Here is a brief look at how Traditional Chinese Medicine can benefit moms and their children:
1. Fertility and Pregnancy-- TCM has gained significant recognition as of late for its ability to help couples conceive naturally or with IVF[1] and other medical assistance. Additionally, acupuncture can help assure a healthy pregnancy while reducing common discomforts like morning sickness and back pain. Prevention is always the best cure, so think about seeing an acupuncturist around the same time you start your pre-natal vitamins!
2. Delivery and Post-Partum-- There are several acupoints that are forbidden during pregnancy as they are known to induce labor. Others have been shown effective in turning a breech baby[2]. Acupuncture or pressure can also be very helpful in reducing pain during and after labor. Combined with moxibustion, herbs and other remedies, TCM is great at helping to restore health after delivery by helping to resolve many common complaints including excessive bleeding, pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, fatigue, depression and more.
3. Lactation and Healthy Mom- -For sufficient lactation, Mom must have sufficient Qi (energy) and Blood (and body fluids). Due to the significant loss of Qi and Blood during delivery and/or lack of adequate rest and recovery time afterwards, some mothers are struggling to produce enough milk. Acupuncture and herbs can help boost Qi and Blood to not only benefit milk production, but also improve mom’s overall health and vitality.
4. Healthy Baby-- For children we usually do not insert acupuncture needles, instead relying on acupressure (fingers not needles), Japanese style non-invasive acupuncture, as well as herbal and nutritional therapies. TCM can help with most common complaints including colic, cough, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and ear infections. For more serious cases involving seizures or developmental disabilities, acupuncture can stabilize and even greatly improve outcomes especially when treated in the early stages[3].
5. Epidemic Cold and Flu-- As soon as your child begins daycare or preschool (if not sooner) they and the whole family become exposed to and tend to catch just about everything. As Chapter 1 in most TCM medical texts is how to deal with the common cold and flu, we practitioners of Chinese medicine are quite good at this! Many acupuncturists can recommend simple home remedies and food therapies to help combat epidemic pathogens, but also come equipped with herbal formulas (some specially prepared for infants and children) as well as unique modalities like gua sha (lightly scraping the surface of the skin) and cupping (like suction cups) that are effective, painless, and have little to no negative side-effects.
6. Constitutional Balancing- - In TCM we seek to correct constitutional imbalances that can lead to a myriad of associated signs and symptoms. In the duality of all things that is commonly known as Yin-Yang theory so too are there two components of your constitution. 1, the External or structural framework responsible for securing the needs of 2, the Internal system of organs and physiological activities that sustains life. Acupuncturists are trained at identifying and helping correct a unique pattern of disharmony in each system, at the same time. Correcting these imbalances can prevent obstructions in the physical and energetic pathways that nourish and direct the body’s many systems giving us the best chance to live up to our full potential. There is the saying: The superior doctor treats the root and all the symptoms resolve themselves.
In TCM we believe that every individual and every illness is unique. To treat most effectively, we must take into consideration all aspects of the current disease manifestations as well as the constitutional make up of the individual at that time. While this seems like and often is a complex approach, it can be simplified down to basic Yin-Yang principles and classified into a known pattern of disharmony. This pattern is then corrected using time-tested techniques and mostly natural medicinals. It is the job of the patient to approach with an open-mind, be willing to modify your lifestyle, and give ample time to resolve your issues. How much time depends on many factors including severity and duration of illness, complicating or associated symptoms, and constitutional health of the patient. While nothing is set in stone, your provider should be able to give you an idea of what to expect along with a plan of treatment that you can both agree on.
____________________________________________
[1] Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, et al. British Medical Journal 2008; Feb 7
[2] Moxibustion for Correction of Breech Presentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial Francesco Cardini, MD; Huang Weixin, MD. JAMA. 1998;280:1580-1584.
[3] Traditional Chinese Medicine Helps Those With Developmental Disabilities. February 13, 2009. Healthy News Service. h ttp://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?id=10037
November 5, 2010
November 25, 2009
What’s with all this Qi anyways?
Qi or Universal Life Force as it is sometimes described is known as a Yang substance that warms, invigorates, moves and vitalizes all sentient beings. Yang substances are known to be intangible or immaterial versus their Yin counterparts. Blood, as we discussed last month, is a Yin substance as it has a material basis: ie. we can see and touch it. Qi is not. To date no one has been able to box Qi and sell it. And believe me, they would have if it were possible! In addition, the scientific world has been amiss over its inability to conjure up tests and hypothesis over Qi. Why? Simple, because it has no material basis for which to examine under a microscope.
Despite our apparent lack of proof that Qi exists, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been working with it for thousands of years. Qi is what flows through the meridians helping to warm the body, propel the fluids, and vitalize all the organs. To be specific we say that Qi drives the four primary movements that occur in the organs and meridians: upbearing, downbearing, outward, and inward. For those who study Tai Ji Chuan this may be an ‘Ah ha’ moment…
Now let’s talk about the five functions of Qi within the human body:
- Activation – Qi is a highly active substance as it is unconstrained by material limitations. We say that Qi is the driving force behind all physiological activities including growth, metabolism, elimination, respiration, circulation and the like.
- Warming – Qi keeps the body warm and provides the heat necessary for the myriad of functional activities of the body.
- Defense – Qi fills the body from the inside-out to provide a protective barrier at the skin & intestinal surfaces to prevent external pathogenic influences from entering and expelling them when they do make it past the first line of defense.
