May 5, 2023 Yin Fire Snake

In the Chinese calendar, May 5, 2023, is the first day of Yin Fire Snake month. 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. The Yang Fire Snake month extends till June 5, 2023.

The Yin Fire Snake refers to the 30th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Fire over Fire.  The Yin Fire Snake signifies "Clinging". It is one of eight hexagrams with the same trigram in the upper and lower portion of the hexagram. The Yin Fire Snake is represented by the Fire trigram in both the upper and lower regions of the hexagram. It represents an image of heat ascending. 

The Yin Fire Snake hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yin Fire Snake hexagram continues a  dramatic shift from what was observed in previous months. The environmental influences are transitioning to the Summer season. The Yin Fire Snake is a highly energetic hexagram. Its image is the Fire over Fire. The Yin Fire Snake represents an imbalance in the movement of systemic energies and inhibited cardiovascular functions. There are two pathological influences: internal organ problems and external environmental factors. The dominant pathological influences are characterized by heat and dryness. During the Yin Fire Snake month dry heat patterns have their root in mostly, environmental influences and secondarily, in organ problems.

The Fire trigram originates in the Fire element and is related to the Heart, Small Intestine, and Spleen. Its nature is heat rising. During the Summer environmental heat enters the body through the skin. This is known as Wind-Heat. 

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. As mentioned before, the Yin Fire Snake represents a generalized pattern of Heat that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Wind Heat enters, primarily, at the Taiyang level of the body. The Taiyang level is one of the six energetic levels of the body. It symbolizes the most exterior of the six levels and is easily affected by the external environment. Each of the six levels has links between the exterior and interior of our body. The Taiyang level links the nervous system with a major portion of our digestive tract. Unresolved external environmental heat can be transferred to the digestive tract. Likewise, digestive inflammation can result in inflammation within the nervous system. 

Common signs of Wind-Heat are headaches, fever, sore and swollen throat, red and painful eyes, runny or congested nasal passages with thick yellow discharge, thirst with desire to drink cold fluids, shortness of breath, and tightness or pain in the chest. Just like in the winter when we need to protect ourselves from Wind-Cold, we need to take similar precautions in the summer to protect ourselves from Wind-Heat.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from Wind-Heat:

Avoid exposure to windy and hot environments: Try to avoid exposure to windy and hot environments, particularly during the summer months. Wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and wind.

Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid consuming hot or spicy foods, which can aggravate Wind-Heat symptoms.

Rest and relaxation: Make sure to get enough rest and relaxation. Stress and fatigue can weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to Wind-Heat.

During the next few months, especially here in Texas, many of our patients come in for acupuncture and herbal medicine to release Wind-Heat and its effects on their bodies. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate the body's energy flow and strengthen the immune system, thereby reducing the likelihood of Wind-Heat damage.

Another pattern of disharmony during the Yin Fire Snake month is associated with internal inflammation unassociated with an external Wind-Heat scenario. In this pattern, consuming foods inappropriate for the current season or unsuitable for one's constitution creates an inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. It doesn't even have to be "bad" food. All it has to be is food incompatible with a person's particular energetic nature or constitution. When this is the case I will have them meet with Michelle. She helps clients zero in on foods that are better suited for them along with those that should be avoided or eliminated from their diet.

Yin Fire represents the Heart within the Five Element theory of Chinese medicine. Heart inflammation is a common problem in our modern culture. Typical signs of Heart inflammation are irritability, fever, palpitations, impulsiveness, tongue ulceration, erosion, and pain of mouth & tongue, thirst with desire for cold drinks, insomnia, possible red face or flushed face, bitter taste in the mouth, inability to stay asleep, anxiety, mental restlessness, heat sensation & disturbance in the chest, and excessively loud voice.

Heart inflammation has its root in two organs: the Small Intestine and Gallbladder. The Small Intestine is the Yang aspect of the Fire element. The Gallbladder is the Yang aspect of the Wood element. Whenever one's Yang energies become excessive the Yin energies and their associated organs suffer. In the case of the Yin Fire Snake month, the Heart and Spleen are the organs affected.

Small Intestine inflammation is due to the food choices made that are often contraindicated for a person's constitution or the particular health challenges they face. As such, the inflammation here is easily transferred to the Liver, Heart, Spleen, Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, and nervous system. To protect ourselves from systemic inflammation that has its root in the Small Intestine it is necessary to modify one's diet to prevent inflammation from escalating. This often means including bitter green vegetables in the diet which aid in clearing and draining inflammation from the Small Intestine. Limiting or avoiding excessively hot, spicy foods is also, highly recommended.

In our society, I find it alarming the number of patients who've had their Gallbladders removed. The only reason this occurs is due to excessively eating foods that are fried, greasy, oily, or rich and creamy. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation are problems with food choices.

In spite of the highly energetic nature of the Yin Fire Snake hexagram, there is an indication of weakness indicated by the broken bars in the second, and fifth positions. The weaknesses occur in the Jueyin and Yangming levels of the body. 

Weakness in the Jueyin level causes inhibited blood circulation which in turn causes a buildup of toxicity and heat in the blood, swelling, and edema. 

Weakness in the Yangming level affects the Large Intestine and Stomach leading to constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, fullness in the chest, abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and fatigue.

The key to the Yin Fire Snake is the Wind-Heat and Small Intestine inflammation. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating both of these patterns. schedule a consultation

I recommend patients schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for them as most diet programs miss the mark. Michelle offers a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation to help with identifying those foods that will promote Small imbalance health specifically for you.

