Posts Tagged ‘Chinese Herbs’
Cooling Summertime Tea
Jul 19, 2010
It’s a hot summer here in New York City. In China there is a very simple herbal tea which is used to stay cool:
Chrysanthemum flowers and Wolfberry (Ju Hua and Gou ji zi) Tea
Chrysanthemum and Wolfberries
Ingredients:
Ju hua and gou qi zi- 6 grams each
2 sugar cubes
hot water
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a cup and add hot water. Enjoy!
When you finish, refill the cup again. The same herbs can be used a few times.
How it works:
The tea is not cold itself, traditionally it is drunk while still warm. But the herbal properties make it cool. Ju hua are chrysanthemum flowers and Gou ji zi are wolfberries (which recently have become well known for the powerful anti-oxidant abilities).
Ju Hua (Chrysanthimum flowers)
Ju hua is cooling while gou qi zi generates fluids, preventing dehydration. Ju hua is especially helpful for summer time colds and headaches. This combination can also be used for eye allergies like redness and tearing.
Wolfberries (Gou qi zi)
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Can Help Eczema
Apr 26, 2010
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder which causes the skin to become red, inflamed, intensely itchy, and in some cases blister. It is most commonly seen in children and often resolves on its own over time. But for some, eczema can persist into adulthood, and leading to chronic discomfort, itching, and for many insomnia.
Chinese herbs and acupuncture can often help. For thousands of years, Chinese medicine physicians have used acupuncture and herbs to help eczema.
Chinese Medicine Diagnosis
Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to diagnosing eczema, considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors. By taking the pulse, asking in depth questions, and observing the tongue and the skin, I diagnose the what particular imbalance is causing the symptoms.
Often, that imbalance is due to too little energy or that the energy is not circulating in the body. Too much “heat” is a common cause of eczema, which leads to the irritation, itching, swelling, and papules.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Treatment
The treatment goal is to correct the root cause of the condition, which can lead to long term benefits, even long after the treatment has stopped. The treatment and diagnosis are tailored to each person’s symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve acupuncture, Chinese herbs, or both. Some conditions will clear rapidly, but others may take longer. In general, a treatment course is three to six months.
My Approach
Every person is individually diagnosed to for their specific imbalance which is causing their symptoms. Most often, focusing on clearing heat, boosting the energy, and promoting circulation will help clear the lesions and stop the itching. This can help to treat the root of the disease as well as help resolve the symptoms. Clearing heat usually will include the acupuncture points of Large intestine 11, 5, and 4. Because the lungs are so often related to eczema, lung 5 and lung 6, on the front of the elbow are often added. Spleen 6 and Spleen 10 are effective at moving the blood.
Chinese herbs focused on clearing heat are effective such as sheng di huang (rehmannia) and jin yin hua (honey suckle) may be used to clear heat. If damp heat is present, often ku shen (sophroa) is efffective. Specifically for the itch, di fu zi (broom cypress) may be added. The goal of the treatment is to clear heat, dispel the wind and dampness, and move the blood to stop itch and promote healing.
Clinical Research
A number of studies in England have shown that a Chinese herbal formula is effective in treating eczema. One double blind randomized crossover study treated 40 adults with chronic eczema with an herbal formula (in later studies, this formula is entitled Zemaphyte). This study concluded that the herbal formula was effective for reducing skin lesions, redness, itching, and helped the patients sleep better. This same formula later showed to have immune system regulatory effects.
Learning More
If you would like to learn more about acupuncture and Chinese herbs for the treatment of adult eczema, you can call us at 917-887-4946 to schedule an appointment or a complementary consultation.
Read more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and the Immune System
Chinese herbs for traveling
Jun 1, 2009
Next week I am going to Mexico, and in addition to being very excited. I am reminded to prepare for my trip by getting some Chinese herbs which can take care of those stomach issues on the road.
