Navigating the Yang Wood Rat Month: December 8, 2023

  

In the Chinese calendar, December 8, 2023, is the first day of Yang Wood 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 Wood Rat month extends till January 5, 2024.

The Yang Wood Rat refers to the 40th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Thunder over Water.  The Yang Wood Rat represents "Liberation". Its image is that of weakness and stagnation, symbolizing a hazardous period in the Chinese calendar, with four lines denoting a weakness and stagnation of various body regions and organ systems.

The Yang Wood Rat hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yang Wood Rat hexagram continues a shift to an ever-decreasing energetic nature. The environmental influences, currently, are in late Fall to early Winter mode. The Yang Wood Rat continues the stagnant nature begun in earlier months. It represents a hypoactivity of systemic energies throughout the body. This occurs as a result of the sudden transition to damp-cold environmental influences. The Yang Wood Rat continues the accumulation of dampness in the body which encourages toxic buildup. 

Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation. One is Yang type the other is Yin type. The Yang Wood Rat is an example of Yin-type inflammation due to a toxicity buildup in the spleen, pancreas, stomach, heart, and kidneys. The two main causes are incorrect diet for a person’s constitution and external environmental pathogens. When damp toxicity accumulates in the tissues and organs, toxic inflammation will overwhelm our body's natural immunity. During the Yang Wood Rat month, damp toxic patterns have their root in external climatic pathogenic factors coupled with the accumulation of turbid fluids in the internal organs. This culminates in an extreme weakness of Yang Qi, which is the motive force necessary to maintain vibrant health.

The Thunder trigram is one of two trigrams originating in the Wood element. When Thunder is located in the upper trigram it indicates a damp sticky condition, like phlegm, affecting the upper body. This pathology affects the Wei Qi or Defensive Qi and is related to the immune system. It also stagnates the lymphatic systems causing a buildup of turbid toxins, neck and upper back pain, tightness in the chest, and labored or difficult breathing.

The Water trigram originates in the Water element and is related to damp conditions. During the Yang Wood Rat month, the Water trigram affects the yin aspects, primarily the lower body, weakening the gastrointestinal tract, stagnating the lymphatic system, destabilizing the endocrine system, and weakening the heart and kidneys.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These conditions will be reflected in nature and, more importantly, our bodies. As mentioned earlier, the Yang Wood Rat represents a generalized pattern of stagnant damp accumulation that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. The buildup of toxicity requires a focused effort to flush toxins from the body. Flushing the body of toxins will be inhibited with certain foods, diets, and wrong or inadequate exercise.

Common problems during the Yang Wood Rat Month are: 

Upper Jiao (above the diaphragm)

Headache, tremors, blurred vision, shoulder pain, elbow pain, arm pain, upper back pain, facial swelling or paralysis, coughing up blood, nosebleed, asthma, sore throat, febrile diseases without sweating, cardiac pain, palpitation, voice loss, acute mastitis

Middle Jiao (between the diaphragm and umbilicus)

Acute gastric pain, borborygmus, pancreatic dysfunction

Lower Jiao (below the umbilicus)

Pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg (sciatica), pain in the hypochondrium, epigastric pain, diarrhea, irregular menstruation, urogenital system problems: urinary retention, hematuria, incontinence, constipation, lower thoracic and lumbar pain, 

Internal organ damp toxicity patterns are aggravated by:

Seafood: especially shellfish, like crabs, oysters, scallops, clams, lobster, and shrimp 

Fermented foods: cheese or fermented tofu.

Dairy: milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.

Sugar: all foods containing sugar, such as cake and dessert.

Meat: lamb, beef, goose, and duck.

Deep-fried or greasy food.

Certain fruits: mango and durian.

Stimulants: coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.

Carbohydrates: white rice or bread as they may damage the Spleen and in turn produce more dampness.

Spicy, pungent, aromatic vegetables: pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.

Many of the signs and symptoms of toxic dampness will fatigue the body. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

This time of year we're seeing a lot of patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. No one is immune from contracting, influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the current strain of COVID-19, the common cold, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections Once you develop a fever it is advisable to avoid most all foods you normally consume. The reason is once you're sick your body needs to sluff off the accumulated turbid fluids that are aggravating your symptoms. A simple congee of water, rice, chopped celery, and a small bit of salt is the best meal to eat until the body temperature is back in the normal range for two to three days. Yes, this is bland but your body will love you for it. Once the fever is down to normal levels consider adding in a small amount of roasted chicken without too much fat.