If you are in need of remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy, for any condition, please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you.

Our special this month: 

Special: 20% Discount on a New Patient Consultation Schedule today!

 

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Athletes - This is How to Repair Your Body

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health conditions. In recent years, these traditional Chinese therapies have gained popularity among athletes and sports medicine practitioners as a way to enhance performance, speed up recovery, and prevent injuries.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy or Qi. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when Qi flows freely throughout the body, a person's physical and emotional health is optimal. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, and stress, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes.

In sports medicine, acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, muscle spasms, joint injuries, and sports-related stress. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow to affected areas, speeding up recovery times and helping athletes get back to their sport faster.

Chinese herbs are another important component of traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese herbs are used to supplement acupuncture treatments and can be prescribed to address specific health conditions. There are hundreds of different Chinese herbs, each with its own unique set of healing properties.

In sports medicine, Chinese herbs can be used to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve overall physical performance. Some common herbs used in sports medicine include Ren Shen, which is used to improve endurance and reduce fatigue, and Huang Qi, which is used to boost the immune system and increase energy levels. 

One of the main benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in sports medicine is that they are natural and non-invasive. Unlike traditional Western medicine treatments, acupuncture and Chinese herbs have few side effects and can be used with other treatments to help athletes achieve optimal health and performance.

Overall, acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of sports-related conditions. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, these traditional Chinese therapies can help you achieve your health and fitness goals while minimizing the risk of injury and enhancing your overall performance. If you are interested in trying acupuncture and Chinese herbs for sports medicine, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist who specializes in sports medicine to ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for your needs. 

My own personal journey began in 1983 when I decided to embark on a fitness mission to lose 30 pounds and get my "whole" body in shape. My personal regime included running, walking, circuit training, tai chi, Qi Gong, meditation, hiking, and cycling. For me, the best strategy for fitness, mentally physically, and spiritually, is doing something a little different each day. I discovered focusing only on one type of exercise does little to help the body as a whole. 

Various forms of exercise are needed to keep the human body from overworking certain muscle groups and neglecting others. My primary form of aerobic exercise now is cycling. However, in the last couple of years, I've transitioned from cycling 120-150 miles per week to about 60-90 miles per week. This allows me to engage in other activities that focus on other muscle groups, as well as rest. Our bodies were designed to move. However, movement without rest eventually irreversibly tears down the body.

On the other hand, rest without movement creates stagnation. This leads to inhibited circulation of energy, blood, and body fluids. My practice is filled with patients exhibiting both excessive movements without rest and excessive rest without movement. For me, it isn't about going the farthest or the fastest, anymore. Really, the bottom line is what am I doing that benefits the whole body, including my muscles, nervous system, and internal organs? Also, what foods am I consuming that are doing the same? Most patients discover that a multifaceted approach to optimal health and wellness is necessary to make a long-lasting effect. Many times these strategies are contrary to the world's view. 

There are ways to maximize your athleticism and recover from exercise without traditional Western pharmaceutical medicine. The ancient Chinese warlords and their armies used these methods thousands of years ago. And to this day athletes continue to discover the overwhelming benefits of Chinese medicine. 

This article about how one of the world's most famous athletes repairs his body naturally is a great example for all professional and amateur athletes, as well as the occasional weekend warrior.

D. Mark Tryling, LAc, Dipl. AC, CH (Lic. AC00563, Texas Medical Board)

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Apr 5, 2023 Yang Fire Dragon

In the Chinese calendar, April 5, 2023, is the first day of Yang Fire Dragon month. 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. The Yang Fire Dragon month extends till May 5, 2023.

The Yang Fire Dragon refers to the 56th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Fire over Mountain.  The Yang Fire Dragon signifies "Wanderer". It represents an image of heat ascending and damp descending. 

The Yang Fire Dragon hexagram:

From the perspective of the body and health, the Yang Fire Dragon hexagram continues a  dramatic shift from what was observed in previous months. The environmental influences have shifted to the Spring season. The Yang Fire Dragon is a highly energetic hexagram. Its image is the Fire over Mountain. The Yang Fire Dragon represents an imbalance of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The pathological influences are now moving away from external environmental factors to more internal organ problems. The dominant pathological influences are characterized by heat and dampness. During the Yang Fire Dragon month damp heat patterns have their root in internal organ problems.

The Fire trigram originates in the Fire element and is related to the Heart, Small Intestine, and Spleen. Its nature is heat rising. The Mountain trigram originates in the Yang aspect of the Earth element. Its nature is unmoving dampness or stagnant accumulation of phlegm and dampness. Combined with heat, this becomes Damp or Phlegm Heat

In Chinese medicine, Damp Heat is the image of infection. Most of the time it is without fever but can include severe infections including small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), sinus infections, upper respiratory infections (URI), urinary tract infections (UTI), liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, and gallbladder disease or cholecystitis. 

