The Good Earth Chinese Medic

It is just past the heighth of summer and plants are flourishing.  As an herbalist, it is important for me to have connection to the plants that I use as medicine.  It gives me a relationship with the plant and helps me better understand the medicine a plant has to offer.   In this blog and the next, I would like to share with you some Chinese medicinals that are plants within my garden.

XUAN FU HUA : This flower dissolves hot or cold phlegm and in the lung and helps stomach qi descend.

ZHI MU - This soft whispy plant with it's long seasonal lasting tall and astute purple flower has it's medicine in it's spreading rhizomes. It can clear deficient and excess heat, nourish yin, generate fluid and moisten dryness. What a clever mother.

DAN SHEN -- 'red ginseng' -- It's flower is purple, but it's roots are red!. These blood roots move, cool and nourish the blood and calm the spirit.

Another of dan shen after her flowering time.

BAI SHAO : 'white peony' -- I forgot to photograph it's early spring white flower. Here is the foliage. And it is her roots that nourish the blood and the liver, helps preserve the yin when there is abnormal sweating. Also a great friend of gan cao, licorice root, to relieve muscle spasms, pain and numbness.

LIAN QIAO -- This is a wee baby shrub that puts out long whispy yellow branches at the first signs of spring. It is the fruit, or seed of this plant that has anti-biotic properties that clear heat and eliminate toxins.

HUO XIANG -- 'aromatic bean leaf' -- Ahhh, yes, aromatic it is!! Just rubbing your fingers on it's leaves will leave it's scent imprinted in your herbal minded memory. It's medicine is what the picture shows, the aerial, above ground parts of the plant. It's aromatic properties dispel damp and summer-heat/damp, relieves nausea and vomiting. It also has anti-fungal properties if used as a topical soak.

 This is the beginning.  There are more plants to be featured soon!!  Medicine can be beautiful!

THE  LIVER

Big sigh…Ahhhhh….It is spring.  The season that brings the wind and the varied weather along with it.  Our eyes open to the green that begins to vibrantly awaken us from the once brown and gray landscaped slumber of winter.  Everything in nature begins to stir, revive, and reveal.  And our liver is the focal organ.     

In Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), spring is the season of the Liver organ and energy.  Spring is the season to set up our plants for success, so they can thrive through their growing season.  And it is the liver in TCM that is the focal point for how the rest of the body’s qi and blood functions.  So, in spring, the liver energy is predominant and it is optimal time of the year to support it’s health, so it can move the rest of our body in a healthy direction.

 The functions of the liver organ in TCM are :

