Joseph Alban, L.Ac

Breathing Relaxaton Exercise: How to Breathe like a baby

2008-10-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

Back in eighth grade, Mr. Hankinson, our shell-shocked gym teacher, used to yell in my ear, “Stand up straight, stick your chest out. Why are you breathing with your belly? Only BABIES breathe with their bellies. Breath into your chest like a MAN.”

He was right. Babies do breath into their abdomen. But good old Mr. Hankinson did not know that belly breathing is more natural and relaxing. Breathing with your belly maximizes the use of your diaphragm muscle, which is located between the chest and abdomen, and is the primary muscle of respiration.

Natural diaphragm breathing does not draw air into your stomach, but rather contracts the diaphragm, causing the abdomen to rise and fall. This reduces the use of the intercostals, which are much smaller and less efficient muscles, located in between the ribs. Mr. Hankinson’s chest breathing focuses more on the use of these intercostals muscles. So, it is actually less efficient than belly breathing.

Breathing impacts and reflects the state of the body and the mind. When you are scared, excited, or nervous, you breathe faster. But when you are calm or sleeping, you breathe slower. It also works in reverse. By controlling your breath you can impact your state of mind. Breathing is the easiest involuntary functions to influence.

Patients who practice natural diaphragmatic breathing tell me they experience greater relaxation, more energy, and less pain, particularly in the back and neck. This technique can also help regulate your bowel movements. Because the diaphragm gently massages the digestive track.

Practice your Natural Breathing

1. Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor or lie flat on your back.
2. Hold your hands just below your belly button. The palms should face your
abdomen.
3. Relax your shoulders and chest and breathe into your hands allowing your stomach to naturally rise and fall.
4. You can imagine a ball of energy in your hands which you are filling as you inhale. When you exhale, imagine releasing all the tension and stress in your body.
5. Do this for 5-10 minutes per day or whenever you feel particularly stressed. Gradually, this will become your normal breathing patter.

Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis Category III: Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

2008-10-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), or Chronic Prostatitis Category III, suffer from pelvic pain, painful, frequent, urgent, or difficult urination, as well as sexual dysfunction. The pain can be intense or dull and is generally located in the between the testicles and anus, in the penis, scrotum, lower back, or the lower abdomen. These symptoms can be severe and affect all aspects of your life, resulting in depression, lost work and educational opportunities, and trouble in relationships. CPPS is the most common form of chronic prostatitis.

What Causes Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?

The exact cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is not entirely understood. Prostatitis was originally thought to be caused by inflammation caused by a bacterial infection. But many men have symptoms without an infection.[ii] Some men who have CPPS symptoms do not even have any inflammation. Some physicians believe that CPPS may be caused by referred pain from muscle tightness in the pelvis and back, contracture of smooth muscle such as the bladder, emotional stress, and inflammation after an infection. [ii] Intrapelvic congestion of fluids may also be a factor.[iv]

How does acupuncture help treat Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?

Treating CPPS requires a holistic approach addressing that naturally corrects the underlying cause of the pain and distress. Most people find the medications, such as antibiotics or alpha blockers, to be ineffective, and some have troubling side effects. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a holistic approach to healing and are effective treatments to relieve the pain, improve sexual function, and decrease urinary problems, as well as relief depression associated with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Acupuncture is also a natural treatment, so as opposed to many of the medications for CPPS, there are very few side effects.

In fact, Chinese medicine’s 2000 years of history could possibly make it the most used treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome of all time. In one of Chinese medicine’s earliest text called Elementary Questions, TCM has described the diagnosis and treatment many syndromes characterized by painful, frequent, and urgent urination with pain and distention of the lower abdomen and pelvis.[i] Of course, this syndrome was not called Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome or Chronic Prostatitis at the time. But the practice of Chinese medicine has shown that those same principles of diagnosis and treatment are effective when applied to the symptoms caused by Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, identifying specific imbalances in the body and using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure to correct them. Correcting the imbalance does not just treat the symptoms or mask the condition, but rather corrects the root of the problem by encouraging self-healing of the body. Generally, the root cause of painful urination, voiding difficulties, and depression is an imbalance of the body’s vital energy, or qi. The two most common imbalances in qi that cause CPPS are when there is too little qi or when the qi circulation becomes impaired. One way acupuncture and Chinese herbs work is by helping to improve the circulation and the amount of qi.

