Often times, patients complain of being burned out with symptoms of premature aging, fatigue, no energy, lack of interest, drive and satisfaction. Most of the time this is due to excessive stress, anxiety, tension, overwork, and insufficient rest. In Chinese medicine this is known as an excessive consumption of Qi (life force or energy), blood, Yin, Yang and Essence. This will be accompanied by weakness in several organs and their associated meridians: Spleen, Stomach, Heart and Kidneys. Other signs associated with this disorder are generalized weakness, forgetfulness, being easily frightened, low-grade fever, night sweats, decreased libido, compromised immune system, obesity, depression, insomnia and other sexual disorders.
Its important for patients to realize that simple lifestyle changes can improve the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, also known as Addison’s disease. Beginning with nutrition: increase the consumption of more fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts, fish, fish oils, onions, garlic, olives, olive oil, soy products, yogurt, fiber, sea vegetables (kelp and dulse will replenish magnesium, potassium, calcium, iodine and iron), vitamin B complex. Avoid and reduce: red meat, alcohol, fats, processed foods and stimulants (coffee, sodas, sugar foods). Food allergies and chemical sensitivities place additional stress on the organs, draining them of energy and causing fatigue.
In western medicine, adrenal fatigue is related to imbalances in the endocrine system, the primary organs of which are the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Normal functioning of endocrine system is essential for health. Imbalance of the endocrine system will lead to disease. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be used to stimulate the endocrine system in order to balance hormone levels, resulting in improved circulation of energy, blood and body fluids, increased energy and well-being.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Benefits of Cinnamon
In Chinese herbal medicine, cinnamon, known as gui zhi, is a very commonly used herb in many traditional formulas for thousands of years. Recently, the western medical community has begun to take notice of many of its benefits. It is classified as a warm acrid herb that is chiefly used for releasing cold pathogenic factors from the interior of the body by inducing sweating, in the case of colds, influenza, allergies where there are more cold signs and symptoms.
It is to be used cautiously for patients or conditions where there are heat signs: fever, inflammation, hot flashes, night sweating, sore throat, dry mouth, bleeding disorders, heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
It acts strongly on the Lung and Bladder meridians, which play a major role in colds, influenza and allergies. Cinnamon can also be used to treat painful obstructions (i.e. arthritis) in the joints that are aggravated by cold damp weather. For women with painful menstruation due to “cold trapped in the uterus”, cinnamon can be used to move blood and energy in the uterus.
It is important for patients to know that to properly determine whether they are candidates for cinnamon, they consult with a physician of Chinese medicine to undergo traditional tongue and pulse diagnosis. Self-medicating with cinnamon, or any other herb, can be counterproductive to a patients condition, especially if the nature of the herb and the condition are not fully known.
Since cinnamon has a warm nature it can adversely affect patients with high blood pressure. Western medicine has recently discovered that cinnamon may improve glucose and lipid control in some patients with type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that not all patients will respond positively to cinnamon therapy.
Chinese medicine is all about restoring balance to the body’s organs and meridians. This can be achieved through acupuncture and Chinese herbs. When used together, the results can be very powerful.
Meridian Harmonics
http://meridianharmonics.blogspot.com
It is to be used cautiously for patients or conditions where there are heat signs: fever, inflammation, hot flashes, night sweating, sore throat, dry mouth, bleeding disorders, heavy menstrual periods and pregnancy.
It acts strongly on the Lung and Bladder meridians, which play a major role in colds, influenza and allergies. Cinnamon can also be used to treat painful obstructions (i.e. arthritis) in the joints that are aggravated by cold damp weather. For women with painful menstruation due to “cold trapped in the uterus”, cinnamon can be used to move blood and energy in the uterus.
It is important for patients to know that to properly determine whether they are candidates for cinnamon, they consult with a physician of Chinese medicine to undergo traditional tongue and pulse diagnosis. Self-medicating with cinnamon, or any other herb, can be counterproductive to a patients condition, especially if the nature of the herb and the condition are not fully known.
Since cinnamon has a warm nature it can adversely affect patients with high blood pressure. Western medicine has recently discovered that cinnamon may improve glucose and lipid control in some patients with type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that not all patients will respond positively to cinnamon therapy.
Chinese medicine is all about restoring balance to the body’s organs and meridians. This can be achieved through acupuncture and Chinese herbs. When used together, the results can be very powerful.
Meridian Harmonics
http://meridianharmonics.blogspot.com
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