Once your health returns and you want to embark on a maintenance dietary program, 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 prevent dampness, mucous, and phlegm from accumulating, specifically for you.

If you need remedies from our herbal compounding pharmacy please reach out to us. In most cases, we can schedule a telemedicine visit for you. If you're unsure of a particular condition will respond to pharmaceutical-grade herbs, send us a text or give us a call. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Our special this month: 10% discount on BSABV-ES, our herbal anti-viral, anti-bacterial formula. This formula is compounded in-house to address the many signs and symptoms associated with infections. This formula is available in a 200-capsule bottle or a 100gm powder for making an herbal tea.

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

November 8, 2023 Yin Water Pig Month

 

In the Chinese calendar, November 8, 2023, is the first day of Yin Water 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 Water Pig month extends till December 7, 2023.

The Yin Water Pig refers to the 29th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Water over Water.  The Yin Water Pig represents "The Abysmal" and is one of eight hexagrams with the same trigram above and below. Its image is that of weakness and stagnation. The Abysmal symbolizes a rather hazardous period in the Chinese calendar, with four lines denoting a weakness and stagnation of various body regions and organ systems.


The Yin Water Pig hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yin Water Pig hexagram continues a shift to an ever-decreasing energetic nature. The environmental influences, currently, are in full late Fall to early Winter mode. The Yin Water Pig is an overwhelmingly stagnant hexagram. It represents a hypoactivity of systemic energies throughout the body. This occurs as a result of the sudden transition to damp-cold environmental influences. The Yin Water Pig leads to an accumulation of dampness in the body which encourages toxic buildup. 

Chinese medicine recognizes two types of inflammation. One is Yang type the other is Yin type. The Yin Water Pig is an example of Yin-type inflammation due to a toxicity buildup in the lymphatic system, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidneys. When damp toxicity accumulates in the tissues and organs, toxic inflammation will overwhelm our body's natural immunity. During the Yin Water Pig month, damp toxic patterns have their root in external climatic pathogenic factors coupled with the accumulation of turbid fluids in the internal organs. This culminates in an extreme weakness of Yang Qi, which is the motive force necessary to maintain vibrant health.

The Water trigram originates in the Water element and is related to damp conditions. During the Yin Water Pig month, the Water trigram affects the yang aspects of the body, weakening the defensive Qi or Wei Qi, stagnating the lymphatic system, destabilizing the endocrine system, and weakening the heart and kidneys.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These conditions will be reflected in nature and, more importantly, our bodies. As mentioned before, the Yin Water Pig represents a generalized pattern of stagnant damp accumulation that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. The buildup of toxicity requires a concerted effort to flush toxins from the body. Flushing the body of toxins is inhibited with certain foods and diets, in general.

Common problems during the Yin Water Pig Month are: 

Upper Jiao (above the diaphragm)

Headache, dizziness, epistaxis, weakness of the joints, aching and dysfunction of the elbow, eye pain, night blindness, blurring of vision,  distension and pain of the breast, febrile disease, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, chest congestion, asthma, tinnitus, deafness, arm spasms and pain, head and neck problems: migraines (central and one-sided), headaches caused by exogenic pathogens, neck rigidity, facial paralysis, toothache, sore throat, cough, asthma, nasal problems, palpitations

Middle Jiao (between the diaphragm and umbilicus)

Acute gastric pain, gastric distention, and stuffiness, poor appetite, pain around the umbilical region, pancreatic dysfunction

Lower Jiao (below the umbilicus)

Pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg (sciatica), hemorrhoids, pain in the hypochondrium, epigastric pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, irregular menstruation, urogenital system problems: pain in the penis, hematuria, spermatorrhea, retention of urine, enuresis, constipation, lower thoracic and lumbar pain, 

Internal organ damp toxicity patterns are aggravated by:

• Seafood: especially shellfish, like crabs, oysters, scallops, clams, lobster, and shrimp 
• Fermented foods: cheese or fermented tofu.
• Dairy: milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
• Sugar: any and all foods containing sugar, such as cake and dessert.
• Meat: lamb, beef, goose, and duck.
• Deep-fried or greasy food.
• Certain fruits: mango and durian.
• Stimulants: coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.
• Carbohydrates: white rice or bread as they may damage the Spleen and in turn produce more dampness.
• Spicy, pungent, aromatic vegetables: pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.

