Winter in the “Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Chinese Medicine”

To stop for a moment and meditate on the passage of time, to feel time moving inside you, is to practice the value of the winter season, when nature’s movements appear underground, when earth’s energy has gone downward and inward, the sun too is on holiday low in the horizon, and cool Venus appears triumphant in a dazzling triangle alongside Jupiter and the waxing and waning Moon.

In the Yellow Emperor’s Classic or Nei Jing Su Wen, the most ancient classic of the Chinese medical literature, the three months of winter are called “closing and storing.” Here closing refers to the “closing” of plant life, in which the sap, or life force of plants goes deep underground. In fact, clinically, we see that in the transition from late autumn to winter, Americans, people ever-on-the-go, complain of being tired, less ambitious than usual. By the end of December many have become internalized, and start to think in terms of reform, of New Year’s resolutions.

After winter solstice the break that began in autumn is fully realized. The land turns barren. The trees and bushes, but skeletons of their former selves serve as stark reminders of the greens and yellows and reds that once were. So don’t be surprised if you have a little melancholy during this transition. But it is a transition, a movement of forces that passes, and as we reach the longest darkest nights of late December we celebrate festive holidays full of fire and light and gift giving. In fact, this cold dark time is exactly when love between people passes most freely in our society with family visits, gift giving, and acts of charity to the less advantaged.

The Nei Jing goes on to recommend going to bed early in winter, and getting up late. “Everything must be done according to the light of the sun.” Just as nights are longer, so commands our own biorhythms.

The text speaks of “exerting the will, as if buried….” This a reference to the Neolithic practice in China of living inside earthen rooms, like the sod huts of the American north mid-west, and restricting bodily movement, by necessity, as if buried, due to cold, due to enclosure, and due to the swaddling in warm clothes and blankets. We even have a phrase in English, about being buried in one’s blankets.

Winter was not a time to travel, or even to be outside that much, which is still true in places more North than San Diego, but a time to “store,” when everything that was grown in spring and summer and had been collected was used, but wisely and judiciously.

Another idea of “winter storage” is to store our Qi, especially the Qi that is lost by sweating. Contrary to the practice in summer, when our Qi likes to escape outside, when we sweat to cool ourselves, and can do so safely, in winter our Qi is stored beneath the skin, allowing it to be as concentrated as possible, acting as a barrier against infectious attack. There is a reference here to the “Wei Qi” the aspect of the immune system that protects against common cold, bronchitis, and flu.

We mustn’t deplete that Qi with excessive sweating, or do so and allow a chill. Once spring returns, the Qi that is controlled tightly within the body will be able, with assistance from loosening practices like Tai Qi and aerobic exercise, to surge out strongly again.

So paying heed to the “correspondences with the winter Qi” ensures we maintain “the storing of life.” For, “to go against this will injure the Kidney Qi causing, in spring, impotence and weakness, through insufficient supply for the production of life.” If we live in winter as if it were summer, acting as if surrounded by hot centrifugal Yang energies, rather than cold centripetal Yin energies, our Kidney Qi will weaken, year after year, weakening our immune systems and lungs.

In Chinese medicine the Kidney energy is the root of all energies. It is the energy of development, growth, structure and reproduction. The kidneys supply the energy for the bones and teeth, for the hair of the head, for healthy sexual function, for fertility, for the immune system, for the lungs, and for wisdom. And the Kidney energy is associated with the energies of the Water Element, which is dominant in winter.

So if in Winter the Kidney energy loses its support by “countercurrent” living, there will be injury and a cascade of effects. As the Lungs and immune system are taxed already in winter, there the effect will most quickly be seen, especially in folk with a tendency to Asthma, Bronchitis, Allergies, Colds, and Flu. And once you become ill, the body cant store Qi, and in spring there will be a feeble supply for opening and growth.

In fact the cycle of the four seasons in Chinese medicine is really a metaphor for the circadian rhythms we experience on a daily basis. Winter is night, morning is spring, noon summer and evening autumn.

Practical Advice for Winter from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic

So in winter, get plenty of rest, more than your normal amount. Cast away Puritan guilt and Cowboy pride about getting by on lack of sleep. Leave martyrdom to the religious fanatics.

In Winter cultivate meditative lifestyles, do Tai Qi or Yoga in a warm sunny room, meditate every morning for 15 minutes or more, be kind to your friends and loving to your family. Winter is dominated by the water element, and water is soft.

Conserve your sexual energy a little more in winter, depending on your age and constitution. Sexual energy is a deep energy of the kidneys; semen in men and menstrual fluids and breast milk in women are pure essences manufactured from the energy of the kidneys and blood. If you have excessive monthly bleeding, this is treated with herbals and acupuncture. If you breast feed, make sure you nourish yourself well. If you are male, conserve your semen by transforming sexual energy into love energy, moving the energy from the lower body to the heart. The books by Mantak Chia give more information about that.

Stay warm, obviously. Don’t go out into the cold after bathing, and don’t go outside with wet hair. Stay in a little after bathing. So rushing out the door right after a morning shower is a really bad idea. I had one asthma patient report great improvement in her symptoms after stopping going out with wet long hair, which her grandmother had always advised against.

