Spring Doesn't Have To Mean Allergy Season

Spring is in full swing. The flowers are blooming, creating carpets of bright colors and releasing their wonderful scents.

Spring flowers also release a lot of pollen.

For those of us who are sensitive to pollen because of seasonal allergies, I have some Chinese herbal formulas that are good to use as substitutes for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Traditional Bi Yan Pian treats acute symptoms of nasal disorders (runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes/ears/throat) WITHOUT the undesirable side effects common to OTC drugs. Bi Yan Pian reduces inflammation of the mucus membrane to treat (and prevent further outbreaks of) sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever, allergies and sinus infections without causing drowsiness, dry nose, or dry mouth.

Head Clear is a combination of 6 traditional formulas that treats lingering symptoms of skin rashes, inflammation of the glands/eyes/throat, and muscle soreness. It also alleviates headaches, neck soreness and joint soreness caused by allergies.

EnviroShield is a combination formula that supplements Qi and Blood. It is a good formula for patients with year-round allergy symptoms. It treats cold-allergy syndrome (chronic or recurring rhinitis, sinusitis, coughs, wheezing) caused by viral infections, allergies, environmental sensitivities or all three, simultaneously and in alternation. EnviroShield also treats IBS-food allergy/sensitivity syndrome (indigestion, reflux, bloating, and diarrhea).

These formulas can be taken together or separately and can provide fast relief if taken at the onset of symptoms. If you would like to know if any of these formulas are right for you, please call for a consultation.

Case Study - High Risk Pregnancy

OBSERVATIONS

A 37 years old 20 weeks pregnant women walked into my office with the main problem of severe pain in the low abdomen which increase at night. The combination of the pain and the baby’s rapid movement at night time caused anxiety attacks for her. These anxiety attacks were characterized by a fast heart beat and chest pain. She also experience throbbing headaches. Her other concern is her daily nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea that didn’t stopped since the beginning of the pregnancy. She is now eating only white rice and chicken.

DIAGNOSIS: Kidney Yang Deficiency and Qi and Blood Deficiency
(Restless Fetus or Threatened Miscarriage)

“Threatened Miscarriage” is the western medical term for my patient’s condition. In Chinese Medicine, it has three corresponding conditions, Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy (Tai Lou), Restless Fetus (Tai Dong Bu An), and Miscarriage (Duo Tai, Xiao Chan/Ban Chan, or Hua Tai). These reflect different stages of the same process.

The Chinese term Restless Fetus literally means the fetus is not at peace because it doesn’t get the nourishment it needs to grow properly and miscarriage can result. Some movement of the baby is normal but excessive movement or a change from quiet baby to rapid movement is pathology. 

The blood vessels that supply the uterus fall under the Directing (Ren Mai) and Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) and a weakness there is associated with a deficiency of the Kidneys.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs. 

Acupuncture was prescribed twice a week to tonify the Kidneys, strengthen the Governing (Du Mai), Directing and Penetrating Vessels and calm the fetus. The points that were used:

• Du 20 to raise Qi to counteract the downward movement of the fetus.
• UB20 and St36 to tonify the Spleen and raise Qi.
• UB23 and KI3 to tonify the Kidneys.
• Qimen with Moxa to strengthen the uterus and prevent miscarriage.
• UB17 with Moxa to tonify Blood.
• LIV8 to nourish liver blood.
• PC6 to relieve nausea and anxiety.

Moxa was used in combination with other points as well.

The patient was instructed to breathe into her low abdomen allowing the pain and contraction to ease and to reduce her anxiety. Chinese herbal supplements were prescribed.

OUTCOME

The patient was under my care for the rest of her pregnancy. With treatment, she could get through the night’s contractions with more ease. The intensity reduced and her headache and diarrhea were alleviated. She was able to introduce different food into her diet, which helped nourish her and the baby. The baby’s rapid moments also reduced.

At 41 weeks, she gave birth to a healthy boy.