- Transformation – The conversion of food and drink into blood, body fluids, waste material, as well as transforming fluids into sweat or urine requires Qi.
- Containment – Qi also has the critical function of helping to contain the blood, fluids and organs in their rightful places. Extravasation of blood, abnormal sweat, excessive urination, and prolapsed organs are examples of Qi failing to contain.
And here are four critical pathologies of Qi:
- Qi Deficiency – Being the energetic force behind all the body’s functions, a deficiency of Qi will most notably result in low energy or fatigue. Weakness in the Spleen Qi equates to poor appetite and indigestion. Weakness in Lung Qi results in respiratory ailments like asthma, as well as easily catching colds as the Lung Qi rules the defensive Qi. Heart Qi deficiency results in poor circulation with cold extremities. Kidney Qi deficiency results in enuresis, seminal emissions, and overall lack of vitality as the Kidneys are the Minister of Health and Vitality.
- Qi Stagnation – Qi is supposed to coarse smoothly throughout the body. When obstructed due to a variety of disorders we say that the Qi is stagnate. Qi stagnation results in pain that is of varying intensity and unfixed location. Mental or emotional disturbances are also often a sign of Qi stagnation leaving the person feeling irritable, angry or depressed. A good example of this is PMS, where the Liver Qi is intentionally stagnating in order to pool the blood and allow for a full menstrual flow. Many women report increased irritability, headaches, breast tenderness (pathway of the Liver meridian) and cramping with menstruation. As Qi moves the blood, a stagnation of Qi will eventually lead to a stagnation of blood too.
- Qi Sinking – Severe or prolonged Qi deficiency can lead to a sinking of Qi that makes it difficult to uphold its containment requirements as noted above. Thus incontinence, loose stools, hemorrhaging, and prolapsed organs are examples of Qi sinking.
- Qi Counterflow / Rebelling – Here Qi is moving opposite the normal pathway due to several possible factors. For example, the Lung Qi should be downbearing so when it counterflows we have cough or asthma. Stomach Qi should also downbear to send food and drink into the intestines. When Stomach Qi rebels we have acid regurgitation, belching, nausea, and vomiting.
So how do I keep my Qi strong and flowing smoothly? The three most important things are: eating right, exercising regularly, and having a calm spirit. Of course these sound obvious and even simple, but you all know the truth. In today’s world it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep these three things in line. I can tell you that the better job you do in these areas, the less you’ll need external interventions to correct imbalances. Some of us however cannot or will not make necessary lifestyle changes to correct our own Qi. In these cases, seeking the care of a licensed acupuncturist or other alternative healthcare practitioner can restore and enhance your Qi. While no blood test, X-ray or MRI will reveal this change; you will no doubt be able to feel it for yourself.
The TCM Take on Blood
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we say that Blood is a Yin substance relative to Qi, which is Yang. Blood is cooling, moistening, and nourishing whereas Qi is warming, drying and energetic. Qi moves Blood and Blood is the mother of Qi. This article will discuss the 3 Key Internal Organs and 3 Key Disharmonies with regards to Blood in terms of TCM.
First a look at the three primary organs associated with Blood:
1. Spleen (Earth Element) – transformation and transportation of food and drink, controls the Blood, rules the Muscles, manifests on Lips and opens to the Mouth. The Spleen’s #1 job is to transform food and drink into pure Qi & Blood and transport it upwards to the Heart for circulating throughout the body. The Spleen is also primary in the control of blood, helping to keep it in the vessels. Easily bruising is a mild deficiency, whereas hemorrhaging is more serious failure to control the blood. Poor muscle tone and fatigue, along with pale or dry lips are signs of Spleen Blood disorders.
2. Liver (Wood Element) - stores the Blood, regulates flow of Qi, rules Tendons, manifests in the Nails, opens to the Eyes. Qi moves Blood, therefore the Liver pays an important role in normalizing the movement and volume of Blood. This is especially true for women in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive activities. Tightness in tendons, brittle nails, and eye weaknesses are all indicative of Liver Blood disorders.
3. Heart (Fire Element) - dominates the Blood and Vessels, houses the Mind, manifests on the Face, and opens to the Tongue. The Heart Qi is the motive force for blood circulation throughout its network of vessels that nourish (arteries) and remove toxins (veins) from all the organs and tissues of the body. Cold, weak or numbness especially of the hands and feet, along with a pale complexion and pale tongue are signs of Heart Blood related disorders as is insomnia, anxiety, poor memory and concentration.
Now let’s look at three specific ailments:
1. Blood Deficiency – ie. not enough blood. Often originating in the Spleen’s failure to produce enough Blood d/t constitutional weakness in the Spleen Qi and/or poor quality food and drink (amongst other issues), but can come from a loss of blood or external pathogenic influence as well. Patients often present with symptoms of pale face and lips, blurred vision or floaters, dizzy-lightheaded, insomnia, palpitations, poor memory and concentration, cold extremities and the pulse is thin and tongue pale.
2. Blood Stagnation – ie. blood not moving. Blood will stagnate due to an obstruction in the vessels, a deficiency failing to fill the vessels, and/or sticky blood. Blood stagnation is marked by pain that is sharp, stabbing, in a fixed location, and tends to be worse at night (when the Qi moves less). Often visible signs are present including bruising or laceration in the event of an external trauma and varicose or spider veins through the course of prolonged but mild stagnation of blood. Women may experience painful menstruation and clotting. Blood stagnation can also lead to more serious and deadly ailments like thrombosis, stroke and heart attack. The tongue may be purple and pulse choppy.