Those with too little qi may experience the symptoms of poor digestion, bloating, loose and sticky stools, fatigue, shortness of breath, sinus headaches, soft voice, a weak pulse, and pale tongue. Qi stagnation, when the qi is not circulating well, can also cause pain. Those with qi stagnation will often get a cold after a stressful or emotional situation. They also may be prone to headaches, irregular bowel movements, ribside pain, irritability, anger, and depression.

What is the Chinese Medicine treatment like for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?

Chinese medicine works best as a combination therapy that includes acupuncture, tui na (acupressure), and gua sha (a spoon massage). Chinese herbs are also effective and may be required for certain people. Acupuncture diagnosis and treatment focuses on identifying the specific root imbalance causing the condition and tailoring the treatment for you. During the first visit, I will complete a medical history and an in depth physical examination, which focuses on an examination of acupuncture points and trigger points of the hips and pelvis. This information creates the picture of the specific imbalance causing the problem.

The treatment should decrease pain and urinary complaints, and improvement in sexual function. Many men find rapid relief, within a week or two of beginning the treatment. For others, it may take longer to have an effect. Generally, the pain and other symptoms are gradually lessened. It is like peeling off the layers of an onion until you correct the root cause of the problem. The results are usually long lasting and people find themselves symptom free.

[i] Wiseman N, Feng Y. Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine. Brookline, MA: Paradigm; 1998:583.

[ii] Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Current Clinical Urology). Daniel A. Shoskes (ed.) Humama, Totowa, NJ. 2008.

[iv] Honjo H, Kamoi K., Naya Y, et al. The Effects if Acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome with Intravenous Congestion: Preliminary Results. International Journal of Urology. 2004 Aug; 11(8): 607-612.

Immunity and Qi

2008-10-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

As we move into fall, a lot of people are worried about getting sick. I am cautious too, because during the change of seasons we are especially vulnerable; a sneeze, cough, or a cold wind can easily give you a cold. For some, once they get the cold, it can be hard to fight it off. The sniffling, coughing, or sneezing may not go away and can even last all winter long. But boosting your energy, or qi, can help improve your immunity, which will help you get colds less frequently and improve your ability to fight them off. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are powerful therapies to build up immunity and qi.

How Are Qi and Immunity Related?

As you all know, the immune system is responsible for protecting you from all types of invaders like viruses and bacteria. In Chinese medicine, immunity comes from qi, the body’s energy. Qi is similar to our general idea of energy in the West. It is the energy that gives us the power to do things, like work, study, grow, and exercise. It also protects us from getting sick. When we say, “I am wiped out, I have no energy,” you can also say you have no qi. The main way we build qi is through eating a good diet. We also store it while we sleep. This is why having good digestion is vital for having enough energy and building up your immunity. It is also why we often get sick easily when we don’t sleep well.

One difference between the idea of energy in the West and qi in Chinese medicine is that qi circulates through the body in channels, or meridians. Sometimes, qi slows down or gets blocked, which is a major cause of disease. We call this qi stagnation and it often happens as a result of emotional stress. This is why we get sick when we are under a lot of stress.

In Chinese medicine, poor immunity usually comes from a qi imbalance. Sometimes there is too little qi or the qi can become stagnated. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work by helping to improve the circulation and the amount of qi.

Those with too little qi may experience the symptoms of frequent colds, fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, soft voice, poor digestion, a weak pulse, and pale tongue. This is also true often for people with chronic respiratory infections or autoimmune conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or sinusitis and chronic sinus headaches.

Qi stagnation, when the qi is not circulating well, can also cause frequent colds and makes it difficult to fight them off. Those with qi stagnation will often get a cold after a stressful or emotional situation. They also may be prone to headaches, irregular bowel movements, ribside pain, and painful menstrual cramps.

How Does Chinese Medicine Boost Immunity?

Acupuncture, herbal therapy, and qi gong (which are physical stretches and exercises for your qi) help beat a lingering cold or reduce the frequency of colds, infections, and asthma attacks by correcting the imbalances in qi. Even doing one of these three simple activities can greatly improve your immunity.

Previously, I’ve written about how acupuncture helps the body to heal itself. Another way acupuncture does that is by stimulating the immune system cellular activity and gene expression as well as influencing enzyme activity.1 In Chinese medicine terms, we say that acupuncture is boosting the qi.

