Acupuncture, Acupressure & Health

The Acupuncture Face lift: Fact or Fiction

2010-10-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

By Charles Yarborough, L.Ac.

Have you read the service menu at your favorite spa lately? If so, you may have noticed a new and intriguing addition: cosmetic acupuncture. Cosmetic acupuncture – also known as acupuncture facial rejuvenation or acupuncture facelift - is finding its way into an increasing number of full-service spas, and for good reason. This new modality can enhance not only your physical appearance but also your overall health, giving you a glow that radiates from deep within. While cosmetic acupuncture as a spa feature is a somewhat new phenomenon, there are nevertheless centuries-old records of it being used in the service of beauty. What’s more, acupuncture’s ability to improve a variety of skin conditions has now been documented in legitimate clinical studies. Its effectiveness is no longer a question of hearsay or testimonials. Before signing up for a course of facial acupuncture treatments, however, there are a few things you should consider.

Is it really a facelift? The answer is an unequivocal no. Nor is it intended to replace a facelift. Cosmetic acupuncture entails no incisions, sutures or acid peels and it will not produce sudden, drastic changes in underlying structures. In fact, the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association discourages the use of the term, “facelift” in connection with acupuncture, as this creates unrealistic expectations and, ultimately, disappointment. Remember, it took decades of stress, sun damage and exposure to environmental toxins for your skin to reach a state of crisis, and the damage will not be instantly undone. The remedy cosmetic acupuncture may offer is the reduction or erasure of fine lines and the softening of deeper ones. Additionally, patients may experience the firming of jowls and a reduction in the size of under-eye bags. It is not unusual for clients to report enhanced skin tone, increased energy and eyes that sparkle.

But it doesn’t stop there. Since facial acupuncture is based on time-tested principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a person’s overall health may also benefit. Insomnia may be corrected and weight gain may be controlled. Cosmetic acupuncture is, after all, a whole-body treatment. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine view, a person’s face is affected selectively by his or her internal organs. Facial features reflect organic strengths, and as internal organs are fortified, one’s face reflects the improvement. Besides addressing a patient’s condition holistically, the practitioner will probably work locally, inserting painless, ultra-fine needles into--and around--specific wrinkles, acu-points or muscle points, depending on the technique employed. Techniques can be Spartan or luxuriant, and practitioners will often incorporate herbal poultices, moisturizers, pulsed light or essential oils into a treatment. An imperceptible electrical current may also be passed among the needles.

Finding a Practitioner

Finding certified practitioners may be easier than you think. They are listed by region at the website of The American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association (www.AmericanCosmeticAcupuncture.com). Membership in the ACAA assures you the acupuncturist is licensed and has studied facial cosmetic technique with a qualified teacher (not all of them have). You might want to avoid cosmetic acupuncture practitioners and teachers who claim their technique is better than all others (they may offer testimonials). There are simply too many talented practitioners in the field for anyone to make such a claim ethically.

The practitioner you choose should be willing to provide you with a free fifteen-minute consultation as well as an estimate of the cost and the number of treatments required. A course of ten treatments is standard, with periodic follow-up visits as needed. These sessions are labor intensive and will be priced differently than customary acupuncture treatments. Not surprisingly, if you are a smoker or sun-worshipper, you will need to make a longer commitment in order to achieve results. Depending on the technique used, there is a slight chance of minor temporary bruising, although your practitioner may lessen the possibility by starting your session with a homeopathic remedy.

If your features are tired, your eyes are baggy and your skin is without luster, yet you do not feel the need for cosmetic surgery, then facial acupuncture may be for you. The freedom from post-treatment downtime and the experience of enhanced vitality contribute to the ever-increasing popularity of this Asian art. If you are willing to try something different and new, you may find that facial acupuncture is the perfect partner in your quest for rejuvenation and renewal.

Charles Yarborough, L.Ac. is director of the American Cosmetic Acupuncture Association (www.AmericanCosmeticAcupuncture.com) and of Hamptons Health Circle in Pasadena, CA.

Whole Food signatures

2009-09-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

A stupendous insight of civilizations past has been confirmed by today's investigative, nutritional sciences. They have shown that what was once called "The Doctrine of Signatures" was astoundingly correct.

Referred to in the classical period of Rome as the "Law of Similarities" it is now called by scientists, Teleological Nutritional Targeting".