Many of the signs and symptoms of toxic dampness will fatigue the body. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The Yin Water Pig Month key is to prevent excessive damp accumulations in the body and avoid foods inappropriate for the this season. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent dampness, mucous, and phlegm from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on NanoShield, our herbal formula to stabilize the GI tract. This formula is compounded in-house to address the many signs and symptoms associated with digestive distress. This formula is available in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with poor digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It aids in producing more enzymes and supports intestinal peristalsis to reduce bloating, fatigue, and cramping following a meal. NanoShield also helps with preventing a buildup of mucus and phlegm and helps to regulate the metabolism. This formula is also beneficial in treating leaky gut syndrome by encouraging healthy intestinal bacteria and eliminating those that contribute to fungal or candidiasis infections. Patients report feeling more clear-headed while taking this formula due to its ability to resolve phlegm and damp conditions affecting the head, which leads to muddled or fuzzy thinking.

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

October 9, 2023 Yang Water Dog Month

 

In the Chinese calendar, October 9, 2023, is the first day of Yang Water Dog 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 Dog month extends till November 7, 2023.

The Yang Water Dog refers to the 39th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Water over Mountain.  The Yang Water Dog represents "Obstruction ". It is an image of weakness and stagnation, with an undertone of dampness and heat. 

The Yang Water Dog hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yang Water Dog hexagram continues to shift away from summer's energetic high nature. The environmental influences are moving to a more subtle activity state. Last month a weakness in the Wei or Defensive Qi developed and continues this month. This is the Qi that acts as a barrier to environmental pathogenic influences.

The Yang Water Dog introduces different pathogenic influences. This month there is a combination of Damp Heat along with metabolic sluggishness.  Both conditions are characterized by an underlying presence of dampness and stagnation. Residual dryness from the previous month impacts the Lungs first and then cascades inward to other regions: Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach, Spleen, Bladder, and nervous system. The dominant pathological influences began with heat and inflammation in the previous months and the body now over-responds with dampness, mucous, and phlegm. 

The Water trigram originates in the Water element and is related to damp conditions. During the Yand Water Dog month, the Water trigram affects the yang aspects of the body, weakening the defensive Qi or Wei Qi, stagnating the lymphatic system, and destabilizing the endocrine system. 

The Mountain trigram originates in the Earth element. It is related to damp heat conditions and affects the yin aspects of the body, leading to inhibited blood flow, and preventing proper removal of turbid fluids from the body. 

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

Common problems during the Yang Water Dog Month are: 

Upper Jiao (above the diaphragm)

Headache, dizziness, epistaxis, Acute hemoptysis, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, shoulder pain, elbow and arm pain, acute mastitis, upper back pain, facial paralysis, swelling of face, cough and asthma, sore throat, cardiac pain, palpitation

Middle Jiao (between the diaphragm and umbilicus)

Acute gastric pain, acute abdominal pain, borborygmus

Lower Jiao (below the umbilicus)

Pain and weakness of the lumbar and leg (sciatica), hemorrhoids, acute lumbar pain, swelling and pain of the knee joint, paralysis or weakness of the lower extremities, diarrhea, dysuria, edema, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, spermatorrhea, impotence, lumbar pain

Internal organ damp heat patterns are aggravated by:

• excess consumption of alcohol, spicy, and sweet foods, rich foods, creamy sauces and foods, dairy foods, fried foods, greasy foods
• long-term emotional upset or anger
• exterior dampness invading the body
• long-term physical, mental, or emotional stress

Many of the signs and symptoms of dampness from excess exposure to damp heat and externally damp cold environmental conditions will fatigue the body. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The key to the Yang Water Dog Month is to prevent excessive damp accumulations in the body and avoid foods inappropriate for the Fall season. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent dampness, mucous, and phlegm from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on our herbal Antiviral formula, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated fall and winter common cold, flu and viral infections. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with influenza, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, and acute conjunctivitis. It is suitable for a low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

Beyond Ozempic and Wegovy: A Holistic Approach to Weight Management

Introduction

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has introduced medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, claiming to provide a convenient solution to weight loss. These drugs have gained popularity due to their promising results, but recent news has highlighted serious side effects associated with their usage. It's crucial to understand that losing weight is not just about taking a pill or an injection; it's a complex journey that involves lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and holistic wellness approaches. In this article, we explore the potential side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy and discuss alternative methods for managing weight, such as Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic nutrition.

The Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by reducing appetite and helping the body burn more calories. While these drugs have shown promising results for weight loss, they come with a range of side effects that patients should be aware of:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common side effects associated with these medications. These symptoms can be debilitating and affect the patient's quality of life.

2. Pancreatitis: There have been reports of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

3. Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Animal studies have suggested an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, although the clinical significance of this finding in humans remains unclear.

4. Hypoglycemia: These drugs can lower blood sugar levels, leading to episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

5. Cardiovascular Effects: Some studies have raised concerns about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

The Holistic Approach to Weight Management

While Ozempic and Wegovy may offer some benefits for weight loss, it's important to remember that weight management is a multifaceted journey that goes beyond pharmaceutical solutions. Holistic approaches take into account the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person's well-being. Two traditional systems of medicine, Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurveda, offer alternative approaches to weight management:

Chinese Herbal Medicine:

Chinese herbal medicine focuses on restoring balance within the body through the use of various herbs and natural remedies.

Customized herbal formulations are often prescribed based on an individual's constitution and specific imbalances.

Chinese herbal medicine can address underlying issues such as poor digestion, hormonal imbalances, and emotional factors contributing to weight gain.

Ayurvedic Nutrition:

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Ayurvedic practitioners assess an individual's dosha (body type) to create a tailored diet plan.

Emphasis is placed on consuming whole, unprocessed foods, mindful eating, and practicing yoga and meditation to address not only physical but also emotional aspects of weight management.

Conclusion

The recent news about the serious side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy serves as a reminder that weight loss is a complex journey that cannot be solved by medication alone. Patients should be cautious when considering pharmaceutical options and be aware of potential risks.

Alternative approaches such as Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic nutrition offer holistic solutions that address the root causes of weight problems and promote overall well-being. These approaches prioritize individualized care, lifestyle changes, and a deeper understanding of one's body and mind.

Ultimately, the path to sustainable weight management involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and, when needed, guidance from experienced holistic practitioners who can help individuals achieve their weight goals in a safe and balanced manner.

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

Fall Illness Prevention

 

Fall is in full swing. From a review of our patients, there is a definite uptick in the number of cases of COVID-19, seasonal allergies, the common cold, and the flu. 

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been 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. 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. 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 decreasing the severity of symptoms. We recommend taking a maintenance daily dose to boost the immune system prior to the presentation of symptoms. 

This time of year I generally encourage patients to stock up on our herbal antiviral formula to keep themselves and their families safe from these seasonal viruses. We compound this formulation in-house with the strongest herbal ingredients unavailable over the counter. It's available in a 200-capsule bottle. 

Our family has been taking this formula for the last 3 years with great success at staying sick-free. One of the great features of this product is that it will not wreak havoc with your gastrointestinal tract like traditional prescription medications. It's even safe for kids. For out-of-town folks, we can ship it to you. Just drop us an email at mtryling@gmail.com or call us at 817-835-0885.

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Herbal Compounding Pharmacy

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

Closed: Sat, Sun, Mon

Schedule an appointment

September 8, 2023 Yin Metal Rooster Month

In the Chinese calendar, September 8, 2023, is the first day of Yin Metal Rooster 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 Metal Rooster month extends till October 7, 2023.

The Yin Metal Rooster refers to the 58th hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Lake over Lake.  The Yin Metal Rooster represents "Joy " and is one of eight hexagrams with the same trigram above and below. It is an image of slight weakness, with an undertone of strength. 

The Yin Metal Rooster hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yin Metal Rooster hexagram represents a shift away from the overbearing energetic nature of the previous month. The environmental influences are moving out of full Summer mode to a more subtle energetic state. As a result of the constant exposure to summer heat and indoor air conditioning, the human body develops a weakness in the Wei or Defensive Qi. This is the Qi that acts as a barrier to environmental influences.  

