Why Do I Compound Chinese Herbs?

The two primary ways of administering Chinese herbs are: 1) patent formulas or 2) Chinese herbal teas. Patent formulas are available in a wide assortment of ways. The most common patent formula methods are: pills, tablets and capsules.

Pills & Tablets

Capsules

Pills, tablets and capsules have become the method, of choice, for most westerners for the consumption of food supplements, vitamins, minerals and herbs. The reason for this is simple. They're convenient.

The problem with pills, tablets and capsules is that it is just about impossible to match a patient to a pill, tablet or capsule. They're designed in such a way that most people who use the recommended dose are not receiving the correct amount of the ingredients. Either they're too strong or ineffective. This can be very frustrating for patients.

To correct this problem, a remedy should be tailored, specifically, to the patient. To do this, properly, the practitioner must have advanced knowledge of specific pathogenic factors present so that the most accurate combination of ingredients can address the signs and symptoms of a patient's particular disease in the most expedient and effective way possible.

Diagnosis of disease processes is a combination of science and art. The two pillars of Chinese medical diagnosis is tongue and pulse diagnosis. Various systems of both have been developed and used over thousands of years. Mark Tryling of Meridian Harmonics has developed his own unique style of pulse diagnosis called The Pulse Matrix. He combines this with traditional Chinese tongue diagnosis to determine the underlying pathogenic factors present within each patient receiving treatment.

Tongue Organ Correspondences

Once the correct diagnosis has been made, definite treatment strategies are implemented. This could include both Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. With regards to herbal medicine, once an accurate diagnosis is achieved, its a simple matter of combining or compounding the correct ingredients in a patients customized herbal remedy.

Happy Chinese New Year 2011

February 3, 2011 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit. There are 12 animals in the Chinese calendar. Every 12 years the animals repeat. Examples of previous Rabbit years are 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999. In addition to being a Rabbit Year, 2011 is also considered to be a Metal Element Year. In the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements, each element has a Yin or Yang nature. 2011 is a Yin Metal year. Metal years are characterized by a contraction or consumption.

A placid year very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year.

Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. It is a congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty.

It is a time to watch out that we do and not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty.

Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible

Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances.

THE RABBIT PERSONALITY

A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.

When a Westerner gazes at the Moon, he may joke that it is a ball of cheese or tell a child the story of the Man in the Moon. When a Chinese looks at the Moon, he sees the Moon Hare standing near a rock under a Cassia tree and holding the Elixir of Immortality in his hands.

During the Chinese mid-Autumn festival when the Moon is supposed to be at its loveliest, Chinese children still carry lighted paper lanterns made in the image of a Rabbit and climb the hills to observe the Moon and admire the Moon Hare.

The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.

Chinese symbol for Beauty

Likewise, a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and a congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in the fields of law, politics and government.

But he is also inclined to be moody; at such times he appears detached from his environment or indifferent to people.

The Rabbit is extremely lucky in business and monetary transactions. Astute at striking bargains, he can always pop up with a suitable proposal or alternative to benefit him. His sharp business acumen, coupled with his knack for negotiation, will ensure him a fast rise in any career.

Although the Rabbit may assume an outer air of indifference to the opinions of others, he actually withers under criticism. His "rather switch than fight" technique can be deceiving and he can be diabolically cunning when he puts his mind to it. So while the Rabbit person is tender and obliging to his loved ones, he can be superficial and even ruthless in his dealings with outsiders. Suave and self-indulgent, he enjoys his creature comforts and likes to put his own wishes first. It irks him terribly to be inconvenienced for he is a considerate, modest and thoughtful person and he would like others to be the same. He sincerely believes it costs people nothing to be nice to each other and he will always make an effort to be civil, even to his worst enemy. He abhors brawling and any sort of overt animosity.

 

For all his quiet and misleadingly docile nature, a Rabbit person possesses a strong will and an almost narcissistic self-assurance. He pursues his objectives with methodical precision but always in an unobtrusive manner. If there is anything he isn't going to be accused of, it is that he is an obvious or thick-skinned person. He won't make waves. The special trait that makes the Rabbit person a formidable negotiator is his inscrutability. It is difficult ever to assess his thoughts correctly.