It now contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or signs as to the benefit the food provides the eater.

For instance:

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All o f the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profoun d is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Heel Pain & Acupuncture

2009-06-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

abstracted & translated by
Honora Lee Wolfe, Dipl. Ac., Lic. Ac., FNAAOM
Keywords: Chinese medicine, acupuncture, heel pain
Heel pain may be due to a number of different causes. Calcaneal spur syndrome (a.k.a. plantar fasciitis) may cause pain on the plantar surface of the heel. Sever’s disease (a.k.a. epiphysitis of the calcaneus) can cause pain in the medial and lateral margins of the heel and is primarily seen in children. Haglund’s deformity (posterior Achilles tendon bursitis) results in pain posterior to the Achilles tendon. Pain in the retromalleolar space anterior to the Achilles tendon may be due to fracture of the posterolateral talar tubercle, bursitis, or posterior tibial neuralgia. Pain at the calcaneal insertion of the Achilles tendon may be due to overuse (as in athletes) and a tight heel cord secondary to abnormal foot structure and function. In Western medicine, these disorders are treated with everything from rest, stretching, night splinting, shoe protheses, and oral NSAIDs to corticosteroids and surgery. In issue #2, 2003 of Gan Su Zhong Yi (Gansu Chinese Medicine), Wang Xiu-zhen reports on the treatment of 40 cases of heel pain with acupuncture. The title of this report is “A Short Discussion of the Acupuncture Treatment of 40 Cases of Heel Pain.” This article appeared on page 39 of that journal and a summary is given below.
Cohort description:
All 40 patients in this study were examined with x-ray and those with osteotuberculosis, bone cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis were ruled out. Among these 40, there were eight males and 32 females aged 24-60 years who had suffered from heel pain for from two days to one year. All these patients had received prior medical treatment which had not been obviously effective. X-rays of these patients’ heels failed to show any pathological changes in the bones of the heel.
Treatment method:
The main acupoints used in this study were: Kun Lun (Bl 60), Shen Mai (Bl 62), Tai Xi (Ki 3), and Zhao Hai (Ki 6). Auxiliary points included: Jue Gu (GB 39), Pu Can (Bl 61), Shang Qiu (Sp 5), and Qiu Xu (GB 40). After disinfecting the skin in the affected area a one inch needle was used to perpendicularly puncture the main points to a depth of 0.5 inches. In addition, one auxiliary point was also chosen each time to be needled. Needles were left in place for 40 minutes and twisted and twirled once each 20 minutes. If the pattern was one of repletion, draining technique was used; if it was one of vacuity, supplementing technique was used. One treatment was given per day and 10 treatments equaled one course of therapy.
Treatment outcomes:
Cure was defined as complete disappearance of the heel pain. Marked effect was defined as marked improvement in heel pain and any associated swelling. Some effect meant that the heel and swelling improved somewhat, and no effect meant that there was basically no change in the clinical symptoms. Based on these criteria, 28 out of 40 patients were judged cured, four got a marked effect, six got some effect, and two got no effect. Therefore, the cure rate was 70% and the total effectiveness rate was 95%.
Discussion:
According to Dr. Wang, heel pain is due to either external evils entering and assailing or loss of regulation of the function of the viscera and bowels. In both cases, the movement and flow of qi and blood in the affected area loses its normalcy and the channels and vessels lose their nourishment. Thus there is aching and pain. Based on the saying, “If there is free flow, there is no pain,” Dr. Wang believes that the treatment principles for this condition are to course and free the flow of the channels and network vessels, regulate and harmonize the qi and blood, and regulate and balance the function of the viscera and bowels. Based on these principles, Dr. Wang has chosen points in the affected area. The foot tai yang bladder channel traverses the lateral part of the posterior of the foot, while the foot shao yin kidney channel traverses the medial part of the posterior of the foot. These two are interior-exterior channels, and their transport points are able to treat diseases on both the interior and exterior channels. In addition, Shen Mai and Zhao Hai are meeting points of the eight extraordinary vessels. One frees the flow of the yang qiao mai and the other frees the flow of the yin qiao mai. However, this protocol is contraindicated in pregnant women.
Copyright © Blue Poppy Press, 2003. All rights reserved.

