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...

 

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...

 

Prevention of Miscarriage using Chinese Herbal Medicine

In Western medicine, there are three stages to a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion: 1) threatened miscarriage, 2) incomplete miscarriage, and 3) complete miscarriage. The most important rule to remember in treating threatened miscarriage with Chinese medicine is not to move the qi too forcefully or quicken the blood. Any medicinals with these functions will promote the likelihood of miscarriage.   Read more...

 

Restoring Digestive Health with Fermented Foods

The ancient Greeks understood that important chemical changes took place during fermentation, calling it “alchemy.” As with dairy products, preservation of vegetables and fruits by the process of lacto-fermentation has many advantages beyond simply maintaining the edibility of fresh food. The increased vitamin and micronutrient levels in fermented foods are significant factors in the promotion of health.   Read more...

 

Leaky Gut Syndrome - A modern Epidemic

Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is reaching epidemic proportions within the population. As a disease entity, it has not been discussed in classical or modern TCM literature. In fact, taking a strictly classical Chinese medicine approach to LGS is often ineffective or only partially effective, because the disease is not addressed in all of its complexity. What modern event allowed Leaky Gut Syndrome to become a major cause of disease in modern society? Primarily it has been antibiotics, secondarily non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  Read more...

 

The Use of Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer

I have heard it said by several people that cancer patients should not receive acupuncture, as it can "spread the cancer". There is, as far as I can tell from a fairly extensive literature search, conversations with others, and many years of experience, absolutely no grounds for such an assertion. In my experience, cancer is far more likely to metastasise (spread) when the patient’s overall health deteriorates. If we can give regular, sustained, long term acupuncture, the effects are invariably positive.  Read more...

 

Chinese Medicine and the H1N1 Virus

Historically, Chinese herbal medicine has been very effective against viral infections, even new strains. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Chinese herbs were used to treat infected patients and protect the health care professionals from contracting the virus. A handful of Chinese herbs have been shown to have strong neuraminidase inhibitory effects, most notably, ku shen/sophora root and ban lan gen/isatis root . For these substances to be effective, it is important that they are administered at the right phase, with consideration to the patient’s pattern and in conjunction with other herbs in an appropriately matched formula.  Read more...

 

New Perspectives on the Treatment of Male Fertility

It is a common practitioner’s dilemma: many women show up in our clinics for fertility support, but getting male partners to come for treatment can be a challenge. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports that the male factor is responsible for one-third of fertility problems in this country, and male and female factors together are responsible for another third of fertility problems. 48% of miscarriages are thought to be due to abnormal sperm issues.   Read more...