The best all around herbal formula for travelers digestive woes is Huo xiang zheng qi tang, which translates to the Patchoui formula for correcting the qi. This formula is very useful for mild to moderate stomach problems like traveler’s diarrhea. Take it as soon as you feel a little bad. This is an aromatic formula which boosts digestion through pungent herbs like patchoui and ginger.
Chinese Medicinal Recipies for Summer
May 26, 2009
Herbs as food, and food as medicine
Cultures all over the world use food as medicine, adding herbs and spices not only for their good taste but also for good health. Food therapy is an essential part of Chinese Herbal medicine. In addition to the tradition’s emphasis on maintaining a healthy diet, many of the ingredients in herbal formulas come from plants that are also cultivated for food, such as wheat, cinnamon, Chinese dates, wolfberries, Chinese yams, lotus plant, among others. In fact, almost all whole foods have some medicinal properties. The difference between a “food” and a “medicine” is the dosage.
Food Therapy
Chinese medicine physicians learned the value of food therapy as one of the most important ways for improving longevity, wellness, and preventing disease. Food therapy can be individualized for specific constitutions and conditions or followed by using general guidelines, particularly for seasonal eating.
Chinese physicians classified food and herbs according to their tastes and temperatures. The temperature of a food refers to its effect on the body’s temperature and not the temperature at which the food is eaten. Green tea, for example, is often prepared as a warm drink, but in Chinese medicine it is still considered to have a cooling effect on the body. In general, the taste and temperature of different foods correlates to specific therapeutic effects on the body. Foods and herbs with sweet tastes and warm temperatures tend to boost qi (energy) and blood while bitter and cold foods tend to drain heat.
Regardless of your age or health conditions, you can generally follow seasonal guidelines for healthy eating. Spring and summer seasons are yang in nature because the weather tends to be hot. To balance the heat, eat light cooling foods that nourish yin, such as fish, tofu, light soups and stir-fried fresh vegetables. Also, the heat and humidity can put a burden on our digestive system, so try to cut down on heavy greasy foods. Instead, eat more aromatic vegetables, spices, and herbs, which will help digestion.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Summer
The following foods and recipes can be part of your summer palette. For foods that you can’t find at a general grocery store, take a trip to Chinatown, always a fun summer jaunt.
Green tea: Green tea is cool in nature and is best for drinking in the summer. (Black tea is warmer and more appropriate for winter.) Drinking this tea will help clear heat and drain dampness, not to mention the antioxidant benefit. Try adding dried sour plums. These delicious fruits have astringent properties and will prevent over sweating. If you have weak digestion, you may want to limit your green tea intake, as it can upset some people’s stomachs.
Tofu: Though tofu is no longer made with gypsum, a mineral that is very cold in nature, it is still a cooling food. Of course, it’s always good in a stir fry. For a variation, you might also try making yourself a tofu-based smoothie, a tasty and nourishing summer dessert.
bitter melon
Bitter Melon (Ku Gua): This melon, which, as you can tell from the name tastes nothing like cantaloupe or honeydew, has cooling properties, and is perfect for the summer months. I like to stir fry it with garlic. Aside from cooling, bitter melon has many other uses. In China, my teachers and friends said, “Eat more, it is good for the MAN!!!” In addition, the leaves can be used topically for rashes and burns.
Mung bean (Lu Dou): Mung bean is a type of green bean widely eaten throughout China. It is generally made into a sweet drink or soup for the summer time. This slightly sweet and cooling bean will help digestion and avoid heat stroke throughout the summer.
Daikon is the white vegetable in the middle
Daikon: An oblong white root vegetable, daikon is very nutritious and makes a wonderful soup. Cook it alone or with carrots, onions, and celery until the vegetables are soft, about 5-10 minutes. It is slightly cooling and sweet, but very light in texture and taste.
Watermelon: Watermelon and watermelon juice are great for treatment and prevention of heat stroke.
Basil: While basil is slightly warm in nature, it is still good to eat in the summer months due to its aromatic qualities. Aromatic properties help digestion, which can be slightly impaired by the humidity and heat in the summer.
