and infection in tissue near the eyes or lips -- were listed among the side effects.

In some cases, the effects reported, caused serious disfigurement, resulting in difficulty in eating and talking.

Allergic reactions to permanent pigments can result in inflammation, itching, cracking, scarring and granuloma formation.

Allergic reactions to pigment can be severe and treatment is difficult.

Tattoos are cosmetics and ink pigments are color additives requiring federal approval before sale, the FDA states. But, traditionally, the FDA has not exercised oversight of tattoos or pigments. Local jurisdictions regulate tattooing.

Green & Oolong Tea Reduces Risk of Hypertension

Consumption of 4 ounces per day or more of green or oolong tea in moderate strength for one year significantly reduces the risk of developing hypertension, according to results from an epidemiologic study published in the July 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Tea contains more than 4000 chemical compounds that may affect the human body in many aspects.

To examine the long-term effects of tea drinking on the risk of newly diagnosed hypertension, the investigators recruited 1,507 subjects aged 20 years and older with no history of the disease. Of these, 600 subjects (39.8%) were habitual tea drinkers, consuming 4 ounces per day or more for at least one year.

Subjects who drank 4 ounces to 20 ounces of tea per day showed a 46% decrease in risk of developing hypertension compared with non-habitual drinkers. The risk further decreased by 65% in those 20 ounces or more of tea each day.

Results adjusted using five lifestyle factors (total physical activity, high sodium intake, smoking, alcohol intake, and coffee intake), seven dietary factors (vegetable, fruit, unrefined grain, fish, milk, food with visible fat, and deep-fried food intake), and traditional risk factors for hypertension (age, sex, family history, body mass index, waist-hip circumference ratio, and socioeconomic index).

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Childhood Health Issues

An obesity epidemic threatens to wipe out other improvements in children's health and safety over the past three decades. Childhood obesity has risen to a point that it can be considered a modern day epidemic, according to Duke University researchers. About 15.6 percent of American children between 12 and 19 were obese in 2002, up from 6.1 percent in 1974, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is more unnerving is that most cases of child obesity are preventable.

In my practice I see children as young as 18 months old. What is startling is that many of the children, under the age of 14, already have well established weight problems. And yet, parents do not even see it as a health issue. In fact, most parents do not see the relationship between obesity and most of the childhood disorders that are presented to me. Most of the childhood disorders that I treat are related to: allergies, sinusitis, skin rashes, eczema, sleeping disorders and anxiety or depression. Obesity tends to make all of these disorders much worse.

Parents are surprised to discover that the child’s diet is not only responsible for the obesity problem, but their health problems, as well. A lot of what I do, in addition to their treatments, is educating parents and children on how their lifestyle has contributed to their obesity problem and the other health issues of their child. Lifestyle is more than just diet. It also entails exercise, and parents providing a positive example for the children to live by. Children respond very quickly, when parents work with me to help their children get and stay well.

If you suspect your child has a weight problem or other health concern, call today, to schedule a consutation.

Seasonal Adjustments to your Lifestyle

Recently, there was a news story about the fluctuation of cholesterol levels in certain patients from the spring/summer season to fall/winter. In my classes on Chinese medicine, I discuss how the changing seasons affect our bodies meridian systems and their associated organs systems. I also share how our lifestyles require adjustment with the changing seasons.

For example, the summer season’s primary characteristic is one of heat. Heat is one of the five climatic factors within Chinese medicine. As a result, our bodies are more susceptible to becoming over-heated during this season. One of the ways I suggest patient’s combat this is to eat a diet of primarily cool natured foods during this season.

Diet is one aspect of lifestyle management that patients have total control over. Some foods are quite warm or even hot, in their underlying nature. These foods should be avoided or reduced during the summer months. Each one of the seasons has a particular environment that defines the characteristic of the foods that are both beneficial and detrimental to a persons well being. The fall and winter season often tend to be damp. Dampness is another climatic factor that can affect the body. Congealed dampness produces phlegm in the body and can actually increase cholesterol levels as well as aggravate many other conditions.

