Around one in five Australians suffers symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at some point in their life. People with IBS have sensitive large intestines that are easily aggravated. The factors causing aggravation of the bowels are not easily understood, but it appears that they come from 1) genetic disposition, 2) diet and 3) emotional stress.
Everyone is different and requires individual treatment
In Chinese medicine, we differentiate between patterns. This means that even though the symptoms are the same with sufferers from IBS, the reasons or pathological factors are different. We then treat energetically (with acupuncture or herbal medicine). The aim is to restore a balance between Yin and Yang. Energetic treatments mean that we assist the natural physiology of the body and focus on the entire organism. The manifestation of the balance of Yin and Yang indicates that there is health and well-being.
In simple terms, if IBS is caused by too much cold (too much Yin and not enough Yang), we will replenish the body’s Yang (warming food, warming herbs, acupuncture points that are warming). Often this type of scenario will also require some moving around of energy (because cold stagnates). So, we might apply moxibustion (the burning of mugwort cones on various areas of the body). For this person, it will be important to have mostly warming foods as part of their diet (both cooked food and energetically warming foods).
Stress is a big factor!
It’s hard to admit that stress is part of our lives and being stressed will aggravate IBS. But, how to avoid stress in mostly busy, demanding and challenging environments? Not an easy question to answer. However, to adjust your lifestyle, your responsibilities and activities to a level that is manageable might be the first step into the right direction.
If we are all tense, the internal organs will be tense too. That’s how stress affects our guts. So simple strategies like taking time away from your desk whilst having breakfast or lunch will greatly improve the well-being of both your digestive system as well as you!
As with any other form of illness, in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture clinics the underlying cause of the illnesses is determined using extensive tests. When we experience emotional disharmony or turmoil, the liver Zang’s Qi becomes stagnant essentially affecting the flow of Qi in the other parts of the body. This stagnation causes abdominal pain, cramping, and constipation.
To achieve maximum relief, a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture and Qi Gong are used. However, it is always advised to seek the services of certified acupuncture therapists; they will work to identify the exact cause of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome as it varies from one individual to the other.
Various patterns exist
Depending on the disharmony being experienced, an acupuncture therapist may administer varied treatments. Where liver Qi stagnation is the cause of the discomfort, more focus is given to points such as the Tai Chong (Liver 3) or He Gu (Large intestine 4). Such an action also goes a long way in lessening the intestinal wind that may have come about as a result of a strained liver Qi. Points such as the Spleen 4 (Gong Sun) and the Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) are used to treat a spleen Qi deficiency.
By choosing the Chinese acupuncture treatment, one is set to have a relief from constipation and diarrhea from the administration of Spleen 15 (Da Heng) and Stomach 25 (Tian Shu). The administration of Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan) works to relieve stress and balance emotions accordingly giving you the much-needed relief. The analogy involved is that these points affect the stomach and liver, which are related to the spleen. Where dampness is determined to contribute to the illness, Spleen 9 (Yin Ling Quan) may be included in the point formula.
Several herbs are used in tailored formulas
The balancing of the spleen organ and the Qi of the liver can also be achieved through the use of a combination of various Chinese herbal medicine. To treat liver Qi stagnation, herbs like Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae), and Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) are used. To eliminate the intestinal wind that may have resulted from a non-performing liver Qi, Fang Feng (Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae) is added to the above-mentioned herbs. All Chinese herbs come in herbal formulations, we do not prescribe single herbs. It’s the action of the formula that is powerful and effective.
Herbs such as Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) and Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) are used to treat a spleen Qi deficiency. As it is, these herbs are also effective where the liver has invaded the spleen. Where a patient is suffering from constipation and diarrhea, the symptoms are balanced using a combination of specific herbs. For diarrhea, these herbs may include Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis), Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae Lappae). At the same time, the distress that comes from constipation may be stalled by adding portions of Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) to the medication. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) and Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosi) have been shown to relieve stress and effectively balance emotions.
In case of damp-heat or dampness, Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemesia Capillaris) or Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poria Cocos) may be added to the formula.
Qi Gong or Tai Qi Chuan to relief stress
Since the irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that can be directly linked to stress conditions, the administration of Qi Gong has proven to be highly effective. Different exercise routines are advised in a bid to ease the pressure. The Eight Brocade Exercises and Tai Qi Chuan are recommended since they strengthen the spleen Qi and move the liver Qi while balancing and calming the emotions at the same time.