3. Blood Heat – ie. overheating. Too much heat in the blood can come from internal sources such as extreme emotions like anger as well as external pathogenic factors like rheumatic fever. Symptoms include mental restlessness or even mania, red-raised skin rashes, and bleeding disorders including epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, as well as profuse menstrual flow in women. The pulse is rapid and tongue red.
It is important to remember that our body is an inter-connected whole… imbalances in one area will affect others and may grow larger over time. Prolonged or severe Blood Deficiency is likely to result in Blood Stagnation as the weaker the flow of blood, the more likely it is to stagnate. Blood Stagnation tends to engender Blood Heat as the pressure and friction of accumulated blood leads to heat. In addition, prolonged Blood Deficiency leads to overheating as the cooling and nutritive effects of Blood (Yin) fail to balance the warming and moving effects of Qi (Yang). Prolonged Blood Heat leads to Stagnation and Deficiency as the body fluids are burned-off due to the excess heat and blood becomes sticky.
So what can you do to take better care of your blood? In addition to following simple dietary and lifestyle guidelines, a Licensed Acupuncturist (who is also trained in Chinese Herbs) can help to diagnose and treat blood related disorders with acupuncture, herbs or a combination of the two.
First a look at the three primary organs associated with Blood:
1. Spleen (Earth Element) – transformation and transportation of food and drink, controls the Blood, rules the Muscles, manifests on Lips and opens to the Mouth. The Spleen’s #1 job is to transform food and drink into pure Qi & Blood and transport it upwards to the Heart for circulating throughout the body. The Spleen is also primary in the control of blood, helping to keep it in the vessels. Easily bruising is a mild deficiency, whereas hemorrhaging is more serious failure to control the blood. Poor muscle tone and fatigue, along with pale or dry lips are signs of Spleen Blood disorders.
2. Liver (Wood Element) - stores the Blood, regulates flow of Qi, rules Tendons, manifests in the Nails, opens to the Eyes. Qi moves Blood, therefore the Liver pays an important role in normalizing the movement and volume of Blood. This is especially true for women in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive activities. Tightness in tendons, brittle nails, and eye weaknesses are all indicative of Liver Blood disorders.
3. Heart (Fire Element) - dominates the Blood and Vessels, houses the Mind, manifests on the Face, and opens to the Tongue. The Heart Qi is the motive force for blood circulation throughout its network of vessels that nourish (arteries) and remove toxins (veins) from all the organs and tissues of the body. Cold, weak or numbness especially of the hands and feet, along with a pale complexion and pale tongue are signs of Heart Blood related disorders as is insomnia, anxiety, poor memory and concentration.
Now let’s look at three specific ailments:
1. Blood Deficiency – ie. not enough blood. Often originating in the Spleen’s failure to produce enough Blood d/t constitutional weakness in the Spleen Qi and/or poor quality food and drink (amongst other issues), but can come from a loss of blood or external pathogenic influence as well. Patients often present with symptoms of pale face and lips, blurred vision or floaters, dizzy-lightheaded, insomnia, palpitations, poor memory and concentration, cold extremities and the pulse is thin and tongue pale.
2. Blood Stagnation – ie. blood not moving. Blood will stagnate due to an obstruction in the vessels, a deficiency failing to fill the vessels, and/or sticky blood. Blood stagnation is marked by pain that is sharp, stabbing, in a fixed location, and tends to be worse at night (when the Qi moves less). Often visible signs are present including bruising or laceration in the event of an external trauma and varicose or spider veins through the course of prolonged but mild stagnation of blood. Women may experience painful menstruation and clotting. Blood stagnation can also lead to more serious and deadly ailments like thrombosis, stroke and heart attack. The tongue may be purple and pulse choppy.
3. Blood Heat – ie. overheating. Too much heat in the blood can come from internal sources such as extreme emotions like anger as well as external pathogenic factors like rheumatic fever. Symptoms include mental restlessness or even mania, red-raised skin rashes, and bleeding disorders including epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, as well as profuse menstrual flow in women. The pulse is rapid and tongue red.
It is important to remember that our body is an inter-connected whole… imbalances in one area will affect others and may grow larger over time. Prolonged or severe Blood Deficiency is likely to result in Blood Stagnation as the weaker the flow of blood, the more likely it is to stagnate. Blood Stagnation tends to engender Blood Heat as the pressure and friction of accumulated blood leads to heat. In addition, prolonged Blood Deficiency leads to overheating as the cooling and nutritive effects of Blood (Yin) fail to balance the warming and moving effects of Qi (Yang). Prolonged Blood Heat leads to Stagnation and Deficiency as the body fluids are burned-off due to the excess heat and blood becomes sticky.
So what can you do to take better care of your blood? In addition to following simple dietary and lifestyle guidelines, a Licensed Acupuncturist (who is also trained in Chinese Herbs) can help to diagnose and treat blood related disorders with acupuncture, herbs or a combination of the two.
November 24, 2008
What are you thankful for?
As the holidays are upon us and New Year’s resolutions soon to come, I’d like to propose that your health should be top priority. After all, what is the first thing that comes to mind that you are grateful for and would like to emphasize in your resolutions? Health of course!