Many Chinese herbs also improve the immune system. For example, ginseng, an herb known for its ability to boost qi and improve immunity, has been shown to prevent colds and upper respiratory tract infections in a nursing home.2 Also cordyceps, a mushroom originating from Tibet, is now widely used to improve immune function. This herb can help in the winter and the change of seasons to boost immunity when everyone else is getting sick. It is especially good for those with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. Remember, Chinese herbs are most effective when taken in a formula that is tailored to your specific imbalance. It is important to get a recommended formula from a Chinese medicine practitioner.

Qi gong exercises are another simple activity that boosts the qi. These slow moving meditative exercises help increase energy, improve circulation, reduce stress, and, over time, improve immunity.

It is best to improve your immune system in the fall in order to prepare for the upcoming winter. Be prepared. Follow these simple tips and you’ll also have a better immunity this winter!

1. Rho SW, Choi GS, Ko EJ, Et. Al. Molecular changes in remote tissues induced by electro-acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST36. Mol Cells. 2008 Apr 30;25(2):178-83.
2. Predy GN, Goel V, Lovlin R, Donner A, Stitt L, Basu TK. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial.CMAJ. 2005 Oct 25;173(9):1043-8.

Acupuncture for Breast Cancer

2008-09-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a great short article on the New York Time Well Blog acupuncture's treatment of side effects from breast cancer therapy. Women who received acupuncture had less hot flashes, greater energy, and an increase in libido compared to those taking the drug Effexor. I am very excited to see more coverage about this capability, because improving quality of life is the central goal of my work as a practitioner.

It mentions that acupuncture resulted in longer lasting effects. This is because acupuncture treats the root imbalance of a disease, and leads to longer term results.

Alternative Medicine in Hospitals

2008-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

A story last week in USA Today showed that more and more hospitals are integrating Alternative and Complementary Medicine. I worked a at hospital that gave acupuncture. It really works well to reduce stress and pain. And reducing of stress can help people heal better.

I hope to see more places incorporating CAM soon.

Chinese Cupping at Olympics

2008-08-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

The current Olympics in China are bringing many Chinese customs and traditions to the mind of Americans. And Chinese medicine is just the same.

Here is a picture of one of the Chinese swimmers who just had a cupping session for back pain. Cupping is an ancient therapy which reduces pain and promotes healing by increasing the circulation. In the procedure is quite simple and effective. A vacuum is created in a cup through the use of a small flame. The cup is "stuck" to the patients body, creating small round bruises. The cups stay on for about 5-10 minutes.

It is a great therapy, I do it all the time.

An Orthopedic Nightmare

2008-07-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

In Tuesday's NYTimes, there was an alarming article about lack of evidence in knee and hip replacements. Apparently a number of surgeries, more than anyone would hope, are not effective, or worse, have bad side effects. Some patients ended up with more pain than before and many have to have a second surgery. No one knows how many, because there is no good tracking system for this data.

A number of very concerned and responsible orthopedic surgeons are working on how to correct this issue. But the manufacturers have been slow to respond, often blaming doctors for not knowing the correct technique for the surgery. Altogether a scary situation for the patient and greater motivation to avoid surgery such as acupuncture and tai chi.

Calming the Spirit: Chinese Medicine and Mental Health

2008-07-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

Although most patients come to see me for physical complaints, like back and shoulder pain, painful urination, migraines, or asthma, many find improvement in their mental state as well. A few of Chinese medicine’s good “side effects” include better sleep, less anxiety and depression, and help in stress management. After their first treatment, most of my patients notice that they feel more relaxed and often ask me why.

A few of Chinese medicine’s good “side effects” include better sleep, less anxiety and depression, and help in stress management. For example, a patient who was coming in for a skin condition also found that his long time anxiety disorder was greatly improved. Another patient who was coming in for the treatment of lower back pain also struggled with insomnia. After a few treatments, he began to sleep much better. As one patient who was coming for help with shoulder and back pain, put it, “I find that my body and spirit are in stronger alignment and that I have more energy and fewer general complaints.”

Chinese medicine’s ability to improve overall health and improve quality of life for people is one of the most powerful and mysterious aspects of the treatment. So, how does it address the whole person, both the body and mind at the same time? To answer that question we must first understand Chinese medicine’s holistic view of the body.