Damp or Phlegm Heat many times is the result of consuming foods incompatible with each other, one's constitution, or due to a weakness in the Spleen, Pancreas, Stomach, or Small Intestine. Here in Texas, where I live, popular foods this time of year tend to promote Damp Heat conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Cusines like Mexican food, Italian, barbeque, kolaches, and the like tend to create excessive internal heat and dampness.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. As mentioned before, the Yang Fire Dragon represents a generalized pattern of Damp Heat that affect various organs. Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Heart Phlegm Heat: caused by irregular or incorrect diet, stress, and frustration leading to irritability, palpitations restlessness, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, agitation, and depression 

Large Intestine Damp Heat: caused by unrestrained diet, excessive consumption of raw or cold food, spicy hot greasy food, or spoiled food leading to heaviness and fatigue in the body and limbs, diarrhea, or frequent small quantity stools, burning sensation in the anus, dark scanty or red urination, fullness in the chest

Liver & Gallbladder Damp Damp: caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, greasy fried food, long-standing emotional anger or stress leading to abdominal distention and pain, bloating, nausea, genital pain

Spleen Damp Damp: caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, fatty or sweet foods leading to abdominal distension, bloating, and pain; nausea or vomiting, foul smelling diarrhea or constipation

Spleen & Stomach Damp Heat: excess consumption of greasy, fried foods or alcohol leading to fatigue, low-grade fever, heaviness sensation  in the body, palpitations, scanty yellow during, constipation or foul smelling loose stools, chest fullness,

In spite of the highly energetic nature of the Yang Fire Dragon hexagram, there is an indication of weakness indicated by the broken bars in the first, second, and fifth positions. The weaknesses occur in the Shaoyin, Jueyin, and Yangming levels of the body. 

Weakness in the Shaoyin level is reflected in heart and kidney problems, with common issues of palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, urinary issues, stubborn skin rashes, and low back pain.

Weakness in the Jueyin level causes inhibited blood circulation which in turn causes a buildup of toxicity and heat in the blood, swelling, and edema. 

Weakness in the Yangming level affects the Large Intestine and Stomach leading to constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, fullness in the chest, abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and fatigue.

As you can see, common conditions seen during the Yang Fire Dragon month are, primarily, problems with digestion and elimination.

The Yang Fire Dragon month is a sign that changes have arrived. Fortunately, Chinese medicine has been treating Yang Fire Dragon conditions for thousands of years.

In previous posts, we've been relating important ideas our family uses to keep and maintain optimum health. We continue this discussion this month by discussing the effect of the Yang Fire Dragon on the gastrointestinal tract.

As mentioned before, the Yang Fire Dragon comprises the Fire trigram in the upper trigram and the Mountain trigram in the lower portion of the hexagram. The Fire trigram is the third most energetic trigram of the Ba Gwa. It is related to the Heart, Small Intestine, and Spleen in Chinese medicine. 

Yang Fire represents the Small Intestine within the Five Element theory of Chinese medicine. Small Intestine inflammation is a common problem in our modern culture. This is due to the food choices made that are often contraindicated for a person's constitution or the particular health challenges they face. As such, the inflammation here is easily transferred to the Liver, Heart, Spleen, Urinary Bladder, Kidneys, and nervous system. To protect ourselves from systemic inflammation that has its root in the Small Intestine it is necessary to modify one's diet to prevent inflammation from escalating. This often means including bitter green vegetables in the diet which aid in clearing and draining inflammation from the Small Intestine. Another strategy we use in our family is limiting or avoiding excessively hot, spicy foods.

The Mountain trigram in the lower portion of the hexagram for this month corresponds to the Yang aspect of the Earth element in Chinese medicine. Its nature is Damp Heat or Phlegm Heat. The Mountain trigram is related to the Stomach, Spleen, Small Intestine, lymphatic, and endocrine systems. The Mountain trigram is the fourth most energetic of the eight trigrams. The Mountain warns us to be careful when consuming overly fried, greasy, sticky, sweet, salty, or rich foods.  These are the foods that contribute to damp or phlegmy conditions in the body.

The key to the Yang Fire Dragon is the Small Intestine. For many people, this is where inflammation tends to have its source. As mentioned before, this is due, primarily, to dietary choices, and incompatible foods with a person's constitution. I recommend patients schedule a personal consultation to determine the correct foods for them as most diet programs miss the mark. Michelle offers a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation to help with identifying those foods that will promote Small imbalance health specifically for you.

Chinese herbal medicine is very effective in treating gastrointestinal inflammation. schedule a herbal consultation

If you are in need of remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy, for any condition, please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you.

Our special this month: 

Special: 20% Discount on a New Patient Consultation Schedule today!

 

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How does Chinese herbal medicine treat diseases and health disorders?

Chinese herbal medicine is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as an interconnected system of organs, channels, and energy (Qi) flowing through the body. In TCM, illness is believed to result from imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi, and the goal of treatment is to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing abilities.

Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of plants, minerals, and other natural substances to create a customized treatment plan based on the individual's specific symptoms, medical history, and underlying constitution. The herbs are often combined into formulas that are tailored to the patient's needs and administered as teas, powders, or pills.

Chinese herbal medicine treats diseases and health disorders by addressing the underlying imbalances or blockages in the body that are causing the symptoms. For example, a formula may be prescribed to strengthen the digestive system for a patient with chronic digestive issues or to promote circulation and reduce inflammation for a patient with arthritis.

The effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine is believed to come from the complex interactions between the various components in the herbs, which work together to restore balance and promote healing. Modern research has shown that many of the herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties that can help to prevent and treat a wide range of health conditions.

Overall, Chinese herbal medicine aims to treat the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease, by addressing the root cause of the problem and promoting long-term health and wellness.

Meridian Harmonics Chinese Herbal Compounding Pharmacy

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Common conditions suitable for Chinese Herbal Medicine

March 6, 2023 Yin Wood Rabbit Month

In the Chinese calendar, March 6, 2023, is the first day of Yin Wood Rabbit month. 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. The Yin Wood Rabbit month extends till April 4, 2023.