Quit Smoking and Acupuncture

2009-05-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

What Does the Treatment Involve?

The acupuncture program for smoking cessation at Better Care Acupuncture Healing Clinic consists of six visits. On your first appointment, your acupuncturist need to gather information about your smoking history and health background. This will assist in identifying the behaviors, habits and triggers that lead to smoking.

Also at the first appointment, you will get a physical exam methods from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as taking the pulse and observing the tongue. The purpose of this interview is to determine the Chinese medical diagnosis for you and the individualized treatment you will receive. Taking into account each person's unique smoking habits and physical and emotional make-up, every patient's acupuncture treatment is tailor-made and designed for him or her. No two people are treated exactly the same. Acupuncture can reduce the cravings, change your taste of tabaco and lessen the withdrawal symptoms associated you’re your efforts to quit smoking. Since the first month of quitting is probably the most difficult, the acupuncture program can ease you through this time. The first appointment is geared toward preparing you to become a nonsmoker; also it will include an short acupuncture treatment to get you familiar with different acupuncture methods and test your sensitivity to those methods. The next five sessions are acupuncture treatments to help you stop smoking.

The next five sessions are spaced out over three to four weeks, usually two treatments the first week, and then based on your individual needs. The treatments focus on any physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms that may arise, and also aid in relaxation. Of course, if you are having difficulty quitting, the program may be modified to fit your needs.

Does It Just Involve the Ear or Are Other Points Involved?

There are no "magic" acupuncture points for smoking cessation. Each patient is custom-treated according to his or her specific and unique diagnosis. Usually a combination of body acupuncture points and points on the ear are used. After the needles are inserted, you will relax for about 30 minutes.

Most times small herbal seeds are tacked onto specific points on the ear to reduce cravings.
How Does It Compare to Other Methods?

Because the acupuncture smoking termination program is individualized, it is often successful for those who have been unable to stop smoking through other methods. Often, our patients may have tried Nicorette gum, the nicotine patch or some type of organized program. If the individual sticks with it, the acupuncture quitting program can lead to permanent cessation.

How Effective is the Program ?

Acupuncture will not "do it" for you. You need to have a genuine desire to quit smoking. It's very important to enlist the support of friends and family. Everyone will respond to acupuncture and quitting smoking differently. Some may sail through the process with little or no problems, while others may have a harder time with withdrawal. Be assured that acupuncture can reduce the stress and difficulty of quitting smoking, and can aid you in your decision to quit smoking.We support you in your efforts to begin a healthy and smoke-free life!

Welcome to the wonderful world of nonsmokers. You can do it!

Acupuncture and Migraine Headaches

2009-05-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Recent Western medical research on migraine headaches suggests that one cofactor producing these vascular events may be improper serotonin metabolism. (1) Since it is also well documented that acupuncture has a powerful impact on brain chemistry as well as a variety of neurologic functions, (2) it may be that one of the reasons for the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on this type of pain is its impact on brain chemistry.

In issue #9, 2003 of Gan Su Zhong Yi (Gansu Chinese Medicine), Du Xiu Xia published an article titled, "Experiences in the Treatment of 40 Cases of Side Head Pain with Matrix Acupuncture-moxibustion." This article appeared on pages 27-28 of that journal. Because migraines are such a common complaint and because this acupoint formula is largely unknown in the West, a summary of its main clinical points is given below. While the doctor who did this research does not discuss the impact of his treatment on brain chemistry, it is this writer's belief that one of the reasons that acupuncture is so effective in the treatment of a variety of types of pain is exactly that. This is especially true when certain points, known to be effective in a wide variety of conditions, are selected. In this treatment protocol, those points include He Gu (LI 4), Nei Guan (Per 6), and Feng Chi (GB 20)

Among the 40 patients included in this study, there were 12 males and 28 females, 16-68 years of age, who had suffered from migraines for from one month to 23 years.

