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Chinese Herb Safety and Quality – Evergreen Herbs

 Books Recommended, Chinese Herb Research, Herb Safety, Products, TCM Scholars  No Responses »
Mar 132013
 

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is the world standard of herbal medicine and these guidelines are used, amongt testing for heavy metals, pesticides and bacteria, by Evergreen Herbs, a family-run business with 3 generations of Chinese herbal scholars bringing quality medicine to practitioners and patients alike. Keep in mind also that most herbs are coming from Taiwan, so why the quality is so high. Evergreen Herbs and Herb Safety

The formulas are fantastic and bring my patients much healing! The pharmacology tomes written by John Chen and Tina Chen are a boom to phytomedicine worldwide and research is the basis of this materia medica. Order book: Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology from Evergreen Herbs or Amazon.

Qi Journal – Don’t let Ancient Knowledge become a thing of the past…

 Acupuncture News and Research, Chinese Herb Research, Chinese Medicine, Herb Safety, News and Research, Publications  No Responses »
Mar 132013
 

Look at all the research showing Traditional Asian Medicine is an important medicine that works – the 8 branches of this medicine are Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Tui Na Massage and other manual therapies (cupping, gua sha), Dietary Therapy, Astrology and Caligraphy!!!! (And I think I am somehow missing Feng Shui but it may fit into the Astrology branch.) The last two are very important, unique arts, and therefore, medicinal themselves!) All are represented here: Qi Journal and Traditonal Chinese Medicine Research

More than Half of Americans Believe Eating Healthy is Difficult!

 Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy, Wellness Wise Words  No Responses »
Feb 142013
 

(52) – “percentage of Americans who think figuring out their income taxes is easier than Knowing how to eat healthy. Go figure.”1

I don’t know what to say other then this is definitely pathetic! What and/or where do people think food comes from? It is just strange that generally Americans are out of touch with the earth and its gardens, and the bounty of it all, which sustains them. It is not only Taoist ‘to be at one with the earth’, to live within its greatness, it is plain necessary, so how can it be ignored, or more to this point, how can it be hard to eat healthy by eating the food from the earth’s gardens and animal abundance?

1From “This & That” of Relish Magazine (relish.com), p. 2, Feb. 2013 issue

Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Heart Health

 Cardiovascular Disease, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension  No Responses »
Feb 112013
 

February is ‘American Heart Health Month’ and natural medicine can be a very valuable tool to help treat cardiovascular disease. This could range from hypertension to hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) to irregular heartbeat and arrhythmias. Two remedies I often recommend to use for any heart health condition are CoQ10 and Hawthorn Fruit. Both of these are readily available, however I now typically prescribe patients a stronger, specialized extract of Hawthorn (see my post Hawthorn for your Heart). For treating hyperlipidemia, there are specific remedies as well (for more information on this, see another post Natural Recommendations instead of Statin Drugs)

Additionally, treating hypertension is best accomplished with a complete analysis of the specific imbalance involved in the individual, as we diagnose in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Two typical patterns that are seen can be treated with Chinese herbal remedies such as Evergreen Herbs Gentiana Complex or Gastrodia Complex (there are more patterns as well, as seen in more progressive, complicated cardiovascular disease).

The hypertension pattern of an individual who is impatient, easily upset or angered and may have throbbing headaches, possibly also has restlessness and/or is a workaholic, and possibly is even an alcoholic, results in a diagnosis requiring Gentiana Complex. (An example of this type of person can be those that get red in the face or ears when upset or angered.) The opposite hypertension pattern is a person who may be tired or fatigued easily, may have dizziness, dull headaches or blurry vision, or may have hot flashes and/or night sweats (even in males), may have a history of blood loss and/or poor dietary habits such as not consuming adequate protein. This pattern typically is an older individual who has had hypertension for years, with resulting congestive heart failure and/or renal (kidney) failure. In this case, the person has a deficiency or weakness which results in hypertension. The correct remedy for this pattern is Evergreen Herbs Gastrodia Complex.

Additionally, if a patient has coronary heart disease or even angina or has poor circulation, there is a remedy for that pattern as well. As with any chronic health condition, one needs to consult with a natural healthcare practitioner to obtain a specific diagnosis and corresponding treatment.

For more information on using Chinese Herbs, see
Why Chinese Herbs? And How Long Before I See Results?” by Evergreen Herbs.

Red Yeast Rice for High Cholesterol – CoQ10 necessary too!

 Cardiovascular Disease, Herb Safety, Hyperlipidemia, Products  No Responses »
Feb 072013
 

Red Yeast Rice Extract is a supplement used in natural medicine to help reduce cholesterol levels. However, it is one of the few over-the-counter supplements that should be used under the direction of a natural medicine healthcare provider! It can affect the liver, so liver enzymes should be routinely monitored via blood chemistry panels. Additionally, it can have the serious side effects of myopathy and/or myalgia (muscle weakness and/or muscle pain) and peridontal disease. These side effects are the same as with statin drugs, but to a lesser extent (statin drugs originally came from research on Red Yeast Rice). To counteract the possible side effects of Red Yeast Rice Extract, one MUST take CoQ10 with it, as with statin drugs.