If you tend to have a medical condition that seems to flare up in certain seasons or environments, consider a personal consultation, to determine the correct course of action to restore balance to your body.

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Symptoms of Stress

Stress in America has become a serious problem. There are several types of stress: emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. Stress causes an imbalance in the distribution of energy in the body, known as Qi. This Qi imbalance can affect any or all of the organs in the body. A Qi imbalance in the Heart can cause insomnia, palpitations or emotional disturbances; in the Spleen it can cause digestive disorders, fatigue, diarrhea, hemorrhoids or muscle disorders; in the Lungs it can cause asthma, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or chest pain; in the Kidneys it can cause low back pain, sexual dysfunction, or urinary problems.

Many patients come to me with varying symptoms of stress that are reflected in several organ systems. The most effective way to treat stress is to treat the underlying cause for a person’s particular set of stress symptoms. Stress is successfully treated with Chinese Medicine. A typical patient’s individual treatment focuses on targeting the root of their disorder, as well as the symptoms. This plan includes adjusting their diet and lifestyle to maximize their overall treatment and recovery efficacy. Most stress disorders can be treated in a relatively short period of time. Afterwards, it is recommended patients get regular “wellness tune-ups” to maintain overall balance.

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Allergies and Lifestyle Management

Allergies are a very common disorder shared by a majority of the population. In Chinese medicine, allergies result when the body’s organ systems become imbalanced in a way that their ability to return to balance is hindered in some way.

Some allergies are rooted in biochemical imbalances in the body, whereas others have as their source a bio-energetic imbalance. Conventional allergy testing helps to reveal biochemical allergies. Bio-energetic allergies often are not revealed with conventional testing procedures.

Meridian Harmonics provides unique bio-energetic meridian stress assessment for patients suffering from allergies. This procedure is especially helpful for those patients that do not respond to conventional tests and treatments. For many patients, identifying the risk factor associated with their particular allergy is the first step in designing their unique treatment plan.

Patients can control many of these risk factors: food selections, exercise, weight management, proper rest and stress management. Treatment involves identifying the imbalanced organ systems and correcting the mechanism that has elicited their particular set of symptoms. Many patients see tremendous improvement in their allergy symptoms when they seek regular treatments. As a result they miss less school, work, recreational and social events.

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Treating Weight Problems in China

The macho workout motto conjures images of sweat and brawn but the regime is somewhat pricklier at the Aimin Fat Reduction Hospital in northern China, where the chronically obese from Europe to Oceania come to poke away pounds with acupuncture. Aimin workout sessions look almost effortless: acupuncture in the morning and light dance aerobics in the afternoon, interspersed with well-balanced meals and counseling. The clinic has been a leading brand in an upstart industry popularizing Chinese medicine as a shortcut to slim down.

Chinese medical theory traditionally holds that overweight people have imbalanced digestive systems. And in the past two decades, the ranks of the imbalanced have swelled with the country's booming economy. As the affluent gorge on dozen-course banquets and their children munch on Kentucky Fried Chicken, entrepreneurial apothecaries are concocting diet teas and tonics to help Chinese fight the battle of the bulge. Some clinical studies have discounted the role of acupressure, acupuncture and reflexology in weight loss while doctors and dieticians in the West have condemned sham practitioners of hokum, "new age" treatments.

Shi Lidong, the director of the hospital indicates using the correct acupuncture points can help redress the body's imbalance by stimulating the metabolism and curbing the appetite. It effectively controls the desire for food and reduces hunger. At the same time it also speeds up the digestive system's ability to break down fat. The former military hospital's most celebrated case was a 23-year-old Chinese man who cut his weight from 473 pounds in June 2000 to 198 pounds by September 2001. Aimin has 260 beds and treats around 200 foreign customers a year from places like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Switzerland. The clinic has also opened branches in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. But many journey to the former British concession of Tianjin to visit the original gurus.