Acupuncture Treatment of Migraine Headaches:

The Matrix point formula consists of: Si Zhong Xue (Four Middles Points; these are four extra-channel points located one inch further outside Si Shen Cong, M-HN-1 on the crown of the head), Tou Nie Xue (Head Temple Point, an extra-channel point located one inch posterior to Tai Yang, M-HN-9, on the same level as the apex of the ear), and Feng Chi (GB 20). This group of eight points (when needled bilaterally) makes up the head region Matrix point formula. If the headache is most pronounced in the forehead or eye region, these points are combined with Ben Shen (GB 13) and Zan Zhu (B1 2). If the headache is vascular in nature, they are combined with Nei Guan (Per 6), while, if they are neurological in nature, they are combined with He Gu (LI 4). [It is believed by some Chinese doctors, that these last two points, Nei Guan and He Gu, have a powerful impact on the subcortex, autonomic nervous system, and brain chemistry functions.] (3)

A 1-1.5 inch 28-30 gauge needle was used to needle the first four points with their tips angled toward Bai Hui (GV 20). These points were needled transversely to a depth of one inch. Feng Chi was needled toward the opposite eye to a depth of one inch, while Tou Nie was needled transversely toward Shang Guan (GB 3) to a depth of one inch. After obtaining the qi, the needles were retained for 20-30 minutes. If Zan Zhu was needled, it was inserted with its tip angled upward. If Ben Shen was needled, its tip was angled posterior. If Nei Guan and/or He Gu were needled, they were used with draining technique. Acupuncture was administered one per day, with 10 times equaling one course of treatment.

Treatment outcomes

Cure was defined as complete disappearance of headaches after 1-2 courses of treatment and no recurrence within one year. Marked effect was defined as less than five headaches of slight degree within the year after treatment. Patients did not need to take any medicine for these headaches which remitted spontaneously. No effect meant that, although the headaches decreased in severity after treatment, their incidence was decreased by less than 50%. Based on these criteria, 31 out of 40 cases (77.5%) were labeled cured, seven (17.5%) got a marked effect, and two (5%) got no effect, for a total effectiveness rate of 95%.

Discussion

According to Dr. Du, migraines are due to spasm of the cerebral arteries causing lack of blood and disturbance in function. While he does not discuss the causes of this functional disturbance, it is this writer's opinion that brain chemistry is, indeed, one of the causative factors in this disease process. Dr. Du chose these Matrix points based on the saying, "Choose points based on location [of the disease]." The Matrix points regulate both the central nervous system and blood vessels in the top and sides of the head. They appear to have a definite effect in the treatment of migraines. However, it should be noted that the treatment frequency and needle technique may have a lot to do with these outcomes and not just the choice of points. It is also the writer/translator's opinion that especially the addition of He Gu and Nei Guan to this protocol increase the effectiveness of such treatments because of their known impact on brain chemistry and general neurological function.

For more information on the treatment of migraine headaches with Chinese medicine, see Bob Flaws and Philippe Sionneau's The Treatment of Modern Western Medical Diseases with Chinese Medicine available from Blue Poppy Press.

Keywords: Chinese medicine, acupuncture-moxibustion, migraine, headache, brain chemistry, Matrix point formula

c/o Blue Poppy Press * 5441 Western Ave. #2 * Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA

www.bluepoppy.com

Copyright[c] Honora Lee Wolfe, 2004. All rights reserved.

2009-03-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Whiplash

2009-02-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

Definition

Whiplash is a common neck injury that often occurs during rear-end automobile collisions, when your head suddenly moves backward and then forward — similar to the motion of someone cracking a whip. These extreme motions push your neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion.

Whiplash injuries can be mild or severe. Most people recover quickly from whiplash — usually within four to six weeks — but some people with whiplash injuries develop chronic symptoms that can be extremely painful and disabling.

Neck pain prevention and alternative medicine

2009-02-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

Most neck pain is associated with poor posture on top of age-related wear and tear. To help prevent neck pain, keep your head centered over your spine, so gravity works with your neck instead of against it. Some simple changes in your daily routine may help. Consider trying to:

Take frequent breaks if you drive long distances or work long hours at your computer. Keep your head back, over your spine, to reduce neck strain. Try to avoid clenching your teeth.
Adjust your desk, chair and computer so the monitor is at eye level. Knees should be slightly lower than hips. Use your chair's armrests.
Avoid tucking the phone between your ear and shoulder when you talk. If you use the phone a lot, get a headset.
Stretch frequently if you work at a desk. Shrug your shoulders up and down. Pull your shoulder blades together and then relax. Pull your shoulders down while leaning your head to each side to stretch your neck muscles.
Balance your base. Stretching the front chest wall muscles and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder blade and back of the shoulder can promote a balanced base of support for the neck.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position puts stress on your neck. Choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.

