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.

Acupuncture Effectively Treats Hot Flashes

Patients frequently come to my clinic for help when they have trouble sleeping, reduced sex drive, heart arrhythmia, and/or general anxiety. For the men, the issue is usually stress-related. For the women, though, it may actually be menopause related.

Acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy and has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman's sex drive and improving her sense of well-being according to a 2009 Henry Ford Hospital study published in the Journal of Oncology.

The study was a randomly controlled trial and the results show acupuncture has a longer-lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats for women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment when compared to drug therapy. Women also report that acupuncture improves their energy and clarity of thought.[1]

"Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects."

Lead Author Eleanor Walker, M.D.,

Division Director, Breast Services

Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital

Another study at The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway compared the effectiveness of individualized acupuncture plus self-care versus self-care alone on hot flashes and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. There were statistically significant (P <0.001) improvements in vasomotor (hot flashes), sleep, and somatic symptoms in the acupuncture group.

“Acupuncture plus self-care can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction in hot flashes and increased health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women.”[2]

Though menopausal signs and symptoms are disturbing, they are self-limiting and not life-threatening. Such signs and symptoms may be prominent for a few years, but they will gradually lessen in severity and eventually disappear.
Fatigue during menopause, for example, is related to Spleen Qi Deficiency. “Shi Quan Da Bu Wan” is a traditional formula that has been used for hundreds of years to nourish the Spleen and its meridian. Hot flashes and night sweats are associated with Kidney Deficiency and are treated with the formula “Mai Wei Di Huang Wan” which is related to the Kidney Yin Tonic. Chinese herbal formulas can also treat other menopause-related discomforts such as headache, insomnia, depression, vaginal dryness, lowered libido and Osteoporosis.

Menopause Conditions and Treatments[3]
Diagnosis	Clinical Manifestation	Herbal Rx
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Delayed menstruation (scanty in amount or ceased completely); hair loss; scanty vaginal discharge; dryness of vagina; dizziness; tinnitus; hot flashes; night sweats; five heart irritable heat (heat and irritable sensation in the chest, palms and soles); hot flashes; insomnia; increased dreams; itchy skin or formication (tactile hallucination with feeling of insects crawling on skin); soreness and weakness of lower back and knees	Anemarrhena phellodendron & rehmannia formula (zhi bai di huang wan) and artemisia & turtle shell decoction (qing hao bie jia tang)
Liver Qi Stagnation	Irritability; nervousness; hypochondriac distention; constipation; palpitations; insomnia; emotional instability; generalized weakness.	Bupleurum & dragonbone combination (chai hu jia long mu tang) and bupleurum & peony formula (jia wei ziao yao san)
Blood Deficiency	Dizziness; hot flushes; sweating; insomnia; dryness of skin; sallow complexion; emotional instability; myalgia.	Tang kuei four combination (si wu tang) and ginseng & longan combination (gui pi tang)
Uprising Deficiency Heat	Hot flushes; bone-steaming sensation; irritability; dizziness; nervousness; emaciation.	Artemisia & turtle shell decoction (qing hao bie jia tang)
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Heavy menstrual bleeding; metrorrhagia or complete ceasing of menstruation; soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees; edema of the face and limbs; cold limbs; cold appearance; loose stools; polyuria; urinary incontinence.	Eucommia & rehmannia formula (you gui wan) and ginseng & ginger combination (li zhong tang)
Kidney Essence (Jing) Deficiency	Weakness and soreness of the lower back and legs; inability to stand for a prolonged period of time; decreased bone mass density (Osteoporosis).	Testudinis & cervi formula (gui lu er xian jiao)

For women experiencing the distress of hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and insomnia, acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can provide a safe and effective way to achieve a trouble-free menopause. There are several herbal formulas which are widely used for relieving menopausal symptoms, and which are extremely effective.
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References:

