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

COVID-19 Symptoms Appear Unrelated

In this update, we have some good news and some not so good news. First the not so good news.

This is a frightening prospect - after patients are presumed to be cleared, the virus can still be active in their body. Research has shown that 50% of treated patients still have active virus active up to eight days after their symptoms disappear. This, in turn, allows them to remain infectious, even after symptomatic recovery.

How does this happen? Researchers suspect that the medications used to treat the virus are not treating the entire organ systems of the affected patients, allowing the virus to migrate to other regions of the body. From a western medical pathophysiological perspective migration of the virus can be through various cellular methods allowing the virus to be transported through the cell membrane and then replicating itself. Within the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) model, there are energetic pathways connecting various regions of the body and various organs to each other. These pathways are similar to a superhighway allowing information and chemicals to be transported throughout the body.

So what's happening here? Many of the drugs used in treating COVID-19 focus on the respiratory system and neglect the other organs that have energetic connections to the other organ systems in the body.

For instance, in the case of the lungs, TCM recognizes several organ system connections. In TCM one model recognizes what is known as the Interior/Exterior organ relationships. One of these relationships is known as the Taiyin-Yangming relationship. Taiyin and Yangming are two of the six energetic levels in the body. They encompass not only specific external and internal pathways but also specific organs. Taiyin relates to the Lung, Spleen, and Pancreas. Yangming relates to the Stomach and Large Intestine.

Let's review what the medical community is witnessing as far as the major symptoms: loss of sense of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia), fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. 23% of patients will first experience digestive symptoms, 43% will present with only respiratory symptoms, 33% will have both respiratory and digestive symptoms.

Anosmia
Generally speaking, anosmia in TCM represents an imbalance with the lungs, since one of the functions of the lungs is the ability to discern the Five Odors.

Ageusia
Ageusia, or loss of the sense of taste, generally, is considered as an imbalance in the spleen and stomach. What's interesting about this symptom is that both of these organs are related to the Taiyin-Yangming relationship.

Fever
Fever is not the best factor for qualifying someone with COVID-19. When taking the temporal or forehead temperature the digital thermometer is simply reflecting the temperature of those regions as related to the energetic pathways in those regions. Classically, we've been told 98.6F is the normal body temperature. However, the range for normal body temperature is 97.6 - 99.6℉. The range for fever is at least 100.4℉. A very high fever is one above 105.8℉. Fevers can represent any inflammatory condition whether its an infection or not. So just remember that fever is just one sign of an imbalance in the body. On a side note, I check my temperature every day and it is often in the range from 96.7 - 97.6℉ and rarely registers above 98℉.

Cough, Shortness of Breath
Cough and shortness of breath, though generated from the lungs, has a more complicated pathology. In the Taiyin-Yangming relationship imbalances in the large intestine, spleen/pancreas, and stomach can all create coughs, in addition to an imbalance in the lungs, such as an upper respiratory infection from COVID-19. In addition to the Interior/Exterior energetic relationship, another relationship to consider relates to the regions of the energetic pathways as they correspond to how they are categorized from their Yin or Yang nature and whether they are an upper or lower body pathway. One of these is the Taiyin-Taiyang relationship. As was mentioned earlier, Taiyin represents the energetic pathways of the Lungs, Spleen and Pancreas. The Taiyang level represents the Urinary Bladder and Small Intestine. When assessing the temperature on the forehead one of the pathways in this area relates to the Taiyang energetic level. This is an example of how lower body inflammation or infections can be reflected in the upper body. In this scenario inflammation or congestion in the Bladder or Small Intestine can be transferred to the Lung leading to a cough or shortness of breath.

Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness is one of the most common conditions that is seen with a number of diseases and disorders. I am constantly cautioning patients to not self medicate with over-the-counter herbs and food supplements when it comes to fatigue. Why? Because fatigue, like any condition, has a number of root causes. Of all the organs in the body, according to TCM, the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are the only two organs that produce all the energy that is needed by our body to function properly. The Lungs do this through proper breathing while engaged in exercise. The Spleen/Pancreas produces energy from the digestion of healthy food sources. If because of improper lifestyle choices, either one of these organs is negatively affected, then the result will be fatigue. Both the Lung and Spleen/Pancreas are located in the Taiyin level of the body. Weakness in the Taiyin level will cause fatigue, but inflammation in the pathways and organs related to the Taiyin organs will cause fatigue, as well. Namely, the Small and Large Intestines, and Stomach. This is why digestive wreckage can affect the Lungs. This is why eating a clean healthy diet benefits a person's energy and Lungs.

There is another energetic relationship in the TCM model responsible for lung conditions. It's called Taiyin-Jueyin. In this model, the Lungs have an energetic relationship with the Liver. This is important because, from the TCM perspective, the Liver has several functions that play a role in promoting the health of all the organs. Typical symptoms of disharmony in the Jueyin level are vertex headaches, hypertension, spasms, tremors, migraines, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability, eye or vision problems, insomnia, palpitations, emotional disturbances, stress, and epigastric or abdominal pain.

Body aches, Runny nose
Body aches and runny nose are very common with what TCM recognizes as an Exterior Invasion of Pathogenic Factors. Typical disorders that include body aches: common cold, influenza, bronchitis, asthma and allergies.

Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements
As was mentioned earlier, the Large Intestine is an aspect of the Yangming level of TCM and is the Interior/Exterior organ relationship with the Lungs. Diarrhea, frequent bowel movements or loose stools indicate an imbalance in the Large Intestine as the result of a pathogenic problem that will begin to affect other organs, in this case, the Lungs.

Now for some really good news. Meridian Harmonics is receiving numerous requests for anti-viral herbal remedies to boost immune function and combat viral and bacterial infections. These herbs have systemic actions. These means they can treat the whole body, not just one organ, disease or symptom. 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.

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in 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. If you have a question on how to do this safely, contact us at info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.

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 decreases the severity of symptoms. We recommend taking a maintenance daily dose to boost the immune system prior to the presenting of symptoms. If you have questions regarding these formulations and if they can benefit you, we can be reached at info@mhaom.com or leave us a message at 817-835-0885.

In-Office Procedures 
Due to the recent social distancing requirement, we will continue to suspend all acupuncture, yoga therapy, and integrated positional therapy treatments until April 30.
We apologize for this inconvenience as we would prefer to serve our patients, personally. We will, also, be posting regular updates on our Facebook page, so please Like and check it regularly for news of any changes:  Meridian Harmonics

Our office hours are changing until we're allowed to resume normal operations and interactions with patients and clients. Until further notice, our hours will be: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

We're doing all we can to help our local community weather the current storm we're facing.
If you need an herbal consult, please contact us by leaving a message at 817-835-0885, or by email: info@mhaom.com  We will be happy to call you and do a consultation by phone, fill your herbal prescription and have them ready for you to pick up or we can ship them to you.
Thank you for your understanding.

D. Mark Tryling, LAc., D. AC, CH (NCCAOM)
Lic. AC00563 (TX Medical Board)
Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2044 Bedford Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021
817-835-0885
www.mhaom.com

Michelle Tryling, 500-RYT, Yoga Therapy; Integrated Positional Therapist
www.yoga-harmonics.com

If you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms listed contact your primary care doctor or your nearest ER.

Chinese Medicine: Can This Help Treat Mental And Emotional Health Issues?

My name is Mark Tryling. I am with Meridian Harmonics Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Bedford, Texas.

I provide traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture services to various age segments of population in our local area.

Personally, my focus is in the area of women’s health, fertility treatments, pain management and treating internal medical conditions using pharmacy grade Chinese herbal medicine to replace or supplement the traditional prescription medicines of my patients. So these are some of my conditions that I address and manage on a daily basis.

Chinese medicine is very useful as a tool and a medicine that can be helpful for a whole array of emotional issues ranging from depressions, anxieties to irritability and just even common menstrual-related or post-menstrual and post-menopausal related emotional issues.

In Chinese medicine we believe that emotions are very integrated into your physical body. It is actually a two-way street. Emotional imbalances can manifest physical problems, disorders and diseases and likewise, physical ailments can manifest emotional problems. It is all based on the concept that the energies that provide all the organs and tissues with health and nourishment become irregular in their movement, stagnant or deficient. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are designed to correct and harmonize these energetic imbalances allowing the body's emotional and physical levels to naturally balance themselves without the need for long-term use of prescription drugs that simply mask the symptoms.

So a lot of time when we look at and address emotional health issues we tend to also look at how our physical body plays a role in the emotional being.

So every time when we prescribe acupuncture treatment or prescribe some herbs for patients, we always look and examine that integration issue.

So we call this an integral medicine. We believe that the emotions are very much part of our physical body, so when we treat it we look at both sides of it.

So when we look at anxiety, for example, there are certain herbs that we would use. There are certain acupuncture techniques we would use.

Chinese medicine, being and integral medicine, encompasses a variety of techniques to re-establish health and wellness. In my practice I use a multifaceted approach for each patient in order to get the results we both want. The tools I use to help each patient are acupuncture, my Chinese herbal compounding pharmacy, Chinese dietary therapy, food energetics and a unique approach to exercise. In this way I tackle each patients health issues from various angles and perspectives to get them on the road to health and wellness and stay there. I love to work with patients who like having a partner in their long-term health care.


I also help guide my patients to look at how they can have a better lifestyle in dealing with anxiety. I give them tools, give them techniques, give them things that they can do at home, in their work, that can be helpful to really manage their nervousness and their anxiety.

For example depression, which can range from mild to moderate depression situations. Not every single depression situation needs medications. I have seen many of my patients respond very nicely to Chinese medicine without having to begin or continue prescription drug therapy.

So we are trying to teach a very important aspect of emotional health to our patients. We are trying to teach our patients to have a grasp, have a grip on what they can do to manage emotional issues especially relating to depressions, how they can work with their community, their support communities such as their spouse, such as their friends who can help them go through the depressions better.

So there are things that we do to help them, so that it's not just taking a medication or doing one technique to help them, but rather looking at all the ways that could help in their lifestyle to really help their condition.

About Mark Tryling:
Mark Tryling is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Texas by the Texas Medical Board and is a Diplomat of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology NCCAOM. He has been active in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) profession as well as professional organizations. He has studied and practiced a unique and powerful style of acupuncture known as Balance Method and is the only Balance Method preferred provider in North Texas. Mark Tryling is well known for his groundbreaking work in Chinese pulse diagnosis, called the Pulse Matrix, which he uses to diagnose and treat complex medical conditions. He teaches Balance Method and the Pulse Matrix to other acupuncturists. Mark Tryling is a member of the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, International Balance Method Practitioners.

Visit Mark Tryling at 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.