Asthma Notes

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

Meridian Harmonics

Preventing Diseases of Autumn with Chinese Medicine

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

Meridian Harmonics