1. “Acupuncture Versus Venlafaxine for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms in Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Walker EM, Rodriguez AI, Kohn B, Ball RM, Pegg J, Pocock JR, Nunez R, Peterson E, Jakary S, and Levine RA; JCO 2010 28: 634-640
2. “The Acupuncture on Hot Flushes Among Menopausal Women (ACUFLASH) study, a randomized controlled trial.” Borud EK, Alraek T, White A, Fonnebo V, Eggen AE, Hammar M, Astrand LL, Theodorsson E, Grimsgaard S; MENOPAUSE 2009 May-Jun; 16(3):484-93.
3. “Menopause: Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspectives, Part II.” Chen J; ACUPUNCTURE TODAY May, 2002, Vol. 03, Issue 05 http://www.atpracticeinsights.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=27965

Inflammation

Inflammation (Latin, inflamatio, to set on fire) is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.[1] It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.

In the absence of inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal and progressive destruction of the tissue would compromise the survival of the organism. However, an inflammation that runs unchecked can also lead to a host of diseases, such as hay fever, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, liver cirrhosis are just to name few. It is for that reason that inflammation is normally closely regulated by the body.

Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. A cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

Acupuncture is incredibly effective at reducing inflammation in the body at any age. Inflammation becomes more common as we age so Chronic Systemic Inflammation is an underlying cause of many seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases[2]. Systemic inflammation can inflict devastating degenerative effects throughout the body ranging from arteriosclerosis to osteo-arthritis (Ward 1995; McCarty 1999; Brod 2000). This fact is often overlooked by the medical establishment, yet persuasive scientific evidence exists that correcting a chronic inflammatory disorder will enable many of the infirmities of aging to be prevented or reversed.

Scientists have identified dietary supplements and prescription drugs that can reduce levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines . Fish oil is the best documented supplement to suppress tumor necrosis factor-alpha[3] (TNF-a), IL-6, IL-1(b), and IL-8 (Jeyarajah et al. 1999; James et al. 2000; Watanabe et al. 2000; Yano et al. 2000). A study on healthy humans and those with rheumatoid disease shows that fish oil suppresses these dangerous cytokines by up to 90% (James et al. 2000).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the herbs that reduce inflammation fall under the category of herbs that “clear Heat”. “Heat” refers not only to fever but to any conditions that manifest with redness, swelling, or a sensation of heat. Other signs that may occur (not only locally) are: red tongue with yellow coating, thirst, rapid pulse, irritability and, depending in which organ is inflamed; the urine can be scanty and dark, or the patient may have constipation or diarrhea.

Different Chinese Herbs will target inflammation in different areas of the body like the joints in the case of arthritis or in the muscles and soft tissue with injuries or surgeries. Other herbs will target the digestion system or skin condition.

Acute inflammation in the respiratory track caused by virus or bacteria is a cold. When the inflammation is caused by allergens it is an allergy. Not everyone develops an allergy even when they are exposed to the same environment. The mucus cells become inflamed and their membranes become thin and red and secrete more mucus. Taking Chinese formula that contain “clearing heat” herbs restore the cell membrane to normal and the person will have less mucus discharge. The overreaction of the immune system subsides. Taking Chinese herbal formulas is treating not only the symptoms (runny nose) but the underlying cause (inflammation), restoring the normal body function.

Restoring the normal body function by enhancing blood circulation, boosting the immune system, helping to eliminate toxins from the body by urination and defecation or by sweating are some of the function that the body is doing on its own and stimulated by Chinese Herbs. In case of inflammation different herbs will go to different parts of the body and will address different stages of the disease. The formulas have a combination of herbs that will support digestion and combine some of those ideas at the same time. There are no side affect. The body has enormous ability to heal itself and taping into it own mechanism and enhancing them in time of disease can reverse and restore the normal function again.

From a modern biomedical perspective, these herbs have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antimicrobial functions.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat Chronic Systemic Inflammation in the body. No matter how the inflammation manifests (ulcers, arthritis, skin conditions, etc), Acupuncture and TCM restore normal function to help the body heal itself. Please feel free to contact me at the clinic if you have questions or wish to make an appointment.

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[1] Ferrero-Miliani L, Nielsen OH, Andersen PS, Girardin SE (February 2007). "Chronic inflammation: importance of NOD2 and NALP3 in interleukin-1beta generation". Clin. Exp. Immunol. 147 (2): 227–35. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03261.x. PMID 17223962.