Generate heat with thermogenic foods and spices. Slightly heavier foods, like more lentils and oils if you are a vegetarian, and a little more flesh if you eat meat. All the warming spices are good, according to your constitution. Ayush brand Pro Kapha Spice and Pro Kapha tea are delicious and appropriate for this time of year. I like to start my day in winter with hot black tea, mixed with milk boiled with saffron, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Avoid cold foods, especially in winter, like iced beverages, cold fluids from the frig, salads, raw foods in excess, ice cream, frozen yogurt. Forget the protein shakes and smoothies, but if you have to have them make them room temp, or figure out a hot version. How about hot soy milk, protein powder and banana with flax and a dash of honey or agave nectar?

Hot cereals are great, and hot soups greater–they warm you up and stimulate secretions in the nasal passages and lungs. It is very smart in winter to make soups using sea vegetables, which provide minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, and iodine, as well as carotene and fiber. Foods from the sea are said to strengthen kidney Qi. Seafood soups in moderation are great, as fish and shellfish have the strong energy of the sea, which re-enforces the kidney energy.

Here is a recipe from my kitchen to yours.

Chick Pea Miso Soup with Celery Root and Scallops

Ingredients

1 cup scallops or other sea food
1 cup chopped celery root
1 cup chopped burdock root
1/2 cup white, brown, or fresh shitake mushrooms
1 cup small broccoli florets
4″ piece of kombu sea veggie, cut into pieces with a scissor
4″ piece of wakame sea veggie, ditto
1-2 slices ginger root
2-3 chopped scallion
2 quarts water
1 tbsp chick pea miso paste or mellow white if unavailable
1 tbsp sweet white miso paste or more to taste
a dash of white pepper if desired

Directions

Bring water to boil and add the root and sea veggies. Cook on a medium high boil until the roots are soft and the wakame has dissolved into beautiful dark pieces. Now add the sea food and mushrooms and cook on a low boil for around 10 minutes depending on the sea food. Cook until almost all done and turn flame down to simmer. Meanwhile, add the miso paste to 4 oz. of water in a cup and stir to make a liquid. Add the broccoli florets, scallion, and miso paste, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve with Buckwheat Soba noodles or just by itself for a low carb alternative.

Comments

Miso is like wine. Or more closely like beer or yoghurt. It is a fermented product with lots of health attributes, that originates in Japan, the land of longevity, and is made from rice or other grains or beans. It is only as good as the producer who makes it. Fine miso, which is not that expensive relative to other things, can be had at the health food coop or Whole Foods Market. Oddly, its hard to find good miso at the Japanese market in San Diego.

Simply think of miso as a vegeterian soup base. Different types of miso, depending on the artisan and the grains or legumes used in production produce varying tastes. Someday, try them all!

The easiest miso soup? Boil water; add miso. Life should be so simple.

Bladder Infections: Antibiotics or Herbal Medicine?

Bladder Infections (a.k.a. Cystitis, or Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI,) are common, affecting about 5% of women each year. They rarely lead to Kidney infections, or other problems, and in many cases will go away on their own.

However, drug or herb treatment will hasten cure and minimize symptoms. M.D.s are often quick to prescribe antibiotics for bladder infections, for two reasons. One– their patients expect it, and it is cheap and easy. Two–they need to protect themselves from suit, as there is always a slim chance of an infection spreading to the kidneys, in which case the doctor may be blamed.

But are antibiotics the wisest choice? The answer is clearly, “No.”

Let me say here, flatly, and with all humility: Herbal Medicine works better than antibiotics for the vast majority of Urinary Tract Infections, especially for those women with recurrent (more than 1x a year) UTI.

Here are 7 reasons–

1. Antibiotics are not always effective. I routinely encounter patients who have been on two or three rounds of antibiotics, yet whose infections persist.

One reason may be the development of resistant bacteria. Bacteria are smart. They evolve in response to their environment. Resistance to antibiotics is a big problem with infections of all types.

On the other hand, perhaps because use of herbs is not so widespread, or because whole herbs have much more complex chemical structures than antibiotics, the bacteria have not developed resistance to herbs. I have yet to encounter a bladder infection I have not been able to cure with herbal medicine.

2. Antibiotics cause nasty side-effects. Vaginal yeast infections are one.

Bloating and diarrhea are another. Antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria that live in the vagina and digestive tract, leading to overgrowth of yeast. Herbs do not have that effect. In fact, many of the herbs used for bacterial infections are also anti-fungal, are used for yeast infections, too, and aid vaginal and digestive health.

3. Repeated use of antibiotics for common infections (bladder, ear, sinus, throat, lung) can lead to systemic yeast infection, or Candida.

This can have widespread implications for general health. Symptoms range from chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating, to sugar craving, bloating, and chronic digestive disorders.

4. Herbal medicines for bladder infections are good for you! Not only are they without side effects, but they strengthen the immune system.

Herbs like Astragalus and Reishi Mushroom have been scientifically demonstrated to boost the immune system Other herbs like Phellodendren and Goldenseal clear heat toxins from the blood. Other herbs improve the quality of the tissues lining the bladder.

5. Women with recurrent bladder infections often have weakened immune system function. Western Medicine fails to address this fact. See the case of Mary, below.