The effect now has caused a different pathogenic influence. The Yin Metal Rooster has a less energetic nature. The previous month was characterized by extreme heat, inflammation, and dryness. This month the heat and inflammation have calmed down but the dryness remains.  Residual dryness impacts the Lungs first and then cascades inward to other regions: Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach, Spleen, Bladder, and nervous system. The dominant pathological influences began with heat and inflammation in the previous months and transitioned to dryness, fluid deficiencies, and fatigue. 

The Lake trigram originates in the Metal element and is related to dry conditions. In addition to the latent heat and inflammation from the summer heat, dryness is accentuated by consuming foods that are devoid of fluid nourishment or incompatible with one's constitution.

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

Common problems during the Yin Metal Rooster month are: 

headache, dry eyes, dry nasal passages, nosebleed, fever, dry and sore throat, hoarseness, dry face, dry scalp, falling hair

nervousness, irritability, insomnia, high blood pressure, migraine headache, nervousness, chronic fatigue

heartburn, indigestion, dream-disturbed sleep, cardiac pain, palpitations, chest pain, rib pain

painful or scanty urination, constipation, abdominal pain, menstrual problems

Internal organ dryness patterns are aggravated by:

• excess consumption of alcohol, spicy, and sweet foods
• long-term emotional upset or anger
• exterior heat invading the digestive organs
• long-term physical, mental, or emotional stress

Many of the signs and symptoms of dryness from excess exposure to heat and inflammation are quite debilitating. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The key to the Yin Metal Rooster month is to support fluid nourishment and prevent overheating the body Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent extreme heat from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Summer Cool, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with Texas summers. We developed this formula for folks who exercise or work outdoors in the Texas heat. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with summertime heat and dryness with the following signs: influenza, acute skin rashes, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute conjunctivitis. Summer Cool is suitable for a low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

This herbal formula is great for those who spend a lot of time in the heat of summertime, whether it is work or play!

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

August 8, 2023 Yang Metal Monkey

In the Chinese calendar, August 8, 2023, is the first day of Yang Metal Monkey 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 Metal Monkey month extends till September 7, 2023.

The Yang Metal Monkey refers to the 2nd hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Heaven over Heaven.  The Yang Metal Monkey represents "Creation". It is an image of strength, and since it is without weakness, its essence is power or energy. 

The Yang Metal Monkey hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yang Metal Monkey hexagram represents a shift away from the solid energetic nature of early springtime. The environmental influences, currently, are in full Summer mode. As a result, the effect now has caused a different pathogenic influence. The Yang Metal Monkey is a highly energetic hexagram. It represents a hyperactive movement of systemic energies throughout the body. This happens as a result of the extreme environmental heat of summertime. When inflammation overwhelms our body's tissues and organs systemic heat and inflammation set in. The dominant pathological influences begin with heat and transition to inflammation, dryness, fluid deficiencies, and fatigue. During the Yang Metal Monkey month, dry heat patterns have their root in external climatic pathogenic factors coupled with internal organ inflammation. This culminates in an exuberance of Yang Qi. 

The Heaven trigram originates in the Metal element and is related to extremely dry hot conditions affecting the Lungs, Large Intestine, Bladder, Gallbladder, and nervous system. Internal organ inflammation pathology in the summertime often results from eating the wrong foods for the summer season. Essentially, the Yang Metal Monkey month represents a perfect storm of inflammation.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These conditions will be reflected in nature and, more importantly, our bodies. As mentioned before, the Yang Metal Monkey represents a generalized pattern of extreme heat accumulation that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. In addition to the environmental heat of summertime, systemic inflammation during the Yang Metal Monkey month involves the Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, Large Intestine, and the peripheral nervous system, Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Common problems during the Yang Metal Monkey month are: 

Taiyang Level (peripheral nervous system) - headache, eye pain, nasal congestion, epistaxis, fevers, apoplexy, loss of consciousness, acute mastitis, sore throat, conjunctivitis, headache

Upper Jiao key signs: problems in the head, pituitary gland, scalp, facial bones, brain, inner & middle ear, sympathetic nervous system; Headaches, nervousness, insomnia, head colds, high blood pressure, migraine headache, nervousness, amnesia, chronic fatigue, dizziness

Middle Jiao key signs: Heart valves, arteries, pericardium; Functional heart conditions and certain chest conditions

