Clinic Reopening Part 2: Treating Disharmony Patterns, On-line Yoga Therapy,

It's been two weeks since we reopened the clinic after the mandatory COVID-19 shutdown and shelter-in-place orders came down. All-in-all, our patient's report it has been a resounding success. Some of our patients are in high-risk groups and are still concerned about leaving home or getting out in general. We understand and want to reassure them and our community we are doing our part to make our clinic environment safer and healthier than ever before.

We're all getting used to wearing masks. We want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your help in making our clinic safe and healthy for everyone. Also, the pace here at the office is slower with our schedule only having one patient in the office at a time. We're spending more time cleaning surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and really every surface touched by us and our patients. One aspect that hasn't changed is our commitment to make our office and treatments feel safe and healthy while you're here.

Our compound herbal pharmacy has been very busy lately. As always, we're committed to investing in the raw herbal ingredients necessary to meet the needs of our patients and our community, as a whole. Our patients are requesting herbal remedies to address a variety of needs. Conditions such as ongoing anti-viral and anti-bacterial solutions are at the top of the list. Texas has been in the throes of an intense allergy season for the last several weeks, resulting in the need for customized herbal solutions for a variety of allergy symptoms. Fortunately, we have all the specific herbal ingredients needed to treat the various allergy symptoms Texas has to offer.

Most patients are surprised to see the quantity of the herbs in our pharmacy and discover we have herbs to treat nearly everything that they would get a prescription or over-the-counter drug for. Chinese medicine has a history that spans 8,000-10,000 years and has the ability to treat, literally, thousands of conditions. In fact for those that wish to avoid acupuncture, there is most likely, an herbal alternative.

Some of the most common conditions patients are seeking acupuncture for can also be treated with a customized compounded herbal formulas:

Stress
Anxiety
Insomnia
Muscle pain
Allergies
Hormone imbalances
Joint pain
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Depression
Headaches and Migraines
Acid Reflux
Dizziness and Vertigo
Neck pain
Low back pain
PTSD
Postoperative and traumatic injury recovery
Cardiovascular problems
Kidney disease
Constipation and diarrhea
Acne
Asthma
Bells Palsy
Infertility
Fibromyalgia
Chemical dependency
RSD and CRPS
Colitis
Crohn's
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

These are a few examples of conditions we've treated in just the last few months!

Some of the questions we often hear from patients:

How do you determine which herbs are best for me and the medical conditions I'm interested in treating?

This is a great question! There is a huge difference between western medicine, western herbal medicine, and Chinese medicine. Western medicine and western herbal medicine tend to focus on treating symptoms and act more like a band-aid approach. Chinese medicine looks past the symptoms at the underlying root causes to treat symptoms at their root. Chinese medicine recognizes there are underlying patterns of disharmony that are causing all diseases, disorders, conditions, and symptoms. Accordingly, the correct treatment principle is to identify the patterns and treat the pattern rather than band-aiding the symptoms.

How do I find out the patterns of disharmony in my body responsible for my health conditions and symptoms?

Another difference between western and eastern medicines is the diagnostic techniques used. Western medicine uses labs (i.e.: blood analysis, urinalysis, etc.) and imaging (x-ray, MRI, CAT scan, PET scan, etc.). Since Chinese medicine, traditionally, did not have access to these techniques the ancient doctors had to come up with diagnostic techniques that accurately represent the patterns of disharmony present in the patient. These techniques, though thousands of years old are still used today and can even be more comprehensive than modern techniques.

The predominant technique for determining pattern disharmony is called Chinese pulse diagnosis. There are various styles of pulse diagnosis. Each method may take a different route but all tend to reach the same conclusion. Meridian Harmonics has developed a unique style of pulse diagnosis that combines ancient concepts with modern technology to aid in identifying a tremendous amount of information about patient's conditions and the best course of action to treat them effectively and efficiently. This method is called the Pulse Matrix and was developed in 2003. It is a lot more involved than simply determining the heart rate. The Pulse Matrix provides a snapshot in time of what is happening currently inside the body and the disharmony patterns present. It allows us to determine the best treatment options for you. This snapshot is called the Pulse Image.

The human body is never in a stable state. It is constantly changing and adjusting to its environment. Your Pulse Image is constantly changing. Our goal is to provide treatment strategies to move your Pulse Image into a healthy balanced state. For some, this can take some time. It all depends on the severity of inflammation or metabolic sluggishness present in the body. We can help with lifestyle and diet recommendations that will enhance your progress rather than hinder it.

Herbal Appointment Scheduling

The best way to schedule an herbal appointment is to call or email us:

817-835-0885  (Please leave a message if we're with a patient and unable to answer the phone)

info@mhaom.com 

If you're not able to come to the clinic, personally, we're happy to do phone consultations or a telemedicine consult using Zoom. Let us know what works best for you. 