• control the smooth flow of qi – First, what is qi?  Qi is translated as many things (matter, energy, life-force, vitality…).  Qi  is a phenomenon of energy that comes in different forms so life can exist, transform, adapt, develop and continue.  In Chinese medicine, we look at two aspects of qi in our health.  The first is the qi that we take in to our body, i.e. water, food and  air.  The ‘qi’  that we take in are considered vital substances that we give our body, mind and spirit in order to maintain its life activities.  And second,  is the qi that describes the physiological function and action of the organ systems in our body.    In this instance, we are discussing the first function of the liver qi - to control the smooth flow of qi within the body.  The liver helps keep the body healthy and balanced by making sure the qi within our body circulates through without obstruction and in the proper direction.  There are three areas of  health in which qi not moving properly affects.  One is our emotions, another is our digestion, and the last is a woman’s menstrual cycle.  If the liver is not able to move the qi through the body freely, then stagnation and heat can occur.  Think of a smooth flowing river.  Serene, placid, peaceful.   Now, think of a river that has boulders in it’s midst that divert, block or impede the flow of water.  Rough, rapids, commotion.  There is an incredible amount of kinetic energy that results from the water trying to find a way around the rocks.  Now think of this concept within your body and how it can affect the body, emotions or mind.  When the qi moves smoothly through the body, our bodies and mind are at peace.  But when qi is impeded, our bodies become tense, and as a result our mind, emotions follow this tension.  arrgh.   This concept also works in the opposite manner, in that the qi can stagnate if we encounter a high strung stressful emotional state for lengthy periods.  The types of symptoms we see in TCM when the liver is not able to perform this function are : irritability, anger, stress, depression, heartburn or a bitter taste in the mouth, diarrhea,  pain or pressure around the rib cage or chest, irregular menstruation in women.
• the liver stores and regulates the blood.   These first two functions of the liver, it’s ability to move qi and it’s storage and regulation of blood, need to work together because qi and blood depend on each other, in that qi helps move the blood and blood helps nourish the qi.  If the flow of qi is normal then there is normal circulation of blood through the body.   If there is stagnation of qi then there is stasis of blood.   As the liver is moving qi and blood through the body, it is acting as a reservoir and a regulator for the blood in the body.  When the body is at rest, the amount of blood needed by our body decreases and what is not needed is stored in the liver. Then, when our body is  active, the liver releases blood that is necessary to nourish the tissues that are in demand during activity.  This reservoir/storage and regulation of qi and blood of the liver also strongly influences the regularity and health of the menstrual cycle in woman.  If liver lacks in blood or has a difficult time regulating the blood, we can see symptoms that relate to the body not being nourished by the blood such as dizziness, dryness of the eyes and skin,  blurred vision, tendon issues, numbness of the limbs,  spasms of the tendons and muscles, and scanty menstrual flow or amenorrhea.   

the tissue that the liver organ energy nourishes:

• the tendons:  The tendons, fascia, and ligaments of the body rely on the nourishment of liver blood.  If the liver blood is lacking and is not able  to nourish the tendons, then symptoms such as tremors of the hands or feet, numbness of the limbs, or difficulty in flexing and extending the limbs will be attributed to the state of the liver blood. 
• the nails: The nails are viewed as an extension or the remains of tendon tissue.  The health of the nails reflect the state of the liver blood.  If the liver blood is ample in the body, the nails appear hard and smooth. If liver blood is not sufficient and not capable of nourishing the tendons, then the nails may be thin, soft, brittle, pale, or have ridging on the nail.

the sense organ the liver opens into:

• the eyes :  The liver’s function of storing and regulating blood, goes up to nourish the eye and the liver acupuncture channel also goes to the eye.   If the liver blood is not sufficient, there will be a dryness of the eyes, blurry vision, having floaters in the vision, eye twitches, or night blindness.  If there is long term qi stagnation causes heat or if heat from our external environment affect the liver acupuncture channel, this heat can go to the eye which can cause the eyes to become red, dry and/or swollen.

the emotion the liver is associated with :

• anger – anger can injure the liver’s ability to smoothly move qi and vice-versa, if the qi of the body is not moving smoothly, then irritability, frustration or anger can occur. 

what can we do to keep the liver healthy and balanced :

• breathe, relax and make mindful attempts in keeping the emotions in balance. 
• eat ‘clean’ foods.   Eating is for nurturing and nourishing our body.  Foods that are high in nutrients, low in sugar and unhealthy fats.  Drink healthy amounts of water and if you drink alcohol, drink low amounts.  Another aspect of eating is how we eat.  Eat in a  relaxed environment and when in a relaxed state.  Eating is for nurturing and nourishing our body.
• see a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.  The basis of Chinese medicine is to keep the body in an optimal balanced state of health. 

THE KIDNEYS

The kidneys in TCM are akin to the roots of a plant.  They are the foundation to what gives us proper development, strength, health and vitality.   

So, as the title of this blog suggests, the kidneys are the organ related to winter.  The same time of year when plants recede into the earth and focus their energy to their roots.

And here we are.  Cold days, less light…urging desires to curl up, keep warm and nourish our body. 

And our instinctual winter behavior supports TCM theory of what the kidney organ and energy desire in the winter.  Warmth, support, and rest.