6. Herbal medicine treats the whole person. Is this just some kind of “new age” rhetoric? No. Why not? Lets look at the below two cases of women with recurrent UTI.

Sally: Strong, Hot, Excess Type Sally, a plump, 19 year old Frequent bladder and yeast infections cystic acne very strong appetite constipation high energy level loud voice ruddy complexion good sleep red tongue with a greasy yellow coating

Mary: Weak, Cold, Deficient Type Mary, a thin 40 year old Frequent bladder infections chronic allergies with watery nose dry skin intermittent to weak appetite, underweight chronic loose stools weak voice pale complextion chronic insomnia and anxiety pale tongue with very thin white coat

Both Sally and Mary have frequent bladder infections. But it is clear from their associated symptoms that Sally, on the one had, has an over-accumulation of dampness and heat (greasy tongue coat, yeast infections, red tongue, ruddy complexion, acne), is strong (loud voice, strong appetite, sleeps and eats well) and suffers from impaired elimination(chronic constipation).

Sally has “too much of the wrong thing in the wrong place,” i.e., damp heat and stagnation of qi. To treat Sally successfully we must “unclog” her system of these “toxins” that make her susceptible to bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

It is unlikely Sally’s immune system is weak, per se; more likely her body with its heat and damp accumulation is a wonderful field for very strong strains of bacteria to grow in, like a petrie dish full of sugar under a heat lamp. But if nothing is done, she will, in fact, end up being weak later in life as an effect of recurrent infection.

In Sally’s case the treatment principle will be to start by strongly clearing damp heat. Because she is young and strong we can give her forceful herb prescriptions that treat bladder infections, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Gentiana Decoction to Clear Toxins, or Ba Zheng San Eight Miracles Powder.

Because of the chronic yeast infections we might need to follow that with Phellostatin, or Neem, to kill off the yeast hibernating in her gut.

We don’t have to worry about strengthening Sally; once we clear away the toxins from her body, her body will strengthen itself. But we will probably have to make sure her body, which is plump, is processing fluids well enough, and that her diet is appropriate to her constitution. Sally needs to eat lots of cleansing vegetables, and less dairy (except good sour yoghurt), wheat, meat, sugar, alcoholic drinks, and shellfish, ergo, foods and drinks that produce excessive moisture and heat.

If Sally takes Antibiotic drugs alone, she may temporarily get rid of the infection, but she will make her yeast issues worse. And the bladder infections will keep coming back, as the systemic damp heat that is the ground the bacteria grows in will not be addressed.

In addition to putting Sally on a cleansing diet, I would recommend a Probiotic formula to restore the healthy bacteria in her gut that have been killed off by antibiotics, coffee, stress, etc. It will help with the constipation and the yeast infections and is a foundation point for anyone’s overall health.

See http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/benefits-yogurt for more info on Probiotics. As to a Yogurt with a broad spectrum of benefits, I recommend Lifeway Brand Unsweetened Kefir. If you need to sweeten it, add some fruit or honey, which will probably be much less sugar than the presweetened types.

Mary, on the other hand, is clearly in a weakened state: she has a weak voice, pale complexion and tongue, is underweight and anxious. She does not even have the digestive fortitude to produce a well formed stool. We can tell from the white tongue coat, and watery allergies that she is a cold type, and the frequent bladder infections in this context suggest a weakness of the immune system.

While we must kill the bacteria causing Mary’s bladder infections with anti-biotic herbs, we must also address her immune weakness and overall deficient state. We must get her to the point we she is eating, digesting, and sleeping well, so that her body can restore itself to a healthy state in which her immune system is able to fight off infection better.

For her, too, a Probiotic formula is integral, as it is these healthy bacteria that crowd out the unhealthy ones. But her herbal remedy will be different; her system is weak; so she needs a gentle prescription, called Si Miao Wan or Damp Heat Cleanser by Long Life Herbs my favorite brand for this product.. This is will kill bacteria overgrowth, while at the same time strengthening the immune and digestive system.

I would also give Mary some medicinal mushrooms like Ling Zhi Reishi, and Astragalus Root, to boost her immune system and calm her anxious mind. I might have her start this as soon as her infection improves.

Sleep has enormous restorative value. In Mary’s case I would use acupuncture to calm the mind and restore sleep. After her infection is gone, I would give her herbs to help with that and with her weak appetite. Diet would also be key.

Mary would benefit by warm, cooked food, with gentle spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, black and white pepper, cinnamon, clove, fennel, and fenugreek, to stimulate her appetite and promote good digestion. There are many digestive herbal formulas to choose from that I might give her, including Trifal or Trikatu from Ayurveda.

7. Additional Natural Medicine for Bladder Infections

First and foremost, when you have cystitis, push fluids. Drink water until you are sick of it. That acts to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract, and dilute its concentration in the urine.

Second, I like to use Cranactin Cranberry extract with Uva Ursi.

Cranberrys contain a chemical that makes it hard for bacteria to adhere to the lining of the bladder. But sugar feeds bacteria, so don’t waste your time drinking sugary cranberry juice, and unsweetened cranberry juice is really unpalatable. If you can take it, Mazel Tov!

