May 6, 2022 Yin Wood Snake Month

May 6, 2022, is the first day of the Yin Wood Snake month in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies? 

The Yin Wood Snake refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Wind over Fire and signifies a family relationship. Wind generates Fire. Both the upper and lower trigrams are of a high energetic state. However, weakness occurs in the second and fourth lines, corresponding to the Jueyin and Shaoyang energetic states of Chinese medicine. Both Jueyin and Shaoyang are related to the Wood element. These generally correspond to imbalances in the Lymphatic, Endocrine, and Circulatory systems.

 

This hexagram is occurring during a time of the year when the season is strongly transitioning into summer. It warns us to be particularly careful of the heat pathogen. As of this writing the current weather, locally, is forecast to be very hot for the next seven to 10 days. In general, summer is a time that environmental pathogenic factors can be very detrimental to our health. Overexposure to the heat of summer and the constant back and forth exposure of outdoor heat and indoor air-conditioning sets us up for what is called Wind Invasion in Chinese medicine. Wind Invasion brings climatic pathogenic factors into the body. During this time Wind-Heat from the hot summer and Wind-Cold from air-conditioned buildings can affect our bodies if we don’t properly prepare for them. This hexagram is the image of Wind moving downward against the rising energy of Fire. Wind fans the flames of Fire. 

Common disorders during this month are:

Headaches, fever, tinnitus, scanty dark urine, dizziness, stiff neck, nosebleeds manic psychosis

Toothache in the upper jaw, sore throat, dry mouth, abdominal distention, constipation, gastric pain, eye redness, and pain

Asthma, cough, coughing blood

Uterine prolapse, irregular menstruation, bloody leukorrhea, trismus, diabetes, foot swelling and pain, palpitations, chest pain, genital pain and redness, hernia, diarrhea, constipation

Chest congestion, rib pain, cardiac pain, hiccoughs, depression, vertigo, stroke, hemiplegia, arm spasms or pain, irritability

The transition from the spring season into summertime can be characterized by a wildly changing climate. The climate is often very windy and changes very quickly. During the writing of this post, there have been two more derivatives of the COVID-19 Omicron variant found in Africa. It’s still a good time to remain vigilant against unexpected changes in the environmental pathogenic factors such as Wind cold or Wind heat which trigger the various conditions listed. This month allergy problems arise including sinus issues, pain around the eyes, earaches, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, and skin problems, including rashes, eczema, and pimples.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support the Yin Wood Snake month for each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them. 

Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the summer season. This transitional period in the year brings varying weather patterns. Climatic pathogenic factors are always transported by this prevalent windy pattern. It’s important to protect yourself from the wind as it is the carrier of pathogenic factors. This season typically sees a huge uptick in allergy symptoms with common symptoms of headaches, facial pain, asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis.  

This transitional period allows us to be more flexible with our meals while remaining mindful that the undercurrent of the summertime encourages us to consume different foods than what is recommended during the winter months.  

Reduce or eliminate intake of dairy foods (i.e., milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), as they create dampness and increase mucus production.

Drink plenty of distilled water throughout the day to promote drainage.

Make sure the diet is adequate in supplies of vitamin B and C. 

Avoid raw or cold food and beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.

Avoid fried or greasy foods as they create dampness and phlegm.

One more recommendation involves activity. Summer is a time that is characterized by an abundance of heat. Engaging in activities that are in harmony with this attribute will encourage the body to begin building cardiovascular strength and endurance. Activities like power walking, vinyasa yoga, tennis, jogging, or casual cycling are more beneficial for the body. The key is to work up slowly to a particular cardiovascular level and not overdo and become injured. 

Schedule an appointment

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

www.mhaom.com

LONG-HAUL COVID SYMPTOMS - A STARK STATISTIC

The following study was performed in the United Kingdom. United States statistics are in alignment with these numbers. Long COVID actually is considered a chronic inflammatory disease process and is within the umbrella of SCI, Systemic Chronic Inflammation. From a western medical perspective, SCI is nearly impossible to treat without creating more problems for a patient. Specialists in western medicine agree that their medical model doesn't have much to offer patients with long COVID symptoms other than anti-biotic and steroid therapies, both of which have even more severe side effects. 

Fortunately, Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to radically reduce the severity and duration of long COVID, offering much-needed hope for the thousands of patients suffering from this condition. Since every patient presents with their own unique set of SCI symptoms, at the Meridian Harmonics Clinic we design specifically customized treatments for each patient that addresses the whole body and all its organ systems. 

by DR. DANIEL WEBER (originally published in Acupuncture Today, April 12, 2022)

A multi-center study suggests that fewer than 30% of patients hospitalized with acute COVID had fully recovered a year later. It's a stark statistic – yet this study did not account for the significant number of us who were never admitted to hospital, and have still not fully recovered. The most recent UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from October reports that:  

1.2 million people are living with long COVID (in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients); 36% of those have had it for more than a year, with the greatest prevalence in health and social care workers, and people living in more deprived areas. 

Of people with self-reported long COVID:

232,000 (19%) first had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 less than 12 weeks previously; 

862,000 people (71%) first had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 at least 12 weeks previously

439,000 (36%) first had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 at least one year previously.

The proportion of people with self-reported long COVID who reported that it reduced their ability to carry out daily activities remained stable compared with previous months:

symptoms adversely affected the day-to-day activities of 775,000 people (64% of those with self-reported long COVID), 

232,000 (19%) reported that their ability to undertake their day-to-day activities had been "limited a lot"

Chronic fatigue continued to be the most common symptom reported as part of individuals' experience of long COVID (54% of those with self-reported long COVID), followed by shortness of breath (36%), loss of smell (35%), and difficulty concentrating (28%).