Talk to your doctor if you're interested in trying complementary and alternative neck pain treatments. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of various alternative neck pain treatments.

Alternative neck pain treatments include:

Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into various points on your body. Studies have found that acupuncture may be helpful for many types of pain. But studies in neck pain have been mixed. For results, you may need to undergo several acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a certified practitioner using sterile needles. But don't undergo acupuncture treatment if you're taking blood thinners.
Massage. During a massage, a trained practitioner manipulates the muscles in your neck. Little scientific evidence exists to support massage in people with neck pain, though it may provide relief when combined with your doctor's recommended treatments. Massage is generally safe for most people with minor neck strains, as long as it's performed by a trained massage therapist. If you have chronic neck pain or neck pain that's caused by injury or arthritis, ask your doctor if massage would be safe for you.

Happy Chinese New year of the OX

2009-01-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

This year, lunar new year falls on Monday, Jan 26...
wishing you a healthy, joyful and prosperous year of the ox, dear friends!!! ^-^/

恭喜發財, 農曆春節快樂!!!
祝大家... 身體健康, 萬事如意, 心想事成, 新年進步, 笑口常開開開 !!! ~ ^-^/

2009-01-13T00:39:00.000-08:00

Expert Advice-Treatment of Cold and Flu in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM):

Defeating Cold and Flu with Chinese Medicine

We are most vulnerable to colds and influenza during the long winter, Many people suffer not only from the respiratory symptoms of cold and flu, but can also fall victim to various complications of these diseases, some of which can be serious. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illness or compromised immune systems are especially prone to complications. Parents worry about their children bringing home infections from school. Right now, the best way Western medicine has of dealing with these diseases is the widespread use of flu shots, which encourage the immune system to "gear up" for the most prevalent type of flu. However, while flu shots can avert the most serious consequences of infection, they cannot prevent or cure the common cold.

The common cold is an acute viral infection that generally causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease in humans, and accounts for more time lost from work or school than any other disease. Flu is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract. Its symptoms include running nose, cough, chills, headache, fever, and severe aching in the muscles and joints. Although flu affects all age groups, schoolchildren have the highest incidence. Although colds and flu are generally of brief duration, they can lead to complications in the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.

Because both cold and flu are viral infections, conventional medicine has no cure for them. Bed rest and increased fluid intake are generally suggested to make the patient more comfortable. Aspirin, nasal decongestants, and other medications such as steam inhalation, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, amantadline, or rimantadine are prescribed.

A friend of mine traveled to China last winter. She told me that when she visited a college there, she saw every student in the cafeteria drinking a kind of herbal tea for the prevention of cold and flu before their lunch. She thought that was very interesting and asked me what they were drinking. I told her that every school in China, from grade school through college, offers herbs to the students during the flu season to prevent cold and flu. There are quite a few teas and herbal formulas available for prevention purposes.

In China, these anti-cold and flu formulas will be found in every family�s medicine cabinet. It would be almost impossible to find a person in China who has never taken one. Most of these effective and time-tested herbal formulas come from two important schools in traditional Chinese medicine: the school of cold-induced febrile diseases, represented by Zhang Zhongjing (150-219 AD), and the school of seasonal febrile diseases, represented by Wu Jutong (1758-1836).

Using herbal formulas to prevent and treat colds and flu is one of the best-developed and most successful aspects of traditional Chinese medicine. Specific treatment practices and formulas have been handed down unbroken from the earliest schools to the modern universities of China. In this country, more and more people are becoming aware of the existence and efficacy of the ancient cold and flu formulas. At our clinic, TCM Health Center, we see increased demand for this type of treatment, especially among school teachers, who are constantly being exposed to colds. Our clients say that their doctors have been surprised by the effectiveness of Cold & Flu Formula (Yin Qiao San), which is a common and popular formula in China.

Top Antiviral Herbs in Chinese Medicine

Woad Root (Ban Lan Gen) is one of the leading anti-viral herbs. In a study of over 11,000 people who were exposed to mumps, the infectious manifestation was forestalled by using a decoction of woad root. Woad root tea is the most popular herbal tea to prevent and treat flu in China.