GOING FORWARD

I recommended continued care while nursing because her kidneys still need the support. Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency is a chronic condition characterized by diarrhea and a weak digestive system and can worsen during pregnancy (as seen with this patient). While nursing, she is still trying to produce enough nourishment for herself and the baby which further weakens the mother. 

It is highly recommended that she continue regular acupuncture treatments and take Chinese herbs. There are Chinese Herbal formulas that help with normalization of the uterus. Safe to take while nursing, they are given for four to six weeks following childbirth or even twelve weeks in cases of hard or prolonged labor. These formulas treat combinations of Qi/Blood Deficiency and Blood Stasis. This patient needs a postpartum formula combined with a Kidney Tonic to replenish Jing lost during labor.

“Postpartum fatigue is a common presentation after childbirth. For many women, it may be the underlying cause of Qi and Blood Deficiency that lasts throughout the rest of their life.”

Pregnancy creates powerful changes in the body. How you balance and support your body during the pregnancy and afterward can lay the foundation for your baby’s and your health going forward.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could alleviate my patient’s anxiety and pain so she could deliver a full-term, healthy baby.

New Year's Resolve Fading? Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 3 of 5)

My previous posts in this series have discussed how acupuncture can help you lose weight and improve your memory. This week, I will explain why acupuncture can help with another strategy to improve your health:

Resolution 3: Relieve Pain Naturally

If pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, acupuncture can help. Pain is a symptom. It is our body’s way of “getting our attention” so we can take corrective action. This is true of emotional and physical pain, whether chronic or acute.

Corrective action can range from reflexes (flinching, limping, crying), to semi-conscious decisions (adjust your posture, rub a sore muscle, change sleep pattern), to conscious decisions (stop what you are doing, take medication, ask for help).

Different medications have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the largest class of medications used for pain and headache and can cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity.[1] NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can cause serious upper gastrointestinal disorders.[2] Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function that rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. It is also common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Medication can reduce pain and provide some relief but this only masks (or hides) the problem, it does not cure it and, as we saw in the ibuprofen example, can create new problems. Acupuncture treats pain without causing more problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in activity in the pain centers of the brain - up to 70%.

Acupuncture treats the root (cause), while pain medication only treats the branch (symptom/manifestation)

The pain reducing effects of acupuncture can last months because acupuncture hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area. It relieves the bruising, stiffness; puffiness and tenderness from the injury and can help in forming new bones in case of fractures. Acupuncture shortens the healing time of surgeries[3] and sports injuries, putting you back on track faster.[4]

Acupuncture helps correct the underlying cause for the pain. For PMS, acupuncture balances the hormones; for headaches, acupuncture releases stress and increases blood circulation to the head. Other chronic pain-causing conditions, like arthritis or stomach ulcers, involve chronic inflammation and can benefit form acupuncture as well. When the body function is restored to normal or “wellness” - there is no pain.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point I coach both children and adults on how to create their own Place of Wellness. Most people focus on their immediate pain, failing to see the underlying issues. My main goal is to guide you through clear and simple steps that will improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

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[1] “Preventive Care In Chronic Liver Disease”; JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE; November 1999, 14(11): 699–704; Thomas R Riley, MD and Jill P Smith, MD;
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496761/
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.11188.x.
PMCID: PMC1496761

[2] “Toxicity Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. An Overview Of The Epidemiological Evidence”; DRUGS; 1993; 46 Suppl 1:243-8, Carson JL, Willett LR.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506183
PMID: 7506183 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)

[3] “Case Study – Wisdom Teeth Extraction”; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; July 28, 2008; Meyuhas, S.

[4] "Depression", "Low Back Pain Remedy", "Swollen Glands"; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; Meyuhas, S.

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (Part 2 of 5)

Last week I blogged about the number one resolution Americans make each New Year's, losing weight. This week I can share with you how acupuncture can maintain or improve your cognitive skills and memory.

Resolution 2: Stay Sharp

Maybe you want (or need) to learn a new language or take a class at your local college. However you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help. Numerous studies [1, 2, 3] suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration and cognitive function.