The Yin Wood Rabbit refers to the 57th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Wind over Wind.  The Yin Wood Rabbit signifies "Gentle" or "Penetrating Wind". It represents an image of the winds' powerful influence. The Wind trigram has its source in the Wood element and has a movement property due to Wind. The Yin Wood Rabbit is just one of eight hexagrams with identical trigrams in the upper and lower position.

The Yin Wood Rabbit hexagram:

From the perspective of the body and health, the Yin Wood Rabbit hexagram represents a  dramatic shift from what was observed in the previous two months. The environmental influences are shifting as the Spring season approaches. The significant differences are the highly energetic nature of the Yin Wood trigram. The Yin Wood Rabbit represents an imbalance in the body's endocrine, lymphatic, and Yin aspects, resulting in hormonal changes, lymphatic toxicity, and various body fluid retention. The dominant environmental influences are characterized by warm dry windy weather which can affect ones health in multiple ways.

The Wind is the mechanism for change. It transports external pathogenic factors. For example, this past week in north Texas we experienced a couple of days where dust from the Texas panhandle blew in filling and permeating the air. It actually looked like the smog within a large city that just hangs there. Obviously, this is unhealthy to breathe and resulted in a lot of patients in the clinic with distressed respiratory issues. Springtime is the windy season bringing dust, pollen, varying temperature changes, and environmental pollutants with it. All of these external factors affect the health of the body. Later this same week we had extreme wind coupled with thunderstorms. Wind brings change. Wind occurs externally, as the two previous examples illustrate, and can also occur internally. Internally, Wind can cause muscle spasms, muscle tics, and in severe cases epileptic seizures and Parkinson's disease.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. The influence of Yin Wood represents the nature of Wind in the environment and the results of Wind in the body. During this month the springtime winds begin to move the external environment. The highly energetic nature of Wind affects the body in the form of Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, or Wind Dampness. Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Wind Cold: aversion to wind, chills, fever, headaches, muscle aches and pain, runny nose, and cough

Wind Heat: fever, sweating headache, red eyes, sore throat, thirst, cough with yellow thick sputum, respiratory problems, constipation, nosebleed

Wind Damp: pain and achy arms and legs, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, dizziness, spasms

In spite of the highly energetic nature of the Yin Wood Rabbit hexagram, there is a subtle indication of weakness indicated by the broken bars in the first and fourth positions. The weaknesses occur in the Shaoyang and Shaoyin levels of the body. 

Weakness in the Shaoyang level causes lymphatic congestion which in turn causes a toxic buildup in the blood, swelling, and edema. Shaoyang weakness during the Yin Wood Rabbit month can also result in pituitary imbalance symptoms: anxiety, depression, hair loss, hypertension, irregular menstrual periods, low energy, low libido, and stunted growth.

Weakness in the Shaoyin level is reflected in heart and kidney problems, with common issues of palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, urinary issues, stubborn skin rashes, and low back pain.

Common conditions seen during the Yin Water Rabbit month are problems with vision and sinuses, such as allergies, eye pain, earaches, and hearing problems; lung problems, especially bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, and chest congestion.

The Yin Wood Rabbit month is a sign that changes have arrived. Fortunately, Chinese medicine has been treating Yin Wood Rabbit conditions for thousands of years.

In previous posts, we've been relating important ideas our family uses to keep and maintain optimum health. We continue this discussion this month by discussing the effect of the Wind trigram and the Yin Wood Rabbit on the Lungs.

As mentioned before, the Yin Wood Rabbit comprises the Wind trigram in the upper and lower portion of the hexagram. The Wind trigram is the second most energetic trigram of the Ba Gwa. It is related to the Lungs and Liver in Chinese medicine. As such, the Lung is very sensitive to Liver imbalances. In Chinese medicine, the Liver is the first line of defense when we are stressed emotionally, physically, or spiritually.  The key to preventing Lung problems that result from Liver problems are: 

* stress reduction activities like meditation, exercise, yoga, tai-chi, and mindful breathing (Michelle's favorites are hiking and yoga; mine are cycling and weight training)

* foods to balance the Liver: Michelle offers a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation to help with identifying those foods that will prevent Liver imbalance

* using Chinese herbal medicine to balance the Liver: schedule a herbal consultation

Stress relief acupuncture is another strategy used for Liver and Lung imbalances. Most people are amazed at how relaxed they become with a single acupuncture treatment. 

If you are in need of remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy, for any condition, please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you.

Our special this month: 

Special: 20% Discount on a New Patient Consultation Schedule today!

 

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Feb 5, 2023 Yang Wood Tiger

In the Chinese calendar, February 5, 2023, is the first day of Yang Wood Tiger month. 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. The Yang Wood Tiger month extends till March 5, 2023.

The Yang Wood Tiger refers to the 51st hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Thunder over Thunder.  The Yang Wood Tiger signifies "Arousing" or "Shock". It represents an image of thunder that bursts forth from the earth. Thunder has its source in the Wood element and has the property of movement due to Wind. 

The Yang Wood Tiger hexagram:

From the perspective of the body and health, the Yang Wood Tiger hexagram represents a continuation of weakness that was observed from the previous month. The environmental influences continue changing resulting in Qi stagnation, Yang Deficiency, Food Stagnation, and Blood Stasis. The prevailing environmental influences are characterized by cold damp weather which can affect your health in various ways.