Other symptoms are seen in long COVID individuals: peripheral neuropathy, severe brain fog, skin rashes, anxiety, headaches and migraines, insomnia, malaise, infertility, and fibromyalgia. Individuals having had COVID do not have to have had a severe case. Simply having been infected with the virus can elicit long COVID.

Long COVID is a complicated, multi-system disease, whose pathological processes have yet to be fully understood, making treatment difficult. This is further compounded by the diverse range of symptoms, so there is no "one size fits all" treatment. Health professionals have been extrapolating treatment strategies from other diseases, but management is not consistent between clinics. A current study aims to address this lack of standardization by producing a "gold standard" for care, and a recently updated guidance to include individualized treatment plans for those with long Covid.

Long COVID isn't going away soon. Post-viral syndromes are not new, but we have never seen anything on such a scale.  

Schedule an appointment for a consultation

Meridian Harmonics Herbal Compounding Pharmacy and Acupuncture Clinic 

2044 Bedford Rd.

Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

References

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April 5, 2022 Yang Wood Dragon Month

April 5, 2022, is the first day of the Yang Wood Dragon month in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies? 

The Yang Wood Dragon refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Thunder over Mountain and signifies weakness above and below and strength in the interior. The image is of thunder in the mountains – an energetic state without support resulting in a struggling state.

 

This hexagram is the image of Thunder sinking downward against the rising energy of Yang Earth Mountain. Yang Earth Mountain exerts a force against the sinking energy of Thunder creating struggle. It occurs during a time of the year when the season is transitioning from late winter to early spring. Thus, the struggle. 

Common disorders during this month are:

Headaches, dizziness, low back pain, sciatica, joint weakness, wrist/arm/elbow pain, leg weakness and paralysis, foot pain and swelling, heel pain

Hemorrhoids, warts

Cough, phlegm, asthma

Teeth problems, hearing loss, facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), manic psychosis, epilepsy, loss of voice

Menstrual problems, dysuria, enuresis, genital itching or pain, constipation, dementia, depression, irritability

Chest and rib pain, palpitations

The transition from the winter season into springtime can be a tumultuous period. The climate is often very windy and changes very quickly. During the writing of this post, the BA.2 derivative of the COVID-19 Omicron variant is the most prevalent pathogen in the United States. It’s still a good time to remain vigilant against unexpected changes in the environmental pathogenic factors such as windy cold or windy heat settings that can trigger the various conditions listed.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support the Yang Wood Dragon month for each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them. 

Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the springtime season. This transitional period in the year brings varying weather patterns. Climatic pathogenic factors are always transported by this prevalent windy pattern. It’s important to protect yourself from the wind as it is the carrier of pathogenic factors. This season typically sees a huge uptick in allergy symptoms with commons symptoms of headaches, facial pain, asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis.  

This transitional period allows us to be more flexible with our meals while remaining mindful that the undercurrent of the springtime encourages us to consume different foods than what is recommended during the winter months.  

Reduce or eliminate intake of dairy foods (i.e., milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream), as they create dampness and increase mucus production.

Drink plenty of distilled water throughout the day to promote drainage.

Make sure the diet is adequate in supplies of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is essential for the healthy mucous lining of the respiratory tract. Vitamin C is well recognized for its effect to prevent and treat an infection.

Avoid raw or cold food and beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.

Avoid fried or greasy foods as they create dampness and phlegm.

One more recommendation involves activity. Spring is a time that is characterized by an awakening from a slumber. Engaging in activities that are in harmony with this attribute will encourage the body to begin building cardiovascular strength and endurance. Activities like power walking, vinyasa yoga, tennis, jogging, or casual cycling are more beneficial for the body.

Our focus this month is helping patients identify and desensitize common allergens in the environment and the diet. We use an FDA cleared computerized system for the assessment and cold laser therapy for the desensitization. 

Schedule an appointment

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

www.mhaom.com

Mar 6, 2022 Yin Water Rabbit Month

Mar 6, 2022, is the first day of the Yin Water Rabbit month of the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day and hour. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies? 

The Yin Water Rabbit refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image represents Water over Wind and signifies the downward movement of Water or rain over the ascending movement of Yang Wood, Thunder. Thunder and Rain create chaotic confusion and difficulty. Fortunately, this energy state will not last and will lead to a more calming state.

This hexagram is the image of Water sinking downward against the sinking energy of Yin Wood or The Well. The image derives from the pole-and-bucket well of ancient China. The wood represents not the buckets, which in ancient times were made of clay, but rather the wooden poles by which the water is hauled up from the well. The image also refers to the world of plants, which lift water out of the earth by means of their fibers. The well from which water is drawn conveys the further idea of an inexhaustible dispensing of nourishment. 

Neglecting this time for consolidation and preparation can result in the following general disorders: 

nervous system and some digestive system problems: headache, dizziness, epistaxis, pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg, sciatica, hemorrhoids, weakness of the joints, aching and dysfunction of the elbow, warts 

disorders of the head, chest and rib cage and lower limbs: eye pain, night blindness, blurring of vision, weakness, numbness, and pain of the lower extremities, distention and pain of the breast,  febrile disease, headache, redness, swelling, and pain of the eye, tinnitus, deafness, pain in the hypochondrium, spasm and pain of the upper extremities

urinary, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous system disorders: retention of urine, enuresis, constipation, hemoptysis, asthma, dementia, pain in the heel, sudden loss of voice, stiffness of the tongue, pain in the wrist and arm, and palpitations 

We’re at the beginning stage of moving from the winter season into springtime. It’s still a good time to remain vigilant against unexpected changes in the environmental pathogenic factors such as windy cold or windy heat settings that can trigger the various conditions listed.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support these systems of each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them. 

Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the winter season in general. This transitional period in the year brings varying weather patterns. Climatic pathogenic factors are always transported by the wind. Protecting yourself from the wind cold of winter or the wind cold of indoor air conditioning is a must. Likewise, the occasional wind-heat from warmer weather or from indoor heating from furnaces can also manifest internally in the body with diverse symptoms, depending on the individual. Overexposure to the wind, cold, or heat causes external climatic pathogenic factors to invade the acupuncture channels and leads to the energy of Qi within the channels being inhibited or blocked. In the Yin Water Rabbit month, the wind pathogen is predominant and invades the organs leading to the various internal medical conditions listed. 

This transitional period allows us to be more flexible with our meals while remaining mindful that the undercurrent of the winter encourages us to continue consuming more warming foods and fluids, which are more beneficial to the internal organs. While the previous months have focused more on exercise for building and recovery, we’re moving into a period where we can begin introducing more cardiovascular exercises. The wind of springtime moves us to be more active.

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

www.mhaom.com

Feb 4, 2022 Yang Water Tiger Month – Yang Water Tiger Chinese New Year 2022

 

Feb 4, 2022, is the first day of the Yang Water Tiger month of the Chinese calendar.  Feb 1 is officially the beginning of the Yang Water Tiger Chinese New Year. 2021 was an Ox year. Each year an animal is assigned to the year along with a particular polarity, either Yin or Yang, and one of the five elements Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies? 

The Yang Water Tiger refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image represents Water over Thunder and signifies the downward movement of Water or rain over the ascending movement of Yang Wood, Thunder. Thunder and Rain create chaotic confusion and difficulty. Fortunately, this energy state will not last and will lead to a more calming state.

This hexagram is the image of Water sinking downward against the rising energy of Yang Wood. This represents a time of difficulty that requires a time of stillness and re-assessment. Neglecting this time for consolidation and preparation can result in the following general disorders: 

• nervous system problems

• endocrine and lymphatic system problems

• problems with the respiratory & digestive system

• psycho-emotional and circulatory problems 

We’re still in the middle of the winter season, and the effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 simply add to these health challenges.

Likely nervous system problems this month can challenge patients with pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg, sciatica, headache, migraines (central and one-sided), neck rigidity, facial paralysis, dizziness, epistaxis, and hemorrhoids. Other conditions that may appear are weakness of the joints, aching and dysfunction of the elbow, weakness, numbness, pain of the lower extremities, distention, and warts. 

Specific problems affecting the head are blindness, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, and breast pain. 

Possible endocrine issues that are possible this month: loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fatty stools, or weight changes.

The lymphatic system plays a role in the immune system and can be impaired during this month resulting in inadequate protection from illness-causing invaders, improper body fluid levels, malabsorption of nutrients and fats, and deficiency of cellular waste removal.

Digestive problems prone to appear this month include febrile diseases, headaches, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, pain in the hypochondrium, spasm and pain of the upper extremities, acute gastric pain, gastric distention and stuffiness, poor appetite, pain around the umbilical region, diarrhea, bloody stools, epigastric pain, chest congestion, distention in the hypochondrium, toothache, sore throat, cough, asthma, nasal problems, and allergies. This is the season!

The winter season is prone to respiratory problems and common symptoms this month include cough, sore throat, asthma, nasal problems.

Urogenital problems this month include pain in the penis, hematuria, genitourinary and gynecological problems, abdominal distention, pruritus vulva, persistent erection, irregular menstruation, morbid leukorrhea, dysuria, hernia, swelling, and pain of the foot.

Psycho-emotional and circulatory problems occurring this month include depression, dizziness, irritability, vertigo, apoplexy, hemiplegia, spasm, and pain of the upper extremities.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support these systems of each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them. 

Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the winter season in general. The current season of winter represents a cold environment. This means we should protect our bodies from the cold, internally as well as externally. Overexposure to the cold causes cold to invade the acupuncture channels and leads to the energy of Qi within the channels being inhibited or blocked. In the Yang Water Tiger month, the cold pathogen is accentuated and invades the organs leading to the various internal medical conditions listed. The winter season encourages us to consume more warming foods and fluids, which are more beneficial to the internal organs. Colder foods and fluids will have the opposite effect by damaging our internal organs during the Yang Water Tiger month. 

This is one of the major ways wintertime infections occur and results in the common cold, influenza, allergies, headaches, tension, and pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Many of the channels in these regions affect the digestive tract. 

One more recommendation involves activity. Winter is a time that is characterized by quiet and stillness. Engaging in activities that are in harmony with this attribute will encourage the body to rebuild that which has been degraded during those times in the summer and fall which were more prone to vigorous exercise. Activities like walking versus running or cycling are more beneficial for the body. Also, meditative exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, and Qi Gong encourage more rebuilding of tissues that were broken down during the seasons of more vigorous exercises.

Special for this month: mention this post and receive 10% off our proprietary herbal broad-spectrum anti-bacterial/viral formula. Our staff has been using this formula for the past 2 years anytime we begin to feel a sore throat, sinus infection, ear infection, or upper respiratory infection coming on. Many of our patients have indicated that it has been very effective in treating the various symptoms of COVID-19, as well. Call or email us at 817-835-0885, info@mhaom.com to reserve either a 100 capsule or 200 capsule bottle. 

Want to try out acupuncture? Call or email us to schedule a 20-minute stress relief acupuncture session for just $20. 817-835-0885, info@mhaom.com

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

www.mhaom.com

Jan 6 2022 Yin Metal Ox Month

 Jan 6, 2022, is the first day of the Yin Metal Ox month of the Chinese calendar. Just like the animal year, most people are aware of each Chinese New Year, the Chinese calendar also assigns an animal and one of the five elements to each month, day, and hour. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies?

The Yin Metal Ox refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image represents Lake over Earth or Yin over Yin.