Mint: Mint is aromatic and cooling, which makes it a great combination for summer. It can be used for a mild summertime cold. Add it to your tea or drink alone as an herbal tea.
Lotus Root
Lotus: The lotus root is a round vegetable grown underwater. This cooling vegetable tastes wonderful added to soups or pickled.
Photos: justintabari, Sakichin, eden and josh teenytinyturkey
A Rainy Day Ginger Beef Soup
Apr 21, 2009
Yesterday was really April Showers here in New York City. I was soaked to the bone when I got home from my office. But, I was really excited to see that my wife had made ginger beef noodle soup for dinner, just the right thing to warm me up and fend off any colds from the storm.
Food is the best medicine
You’ve probably had this experience too. Coming home in a chilly rain storm, you can feel the cold coming on. It starts with an ache in your neck, the sniffles, and a slight fever and chills. This delicious soup is a great remedy for an early stage cold. And it is a snap to make.
Chinese medicine assigns properties to foods which describe their medicinal 
abilities. The key ingredient in the soup is fresh ginger, called sheng jiang in Chinese, which is warm and aromatic. These properties give it the power to “dry dampness” and makes it perfect for fighting off an early colds and achy necks.
In addition, the beef is warming and tonifies the qi and blood. Carrots are sometimes referred to as “baby ginseng” because they can tonify qi. The onions and basil are aromatic, and the noodles also tonify the qi.
Ginger Beef Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
2-3 slices of fresh ginger, peeled
Beef soup bones- We used left over ribs from the week before, marrow bones also work
1 small onion, chopped
2 yellow carrots
4 leaves of basil
bean sprouts (optional)
5 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
1/4 pound whole wheat spaghetti (about 1/8 per person). Rice noodles or buckwheat can be substituted.
Put the water in a soup pot and bring it to a boil. Add the ginger, onions, soup bones, carrots and salt. Simmer for 45 minutes. In a separate pot, boil salted water for cooking the noodles.
Place the soup, with the vegetables, in bowls and combine with noodles. Garnish with basil and sprouts, add pepper to taste. Warm up and enjoy!
Makes 3-4 servings.
Resetting the Immune System: Allergies, Asthma, and Acupuncture
Apr 8, 2009
The immune system is a wonderful thing. Without it we could not live a second–we would be totally consumed by bacteria and viruses. But, it is fickle. It can overreact or react in response to something that is not a pathogen.
I’ve recently written a couple posts about allergies (click here to read about acupuncture and allergies and click here to read about allergies in New York this season). Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting in a way it should not, and giving us problems. Asthma is also caused by the immune system overreacting.
Why do asthma and allergies often occur together?
Asthma and allergies are both caused by a hyper reaction in your immune system. And it is no surprise to those with asthma, that allergies make asthma worse. The same allergen will also irritate your lungs and cause an acute flare up with many asthma attacks and difficult breathing. With some people, this can even happen with skin allergies. You can read more about that in this article from the Mayo clinic.
How does Chinese medicine approach asthma?
Chinese medicine therapy is not one treatment, but involves many. Some are done by a Chinese medicine doctor, and others that are done by the patient themselves. In my experience, combination therapies is the most powerful and effective way to treat and prevent asthma symptoms.
The idea behind Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment is that it corrects imbalances in the body. In other words, it works to reset the body’s immune system. In chronic immune conditions, your body becomes hypersensitive to what should not cause a major reaction. The acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbs work to correct the imbalance and stimulate the body to heal itself.
1. Acupuncture is frequently used for treating asthma. As with all acupuncture, the treatment focuses on correcting the root imbalance that is causing your asthma, resetting the body to be healthy.
I have written in the past about how acupuncture helps to boost immunity and also acupuncture’s effect on our brain to regulate pain. It is possible that acupuncture works both to stimulate the immune system as well as regulate the hormonal regulation of the brain to helps to reset the immune hypersensitivity and reaction that causes your asthma.