The functions of the kidney organ in TCM are to :  

• store essence –  Essence is considered a ‘precious substance’ in Chinese medicine.  It is what determines our general constitution as we grow, develop, reproduce and age.  There are two types of essence in TCM :   

1.  ‘pre-natal essence’.  This can be likened to our DNA.  It is constitutionally what we inherit from our parents.  This is the vital substance that drives our growth and development through life.  When we lack balance or moderation in our lifestyle choices, we can waste our pre-natal essence (i.e. encourage a pre-mature aging process)      
2.   ’post-natal’ essence.  This is the type of essence that we gain (or not) through the food we eat, the air we breath and the activity we get.  If we take care of ourselves in life we can restore and replenish our body.

• produce marrow, nourish the brain and spinal cord and control the bones –   Marrow in Chinese medicine is produced from the kidney essence and is what fills the bones, nourishes the brain and spinal cord and contributes to making blood.  When our kidney essence is strong our bones and spine will be healthy and strong and we will have good memory and concentration.  When our kidney essence begins to decline with aging, our bones and spine can weaken (i.e. osteoporosis) and our memory and concentration can wither.
•   governs water in the body and the water passages in the body – The kidneys balance of  the yin and yang energy in the body is seen in this role.  In water metabolism, think of the kidney yin as the moistening properties and the kidney yang as the steaming properties.   The kidney yin and yang control the fluid circulating in the lower part of the body through urination.  If the kidneys are balanced in  yin and yang energy, then urination will be normal. 
• controls the lower orifices — The kidney energy holds the strength for the urethra and anus.  When the kidney energy is weak incontinence, spermatorrhea, diarrhea or prolapsed anus can occur. 
• controls inspiration in breathing and helps receive the ‘qi’ from the lung  – Healthy breathing begins in the lower part of the body.  And it is the kidneys in the mid to lower back area that are responsible for receiving the breath in a  healthy breathing cycle.    

the sense organ that the kidneys open into:

• the ears — The kidney essence nourishes the ears.  When the kidney essence is in decline, symptoms such as tinnitus and loss of hearing will exist.

the tissue that the kidney organ energy nourishes :

• the hair — the abundance and health of the kidney essence nourishes the growth and health of the hair.  When the kidney essence is in decline, hair will be brittle, dull, thin and there will be pre-mature graying or loss of hair.

the emotion the kidney is associated with:

• fear — the kidney energy can be weakened by fear.

what can we do to preserve our kidney essence and strengthen our kidney qi :

• the biggest lesson is living as balanced and healthy as possible.  When we overtax our bodies, we are tapping from the definite resource of our kidney essence. 
• keep warm and dry in the wet and cold.  Especially, your low back and feet.  These two areas relate to the kidney channel and organ system.
• see a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.  The basis of Chinese medicine is to keep the body in an optimally balanced state of health. 
• breath deep and grasp healthy vital air.

Through these winter months nourish and protect your roots!!

 Because I want to be informed about what science is saying about this virus, I was looking over the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) web info on the H1N1 .  Here is their last question and answer on their, Q & A page :

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Are natural remedies (also referred to as “complementary” or “alternative” medicine) recommended to prevent the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?

The first and most important step to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Vaccination stimulates an immune response using a killed or weakened virus that uses the body’s own defense mechanisms to prevent infection. CDC’s current recommendations to protect against 2009 H1N1 virus do not include natural remedies as a sole prevention method. If you want to use a natural remedy to reduce symptoms, CDC recommends that you talk to your healthcare provider about options.

Alternative medicine should not be used as a replacement for proven conventional care, or to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides information at http://health.nih.gov/topic/AlternativeMedicine on specific alternative options, including scientific information, potential side effects, and cautions for each.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to be cautious about products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure 2009 H1N1 influenza, specifically products like pills, air filtration devices, and cleaning agents can kill or eliminate the virus.

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Yes, they are the CDC, so their first recommendation is to vaccinate.    