In the practice of Qi Gong, an ancient method of health cultivation from China, you will often hear something similar to the following statement:
The body is like a vase that holds water to nourish the flower. If the vase is tipped over or broken, water will leak and the flower will wither. Here, water represents the internal organs and physiology, while the flower symbolizes the Spirit.
Following are 4 postural must-dos adapted from the practice of Qi Gong that will enable you to move with more power and grace while improving the functioning of the organ systems and thus helping to nourish your spirit.
1. Soften the Knees – The knees are like shock absorbers that help reduce impact upward into the hip and spine, as well as downward to the ankle and foot. Never lock your knees! However, there is no need to over-bend them either. Think about softening at the knees. Aim to keep them centered over the ankles. Reason is that the knees are not weight-bearing joints and if they are not directly over the ankles they become susceptible to injury.
2. Center the Hips – Many of us are stuck in a sway-back posture due to improper sitting and standing. Sway-back is when the hips are pushed forward with the perineum (halfway between the anus and genitalia) aligning over the toes rather than ankles. This puts undue strain on the lower back and throws off the alignment of the spine and head. It is of critical importance to draw the hips back in (toward the rear) to protect the lower lumbar vertebrae and allow for proper body mechanics.
3. Sink the Sacrum – The sacrum is the heart-shaped bone at the base of the spine connecting the back to the hips. Try placing your hands over the small of your back and see if you can tilt your pelvis forward and back without collapsing the upper body. Notice how the posterior tilt of the pelvis (ie. flattening the back) activates the quadriceps (front of the thighs) while taking tension out of the lower back, buttocks and hamstrings. For many of us, this is a difficult task as we have habituated and physically locked in place the lumbar-sacral joint. Don’t go too far with the posterior tilt, just drop or sink the sacrum and tailbone downward rooting us in Earth’s stabilizing and nourishing energy.
4. Raise the Crown – Now extend upward in a Heavenly direction by uplifting your midriff (between hips and ribs), opening your Chest/Heart (towards the front), and raising your Crown (located at the top of the head between the ears). Be sure to keep your chin lightly tucked (towards the back) and your gaze on the horizon. Notice how your shoulders roll back into their socket without having to pull them back, while the muscles of the neck are relieved of supporting the head on their own. Here we are resting on our skeletal system and there is no need for muscular tension to hold us up!
Quotation worth sharing –
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.” – George Bernard Shaw
Links worth sharing –
Something to remember in these hard times
– by Mitch Album, The Detroit Free Press
Farmer in Chief: An Open Letter to the President Elect
– by Michael Pollen, NY Times, Oct. 9, 2008
In the practice of Qi Gong, an ancient method of health cultivation from China, you will often hear something similar to the following statement:
The body is like a vase that holds water to nourish the flower. If the vase is tipped over or broken, water will leak and the flower will wither. Here, water represents the internal organs and physiology, while the flower symbolizes the Spirit.
Following are 4 postural must-dos adapted from the practice of Qi Gong that will enable you to move with more power and grace while improving the functioning of the organ systems and thus helping to nourish your spirit.
1. Soften the Knees – The knees are like shock absorbers that help reduce impact upward into the hip and spine, as well as downward to the ankle and foot. Never lock your knees! However, there is no need to over-bend them either. Think about softening at the knees. Aim to keep them centered over the ankles. Reason is that the knees are not weight-bearing joints and if they are not directly over the ankles they become susceptible to injury.
2. Center the Hips – Many of us are stuck in a sway-back posture due to improper sitting and standing. Sway-back is when the hips are pushed forward with the perineum (halfway between the anus and genitalia) aligning over the toes rather than ankles. This puts undue strain on the lower back and throws off the alignment of the spine and head. It is of critical importance to draw the hips back in (toward the rear) to protect the lower lumbar vertebrae and allow for proper body mechanics.
3. Sink the Sacrum – The sacrum is the heart-shaped bone at the base of the spine connecting the back to the hips. Try placing your hands over the small of your back and see if you can tilt your pelvis forward and back without collapsing the upper body. Notice how the posterior tilt of the pelvis (ie. flattening the back) activates the quadriceps (front of the thighs) while taking tension out of the lower back, buttocks and hamstrings. For many of us, this is a difficult task as we have habituated and physically locked in place the lumbar-sacral joint. Don’t go too far with the posterior tilt, just drop or sink the sacrum and tailbone downward rooting us in Earth’s stabilizing and nourishing energy.
4. Raise the Crown – Now extend upward in a Heavenly direction by uplifting your midriff (between hips and ribs), opening your Chest/Heart (towards the front), and raising your Crown (located at the top of the head between the ears). Be sure to keep your chin lightly tucked (towards the back) and your gaze on the horizon. Notice how your shoulders roll back into their socket without having to pull them back, while the muscles of the neck are relieved of supporting the head on their own. Here we are resting on our skeletal system and there is no need for muscular tension to hold us up!
Quotation worth sharing –
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.” – George Bernard Shaw
Links worth sharing –
Something to remember in these hard times
– by Mitch Album, The Detroit Free Press
Farmer in Chief: An Open Letter to the President Elect
– by Michael Pollen, NY Times, Oct. 9, 2008
November 12, 2008
The Common Cold & Flu
Now that the election is over and the constant banter about what each candidate will or will not do for or against us has quieted, we can get back to focusing on what we can do for ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation, and our world. It is important to remember that no government can provide for us as well as we can provide for ourselves!