Lower Jio key signs: Kidney problems, hardening of the arteries, chronic fatigue, nephritis, pyelitis

Yangming Level (stomach/large intestine inflammation) - swelling of the face, toothache, sore throat, nosebleeds, nightmares or dream-disturbed sleep, manic psychosis

Taiyin Level (GI tract, fluid metabolism) - menstrual problems, abdominal distension, 

Shaoyang Level (hormones/lymphatic system) - Migraine, redness and pain of the eye, pain in the hypochondrium, tinnitus, deafness, hemiplegia

Jueyin Level (circulatory system) - heat stroke, cardiac pain, irritability, swelling, and stiffness of the tongue

Shaoyin Level (central nervous system) - Loss of consciousness, headache, neck pain, dizziness, manic psychosis, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the pharynx, dryness of the tongue, painful urination, constipation, heat sensation in the sole, palpitations, cardiac pain, chest pain, rib pain, fever

Internal organ inflammation patterns are caused by:

• excess consumption of alcohol, spicy, salty, and sweet foods
• long-term emotional upset or anger
• exterior heat invading the digestive organs
• long-term physical, mental, or emotional stress

As you can see many of the signs and symptoms of extreme heat and inflammation are quite debilitating. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The key to the Yang Metal Monkey month is to prevent overheating the body and consuming foods inappropriate for the summer. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent extreme heat from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Summer Cool, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with Texas summers. We developed this formula for folks who exercise or work outdoors in the Texas heat. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with summertime influenza, acute skin rashes, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute conjunctivitis. Summer Cool is suitable for a low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

This herbal formula is great for those who spend a lot of time in the heat of summertime, whether it is work or play!

Schedule an herbal appointment

Schedule an herbal refill

Schedule an Ayurveda appointment

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

July 7, 2023 Yin Earth Goat

In the Chinese calendar, July 7, 2023, is the first day of Yin Earth Goat 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 Earth Goat month extends till August 7, 2023.

The Yin Earth Goat refers to the 2nd hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Earth over Earth.  The Yin Earth Goat represents "Reception". It is an image of the dark, yielding, receptive primal power of yin. 

The Yin Earth Goat hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yin Earth Goat hexagram represents a shift away from the solid energetic nature of early springtime. Though the environmental influences have moved to the Summer season, the effect now has caused a different pathogenic influence. The Yin Earth Goat Horse is a stagnant hexagram. Its image is Earth over Earth. The Yin Earth Goat represents a stagnant movement of systemic energies throughout the body. This happens as a result of the extreme environmental heat of summertime. When inflammation overwhelms our body's tissues and organs systemic weakness and fatigue sets in. The dominant pathological influences begin with heat and transition to stagnant damp accumulation. During the Yin Earth Goat month, damp patterns have their root in internal organ weakness. 

The Earth trigram originates in the Earth element and is related to stagnant dampness in the Spleen, Pancreas, Liver, Kidneys, and reproduction systems. Internal organ stagnant damp pathology in the summertime often results from eating the wrong foods for the summer season along with excessive internal organ inflammation. Essentially, the Yin Earth Goat month represents a perfect storm of inflammation coupled with internal organ fatigue.

Each season consists of various energetic states, often in conflict. These conditions will be reflected in nature and, more importantly, our bodies. As mentioned before, the Yin Earth Goat represents a generalized pattern of stagnant damp accumulation that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. In addition to the environmental heat of summertime, systemic inflammation involves the Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder, Large Intestine, and the peripheral nervous system, Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Common problems during the Yin Earth Goat month are: 

Chest problems: cough, asthma, sore throat, afternoon fever, chest congestion, palpitation, shortness of breath, poor appetite, cardiac pain, spasmodic pain and numbness of the elbow and arm, hand tremor

Headache, dizziness, swelling and pain of the eye, blurring vision, toothache

Urine retention, dysuria, incontinence of urine, edema

Joint pain in upper limbs, hemiplegia, pain and motor impairment of the shoulder, swelling, knee pain, lumbar pain, spasm and weakness of the lower extremities

Irregular menstruation, various skin rashes, genital pain, dysmenorrhea, impotence, hernia, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis

Emaciation due to general deficiency, lassitude, insomnia 

The liver and gallbladder are very susceptible to internal damp-heat conditions, causing fullness and discomfort of the solar plexus, inhibited circulation, blood pressure problems, joint pain, and fatty liver or elevated cholesterol. Typical problems include jaundice, poor or low appetite, fever, bitter taste in the mouth, anorexia, dark scanty urine, abdominal distention, hypochondria pain & fullness, nausea, vomiting sour & bitter fluid, yellow vaginal discharge with a foul odor, pruritus vulvae pain & swelling and burning sensation in testicles.