The Rabbit usually has impeccable manners. He seldom uses harsh words and will never resort to foul language or vulgarisms to bring home a point. There is little need to anyway, as he has his own techniques. The Rabbit could hide under this cloak of decency to undermine his opponents. His credentials are usually flawless or at least in good order. He will wine and dine you in the best places and cater to your every whim when he is after something. Then, when you have eaten your fill and are puffing away contentedly at that expensive cigar, he will pull out the contract for you to sign. Before you know it, he has cut you off at the knees. He was so deft; you didn't even feel any pain. It was all over with the stroke of a pen. My sympathies are with you, friend. You are just another victim of the incomparable Hare. Now do you understand why Bugs Bunny always gets his carrots in all those cartoon strips?

Courteous, Polite & Shrewd

The Rabbit may appear a bit slow or overly deliberate at times, but this is due to his inborn sense of caution and discretion. One can be sure he is going to read the fine print before signing any document. Because of his ability to assess people and situations, the Rabbit can afford to be conceited--which, by the way, he is.

The demure Ms. Rabbit is very considerate and understanding with her friends: a great gal to work with, shop with or just tell stories with. She is delightfully warm and witty and her company is always relaxing. She has a lot of energy for the things she likes to do and can tirelessly track down antique shops or plan a friend's wedding to the last detail. But when she feels she has had enough of all that rigmarole, well, you can expect her to drop whatever she is doing, prop up her dainty feet and go limp. That is the philosophical part of the Rabbit. Do you know why she can keep so serene with all that frantic action going on? The secret is to know when your batteries need recharging, and no one has better knowledge or timing on this than the Rabbit.

Energetic & Vigorous

While everyone is killing himself in a mad rush to get somewhere, the Rabbit knows that the world will still be here tomorrow. So, what's the big hurry? Why don't you sit down, too? She will probably make you a nice cup of tea and help you forget all about that crazy rat race outside.

In any situation, you can always rely on the Rabbit to be in control of her. She will notice the license number of the getaway car or remember that the driver was wearing camel-colored trousers or elevator shoes. And while you are at the police station filing that report, she will calmly recall all the details and help you answer all those irritating questions.

All in all, the Rabbit is one who really knows how to live. What's more, he or she is more than willing to let live. Not a spoilsport or disciplinarian with an ever-watchful eye, the Rabbit knows when to refrain from criticism. He never likes to embarrass anyone in public. He is adept at the art of saving face, both yours and his, and if there is any way he can spare your feelings, he will.

Have no doubt, he makes mental notes of your mistakes or progress. But if things are not serious or beyond redemption, he will kindheartedly let you pass. For this trait, he is well liked and popular. An advantage of this philosophy is that the Rabbit makes few enemies and thus rarely gets into trouble. People respond by being generous to him and letting him pass, too.

No one has a more sympathetic ear to lend you than the Rabbit (except the Sheep) should you need one. But while he is an excellent soother and compassionate listener, he will only take the role of a passive adviser. He is, above all, an intellectual, a realist and a pacifist. Do not expect him to go out with all colors flying and do battle for you. That would be asking too much of him. Let's face it, the Rabbit will never elect to trudge up Mount Calvary with you, no matter what great buddies you two claim to be. He'll lend you the money for the lawyer or bail you out of jail if he can afford it, but that's about all. And if you are getting to be too much of a nuisance, you can count on his making a quick but graceful exit from your life.

The comely and refined Miss Rabbit will not be averse to marrying a good old-fashioned millionaire instead of a handsome but penniless swain. The former will be able to provide her with the advantages and luxuries she demands as necessities. Her man must be powerful enough to protect and support her in style, and sensitive enough to politely disappear when she is in a sullen mood and wishes to remain undisturbed.

When given the choice, the Rabbit will vote for the easy and good life every time. He or she will wear loose comfortable clothing of superb cut and fabric. Cashmere sweaters, pure silk blouses and durable linens and tweeds are in order. A mink or chinchilla carelessly thrown over the shoulder in a calculated air of nonchalance could also identify the elegant Rabbit native. Flashy, geometric or shocking designs offend the Rabbit's sense of conformity and balance.

While gracious to friends and coworkers, the Rabbit person may be somewhat distant from his own family or simply bored by domestic routine and duties. He or she hates too close associations; he will shake off an encroachment on his privacy or clinging parasitic friends with no regret. He can be bureaucratic and edgy over difficult issues. As he is one who hates binding commitments or over-involvement, he can also be an expert at passing the buck.