And Uva ursi is a second herbal that is useful for bladder infection. Cranactin Extra Strength has these two, and also Goldenseal, a potent antibacterial.

Third, avoid all spicy food during an infection. Spicy food seems to aggravate the delicate mucosa that are already irritated by the bacterial overgrowth.

8. If you do decide to take antibiotics…

If you are in Antarctica, and there are no Chinese herbs around, please be aware, that according to the standards of Western medicine

“prolonged courses of antibiotics (more than 5 days) are usually unnecessary, and associated with increased side effects and higher cost.”

Canadian Urological Association Website

9. Is it a bladder infection or a vaginal infection?

The typical experience of a bladder infection is the SUDDEN onset of frequent, painful and urgent urination. The urine is often cloudy and foul smelling. Low back or abdominal pain may be present. Symptoms may range from very mild to severe.

Vaginal infections, on the other hand, whether bacterial or yeast, involve vaginal redness, itching, discharge, or discomfort with sex.

Spring 2008 Newsletter “All The News That’s Good For You”

In this issue–

Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Spring

Bladder Infections: Antibiotics or Herbal Medicine?

Superfantastic Flax Seed Recipe Everyone Will Love

************************************************************************************

Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Spring

“Spring becomes what Winter was…” This line from an ancient poet is a perfect expression of the philosophy of preventive medicine that is at the heart of Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine.

Kapha Accumulation in Nature.

In late Winter and early Spring cold wet air moved on the face of the land, penetrating the deepest layers of the soil. Ayurveda describes this as a process of Kapha accumulation. The earth stores cool water as nutrition for the burst of growth that takes place in spring. Any gardener observes this.

And we humans are little tiny mammals on a vast terrestrial landscape, hurtling through a far vaster cosmic space on a tiny pinpoint of bedrock, soil, plants, oceans, and seas. Wouldn’t it be odd to imagine that our bodies are not affected by the seasons and their climate? Its clear our minds are. People are elated in Spring, and saddened in Autumn. And wouldn’t it be smart, then, to take a cue from nature, and live in as much harmony with it as we can?

Kapha Accumulation in Human Beings: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

Just as our Kapha is increased from the outside by cold, wet weather, from the inside it is increased by cooling, moisture producing foods. (Like increases like in Ayurveda) Things like milk, cheese, sweets, ice cream, cucumbers, melons, bananas, excess sweet fruits, zucchini, squashes, cold and raw food, grains in general, but wheat in particular (high in gluten), oil, fats, and just too much food in general.

Kapha is also increased by inactivity. The more Kaphic your diet and activities were during winter, the more Kapha will have accumulated in your body. In moderation this is healthy and appropriate to the natural cycle of Winter, as explained above. The land and your body were renewing themselves in preparation for the hot dry months of summer. But if you sat around and watched T.V. all winter, and ate a plethora of heavy rich foods, you may have gone too far.

Kapha excess will cause the body to accumulate Ama, or Toxins

Symptoms of Toxin/Ama Accumulation
–Frequent Colds, Flus, and/or Bronchitis with Abundant Phlegm –Frequent Sinus Infection with lots of mucus –Chronic Stuffy Nose –Chronic difficult digestion	–Weight Gain of more than 5-10lbs – Thick sticky coating on your tongue. – Chronic Lethargy or Fatigue – Groggy in the morning –Chronic Constipation

Dealing with Kapha Excess and Toxin Accumulation

Late Spring is the transition between the two extremes of cold Winter and hot Summer, between Kapha and Pitta, between Yin and Yang.

To assist the natural process we follow a diet in tune with the season. This means choosing foods that both unencumber and stimulate our digestive fire (Agni) so it can “melt” away any excess Kapha and Ama that have accumulated in Winter.

A Diet In Tune With Spring Stimulates Digestive Fire and Reduces Kapha

Young tender greens are in abundance in Spring. Dandelion greens and Nettles grow in the canyons right here in San Diego. Nature is our guide;

bitter leafy greens are excellent for reducing Kapha and Ama.

Kapha Eliminating Diet: Minimize sweet tasting and fatty foods, Maximize Vegetables, especially dark hard leafy greens like Dandelion, Collard, Kale. Substitute beans and lentils for meat. Use plenty of stimulating warming spices like ginger, cumin, and black pepper.

Kapha Eliminating Herbals: Neem, Guggal, Burdock, Nettles, most Culinary Spices

Kapha Promoting Activity: Sitting on the couch, passive activity regarding little thought, like much television, smoking pot, drinking alcohol

Kapha Eliminating Activity: Aerobic and anaerobic exercise, mental aerobics: reading and discussing thoughtful topics, studying new things like foreign language.

One Week Ayurvedic Elimination Diet

A fast way to eliminate Kapha and Ama is to do a one week elimination diet during the time that Spring wildflowers are blooming. This will vary according to your local climate. This is a good guide for anyone to follow in a loose form throughout Spring. Modify according to your dosha.

Note: This Should Be Modified to Suit Your Individual Dosha and Level of Wellness. Please contact me for details.

--No sugar, no wheat, no dairy, no meat:

except for unsweetened yogurt, and small amount milk.