Whenever the Thunder trigram is located in both the upper and lower trigrams there tends to be a systemic stagnant and weak energetic state of the Yin channels and their organs. This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body resulting in inflammation in the lymphatic, circulatory, and urinary systems. Inflammation, over time, will weaken and fatigue the digestive tract. In addition to digestive problems, mental-emotional health can be adversely affected. During the Yang Wood Tiger month, it is recommended to be very vigilant with consuming an organic diet simple in ingredients and spices. 

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. The influence of Yang Wood in the body represents Stagnant Toxic Dampness within the body. During this month Stagnant Toxic Dampness affects the endocrine organs and both intestines.

So, now that we have a picture of the nature of this month what can we do to optimize our health and wellness? In our family, there are various strategies we use to keep ourselves healthy throughout the year as the seasons change. 

Over the last few posts, we began a discussion of the Yin-Yang theory and how to use it to maintain health and wellness. This month continues this topic with another strategy our family uses to optimize health. I want to continue discussing some more important characteristics of the Lungs.

Controls Wei (Protective) Qi.  In Chinese medicine, the Lungs have a major function in protecting our bodies from external pathogenic factors or influences. The Wei (Protective) Qi is a layer of Qi within the epidermis and acts as a force field to protect us from outside climatic factors. Recently the weather in Texas turned bitterly cold with sleet, ice, snow, and freezing rain. I have seen people out with shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, and no coat or protective clothing. This is what will set a person up for what is called a Wind-Cold Invasion, in Chinese medicine. Wind-Cold is characterized by chills, stiffness (especially in your neck), headache, sneezing, and possibly cold feet. This typically is the first stage of a cold and can last a couple hours or a few days. If not correctly dealt with, Wind-Cold can progress into pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, or an upper respiratory infection. 

During these winter months, it's especially important to wear clothing that can properly protect the body from Wind-Cold. This includes a scarf or gator around the neck, long sleeves, coats, shoes or boots to insulate the feet, a warm cap for the head, and ear muffs. Sure, we look like Eskimos all bundled up, but we won't get sick!

Wind-Cold symptoms can be corrected simply by consuming foods to protect the body from the external pathogenic cold along with foods best suited for your particular constitution. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine does not condone a particular diet. Instead, each person's diet is best suited for them when it is aligned with their own unique constitution. If you're unaware of your unique constitution then schedule a Free 20-Minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation with Michelle. She can help you get started to maximize the nutritional benefit of your meals.

One last note on the Yang Wood Tiger month is that, technically, it is the beginning of the Chinese New Year - the Yin Water Rabbit year. However, the celebration of the Chinese New Year actually began on January 22, 2023, two weeks before. The Yin Water Rabbit year brings a unique presence to the energetic nature of this year.  One aspect of the Yin Water Rabbit year is rooted in a high-energy state reflecting more inflammation. The other aspect of the Yin Water Rabbit year reflects a weakness of the nervous system, digestive system, and hormones. As always, we recommend moderation in all areas of life.

If you are in need of remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy, for any condition, please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you.

Our special this month: 

Special: Michelle is still offering a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation Schedule today!

 

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Yin Water Ox Month January 6, 2023

I need to catch up on getting this post out. Life and the holidays threw a wrench into the works. In the Chinese calendar, January 6, 2023, is the first day of Yin Water Ox month. 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. The Yin Water Ox month extends till February 3, 2023.

The Yin Water Ox refers to the 8th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Water over Water.  The Yin Water Ox signifies "Holding Together" or "Union". It represents an image of water flowing over the earth. Over time Water erodes away Earth. Earth, itself, represents a solid foundation. However, when Water flows over it and wears away the Earth, the Earth becomes weak, fragile, and unable to sustain itself.

The Yin Water Ox hexagram:

From the perspective of the body and health, the Yin Water Ox hexagram represents a weakness in several levels of the body. The environmental influences are changing to even more cold and wet weather than last month. The result is stagnation along even more energetic and fluid pathways in the body. 

Whenever the Earth trigram is the lower trigram there tends to be a systemic stagnant and weak energetic state of the Yin channels and their organs. The Yin channels and organs represent the nutritive or nourishing characteristics of the body. Weakness and stagnation here represent malnourished tissues, cells, and organs. This leads to fatigue, wasting and atrophy of muscles and skin, and organ dysfunction. Typical signs and symptoms include palpitations, cold limbs, swollen limbs, shortness of breath, mental fogginess, chronic illness, low back pain, low libido, chronic diarrhea, prolapse, prolonged cough, edema of the lower legs, and urinary dysfunction.

The Water trigram above the Earth represents the image of water filling up all the empty places on the earth, clinging to it. The Yin Water Ox month is characterized by the influence of the Water trigram on the Yang channels or Yang elements of the body. The Yang channels and their organs are responsible for the more active and functional aspects of the body. In comparison to an automobile's engine, the Yang channels represent the moving parts of the engine. With the Yin Water Ox hexagram, the Water trigram's influence on the functional or kinetic activity of the body is hindered. This leads, in general, to a sluggish metabolism, fatigue, lassitude, and apathy.

The Yin Water Ox has several corresponding health issues.

The first is pancreatic dysfunction. In the acute phase, this leads to irritable bowel disease, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatty or oily stools, dry skin, depression, edema, fatigue, dizziness, and irritability. Long-term pancreatic dysfunction can lead to Celiac disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, muscle loss, and dementia.