Did you know? –
The Common Cold & Flu is Chapter 1 in most Chinese Medical texts. In traditional China, it was the most common ailment and if not treated properly could easily become a serious problem. In Chinese Medicine we speak of two distinct types known as Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Wind is what carries the external pathogen into the body via the nose and mouth or our pores when open. Wind-Cold most often leads to sinus congestion, headache, upper back/neck stiffness, aversion to cold and low energy -- typical symptoms of a catch-cold. Wind-Heat often presents with a pronounced sore throat, fever, sweating, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea -- typical symptoms of the flu.
Each requires its own unique treatment to be effective and the sooner the better to prevent pathogenic factors from going deeper. In both cases the aim is to expel the pathogen and restore Righteous Qi throughout the body. Additionally, heat may need to be cleared and fluids restored in Wind-Heat, while in Wind-Cold we often work to resolve damp-phlegm that accumulates in the sinus cavities and lungs.
Acupuncture is great for activating the Lung and Wei (Defensive) Qi of the body to help expel the pathogen while clearing heat or warming the cold to restore health quickly and without side-effects. Herbal medicines work in similar ways, but can also kill the pathogen and more effectively resolve mucous. Together acupuncture and herbs are a powerful combination that have worked wonders for millions of people over thousands of years.
Please don't hesitate to call if you're getting sick or are already sick. And if you're well, here's how to minimize your risk of getting sick at all!
1. Reduce stress – Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system which is primarily about 'fight or flight' drawing nutrition out of the organs and into the limbs to either stand up and fight or make a break for it. Without adequate resources the immune system is weak and body vulnerable to attack. Non-competitive exercise, being outdoors, meditation, and adequate sleep are just a few ways to reduce your stress.
2. Eat right – Once again this is about providing the necessary resources for your immune system while avoiding foods and drinks that feed the bad guys. Eating right means whole foods and all natural ingredients, not prepared foods and artificial ingredients.
3. Supplements and/or Herbs – When you can't or won't get proper nourishment from your food, supplementation can be the key. Also herbal formulas offer customized solutions for your unique chemistry and can be modified to add a little extra immune boosting, pathogen fighting power.
4. Cover yourself – Wind carries external pathogens from one person to the next and we are more susceptible in colder weather. Be sure to keep yourself covered up especially around the upper back and neck.
5. Watch yourself – Wash your hands frequently and keep them (and those of your children) out of your mouth and nose! Also watch that your food and drink is not contaminated before making it to your mouth.
Prevention is always the best cure, but it's a good idea to be prepared to fight off a bug and avoid the late-night trip to the drug store for fever and cough medicines that work poorly and can be dangerous or to the doctor for antibiotics that are often unnecessary and come with many potential side-effects. Four key herbal medicines that I stock at home are as follows:
Yin Qiao San – for early stage catch cold with sore throat (Wind-Heat).
Jing Fang Bai Du Wan – for early-mid stage catch cold with sinus congestion, headache, cough (Wind-Cold). *May replace with Ren Shen Bai Du Wan for children, elderly or otherwise depleted individuals.
Bi Yan Pian – for mid-late stage sinus congestion with yellow-green mucous... also good for preventing and treating ear infections.
Bai Hu Tang - for severe Wind-Heat with high fever, sweating and thirst.
Please let me know if you are interested in having these time-tested formulas at the ready in your medicine cabinet.
Quotation worth sharing –
"The accomplished ones of ancient times advised people to guard themselves against disease-causing factors. On the mental level, one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies, recognizing and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind. When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely, and the energy of the mind is not scattered, illness and disease can be avoided."
-- The Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic)
Ted.com presents Dr. Dean Ornish on achieving health and happiness, naturally!
- Dr. Ornish is a clinical professor at UCSF and founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute. In this 15-minute presentation, Dr. Ornish speaks about achieving health and finding happiness via simple lifestyle modifications.
Did you know? –
The Common Cold & Flu is Chapter 1 in most Chinese Medical texts. In traditional China, it was the most common ailment and if not treated properly could easily become a serious problem. In Chinese Medicine we speak of two distinct types known as Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Wind is what carries the external pathogen into the body via the nose and mouth or our pores when open. Wind-Cold most often leads to sinus congestion, headache, upper back/neck stiffness, aversion to cold and low energy -- typical symptoms of a catch-cold. Wind-Heat often presents with a pronounced sore throat, fever, sweating, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea -- typical symptoms of the flu.
Each requires its own unique treatment to be effective and the sooner the better to prevent pathogenic factors from going deeper. In both cases the aim is to expel the pathogen and restore Righteous Qi throughout the body. Additionally, heat may need to be cleared and fluids restored in Wind-Heat, while in Wind-Cold we often work to resolve damp-phlegm that accumulates in the sinus cavities and lungs.
Acupuncture is great for activating the Lung and Wei (Defensive) Qi of the body to help expel the pathogen while clearing heat or warming the cold to restore health quickly and without side-effects. Herbal medicines work in similar ways, but can also kill the pathogen and more effectively resolve mucous. Together acupuncture and herbs are a powerful combination that have worked wonders for millions of people over thousands of years.
Please don't hesitate to call if you're getting sick or are already sick. And if you're well, here's how to minimize your risk of getting sick at all!