On-site herbal consultations are 30-45 minutes, for new patients and 15-20 minutes for established patients.

Online Yoga Therapy

Michelle is providing one-on-one or group online yoga therapy sessions using Zoom. Check out her website. To schedule a personalized yoga therapy session, email her at yogaharmonics@gmail.com

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., Dipl. AC, CH (NCCAOM)

Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)

www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, E-RYT, Yoga Therapy, Integrated Positional Therapy
www.yoga-harmonics.com

Meridian Harmonics - Harmony and Balance for your Good Health

Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2044 Bedford Rd.

Bedford, TX 76021

817-835-0885

Oriental Medicine for Weight Management

I receive a lot of calls from people wanting to lose weight with acupuncture. Somehow they expect to magically lose the weight that's been accumulating for months or even years with just acupuncture. Most western patients have been misinformed about how medicine works. They've been told that all they have to do is take a few pills each day or have a particular surgery and all will be well and good for them. Quite honestly, medicine doesn't work that way. It requires a partnership of the doctor and the patient to successfully overcome health challenges. Those patients that embrace this concept tend to have the most success. Those that depend on the doctor to do all the work will receive little or no benefit from their treatments.

Oriental medicine is amazing and profound in its ability to correct imbalances in the body that are responsible for both acute and chronic disorders and diseases. However, for most patients this involves a process that takes various commitments in order to see quantifiable results. At Meridian Harmonics we make a commitment to each patient to do everything in our power to help them overcome their particular health crisis. All we ask in return is that they do the same by adhering to our treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations.

In Oriental medicine the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen and liver organ systems. Acupuncture points, as well as foods and herbs selected to assist with weight loss can directly influence the Qi of the spleen and liver systems and treat the imbalances that have caused weight gain.

The spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed into Qi, the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will result in symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool and a feeling of heaviness.

The liver’s job is to keep the flow of your body’s Qi, blood and emotions running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic stress can negatively impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can cause the spleen and the entire digestive system to function poorly. One result can be a decrease in your metabolism. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the “triggers” that lead to cravings and compulsive eating.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have positive effects on the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. Treatment can help with food cravings and metabolism. These functions all help energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite and reduce anxiety.

A Total Health Program

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine address the issues of over-eating and low metabolism with effective tools to control appetite and increase energy. Energy imbalances are corrected and the digestive and elimination processes are improved so that there is a physical shift in the body to naturally have more energy and desire less food.

By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight management concerns, acupuncture and Oriental medicine provide a comprehensive therapy for weight issues that promote better digestion, balance emotions, reduce appetite, improve metabolism and eliminate food cravings.

Each treatment is customized to the needs of the individual patient. At Meridian Harmonics we use the Pulse Matrix diagnostic system for 1) correctly determining the underlying imbalances for each patient and 2) designing robust acupuncture and herbal treatment strategies.  Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (to stimulate the metabolism) and calming the nervous system. Treatments can include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on between treatments, herbs and supplements, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations.

In addition to treating the root of the imbalance within the body, different acupuncture points may be used for each treatment as different symptoms arise. For instance, if you are experiencing a desire to overeat related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) one week, then that can be addressed at that week’s appointment.

The herbs and foods that are chosen during a weight management treatment are for promoting healthy digestion, energizing the body, augmenting Qi, and improving elimination of water, toxins and waste products. Acupuncture can help improve digestion. It can also help with food absorption and the movement of food through the intestines.

Deep breathing with visualization can also strengthen will power and be used as a tool to curb hunger and cravings. Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture treatment alone, but special herbs, healing foods and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the treatments.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are powerful tools for achieving a healthy weight, by itself or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs. Schedule a consultation to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can assist you with your weight management goals and help you to live a long, healthy life!

Meridian Harmonics

Chinese Herbal Medicine

How are Chinese herbs different than Western herbs?

Over the last several years, there has been an increasing interest especially in industrialized countries to reintroduce the concept of using herbal medicine as part of an ongoing goal to improve health. There is a great deal of information available, especially in regards to what we call "Western herbs". These herbs are most often used singularly, meaning they are not necessarily combined with other herbs into a formula.

The term "Western herbs" applies to the method of using the herbs rather than to the origins of the herb itself. Western herb books often list herbs such as Gotu Kola, Ginger, Dong Quai and Licorice, yet these herbs are Asian in origin. Other herbs such as Capsicum and Devil's Claw come from Africa. Damiana and Pau d'Arco come from South America and Camomile and Myrrh come from Egypt.

In China, herbalists have developed the use of a class of herbs called "tonics", which can be taken daily for increased resistance to disease, to boost energy levels and general health, and to enhance longevity. These herbs are unique to China. Chinese herbal medicine is a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - a wide range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts, which have been developed in China over 5,000 years ago.