Mr. Rabbit is singularly debonair. He moves with grace, charm and gentlemanly, in spite of the fact that while he was singing your praises, he was also drinking all your best wine. Yes, the Rabbit gravitates toward the cream of society and gentlemanly leisure. On second thought, the cream of high society could well be made up of poised and genial Hares.

At his best, the Rabbit is admired for his suaveness and intelligence and sought after for his sensible advice. At his worst, he is too imaginative, oversensitive or just acidly indifferent. He avoids coming into contact with human suffering or misery, as though it were some highly contagious disease.

The Rabbit is not at all easy to trap. He can also become very repressive in his predilection for secrecy or privacy. When the Rabbit person feels threatened, his subtle brooding or concealed antagonism could be expressed by the use of subversive tactics. Joseph Stalin and Fidel Castro and South Africa's Johannes Vorster are Rabbits. It is also worth noting that Thailand's King Bhumibol, admired and well loved by his subjects for his exemplary life and devotion to music, art and domestic harmony, was born in the year of the Rabbit. So were King Olav V of Norway, Queen Victoria, Albert Einstein, David Rockefeller and David Frost.

For all his positive qualities, a native of this sign will still value himself above all else. When pushed too far, he will discard anything or anyone who dares upset the calm of his existence. His beliefs are known to be flexible and he has the knack of playing both sides for insurance. Security could be an obsession to the weaker types of this specimen; you rarely find a Rabbit in areas of high risk.

This love of ease coupled with his distaste for conflict may give the Rabbit a reputation for being weak, opportunistic and self-indulgent. Unlike the Dragon, Dog, Tiger, or Rooster, who all enjoy a hearty fight now and then, and may even thrive on it, the Rabbit has no relish for combat. He was not born to be a warrior. He is more effective working behind the scenes. Do not be concerned about the Rabbit's well being. He is agile and sagacious and armed with the good sense to keep out of harm's way. Unlike other signs, which may pursue lofty ideals, the Rabbit's main objective in life is simply self-preservation.

The Rabbit year is said to bring peace or at least a respite from conflict or war. Likewise, its native will do everything in his power to restore harmony or he will leave the scene.

The Rabbit person makes a good entertainer and is a wonderful host. Pleasant and warm company, he has a good word to say of everyone. But don't let that fool you. He knows more than he will say and you can easily recognize him by his finesse. He will be the best of friends so long as you take care not to ask too much of him.

The well-groomed Rabbit is most compatible with those born in the Sheep year. They will share the same good taste and love of material comforts. Equally well suited will be a relationship with the Dog person or the honest, unimposing Roar native. The Rat, Dragon, Monkey, Ox, Snake and Rabbit will make good secondary matches for him. But he will not be able to tolerate the vanity or criticism of the Rooster, is unimpressed by the dramatics of the Tiger and unappreciative of the quick-tempered and mercurial ways of the Horse.

To sum it up, the Hare simply leaps over obstacles in his path and recovers from calamities with remarkable resilience. No matter how he is tossed, he lands on his feet. He may not be close to his family but will make every effort to provide them with the best of everything. His soft, vulnerable-looking exterior is protected by an armor of cautiousness and sagacity. In life, the Rabbit will avoid being drawn into conflict at any cost, unless, of course, it affects him directly, at which time he will take the appropriate measures to protect his interests.

There is no great inner struggle in the Rabbit's heart between the forces of good and evil. He believes in his own ability to survive, relies on his own judgment and is at peace with himself. His is the sign most apt to find happiness and contentment.

THE RABBIT CHILD

A child born in the Rabbit's year will have a sweet disposition. Even-tempered and obedient, he will be sensitive to the moods of his parents and act accordingly. He may or may not be talkative, but he won't be rowdy or offensive. He can sit quietly and concentrate on one toy or game at a time.

Usually he is a light sleeper and may fret a lot when he is sick. He will be easy to discipline and should have little trouble fitting in at school. He learns his lessons well and with ease. But although he has better than average manners, this does not mean he will not be argumentative in his own soft-spoken way. He can grasp both sides of a question quickly and debate his point with intelligence.

At times, it will be difficult to decipher his thoughts or deeds. Smooth at masking his feelings, the Rabbit will only say what he knows will please you and thus maneuver you to his way of thinking without your even noticing it.

He will be able to fend for himself and protect his possessions. Remarkably observant, he can calculate his chances for getting his way. Instead of directly resisting rules, the subtle Rabbit will carefully devise ways around them. In short, this polite little angel is going to bargain for a better deal every time.