Secondly, the Yin Water Ox has the following impact on the upper body: Stiff neck, headache, eye pain, upper arm pain, tonsillitis, chronic cough, croup, asthma, chest congestion, cardiac pain, palpitation, psychoemotional problems, 

Thirdly, digestive issues common during the Yin Water Ox month: rib pain, vomiting, hiccup

Common lower body issues this month: weakness, numbness, and pain in the lower extremities, irregular menstruation, urogenital system problems

These conditions often respond well to either acupuncture or a customized herbal formula. It's important to remember that incorrect dietary choices during the Yin Water Ox month often are the catalyst for weakening the body's organs. 

The Yin Water Ox month can be a hazardous time from the perspective of health and wellness. This is a good month to conserve energy and rest.

So, now that we have a picture of the nature of this month what can we do to optimize our health and wellness? In our family, there are various strategies we use to keep ourselves healthy throughout the year as the seasons change. 

In previous posts, we've been discussing various properties of the Yin-Yang theory and how to use it to maintain health and wellness. This month continues this topic with another strategy our family uses to optimize health.

Understanding the Lungs and their functions, Part 1

The Lungs are the only organ of our body that directly connects to the external environment. No other organ has this characteristic. This makes the Lungs an exceptional organ, as they can be directly influenced by external climatic pathogenic factors. Because of this unique characteristic, it is important to be aware of possible environmental impacts the Lungs may encounter and prepare accordingly.

Chinese medicine recognizes 6 major levels in the body. Each level has specific functions, properties, organs, and regions of the body associated with it. Three of these are various Yang levels and the other three are related to various Yin aspects of the body. The Lungs belong to one of these six major levels of the body, specifically one of the Yin levels. Because of this, the Lungs are considered to be a Yin organ. 

Another property of the Lungs is their relationship with the Metal element of Chinese medicine. Each of the five elements has specific characteristics. The Metal element is affected by pathogenic dryness. Therefore, one of the common problems with the Lungs is their susceptibility to dryness. Dryness can occur externally, as in the dryness associated with winter-time dry cold air. Dryness can also occur through diet by consuming foods that are dry and rough, as in many simple carbohydrates: carbonated beverages, baked treats, packaged cookies and crackers, fruit juice concentrate, and breakfast cereal, to name a few.

In any discussion about Chinese medical anatomy and physiology, the Lungs are always analyzed first. This is due to some of its most important functions:

Regulates Qi. Qi is our body's vital energy, literally meaning "vapor", "air", or "breath", the word qi is often translated as "vital energy", "vital force", "material energy", or simply as "energy". Qi is the central underlying principle in Chinese traditional medicine. The Lungs are the major organ for regulating this vital energy throughout the body. 

Cleanses Qi. The Lungs, literally, cleanse the body's Qi. A sedentary lifestyle leads to a buildup of stagnant, toxic Qi. To prevent this certain types of exercises are needed to protect the body from an overload of toxins. The Lungs are responsible for this function. Someone who smokes, vapes, or is repeatedly exposed to environmental air pollution and toxins will have a difficult time with this important function. This is why breathwork and cardiovascular exercise are so beneficial. Not only do they help regulate but also cleanse the Qi. My favorites are yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. Anyone can start with one of these exercises. Once your Qi is stronger additional exercises to add in are walking, jogging, rowing, hiking, and bicycling. 

Many of the conditions listed during the Yin Water Ox month can begin to become corrected simply by engaging in activities that encourage breathwork. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine does not condone a particular exercise. Instead, each person's ideal exercises are best suited for them when it is aligned with their own unique constitution. 

One last note on the Yin Water Ox hexagram is the significant lack of strength in the Yin aspect of the body. This represents a stagnation of food, lymph, fluids, and blood. This is a good month to avoid overexertion, mentally, and physically. Instead, rest.

Our special this month: 

Special: 20-minute free Chinese Pulse Diagnosis with our licensed resident Chinese medicine practitioner

 

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Yang Water Rat Month - Dec 7, 2022

In the Chinese calendar, December 7, 2022, is the first day of the Yang Water Rat month. 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. The Yang Water Rat month extends till January 5, 2023.

The Yang Water Rat refers to the 29th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Water over Water. Of the sixty-four hexagrams, there are only eight where the upper and lower trigrams are identical. The Yang Water Rat is one of them and signifies "Abysmal" or "Sinking Water". It represents an image of water flowing on and on, without end. Yet, the Water trigram itself is considered to be an energetically, weak and stagnant trigram. 

The Yang Water Rat hexagram:

From the perspective of the body and health, the Yang Water Rat hexagram represents a weakness in several levels of the body. The environmental influences are changing to more cold and wet weather. The result is stagnation along various energetic and fluid pathways in the body. The first level affected during this month is the immune system or our defensive mechanism that is attacked by the changing environmental pathogens. This is followed by weakness in the gastrointestinal tract. As the environmental pathogens work deeper into the body they will then begin to weaken the ability of the lymphatic system to drain toxins from the circulatory system and prevent proper endocrine and hormonal functions. The deeper progression of the Yang Water influence then inhibits proper respiratory and digestive functions. Finally, the last level of the Yang Water influence affects kidney and heart functions. 

The Yang Water Rat month can be a hazardous time from the perspective of health and wellness.