[2] Cotran; Kumar, Collins (1998). Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Philadelphia: W.B Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7335-X.


[3] "The ability of fish oil to suppress tumor necrosis factor alpha production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy men is associated with polymorphisms in genes that influence tumor necrosis factor alpha production." Grimble RF, Howell WM, O'Reilly G, Turner SJ, Markovic O, Hirrell S, East JM, Calder PC. American Journal Clinical Nutrition. 2002 Aug;76(2):454-9.PMID: 12145022

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

This week was the start of the Chinese New Year and is my last post in a series about keeping New Year's Resolutions throughout the year.

Resolution 5: Eliminate Stress

Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason. Each day we juggle challenges and opportunities (from work, family, friends) or different stressors; how we manage them determines if "stress" has a positive or negative effect. An inability to manage stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety [1] and lowering blood pressure [2].

In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a whole gamut of tools and techniques that can be integrated into your life to reduce stress and keep it in check. These tools include Tui Na, Qi Gong exercises, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, meditations and acupressure that you can administer at home or your office. You can click the links or search this blog for more articles about these practices.

If the stress in your life is throwing you off balance, consider coming in for a treatment to regain peace of mind and stay healthy. Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life.

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[1] "Auricular Acupressure as a Treatment for Anxiety in Prehospital Transport Settings," ANESTHESIOLOGY; June 2003, V 98, Issue 6, Pg 1328-1332; Alexander Kober MD, Thomas Scheck MD, Barbara Schubert BS, Helmut Strasser BS, Burkhard Gustorff MD, Petra Bertalanffy MD, Shu-Ming Wang MD, Zeev N. Kain MD, Klaus Hoerauf MD

[2] "Randomized Trial of Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure," CIRCULATION; June 4, 2007; Frank A. Flachskampf MD*, Joachim Gallasch MD, Olaf Gefeller PhD, Junxue Gan MD, Juntong Mao MD, Annette B. Pfahlberg PhD, Alois Wortmann MD, Lutz Klinghammer MD, Wolfgang Pflederer MD, and Werner G. Daniel MD
doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.661140v1

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 1 of 5)

With each new year, we once again reflect on what changes can improve our lives. By the end of January, many of us have already "slipped" or even given up our resolutions as "too difficult" or postponed them to "next year."

If your intention is to improve your health, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you "stick" to those resolutions.

Over the next five Thursdays, I will give you an example of how acupuncture can help you keep your New Year's resolutions and achieve your goals.

Resolution 1: Reach Target Weight and Stay There

Losing weight is the #1 most common New Year's resolution. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you reach your goal level of fitness and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.

From an Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods, and herbs that assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are causing the weight gain.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

Each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall wellness to increase circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment and have had great success with weight loss patients.

Combat Colds and Flu with Chinese Herbs

WHAT ARE COLD AND FLU?
The common cold is an acute viral infection that generally causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease in humans and accounts for more time lost from work or school than any other disease. Flu is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Cold and Flu symptoms include runny nose, cough, chills, headache, fever, and severe aching in the muscles and joints. Although flu affects all age groups, schoolchildren have the highest incidence. Although colds and flu are generally of brief duration, they can lead to complications in the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.

ARE YOU TREATING SYMPTOMS OR THE CAUSE?
Because both cold and flu are viral infections, conventional medicine has no cure for them. Antibiotics do NOT cure colds or flu. Aspirin, decongestants and other medications are prescribed to make patients more comfortable and vaccinations are manufactured to prevent some strains of flu.

“In years when the vaccine strains are not well matched to circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.” If your immune system is already compromised, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower. If you have an influenza-like-illness, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.[1]

Whether you use any of the above remedies or not, bed rest and increased fluid intake are necessary for your body to recover.

Use of herbal formulas to prevent and treat colds and flu is the most successful aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chinese herbs boost immune response to eliminate viruses faster. Some herbs inhibit viral reproduction and/or relieve symptoms, making a serious infection less debilitating and less disruptive to your lifestyle.