Woad Leaf (Da Qing Ye) shares similar properties with woad root. In a study of 100 people, only 10% of the treatment group that took a woad leaf decoction twice daily had upper respiratory infections during the study period, while 24% of the control group had infections.

Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao) is a pointed, oval-shaped capsule with a hard shell. Because of its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunity-enhancing properties, forsythia fruit is widely used to treat common cold, influenza, swelling and pain in the throat, and skin inflammation.

Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua) is named "gold-and-silver flower" in Chinese. Research indicates that this flower bud can deactivate the PR8 strain of influenza virus. The study also indicates that honeysuckle works wonderfully to treat other infectious diseases, including pneumonia and viral conjunctivitis.

Baical Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) is the dried root of scutellaria. It is an anti-viral agent, effective against influenza viruses. This herb and its active substance, baicalin, are used in the treatment of upper respiratory infections, either bacterial or viral.

Effective Herbal Formulas in Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, patterns are differentiated according to the imbalances of the body and the causes and stages of the disease. Herbal formulas (combinations of herbs) are always recommended by practitioners because they are stronger and more effective than single herbs. I will discuss three patterns of cold and flu symptoms, and the appropriate formulas for each type.

Wind-Heat Pattern: Symptoms of the Wind-Heat pattern include: fever; headache; sweating; a running nose with yellowish-colored mucus; dry mouth; thirst; sore throat; productive coughing with thick yellowish phlegm; a thin, yellow tongue coating; and a floating and rapid pulse. Cold and Flu Formula (Yin Qiao San) is the most popular herbal formula to treat the Wind-Heat pattern. Wind-Heat Clearing (Sang Ju Yin) and Lung Heat Clearing (Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang) are also basic formulas for cold and flu of the Wind-Heat pattern.

Cold & Flu Formula (Yin Qiao San)

Forsythia (Lian Qiao)

Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)

Platycodon (Jie Geng)

Mint (Bo He)

Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye)

Licorice (Gan Cao)

Schizonepeta (Jing Jie)

Soy Bean (Dan Dou Gu)

Arctium (Niu Bang Zi)

Wind-Cold Pattern: Symptoms of Wind-Cold pattern include: aversion to cold; mild fever; absence of sweat; chest congestion; sneezing; running nose with clear mucus; itching throat, or a cough with clear mucus; a thin, white tongue coating; and a tight pulse. Wind-Cold Formula (Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang) is commonly used for cold and flu of the Wind-Cold type. Among others, Cinnamon Decoction (Gui Zhi Tang), Minor Blue Dragon Decoction (Xiao Qing Long Tang), and Cnidium and Tea Formula (Chuan Qiong Cha Tiao San) are also widely used.

Wind-Cold Formula (Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang)

Notopterygium (Qiang Huo)

Ledebouriella (Fang Feng)

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes)

Asari (Xi Xin)

Cnidium (Chuan Qiong)

Dahurian Angelica (Bai Zhi)

Rehmania (Shen Di Huang)

Skullcap (Huang Qin)

Licorice (Gan Cao)

Deficiency Pattern: Most people with chronic illness fall into the Deficiency category. They are the targets of cold and flu during every seasonal change and in every flu season. Their energy is low, their immune systems are weak, and they have trouble recovering from prolonged illness. Women with a Deficiency condition often catch a cold before every menstrual cycle. When Deficiency-pattern people are hit by cold or flu, they should use either Cold & Flu Formula or Wind-Cold Formula, depending upon whether their illness falls into the Wind-Heat type or the Wind-Cold type. Once cold or flu symptoms are gone, other formulas can be taken to strengthen the immune system and prevent recurrence of disease. Immunenergy (Shi Quan Da Bu Wan) is a well-known tonic for the immune system. Chi Spleen Tonic (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan), Spleen Heart Tonic (Gui Pi Wan), Kidney Yin Tonic (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan) and Kidney Yang Tonic (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan) are also popular formulas which tonify the immune system. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner to determine the best formula for you.

Immunenergy Formula (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang)

Angelica (Dang Gui)

Cnidium (Chuan Qiong)

Peony (Bai Shao)

Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)

Ginseng (Ren Shen)

Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)

Poria (Fu Ling)

Licorice (Gan Cao)

Astragalus (Huang Qi)

Cinnamon (Rou Gui)