1. Reduce stress – Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system which is primarily about 'fight or flight' drawing nutrition out of the organs and into the limbs to either stand up and fight or make a break for it. Without adequate resources the immune system is weak and body vulnerable to attack. Non-competitive exercise, being outdoors, meditation, and adequate sleep are just a few ways to reduce your stress.
2. Eat right – Once again this is about providing the necessary resources for your immune system while avoiding foods and drinks that feed the bad guys. Eating right means whole foods and all natural ingredients, not prepared foods and artificial ingredients.
3. Supplements and/or Herbs – When you can't or won't get proper nourishment from your food, supplementation can be the key. Also herbal formulas offer customized solutions for your unique chemistry and can be modified to add a little extra immune boosting, pathogen fighting power.
4. Cover yourself – Wind carries external pathogens from one person to the next and we are more susceptible in colder weather. Be sure to keep yourself covered up especially around the upper back and neck.
5. Watch yourself – Wash your hands frequently and keep them (and those of your children) out of your mouth and nose! Also watch that your food and drink is not contaminated before making it to your mouth.
Prevention is always the best cure, but it's a good idea to be prepared to fight off a bug and avoid the late-night trip to the drug store for fever and cough medicines that work poorly and can be dangerous or to the doctor for antibiotics that are often unnecessary and come with many potential side-effects. Four key herbal medicines that I stock at home are as follows:
Yin Qiao San – for early stage catch cold with sore throat (Wind-Heat).
Jing Fang Bai Du Wan – for early-mid stage catch cold with sinus congestion, headache, cough (Wind-Cold). *May replace with Ren Shen Bai Du Wan for children, elderly or otherwise depleted individuals.
Bi Yan Pian – for mid-late stage sinus congestion with yellow-green mucous... also good for preventing and treating ear infections.
Bai Hu Tang - for severe Wind-Heat with high fever, sweating and thirst.
Please let me know if you are interested in having these time-tested formulas at the ready in your medicine cabinet.
Quotation worth sharing –
"The accomplished ones of ancient times advised people to guard themselves against disease-causing factors. On the mental level, one should remain calm and avoid excessive desires and fantasies, recognizing and maintaining the natural purity and clarity of the mind. When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely, and the energy of the mind is not scattered, illness and disease can be avoided."
-- The Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic)
Ted.com presents Dr. Dean Ornish on achieving health and happiness, naturally!
- Dr. Ornish is a clinical professor at UCSF and founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute. In this 15-minute presentation, Dr. Ornish speaks about achieving health and finding happiness via simple lifestyle modifications.
October 18, 2008
The Yin and Yang of Politics
The Yin and Yang of Politics
Oct. 18th, 2008
Striving to be inspiring - and timely – I’d like to present The Yin and Yang of Politics! Most of us have a general concept of Yin and Yang, but if you’d like more please click here.
In Chinese medicine, health is found by balancing and correcting any disharmony between Yin and Yang. Yin-Yang theory is universal, not limited to medical applications, and politics are no exception. The fact that there are 2 major parties with such opposing views fits right into Yin and Yang. Republican vs. Democrat; Conservative vs. Liberal; Trickle-down vs. Bottom-up; Corporations vs. Labor; Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life; Militarism vs. Pacifism; Spend and Borrow vs. Tax and Spend.
We the people have become polarized and strongly believe that we are right and they are wrong. This is not good for anybody. We are not right and they are not wrong. We must learn to see and hear both sides of the issue before we make a decision that may or may not turn out to be right or wrong.
In Yin-Yang theory, we know that no issue is as simple as black or white; they are shades of gray that mix and blend into each other with great complexity and variability. We the people need to listen and try to understand each other. We will find that we want the same things, but have opposing views on how to best accomplish it. Where there are disagreements, there are compromises. We can all do a better job compromising for the better of humanity versus any one human. Yet, we do not want to compromise our core values. There is a balance that brings harmony rather than conflict.
Yeah, yeah, that’s all fine and good, but do we the people actually have any say in our government? This question concerns me very much. These are elected officials, people not machine, that have been offered a great power over their constituents. As Uncle Ben told Peter Parker (aka Spiderman), “with great power comes great responsibility”. It is the responsibility of the elected officials to vote and act in accordance with the people they represent. This is where the trouble lies… there is a preceding factor to most, if not all, the votes that are cast for any elected official. Yes you guessed it, money. It is not likely that anyone seeking office can do so without adequate financial resources. The bigger the office, the more substantial the financial requirement.
So is it ‘the people’ they represent or is it ‘the source’ of the money that attracted the people whom they represent? This presents a severe obstruction to the smooth flow of people, resources, ideas, and actions through our government. We have a saying in Chinese medicine that goes like this, “where there is obstruction, there is pain; remove the obstruction, remove the pain.” Money is obstructing the Yin (resources and people) and Yang (ideas and actions) of government and we are in pain.
Republicans are Red, Democrats Blue, and Money is Green. Politics in America has lost its balance in duality and opposition… both sides are seeing Green. Green is good in a free-market with equal opportunity for all. While equal opportunity is the domain of the government, free-markets are not. Now one party, the ‘Green’ party is dominant. Balance has been lost. Washington looks more like Wall Street. Elections are like Quarterly Earnings; Foreign Policy like some Sketchy Accounting; and our rising Deficit like our sinking Stock Market.
In Chinese medical terms, money is the external pathogenic factor that has caused disease within the organism. It needs to be expelled and our ‘Righteous Qi’ restored. Health of any system in the universe means balance, aiming for the middle, and long-term moderation with the occasional short-term burst. Once found it is not static or fixed in time and space. To maintain a state of health requires constant observation and correction. Money in government has gone too long without proper observation and correction.