Some of the symptoms in the Yang Water Rat month are:

Upper body stagnation: headache, neck pain, dizziness, sore throat, cough, asthma, nasal and sinus problems, nosebleeds, arm and elbow pain, blurred vision, red painful eyes, tinnitus, breast distention, laryngitis, palpitations

Lower body stagnation: sciatica, leg pain, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, gastric pan distention and bloating, poor appetite, diarrhea, bloody stools, irregular menstruation, urinary retention or incontinence

These conditions often respond well to either acupuncture or a customized herbal formula. It's important to remember that incorrect dietary choices during the Yang Water Rat month often are the catalyst for weakening the body's organs. 

The Yang Water Rat describes Water within Water or the constant or incessant running of water and fluids. The Yang Water trigram corresponds to the Yang aspect of the Water element. This represents the Kidney and Bladder systems in Chinese medicine, our adrenal glands, and an aspect of our endocrine or hormonal system. Yang Water, refers to the more active properties of the Water element with regard to fluid metabolism. However, during the Yang Water Rat month fluid metabolism is impaired leading to joint swelling, stiffness, water retention, and edema.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These energetic states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. The influence of Yang Water in the body represents Stagnant Dampness within the body. During this month Damp Stagnation affects the Water element organs, the Kidneys and Bladder. Damp Stagnation causes fluids to buildup in various regions of the body. This leads to a sense of heaviness in the body, sluggishness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, digestive problems and urinary issues.

So, now that we have a picture of the nature of this month what can we do to optimize our health and wellness? In our family, there are various strategies we use to keep ourselves healthy throughout the year as the seasons change. 

Last month we began a discussion of Yin-Yang theory and how to use it to maintain health and wellness. This month continues this topic with the another strategy our family uses to optimize health.

Understanding flavors and their influences.  In Chinese medicine the flavors of foods have a significant impact on the functions of our organs. Of the five flavors the two which have the most damaging affect on the health of the body are the sweet and salty flavors. These are the two flavors that are most attractive to eat. The sweet flavor is linked to the Earth element and the salty flavor is linked to the Water element. The primary organs of these two elements are the Spleen/Pancreas system and the Kidneys and Bladder. Each of the body's organs has unique functions in Chinese medicine in addition to the ones recognized in western medicine. 

For example, one of the most important functions of the Spleen/Pancreas is:

• Governs the Transformation and Transportation of all nutrients and fluids

Unfortunately, in western cultures, we're never taught how important flavors of foods are to the health of the body. The sweet flavor, no matter the source (i.e.: sugar, honey, natural and artificial sweeteners, etc.) over time weakens the ability of the Spleen/Pancreas of its functions of transporting and transforming foods, nutrients, and fluids. This is one of the primary causes of weight gain and obesity. 

The Spleen/Pancreas are closely linked to other organs. One of these is the Lungs. Excessive consumption of the sweet flavor leads to a buildup of fluids in the Lungs or what is commonly known as phlegm and mucous. This leads to coughing, shortness of breath, heaviness sensation in the chest, fatigue, wheezing, and asthma. 

Another major problem with the sweet flavor is its affect on the Spleen/Pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels leading to hyperglycemia and diabetes. When the transformation and transportation function of the Spleen/Pancreas is impaired, unnecessary fluids are not properly cleansed from the blood. This leads to swollen, painful lymph nodes, cysts, nodules, many types of skin rashes and fatty deposits in the blood more commonly known as cholesterol. 

Another organ closely related to the Spleen/Pancreas in Chinese medicine is the Heart. When fatty deposits and cholesterol go unchecked long enough within the circulatory system it begins clogging the arteries and veins of the Heart. This can lead to devastating problems such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, valve disease and heart attack, to name a few.

One of the most important functions of the Kidneys is:

• Primary water metabolism organ

Our Kidneys, along with the Liver and lymphatic system are designed to filter the blood in the circulatory system. One factor that can hinder the Kidneys ability to do this function is by consuming excessive quantities of salt. Weakened Kidney function leads to kidney disease, hypertension, toxic deposits in the kidneys (kidney stones), polycystic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and cancer. 

Wow! I bet you had no idea how much of an enemy the sweet and salty flavors are! 

Many of the conditions listed above can be corrected simply by recognizing the flavors of the foods consumed and by eating foods best suited for your particular constitution. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine does not condone a particular diet. Instead, each person's diet is best suited for them when it is aligned with their own unique constitution. If you're unaware of your unique constitution then schedule a Free 20-Minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation with Michelle. She can help you get started to maximize the nutritional benefit of your meals.

One last note on the Yang Water Rat hexagram is the significant lack of strength in the Yang aspect of the body. This represents a weakness in systemic functions. This is a good month to avoid overexertion, mentally, and physically.

A recent news article mentioned that the number of flu cases this past week is the highest ever recorded. Also, we've been seeing quite a number of patients who are getting reinfected with COVID. It seems evident that there is an impending collision of COVID, RSV, and influenza. If you are in need of treatment for any of these conditions, please reach out to us. In most cases we can schedule a tele-medicine visit for you.

Our special this month: 

Special: Michelle is still offering a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation Schedule today!

 

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

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Start of Winter Chinese Festival

In the Chinese calendar, November 8, 2022, is the first day of the Yin Wood Pig month. 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. The Yin Wood Pig month extends till December 7, 2022.

The Yin Wood Pig refers to the 59th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Wind over Water and signifies "Dispersion" and represents a dispersion of Qi or vital energy, which in turn creates blockages. Qi or vital energy is needed to maintain good health. When Qi is weak or becomes dispersed it is unable to sustain the necessary movement of blood and vital fluids in the body, thus leading to disease.