Chinese Medicine’s Holistic View of the Body

Chinese medicine physiology discusses the strong effect emotions have on the physical aspects of the body. In diagnosis and treatment, Chinese medicine links specific emotions with specific functions in the body. Stress and worrying can affect the digestive system. Stress can also cause pain, because it stops the free flow of qi. Fear can impact urination. Anger causes heat and can lead to headaches or dizziness.

Connecting the physical body to the emotions makes sense. We all know when we are nervous because we physically feel it. Your heart rate increases, you may get sweaty palms, or even blush. It is also widely known that stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on health. Emotions affect our physical health, but it can also work the other way. Our physical health can affect the emotions as well. That’s why regular physical activity, stretching, yoga, and tai chi, makes us feel better emotionally.

Chinese medicine therapies, like acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure, are all physical treatments, but they also impact mental health. Sometimes emotional distress can cause the disease. Other times, the overall imbalance in your body is the cause of your main problem. By correcting these imbalances the treatment addresses both the mind and body.

How does Chinese Medicine Address the Whole Person?

The metaphor of the root and branch symbolize Chinese medicine’s approach to treatment. The branch is the symptom, such as pain. The root is the main imbalance that causes the disease. A Chinese medicine physician’s goal is to treat the root of the problem, not just the branch. Correcting the root can lead to long-term improvement and recovery.

For example, back pain. The pain itself is the branch of the disease. The underlying imbalance is the root. In many cases, the imbalance is caused by poor circulation of qi, or energy, which causes the muscles to remain tight. The lack of qi flow also creates other problems, such as poor sleep. By improving the flow of the qi, the treatment addresses the root imbalance. This not only reduces the back pain but also improves sleep.

Modern Research About Acupuncture’s Holistic Effects

Contemporary research is beginning to show how acupuncture works in the brain to affect both physical and mental health. Using an fMRI scanner, a scan that tracks blood flow within the brain, scientists have shown that acupuncture affects a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system is involved with emotional control. It is also involved with memory and behaviors such as addictions as well as hormonal regulation.

This remarkable study showed that acupuncture may calm the parts of the brain associated with the limbic system, therefore resulting in a calming effect on the person’s state of being. It is possible that acupuncture’s cumulative long-term capacity to improve health and well-being may have something to do with this ability to calm the limbic system.

Mirror Therapy

2008-06-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

There is a great article in the New Yorker this week about mirror therapy by Atul Gawande.

This new therapy retrains the brain of those with pain and other neurological problems to be healthy. The theory is that our visual perception of our bodies influences how we feel.

More and more we are seeing that diseases are actually in our heads!

Chinese Herbs for Traveling Part 1

2008-05-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Next week I am going to Guatemala, and in addition to being very excited. I am reminded to prepare for my trip by getting some Chinese herbs which can take care of those stomach issues on the road.

The best all around herbal formula for travelers digestive woes is Huo xiang zheng qi tang, which translates to the Patchoui formula for correcting the qi. This formula is very useful for mild to moderate stomach problems like traveler's diarrhea. Take it as soon as you feel a little bad. This is an aromatic formula which boosts digestion through pungent herbs like patchoui and ginger.

This formula is not for extreme travelers revenge. That will be posted in Part 2.

Immidiate Relief from Shingles

2008-05-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Most patients come to see me for chronic issues like chronic pain or skin conditions. But Chinese medicine can also give fast relieve and healing.

This patient was a old patient of mine, who had found relief for irregular menses and digestive issues. But this time, she came in with Shingles. I noticed a number of my patients had shingles this spring. Shingles are a reemergence of the chicken pox virus which usually travels along the course of a nerve.

She is a young woman in her 30's. The lesions were on the left side of upper back and scapula on the small intestine channel and traveled down her arm on two specific channels, the left pericardium and heart channels. The lesions were red, hot, and somewhat itchy, but the pain was not extremely intense. The upper back and scapula was the most intense region of lesions and discomfort.

She also complained of alternating chills and fever and slight nausea. Pulse was stringlike and she had an thin fur on her tongue.

