Saturday, April 30, 2011

Chinese Herbarl Medicine: Lingzhi


Lingzhi, 靈芝 (Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, reishi)
Língzhī is the name for one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, and its close relative Ganoderma tsugae, which grows in the northern Eastern Hemlock forests. These two species of bracket fungus have a worldwide distribution in both tropical and temperate geographical regions, including North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, growing as a parasite or saprotroph on a wide variety of trees.
Ganoderma lucidum enjoys special veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal medicine for more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine.
According to The Chinese Herbal Materia Medica (本草綱目), lingzhi may be classified into six categories according to their shapes and colors, each of which is believed to nourish a different part of the body.
1. Red – heart
2. Purple – joints
3. Green – liver
4. White – lungs and skin
5. Yellow – spleen
6. Black – kidneys and brain
Lingzhi may possess some anti-tumour, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic activities, supported by some studies on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this fungus. Lingzhi has been found to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, anti-hypotensive, and protective of the liver. It has also been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Because of these properties, lingzhi has been regarded as blood pressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic, a kidney and nerve tonic. It has been used in bronchitis prevention and in cardiovascular treatment, and in the treatment of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hepatitis, allergies, chemotherapy support, HIV support, and even for fatigue and altitude sickness.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Thursday, April 28, 2011



Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin. These points conduct and channel healing energy.  The Chinese call this healing energy Qi or Chi. The Japaneses call the healing energy Ki. The most potent healing energy work uses acupressure points. In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are 12 meridians that are the body's healing energy pathways. The meridian lines are where vital energy can become blocked. Acupressure can relieve tension, numbness or pain, and harmonize all functions of the body.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sticks and Stones and Acupressure

Stones and arrows were used by early Chinese dynasties during battle. Wounded soldiers noticed that symptoms of disease and pain that had plagued them for years disappeared. Physicians began a meticulous study of the relationship between pressure and health which resulted in the healing art of acupressure.

Monday, April 25, 2011

What is Acupressure:



Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. It uses the fingers to gradually apply pressure to key healing points. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. it uses the fingers to gradually apply pressure to key healing points. Acupuncture and acupressure use  the same pressure points and meridians to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure releases muscular tension and promotes better circulation. It is effective in pain relief and detoxifying the body. Please join me for the Acupressure Workshop. Click on the above Acupressure Workshop tab for details.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"Living with Pain" is this Your Only Option?


The American Chronic Pain Association estimates that 86 million Americans are "living with pain". Using the phase "living with pain" and not "suffering from pain" creates the impression that this is an acceptable "lifestyle". As an acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine my approach is wellness not an acceptance of "un-wellness."
The following is an excerpt from a report by the American Pain Society:

How effective is the medical profession in meeting the need for pain relief?
Almost all chronic pain sufferers have gone to a doctor for relief of their pain at one time or another. Almost 4 of every 10 are not currently doing so, since they think either there is nothing more a doctor can do or in one way or another their pain is under control or they can deal with it themselves.
This is not the case with those having very severe pain; over 7 of every 10 are currently going to a doctor for pain relief. In addition, significant numbers of those with very severe pain are significantly more likely to require emergency room visits, hospitalization and even psychological counseling or therapy to treat their pain.
A significant proportion (over one-fourth) of all chronic pain sufferers wait for at least 6 months before going to a doctor for relief of their pain because they underestimate the seriousness of it and think they can tough it out.
Chronic pain sufferers are having difficulty in finding doctors who can effectively treat their pain, since almost one half have changed doctors since their pain began; almost a fourth have made at least 3 changes. The primary reasons for a change are the doctor not taking their pain seriously enough, the doctor’s unwillingness to treat it aggressively, the doctor’s lack of knowledge about pain and the fact they still had too much pain. This level of frustration is significantly higher among those with very severe pain where the majority have changed doctors at least once and almost of every 3 have done it 3 or more times. Their primary reason for changing was still having too much pain after treatment.
Doctors are not a major barrier when a patient asks for a medicine they saw or heard about; in the majority of instances the doctor prescribes it. Similarly, in the majority of instances when a sufferer has been referred to a program or clinic for relief, in the great majority of referrals their managed care or workman’s comp program permitted access.

Huangqin (Chinese Herbal Medicine)


Huangqin, 黃芩 (Scutellaria radix)
The medical functions of huang qin include: huang qin’s ingredient baicalin can promote secretion of bile. Alkaloids of huang qin possesses antihistamine effect; baicalein has anti-toxin effect, inhibits permeability of capillaries and anti acetylcholine and anti anaphylaxis effects, it also inhibits acute asthma attack and allergenic eczema; prevents atherosclerosis; ingredient wogonin has anti hepatitis B virus effects. In modern medicine, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of wogonin have been widely used in clinical treatment of inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, hyperlipemia, and atherosclerosis. It has been reported that wogonin has the potential for therapeutic use in the treatment of atherosclerosis and restenosis based upon its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiproliferative activities.
(Source: Dictionary of Chinese herbs; Molecular Pharmacology Vol. 60, Issue 3, 507-513, September 2001.)