Chinese herbs are most often combined into Chinese herbal medicine formulas. The herbalist first determines which underlying conditions or patterns are manifesting in the patient's unique situation. Then, an appropriate Chinese herbal medicine formula is chosen with the understanding that the different herbs work together, each having their own action and balancing out the total effect. It is not uncommon for a Chinese herbal medicine formula to contain more than 10 different herbs.

Traditionally, Chinese herbs were usually taken in a decoction, which involves boiling them into a tea. Today, more scientific methods of preparation are available for Chinese herbal medicine formulas. One of the preferred methods is to make a decoction under specific conditions and then dry it to make a concentrate, which can be used as a powder or pressed into a tablet. Powder or tablet forms are just as effective and much more convenient for the typical patient. Another method is to extract the herbs in alcohol, which is called a tincture. Chinese herbal medicine tinctures are an effective alternative, but a less convenient way to utilize each herb's medicinal ingredients.

If you are interested in purchasing Chinese herbal medicine products, consider making an appointment for a herbal consultation. We offer herbal products that are developed by U.S. based companies. The herbs must pass government inspection and are tested by independent laboratories for pesticides, sulfide, bacteria or other contamination and have strict standards for purity and potency. If you have specific questions about any herbal products, please contact me through my website.

Acupuncture can be a remedy for chronic headache pain

Acupuncture is a form of complementary or alternative medicine, and many of my patients ask about it. It first gained recognition in the United States in 1971 when a well-known New York Times columnist, James Reston, developed appendicitis on a trip to China. His pain following surgery was treated not with conventional pain medicines but with acupuncture. Reston reported that his pain had been completely relieved by acupuncture. His standing and credibility caused many people to take acupuncture seriously.

Acupuncture has long been used to treat headaches. But until recently, there hadn’t been strong evidence to support its use for headache pain. Two large scientific reviews have changed that. One review found that acupuncture may help people with episodic or chronic tension headaches. The other review found that acupuncture may prevent migraine headaches as well as or better than medications.

The tension headache review looked at 11 studies involving about 2,300 people. In two large studies included in the review, nearly half of people who received acupuncture in addition to their usual headache treatment said their headache days were cut by at least half. Only 16 percent of those who received typical headache treatment, but no acupuncture, reported the same level of headache relief.

The migraine review found evidence that getting regular acupuncture treatments in addition to typical migraine treatments (such as taking painkillers) cut the frequency of migraines. Also, when acupuncture was compared to taking a preventive drug, people who received acupuncture improved more and had fewer side effects than those taking medications.

According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by affecting the flow of energy, called “qi,” through pathways or channels of energy that run through the body. The practitioner inserts very fine needles at specific points along these pathways.

Acupuncture has many variations. It typically involves four to 10 needles left in place for 10-30 minutes. A course of treatment may include six to 12 sessions. Most people report that acupuncture needles cause little or no pain.

Acupuncture is among the most promising of nontraditional headache therapies.

Some patients may require additional therapies, such as Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunct to their acupuncture treatments. Typically, the frequency of acupuncture treatments is one to three times per week. On the other hand, Chinese herbal medicine to treat headaches can be used daily. Patients who are able to incorporate acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat their condition get the best results.

If you decide to try acupuncture, do your homework before choosing a practitioner. If possible, choose a therapist with a state license. If you live in a state that doesn’t require licensing, seek out one who’s certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

You may also want to get a referral from your doctor. (In any case, inform your doctor if you are going to try acupuncture.)

Meridian Harmonics provides various acupuncture and customized Chinese herbal therapies to treat the many different types of headaches and migraines.

Flu Season Immune Boosting Tips

Ah, January, the time when you pack away the holiday lights, put away the presents ... and get ready for the flu season.

Flu activity usually peaks in the U.S. in January or February. According to this week's FluView report posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is on the rise for the season in the U.S., with 29 states experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness.

Ten states including California report low or minimal flu activity. These levels of influenza are comparable to those of moderately severe flu seasons in the past.

What can you do to prevent the flu? Practice good hygiene including washing your hands frequently, including before you touch your face or eat.

If you have not been vaccinated against the flu, you should do so now. If you have severe influenza illness, or are at risk for influenza illness-related complications, you should get the influenza antiviral medications (regardless of whether you've had the flu vaccine).

In addition, there are a number of holistic interventions you can do to boost your immunity before or during a flu or upper-respiratory infection.

Here are our top holistic immunity-boosting tips for the flu season:

Decrease your intake of processed carbohydrates and sugary foods. Even small amounts of sugar can suppress the immune system and make you more likely to get an infection, or more sick when you have one.

The herbs Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpura are for prevention and long-term immune support. Doses generally used are 2.5 grams of root taken preventively, and can be tripled to head off an impending infection.

