chinese medicine

Feb

2014

Researching Two Forms of Moxibustion: Punk and Smokeless

灸

Moxa ‘punk’ is loose herb form of mugwort for direct and indirect moxibustion treatment. Applying the method of smokeless moxa, densely-packed moxa made by a charcoal process which results in little or no smoke, was compared in its effect to that of moxa punk. Heat by each form of moxa was transferred to the end of an acupuncture needle during warming needling moxibustion.

• Moxa was lighted on the handle of filiform needles [40mm x 0.3mm -as well as- 40mm x 0.25mm] and subsequent temperature was measured at the needle tip.

• The significant findings were that moxa punk produced a 41% greater and more rapid temperature increase than the smokeless moxa cones. Conversely, smokeless moxa cones maintained maximum temperature four times longer than moxa punk did.

• Findings suggested that the temperature characteristics of moxa punk during warming needle correlate with a capacity as a dispersing treatment method, while smokeless moxa correlates to a method more of tonification in Chinese medicine.

Smokeless Moxa

Moxa Punk

Research Dissertation by Steve McCulloch

http://www.focusacupuncture.co.uk/uploads/1/6/7/1/16711880/___warm_needle_experiment_dissertation_final.pdf

Oct

2013

Okyu Thread Moxibustion

• Originally from China, Okyu direct moxibustion acquired a high degree of sophistication in Japan.

• Deeply penetrating heat applied here stimulates Yang, encouraging circulation.

• Increases white blood cells to strengthen immunity and restore energy.

• Thin cones of mugwort are ideal for Okyu moxibustion treatment.

Oct

2013

Prompting Healing with Acupuncture

By receiving the necessary course of needling, taking herbal formulas regularly and adopting key lifestyle modifications, we integrate, change and feel better deeply. Acupuncture treatment stimulates our physical body and roots the essence of our spirit, dissolving obstruction and eliciting regeneration. Clarity, strength and homeostasis are basic, cumulative effects of acupuncture that set a course for true healing. Lasting changes and safe, holistic medicine are prime reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment. As with any modality, one must commit to the process of healing, and with acupuncture treatment, though gradual, it is potent and effective medicine that integrates body-mind-heart and spirit.

Mar

2013

Listening to the Pulse

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

The traditional art of pulse reading in the practice of Chinese medicine is an elusive form of conversation between patient and practitioner, and the method is a cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment. When a practitioner sets to feeling the pulses of a patient, what is conferred within the pulse is as practical as it is profound, and informs, guides, and refines the treatment.

Each channel has a pulsation, a vibration, and qualities that imply the status of the channel and its network correspondences. But, more essentially, pulse rhythms, rates, and dichotomies are the measures of the individual’s life, and are ever-shifting with the multitudinous influences one is subjected to. Where else in the human form do we find that which measures a person’s past, present, and future than within the pulsations of sentience of one’s lifeblood? Each pulse speaks of intrinsic questions and the potential nature of the person.

• The first treatise on the pulse, titled the Mai Jing [Pulse Classic], gave the representation of the correspondences between the Zang-Fu, which formed the basis for most subsequent Chinese systems of pulse reading. -Written by Wang Shu-he [210-285 CE], who also stated: “The mechanisms of the pulse are fine and subtle, and the pulse images are difficult to differentiate.”

• “The diseases in human beings fall into the four categories known as cold, heat, excess, and deficiency. The student of the pulse should take the floating, deep, slow, and rapid pulses as the reins in observing disease conditions. This is an unchanging principle!” -Zhu Dan-xi [Yuan Dynasty]

• “Chinese pulse diagnosis does not presuppose any exceptional, little-known, paranormal endowment or ability in the person applying it. All that is required is a solid grounding in its coherent theory and a trained and well-kept hand” -Manfred Porkert [20th Century]

• “Pulse diagnosis is an individually-developed art form, a blend of learning skills, intuition, a form of meditation, of being in touch simultaneously with the deepest aspects of oneself and another. It requires an ability to trust one’s senses and years of practice.” -Leon Hammer, M.D. [20th Century]

Nov

2012

Cupping Treatment

Skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow where superficial muscular layers have been drawn up and held within a bulbusly-shaped cup [the cup most effectively used is made of glass]. Suction is induced by fire or by modern means of a pump device. Cupping is applied where physical pain is deeper than the tissues being suctioned. It is beneficial in treatment of chronic obstructive and accumulation conditions. Cupping treatment can be administered with the cups in stationary placement, or with oil applied to the skin before cups are moved in a gliding fashion over the musculature; referred to as ‘moving cups’.

