Month: July 2015

Jul

2015

Heart Relationship to Sense Organs

The five sensory orifices, referring to the nose, ears, eyes, lips, and tongue, are each paired with specific visceral organs. In particular, the Heart, regarded as ‘the emperor or sovereign ruler’, gives residence to Shen – a level of ‘Spirit’ which activates all mental activities, as well as perceives the emotional stimulus of all of the organs. The Heart has relationships with the other orifices beyond its own link with the tip of the tongue.

Heart 心 is the only organ with insight to do that.

For example, the eyes are related to Liver, but are also related to Heart. The Heart supplies blood, and blood vessels supply the eyes. According to the Su Wen 素問, the first medical text to address basic questions, theoretic foundations and diagnostics in Chinese medicine, excessive use of the eyes injures the Heart as well as the blood of the Liver. Diagnostically, the eyes are the most important window of Shen (or Spirit) that is inherently stored in the Heart, and although the eyes are particularly the orifice of the Liver, sight is a manifestation of the function of Heart.

Well-Wishes to All

Jul

2015

Attention Deficit Disorder

It appears that Attention Deficit Disorder, referred to as A.D.D., arises from a neurological defect, with abnormalities in brain tissue and/or biochemical functions. Nutritional deficiencies, exposure to harmful chemicals in-utero such as from smoking, alcohol, prescription and/or illicit drugs, and by further exposure to environmental pollutants – all of which have become wide-spread problems during the past four decades – seem to be the pathological factors that strongly contribute to A.D.D.

The imbalance of spiraling from Yang to Yin to Yang

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, essence and marrow are the foundation of the brain. Early problems with mental development indicate deficiency of an individual’s vital essence. As well, phlegm obstruction and settling agitated Yang energy that is manifesting as hyperactivity are significant pieces of the etiology of A.D.D. that can be improved with oriental medicine. Chinese literature suggests that treatment of this condition by acupuncture begins to show improvement ranging from two weeks to two months, with Chinese herbal preparations appropriate to the condition also crucial to the success of treatment.

Jul

2015

Flavinoids

Flavonoids, an aspect of the compound category of polyphenols, are present in practically all fruit and vegetable plants, and also in many herbs of the Chinese medicinal pharmacopeia. Flavonoids are starches that are soothing to the gastro-intestinal system, are anti-allergy, and elicit anti-viral activity. Flavonoids display their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through compatible herbal interactions and by metabolizing a wholesome diet. Here is a short list of Chinese herbs and a chart highlighting some foods highest in flavonoids.

Among others:

Huang Qi, Huang Qin, Shan Dou Gen, Lian Qiao, San Qi, Shan Zha, Hong Hua, She Chuang Zi, Sang Bai Pi, Jiaogulan, Yuxingcao, Ge Gen