There is some research beginning in asthma, allergies and acupuncture. One study from Taiwan showed that concluded that acupuncture does have an immediate improvement in breathing. Also, there is a growing interest in laser acupuncture for pediatric asthma because it is not as scary to a child. Here is a great study about laser acupuncture and a probiotics for kids with asthma. I personally don’t do laser acupuncture, Virgina Mims, one of my colleagues does.
2. Chinese herbs have long been used to treat asthma, and researchers are beginning to explore this idea. Just like acupuncture, the herbs are focused on correcting the imbalance and regulating the immune system. Most often, Chinese herbs are given as formulas, that is a combination of many different herbs combined which are taken together.
The combination helps to create a synergy. Herbs correctly combined together are more powerful than single herbs. They also work together to reduce side effects.
For some people with asthma and allergies, the formula Jade Wind Screen is effective. This helps to gently boost the qi while reducing allergy symptoms. It is important to consult an herbal practitioner before taking Chinese herbs.
3. Acupressure is the massage of different acupressure points on the body. It can be done by a professional (like me)
Qi gong practice
or you can do it yourself as a self care technique. Gentle rubbing the points of PC6, LI 4, and ST 36 can boost your energy and immunity. LI 4 works specifically to treat frontal headaches.
4. Tai ji and qi gong are slow moving exercises which help to improve the circulation of qi. Chen Man-ching, one of the early and most famous tai ji teachers in America, began to study tai ji in order to help a chronic lung problem. The exercises helped to heal him and prevent his condition from coming back.
5. Chinese cupping is a technique which glass or plastic cups create a suction on the
Zorba the Greek using Cupping
skin. This helps to increase the circulation at that area. It has been used with many different type of respiratory conditions. With asthma, it helps to open the lungs and increase the expectoration of phlegm. The tradition has also been used in Europe for a couple centuries and was captured in the movie Zorba the Greek.
6. It is also important to watch what you eat. Avoiding dairy and greasy food is important for those with asthma. Dairy often stimulates the production of mucus and phlegm. Ice cream and milk are the worst offenders. Yogurt in moderation maybe ok. For those with severe asthma, it is better to avoid dairy products in general to help the body clear out the phlegm.
Photos: euthman, Oda’s courses, barelyfitz
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Mar 2, 2009
I received this question on an expert site which I wanted to share with you about acupuncture and Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS.
Question: I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I have many of the symptoms typical for PCOS including few and irregular periods, body hair, acne, and weight gain which is difficult to take off, but do not have the actually cysts on my ovaries according to my ultrasound.
What would you recommend for my situation?
There is hope. PCOS is very treatable with acupuncture and herbs. Your body’s natural healing mechanisms are actually the only way to heal, but as long as the imbalance persists, there can be no healing.
Traditional Chinese medicine works by bringing the body back into balance so it can heal itself. That’s why I can often treat conditions that other approaches cannot.
Chinese medicine is not a one size fits all medicine, and formulations have to be carefully tailored to your specific presentation. Chinese medicine examination includes a series of questions, taking your pulse, looking at your tongue, and palpating acupoints on your body.
Some of the imbalances often associated with PCOS are liver qi stagnation with blood stasis, and also your spleen may be effected. Don’t worry, the names of the organs are the same, but an imbalance in your Chinese medicine liver and spleen does not mean an imbalance in your western liver.
Qi, the body’s energy, flows through the body, and when it flows well, your health is generally good. When it is slowed down or stops, disease occurs. Qi can stagnate for many reasons. The Liver in Chinese medicine is responsible for the free flowing of qi.
Emotional health can be a factor. You know, the mind and the body are not separate, but each effect one another. In Chinese medicine, each organ is effected by specific emotions. Often the liver is related to frustration, anger, and stress.
The spleen can also be affected as well. The root of the problem may be dampness, and for that you may need a customized herbal formula. In Chinese medicine the spleen is related to the digestion. Poor digestion leads to dampness. The fact that it is difficult to lose weight may be related to a spleen dysfunction. It is also associate with poor digestion and fatigue.