But what if people choose not to or can’t get vaccinated? 

Using herbs to….not prevent….but….to decrease the chances of acquiring the flu or to decrease the symptoms is possible.

Here are couple things I have discovered about Chinese herbs and H1N1 :

** First, the approach to H1N1 is being viewed a little differently in China.  Because TCM is a widely accepted and practiced medicine throughout the Chinese culture,  ”the Chinese government has apparently advised hospitals to use traditional treatment as a first line approach and resort to Western medicine only after Chinese medicine fails.” 

Oh, I like that. If there is a health condition that is not life threatening and can be managed and effective with a natural approach then why not try that first?  

So with that, doctors at a TCM hospital in Beijing, China have created and are recommending an  H1N1 flu herbal packet to take to lessen the severity of the flu.  Here are the ingredients and their actions :

Lonicera japonica - japanese honeysuckle flower - Jin Yin Hua :  

In TCM speak, we use this herb to ‘clear heat and eliminate toxins.’ 

In scientific language,  some of it’s noted pharmaceutical effects :  antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic.  (Chinese Medicl Herbology & Pharmacology, Chen, John K., Chen, Tina T.) 

Isatis tinctoria - woad root – Ban Lan Gen

In TCM speak, we use this herb to ‘clear heat, eliminate toxin, and to benfit the throat.’ 

In scientific language, some of it’s noted pharamaceutical effects : antibiotic and immunostimulant.

Mentha haplocalyx - mint – Bo He

In TCM speak, we use this herb to ‘release the exterior, dispel wind-heat, clear the head, brighten the eyes and benefit the throat.’ 

In scientific language, some of it’s pharmaceutical actions : antipyretic (reduce fever), diaphoretic (cause sweating), anti-inflammatory.

Glycyrrhiza glabra  – licorice root – Gan Cao

In TCM speak we use licorice root to ‘moisten the lung, stop cough, clear heat, eliminate toxin and to harmonize other herbs’

In scientific language some of it’s pharmaceutical actions are : anti-inflammatory, immunologic (stimulate the immune system), antitoxin (can reduce the absorption of some toxic compounds), antitussive, expectorant, and antibiotic. 

Now, I want to make a comparison between two medicines and two cultures. 

In a culture that follows Western medicine protocol first, here is how a Chinese herb is used by science to decrease the symptoms of the flu. 

Did you know that Tamiflu® uses the chemical compound,  shikimic acid from the Chinese herb. Illicium verum, or Chinese star anise?  This chemical compound of the star anise, can stop a protein that the virus needs to replicate itself.  If the virus cannot replicate itself, then the flu will be shorter lived and the symptoms will be lessened.

So, here is my point, both protocols use Chinese herbal knowledge, they both can lessen the severity of flu symptoms through their pharmaceutical actions.  One is nature’s medicine and one is fabricated medicine from nature.

Hmmmm….

(check out the ingredients to good earth herbals ‘anti-viral’ formula –  Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae, Radix Isatidis seu Baphicacanthi, Herba Andrographitis Paniculatae, Herba cum Radice outtuyniae Cordatae, Folium Perillae Frutescentis, Herba Mentha spp., Glycyrrhiza  spp., Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis Recens  — jin yin hua, lian qiao, ban lan gen, chuan xin lian, yu xing cao, zi su ye, bo he, gan cao,  sheng jiang.  It contains all four herbs in the Chinese H1n1 flu herbal packet.)

As we approach each season, I will introduce the TCM organ that is associated with the respective  season that we are in the midst of or nearly approaching.  So we are in the midst of fall.  And the Lung’s energy (qi) is predominant in this season.  

Before we jump ahead, let’s do a brief introduction to  how the organs are viewed from TCM theory and what organ and organ systems we look at in TCM. 