This hexagram is the image of Yin moving downward and inward and gathering together. This represents a time of renewal in preparation for the unforeseen. This is a time for consolidation and preparing for future endeavors. Neglecting this time for consolidation and preparation can result in the following general disorders:

• problems with the nervous system

• problems with the digestive tract

• problems with the cardiovascular and circulatory systems

• problems with the genitourinary and endocrine systems of the body

  All this on top of being in the middle of the winter season, during a world pandemic! The Yin Metal Ox month represents several health challenges.

For the nervous system, this month can challenge patients with low back pain, headaches, stiff neck, dizziness, and febrile diseases (i.e.: common cold, influenza, COVID-19, etc.)

One of the important properties of the digestive tract is its relationship to the pulmonary system. During this month some typical digestive/pulmonary issues include hemorrhoids, abdominal distention and pain, diarrhea, constipation, cough, asthma, chest pain, sore throat, and febrile diseases.

This month can be characterized by the following circulatory and cardiovascular incidences: palpitations, cardiac pain, and manic disorder.

The Yin Metal Ox month is prone to these genitourinary and endocrine system problems: Edema, abdominal distention, diarrhea, febrile diseases without sweat or ceaselessly sweating, night sweating, weakness, numbness, and pain of the lower extremities, laryngitis.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support these systems of each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them.

Modifying one’s lifestyle can support this period and the winter season in general. The current season of winter represents a cold environment. This means we should protect our bodies from the cold, internally, and externally. Overexposure to the cold causes cold to invade the acupuncture channels and leads to the energy, or Qi, within the channels being inhibited or blocked. In the Yin Metal Ox month, the cold pathogen is accentuated and invades the organs leading to the various internal medical conditions listed. The winter season encourages us to consume more warming foods and fluids, which are more beneficial to the internal organs. Colder foods and fluids will have the opposite effect by damaging our internal organs during the Yin Metal Ox month. This is one of the major ways wintertime infections occur and results in the common cold, influenza, allergies, headaches, tension, and pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Many of the channels in these regions affect the digestive tract.

Want to try out acupuncture? Call or email us to schedule a 20-minute stress relief acupuncture session for just $20. 817-835-0885, info@mhaom.com

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30 Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine www.mhaom.com 

Dec 7, 2021, Yang Metal Rat Month

Dec 7, 2021, is the first day of the Yang Metal Rat month of the Chinese calendar. Just like the animal year, most people are aware of each Chinese New Year, the Chinese calendar also assigns an animal and one of the five elements to each month, day, and hour. What does this mean regarding how Meridian Harmonics approaches health and treatment strategies?

The Yang Metal Rat refers to one of the sixty-four hexagrams described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image represents Heaven over Water or Yang over Yin. Yang tends to move upward and Yin tends to move downward.

This represents a separation of these two. What can we do to minimize the effects of this conflict? The major result of this conflict affects the digestive tract and the nutritive processes of the body.

Here at Meridian Harmonics, during this month we will supplement our treatments to support the digestive tract and the nutritive processes of each patient. This can be accomplished using specific acupuncture and herbal therapies. Each patient is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for every patient. We will assess each patient, individually, on what strategies are best suited for them.

There are lifestyle modifications that can be adapted to support this period and the winter season in general. The current season of winter represents a cold environment. This means we should protect our bodies from the cold, internally as well as externally. Overexposure to the cold causes cold to invade the acupuncture channels and leads to the energy of Qi within the channels being inhibited or blocked. This is one of the major ways wintertime infections occur and results in the common cold, influenza, allergies, headaches, tension, and pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Many of the channels in these regions affect the digestive tract. Since each season has a particular nature the winter season encourages us to consume more warming foods. Warm and hot foods and fluids are more beneficial to the digestive tract by stoking the digestive fire needed for proper digestion and elimination. Colder foods and fluids will have the opposite effect by weakening the digestive fire and stagnating the elimination process.

Want to try out acupuncture? Call or email us to schedule a 20-minute holiday stress relief acupuncture session for just $20. 817-835-0885, info@mhaom.com

Clinic hours: Tue - Fri 8:00 - 12:00, 1:30 - 6:30

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Holiday hours: closed Tue, Dec 28 - Fri Dec 31

We will resume our normal hours Tue, Jan 4, 2022

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

www.mhaom.com 

COVID-19 by the Numbers

While the impact of flu varies, it places a substantial burden on the health of people in the United States each year. The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010. In fact, COVID-19 has killed more people than the last 5 flu seasons combined. 

COVID-19, in the US most likely began infecting our population sometime before the first recorded death on Feb 6, 2020. It has infected over 7.7M people in the US, and accounted for over 215,000 deaths in just 8 months, nearly quadrupling the death rate of the influenza virus. 

It also has wreaked lifelong havoc on many people who've survived the illness. Survival doesn't always mean unscathed.

As a reminder, the CDC estimates a safe vaccine won't be available until the end of the second to the third quarter of 2021. 

How does this timeline affect the actual numbers? Let's say the general public will be able to get the vaccine by late June 2021. By then over 16M cases will have occurred and over 452,000 deaths will be recorded. How is this acceptable?

Herd immunity seems to be the way most people expect to return to "regular life". It's estimated herd immunity will require 70% of the population to be infected minus those who have already been infected or over 223M people. For the US, on average 2.8% of cases end in death. This means for herd immunity to play out before a vaccine is ready over 6M people will die in the US. How is this acceptable? 

There seems to be a total lack of logic in dealing with this pandemic. And yet history should have guided us.