Diagnosis: Shao yang pattern with heat erupting on the tai yang channels

Treatment:
Herbs- Xiao chai hu tang with dao chi san. This formula harmonizes the body and will drain heat from the heart channels.
Topically- patient used neem oil, a natural Indian oil for rashes and skin diseases.
Acupuncture- SJ 5, GB 41, Du 20, and Plum Blossom needle around the lesions

Results: After herbs, patient was feeling immediately better. She felt the neem oil help remove the feeling of heat. The herbs also removed the feeling of heat and discomfort. Shingles usually stay around for 2-3 weeks with a lot of pain, discomfort and itch. After only one week her lesions were almost all gone on her upper back. There were only a few on her arm which were not bothersome.

Usually I treat chronic issues, but Chinese medicine can also be very useful for acute problems with almost immediate relief.

AARP Is opening to Alternative Medicine

2008-04-28T10:23:00.001-07:00

AARP is publishing a lot about Alternative Medicine these days. This recent article, talks about how the US medical system is beginning to focus on improving quality of life through acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

How Acupuncture Helps Pain

2008-04-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, many of my patients have been asking me about how acupuncture treats chronic pain. This is not surprising because the majority of Americans are in chronic pain or have experienced it. So, I’ve decided to answer the question in this newsletter.

Pain can affect almost every system in the body and develops from many sources. It can occur from a chronic immune disorder, after an infection, from a physical injury, or from emotional stress. Often, pain stays around a long time after an injury has healed.

As a teenager, I first sought out Chinese medicine to treat my own chronic pain. For several years I suffered from back pain. It was quite severe for my age, keeping me from playing sports, getting regular exercise, and fully enjoying myself. No one knew what it was from and everyone had their own theory: I was growing too fast, growing too slow, my muscle didn’t develop, or my muscles were too tight. After trying various remedies, and being called a complainer by my not so friendly general practitioner, I tried Chinese medicine. It was the only thing that stopped the pain.

How does Chinese medicine address pain?

Chinese medicine addresses pain by helping the body heal itself. It not only treats symptoms, like taking a painkiller, but also corrects imbalances in the body, thereby, allowing the body to heal itself.

Recently, several scientific studies have attempted to figure out what exactly this healing process is. To explain a few of the concepts, I’ll use my back pain as an example. Although, I feel the pain in my back, the perception of pain is created in the brain. Acupuncture works not only to heal the pain locally, in my back, but also in my brain. Unlike other approaches, acupuncture treats both sources of the pain.

Often, the acupuncture itself focuses on the location of the pain. In my case, it was the lower back. The fibroblasts, the cells of the connective tissue in the area, actually grab onto the needle. The ends of the cells then wrap themselves around the needle.[i] Then the cells begin to change shape and rearrange their own support system, probably working to correct injuries. This is also a method for cells to communicate with one another, so one cell can broadcast messages of self-healing to other cells in the tissue.[ii] In addition, the nucleus begins to expand, which signals the first stages of gene expression to repair the cell and the tissue around it.

The phenomenon in which the body grabs onto the needle has been known to Chinese medicine physicians for thousands of years and is described as “getting the qi.” As a practioner, this is how I know when the point is stimulated correctly. I can actually feel the body grab the needle, which tells me that the body is reacting well to the treatment.

Chinese Medicine Healing the Whole Body

While the acupuncture treatment may be focused on the painful area, the purpose of each acupuncture treatment addresses the whole body. As I mentioned before, one way acupuncture addresses the whole body is through the brain.

We forget a lot of things, like where we put your keys or our mother’s birthday. But, the brain does not like to forget pain. Often, the brain remembers pain long after an injury has healed itself. Using an fMRI scanner, a scan that tracks blood flow within the brain, scientists have shown that acupuncture can change the brain patterns for those with chronic pain.

One of the best studies that used fMRI focused on individuals with carpel tunnel syndrome.[iii] After the treatment, the pain was greatly reduced and the nerve health of the arm was improved. In addition, the carpel tunnel pain pattern within the brain was much more like that of a healthy person than before the treatment.

Working both at the area of pain and in the brain, acupuncture helps to reduce chronic pain by reteaching the body to be healthy. As we learn more about acupuncture we are also discovering how much the ancient clinical science of acupuncture and Chinese medicine has to add to our knowledge of the human body.

[i] Langevin HM, Churchill DL, Wu J. Et. al. Evidence of Connective Tissue Involvement in Acupuncture. FASEB Journal. April 10, 2002. Published Online.