Studies show how acupuncture can be used to treat memory impairment induced by chronic pain [4], diabetes, and cerebral ischemia [5]. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of students during an exam, women experiencing post-menopausal "brain fog", patients with Alzheimer's disease and the effects of vascular dementia. The results, thus far, show acupuncture has a positive effect on memory and cognitive function.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, memory and cognitive function is associated with Kidney function. Over the years the energy of the body declines, resulting in reduced circulation. By tonifying the Kidneys, the "body essence" is balanced. In this context, "body essence" refers to hormones and neurotransmitters which regulate body function.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment.

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Resources
[1] "Repeated 2 Hz peripheral electrical stimulations suppress morphine-induced CPP and improve spatial memory ability in rats"; EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY, Vol 194, Issue 2, August 2005, Pages 550-556; Ji-huan Chena, Jing Lianga, Gui-bin Wanga, Ji-sheng Hana and Cai-lian Cui

[2] "The role of the endogenous opioid system in the effects of acupuncture on mood, behavior, learning, and memory"; MEDICAL HYPOTHESIS, Volume 50, Issue 6, June 1998, Pages 475-478; Sher, L.

[3] "Acupuncture prevents cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in cerebral multi-infarction rats" NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Volume 393, Issue 1, 23 January 2006, Pages 45-50; Cun-Zhi Liua, Jian-Chun Yua, Xue-Zhu Zhanga, Wei-Wei Fub, Tong Wanga and Jing-Xian Han

[4] "Cognitive impairment in patients with chronic pain: the significance of stress"; CURRENT PAIN HEADACHE REPORT, Vol 2, 7 April 2003, Pages 116-26; Hart RP, Wade JB, Martelli MF

[5] "Electroacupuncture restores learning and memory impairment induced by both diabetes mellitus and cerebral ischemia in rats"; NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS, Vol 443, Issue 3, 10 October 2008, Pages 193-198; Xiang-Hong Jinga, Shu-Li Chena, Hong Shia, Hong Caia and Zhi-Gao Jina

Photo Credit: http://flashfree.wordpress.com

Case Study - Depression

OBSERVATIONS

A 14 year old boy comes with his mother to my office. His mother is concerned because her son has been depressed for 3 months. They visited her family before his depression became noticeable. Sometime after returning home, she found her son crying. He started seeing a psychologist which helped until he took Sudafed™ to relieve cold symptoms.1 The depression became worse than before.

During the family visit, the boy was to undergo a fat-reduction procedure on his chest. He and his mother were going to stay with her family while he recovered. While there, he witnessed a family fight. The result of the fight was his mother had to find friends to stay with at once.

Another stressor for the boy is he just moved to a new, bigger school after going to the same school for 8 years.

The boy complained of daily headaches centered at the occipital area. He was fatigued and would vomit clear fluids every morning since the surgery. For the past year, he has been getting shots for his allergies which reduced his asthma. He also has a tendency to develop sore throats.
He was quiet and his mother did most of the talking for him.

His tongue was red, no coating, and his pulse was rapid and superficial. Palpation of his neck, shoulders and chest reveal tenderness and spasm of his muscles.

DIAGNOSIS: Wind Heat Attacking The Lung/Sinus

His Lung function was already compromised, as evidenced by his asthma, allergies, and sore throat. This was compounded by the sense of loss created by the situation with his mother’s family and leaving his old school. Any unresolved or suppressed anger will also turn into sadness and reduce immune (TCM: Lung) function.

His headaches resulted from sinus inflammation. Autumn weather is dry and increases mucus membrane sensitivity resulting in increased mucus secretion. Post nasal drip during the night caused the vomiting in the morning. Allergies (inflammation of the mucus membranes) overwork the immune system leaving him tired and unable to deal with his emotions.

The surgery created more inflammation in the muscles of the chest. The physical and emotional stressors manifest as a heavy sensation and constriction of his chest. Crying is the natural release.

TREATMENT

Treatment included acupuncture, soft tissue manipulation and Chinese herbs.