In addition to getting a customized herbal formula from a TCM practitioner, I would recommend regular exercise, avoiding greasy heavy food, and cutting down on carbohydrates.
I recommend finding an acupuncturist in your area. Also, if you are in New York, please give us a call at 917-887-4946 to schedule an appointment. If not, you can use acufinder.com to find an acupuncturist near you.
What to do about the Flu in New York City
Feb 10, 2009
In a press release yesterday, NYC has announced that the flu has come to New York City.
In Chinese Medicine there are two main ways to prevent getting the flu. First, boost your own immune system, which Chinese medicine (read this post for more info). Second, fend off any invaders before you get sick.
It is best to treat a disease before you get it by boosting your immune system. I recommend taking the mushroom reishi, also called ling zhi in Chinese, which will help boost your immunity and your energy.
But when the flu is going around, it is important to take an herbal formula which will help prevent the sickness. Gan Mao ling is a great formula for this. If you get the flu, this formula will not be powerful enough. At this point it is important to seek advice from a Chinese medicine doctor for the right formula.
Check out these posts for other Chinese medicine tricks and tips on how to prevent and kick the common cold and flu.
People who get chronic colds will need a more customized herbal formula and acupuncture treatment.
Photo by JJohn.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Treatment of Acne
Jan 29, 2009
In my last post, I described the Chinese medicine theory behind acne. In this post I will discuss some basic concepts of acne treatment.
Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment
By taking the pulse, asking in-depth questions, and observing the tongue and skin, the TCM practitioner will make an individualized diagnose according to TCM patterns. The treatment is tailored to fit to each person’s pattern diagnosis.
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve acupuncture, Chinese herbs, or both. Generally, mild acne can be treated with acupuncture, but more severe and complex cases often require Chinese herbs as well.
One of the most powerful abilities of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is that it is holistic treatment which can help people both with the acne as well as improve overall wellness.
Here are some common Acne Patterns in Chinese medicine
Lung and stomach heat is the most common form of acne. This manifests as white or black heads on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead, as well as the chest, and upper back. Skin looks oily and may have a slightly reddish hue. The tongue will have a yellow coat. The goal of this treatment is to clear heat from the lungs and the stomach.
Generally, the acupuncture treatment is on the lung and Stomach channels, which go along the arms and legs. Lung 5, at the elbow, is often used, as well as Stomach 36 below the knee. Herbs such as pi pai ye, huang qin, and sang bai pi may be used to clear heat from the lungs and stomach.
Sometimes the heat is very strong, leading to dry mouth and thirst. To clear this heat and nourish the fluids of the body, herbs such as xuan shen and mai men dong are added. If there is significant dampness in the stomach, the skin will be more oily and greasy. Often this will lead to large acne and cysts on the chest and back. Herbs such as bai zhu and yi yi ren may be added to clear even more heat. For those with this type of acne, it is very important to avoid greasy foods.
The skin around areas of acne may become red causing a general reddish complexion, which may remain after the pimples have been cleared. This is because the heat has entered the blood level. Herbs such as honeysuckle flowers, rose hips, and lotus flowers can be used for this condition. Heat toxicity develops when the skin becomes infected. Toxicity manifests as is redness, pus, and pain. Herbs such as honeysuckle and dandelion may be used for this.
In women, if acne becomes worse around the menstrual cycle, it may be related to the qi, the body’s energy, and blood. Qi flows throughout the body’s channels. Emotions such as stress, frustration, and anger can cause the qi to slow down to stagnate. Frequently, acne and other skin problems which occur around the menses are caused by qi and blood stagnation. For this acupuncture points such as Liver 3 on the foot, and Spleen 6 above the ankle may be used. Herbs such as yi mu cao, xiang fu, and bai shao may be added.
This post it meant to give you the general idea about acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for acne. It is very important to find a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who is familiar with treating acne. For those in New York, please feel free to call us at 917-887-4946 for a free consultation. If you are out of our region, you can checkout Acufinder.com.
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