In TCM, we look at the organs a little differently from the Western anatomical place and physiological function.  In TCM, each organ has an inter-related function or relationship with the body and with our external environment.  Each  ’organ’ in TCM : 

• is responsible for at least one, if not more than one, function for the body.  
• has a tissue in the body that it controls.
• has a sense organ that it ‘opens’ into.
• has a part of the body where it reflects it’s state of health.
• is associated with an emotion.

 There are yin organs and yang organs.  The yin organs are the organs that hold onto what we need for health and vitality.  The yang organs are the organs that fill up, transform what is healthy for the body, and then empty what is not needed for the body.  Each yin organ has a yang paired organ with which it has a relationship with.  Below, I am going to pair the organs.  When you look at these pairs, think about the yin being the ones holding onto what’s necessary and the yang transforming what is important and letting go of what is not necessary.

FEATURING THE YIN AND YANG ORGANS IN TCM

lung – large intestine

kidney – urinay bladder

liver – gall bladder

heart – small intestine

spleen – stomach

  Okay, now for our first yin organ of the Autumn Season 

THE LUNG ORGAN

The lung is the most external organ because it has the closest interaction with the outside world — the air.  It is the organ that is most predominant and susceptible in the autumn season.

it’s functions are to :  

• Control  breathing.  – It is this consistent exchange of inhaling and exhaling that renews qi in our body.  If the lung qi maintains a healthy balance, then the rest of the body will as well.  
• disperse and spread the defensive qi. – The defensive qi is the lung’s ability to keep pathogens (germs) out.  When there is weak lung qi, our bodies become more susceptible to colds and flus affecting our respiratory system.    
• descend the qi. — lung qi has to descend for healthy breathing function.  When the qi doesn’t descend properly, asthma, coughing, shortness of breath are symptoms that occur.
• control sweating. — The lung qi opens and closes the pores of the skin.  The lung’s job is to open the pores when there is fever to release the pathogenic influence when we are ill.  If we sweat too much or not enough, then we look at the state of the lung qi.  Spontaneous sweat tells us that the lung qi is not strong enough and letting go and if we lack sweat, it tells us the lung qi is holding on too tight.    
• regulate the water passages. — We say the lung mists or distributes fluids evenly throughout the body, especially the the upper portion of water circulation.  When there is edema in the upper body, we ‘open’ the lungs with acupuncture and/or herbs to resolve the edema.   

The tissue the lungs control and where it reflects it’s state of health :

• the lungs control the skin and hair  — The lungs disperse the body fluids in the space between the skin and the muscle to keep the skin and hair nourished and moisturized.  So when the skin or hair is dry and lacks luster, we look at the lung in TCM.  

The sense organ the lungs open into :

•  the nose and throat. – Air enters our lungs via the  nose and throat.  When the lung qi is healthy and strong, we can breathe easily through our nasal passages, our sense of smell will be normal and our voice will have strength and clarity.  Our lung qi can be weakened or compromised by having a cold, chronic alleries and sinus issues.  

The emotion the lung is associated with :

• grief. — grief can weaken the lung qi and constrict breathing.  (Think about how your respiratory system from nose to lungs feels after a good cry.)

What can we do in the fall to keep our lungs healthy and support our immune system? :

• The lung’s loathe dryness — keep your body well hydrated and keep your nasal passages moistened.  Attempt to drink 1/2 your weight in ounces and then some, if you exercise.  Consider using a neti pot to keep your mucous membranes moistened and to help loosen up old phlegm in the sinuses.  Here is a link with some info and instructions : http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-9/neti-pots
• Try to keep warm and dry.  Especially the back of the neck, the upper back and the feet.  These are areas of the body that we considerable vulnerable to the cold wind and moisture of autumn. 
• Take herbs that support your immune system.  I suggest you see a qualified herbalist to discuss safe herbs for you to take.  That could be me or stop by your local herbal apothecary and talk with someone who knows their herbs. 
• Try acupuncture.  Research is beginning to recognize that it can boost the immune system. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11245083

 So, this might be a little lengthy.  But, I hope it is informative and helps you begin to understand how we look at the organs from a TCM perspective.  Thanks for reading.  Keep your ‘lungs’ healthy and don’t forget to breathe deep. 