He can take reproach with a defiant or philosophical sort of indifference. Shrugging off his setbacks, the Rabbit will patiently start again from square one. Helpful at home, conforming in school and well-tuned to his environment, this child will know his way around people and problems. Rest assured he would be well liked and accepted in all circles.

THE CHINESE FESTIVALS

The Chinese New Year is now popularly known as the Spring Festival because it starts from the Beginning of Spring (the first of the twenty-four terms in coordination with the changes of Nature). Its origin is too old to be traced. Several explanations are hanging around. All agree, however, that the word Nian, which in modern Chinese solely means "year", was originally the name of a monster beast that started to prey on people the night before the beginning of a new year (Do not lose track here: we are talking about the new year in terms of the Chinese calendar).

One legend goes that the beast Nian had a very big mouth that would swallow a great many people with one bite. People were very scared. One day, an old man came to their rescue, offering to subdue Nian. To Nian he said, "I hear say that you are very capable, but can you swallow the other beasts of prey on earth instead of people who are by no means of your worthy opponents?" So, swallow it did many of the beasts of prey on earth that also harassed people and their domestic animals from time to time.

After that, the old man disappeared riding the beast Nian. He turned out to be an immortal god. Now that Nian is gone and other beasts of prey are also scared into forests, people begin to enjoy their peaceful life. Before the old man left, he had told people to put up red paper decorations on their windows and doors at each year's end to scare away Nian in case it sneaked back again, because red is the color the beast feared the most.

From then on, the tradition of observing the conquest of Nian is carried on from generation to generation. The term "Guo Nian", which may mean "Survive the Nian" becomes today "Celebrate the (New) Year" as the word "guo" in Chinese having both the meaning of "pass-over" and "observe". The custom of putting up red paper and firing firecrackers to scare away Nian should it have a chance to run loose is still around. However, people today have long forgotten why they are doing all this, except that they feel the color and the sound add to the excitement of the celebration.

The Spring Festival is a symbol of new beginnings, of which the New Year, also, represents. It represents a time of looking, optimistically, forward and putting the past behind us. It's a time to, confidently, make great plans for the future year. So, make 2011, your Year of the Rabbit, a great year!

 

10 Things Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Your Lungs

As it is with many of the body's organs, the Lungs have unique characteristics that mainstream or traditional medicine does not recognize. However, a brief introduction is necessary.

The organs of Chinese Medicine go hand-in-hand with most of the organs of western medicine. There are some physical differences. There are, also, functional differences.

A major concept of Chinese medicine is the idea of Yin and Yang. One way to classify the organs is by its Yin or Yang nature. Generally speaking, Yin and Yang represent various bi-polar relationships macro-cosmically and micro-cosmically. These relationships represent various physical, emotional and spiritual states and involve the fields of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, statics and dynamics, to name a few.

Another key theory governing the organs of Chinese medicine and the human life form involves their energy state. Just like the elements of the periodic table, which each have their own unique energy state and physical characteristics, all substances, both organic and inorganic, have their own unique energy state. The human body must conform to this law, as well. Since the human body is an organic (living) body, it is characterized by an energy system that drives it. The ancient Chinese called this energy system Qi (chee). Inorganic substances also have an energy system. However, the Qi of living organisms vibrates at much higher frequencies than those of inorganic substances.

When the unique organ functions of Chinese medicine are inhibited in some way, their ability to support the body is affected and the disease process is initiated. In some people the disease may be as simple as neck tension or a headache. In others, it may be something more severe, such as cirrhosis, migraines or cancer.

In this article, lets consider the Lungs. There are 10 things your doctor doesn't know about your lungs, as they relate to the characteristics or attributes of Chinese medicine.

1. Regulates the Energy state or Qi of the body. Regulating Qi is considered to be more of a functional aspect of the body, The Lungs are classified as a Yin organ and are one of just two organs that produce energy or Qi in the body. All the other organs consume energy. Yin organs are normally considered to be more nutritive, than functional. So this is a unique aspect of the Lungs. The Lungs produce energy by absorption of oxygen directly into the blood stream via the gas exchange through cells in the lungs called pulmonary alveolus.

2. Governs Respiration. Yep, I know, those ancient Chinese were, absolutely, brilliant! Your Doc probably does know this one!