Therefore, in my office I only sell a product of Red Yeast Rice combined with CoQ10 (in one bottle). Additionally, I typically will try safer natural remedies first to lower cholesterol and resort to using Red Yeast Rice Extract only when other efforts have failed.

Reference for the skeptics:
Dr. Weil’s comments on Red Yeast Rice for Cholesterol Control

For more info on CoQ10, please also see my general CoQ10 post for the CoQ10 Monograph (research summary).

Gluten Possibly Increases Type 1 Diabetes Risk in Infants

 Celiac Disease/Gluten Sensitivity, Diabetes, Gastro-Intestinal Disease, Nutrition/Diet/Food Therapy  No Responses »
Jan 312013
 

An article in the February 2013 issue of Diabetes Forecast has a brief article ‘Tummy Trouble’ which refers to new research that suggests gastrointestinal issues that increased the risk of developing type 1 Diabetes may be linked to the consumption of gluten, to wit:
“Scientists don’t yet know what triggers the development of type 1 diabetes, but one theory is that childhood infections set off the autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing cells while another places the blame on the diet. Now a study suggests that the trigger may, in fact, be a little of both. Researchers measured blood levels of autoantibodies, specific proteins that are a sign of type 1 diabetes, in almost 2,000 babies with a family history of the disease. They also recorded the children’s illnesses and eating patterns. They found that gut infections increased the risk that a child would carry diabetes autoantibodies, but there was an odd catch. The gut problems that increased the risk of developing type 1 appeared to be linked to the consumption of gluten (emphasis mine), a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, in infants younger than 9 months. The researchers concluded that infections may only increase risk for type 1 if the gut is already inflamed by reactions to certain foods.”

Diabetes Care, published online Oct. 5, 2012

IncrediWear Braces and Diabetic Socks

 Diabetes, Pain Syndromes, Products  No Responses »
Jan 312013
 

Announcing that I am now carrying the brand line of IncrediWear, which is a local Chico company that makes braces and socks. I have received many testamonials from patients about these braces really helping joint pain in the past few years, so this is why I decided to start carrying these products. The braces are great for arthritis and joint pain and inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, and also help improve circulation (as shown by their thermography analysis). They are made with special technology combining bamboo-charcoal and/or germanium. There is a sock line especially for those with diabetes plus another line to support the feet and other joints during sports or athletic events (hikers and bikers will love these products too). Come and check them out, and support two local companies at the same time too!! If I don’t have in stock what you need, I can always order it quickly – for more info on this product line, see IncrediWear Products.

Here’s an article in one of our lovely, local Chico-area magazines Upgraded Living, about IncrediWear, and its Chiropractor founder,
Jackson Corey.

The Gut is our “Second Brain”

 Gastro-Intestinal Disease, IBS/UC  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

The enteric nervous system, or neurons in the digestive tract, affects our mental health: See this article that refers to research on this topic, plus how IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and osteoporosis can arise from too much serotonin in the digestive tract, and also be related to such conditions as M.S. (multiple sclerosis) and autism, and also the strength of the immune system. This rather new field, called neurogastroenterology, fits very nicely in the holistic model of natural medicine, where we have discussed for years that many conditions are tied to the health of the digestive system. This is especially true in the model of Chinese Medicine, where we strengthen the digestion to treat such diverse conditions as menstrual irregularities, menopausal complaints, headaches, mental and emotional problems, headaches, diabetes, etc. along with IBS, MS, and immune system weakness!

Scientific American article Think Twice: How the Gut’s “Second Brain” Influences Mood and Well-Being

Research: Acupuncture Point Stimulation has Potential to Influence Digestive Tract Function

 Acupuncture News and Research, Gastro-Intestinal Disease, News and Research  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

Research that shows electrical acupuncture stimulation on an acupuncture point traditionally used to aid digestion and strengthen immune system does in fact influence digestive tract function. What may be very impressive to the lay person is to note that it is on the leg and not on the abdomen!! More proof that an ancient health system works!

These results suggest acupuncture on this point has the “potential to influence gastric mucous substances and enteroendocrine cells (gastrin, serotonin, CGRP, insulin, and PP) that subsequently modulate digestive functions”.

Notes:
‘CGRP’ refers to Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide, ‘PP’ refers to Pancreatic Peptides, and enteroendocrine cells refers to different types of hormone-secreting cells present throughout the epithelium of the digestive tract

Research: Stimulation of Acupuncture Point Activates Neural Responses Associated with Parkinson’s Disease

 Acupuncture News and Research, Neurological Disorders, Parkinson's Disease  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

Research: Stimulation of Acupuncture Point Activates Neural Responses Associated with Parkinson’s Disease

Research showing that several areas in the brain responds to Acupuncture, and in this case, specific areas that are involved in Parkinson’s Disease. Conclusion of research: Acupuncture may be effective in improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

 Permalink  Testamonials  No Responses »
Nov 292012
 

Dear Sheryl,

Thank you SO MUCH for aiding in my extraordinarily speedy recovery from my total knee replacement surgery, which I had on June 25, 2012. I owe much of it to your skillful acupuncture techniques, very specific herbs, and your expert advice on nutrition and other helpful suggestions, before and after my surgery.