Suction Cup Treatment / ©Image
ElementalChanges / Wendy Brown, Lic.Ac.

The earliest use of cupping dates to early 3oo A.D., recorded by Taoist alchemist & herbalist, Ge Hong as ‘Fire Jar QI’ [Huo Quan QI]. Cups would also be boiled in an herbal decoction just prior to applying to the skin, accentuating effects by fusing herbs into the cupping treatment. Cupping over an acupuncture needle is a current method chosen for the treatment of arthralgia. And in certain cases, blood letting [Luo Ci ‘Vessel Pricking’] a few drops of blood with a 3-edged lancet, and then applying the cup over the site, strongly rectifies toxic heat with blood stasis.

Displays of the distinctive, temporary, circular residual marks from cupping treatment.

Nov

2012

Acupuncture Meridians and Points 腧穴

Acupuncture Points are sites on the body where acupuncture needles are placed, tuning in to the viscera as well as energetic governances. Acupuncturists, as well as Marial Arts Practitioners as well as Tuina, Shiatsu, and other light-body-workers guide QI by using the layout off points of energy along these meridians. The ‘Cun’ is one aspect of point location used to find acupuncture points, a measurement relative to the proportions of each patient’s body. From a research stance, acupoint sites measure higher electrical charge and conductivity, as well as being concentrated neural and vascular conduits.

Nov

2012

TCM Perspective & Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal Insufficiency – Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Traditional Chinese medicine regards adrenal fatigue as insufficiency of the Kidneys. Adrenaline, the action hormone, increases the body’s yang [as evidenced by perspiration and increased heart rate]. Warm in nature, the yang nature of adrenaline is likely to consume yin. However, kidney yang deficiency, exhibited by more cold than heat, more fatigue than feeling wired, and due to inherent or eventual jing [essence] depletion, can be the crux. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney essence determines the quality of life-long health; their energy can be preserved or it can be dissipated by a severe life-style that is inadequate to nourish vital Qi and will ultimately shorten life span.

The prevalent emotional factor when the kidneys are taxed is fearfulness; Qi drops in the contracting mode of self-protection. Blood circulation to the periphery is shunted. ‘Frozen with fear,’ we experience cold hands and feet. Fear and stress signal a perceived need by the body to secrete adrenaline and cortisol, leading to the break down of stored fats and proteins converted to glucose [sugar], making available energy to fight or flee from threat — thoroughly debilitating over time.

A regimen of Chinese herbs and acupuncture for the adrenals should be undertaken for a period of no less than 60 days, to possibly 120 days as a matter of course, to repair and cultivate energy rather than resorting to adrenaline for drive.

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan • A standard Chinese herbal formula to enhance adrenals.
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan • A version of Liu Wei which quells heat from Kidney Yin depletion.
Da Bu Yin Wan • ‘The Great Supplementing Yin Pill’ -&- Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan • Warm, while buffering Yin.
You Gui Wan • A warming Kidney tonic formula.

* Acupuncture & Chinese herbal diagnosis and treatment should be tended to by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner.

What Causes Adrenal Burn Out: Feeling stressed and anxious almost all of the time commonly due to dynamics with those whom we experience as overbearing, demands of scheduling, personal expectations, job pressures, commuting, finances, illness, compulsive athletic training, as well as inadequate nutrition, erratic eating cycles and skipping meals.