– Only 1 serving of fruit a day, but no melons or bananas. No fruit juice

–Lots of lightly cooked green leafy vegetebles

–Lots of lightly cooked crunchy cruciferous and brassiferous vegetables.

–Small amounts of starchy veggies

– dark green salad greens, according to your digestive fire.

No raw cucumber or tomato.

–Small amounts of sea vegetables like kelp, nori, wakame, arame.

–Whole cooked rice, millet, barley, rye, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth grains according to your appetitie.

–Small amounts of seeds and nuts.

–Legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh.

to suit your dosha

Small amounts of fish if you need extra protein.

–Drink one cup of ginger tea each day.

–Plenty of fresh and dried ginger, in cooking

–Normal use of other culinary spices appropriate to your Dosha

like cumin, coriander, black and white pepper.

—Minimize salty and sour condiments and spices, except cultured foods , like raw sauerkraut, kim-chee, and sea veggies.

************************

Bladder Infections: Antibiotics or Herbal Medicine?

Bladder Infections (a.k.a. Cystitis, or Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI,)

are common, affecting about 5% of women each year. They rarely lead to Kidney infections, or other problems, and in many cases will go away on their own.

However, drug or herb treatment will hasten cure and minimize symptoms. M.D.s are often quick to prescribe antibiotics for bladder infections, for two reasons. One– their patients expect it, and it is cheap and easy. Two–they need to protect themselves from suit, as there is always a slim chance of an infection spreading to the kidneys, in which case the doctor may be blamed.

But are antibiotics the wisest choice? The answer is clearly, “No.”

Let me say here, flatly, and with all humility: Herbal Medicine works better than antibiotics for the vast majority of Urinary Tract Infections, especially for those women with recurrent (more than 1x a year) UTI.

Here are 7 reasons–

1. Antibiotics are not always effective. I routinely encounter patients who have been on two or three rounds of antibiotics, yet whose infections persist.

One reason may be the development of resistant bacteria. Bacteria are smart. They evolve in response to their environment. Resistance to antibiotics is a big problem with infections of all types.

On the other hand, perhaps because use of herbs is not so widespread, or because whole herbs have much more complex chemical structures than antibiotics, the bacteria have not developed resistance to herbs. I have yet to encounter a bladder infection I have not been able to cure with herbal medicine.

2. Antibiotics cause nasty side-effects. Vaginal yeast infections are one.

Bloating and diarrhea are another. Antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria that live in the vagina and digestive tract, leading to overgrowth of yeast. Herbs do not have that effect. In fact, many of the herbs used for bacterial infections are also anti-fungal, are used for yeast infections, too, and aid vaginal and digestive health.

3. Repeated use of antibiotics for common infections (bladder, ear, sinus, throat, lung) can lead to systemic yeast infection, or Candida.

This can have widespread implications for general health. Symptoms range from chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating, to sugar craving, bloating, and chronic digestive disorders.

4. Herbal medicines for bladder infections are good for you! Not only are they without side effects, but they strengthen the immune system.

Herbs like Astragalus and Reishi Mushroom have been scientifically demonstrated to boost the immune system Other herbs like Phellodendren and Goldenseal clear heat toxins from the blood. Other herbs improve the quality of the tissues lining the bladder.

5. Women with recurrent bladder infections often have weakened immune system function. Western Medicine fails to address this fact. See the case of Mary, below.

6. Herbal medicine treats the whole person. Is this just some kind of “new age” rhetoric? No. Why not? Lets look at the below two cases of women with recurrent UTI.

Sally: Strong, Hot, Excess Type Sally, a plump, 19 year old Frequent bladder and yeast infections cystic acne very strong appetite constipation high energy level loud voice ruddy complexion good sleep red tongue with a greasy yellow coating

Mary: Weak, Cold, Deficient Type Mary, a thin 40 year old Frequent bladder infections chronic allergies with watery nose dry skin intermittent to weak appetite, underweight chronic loose stools weak voice pale complextion chronic insomnia and anxiety pale tongue with very thin white coat

Both Sally and Mary have frequent bladder infections. But it is clear from their associated symptoms that Sally, on the one had, has an over-accumulation of dampness and heat (greasy tongue coat, yeast infections, red tongue, ruddy complexion, acne), is strong (loud voice, strong appetite, sleeps and eats well) and suffers from impaired elimination(chronic constipation).

Sally has “too much of the wrong thing in the wrong place,” i.e., damp heat and stagnation of qi. To treat Sally successfully we must “unclog” her system of these “toxins” that make her susceptible to bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

It is unlikely Sally’s immune system is weak, per se; more likely her body with its heat and damp accumulation is a wonderful field for very strong strains of bacteria to grow in, like a petrie dish full of sugar under a heat lamp. But if nothing is done, she will, in fact, end up being weak later in life as an effect of recurrent infection.

In Sally’s case the treatment principle will be to start by strongly clearing damp heat. Because she is young and strong we can give her forceful herb prescriptions that treat bladder infections, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Gentiana Decoction to Clear Toxins, or Ba Zheng San Eight Miracles Powder.

Because of the chronic yeast infections we might need to follow that with Phellostatin, or Neem, to kill off the yeast hibernating in her gut.