Spanish Flu 

Cholera 

SARS 

So why is it that there is such a backlash against common-sense precautionary measures we all can practice to help mitigate this disease? Why is it that certain portions of the population tend to minimize this disease? Why is there such contempt from these people towards those who are willing to practice prevention? Are we free to disrespect others during a worldwide pandemic, endangering their health and possibly their lives? Have we become so self-centered, and entitled that we no longer care for our fellow man? Has life become all about what most can be taken and gotten out of life? 

There's A New C-IAYT in the House

Three years ago our own Michelle began studying in a relatively new field, Yoga Therapy (YT). I kind of envision it as an Eastern approach to western physical therapy. I'm sure there is an actual more correct description, but in any case, needless to say, it's an intense program, as is with any endeavor. 

As of Jun 14, 2020, Michelle Tryling is now Certified in the prestigious International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). This is in addition to being an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT). Additionally, she is in her practicum for Integrated Positional Therapy (IPT) and is being mentored personally by the inventor of IPT, Lee Albert, Neuro Muscular Therapist.

We are excited to be able to offer a variety of techniques to help our patients with their health and wellness challenges. With this new certification, Michelle is offering online YT sessions for group or individual classes. To see if your a good candidate for YT or IPT you can contact Michelle directly at yogaharmonics@gmail.com

One of the few exemplary schools of yoga therapy (YT) is in a remote area of western Massachusetts, near Stockbridge, called Kripalu. Every few months since March 2017 Michelle would travel to Kripalu to do training for up to three weeks at a time. It's been a grueling schedule for her, but she toughed it out and came out on top. We're all very proud of her. Please join me in congratulating her on her awesome achievement!

Some better descriptions of Yoga Therapy (YT) from folks actually in the field:

Yoga therapy is the facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: the awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.

Joseph LePage, M.A., Integrative Yoga Therapy (U.S.A.)

Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process, where the care-seeker, with the help of the Yoga therapist, implements a personalized and evolving Yoga practice, that not only addresses the illness in a multi-dimensional manner but also aims to alleviate his/her suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner.  Depending upon the nature of the illness, Yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.

TKV Desikachar & Kausthub Desikachar

Yoga therapy is of modern coinage and represents the first effort to integrate traditional yogic concepts and techniques with Western medical and psychological knowledge. Whereas traditional Yoga is primarily concerned with personal transcendence on the part of a "normal" or healthy individual, Yoga therapy aims at the holistic treatment of various kinds of psychological or somatic dysfunctions ranging from back problems to emotional distress. Both approaches, however, share an understanding of the human being as an integrated body-mind system, which can function optimally only when there is a state of dynamic balance.

Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.

Yoga therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health care refers to the adaptation and application of Yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges at any level manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality, and improve attitude.

Gary Kraftsow American Viniyoga Institute

Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments. The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth, or a chronic condition associated with old age or infirmity.

Robin Monro, Ph.D. Yoga Biomedical Trust (England)

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM)

Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)

www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, C-IAYT, E-RYT, Yoga Therapy, Integrated Positional Therapy
www.yoga-harmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics - Harmony and Balance for your Good Health

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2044 Bedford Rd.

Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

Why We Wear a Mask in our Clinic

Wear Your Face Mask

I continue to be surprised at how nonchalant many people are with this disease. As most people know, I am an avid cyclist and ride my bike all around Dalla-Fort Worth. I love riding my bike with other fellow cyclists. However, I decided in March that riding with others was somewhat risky since the aerosol cloud behind a rider can extend 65 feet! Even though the probability of contracting COVID-19 is small while cycling, as a healthcare provider why should I risk it? On one of my rides this past weekend I went by one of the many city parks in our area where little league baseball games were in full swing (pardon the pun). Not one player, parent, or spectator was wearing a mask or practicing social distancing.

Face masks are the most efficient method of preventing the spread of the coronavirus, according to a new analysis of infection data from Northern Italy and New York City. The data revealed that mandates for facial coverings in the two epicenters correlated with a drop in the number of new cases by roughly half and two-thirds, respectively, over the time period, studied (see the paper, Fig. 2).

The results align with previous research showing airborne transmission as the most virulent route for new infections. Though spread can occur by direct (via touching) and indirect (via surfaces) means, viral particles have been shown to survive for hours when aerosolized from coughing, sneezing, or even talking in a closed area. Even imperfect facial coverings may prevent such particles from spreading. Still, researchers warn that face mask requirements alone are not sufficient to halt the pandemic.

Anecdotally, no new cases were observed from two Missouri hairdressers who saw 140 clients while sick but had implemented face mask requirements. 

Cases have begun to spike in places like Florida and Texas. The US has suffered more cases and deaths due to COVID-19 than any other country. The US has reported 2.1 million total cases, with 117,859 deaths. Some respected epidemiologists expect the number of deaths in the US to double by September 2020. See the three-day rolling average here. 

Talk with any frontline healthcare provider and you'll discover how dangerous it is to relax the vigilant procedures set forth in April and May too soon. One expert recently stated that in comparing the COVI-19 pandemic to a baseball game, we're just now in the second inning. Just think about that for a moment. 

In early June I was surprised to learn how little Japan was affected by COVID-19. Their culture naturally promotes more respect for each other and are more conscientious of the world, as a whole. Infectious disease outbreaks are common in Asia and consequently, this population naturally is more vigilant with hygiene, social distancing, and wearing masks. If it works there, doesn't it make sense that it would work in the US?

As always, our desire is to provide a safe, clean place to provide premium health and wellness care. We will continue to wear masks in our clinic and we want our clients and patients to honor our request to do so, as well. This is all about being respectful and caring for the wellbeing of each other.

In spite of the widespread relaxation of health recommendations, we continue to do all we can to make sure our office is cleaner than ever before and we're doing our part to be safe for our clients and patients. It really is each of our responsibility to do our part to prevent the proliferation of infection.