3. Regulates the body's Water Passages. Water metabolism is, typically, thought to involve, only, the kidneys and urinary bladder. However, within the Chinese medical model, the Lungs are known as the Upper Source of Water (in the form of water vapor from the environmental air we breathe). Because of the Lungs relationship with Qi, and its function of reaching downward to activate the organs in the lower abdominal and pelvic cavities, the Lungs are considered a major aspect of fluid metabolism.

4. Controls the Skin and Body Hair. Each of the primary tissues of the body are related to specific organs. The Lungs have a direct connection to the external environmental air. The skin and the body hair also has an external relationship with the environment. They play a role in warding off or protecting the body from external environmental factors: cold, wind, heat, dampness, etc. Therefore, in an external holographic manner, the Lungs control the Skin and Body Hair. Some skin problems are due to a pathological condition of the Lungs, but other skin problems are due to other organ disease patterns.

5. Rules the Exterior of the Body. The Lungs are the most exterior of all the organs and in like manner play a major role in controlling the exterior of the body. In other words, the exterior of the body is considered the first line of defense when environmental or climatic pathogenic factors attempt to invade the body. Robust, healthy lungs strengthen the exterior and the immune system.

6. Regulates Perspiration. Located in the skin are the pores. Sweating or perspiration is the result of the pores opening. Since the Lungs control the skin, they also control the pores. In the case of excessive sweating or no sweating, the Lungs are considered a key player in the pathological disease pattern. There are other organs and disease patterns that can affect perspiration, but the Lungs are considered the regulator.

7. Grief and Sadness damage the Lungs. Each of the organs of Chinese medicine is injured by an emotional state. For the Lungs this emotion is sadness or grief. As with many aspects of Chinese medicine, this is a two-way street. Chronic Lung disease patterns can manifest sadness or grief and chronic sadness and grief can manifest a Lung disorder. The same can be said for all the organs in relation to their particular emotion.

8. Controls the Descending and Dissemination of Qi. The Lungs bring in "Air Qi" to be descended and disseminated throughout the other organs. This is an important aspect of many of the metabolic processes of the body. Without sufficient Air Qi many of these processes are inhibited, thus degrading the body's ability to ward off pathogenic disease patterns and maintain optimal health.

9. Controls the Voice. The Lungs drive air through the larynx or voice box and therefore is responsible for healthy vibrant speech.

10. Opens to the Nose. Technically, the Lungs are directly connected to the environmental air through the nose. The human body was designed to breathe through the nose, so the Lungs are said to open to the nose. As a result of this function, the Lungs influences the nose to allow discernment of odors and fragrances.

11. Aids the Heart in Blood circulation. When the Lungs are healthy they supply Air Qi to the other organs. Due to the Lungs proximity with the Heart, they play a vital role in promoting blood circulation by infusing the Heart with vital energy. Otherwise, blood circulation is diminished and is unable to nourish the other organs, tissues and cells.

Okay, I listed eleven things, but #2 was assumed to be a given.

Now that you know some of the major characteristics of the Lungs, within the scope of Chinese medicine, it isn't difficult to see why:

- Smoking and other air pollutants cause damage to the skin and can lead to skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, etc.).

- Strong, vibrant lungs leads to a strong vibrant immune system. Weak, feeble lungs leads to a compromised immune system characterized by constant respiratory disorders (common cold, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.).

- Healthy lungs help to activate and regulate fluid metabolism preventing such disorders as swellings, edema, weight gain, obesity, muscle pain (fibromyalgia).

-  Many vascular and circulatory disorders are not just a heart problem but can be due to the lungs inability to provide the vital energy needed to supplement the hearts own energy.

- Voice and speech problems (weak voice, loss of voice, etc.) can be due to a lung disorder. However, lung problems aren't the only disease patterns that can contribute to voice problems.

The ancient Chinese physicians considered the Lungs so important that in most Chinese medical texts the discussion of the organs and their corresponding meridians begin with the Lungs. In many respects, the Lungs are the catalyst for most of the body's metabolic processes. Activities, such as tai chi, Qi Gong, yoga, along with most aerobic exercises benefit the body by super-charging the body with oxygen. Since oxygen is a key component in the meridian system, it is imperative to keep the meridians strong by maintaining high oxygen levels through physical activities that promote thorough respiration.

Meridian Harmonics

What you can learn from my niece..