Chinese acupuncture treatment also encourages patients to be fully involved in their healing process. For instance, considerable relief may be achieved by massaging one’s lower abdomen in circles. For diarrhea, the circles should be anticlockwise whereas clockwise circles should be made in the case of constipation. It is encouraged that patients learn basic stress-reduction and simple meditation techniques; these can help alleviate distress.
Nonetheless, it is always advised to seek the help of a certified acupuncture therapist since it gives you a clearer understanding of the problem (and solution).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Traditional Chinese Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2015.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2015, from http://www.healthcommunities.com/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/alternative-medicine/tcm-treatments-for-ibs.shtml
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is mainly characterized by nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching and sneezing. These symptoms result from inflamed nasal membranes. The quality of life can be greatly impaired once the condition sets in; this is obviously something no one wants to experience. How about a remedy that not only treats hay fever but also prevents the condition from appearing? Chinese Medicine is one of the surest ways through which you can gain control of their health.
Prevention better than cure?
Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, dealing with the various underlying conditions may go a long way in preventing you against many diseases. The food you take in on a regular basis is bound to directly influence your health levels. Foods that are difficult to digest may end up harming the digestive system. Damp and cold foods have been shown to reduce spleen energy as opposed to producing more blood and energy; this has the inescapable effect of predisposing one to hay fever. Avoiding the following foods may be the only remedy you might need for hay fever:
Nuts – excessive intake of damp nuts could be disastrous
Wheat – baked goods, bread, and pasta.
Instead of the above-mentioned foods, one should ensure they add the following foods to their diet:
Stir fries
Congee
Porridge
Vegetable soups
Warm water has also been suggested as a possible remedy for hay fever since it aids in digestion. More defensive energy is also produced as a result of the intake of green tea. The quality of drinks and foods that you take in also go a long way in safeguarding one against a hay fever attack. As such, you should source them from the healthiest sources possible. Your physical and mental health is largely influenced by the quality of water you intake; it is recommended that you choose water from natural springs or one that has minerals added to it. Bio-dynamic and organic foods should also form the bulk of one’s meals even as an upsurge is continually witnessed in the production of inorganic foods. Natural and strong foods are certain to strengthen your body.
The Chinese Medicine Perspective
This relatively common respiratory condition can effectively be treated using Chinese-inspired medicine. Hay fever is likely to set in once the digestive system fails to produce enough energy required to respond to the allergens that are relatively common in the spring. Chinese herbal medicine, in conjunction with acupuncture, are certain to bring the much-required relief.
To attain the best results, be sure to visit your local Chinese clinic. Such an action is necessary since it is often crucial to determining the root cause of the condition. Stress, worry, lack of exercise, and poor diet are some of the major causes of depleted digestive energy. In Chinese medicine, this is a certain recipe for reduced immunity and wind is allowed into the body essentially causing hay fever symptoms including a runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing and so on.
To strengthen one’s Wei Qi (defensive Qi), Chinese diet therapy encourages the intake of foods that require little energy to digest. This reduced effort allows your body to reduce defensive energy without struggling. Difficult foods to digest have the effect of straining the spleen and reducing the functionality of the immune system. Warm, nourishing foods, as opposed to cold raw foods, are recommended in the prevention of hay fever.
Different Chinese herbal formulas are used in the treatment of various allergies. As opposed to providing a fast yet short-term relief, these medicines fix the underlying system imbalances. Acupuncture, one of the most commonly used Chinese healing techniques, has often been used to manage and control hay fever. The combination of specific herbal formulas, revised diets, and acupuncture are certain to yield the required results. Some of the most common Chinese herbal formulas include: Gui Zhi Tang, Xiao Qing Long Tang, Xin Yi San, Yin Qiao San Ma Huang Tang, Ge Gen Tang and many more. Most of those herbal formulas offer relief where one has increased sensitivity to cold, wheezing, body aches, and regular chills. These pills, powders or liquid extracts are ideal for short durations and should be taken with a lot of water.