As winter nears, the kidneys will be featured next month.

What types of conditions can acupuncture help?

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health consider Acupuncture appropriate treatment for the following conditions:

 Respiratory & Ear, Nose, Throat:

• allergies 
• asthma 
•  bronchitis
• colds & flu
• earaches
• sinus    infections

Musculo  Skeletal/ Neurological:

•  arthritis
• back/neck pain
• dizziness
• fibromyalgia
• headaches
• sciatica
• tendonitis

Genito-Urinary & Reproductive:

• cramps
• difficult labor
• impotence
• infertility
• irregular menses
• menopause
• morning sickness
• PMS
•  urinary difficulties.

Digestive:

• colitis
• constipation
• diarrhea / dysentery
• irritable bowel syndrome
• nausea or vomiting

 Dermatological:

• acne
• eczema

Mental/Emotional:

• anxiety
• depression
• insomnia
• seasonal affective disorder
• stress

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – A brief history -

• The first written documentation on traditional Chinese medicine is the Huang-Di Nei-Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Cannon of Internal Medicine). It is one of the oldest medical textbook in the world, different opinions date the book back to between 800 BCE and 200 BCE. It lays a primary foundation for the theories of Chinese medicine such as the meridian theory, as well as many other issues, including, physiology, pathology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, acupuncture and moxibustion, tuina, etc.
• An interesting factoid : Acupuncture gained attention in the United States when President Nixon visited China in 1972. Traveling with Nixon was New York Times reporter James Reston, who received acupuncture in China after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Reston wrote about his experience with acupuncture and his post-operative pain relief upon returning to the United States.
• In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health formally recognized acupuncture as a mainstream medicine healing option with a statement documenting the procedure’s safety and efficacy for treating a range of health conditions.

What is TCM?

• Traditional Chinese Medicine is an integrated health model focusing on the individual to treat the dis-ease. 
• Traditional Chinese Medicine views the human body as a holistic energetic system that is constantly maintaining balance (homeostasis) within it’s environment. 
• In TCM, we call this energy, ‘qi,’ and it circulates in a regular pattern via pathways/meridians throughout the body and each meridian corresponds to an organ system that governs particular bodily functions.
• Imbalances of yin and yang, stagnation of Qi and blood, blockage of meridians, and disharmony between our body and the environment is what can result in illness.
• We (our body/mind/spirit) are in our most optimal state of health when this energetic system flows unimpeded. 
• There are five branches of TCM that can be used to restore balance/harmony in the body — acupuncture – herbs – nutrition – massage (Tuina) – qigong (exercise).

 What is acupuncture and how does it work?

• Acupuncture is the use of very fine stainless steel needles that are inserted into specific points along the pathways/meridians to assist the body in restoring and maintaining the balance of ‘qi.’
• In a Western world, we sometimes need a scientific explanation, here is what some of the research has found:

 Release of opioid peptides. There has been considerable evidence to support that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, releasing these chemicals.  Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have an analgesic effect. The release of these opioids plays a significant role in the reduction of pain.

 Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system via activating small myelinated nerve fibers.  These nerve fibers send impulses to the spinal cord, midbrain, pituitary, and hypothalamus.  This cascading of messaging affects sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated.

 Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease.

Here I am….out in the internet world.  Asking myself, why am I here?   What am I going to write about?  What are my hopes?

I am here to educate more people about Traditional Chinese Medicine (now, known to readers as TCM).  I am going to write and post about everything and anything Chinese Medicine.  Whether it is sharing research, my own experiences and stories as a practitioner of TCM, or occasionally featuring some of my favorite teachers of this medicine.

My hopes are to give this medicine a ‘normal’ voice in our Western world.  To demonstrate that this medicine is gentle, effective, nurturing and gives each body it’s individual intelligent path to healing.