My niece sent me a message via Facebook this week. She said that she had bought three over-the-counter Chinese herbal supplements for her (self diagnosed) adrenal fatigue. Her specific question to me: Was there another Chinese herb she could take to boost her adrenals?

I asked her to send me the names of the products she was taking and the manufacturers name and I would get back to her.

My response: All of the supplements she was taking are modified versions of ancient traditional Chinese formulas and were mild, in the manufacturers dosage recommendation. They're okay, but may not be best suited for your constitution. Adrenal fatigue, if you have it, is a condition that can be manifested in a number of ways. The correct way to use Chinese herbs is by determining the correct Chinese organ patterns responsible for the symptoms you're having and treat them accordingly, at the root. I think there are some reputable companies producing good products but most folks who sell them are using them to treat symptoms. Most of these products are not designed to treat every scenario for which they are intended to be used for. This is why self medicating or getting herbs from someone who isn't trained in Chinese medicine can be futile. For me to recommend an herb or formula for you would be like calling the auto parts store and asking them for a battery for my car without telling them the type of car I own... do you see what i mean?

My recommendation: Chinese herbal medicine is complicated and difficult to do if one isn't sufficiently trained. The difference between me and someone in an herb shop is that I have a license to practice medicine from the medical board and am nationally board certified in Chinese herbal medicine. Most likely, they are not. The correct way to determine the Chinese pathological disease patterns responsible for your symptoms is to undergo Chinese Pulse diagnosis using the Pulse Matrix method. Very few doctors are trained in this method of diagnosis. However, the results are very accurate and once the proper diagnosis is determined and herbal treatments prescribed, patients will experience results much quicker than they normally would using products that are, typically, not as strong as the pharmacy grade herbs from my Chinese herbal compounding pharmacy. The Pulse Matrix procedure and the results takes just a few minutes.

In this day and age, the temptation to self medicate is enormous. Herbal remedies are available from various retail stores and the internet. However, I encourage patients to resist this temptation and seek out good counsel and good products. That's why I do what I do: to help people gain optimal health and save them time and money.

The Science of Acupuncture, Part 2

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Oriental medicine, in general, have received countless criticism from naysayers when it started to become more popular with patients in the west. Why has an 8000 year-old medicine received so much criticism? The answer is multifaceted.

It begins with the fact that both western and eastern medicines are rooted in different paradigms. Western medicine is based in microbiology and biochemistry (i.e.: bacterial and viral infections, hormonal imbalances). For just over 200 years western medicine has been the primary source of healthcare in the west. Few patients realize that prior to that western medicine had its origin in northern Europe where, for over 500 years, the primary focus of physicians was trying to keep people alive after being infected from the plague. Preventive medicine wasn’t a concern during this period and doesn’t seem to be of much concern today. 

Preventive medicine uses treatment strategies and education to keep patients healthy. As a result they are less likely to need medical intervention, whether it is for the common cold, allergies or cancer. As a result of being in a constant diseased state, patients are more likely to seek out ways to pay for healthcare through insurance policies that cover the procedures and medications their physicians prescribe. As a result, healthcare and health insurance policies have experienced exponentially increasing costs to patients. Economically, this doesn’t make a lot of sense, but somehow the majority of the population has jumped on-board with this “sick” model of medicine.

Historically, western medicine has justified treatments through expensive or dangerous laboratory tests (i.e.: blood and urine tests, x-rays, MRI’s, CAT scan, colonoscopies, etc.). Unfortunately, for many patients, these tests result in inconclusive results, which does not help explain why they remain in a diseased state. It can be very frustrating for patients. Consequently, patients, often times, end up having more doctor visits, more medications, more surgeries or other procedures, all of which increases costs to patient and their insurance companies. Does this make sense?

Oriental medicine isn’t based on bacterial and viral infections or chemical imbalances as the primary cause of disease. Because of this, patients and western physicians argue that it isn’t a scientifically based medicine. As if the only valid science is bacteria, viruses and chemicals. 

Unlike many of my colleagues, I was fortunate enough to study and work in a true science-based field: engineering. The various engineering disciplines are, all, rooted in natural laws that govern all matter, no matter what it is: sub-atomic particles, complex machinery, aerospace vehicles or the human body. All matter in the universe is subject to natural laws. Most doctors fail to realize this, yet scientists in every field agree that natural laws are the catalyst for change in the state of all things, large and small, living and inorganic. This the primary cause of disease in Oriental medicine.