Traditional Chinese medicine also advocates for healthier diets that are meant to act as anti-allergens. One of the formulas that have often been greatly recommended as treatment for hay fever is the use of green tea as opposed to the much-preferred coffee. Various allergy symptoms associated with hay fever can also be reduced considerably by making tea out of dried Chrysanthemum flowers. Radishes are also important in reducing the symptoms associated with hay fever. The moistening and cooling effect from radishes make them ideal for treating itchy, dry allergy eyes. They can also facilitate the easing of sore throats, draining mucous, and clearing the sinuses.
An acupuncture session before the onset of spring can go a long way in safeguarding you against hay fever. One’s immunity is boosted essentially implying that one does not have to deal with the ungratifying symptoms associated with the fever. You should not wait till you suffer from a sinus headache or start sneezing as that would mean that the fever has already set in.
All in all, it is always recommended that one consults with a trusted healthcare practitioner before embarking on a different diet or treatment.
References:
Brinkhaus, B., Hummelsberger, J., Kohnen, R., Seufert, J., Hempen, C. H., Leonhardy, H., … & Schuppan, D. (2004). Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized‐controlled clinical trial. Allergy, 59(9), 953-960.
Hay fever remedies. Chinese medicine home remedies. (2012, October 4). Retrieved July 26, 2015.
Hayfever & Chinese Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015.
Pacific College. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015.
Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The discomfort that comes about as a result of a headache is almost unmatched. There has been a constant search for remedies for migraines and other forms of headache in a bid to bring the much-required relief. Over the years, Chinese medicine has been used to cure a wide variety of diseases, headache notwithstanding. Regardless of whether one prefers natural or traditional ways of treating illnesses, Chinese medicine is certainly the way to go.
Owing to the very dynamic nature, it is imperative that every case be treated with as much precision as possible. Headaches may have a neurovascular origin, it may be traumatic, or it may occur as a result of other illnesses. As it is, pain medications may not offer the very vital relief; traditional Chinese medicine puts that fact into consideration.
The relation between Headaches and organs in Chinese Medicine
According to the Chinese, the head is closely related to all the other organs and parts of the body. These organs are tasked with the responsibility to offer nourishment to the head as a way through which proper health is attained and maintained. Different food nutrients and functional organs such as the kidney work in unison to ensure that pain to the head is not experienced. The collaterals and meridians are used to connect the head to other organs. Through the orifices, the head communicates to the external environment. Headaches occur when the nutrients supply to the head is stalled or limited or when internal or external factors hinder the movement of energy within meridians. The severity and frequencies of headaches normally vary from one individual to the other and it may, therefore, treating and diagnosing headaches may prove to be a daunting task.
The main advantage that you stand to accrue from using Chinese herbal medicine is that TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) physicians make it part of their job to identify the exact pathological changes in the body that cause the headache. Specific guidelines are then offered based on the disharmony patterns that are identified.
Treatment principles for Chinese herbal medicines
Headaches From External Influences
Where the headache in question is as a result of external forces, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan is normally used to bring relief. In this case, there are slight differences in the nature of the pain with some individuals experiencing it at the back or front of the head. Nasal congestion and sore and tight neck and shoulders are some of the most common symptoms that come together with this form of headache. Normally, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan is taken together with green tea in a bid to maximize performance.
Headache that results from wind heat can be very severe. The Chinese Herbal Medicine that is recommended, in this case, is Gan Mao Ling or Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian. This kind of headache is usually accompanied by a rapid pulse, thirst, sore throat, and fever.
Dampness has often been shown to cause various forms of headaches. The pathogens involved make one’s head feel heavy, and the pain is quite domineering. Over the years, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Tang has been used to successfully with this kind of headache. The foggy thinking, nasal congestion, chills, and fatigue that are associated with this form of headaches are certain to be eliminated. Both internal and external headaches are treated through this herbal medicine.
Where sinus or nasal congestion accompanies the headache, Bi Yan Pian is certain to come in handy. Most often than note, most of the headaches describes above come about as a result of excessive pressure to the sinuses.