I needled his chest (R17) and he felt immediate relief. I also massaged his neck, face, scalp, upper back and his arms and hands along the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. This reduced the inflammation, improved lymph flow/drainage and relaxed the chest, neck and back. While treating, I emphasized deep breathing. Even breathing helps him to let go of the emotions he is holding. Deep breathing creates an “internal massage” allowing the intercostals (rib muscles) to fully relax. This improves lung function.

I demonstrated how he can improve his own Lung function with Qi Gong tapping along his Lung and Large Intestine meridians. I instructed him to do this every day; it would enhance his immune system. I am empowering him to take part in his healing and learn to deal with his emotions instead of holding them in.

I also prescribed an herbal formula to alleviate his allergies and reduce the post nasal drip.

OUTCOME
He came back a week later and said he is not vomiting since the visit. He feels less depressed and his chest and upper back are less sore. He didn’t have any headaches this week.

He manages to take the herbal formula only once a day instead of the recommended three times daily.

GOING FORWARD

My objective is to give the boy tools to deal with his depression and any other health issues.

Two percent of preteens and 5% of adolescents suffer from depression.2

The first step is to make him aware of his physical sensations and how he can change them. I encouraged him to use breathing and Qi Gong tapping to create more space in his chest to change his physical and emotional patterns.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a fulfilled life. I am happy I could initiate the healing process for him.

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1 In TCM sadness resides in the lungs (each emotion manifests in different areas of the body). He needed to strengthen his lungs to relieve his symptoms instead of using Sudafed which suppresses his natural lung function.
2 www.about-teen-depression.com/

Flu Prevention & Treatment (Swine or Otherwise)

With the rapid spread of swine flu in news, this is a good time to remember simple and effective ways to prevent infection:

Wash hands routinely with soap and warm water.

Wipe down phones, keyboards, and shared office equipment with anti-viral/anti-bacterial cleaner.

Boost your immune system with proper rest, nutrition and Chinese herbs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Swine flu symptoms are those of the influenza virus. Most people who become infected will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, elderly or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness.

The most common swine flu symptoms include: Cough, Congestion, Body Aches, Headaches, Joint Pains, Fevers (high or low), Sore Throat, and Fatigue. Viral transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu.

Cold and Flu and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbal formulas can treat influenza. Some treat flu and colds manifested as body aches, chills, dull headache, neck stiffness, and low fever. Some herbs treat infections that manifest as sore throat, high fever (above 101), coughing, and itching red eyes. Formulas are prescribed based on reported symptoms and tongue and pulse diagnosis. They improve the overall adaptability of the body's regulatory mechanisms and reduce the severity and duration of the infection.

Pharmacological evaluation has shown some root and fungi based formulas contain polysaccharides that exert an activating, corrective influence upon both the cellular (macrophages and T-cells) and humoral (antibodies) aspects of the immune system.

Immunity refers to the harmonic interaction of the body's processes, substances, and structural components to create strength, stamina, and adaptability. To bolster immunity is ultimately to strengthen your body as a whole.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs restore and maintain optimal health and prevent contraction of infections.

St. Patrick's Day and Curing Formula

Curing formula - An Old Chinese Remedy for a Hangover

I hope that you are planning a fun and festive Saint Patrick’s Day. Celebration is fun but if you aren’t used to eating corned beef and cabbage, or have “one-too-many” beers, this is a good time to tell you about an old Chinese remedy called Curing Formula.

Curing Formula is a traditional herbal remedy for indigestion. It works well for post-celebratory discomfort because, besides herbs for upset stomach, it has herbs for dehydration, fatigue, sore eyes, body aches and the classic “morning after” headache a.k.a.: The Hangover.

The unpleasant physiological effects of hangover (headache, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, lethargy, thirst, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, lack of depth perception) can last up to 3 days but are reduced by taking Curing Formula both BEFORE AND AFTER the celebration.

Gentle but effective Curing Formula is used as a remedy for many acute digestive disorders (food poisoning, stomach flu, jet lag, food allergies, etc.) so it is a great addition to your medicine cabinet and travel kit.

Have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!