The Yin Wood Pig hexagram:

In the Chinese calendar, there are twenty-four festivals that occur in a year. The festivals marked specific times for farmers to plant, grow, and harvest their crops. Consequently, the festivals are related to the solar and lunar calendars and the corresponding weather.

The Start of Winter festival begins on November 8, 2022, and was true for northern China but comes later in the south. For 2022 this festival is characterized by the Yin Wood Pig hexagram. The Yin Wood Pig hexagram is highly energetic and represents inflammation or fever in the upper body along with stagnation in the lower body. 

This festival signals a shift in the weather that often kindles many health challenges. Some of the symptoms we typically treat this time of year because of the shifting weather patterns are:

Upper body inflammation: sore throat, headaches, stiff and painful necks, dizziness, fever, tinnitus, red and painful eyes, insomnia, mouth ulcers, cardiac pain, sinus pain, allergies, earaches, bronchitis, pneumonia, chest congestion, influenza

Lower body stagnation: abdominal distention, constipation, gastric pain, swelling of the lower leg and foot, urinary tract infections

These conditions often respond well to either acupuncture or a customized herbal formula. It's important to remember that incorrect dietary choices often are the catalyst for weakening the immune system's ability to ward off infections. 

The Yin Wood Pig describes Water within Wood or the descending image of an excess energy state, to a weakened energy state. The Water trigram below the Wind trigram corresponds to the Yin aspect of the Water element. This represents the Kidney system in Chinese medicine and our adrenals from a western perspective. The Wind trigram above Water corresponds to an excessive aspect of the Wood element. Excess energy represents many characteristics. In the case of Wood, it eludes to a strong excessively windy, and dry influence above, indicative of the Fall season. In the case of Water, Yin energy represents stagnant dampness below. 

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These active states will be reflected in nature and more importantly in our bodies. The influence of Wind Dryness in the upper portions of the body and Stagnant Dampness in the lower body sets up an environment of conflict within the body. During this season Dryness from exterior environmental pathogenic influences affect the Yin Water organ, the Kidneys. The Damp Stagnation below is due to improper diet, overwork or stress. Together, these set up an internal environment leading to extreme immune deficiency.

So, now that we have a picture of the nature of this month what can we do to optimize our health and wellness? In our family, there are various strategies we use in order to keep ourselves healthy throughout the year as the seasons change. 

Last month we listed the first two strategies used to maintain health and wellness: food and observation and response to the environment.

The third strategy is adhering to the concept of Yin and Yang.  Yin-Yang Theory is a major concept in Chinese medicine. It permeates every aspect of Chinese medicine and Asian culture and is still applicable to modern diseases and disorders. The problem in western societies is that it's not taught. If it were introduced in early childhood development, preschool, and elementary education, many challenges society faces today could be minimized. That's how powerful this concept is! We will spend several months on this theory since it's just too vast to cover in one blog post.

The white portion of the image above represents yang and the black represents yin. The dots of opposite colors within the larger portions signify there is always a bit of yin within yang and yang within yin. The natural progression in a clockwise direction indicates yin will transform into yang and yang eventually transforms into yin. This bi-polar activity exists in all things. 

An example of this property is when night turns into day and vice-versa. Each day the yin energy becomes its greatest around midnight and the yang energy becomes its greatest around noon. How can this apply to our daily activities? In Chinese medicine, the twenty-four-hour clock can be divided into twelve two-hour segments each corresponding to the twelve body organs and their meridians.  Each organ's energy or Qi is strongest during the two-hour window it corresponds to. For example, our two primary digestive organs peak energetically from 7 AM to 11 AM. If we ignore this and skip breakfast we're doing significant damage to our body by not giving it proper nutrition at the beginning of each day.
Additionally, if we eat large or heavy meals from 7 PM to 11 PM during a time of the day our digestive organs naturally are less active, then we set ourselves up for poor or inadequate digestion leading to a myriad of diseases. 

Many conditions can be corrected simply by recognizing this fact and by eating foods best suited for your particular constitution. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine does not condone a particular diet. Instead, each person's diet is best suited for them when it is aligned with their own unique constitution. If you're unaware of your unique constitution then schedule a Free 20-Minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation with Michelle. She can help you get started to maximize the nutritional benefit of your meals.

This is the first example of the Yin-Yang theory that is helpful in maximizing health and wellness. Next month I'll explore additional strategies for keeping ourselves healthy throughout the year.

One last note on the Yin Wood Pig hexagram is the significant lack of strength in the Yin aspect of the body. This represents a weakness in the lymphatic, endocrine, and kidney systems, and an emphasis on our immune system. 

As of the writing of this post, it seems evident that there is an impending collision of COVID, RSV, and influenza in the coming months. Many of the local hospitals are already full of patients with these conditions. Our favorite herbal formula for this time of year is BSABV-ES. It is a combination of seven traditional Chinese medical formulas dating back thousands of years for treating a wide variety of viral and bacterial infections. Our family has been using this since early 2020 on a maintenance level to keep healthy from COVID-19, influenza, RSV, the common cold, and many other respiratory infections. Our patients love it! With as many sick people I treat in my clinic I have still not contracted COVID. With the flu season upon us, let us know if you'd like to have this on hand. Unlike traditional western anti-virals and antibiotics, BSABV-ES won't harm your digestive tract. It's safe for children, too. We keep it in stock.

Our special this month: 

Special: Michelle is still offering a free 20-minute Ayurvedic Health Consultation Schedule today!

 

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

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

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Herbal Compounding Pharmacy

www.mhaom.com