The herb Androgrophis paniculata is used in acute viral or bacterial infections. Doses used are typically 1,000 milligrams per day of extract, or about 6 grams of the herb.

The herb Ashwgandha is considered an adaptogen, and can help the body respond to stress and ward off illness. It can also help insomnia related to the flu

if taken in the evening. Doses of Ashwgandha are around 1,000 miligrams a day, or a couple pills a day when the pills doses are around 400 to 500 milligrams.

Fresh ginger steeped in hot water to form a hot tea can be a natural immune booster, and can help against nausea, congestion and abdominal bloating. You can add a little fresh lemon and honey to the tea to calm a sore throat.

Nasal saline rinses, or nedipots, used daily can help wash out viruses and bacteria in the nasal passages.

Garlic, raw, cooked or in the form of supplements can boost immunity and has been shown to reduce cough and congestion.

Doses of garlic recommended are 2 to 5 grams of fresh raw garlic, 0.4 to 1.2 grams of garlic powder or 2 to 5 milligrams of garlic oil daily.

Garlic can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Exercising in moderation has been shown in many studies to be a natural immunity booster, and may reduce the incidence and severity of viral infections.

If you think you have the flu, contact your physician.

If you don't have the flu, make sure you have had the flu vaccination, eat healthfully and exercise daily.

Try these holistic remedies if needed, in conjunction with your physician's advice. We hope you have a healthy flu-free winter.

Herbal Medicine: What it Is, What it Does

Herbal medicine is an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. Studies have shown that as much as 40% of all American adults use herbal products, with the amount of money spent on herbal remedies in this country each year in the tens of billions. The use of herbal medicine is even higher overseas, with some countries reporting a usage rate of 75% or greater.

The term "herbal medicine" refers to the use of a plant's seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purposes. While the scientific study of herbs in the United States began just over two centuries ago, herbs and botanical's have been used to treat a wide range of health problems in Asia for thousands of years.

When used to facilitate healing in chronic, ongoing problems, herbal medicine has a great deal to offer. Studies have shown that herbal products can treat a variety of conditions, including colds, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, arthritis, skin disorders, asthma, and a host of other problems usually treated with pharmaceuticals and prescription medications.

INSOMNIA

For example, patient complaints of insomnia are on the rise. Various factors contribute to insomnia in its three basic forms: 1) difficulty getting to sleep, 2) difficulty staying asleep once waking and 3) a combination of these two. Acupuncture itself can offer great relief for insomnia sufferers. However, most patients are not going to receive acupuncture treatments on a daily basis. 

In most cases, I like to combine acupuncture with a customized herbal solution to address their problem. Chinese herbs can be used on a daily basis to treat many health conditions, especially insomnia. Chinese herbs are very affordable. A single daily dose of customized herbal remedies can cost less than a pack of cigarettes! 

Prescription drugs to treat insomnia can be very effective. Unfortunately, all drugs have various side affects and may interact with other medications. Typical side affects of insomnia medications are: Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness (including daytime drowsiness); "drugged" feeling; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nose or throat irritation; sluggishness; stomach upset; weakness. 

More SEVERE side affects can include: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, legs, mouth, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; throat closing; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; behavior changes; chest pain; confusion; decreased coordination; difficulty swallowing or breathing; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory problems (e.g., memory loss); mental or mood changes (e.g., aggression, agitation, anxiety); new or worsening depression; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; vision changes.

Most patients want to minimize their number of medications, side affects and drug interactions. Integrating Chinese herbal medicine into their lifestyle can easily do this. The nice thing about Chinese herbs is they’re safe, effective and actually treat the root causes of a particular problem, as well as the symptoms. Chinese herbs help to restore balance to the body’s internal organs, regulate blood flow throughout the body, strengthen the immune system, increase energy, reduce stress and provide a deep sense of health and wellness.

Meridian Harmonics

Exercise Holds Off Aging

Physically active people have cells that look younger on a molecular level than those of couch potatoes, according to research that offers fundamental new insight into how exercise may help stave off aging.

Researchers have found that exercise appears to slow the shriveling of the tips that protect bundles of genes inside cells, perhaps keeping frailty at bay. Being physically active reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases, potentially extending longevity. Researchers examined structures inside cells known as telomeres. They are using telomere length as a marker of biological aging. Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes, the structures that carry genes. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter. When telomeres get too short, cells can no longer divide. Scientists believe that aging occurs as more and more cells reach the end of their telomeres and die - muscles weaken, skin wrinkles, eyesight and hearing fade, organs fail and thinking clouds.

In Chinese medicine, exercise stimulates healthy cellular activity in all the body’s organs. Cardiovascular exercise dramatically increases oxygen levels in the body. Abundant oxygen seems to be the catalyst for a cascade of beneficial physical activities that lead to delayed aging. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can minimize those deficiencies responsible for premature aging.

Meridian Harmonics