The large intestine is also affected by damp stagnation, causing constipation, colitis, dysentery, and diarrhea. Other signs include fever with profuse sweating, heaviness & tiredness in body, and limbs, diarrhea with tenesmus which intensifies after a bowel movement, frequent small quantity stools, yellow or brown, thin watery stools with a foul odor or sticky and pasty, sticky fluid, with pus & blood, mucus & blood in stool, burning hot sensation in the anus, abdominal pain, scanty dark or red urination, anorexia, vomiting, lump in epigastrium, dry mouth with no desire to drink, and fullness in the chest.

The Spleen and Stomach belong to the Earth element and are, naturally, affected by damp conditions resulting in general fatigue or lassitude, acute abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea, low-grade fever, heavy sensation in the body, palpitations, fullness in the abdomen, loss of appetite, copious urine, constipation or loose stools, fullness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, little thirst, dizziness, and stickiness in the mouth. Typical d include acute hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, acute gastric inflammation, and early or late-stage cirrhosis of the liver.

Internal organ stagnant damp patterns are caused by:

• excess consumption of alcohol, greasy, fried, spicy, salty and sweet foods
• excess consumption of cold or raw foods
• long-term emotional upset or anger
• exterior dampness invading the digestive organs
• long-term physical, mental, or emotional stress
• weak digestion

Internal dampness can lead to phlegm. Dampness primarily affects the organs below the diaphragm. Phlegm affects the lungs and heart.

Lung phlegm conditions include bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary abscess. There are two patterns of lung phlegm. The first involves an exterior invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. The second pattern belongs to the current discussion in this post and has its root in the Spleen and Stomach dampness.

Heart phlegm has its root in emotional turmoil, depression, frustration, irregular diet, and excess consumption of hot greasy, or fried foods. Typical signs include irritability, palpitations, restlessness, coma, sticky taste in the mouth, insomnia, coarse breathing, dream-disturbed sleep, easily startled, alternating depression & confusion, crying & laughing without reason, aphasia, depression, and schizophrenia,

As you can see many of the signs and symptoms of dampness and phlegm can be quite debilitating. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The key to the Yin Earth Goat month is preventing Dampness from accumulating in the internal organs below the diaphragm. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent damp-heat from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Summer Cool, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with Texas summers. We developed this formula for folks who exercise or work outdoors in the Texas heat. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with summertime influenza, acute skin rashes, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute conjunctivitis. Summer Cool is suitable for a low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

This herbal formula is great for those who spend a lot of time in the heat of summertime, whether it is work or play!

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

June 6, 2023 Yang Earth Horse

In the Chinese calendar, Jun 6, 2023, is the first day of Yang Earth Horse 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 Earth Horse month extends till July 7, 2023.

The Yang Earth Horse refers to the 22nd hexagram described in the I Ching and used in Feng Shui. Its image is Mountain over Fire.  The Yang Earth Horse signifies "Grace". It represents an image of fire illuminating the mountain. 

The Yang Earth Horse hexagram:

From the body and health perspective, the Yang Earth Horse hexagram continues a strong energetic shift away from early springtime. The environmental influences have moved to the Summer season. The Yang Earth Horse is an energetic hexagram. Its image is Mountain over Fire. The Yang Earth Horse represents an imbalance in the movement of systemic energies and inhibited digestive, circulatory, and elimination functions. These imbalances are due to internal organ inflammation and low-grade organ infections. The dominant pathological influences are characterized by heat and dampness. During the Yang Earth Horse month, damp heat patterns have their root mostly, in internal organ problems and secondarily, in external hot damp or humid weather.