We don’t have to worry about strengthening Sally; once we clear away the toxins from her body, her body will strengthen itself. But we will probably have to make sure her body, which is plump, is processing fluids well enough, and that her diet is appropriate to her constitution. Sally needs to eat lots of cleansing vegetables, and less dairy (except good sour yoghurt), wheat, meat, sugar, alcoholic drinks, and shellfish, ergo, foods and drinks that produce excessive moisture and heat.

If Sally takes Antibiotic drugs alone, she may temporarily get rid of the infection, but she will make her yeast issues worse. And the bladder infections will keep coming back, as the systemic damp heat that is the ground the bacteria grows in will not be addressed.

In addition to putting Sally on a cleansing diet, I would recommend a Probiotic formula to restore the healthy bacteria in her gut that have been killed off by antibiotics, coffee, stress, etc. It will help with the constipation and the yeast infections and is a foundation point for anyone’s overall health.

See http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/benefits-yogurt for more info on Probiotics. As to a Yogurt with a broad spectrum of benefits, I recommend Lifeway Brand Unsweetened Kefir. If you need to sweeten it, add some fruit or honey, which will probably be much less sugar than the presweetened types.

Mary, on the other hand, is clearly in a weakened state: she has a weak voice, pale complexion and tongue, is underweight and anxious. She does not even have the digestive fortitude to produce a well formed stool. We can tell from the white tongue coat, and watery allergies that she is a cold type, and the frequent bladder infections in this context suggest a weakness of the immune system.

While we must kill the bacteria causing Mary’s bladder infections with anti-biotic herbs, we must also address her immune weakness and overall deficient state. We must get her to the point we she is eating, digesting, and sleeping well, so that her body can restore itself to a healthy state in which her immune system is able to fight off infection better.

For her, too, a Probiotic formula is integral, as it is these healthy bacteria that crowd out the unhealthy ones. But her herbal remedy will be different; her system is weak; so she needs a gentle prescription, called Si Miao Wan Damp Heat Cleanser. This is will kill bacteria overgrowth, while at the same time strengthening the immune and digestive system.

I would also give Mary some medicinal mushrooms like Ling Zhi Reishi, and Astragalus Root, to boost her immune system and calm her anxious mind. I might have her start this as soon as her infection improves.

Sleep has enormous restorative value. In Mary’s case I would use acupuncture to calm the mind and restore sleep. After her infection is gone, I would give her herbs to help with that and with her weak appetite. Diet would also be key.

Mary would benefit by warm, cooked food, with gentle spices like ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, black and white pepper, cinnamon, clove, fennel, and fenugreek, to stimulate her appetite and promote good digestion. There are many digestive herbal formulas to choose from that I might give her, including Trifal or Trikatu from Ayurveda.

7. Additional Natural Medicine for Bladder Infections

First and foremost, when you have cystitis, push fluids. Drink water until you are sick of it. That acts to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract, and dilute its concentration in the urine.

Second, I like to use Cranactin brand Cranberry extract with Uva Ursi.

Cranberrys contain a chemical that makes it hard for bacteria to adhere to the lining of the bladder. But sugar feeds bacteria, so don’t waste your time drinking sugary cranberry juice, and unsweetened cranberry juice is really unpalatable. If you can take it, Mazel Tov!

And Uva ursi is a second herbal that is useful for bladder infection. Cranactin Extra Strength has these two, and also Goldenseal, a potent antibacterial.

Third, avoid all spicy food during an infection. Spicy food seems to aggravate the delicate mucosa that are already irritated by the bacterial overgrowth.

8. If you do decide to take antibiotics…

If you are in Antartica, and there are no Chinese herbs around, please be aware, that according to the standards of Western medicine

“prolonged courses of antibiotics (more than 5 days) are usually unnecessary, and associated with increased side effects and higher cost.”

Canadian Urological Association Website

9. Is it a bladder infection or a vaginal infection?

The typical experience of a bladder infection is the SUDDEN onset of frequent, painful and urgent urination. The urine is often cloudy and foul smelling. Low back or abdominal pain may be present. Symptoms may range from very mild to severe.

Vaginal infections, on the other hand, whether bacterial or yeast, involve vaginal redness, itching, discharge, or discomfort with sex.

Good luck, and feel free to share this with anyone you know with recurrent bladder infections who wants to improve their health while relieving their

bladder problems.

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From Kitchen Medicine, Cooking Medicine….

Superfantastick Flax Seed Powder

Raw Flaxseed is one of nature’s superfoods. And it has been a part of human and animal diets for thousands of years in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Why is Flax so good for you?

Flaxseed is very high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is the omega 3s — “good” fats — that seem to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, lower the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers, and reduce the inflammation of arthritis, as well as the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses such as asthma. One of my patients recently told me that his dermatologist even recommended to him for treatment of rosacea!

In addition to the omega-3s, the remaining two components of flaxseed — lignans and fiber — are being studied for their health benefits as well.

Lignans, for example, act as both phytoestrogens and antioxidants, while the fiber contained in the flaxseed is of both the soluble and insoluble type.

I read somewhere recently that men are better off eating the seed itself, rather than just the oil. I don’t know if that is accurate, but here is a way Ilike using flax.

