Chinese Lung Psychophysiology

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

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

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

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

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Treating Influenza with Chinese Medicine

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

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

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

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

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Asthma Notes

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

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Preventing Diseases of Autumn with Chinese Medicine

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

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