Using Chinese Traditional Medicine to Treat Headaches From External Influences
As had been mentioned, there is an undeniable connection between the head and other internal organs. Liver imbalances have often been the main basis of headaches. A deficiency of one kind or the other in the liver may result to a scenario where the liver yang flares and affects the head. Once this happens, a headache is almost inevitable. Frustration and anger have also been proven to have a similar reaction. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin contains the right elements to deal with this form of headache. A throbbing pain behind the eyes and sides of the head accompanied by irritability, nausea, and dizziness signify this form of headache. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is created by combining two herbs and can also relieve pain that occurs on the shoulders and neck.
Another very important Chinese herbal medicine used to treat headaches is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang. The formula has been designed to reduce heat in the liver that may have resulted from liver fire; this comes about as a result of extreme heat. Other symptoms associated with this condition include heightened anger, red eyes and face, and a yellow coat on the tongue.
Blood stagnation is certain to result into a headache; a severe one at that. The headache that results is one that is characterized by fixed, sharp, and stabbing pain often leading to a choppy, wiry pulse. Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Pian contains herbs that stimulate the movement of blood in the body and relieve pain at the same time. Pain after physical exertion is one of the ways through which this form of headache is confirmed. Traumatic injury is one of the major causes of blood stagnation. Poor appetite and unjustified fatigue are some of the aftermaths associated with this type of headache. Other possible remedies, in this case, are Shen Qi Da Bu Wan and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan.
Blood deficiency has various causative agents including intense menstruation and hunger among others. This defect is characterized by blurry vision, dizziness, a thin pulse, and a pale face. Nu Ke Ba Zhen, Shou Wu Chih, and Tang Kwei Gin contain compounds designed to stimulate blood production and movement.
The role of acupuncture
For many years, acupuncture has been used to deal with myriads of conditions. Where headaches are concerned, this science has been proven to cause a noticeable relief in a matter of minutes. Depending on the diagnosis, various points are bound to be used. These points include Taiyang (the temples), Adjoining Valleys (Large Intestine 4), Stomach 8 (forehead), and the Gallbladder 10 (head).
Dietary and lifestyle modifications are normally encouraged in a bid to prevent stimulation of the underlying cause of headaches. Relevant adjustments, based on the cause of headaches, could include avoiding spicy foods and avoiding stress as much as possible. Adapting good eating habits is certainly a small price to pay if one is assured of a pain-free head. Be sure to diagnose the underlying cause of your headaches, and take the necessary steps.
It’s best and recommend to consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner so a pattern differentiation diagnosis can be established and a tailored treatment strategy can be applied.
References:
How Chinese Medicine Understands Headache Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2015, from http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/exam/headaches_chinese_medicine_understands.html
Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any types of Candida (a type of yeast). When it affects the mouth, it is commonly called thrush. Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing. When it affects the vagina, it is commonly called a yeast infection. Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white “cottage cheese-like” discharge from the vagina. Less commonly the penis may be affected, resulting in itchiness. Very rarely, the infection may become invasive spreading throughout the body, resulting in fevers along with other symptoms depending on the parts of the body affected.
What causes Candida according to Chinese Medicine?
According to Chinese Medicine, the main culprit for yeast infections and thrush is food, possibly paired with low immunity or a weakened digestive system. Foods that are cold in temperature such as fruits, salads, ice cream and tofu can cause an overgrowth of yeast. The same applies to foods that are high in processed sugars or foods that are excessively salty. Too much raw food can weaken the digestive fire and damage the digestive function – digestion needs warmth (Yang) to be able to optimally transform food into energy. Other yeast inducing products are ferments, or fermented foods, yeasted breads, alcoholic beverages, fried food and most intoxicants and any food in excessive amounts!
Complicated meals of many ingredients promote pathogenic fermentation in the digestive system which will allow candida to overgrow. Hence simple food combining is more effective in controlling yeast overgrowth. Often dietary adjustments might not be enough to overcome an acute ‘infection’. The most common cause for Candida proliferation (besides eating the wrong foods with a weakened digestive system), is repeated amounts of broad spectrum antibiotics. If you are in need of antibiotics, you must assist your gut flora with probiotics or foods rich in chlorophyll such as deep-green vegetables and barley grass concentrates, raw sauerkraut or an acidophilos culture.
Women taking oral contraceptives are found to be at greater than average risk to develop candidiasis – with the precise aetiology unknown – it seems that the continuous, hormonal stimulation imbalances the digestive system and leaves it vulnerable to the overgrowth of candida.
