Purpose, Elation and the Pancreas

There are many ways to look at the state of acupuncture in America and the progress that has been made over the last twenty years. In this article I would like to discuss some of the really basic terms and concepts of Oriental medicine that, even after “all these years” of acupuncture in America, are still problematic. Looking critically and carefully at the past gives us many lessons for the present and future.  Read more...

 

Postnatal Depression

The Ji Yin Gang Mu (Compendium of Benefits to Women, 1620, by Wu Zhi–Wang is a major TCM gynaecological text which contains gynaecological formulae arranged by disease category. It contains more than fifty formulas listed for these various conditions, as well as others that in the West might conceivably be thrown into the “post natal depression” basket, such as recurring hiccups or wandering pains. The commentaries included within the Ji Yin Gang Mu note that there are three major approaches to post-partum emotional disorders. One focuses on “bad blood” left over after the birth, which rushes to and disrupts the Heart shen. Another emphasises blood deficiency resulting from the birth process and its attendant traumas. The last points to pathogenic wind taking advantage of the blood deficiency to attack.   Read more...

 

Global Trends in Granule Use

The creation of concentrated extract powders represents one of the most important developments in the history of Chinese herbal medicine. As technology has advanced, Chinese herbalists increasingly find themselves armed with a vast arsenal of convenient preparations that bring centuries of formulas and thousands of cooking hours into a space the size of a small closet. The versatility of granules has preserved some aspects of traditional methods while simultaneously inspiring dramatic changes of approach in Asia, and their convenience is quickly making them the most prominent method of herbal medicine delivery in the West.  Read more...

 

A Bitter Taste in the Mouth - a clinical review

I am offering this case study as encouragement for all in our profession as we proceed with often unheralded successes in areas where Western medicine has heroic, but sometimes less acceptable solutions. To quote one of "The Lantern" editors: “It is always important to remind everyone – ourselves included – what is possible with Chinese medicine.” I was privileged in this case to have the complete confidence of my patient and her faithful compliance with treatment, and especially fortunate to be provided with the report from a post-treatment Western medical screening, which substantiated the results.  Read more...

 

All Disease Comes from the Heart; The Pivital Role of the Heart

Most modern clinicians find that a majority of their patients suffer from the symptom complex generally referred to as “stress.” Emotional stress, however, is usually regarded as a confounding rather than a causative factor in pathophysiology. This assessment is contrary to the tenets of classical Chinese medicine, which originally regarded emotional imbalance as a spiritual affliction of primary significance.  Read more...

 

Modified Opening Through Stasis Decoction

If we think of the Ren vessel/Bao Tai, as a tubular pathway extending from the upper body (Heart and chest) to the womb, physiologically, this tube provides the route for the Heart fire to descend to warm the womb and for the Kidney water to ascend to control, moisten and cool the Heart. This pathway allows the communication and interaction of fire and water between the upper Jiao and womb. We can also see that what travels within this tube is the interaction of fire and water, which is the red blood.   Read more...

 

Beware the Rampaging Hun

Individually embodied spirits engage and accumulate experience through the combined agency of the five aspects of Shen (Spirit). Each of these shen is associated with the primal movement of one of the five phases (wuxing), is contained within its zang (vital organ), and expresses interactions with the world through its paired fu (storehouse). Together the five shen provide both the motive force for each individual’s life, and his or her capacity to learn and grow.  Read more...

 

Wu Wei Zi: A Great Herb, A Little Caution

Wu wei zi (schisandra) is one of the most interesting herbs in common use by physicians of Chinese medicine. It would be surprising to find it missing in any Chinese herbal shop. Its listing in the Shennong Bencao Jing as well as in twelve formulas from the Shanghan Zabing Lun (the combined Shanghan Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue), firmly anchors wu wei zi as a stalwart component of the Chinese herbal tradition…  Read more...

 

Herbal Medicine Past and Future

Over the decades since 1900, we have witnessed the establishment of the modern medical monopoly and the evolution from a totally plant based medical healing system to a system more and more reliant on synthesized chemicals..... It is clear to me and others in the AOM profession that what is necessary at the present time is to create a recognized non-drug status for herbal medicine. We must bring herbal medicine and specifically Chinese herbal medicine into the pantheon of recognized conventional medical options for all Americans.  Read more...