I have well surpassed the expectations of my surgeon, Charles E. Wilhite, M.D., nurses and physical therapists. Not only am I experiencing more flexibility (up to the maximum), but less swelling and redness around the incision. My incision is getting smaller by the day and I’ve been told by my surgeon that it will be nearly invisible sooner than expected. He said outright, “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!”

I have also had other problems that you have been able to help me with. You have worked wonders for injuries sustained by me a few years after being struck and rolled over on by a car in 2000. At the time I was being treated by a chiropractor with a “cooky cutter” approach for a few years until you were recommended by my massage therapist, Elizabeth Evans, CMT, who worked on me in the same chiropractor’s office. Recently you saved me from having risky surgery on the vertebrae in my neck by your remarkable acupuncture techniques.

If someone were to ask me to pick only one health care provider, it will be you!

Thank you again,
Arleen P.
Magalia, CA

 Permalink  Testamonials  No Responses »
Nov 292012
 

Yunnan Bai Yao

My first experience many years ago with this traditional Chinese medicine was dramatic. I was studying in Taiwan. One afternoon I fell in my tiny shower and cut a deep crescent of forehead and scalp open on the shower head bracket. Bleeding profusely, not speaking Chinese well yet, I got dressed, clamped a towel over my forehead, and ran across the street to my teacher. He took one look and got out some brown powder, which he sprinkled into the wound, and made me also swallow some. I thought I would be getting an infection and probably die far from home with this strange treatment. I had been imagining stitches, scarring, and pain. However, the bleeding stopped immediately and there was no swelling or pain. After less than a week of taking more of the Yunnan Bai Yao daily and placing it on the cut, the wound was nearly healed. After only a week, the large curved flap looked like an old wound, and it healed with almost no scar. I generally scar and bruise easily so this was amazing. Now, years later, there’s no mark. I still use it on any cut, before going to the dentist or having a procedure like a colonoscopy, and on my cat as well, in small doses.

Once I was at a workshop, and a friend there had been having violent nosebleeds. As the evening went on his nose began to bleed profusely. I always carry some Yunnan Bai Yao in my purse for emergencies. Another friend who is a TCM practitioner was there, and we gave the “emergency pill” to our friend, and had him snort some of the powder into his nose. The bleeding stopped. He went to a local emergency room where he had recently been treated for the nosebleeds, and the doctors there were very surprised at the lack of bleeding and swelling they expected to see. He did not need a painful cauterization, and even was able to rejoin our gathering.

More recently I recommended it to a friend about to have surgery on her nose. She and her surgeon expected her nose would be quite disfigured as the cancer on her nose would have to be dug out, bit by bit, leaving a pit. However, she took the red “emergency pill” in the packet of Yunnan Bai Yao the day before the surgery, swallowed some of the capsules and following her surgery she used the powdered form in the wound and took the capsules daily. It healed with little swelling or bruising in a very short time, and after a few weeks her nose showed no sign of the procedure. The depression in the tip of the nose filled in completely. Her surgeon was astounded, and very interested in learning more about this Chinese “wonder drug.”

J Walker

 Permalink  Testamonials  No Responses »
Nov 292012
 

For almost thirty years I have relied on acupuncture to heal from illness and injury. Ten years ago when I moved to Paradise I found Sheryl to be an attentive and capable practitioner. Her skill with herbal medicine and acupuncture nursed me through one of the most dire flues I have ever had. Also during stressful times I have used acupuncture to assist me, most recently as I undertook a Graduate degree. Often during an acupuncture treatment I would fall asleep, aside from rebalancing my system, this would allow me to recover the much needed rest that I had missed due to studying, reading, or paper writing.
Furthermore, I have found that when I injure a muscle, acupuncture can relax the strain.
Diane Buuck, PhD, MFT

 Permalink  Testamonials  No Responses »
Nov 292012
 

Drippy, sniffy noses, chills and fever, watery eyes and choked coughs with some bazooka-sized sneezes typify the winter flu season at our house. Our symptoms have been greatly minimized by the Chinese Tea we get each year from Heavenly Herbs. It is a special mixture Sheryl recreated from a mix we got in China in 2005 when my husband got a terrible cold in Beijing. It’s an interesting combination of something that looks like a chrysanthemum, a pit that expands in water, goji berries and an assortment of other odd – but now familiar – flakes of herbs that we steep whenever we feel those sniffles coming on. Although it looks strange, my daughter, my husband and I all swear by it, as do our friends and relatives who are now devotees to Sheryl’s Chinese tea. If you want a little extra protection or a way to lessen the length of a cold, ask Sheryl for some of Alice’s Chinese Tea. It’s not magic, but it works better for us than anything else out there!

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