To make this you need a simple electric coffee grinder, an inexpensive one will do, to grind the flax seeds into a fine powder. The ground flax you can buy is not ground fine.

Start with a high quality organic flax seed, like Spectrum Naturals.

Better quality flax tastes better and is fresher. Oils go bad. All seeds and nuts are full of oil. Go Organic, and leave the pesticide residue behind.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons rawflax seed

2 tablespoons raw almonds or pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons unhulled sesame seeds, brown or black

Put the seeds and nuts in the grinder. Grind for a minute or two until everything is ground fine, like japanese gomasiao, or like ground coffee, more or less.

How to Use

Flax by itself is buttery, but also bitter. It is a bit strong. But ground with these guys, and what you have is a delicious buttery, nutty topping for cereal, yogurt, salad, rice, pasta, fish, chicken.

My favorite is to take some Pavel’s or Lifeway Yogurt or Kefir, and add a tablespoon of this, with some natural sweetener, like Date syrup (Arab or Iranian Market), or Apricot Preserve. Its so delicious. I think kids would like this too. You could put it on a toast with jam instead of butter.

Variations

I do not add anything but the raw seeds and nuts. But if you want, lightly toast the almonds and sesame (but NOT the flax) in a heavy pan or the wok. Don’t burn ‘em. You could add a touch of sea salt, too. The sky is the limit. You could make spicy versions of this with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cumin (roast the cumin and pepper first), for example. Put it on your popcorn!

Best Wishes for a lovely Spring and Summer!

Eyton J. Shalom, M.S., L.Ac.

Ayurveda and Chinese Natural Medicine

www.bodymindwellnesscenter.com

619/296-7591

all contents copyright May, 2008, Eyton J. Shalom, M.S., L.Ac. All Rights Reserved.

Treatment of Pain by Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Every year millions of Americans young and old seek medical treatment for acute and chronic pain. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine provide rapid, complete healing of pain and injuries safely, completely, and without side-effects.

Types of Injuries

Back, neck, and overuse injuries involve damage to various body tissues. Chronically tense muscles develop excruciatingly painful areas called trigger points by Western medicine. These arise when the “brain cell” of a muscle gets activated into an excessively coiled state, as a result of chronic physical or emotional tension, poor posture, or due to sudden unusual exertion like lifting a heavy weight. This causes irritation, inflammation and pain in a specific area, like between the shoulder blades. The area feels tense, tight, is tender to pressure, and may radiate pain away from the area. Trigger points are associated with headaches, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel.

Tendinitis, is inflammation of the tissues that connect muscles to bones. This happens a lot in overuse injuries such as forearm pain or carpal tunnel associated with keyboard usage. Here, due to tight, shortened, exhausted muscles, blood flow is restricted and lactic acid builds up in the tendons where they attach to the bone, leading to inflammation, pain, weakness, and swelling.

Back and neck pain injuries involve various combinations of tense, shortened irritated muscles, trigger points, and compression of nerves either at their roots by bulging discs,(called “pinched nerves” in the past) or at the periphery by shortened tense muscles.

Nerve pain, called Sciatica, when involving the large nerve that runs through the buttock and leg, involves intense pain that radiates down the arm or leg, with possible numbness or tingling. Symptoms of nerve damage involve muscle weakness.

How Acupuncture Helps

Chinese medicine includes the use of Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicines, and herbal lotions, compresses and plasters. Acupuncture is especially valuable for the treatment of pain because it accomplishes so many tasks at once.

First, it stimulates the secretion of the neurotransmitters called endorphins that send the body into the Relaxation Response. This relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation, bringing new oxygen to tissues and reducing inflammation and pain.

Second, it stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete our body’s own natural cortisone product called cortisol that powerfully fights inflammation throughout the body.

Third, acupuncture has a direct localized anti-inflammatory effect on the specific tissues of an actual injury site. For example, if you have a painful tennis elbow or low back pain, and you place ultrathin, sterile acupuncture needles in the muscles surrounding the joint, it has an anti-inflammatory effect that is caused by the direct relationship between the the needles and the inflammed tissues themselves. Scientists believe this is accomplished via the endocrine system.

Fourth, acupuncture on muscular “motor points” causes muscles to actually lengthen, thereby releasing mechanical pressures on tendons, ligaments, nerve roots, and vertebral spaces.

Fifth, acupuncture deactivates the painful trigger points that are at the root of many repetitive use injuries and much back and neck pain.

Fifth, in chronic pain cases, acupuncture helps “turn the pain” messages of the nerves off” and coupled with therapeutic exercises creates new neural pathways without pain.

Acupuncture is practically painless, is performed with sterile disposable needles, and is performed in California by highly trained professionals licensed by the California Medical Board.

San Diego Acupuncturist Eyton J. Shalom, M.S., L.Ac., has been doing Acupuncture in San Diego for 16 years, specializing in the the treatment of Pain, Injury, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. He can be reached at 619.296.7591, and for an in-depth bio go to www. bodymindwellnesscenter.com

Testimonials

Acne and Eczema

…thank you so much, I can’t believe how great my skin looks, besides not having acne any more, it feels softer and is glowing. It wouldn’t be wrong to say this has changed my life. And I feel like my hormones are balanced, too.