[ii] Langevin HM, Bouffard NA, Badger GJ, Et. al. Subcutaneous Tissue Fibroblast Cytoskeletal Remodeling Induced by Acupuncture: Evidence for Mechanotransduction-Based Mechanism. J Cell Phys. 2006; (207): 767-774.

[iii] Napadow, V. Kettner N., Liu J. Et. al. Hypothalamus and Amygdala Response to Acupuncture Stimuli in Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Pain. 2007; (130): 254-266.

Belly Breathing

2008-03-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Back in eighth grade, Mr. Hankinson, our shell-shocked gym teacher, used to yell in my ear, "Stand up straight, stick your chest out. Why are you breathing with your belly? Only BABIES breathe with their bellies. Breath into your chest like a MAN."

He was right. Babies do breath into their abdomen. But good old Mr. Hankinson did not know that belly breathing is more natural and relaxing. Breathing with your belly maximizes the use of your diaphragm muscle, which is located between the chest and abdomen, and is the primary muscle of respiration.

Natural diaphragm breathing contracts the diaphragm, causing the abdomen to rise and fall. This reduces the use of the intercostals, which are much smaller and less efficient muscles, located in between the ribs. Mr. Hankinson's chest breathing focuses more on the use of these intercostal muscles. So, it is actually less efficient than belly breathing.

Breathing impacts and reflects the state of the body and the mind. When you are scared, excited, or nervous, you breathe faster. But when you are calm or sleeping, you breathe slower. It also works in reverse. By controlling your breath you can impact your state of mind. Breathing is the easiest involuntary action of our body to influence.

Patients who practice natural diaphragmatic breathing tell me they experience greater relaxation, more energy, and less pain, particularly in the back and neck. Because the diaphragm gently massages the digestive track, this technique can also help regulate your bowel movements.

Practice your Natural Breathing

1. Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor or lie flat on your back.

2. Hold your hands just below your belly button. The palms should face your abdomen.

3. Relax your shoulders and chest and breathe into your hands allowing your stomach to naturally rise and fall.

4. You can imagine a ball of energy in your hands which you are filling as you inhale. When you exhale, imagine releasing all the tension and stress in your body.

5. If you find this difficult at first, gently touch your stomach an inch below your navel and imagine breathing into that spot.

6. Do this for 5-10 minutes per day or whenever you feel particularly stressed. Gradually, this will become your normal breathing method.

Insomnia

2008-02-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

Insomnia is very difficult to deal with, and can impact the work, social life and overall quality of life. But this is an alternative to sleep aids. Acupuncture has a long history of treating this condition, and I have seen many people in my clinic overcome sleeping probelsm. Recently, I was published in Medical Acupuncture about how to treat difficulty sleeping.

As with all acupuncture treatments, treating insomnia should address both the
root cause and the branch symptom of the illness. The branch treatment means to help the person relax and go to sleep in the near future. It is treated with calming points such as Yin Tang in the center of the forehead, ear points, and points on the head such as DU 20, and Si Shen Cong. On your own, try massaging these areas.

The root treatment of insomnia addresses the cause and can lead to overall improvement of the condition. The insomnia can be caused from a disharmony in the Heart, Liver-Gallbladder, and Stomach. In Chinese medicine, the Heart houses the spirit which is the mental and emotional state of the person. The blood must nourish the heart, or else it would irritate the spirit causing insomnia characterized by restlessness, anxiety, and palpitations. HT 7 threaded to HT 5 should be used, which are on the forearm near the hand.

Emotions are also a factor because the mind and body are strongly connected. Stress and frustration can cause insomnia from Liver Qi stagnation. This pattern is associated with irritability and neck pain. The liver qi should be smoothed with LV 3 on the foot and LI 4 on the hand for Liver Qi stagnation. Sometimes, stagnation in the stomach harasses the spirit, which is characterized by insomnia with bloating, belching, and nausea. For this condition, open the stomach channels by ST 36 and PC 6.

The CAM Sham

2008-01-29T07:13:00.000-08:00

In a recent article in Newsweek, Jerry Adler reviews a book lambasting complementary and alternative medicine as people purporting miracle cures and selling snake oil. There are so many problems with the premise of this article, but perhaps the biggest problem with is their imprecision: consistantly failing to define what is alternative medicine. The same is true in Groopman's well written NYTimes book review of Anne Harrington's "The Cure Within." CAM is grouped into a monolith concept, and a take it or leave it stance (The Cure Within focuses more on " Mind-Body Medicine" than "CAM," another differentiation, with overlaps, that would need to be explored more fully.)