At my clinic, Point-A Place Of Wellness, I see demand for cold and flu formulas, especially among school teachers and parents of young children because of constant exposure to viruses and risk of infection. My patients are pleased by the effectiveness of Chinese herbal formulas and referring their friends.

NOT ONE-SIZE FITS ALL
In TCM, patterns are differentiated according to the imbalances of the body and the causes and stages of the disease. The same virus can manifest differently depending on the patient’s general health. Herbal formulas are recommended by practitioners based on not only the illness type but patient type. This article lists some basic formulas to keep on hand for a well-stocked medicine cabinet but if your symptoms change or increase in severity, contact your local Chinese medicine practitioner.

Wind-Cold Pattern symptoms include: aversion to cold; mild fever; absence of sweat; chest congestion; sneezing; runny nose (clear mucus); itching throat or cough (clear mucus); thin, white tongue coating; and a tight pulse.

• Dispel Invasion is for cold or flu manifested as Wind-Cold Pattern. It can also benefit air-conditioning induced cold symptoms.
  
• Blue Green Lung Clearing Formula also known as Xiao Qing Long Tang is for when the mucus is more excessive and there is tightness in the chest. It can relieve asthma, pneumonia and allergy symptoms.

Wind-Heat Pattern symptoms include: fever; headache; sweating; runny nose (yellow mucus); dry mouth; thirst; sore throat; productive cough (thick yellowish phlegm); thin, yellow tongue coating; and a floating and rapid pulse. Swine flu is a Wind-Heat condition.

• Initial Defense is the most popular herbal formula to treat the Wind-Heat pattern. It combines two traditional formulas: Yin Qiao San and Sang Ju Yin.
  
• Gan Mao Ling and Zhong Gan Ling are similar in function to Initial Defense but are indicated for more severe conditions such as sudden high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and aching limbs.
  

According to Beijing health authorities, TCM has been more effective (and less expensive) than the antiviral drug Tamiflu in curing human infections of swine flu.

“Wang Yuguang , Deputy Dean of the Centre of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine at Beijing's Ditan Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of infectious diseases, said swine flu patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine improved faster and tended to stay in hospital for a shorter time than patients using Tamiflu… Traditional medicine considers such factors as the level of virus infection, the condition of the body, age, season and climate. Treatment can be adjusted in the dose and types of herbs. Such personalised treatment seldom caused drug resistance, as Tamiflu could, Dr Wang said.”[2]

PREVENTION IS THE KEY
While there are many ways to reduce risk of infection[3] like washing your hands and getting plenty of rest and taking nutritional supplements like Vitamin D[4], here are three additional formulas that can be used as preventatives or treatment if you are concerned about high susceptibility to influenza because of past experience or other risk factors.

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.

• If you are prone to “head colds” or congestion, Head Clear formula supports immune function to efficiently eliminate congestion from the head, sinus, eyes and ears. Chronic congestion can escalate infection of the respiratory system.
  
• If you have a compromised immune system because of chemo, radiation, or an autoimmune disorder (Lupus, MS, HIV), Resilience has different Fungi which contain polysaccharides that exert an activating, corrective influence upon both cellular (macrophages and T-cells) and humoral (antibodies) aspects of the immune system.
  
• Another formula for compromised immune systems, Jade Windscreen, functions much the way Resilience does except it is formulated with herbs instead of mushrooms.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs restore and maintain optimal health. If you have any imbalance in the body, the various systems will not function properly. Chinese herbs are used to correct the imbalance and restore energy, promote digestion, heal injuries, and enhance general wellness. Consult your local Chinese medicine practitioner to determine the best formulas for your lifestyle.

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Resources:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/PROFESSIONALS/VACCINATION/effectivenessqa.htm. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Questions and Answers for Health Professionals” Centers for Disease Control
2. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/03/content_11302597.htm “Beijing Ditan Hospital on service to treat influenza A/H1NI” China View (Xinhua News Agency)
3. http://aplaceofwellness.blogspot.com/2009/04/flu-prevention-treatment-swine-or.html
4. http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=189 “American College of Healthcare Sciences “News and Events” Scott Stuart, ACHS Faculty