Friday, April 15, 2011

Mountain Biking and Hip Pain

Hip flexibility is needed to relieve pressure on the knee and lumbar. During cycling the hip remains in a flexed position. Chronic tightness through TFL/ITB, iliopsoas and adductors is very common. This can lead to hip and groin problems. Gluteal and hamstring range needs to be maintained to sit comfortably in lumbar flexion, and avoid  falling too far into posterior tilt. Most hip and groin pain is related to the lumbar spine and pelvis. Acupuncture resolves pain issues.
(reference: Sports Injury Bulletin/Sean Fyfe)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mountain Biking and Lower Back

Lower back injuries are similar to neck pain, except the aggravating positive is prolonged flexion. Ongoing back pain can be caused by muscle fatigue, chronic tension to posterior vertebra ligaments and prolonged compression to intervertebral discs. Your pelvic position while riding is significant, sitting in a  tilted position increases lumbar flexion.. The long period of flexed trunk position produces aches in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. Acupuncture can relieve the pain. (reference: Sean Fyfe/Sports Injury Bulletin)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mountain Biking and Knee Pain


The most common cycling injury is patellofermoral syndrome (knee pain).  As the cartilage breaks down, extra pressure is put on the bones at the knee joint, producing pain and inflammation. One of the solutions is acupuncture.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ginger Beer a Turn of the Century Health Tonic

Herbal remedies have played a part in all cultures. (Take 8 oz with fish and chips)

This classic ginger beer recipe is taken from the book "Dr. Chase's Third, Last and Complete Recipe Book, Memorial Edition" by Dr. Alvin Wood Chase, M.D., published by F. B. Dickerson Company, Detroit and Windsor, in 1891.
Old English Ginger Beer Recipe
Loaf sugar, 2-1/4 pounds; cream of tartar, 1-1/2 ounces; gingerroot, 1-1/2 ounces; 2 lemons; fresh brewer's yeast, 2 tablespoonfuls; water, 3 gals.

Directions: Bruise the ginger, and put into a large earthenware pan, with the sugar and cream of tartar; peel the lemons, squeeze out the juice, strain it, and add, with the peel, to the other ingredients; then pour over the water boiling hot. When it has stood until it is only just warm, add the yeast, stir the contents of the pan, cover with a cloth, and let it remain near the fire for 12 hours. Then skim off the yeast and pour the liquor off into another vessel, taking care not to shake it, so as to leave the sediment; bottle it immediately, cork it tightly; in 3 or 4 days it will be fit for use.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Ginkgo Biloba



Ginkgo biloba (deciduous dioecious) Is one of the oldest living tree species. It is also known as the Maidenhair Tree. This species has no close living relatives and is native to China. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied botanicals.

The leaves are fan shaped with fleshy yellow seeds. The leaves are not usually used in their crude sate. They are used as a concentrated extract (GBE) The leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids which have potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body. They damage compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, DNA and cause cell death. Free radicals are contained in environmental toxins including cigarette smoking and air pollution. Ginkgo contains antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and reduce and even help prevent some of the damage. It is used for its revitalizing, stimulating and firming qualities. It is used to treat circulatiory disorders and enhance memory.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mountain Biking and Neck Pain.


One of the most common problems I see in my cycling patients is neck pain. This usually relates to a prolonged time spent in an extended position. The constant compression of any joint over a long period will lead to muscle fatigue and chronic muscle pain. A prolonged position will also result in cumulative tensile stress on joint capsules and ligaments. This can produce long term structural changes to joint arthrokinematics. Cervical extension with shoulders in a depressed position increases neural tension. Cervical extension with shoulders in a depressed position increases neural tension. This can result in ulnar or median neuropathy. The symptoms are pain, numbness or tingling. Acupuncture offers relief from the pain.
(reference: Sean Fyfe/Sports Injury Bulletin)

Friday, April 8, 2011

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture balances the body's energy systems improving health and quality of life.  Our lives can become out of balance due to thought patterns, diet, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and excesses. Acupuncture helps balance the energy systems by directing energy to the areas of body that are deficient.
This also reduces stress and helps you relax.  Acupuncture can bring the body back into emotional balance. It has been helpful in treating depression and anxiety. Acupuncture points have a physical and emotional aspect to their function. There are many reasons for insomnia, acupuncture can treat the causes of insomnia or be used to directly treat sleep disorders. Balancing your body's energy systems strengths your immune system. Acupuncture increases circulation, reduces inflammation and scaring and helps the patient recover faster from injury, illness or surgery. Chronic and acute pain reduction is one of the most common reasons patients seek acupuncture. Acupuncture relieves migraine and arthritis, carpal tunnel, back pain, etc. Respiratory health including allergies and asthma are positively impacted by the use of acupuncture. A powerful benefit of acupuncture is the reduction of the side effects of chemo and radiation therapies.

The effects of acupuncture are not limited to one area of the body or one symptom. Acupuncture treats the whole person.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Herbal Tea for Sore Throat

Honeysuckle Flower is one of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for sore throats. It is not as easy to find as slippery elm which is commonly used in Western herbal remedies. Most health food stores will order it for you. Honeysuckle Flower tastes as sweet as it smells. Bring one quart of water to a boil, add one cup honeysuckle flowers, not the leaves, cover and steep for ten minutes. Two to four cups a day are recommended.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Acupuncture and The Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

“In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it you don’t realize that through the car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame.
On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.” Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values.
I am a Harley riding, beer brewing, acupuncturist, who understands how the state of constant pain makes a person a passive observer of life. Pain can take away the sense of being present in the activities of life. Life becomes a remembered routine and the joy of being part of the lives of those you love fades. Too often people seek relief in prescription medications that dull the senses and deaden the passion for living. There are alternatives and acupuncture is one of the alternatives. When the “frame work” of pain is gone, you are free to experience the sense of presence. (And, you don’t need to a Harley for that.)
The Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was published in 1974 and sold five million copies. It has the distinction of having been rejected by more publishers that any other best seller. It was rejected by 121 publishers.