Symptoms: Listlessness, morning and late afternoon energy particularly low, performing daily tasks is exhausting, falling into deep naps whenever possible to recharge, food cravings for carbohydrates, sugar, salt and caffeine to compensate, absent-mindedness, intolerance to cold, unexplainable weight fluctuation, erratic sleep; difficulty falling or staying asleep and then waking tired, libido problems. Other non-specific symptoms may include: Allergies, general weakness and debility, headaches, thinning hair, depressive mood swings and an inability to cope with any stress. Some studies link adrenal weakness as contributing factors in fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism.

Prevention is, in large part, the treatment: Stress and other emotional strains should be entirely avoided, while also resolving or changing our reactions to them. Diet has a significant impact on creating and repairing adrenal depletion. Eating frequent, small meals is beneficial. One should also eat foods that nurture the Kidney. These include: Humanely harvested eggs, adzuki beans, black beans, barley, walnuts, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, deep green leafy vegetables, blueberries, shitaki and black fungus mushrooms, root vegetables, black sesame seeds, kelp, very small amounts of sea salt or tamari, asparagus and raisins; While avoiding all sugar, alcohol, heavily salted foods, black tea, yerba maté and coffee – even decaf. Smokers should immediately stop the intake of tobacco. Chinese herbal medicine, Acupuncture and Qigong can show us the path to restoring balance to the energetics of the kidney, and therefore the adrenals, to preserve the health of both body, mind and spirit.

Health & Wellness

Best Wishes to All!

Oct

2012

Diabetes in Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment

Diabetes Mellitus originates from deficiency of Yin and manifests externally as a syndrome of excessive heat. As the disease progresses, deficiency of Yin produces dry-heat which in turn damages QI and Yin, exhausting both Yin and Yang in time. The incidence of diabetes is projected to double in the next 10 years worldwide; yet, in 752 A.D., the distinguished physician Wang Tao published the famous book Wai Tai Mi Yao, a comprehensive medical guide which implicated the pancreas as the organ involved in this pattern of disease. Herbal treatment in the initial stage countered with herbs that had a cold nature and that nourished Yin – the same diagnosis & treatment today. In China, diabetes is not as prevalent as elsewhere. The incidence rate of diabetes in China is reported to be 0.67%, compared with about 2.2% in the U.S. 90% of the U.S. cases are insulin-independent, due to genetic factors, diet and obesity.

STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

• Diabetes develops initially over a period of about 3 years.

• Intermediate stage (with deficiency of QI and Yin) over a period of about 5 years.

• Late stage (with deficiency of QI, Yin and Yang) develops over a period of about 8 years, with blood circulatory disorders that progress throughout.

OUTCOMES

Along with Chinese herb therapy, Acupuncture can be used to treat such risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, etc., the diabetic syndrome itself, and the secondary effects of diabetes. About 70-80% of those using acupuncture and appropriate formulations of Chinese herbs at the high Chinese-style dosages, achieve improvement, often better than the many western drugs; while 20-30% show only a marginal response. Blood sugar levels may not reach norms but can be reduced enough to ameliorate symptoms and decrease the secondary risks of long-term elevation of blood sugar.

Wellness Best Wishes to All

May

2012

Acupuncture And Fertility

In a clinical study of 5,807 women, it was demonstrated that acupuncture improves pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Higher ovulation and pregnancy rates occur for women receiving acupuncture, and further, stimulating the production of gonadotropins, hormones that affect fertility including FSH [follicle stimulating hormone] and LH [luteinizing hormone]. The application of acupuncture points ST36 and SP6 were shown to prevent egg implantation failure, promoting successful conception. In a German study, of 80 women who underwent in-vitro fertilization [IVF] while receiving acupuncture treatment, 34 women became pregnant. Of another 80 women who only received IVF without acupuncture, only 21 women became pregnant. A similar and subsequent American study maintained that 51% of women who had both acupuncture treatments and IVF became pregnant, while only 36%, receiving only IVF without acupuncture became pregnant. Acupuncture also helps with men’s sperm quality and count says a 2005 study in the publication “Fertility and Sterility.” Men who receive acupuncture have fewer structural defects in sperm and increases in normal sperm than men who receive no acupuncture treatment.

Natural Medicine is Best!