There are many causes for weight gain and obesity. In order to successfully treat these conditions it is imperative that patients receive an accurate diagnosis. In this way a correct treatment plan can be designed specifically for them.

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How to Worsen Asthma

It is now understood why asthma patients who use the most common types of inhalers often suffer from a rebound effect that makes their condition worse. Airway-opening inhalers, including albuterol, ventolin and salbutamol, appear to cause a biochemical reaction that exacerbates swelling in the body's airway. The swelling, in turn, can block airflow and make breathing more difficult.

Over the past two decades, a new generation of medications known as beta2-agonists, commonly found in inhalers, has let asthmatics breathe more easily by opening up their airways. But doctors have long known those patients can relapse if they don't use another kind of inhaler that reduces inflammation in the airway, which causes constriction in the first place. As the inflammation on the walls of the airway gets worse, the reliever inhalers fail to work properly as they become overwhelmed. It actually worsens the problem in the long term. The airway constriction can even last for weeks after a patient stops using the reliever inhalers.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati examined genetically altered mice that were designed to have different levels of a receptor that works to keep the airway open and unblocked by swelling. The results of the study appear in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The researchers report they discovered an interaction between chemicals that contributes to the growth of inflammation. In a separate development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned users of three asthma drugs that those medications carry a small risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.

Drugs with salmeterol, a long-acting bronchodilator, were likelier to have a dangerous asthma episode. The affected drugs are sold under the names Serevent Inhalation Aerosol, Serevent Diskus and Advair Diskus, all of which are made by GlaxoSmithKline.

Chinese medicine is a wonderful alternative to western drugs for treating asthma, without side effects and life threatening risk’s.

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A Cure for PMS

Premenstrual syndrome” (PMS) is the cyclic recurrence of a group of symptoms that peak 7 to 10 days before menstruation and disappear a few hours after the onset of the menstrual flow. This condition is characterized by multiple and diverse symptoms including, but not limited to: breast tenderness, transient weight gain, bloating, constipation, insomnia, acne, headache, pelvic pain, irritability, depression, mood swings, poor concentration, confusion, social withdrawal, impulsiveness and appetite changes. While many women experience mild symptoms of short duration, other women have more severe symptoms that last for many days and temporarily disturb their normal functioning.

PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal fluctuations. A mixture of correct diet, adequate exercise, and emotional clarity, along with acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs can correct imbalances and bring long-term relief.

Chinese medicine offers many tools to address premenstrual syndrome. Acupuncture removes energy blockages and in turn stabilizes hormonal fluctuations. It also provides deep relaxation that helps to calm the mind. Chinese herbs work together with acupuncture to regulate the flow of energy and substances in the body. Together they stimulate the body’s natural functions and encourage it to establish optimum balance.

Women do not have to accept and live with premenstrual syndrome. When the symptoms of PMS are reduced or eliminated, women feel more energetic -- physically, mentally, emotionally and creatively.

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Green tea – the cancer blocker

Green tea's ability to fight cancer is even more potent and varied than scientists suspected, research suggests. Scientists already know that green tea contains anti-oxidants, which may have a protective effect against cancer.

But now they have discovered that chemicals in the tea also shut down a key molecule, which can play a significant role in the development of cancer. It's likely that the compounds in green tea act through many different pathways. The molecule, known as the aryl hydrocarbon (AH) receptor, has the ability to activate genes - but not always in a positive way. Tobacco smoke and dioxins, in particular, disrupt the functioning of the molecule and cause it to trigger potentially harmful gene activity.

The researchers, from Rochester University, found that two chemicals in green tea inhibit AH activity. Both chemicals are similar to compounds called flavonoids, which are found in broccoli, cabbage, grapes and red wine, and which are also known to help prevent cancer. Researcher Professor Thomas Gasiewicz said: "Green tea may work differently than we thought to exert its anti-cancer activity. "It's likely that the compounds in green tea act through many different pathways." The Rochester team showed that the chemicals shut down the AH receptor in cancerous mouse cells. Early results indicate the same is true in human cells. However, the scientists say that the results in the laboratory do not necessarily translate to everyday life as the crucial factor is how green tea is broken down inside the body. In addition, there are a lot of differences between various types of green tea. Dr Julie Sharp, a science information office at Cancer Research UK, said: "This research describes additional properties of green tea that may be beneficial but which have yet to be tested properly.