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM)

Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)

www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, E-RYT, Yoga Therapy, Integrated Positional Therapy
www.yoga-harmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics - Harmony and Balance for your Good Health

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2044 Bedford Rd.

Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

Clinic Reopening Part 2: Treating Disharmony Patterns, On-line Yoga Therapy,

It's been two weeks since we reopened the clinic after the mandatory COVID-19 shutdown and shelter-in-place orders came down. All-in-all, our patient's report it has been a resounding success. Some of our patients are in high-risk groups and are still concerned about leaving home or getting out in general. We understand and want to reassure them and our community we are doing our part to make our clinic environment safer and healthier than ever before.

We're all getting used to wearing masks. We want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your help in making our clinic safe and healthy for everyone. Also, the pace here at the office is slower with our schedule only having one patient in the office at a time. We're spending more time cleaning surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and really every surface touched by us and our patients. One aspect that hasn't changed is our commitment to make our office and treatments feel safe and healthy while you're here.

Our compound herbal pharmacy has been very busy lately. As always, we're committed to investing in the raw herbal ingredients necessary to meet the needs of our patients and our community, as a whole. Our patients are requesting herbal remedies to address a variety of needs. Conditions such as ongoing anti-viral and anti-bacterial solutions are at the top of the list. Texas has been in the throes of an intense allergy season for the last several weeks, resulting in the need for customized herbal solutions for a variety of allergy symptoms. Fortunately, we have all the specific herbal ingredients needed to treat the various allergy symptoms Texas has to offer.

Most patients are surprised to see the quantity of the herbs in our pharmacy and discover we have herbs to treat nearly everything that they would get a prescription or over-the-counter drug for. Chinese medicine has a history that spans 8,000-10,000 years and has the ability to treat, literally, thousands of conditions. In fact for those that wish to avoid acupuncture, there is most likely, an herbal alternative.

Some of the most common conditions patients are seeking acupuncture for can also be treated with a customized compounded herbal formulas:

Stress
Anxiety
Insomnia
Muscle pain
Allergies
Hormone imbalances
Joint pain
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Depression
Headaches and Migraines
Acid Reflux
Dizziness and Vertigo
Neck pain
Low back pain
PTSD
Postoperative and traumatic injury recovery
Cardiovascular problems
Kidney disease
Constipation and diarrhea
Acne
Asthma
Bells Palsy
Infertility
Fibromyalgia
Chemical dependency
RSD and CRPS
Colitis
Crohn's
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

These are a few examples of conditions we've treated in just the last few months!

Some of the questions we often hear from patients:

How do you determine which herbs are best for me and the medical conditions I'm interested in treating?

This is a great question! There is a huge difference between western medicine, western herbal medicine, and Chinese medicine. Western medicine and western herbal medicine tend to focus on treating symptoms and act more like a band-aid approach. Chinese medicine looks past the symptoms at the underlying root causes to treat symptoms at their root. Chinese medicine recognizes there are underlying patterns of disharmony that are causing all diseases, disorders, conditions, and symptoms. Accordingly, the correct treatment principle is to identify the patterns and treat the pattern rather than band-aiding the symptoms.

How do I find out the patterns of disharmony in my body responsible for my health conditions and symptoms?

Another difference between western and eastern medicines is the diagnostic techniques used. Western medicine uses labs (i.e.: blood analysis, urinalysis, etc.) and imaging (x-ray, MRI, CAT scan, PET scan, etc.). Since Chinese medicine, traditionally, did not have access to these techniques the ancient doctors had to come up with diagnostic techniques that accurately represent the patterns of disharmony present in the patient. These techniques, though thousands of years old are still used today and can even be more comprehensive than modern techniques.

The predominant technique for determining pattern disharmony is called Chinese pulse diagnosis. There are various styles of pulse diagnosis. Each method may take a different route but all tend to reach the same conclusion. Meridian Harmonics has developed a unique style of pulse diagnosis that combines ancient concepts with modern technology to aid in identifying a tremendous amount of information about patient's conditions and the best course of action to treat them effectively and efficiently. This method is called the Pulse Matrix and was developed in 2003. It is a lot more involved than simply determining the heart rate. The Pulse Matrix provides a snapshot in time of what is happening currently inside the body and the disharmony patterns present. It allows us to determine the best treatment options for you. This snapshot is called the Pulse Image.

The human body is never in a stable state. It is constantly changing and adjusting to its environment. Your Pulse Image is constantly changing. Our goal is to provide treatment strategies to move your Pulse Image into a healthy balanced state. For some, this can take some time. It all depends on the severity of inflammation or metabolic sluggishness present in the body. We can help with lifestyle and diet recommendations that will enhance your progress rather than hinder it.

Herbal Appointment Scheduling

The best way to schedule an herbal appointment is to call or email us:

817-835-0885  (Please leave a message if we're with a patient and unable to answer the phone)

info@mhaom.com 

If you're not able to come to the clinic, personally, we're happy to do phone consultations or a telemedicine consult using Zoom. Let us know what works best for you. 

On-site herbal consultations are 30-45 minutes, for new patients and 15-20 minutes for established patients.

Online Yoga Therapy

Michelle is providing one-on-one or group online yoga therapy sessions using Zoom. Check out her website. To schedule a personalized yoga therapy session, email her at yogaharmonics@gmail.com

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM)

Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)

www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, E-RYT, Yoga Therapy, Integrated Positional Therapy
www.yoga-harmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics - Harmony and Balance for your Good Health

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2044 Bedford Rd.

Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

Treatment Reminder in the COVID-19 Era

We are excited to re-open our clinic on May 1, 2020. We miss seeing some of our favorite people - our clients and patients. One of our clinic goals is fostering a safe community of health, wellness, and vitality. COVID-19 requires all of us to make changes so that we can keep our community safe. We are committed to doing the following:

1. One patient in the clinic at a time. We've reduced the number of available appointments each day to minimize exposure and to continue distancing and sanitization protocols between patients.
2. Weekly text reminders will now be sent on Sundays. This is the only reminder that will be sent for the coming week. 
3. Phone and telemedicine consult for herbal orders and refills. Curbside pickup and over the phone payment also available.
4. We will wear a mask when within 6 ft of you.

We need your help. Please commit to doing the following:

1. Please wear a mask. It doesn't have to be N-95, but some sort of covering for your nose and mouth. This is the impact COVID-19 has made on our current medical setting. 
2. Do not smoke or use perfumes or colognes several hours prior to your appointment. COVID-19 presents a very real challenge for any patient with a history of respiratory or auto-immune illnesses. Strong chemical smells exacerbate respiratory problems and can jeopardize the ability for us to provide a safe environment for our patients. You will be asked to leave if you come to the clinic with an odor of smoke, perfume, or cologne. This is considered a last-minute cancellation and you will be charged $35.
3. Please talk softly and turn off all mobile devices while in the clinic. Please respect the staff and other clients/patients by speaking softly and avoid using your phone. 
4. For acupuncture treatments please dress so that the acupuncturist has access to your arms and legs, or bring a change of clothes that will facilitate the same.
5. Please be on time for your appointment. If you are late for your appointment, your treatment time will be cut short. If you have to reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, there will be a $35 charge for last-minute cancellations and no-shows. We have an ongoing waiting list and strive to help as many people as we can.
6. Please eat before your appointment. Do not bring food and drinks into the clinic. 
7. Please notify us of all medicines you are currently taking (Rx, OTC, and supplements).
8. We are not available after hours.  Office hours are changing: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm -6:30 pm. Please leave a message on the clinic phone 817-835-0885, or email us at mtryling@gmail.com

As always, we appreciate the opportunity to be a source of time-honored, yet exciting information, to help you in your journey to becoming the healthiest person you can be. Please use us as an educational source of the two oldest and most complete medicines the world has ever seen: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine from India.

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM)
Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)
www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, 500-RYT, Yoga Therapy, and Integrated Positional Therapy
www.yoga-harmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics - Harmony and Balance for your Good Health

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2044 Bedford Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

Clinic Re-Opening after COVID-19 Thank you for your continued support and interest in our clinic. We will continue to serve you and your family to the best of our ability as we learn to navigate uncharted territory together. We will begin to schedule patients for a limited number of in-person treatments at the clinic beginning on May 1, 2020. Keeping informed of current recommendations to medical practitioners, we will transition to seeing patients by restricting access to the clinic one patient per hour. With thorough cleaning and sanitization techniques, we will also rotate the use of treatment rooms. By limiting our clinic to one person at a time, we hope to limit exposure to you and ourselves in order to be as safe as possible. We will continue to offer phone consults, curbside herbal pickups, online yoga therapy, through Zoom, and herbal shipments as well. Please contact us at any time by email or text us at 682-292-8767. To speak to one of us by phone, please call the clinic at 817-835-0885 to schedule an acupuncture, yoga therapy, or integrated positional therapy appointment. Please note our current hours of operation have changed. Due to high demand and the limited number of available appointments, we will need at least 24 hours notice for rescheduling or cancellation. Please be respectful of others and of our small clinic; you will be charged for last-minute cancellations or no-shows to your appointment. Our current hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday-Friday, 8:00 am to 11:30 am; 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Please note the latest acupuncture appointment available is 5:30 pm. We are still connected as a community! Continue to check our websites and blogs (Clinic blog, Yoga Therapy Blog, Yoga Therapy Instagram) for the latest on what we are doing to stay positive and healthy. We also, post interesting articles on the clinic FB page. We love to hear from you so please continue to reach out and update us on how you're doing. Please stay safe and let us know if we can be of assistance in any way. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers! D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM) Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board) Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2044 Bedford Rd. Bedford, TX 76021 817-835-0885 www.mhaom.com Michelle Tryling, E-RYT, Yoga Therapy, Integrated Positional Therapy www.yoga-harmonics.com

COVID-19 Symptoms Appear Unrelated

In this update, we have some good news and some not so good news. First the not so good news.

This is a frightening prospect - after patients are presumed to be cleared, the virus can still be active in their body. Research has shown that 50% of treated patients still have active virus active up to eight days after their symptoms disappear. This, in turn, allows them to remain infectious, even after symptomatic recovery.

How does this happen? Researchers suspect that the medications used to treat the virus are not treating the entire organ systems of the affected patients, allowing the virus to migrate to other regions of the body. From a western medical pathophysiological perspective migration of the virus can be through various cellular methods allowing the virus to be transported through the cell membrane and then replicating itself. Within the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) model, there are energetic pathways connecting various regions of the body and various organs to each other. These pathways are similar to a superhighway allowing information and chemicals to be transported throughout the body.

So what's happening here? Many of the drugs used in treating COVID-19 focus on the respiratory system and neglect the other organs that have energetic connections to the other organ systems in the body.

For instance, in the case of the lungs, TCM recognizes several organ system connections. In TCM one model recognizes what is known as the Interior/Exterior organ relationships. One of these relationships is known as the Taiyin-Yangming relationship. Taiyin and Yangming are two of the six energetic levels in the body. They encompass not only specific external and internal pathways but also specific organs. Taiyin relates to the Lung, Spleen, and Pancreas. Yangming relates to the Stomach and Large Intestine.

Let's review what the medical community is witnessing as far as the major symptoms: loss of sense of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia), fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. 23% of patients will first experience digestive symptoms, 43% will present with only respiratory symptoms, 33% will have both respiratory and digestive symptoms.

Anosmia
Generally speaking, anosmia in TCM represents an imbalance with the lungs, since one of the functions of the lungs is the ability to discern the Five Odors.