The Mountain trigram originates in the Earth element and is related to damp heat in the Spleen, Stomach, Small Intestine, and lymphatic systems. Internal organ damp heat pathology often results from eating the wrong foods for the summer season. The Fire trigram originates in the Fire element and is related to the Heart, Small Intestine, and Spleen. Its nature is heat rising. Essentially, the Yang Earth Horse month represents a perfect storm of inflammation coupled with low-grade internal organ infection.

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 Earth Horse represents a generalized pattern of Damp Heat that affects various organs, tissues, and body regions. Each of these patterns has its own set of signs and symptoms.

Common problems during the Yang Earth Horse month are: 

• Hay fever with either stuffy or runny nose, dry or swollen lips and mouth, swollen or inflamed eustachian tube, diminished hearing, and sore or swollen throat

• The liver and gallbladder are very susceptible to internal damp-heat conditions, causing fullness and discomfort of the solar plexus, inhibited circulation, blood pressure problems, joint pain, and fatty liver or elevated cholesterol. Typical problems include jaundice, poor or low appetite, fever, bitter taste in the mouth, anorexia, dark scanty urine, abdominal distention, hypochondria pain & fullness, nausea, vomiting sour & bitter fluid, yellow vaginal discharge with a foul odor, pruritus vulvae pain & swelling and burning sensation in testicles.

• The large intestine is also affected by damp heat, causing constipation, colitis, dysentery, and diarrhea. Other signs include fever with profuse sweating, heaviness & tiredness in body, and limbs, diarrhea with tenesmus which intensifies after a bowel movement, frequent small quantity stools, yellow or brown, thin watery stools with a foul odor or sticky and pasty, sticky fluid, with pus & blood, mucus & blood in stool, burning hot sensation in the anus, abdominal pain, scanty dark or red urination, anorexia, vomiting, lump in epigastrium, dry mouth with no desire to drink, and fullness in the chest.

• The Spleen and Stomach belong to the Earth element and are, naturally, affected by damp-heat conditions resulting in general fatigue or lassitude, low-grade fever, heavy sensation in the body, palpitations, fullness in the abdomen, loss of appetite, scanty yellow urine, constipation or foul smelling loose stools, fullness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, thirst without the desire to drink, dizziness, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth. Typical problems include acute hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, acute gastric inflammation, and early or late-stage cirrhosis of the liver.

Internal organ Damp-Heat patterns are caused by:

• excess consumption of alcohol, greasy, fried, spicy, and sweet foods
• excess consumption of cold or raw foods
• long-term emotional upset or anger
• exterior damp heat invading the digestive organs
• long-term physical, mental, or emotional stress
• weak digestion

Internal damp heat can lead to phlegm heat. Damp heat primarily affects the organs below the diaphragm. Phlegm-heat affects the lungs and heart.

Lung phlegm heat conditions include bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary abscess. There are two patterns of lung phlegm heat. The first involves an exterior invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. The second pattern belongs to the current discussion in this post and has its root in the Spleen and Stomach damp-heat.

Heart phlegm heat has its root in emotional turmoil, depression, frustration, irregular diet, and excess consumption of hot greasy, or fried foods. Typical signs include irritability, palpitations, restlessness, coma, bitter taste in the mouth, insomnia, coarse breathing, flushed face, dream-disturbed sleep, easily startled, agitation, alternating depression & confusion, incoherent speech, crying & laughing without reason, mania, aphasia, irrational behavior, schizophrenia, manic depression, and constipation,

As you can see many of the signs and symptoms of damp heat and phlegm heat can be quite debilitating. Fortunately, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have great treatment options for all the above conditions.

The key to the Yang Earth Horse month is preventing Damp-Heat from accumulating in the internal organs below the diaphragm. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in treating 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 prevent damp-heat from accumulating, specifically for you.

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

Our special this month: 10% Discount on Summer Cool, our in-house Chinese herbal formula to address the many signs and symptoms associated with Texas summers. We developed this formula for folks who exercise or work outdoors in the Texas heat. This formula comes in a 200-capsule bottle and helps with summertime influenza, acute skin rashes, acute tonsillitis, acute upper tract infection, early-stage acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, and acute conjunctivitis. Summer Cool is suitable for a low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches, sneezing, coughing, red eyes, thirst, and sore throat. 

Since I cycle frequently during the summer months, I personally, take this formula to prevent heat exhaustion, fatigue, heat-type headaches, and the like. 

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