How much does Stress affect Candida?
Anxiety and worry greatly contribute to the condition. This happens because these strong emotions will upset the normal flow and function of the digestive system (Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Lung) and will make it more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. In Chinese medicine, this is considered as dampness invasion. We treat candida according to the individual manifestation of symptoms and pay much attention to the underlying cause. For instance a weak spleen will cause excessive dampness, possibly caused by an over active liver with or without heat.
A customized formula will be prescribed in either Chinese herbal medicine or Acupuncture or both.
Foods that are allowed:
regularly consume raw sauerkraut (without salt please)
Garlic
Cabbage
Green (chlorophyll rich) vegetables
kelp and seaweed
a moderate intake of complex carbohydrates
lightly cooked sprouts of barley, rice, millet, rye, quinoa, adukibean, soybean and mungbeans
Aduki and mung beans
moderate amounts of berries, pomegranates, lemons, limes
yeasted bread, brewer’s yeast and ferments such as common vinegar
alcoholic beverages
Thrush and yeast infections can become chronic. Don’t let it get that far, come early and be prepared to make those dietary adjustments, they are going to be essential.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties falling or staying asleep. Most people have experienced insomnia symptoms at some time of their lives. At any given time around 10% of people have at least mild insomnia[1]. Anxiety and depression are the two most common causes of chronic insomnia. What’s more, the sleep deprivation can make the symptoms of anxiety or depression worse.
Commonly prescribed herbs and drugs for insomnia might work symptomatically but it is best to address the underlying cause of insomnia. Here is a list of commonly prescribed drugs and their characteristics.
What’s the disruptive pattern? Not falling asleep or waking?
Around 85% of our clients report sleeping difficulties on their initial consultation. Its either difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping lightly, waking early or having too many toilet breaks throughout the night!
As acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines work energetically to restore balance, the formula (both for Acupuncture and herbal medicines) is chosen to the type of energetic layer of the body involved in insomnia.
Classically we work with 6 layers of the body:
Yang: (more superficial)
Yin: (more deep)
Taiyang (Urinary Bladder, Small Intestine )
Taiyin (Lung, Spleen)
Yangming (Stomach, Large Intestine)
Shaoyin (Heart, Kidney
Shayoang (Gallbladder, Triple Burner)
Jueyin (Liver, Pericardium)
Acute insomnia might relate more to Yang and chronic insomnia might be found more in the Yin layers of the body. So hence treatment with either acupuncture, herbal medicines or Tui Na massage will address the imbalances in those area and assist the body in its capacity to heal and restore.
As a general rule, the Yang layers are more energetic (literally have more energy and less substance, compared to the Yin layers, they have more substance and less energy) and are hence treated quite easily and effectively with acupuncture, Tui Na massage. Insomnia that has been there for longer and had a chance to establish itself in the Yin layers might benefit from Chinese herbal medicines. With chronic conditions, the pattern has been established for longer and benefits from herbal medicines that someone (affected with insomnia) can ingest every day for a certain period of time.
Stress might be one of the main causes of insomnia
Stress – a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances – affects all of us in a busy and not-stopping Western world. Stress can be a motivator but applied over a prolonged period of time, it wears out. It will affect our mental and emotional capabilities and disables our body’s response to exogenous pathogens (so more colds and lingering colds). If you feel stressed a lot, it might be a good time to address this not only by being reflective about it but also in finding solutions to reduce stress!
Some of our recommendations for healthy bed-side manners are:
Keep your bedroom free of clutter, clean and well aired.
Don’t watch TV up until you go to bed, even if you fall asleep in front of the TV
Have a walk, bath, meditation session or read before going to bed
Leave your stress outside your front door
Use good quality aromatherapy oils that are calming in your bedroom, either in a traditional oil burner or a diffuser (lavender, bergamot, Ylang Ylang and many more)
Don’t overindulge in alcohol
Have light evening meals and don’t eat too late (it will disrupt your body’s rest)
Everyone is different – the point is, you will find a recipe that works well for you as long as you give yourself the time and space that’s required to find the perfect solution. Don’t give up too easily, most sleeping pills have a high potential of dependency and will make your problem worse…
Here are some more awesome tips to set yourself up for a restful night!