Every illness has both an external pathogenic factor and internal weakness that makes one susceptible. We have been lazy voters and poor participants in our government. It is easy to get lazy when we have it so good. Whether a teacher, lawyer, CEO, lobbyist or politician, it is we the people that make the decisions. It is up to each and every one of us to act morally and ethically with humanity’s long-term survival and prosperity in mind. Moral behavior and good deeds are contagious. Whether you believe in trickle-down or bottom-up, do good for yourself by doing good for others. We are all connected. All of humanity. All living things. It is only good for us if it is also good for others and the Earth. What is good for others and the Earth is also good for us.
Yin-Yang theory states that Yin and Yang are infinitely divisible and at the root of one lies the other. They are mutually dependent opposites that dwell in relativity not absolutes. Simply said, you cannot have good without bad; sweet without sour; or the Left without the Right. Those on the other side of the aisle help balance you. The more that you take a side and define your position, the further your opponents seem. You see yourself as ‘good’ and them as ‘bad’. They see the opposite. This is a separation of Yin and Yang and a sign of ill health. The voting citizens of America are all in this together as there is very likely a third party in the political process that does not have our best interests in mind. Only by working together can we rid our government of this pernicious influence and restore balance to our great country’s leadership.
Thanks for listening. Now get out and vote!
Adam
Oct. 18th, 2008
Striving to be inspiring - and timely – I’d like to present The Yin and Yang of Politics! Most of us have a general concept of Yin and Yang, but if you’d like more please click here.
In Chinese medicine, health is found by balancing and correcting any disharmony between Yin and Yang. Yin-Yang theory is universal, not limited to medical applications, and politics are no exception. The fact that there are 2 major parties with such opposing views fits right into Yin and Yang. Republican vs. Democrat; Conservative vs. Liberal; Trickle-down vs. Bottom-up; Corporations vs. Labor; Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life; Militarism vs. Pacifism; Spend and Borrow vs. Tax and Spend.
We the people have become polarized and strongly believe that we are right and they are wrong. This is not good for anybody. We are not right and they are not wrong. We must learn to see and hear both sides of the issue before we make a decision that may or may not turn out to be right or wrong.
In Yin-Yang theory, we know that no issue is as simple as black or white; they are shades of gray that mix and blend into each other with great complexity and variability. We the people need to listen and try to understand each other. We will find that we want the same things, but have opposing views on how to best accomplish it. Where there are disagreements, there are compromises. We can all do a better job compromising for the better of humanity versus any one human. Yet, we do not want to compromise our core values. There is a balance that brings harmony rather than conflict.
Yeah, yeah, that’s all fine and good, but do we the people actually have any say in our government? This question concerns me very much. These are elected officials, people not machine, that have been offered a great power over their constituents. As Uncle Ben told Peter Parker (aka Spiderman), “with great power comes great responsibility”. It is the responsibility of the elected officials to vote and act in accordance with the people they represent. This is where the trouble lies… there is a preceding factor to most, if not all, the votes that are cast for any elected official. Yes you guessed it, money. It is not likely that anyone seeking office can do so without adequate financial resources. The bigger the office, the more substantial the financial requirement.
So is it ‘the people’ they represent or is it ‘the source’ of the money that attracted the people whom they represent? This presents a severe obstruction to the smooth flow of people, resources, ideas, and actions through our government. We have a saying in Chinese medicine that goes like this, “where there is obstruction, there is pain; remove the obstruction, remove the pain.” Money is obstructing the Yin (resources and people) and Yang (ideas and actions) of government and we are in pain.
Republicans are Red, Democrats Blue, and Money is Green. Politics in America has lost its balance in duality and opposition… both sides are seeing Green. Green is good in a free-market with equal opportunity for all. While equal opportunity is the domain of the government, free-markets are not. Now one party, the ‘Green’ party is dominant. Balance has been lost. Washington looks more like Wall Street. Elections are like Quarterly Earnings; Foreign Policy like some Sketchy Accounting; and our rising Deficit like our sinking Stock Market.
In Chinese medical terms, money is the external pathogenic factor that has caused disease within the organism. It needs to be expelled and our ‘Righteous Qi’ restored. Health of any system in the universe means balance, aiming for the middle, and long-term moderation with the occasional short-term burst. Once found it is not static or fixed in time and space. To maintain a state of health requires constant observation and correction. Money in government has gone too long without proper observation and correction.
Every illness has both an external pathogenic factor and internal weakness that makes one susceptible. We have been lazy voters and poor participants in our government. It is easy to get lazy when we have it so good. Whether a teacher, lawyer, CEO, lobbyist or politician, it is we the people that make the decisions. It is up to each and every one of us to act morally and ethically with humanity’s long-term survival and prosperity in mind. Moral behavior and good deeds are contagious. Whether you believe in trickle-down or bottom-up, do good for yourself by doing good for others. We are all connected. All of humanity. All living things. It is only good for us if it is also good for others and the Earth. What is good for others and the Earth is also good for us.