Each of the so called "CAM therapies" has it's own history, theories, and basic assumptions. To truely evaluate them, they much each be considered individually. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, etc. do not nessesarily share the same theory and premise. I am an expert in Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Chinese herbal medicine. I know very little about any other CAM therapy. In my field, it gets even more complicated, when treatment and diagnosis are individualized, each physician has their own style and technique.

Not that I am downplaying research in CAM. It is an interesting and positive endevor. But, it needs to start with the correct assumptions and classifications and examine each therapy on it's own merit. One would not study the robotic surgery of a radical prostatectomy, and conclude that surgery for hip replacements do not work. The same must be done with CAM, and each method should be evaluated by researchers with a background and interest in that disease and therapy.

FDA challenges to Chinese herbal medicine research are large, and deserve a much more dedication.

Gastropareisis Question

2008-01-23T07:36:00.001-08:00

I serve as a volunteer expert on a number of websites for individuals looking for answers about health and Chinese medicine. Sometimes there is a question which I think would interest a lot of my readers. If you have a question about Chinese medicine, please feel free to e-mail me.

Question: I have diabetes and have been tested for the GP and found to be retaining more than 30% of my food after four hours. I was taking Zelnorm which seemed to help but that has been withdrawn. Now I am on Reglan but my bowels seem to get unstable with it severe diarrhea followed by severe constipation. I have recently been dxd with my second colon infection also felt to be due to the Reglan. I am looking for something which may help me move my food a little faster. I have tried increasing fiber as well as water but neither seem to do any good. I believe many of my medications are getting caught up in my stomach and not being dispersed and I am actually getting overdoses on many of them. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for your question. I understand you are in a difficult situation.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be very effctive for improving gastric motility and the treatment of constipation. Because TCM is a holistic medicine, it works to help improve overall health.

TCM is not a one size fits all treatment. Each patient is diagnose individually. So I cannot tell you an herbal formula or an acupuncture point which may necessarily help. That can only be done after an examination which includes various questions, taking the pules, and looking at the tongue.

In TCM, constipation may be related to various diagnosis including internal heat and dryness or qi (the body's energy)deficiency.

Acupuncture can help by boosting the body's energy and getting rid of the heat. From a western science perspective, we're not completely sure how it works. But it may help by "waking up" the nerves in your digestive tract and reminding your brain how to digest well.

I recommend you find an acupuncturist in your area who also is trained in Chinese herbs. Herbs can be very effective for constipation as well. Your practicioner will be able to research if there are known herb drug interactions for their formula.

Best,
Joe

Food for the Winter

2007-12-30T11:00:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows that the wintery weather brings the common cold and flu. Here are some easy recommendations from the Chinese medicine pantry to help you ward off the nasties' of the season.

Use ginger in your soups, teas, and stir-fries. Aromatic and warming, ginger infusions are particularly good to drink after getting caught in cold, wet weather. Just a few slices of fresh ginger will go a long way.

Use cinnamon in your oatmeal to warm the kidneys and digestive organs on an everyday basis.

Keep carrots around the house. Often called baby ginseng because of their ability to increase qi, they can be used in soups. Combine them with other aromatic vegetables and herbs such as onions, garlic, celery, turnip, and bay leaves, which will open your sinuses.

While not exactly a food, many Chinese herbs have the ability to prevent the common cold. Ginseng and the mushroom called cordyceps can both help prevent the common cold and flu.

Enjoy!!!

Yin and Yang

2007-12-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Yin and Yang, Balance as Health

One of my secret indulgences is watching food television programs. In a recent international baking competition, the American team created a cake based on the theme of yin and yang. It occurred to me that what started as a Chinese philosophy has now become a part of the world’s vocabulary, but few people understand this concept in the context of Chinese philosophy and medicine.

Origins of Yin and Yang

Originally, the terms yin and yang referred to the two faces of a sun-bathed mountain. They called the sunlit face yang and the shady side yin. Philosophers observed that while these two sides are opposites, they are inextricably linked. When there is light, there is also a shadow.

Philosophers thus used yin and yang to describe the dualistic and cyclic flow of the natural world: the day becomes night, the ocean tides ebb and flow, seasons change from hot to cold, and constellations of the night sky rotate throughout the year. Yin yang philosophy encompassed the ideas that opposites balance each other, create one another, flow into one another, and are both required for their mutual existence.