Engineering is all about using natural laws to design structures and mechanisms so that they will function flawlessly in various environmental states. The human body is comparable to an extremely complex structure or mechanism. It is, constantly, being subjected to various environmental states and is required to function flawlessly in all of them. It breaks down when its owner neglects to learn about and respect the natural laws that govern the body and forces it to operate outside what would be considered a safe envelope. Engineers, in their designs will, typically, plan on their mechanisms or structures to operate within a safety-of-factor of at least two. This means that the engineer will design the product to withstand twice the strain or load it is subject to.

Unfortunately, most patients are unaware of the “safe envelope” their bodies are designed to operate in. Consequently, when this envelope is repeatedly violated their bodies become less able to withstand the constant abuse. What would be considered a safe envelope for one person may not be for someone else. So, in essence, each person is different and should be treated accordingly. To believe that the entire population is the same and will respond the same to a specific treatment strategy is a fallacy of certain medical models. Chinese medicine has always asserted that various patients presenting with the same signs and symptoms, most likely, will have different underlying pathologies. It would be insane to treat them all the same, but that is, exactly, what’s happening in most traditional medical models.

There are several fields of western science that govern Oriental medicine and it’s various patterns of diseases and pathologies. What’s amazing is the ancient Chinese discovered these sciences thousands of years ago and identified their affects on the human body and how to appropriately treat them. The science of Oriental medicine encompasses the following scientific fields: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, holography, quantum physics, electromagnetism, static and dynamic physics, wave theory and particle physics. Granted, these are difficult sciences to wrap your head around and because of that, prevent most doctors of oriental medicine from adequately explaining the science of acupuncture to patients and western trained doctors. In a follow-up, I'll discuss a few of these sciences and the mechanisms of how they affect changes in the body that lead to the disease process. Th ancient doctors of Chinese medicine had extensive knowledge of these sciences and how to apply them to physical, mental and spiritual health.

Really! Is this Modern Medicine at it's Best?

I see all kinds of patients in my clinic. Young, old, men, women, the works! We get referrals from several different types of doctors: other acupuncturists, MD's, DO's, chiropractors, naturopaths, etc. There is a group of patients that, in my opinion, western medicine has swept under the rug, to hopefully not resurface. Which group, you ask? The elderly, the senior citizens, the folks that are supposed to be living the "Golden Years".

Case in point. A chiropractor recently referred an elderly gentleman (73 years old) to me for low back pain following a spinal fusion in the lumbar spine.

Come to find out, the chiropractor had done a multiple number of therapies, several times a week, for several weeks without any success: spinal adjustments, cold laser therapy, ultrasound. All he was able to do was successfully run through the patients insurance money. At what point does a doctor with integrity tell a patient that there is nothing else they can do for them? Granted, every patient is different. They all respond differently to each therapeutic modality. Each patient has their own unique history that can inhibit their body's healing processes. Some of a patients history is due to their own lack of attention to proper diet, lifestyle, exercise, etc. The other problem with a patients history is due to poor or incorrect treatment strategies by their doctors. I believe in doing all I can to help educate patients so that they will have the necessary tools to make good choices in order to enhance their health and well being. Unfortunately, most medical professionals are so over-worked, just to keep their doors open, that they don't make time to empower patients to help themselves. The end result is that it becomes easier, not better, to simply prescribe more medications or perform more surgeries.

Getting back to my new patient, he brought in his list of medications and significant medical procedures.

And people wonder why they're not feeling well or not getting better.

Significant medical procedures or events from 1987 to 2009:

3 heart attacks
Triple by-pass heart surgery
Polyps removed during colonoscopy, 3 times
Gallbladder removed
Double knee replacement
Congestive heart failure, 3 times
Prostate Cancer surgery
Spinal fusion in lumbar spine
Heart catheterization
Defibrillator/Pacemaker installed


Current list of medications:
    * carvedilol
    * Celebrex
    * Diovan
    * dipyridamole
    * furosemide
    * Klor-Con M
    * Levoxyl
    * Lovaza
    * metformin
    * Niaspan
    * Novolin 70/ 30
    * pantoprazole


Whenever a patient is taking more than 2 or 3 medications, I like to run a report of any possible interactions to see if there is anything to be concerned about. The report for this patient is listed below:

Avoid/Use Alternative

1. carvedilol <-> Celebrex
monitor BP, use alternative: combo may cause sodium/water retention, decreased antihypertensive efficacy (antagonistic effects)