Yin-Yang theory states that Yin and Yang are infinitely divisible and at the root of one lies the other. They are mutually dependent opposites that dwell in relativity not absolutes. Simply said, you cannot have good without bad; sweet without sour; or the Left without the Right. Those on the other side of the aisle help balance you. The more that you take a side and define your position, the further your opponents seem. You see yourself as ‘good’ and them as ‘bad’. They see the opposite. This is a separation of Yin and Yang and a sign of ill health. The voting citizens of America are all in this together as there is very likely a third party in the political process that does not have our best interests in mind. Only by working together can we rid our government of this pernicious influence and restore balance to our great country’s leadership.
Thanks for listening. Now get out and vote!
Adam
August 21, 2008
At the root of all disease is the emotions...
Dear Friends,
I hope you are all enjoying the summer! As summer relates to the Fire element, it usually results in a lot of activity and adventure -- silly me, I was looking forward to relaxing...
As many of us get ready for the school year, it is important to recharge our immune systems and refocus our attention. Of course the best ways to accomplish this are through healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction. I pray that you all have taken advantage of all the fresh, local and organic produce, as well as the abundant outdoor activities that we have here in the Bay Area!
Healthy Tips -
One of the oldest surviving Chinese medical texts called the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) clearly states, "at the root of all disease is the emotions". It is not that emotions are inherently bad, in fact they serve many valuable purposes and I often say that it is better to feel than not to feel. That said, negative emotions left unchecked will result in negative physical manifestations over time. Good news is that the opposite is also true.
How do we cultivate positive emotions and not dwell in the negative allowing it to take root in the body? The process is two-fold: 1. awaken to the negative emotion and 2. replace it with a positive one. In our busy world often focused on wealth over health this can be a difficult task. And while this is a life-long struggle, I found the answer in Qi Gong practice. What? How? Qi Gong is integrated exercise and meditation with the purpose of heightening your awareness and focusing your intent to accomplish your dreams. Qi is the life-force energy permeating the universe and Gong is the cultivation of that life-force. Sound cool? I'd love to share it with you. Please call or email to inquire further and to set-up private or group instruction.
Quotation worth sharing -
"Whether you believe you can do a thing
or believe you can't, you are right"
Henry Ford (1863-1947)
Information worth sharing -
Free Wellness Class with Rubbo Art of Energy
Join us and learn techniques to cultivate the energies of earth, environment and heaven, and fortify internal strength, healing and joy. Led by world-renowned Rubbo Art of Energy founder Donald Rubbo and top instructor Elizabeth Meloney.
When: Fridays starting September 5, 2008
Time: 12:30 to 1:30pm
Place: Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross, CA.
Free, donations accepted.
Link worth sharing -
From the Ted.com world conference, here's one of my favorite presentations from Mark Bittman about what we should be eating...
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/263
Spread the Health -
We've all heard the saying, "spread the wealth". Well all of us in the natural healing world need your support in spreading the health! Please let your family, friends and colleagues know about the potential benefits and help them to find high quality service. My focus is on helping you to better care for yourself and your loved ones. In doing so, you may not need my services for long! This is why I depend on you to share your experiences and together we can improve the health and happiness of our entire community. Thank you in advance for all your support.
To your health! Adam
I hope you are all enjoying the summer! As summer relates to the Fire element, it usually results in a lot of activity and adventure -- silly me, I was looking forward to relaxing...
As many of us get ready for the school year, it is important to recharge our immune systems and refocus our attention. Of course the best ways to accomplish this are through healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction. I pray that you all have taken advantage of all the fresh, local and organic produce, as well as the abundant outdoor activities that we have here in the Bay Area!
Healthy Tips -
One of the oldest surviving Chinese medical texts called the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic) clearly states, "at the root of all disease is the emotions". It is not that emotions are inherently bad, in fact they serve many valuable purposes and I often say that it is better to feel than not to feel. That said, negative emotions left unchecked will result in negative physical manifestations over time. Good news is that the opposite is also true.
How do we cultivate positive emotions and not dwell in the negative allowing it to take root in the body? The process is two-fold: 1. awaken to the negative emotion and 2. replace it with a positive one. In our busy world often focused on wealth over health this can be a difficult task. And while this is a life-long struggle, I found the answer in Qi Gong practice. What? How? Qi Gong is integrated exercise and meditation with the purpose of heightening your awareness and focusing your intent to accomplish your dreams. Qi is the life-force energy permeating the universe and Gong is the cultivation of that life-force. Sound cool? I'd love to share it with you. Please call or email to inquire further and to set-up private or group instruction.
Quotation worth sharing -
"Whether you believe you can do a thing
or believe you can't, you are right"
Henry Ford (1863-1947)
Information worth sharing -
Free Wellness Class with Rubbo Art of Energy
Join us and learn techniques to cultivate the energies of earth, environment and heaven, and fortify internal strength, healing and joy. Led by world-renowned Rubbo Art of Energy founder Donald Rubbo and top instructor Elizabeth Meloney.
When: Fridays starting September 5, 2008
Time: 12:30 to 1:30pm
Place: Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross, CA.
Free, donations accepted.
Link worth sharing -
From the Ted.com world conference, here's one of my favorite presentations from Mark Bittman about what we should be eating...
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/263
Spread the Health -
We've all heard the saying, "spread the wealth". Well all of us in the natural healing world need your support in spreading the health! Please let your family, friends and colleagues know about the potential benefits and help them to find high quality service. My focus is on helping you to better care for yourself and your loved ones. In doing so, you may not need my services for long! This is why I depend on you to share your experiences and together we can improve the health and happiness of our entire community. Thank you in advance for all your support.
To your health! Adam
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