"The causes of cancer are complex and both diet and our genetic make-up act together to influence our risk of developing the disease. "Cancer Research UK is currently involved in a large-scale study of diet and health that is researching the eating habits of over half a million people in 10 European countries to try and help unravel this complexity." Research has also suggested that green tea may help to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and to lower cholesterol levels.

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Flu & Cold Season – Prevention is the Key

In just a few weeks, the flu season will be here. Along with the common cold, allergies and the flu, Oriental medicine has a lot to offer patients who suffer from these disorders.

Most patients aren’t aware of the fact that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used for thousands of years to treat these conditions. In addition to the common cold and influenza, North Texas has its share of air pollution and environmental allergens. This can provide a tremendous degree of discomfort for those patients sensitive to these substances. Many patients report that their respiratory symptoms improve dramatically or are eliminated once they begin receiving regular treatments. At its core, Oriental medicine stimulates and boosts the immune system in order to minimize the affects of respiratory diseases. Regular wellness treatments have an cumulative effect, nurturing the defensive systems in the body. Patients are encouraged to make their wellness appointments early to ward off the attack of the flu season and minimize the effects of hayfever, pollution and seasonal allergies.

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Ice Age Acupuncture!

In 1991, the scientific world was rocked by the discovery of Otzi, a 5,000-year-old mummified man found in the mountains along the border between Austria and Italy. Named after the Otz valley in which it was discovered, the mummy's body was remarkably well preserved, as were most of his clothing, tools and weapons. Scientists have examined the mummy's remains thoroughly, learning much about the everyday life of ancient Europeans. One of the most remarkable discoveries was a complicated system of bluish-black tattoos running along Otzi's back, right knee and left ankle.

Experts from three acupuncture societies then examined the locations of the tattoos. In their opinion, nine tattoos could be identified as being located directly on, or within six millimeters of, traditional acupuncture points. Two more were located on an acupuncture meridian. One tattoo was used as a local point. The remaining three tattoos were situated between 6-13mm from the closest acupuncture point. X-rays of the ice man's body revealed evidence of arthritis in the hip joints, knees, ankles and lumbar spine. Nine of the mummy's 15 tattoos are located on the urinary bladder meridian, a meridian commonly associated with treating back pain. In fact, one of the mummy's two cross-shaped tattoos is located near the left ankle on a point, which is considered by several texts as a master point for back pain. The fact that not randomly selected points, but rather corresponding groups of points were marked by tattoos, seems especially intriguing, the researchers noted.

From an acupuncturist's viewpoint, the combination of points selected represents a meaningful therapeutic regimen. It’s fascinating to see evidence that acupuncture was actually practiced in ancient civilizations.

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Oriental Medicine – More Than Treating Pain

I am asked all the time exactly what conditions can be treated using Oriental Medicine. Often, patients are surprised to discover that most conditions treated by a western doctor are successfully treated with Oriental Medicine. Most patients equate Oriental Medicine with acupuncture. The fact is that OM involves many different modalities designed to correct imbalances and disharmonies manifesting as symptoms. Symptoms commonly seen in my clinic are all the female related disorders: menopausal, gynecological, menstruation, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, as well as others affecting both men and women: migraines, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, emotional stress, depression, anxiety, acid reflux, hives, psoriasis, eczema, post stroke paralysis, seizures, epilepsy, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, smoking cessation, weight loss and of course, pain, to name a few. Once a patient realizes OM has an 8000 year history, it really isn’t that surprising to see the many conditions treated using Oriental Medicine.

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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.

Meridian Harmonics

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.

Meridian Harmonics