Ageusia
Ageusia, or loss of the sense of taste, generally, is considered as an imbalance in the spleen and stomach. What's interesting about this symptom is that both of these organs are related to the Taiyin-Yangming relationship.

Fever
Fever is not the best factor for qualifying someone with COVID-19. When taking the temporal or forehead temperature the digital thermometer is simply reflecting the temperature of those regions as related to the energetic pathways in those regions. Classically, we've been told 98.6F is the normal body temperature. However, the range for normal body temperature is 97.6 - 99.6℉. The range for fever is at least 100.4℉. A very high fever is one above 105.8℉. Fevers can represent any inflammatory condition whether its an infection or not. So just remember that fever is just one sign of an imbalance in the body. On a side note, I check my temperature every day and it is often in the range from 96.7 - 97.6℉ and rarely registers above 98℉.

Cough, Shortness of Breath
Cough and shortness of breath, though generated from the lungs, has a more complicated pathology. In the Taiyin-Yangming relationship imbalances in the large intestine, spleen/pancreas, and stomach can all create coughs, in addition to an imbalance in the lungs, such as an upper respiratory infection from COVID-19. In addition to the Interior/Exterior energetic relationship, another relationship to consider relates to the regions of the energetic pathways as they correspond to how they are categorized from their Yin or Yang nature and whether they are an upper or lower body pathway. One of these is the Taiyin-Taiyang relationship. As was mentioned earlier, Taiyin represents the energetic pathways of the Lungs, Spleen and Pancreas. The Taiyang level represents the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine. When assessing the temperature on the forehead one of the pathways in this area relates to the Taiyang energetic level. This is an example of how lower body inflammation or infections can be reflected in the upper body. In this scenario inflammation or congestion in the Bladder or Small Intestine can be transferred to the Lung leading to a cough or shortness of breath.

Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness is one of the most common conditions that is seen with a number of diseases and disorders. I am constantly cautioning patients to not self medicate with over-the-counter herbs and food supplements when it comes to fatigue. Why? Because fatigue, like any condition, has a number of root causes. Of all the organs in the body, according to TCM, the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are the only two organs that produce all the energy that is needed by our body to function properly. The Lungs do this through proper breathing while engaged in exercise. The Spleen/Pancreas produces energy from the digestion of healthy food sources. If because of improper lifestyle choices, either one of these organs is negatively affected, then the result will be fatigue. Both the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are located in the Taiyin level of the body. Weakness in the Taiyin level will cause fatigue, but inflammation in the pathways and organs related to the Taiyin organs will cause fatigue, as well. Namely, the Small and Large Intestines, and Stomach. This is why digestive wreckage can affect the Lungs. This is why eating a clean healthy diet benefits a person's energy and Lungs.

There is another energetic relationship in the TCM model responsible for lung conditions. It's called Taiyin-Jueyin. In this model, the Lungs have an energetic relationship with the Liver. This is important because, from the TCM perspective, the Liver has several functions that play a role in promoting the health of all the organs. Typical symptoms of disharmony in the Jueyin level are vertex headaches, hypertension, spasms, tremors, migraines, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability, eye or vision problems, insomnia, palpitations, emotional disturbances, stress, and epigastric or abdominal pain.

Body aches, Runny nose
Body aches and runny nose are very common with what TCM recognizes as an Exterior Invasion of Pathogenic Factors. Typical disorders that include body aches: common cold, influenza, bronchitis, asthma and allergies.

Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements
As was mentioned earlier, the Large Intestine is an aspect of the Yangming level of TCM and is the Interior/Exterior organ relationship with the Lungs. Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or loose stools indicate an imbalance in the Large Intestine as the result of a pathogenic problem that will begin to affect other organs, in this case, the Lungs.

Now for some really good news. Meridian Harmonics is receiving numerous requests for anti-viral herbal remedies to boost immune function and combat viral and bacterial infections. These herbs have systemic actions. These means they can treat the whole body, not just one organ, disease or symptom. Due to the complexity of the herb’s organic structures, viruses and bacteria are not able to mutate against them as easily as they can with pharmaceuticals.

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in treating bacterial and viral infections. TCM herbal remedies are used to combat the flu and even more recent viral epidemics. Chinese herbal decoctions can be integrated with western modalities and even in conjunction with pharmaceuticals. If you have a question on how to do this safely, contact us at info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.

TCM herbs can be tailored to each person’s conditions whether dealing with a cold, ear infection or respiratory virus, shortening the duration of sickness and decreases the severity of symptoms. We recommend taking a maintenance daily dose to boost the immune system prior to the presenting of symptoms. If you have questions regarding these formulations and if they can benefit you, we can be reached at info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.

In-Office Procedures 
Due to the recent social distancing requirement, we will continue to suspend all acupuncture, yoga therapy, and integrated positional therapy treatments until April 30.
We apologize for this inconvenience as we would prefer to serve our patients, personally. We will, also, be posting regular updates on our Facebook page, so please Like and check it regularly for news of any changes:  Meridian Harmonics

Our office hours are changing until we're allowed to resume normal operations and interactions with patients and clients. Until further notice, our hours will be: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

We're doing all we can to help our local community weather the current storm we're facing.
If you need an herbal consult, please contact us by leaving a message at 817-835-0885, or by email: info@mhaom.com  We will be happy to call you and do a consultation by phone, fill your herbal prescription and have them ready for you to pick up or we can ship them to you.
Thank you for your understanding.

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., D. AC, CH (NCCAOM)
Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2044 Bedford Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021
817-835-0885
www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, 500-RYT, Yoga Therapy; Integrated Positional Therapist
www.yoga-harmonics.com

If you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms listed contact your primary care doctor or your nearest ER.