This symbol, called the tai ji (supreme ultimate), represents the balance and mutual dependence of yin and yang. Yin is represented by black and yang by white. The diagram conveys the intertwined nature of yin and yang. Also, notice that at the core of yin lies yang, and at the core of yang is yin.

Yin and Yang in Everyday Life

Further developing the yin and yang concept, philosophers expanded the metaphor by assigning yin and yang general characteristics, which gave it the ability to describe objects and actions, in addition to natural phenomena. Objects associated with solid, dark, cool, and heavy characteristics are yin in nature and objects that are light, thin, hot, and translucent are yang in nature. Yin actions are slow and resistant to force, while yang are rapid and move without resistance.

A central tenet of the philosophy states that everything has both yin and yang qualities. For example, a tree would be considered very yin in nature because it is solid and hard, but it also has yang features. The most yin feature is the tree’s roots, because they are deep in the ground and support the tree’s weight. The leaves, on the other hand, are very yang in nature, as they are thinner, grow more rapidly, and are less weighty.

Actions can also be described in terms of yin and yang. The growth of the roots digging into the ground for nutrients would be a yin type growth, as it is slow and gradual for long term sustainability. Bringing water and nutrients up through the roots, the trunk, and finally to the leaves are the yang actions. These different functions are both needed for the tree’s survival.

Yin and Yang in Health and Chinese Medicine

Yin and yang are the most basic concepts in Chinese medicine and are the key to health and wellness. Put simply, health is the proper balance of yin and yang. We use exercise, food, acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbs to balance them.

Yin is used to describe thick substances and stillness, and yang refers to more energetic actions and bodily substances. For example, blood is a yin type of substance and qi (usually translated as energy) is more yang.
In treatment, the acupuncture techniques and herbs encourage the body to be more yang or yin in nature.

Women during menopause tend to have too little yin, which has cooling properties. This in turn leads to a relative excess of yang causing hot flashes. To treat the hot flashes, we use acupuncture techniques and herbs, which add yin to create a balance.

Balancing our Yin and Yang

Individuals can help promote their own balance through breathing techniques, getting a good night’s sleep, food choices, and physical activity. And of course there is also the Acupressure Tune Up, which helps move qi throughout the body and promote balance of yin and yang.

Breathing for Balance

Our society tends to be very yang. We stay up late, work in stressful environments, and sit for long hours in front of computers. Breathing techniques are a wonderful method for attaining balance. Breathing is mostly a yang activity in which we inhale air into the body to use for energy. By breathing slowly and in a more controlled fashion, we can add yin to the action, thereby balancing out the yang with stillness and relaxation.

Try it. Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor. Hold your hands palms up on your lap, just under your belly button. Relax your shoulders and chest and breathe into your hands allowing your stomach to naturally rise and fall. Do this for 5-10 minutes per day and you will begin to feel more relaxed and calm.

Sleeping For Balance

During sleep our bodies repair themselves and store energy. That is why a good night’s sleep is essential for attaining balance. For those who have difficulty sleeping, try the above breathing exercise before bed. Simple acupressure can sometimes be helpful as well. There is a point on the forehead just above the center of the eyebrows which can help you relax. Gently rub this point downwards (towards the nose) while breathing deeply. Also, rubbing the ears helps calm the entire body and promote relaxation. Those with significant and long term insomnia may need acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Eating for Balance

Food choices are fundamental to maintain balance. A few simple choices can make a big difference. Whenever possible, eat whole foods, preferably organic. Also eat a variety of flavors and foods. This not only gives the body a diversity of nutrients, but also helps satiate us. For the most part, eat cooked food. Digestion is a yang activity. Cooking food makes it easier to digest, and we can absorb the nutrients more easily.

Balancing Physical Activity

Physical activity is required for maintaining balance and health. But a proper balance of aerobic exercise and stretching is required. Aerobic exercise is a yang activity. When we exercise, breathing becomes more rapid, heart rate increases, our bodies get hot, and we sweat. Running is a perfect example. A great exercise to maintain fitness, but alone it is often too yang, and can lead to joint pain and injuries. Stretching and soft movement exercises, such as tai ji and qi gong, can be combined with running to make a more balanced workout.