2. carvedilol <-> Novolin 70/ 30
use alternative: combo may alter glucose metababolism, prolong hypoglycemia, mask hypoglycemic sx (adrenergic antagonism)

Monitor/Modify Tx

3. carvedilol <-> metformin
monitor glucose: combo may alter glucose metab., prolong hypoglycemia, mask hypoglycemic sx (adrenergic antagonism)

4. Celebrex <-> Diovan
monitor BP, renal fxn: combo may decr. antihypertensive efficacy, incr. risk of nephrotoxicity (antagonistic effects, additive effects)

5. Diovan <-> furosemide
monitor BP, use for therapeutic advantage: combo may incr. risk of hypotension (synergistic effects)

6. Diovan <-> Klor-Con M
monitor potassium, check potassium content of supplement: combo may incr. risk of hyperkalemia (additive effects)

7. furosemide <-> metformin
monitor glucose: combo may decr. hypoglycemic agent efficacy; loop diuretics may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

8. furosemide <-> Novolin 70/ 30
monitor glucose: combo may incr. insulin requirement, loop diuretics may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

9. Levoxyl <-> metformin
monitor glucose: combo may decr. hypoglycemic agent efficacy; high dose thyroid hormone may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

10. Levoxyl <-> Novolin 70/ 30
monitor glucose: combo may incr. insulin requirement, high dose thyroid hormone may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

11. metformin <-> Niaspan
monitor glucose: combo may decr. hypoglycemic agent efficacy; niacin may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

12. metformin <-> Novolin 70/ 30
monitor glucose, use for therapeutic advantage: combo may incr. risk of hypoglycemia (synergistic effects)

13. Niaspan <-> Novolin 70/ 30
monitor glucose: combo may incr. insulin requirement, niacin may cause hyperglycemia (antagonistic effects)

Caution Advised

14. carvedilol <-> Lovaza
caution advised: combo may antagonize antihyperlipidemic effect of omega-3-acid (antagonistic effects)

15. carvedilol <-> Niaspan
caution advised: combo may incr. risk of orthostatic hypotension (additive effects)

16. Celebrex <-> furosemide
caution advised: combo may decr. diuretic, natriuretic, antihypertensive effects of loop diuretics, incr. risk of nephrotoxicity (antagonistic effects, additive effects)

17. dipyridamole <-> Lovaza
caution advised: combo may incr. risk of bleeding (additive antiplatelet effects)

Really?! I'm positive this patient was never informed of the interactions or the side affects of all these medications. It's very sad to see what is happening to our "senior citizens". They were raised in an age where you could put all your trust in the medical profession. That trust has failed this patient and I'm sure it has failed many others.

I can't help but think that western medicine has, somehow, gotten off-track. Whatever happened to "doing no harm"? There seems to be a real lack of connection of medical doctors with their patients. Actually, I hear complaints about this, quite often, from my own patients. Unfortunately, most of the population in Western society are convinced that western medicine has all the answers. This case illustrates how off-base this system has become. Just the other day, another one of my patients asked me how to file a complaint with my state's medical board. I asked her why, was she going to file a complaint about me? She assured me that she wasn't but related her own horror story and experience with "one" of her many other physicians. It seems to be a rampant problem in main-stream medicine.

The medical profession, in general, is broken. The focus needs to be put back on the patient, not the bottom line.

Patient Appreciation Days Aug 10-14, 2010

Here at Meridian Harmonics, we realize the recent changes in the economy have affected most everyone. In spite of this we'll continue providing the highest standard of health care! The week of August 10 - 14 the weekly special is: ALL Acupuncture treatments just $50! (not valid with any other offers) Have we lost are minds!? That's nearly 30% off!! Now that's what I call rolling back fees!


Tuesday August 10: 10% off all customized herbal formulas

Thursday August 12: Pulse Diagnosis, & Report of Findings Consultation - $45

August 10 - August 14: $50 Acupuncture ALL week long! That’s $20 OFF! (not valid with any other offers)


Your Doc!

Mark Tryling, LAC, Dipl AC, CH is nationally board certified in both acupuncture and oriental medicine by the national certification commission of acupuncture and oriental medicine. He is licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. Born and raised in Texas, he has a unique perspective on Texas occupational and environmental factors and their affect on health issues. His knowledge across a variety of disciplines allows for a combination of many talents, giving him expertise with health care assessment, compliance.



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