Cindy P., Master of Science, Public Health, La Jolla, Ca

…I feel so much better. My skin is all cleared up for the first time in my life, which is especially good since the antibiotics the dermatologist gave me were not working anyway! A side benefit–I have lost 15 pounds, too, with the diet you gave me. Thanks a million…

Laurie G., Systems Analyst, San Diego, CA

…this is the first time in my life I have been free of PMS and menstrual pain. I had no idea that was related to my skin issues, since I had them through the whole month and not just pre-menstrually. Anyway, my Acne is all gone. I am not sure which helped more the acupuncture, diet, or herbs, or maybe all three…

Maria R., University Professor, La Mesa, CA

…i spent the last two years struggling with Eczema all over my body that began during pregnancy. Terrible itching and oozing sore like things. Its basically all gone now, and I have learned which foods act as triggers, and the acupuncture really took the edge off of the stress….

Lynda R., Electrical Engineer, Poway, CA

…my cystic acne that I have had since 1995 is 95% gone, just a few tiny red bumps left, my mood swings before my period are gone, and I have lost 15 pounds since changing my diet. …could not be happier…this has changed my life!

Denise B., Office Assistant, Portland, Oregon

…thanks a lot Eyton, my acne is so much better. The Neem really works well…

Anju W., University of Cal @ Berkeley, Student

Allergies and Asthma

…I have suffered from really bad hay fever since I was 18. With the Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture, and Dietary changes, I am 85% better. On a really bad pollen day I can feel a sneeze or two, or a little tingling in my nose, but God, that is nothing compared to before…no more Claritin , no more runny eyes, sneezing fits, or impossible nose breathing…

Rachel B, Registered Nurse, New York City

…have to admit I was skeptical. My asthma began after a couple of bouts of bronchitis. Prior to that I was the kind of person who never got sick, so I was willing to try. I am pretty pleased to say I am now drug free and do not need to use an inhaler or take steroid meds. I will be looking into this further from the science side…

Bruce P., M.D., Emergency Room Physician, Chula Vista, CA

…i am 27 and have had asthma since childhood, so I never thought I would be able to get off my meds, but with the acupuncture, herbs, and diet, I have been drug free for three years now…getting a latex mattress helped a ton, too.

Leticia R., Accountant, Scripp’s Ranch, CA

Bronchitis

…after years of battling bronchitis I decided to try alternative medicine and it works! Instead of spending 3 months coughing each winter, the past two years

I have just had one normal cold…

Patricia H., Dental Assistant, San Diego, CA

Digestive Health

…ten years of chronic constipation gone! how do you spell relief? T-r-i-f-a-l! …really excited about how I feel with the new diet you gave me, too. And heartburn is a thing of the past. Yeah!

Ken V., Clinical Psychologist, La Mesa, CA

…before working with Dr. Shalom I had chronic yeast infections, chronic heartburn, and constant outbreaks of genital herpes. It felt like my immune system was shot. I have not been sick now for two years. I credit the herbs, diet, and acupuncture with how I now feel and live…

Sandy M., Office Manager, San Diego

Pain: Back, Heel, Jaw, Headache, Shoulder

…I suffered from severe migraine headaches for twenty years. I am a big wave surfer, and I had to give up surfing, which was tragic. Since getting acupuncture and herbal medicine with Dr. Shalom, I have been headache free, completely, for 3 years, and have returned to surfing year round.

Bill F., Physical Therapist, Oceanside, CA

Dear Eyton,

Thank you so much for all your help. I had such bad shoulder pain when I met you, I couldn’t even put my right arm around my wife. Kaiser wanted to operate. With your treatment I have never felt better in my life! I am pain free.

Thanks a lot.

Mark V., Electrical Contractor, National City, CA

I can’t begin to tell you how improved I am – my cough is almost gone. Both hand injuries are more than greatly improved…

Nelda V., Small Business Owner, Ensenada, Baja Cal, Mexico

…I am a flight instructor and have been flying 60 hours a week in cramped conditions for the past two years. Before I came in I had severe lower back pain, felt like a pinched nerve. I got immediate relief after 1 treatment, and after 3 was completely recovered…

Dave E., Flight Instructor and Small Plane Pilot, La Mesa, CA

…I can’t believe how quickly you were able to fix my heel spur and plantar fasciitis. Its great to be able to dance salsa again.

James C., Architect and Salsa Dancer, Lakeside, CA

I had a traumatic injury to my hand incurred catching a falling iron gate. I came to you as a last resort before surgery, and frankly did not have high hopes.

I am amazed at how in one treatment I regained muscular stregnth in my hand, and how over three treatments I was out of pain, 95%….

Tommy M., City Planner, San Diego, CA

thank you so much for healing me…I have not felt pain in my wrist once! my M.D. was happy to know that acupuncture worked so well. thank you!

Leslie J., Cosmetician/Hair Salon

Pediatrics

…this is the first time my 4 year old has gone the winter without an asthma attack or a chronic cough. He used to have a cold every other week, too. This month we went whale watching and next week we go to Hawaii. Changing his diet was a key, and also the Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs.

Arati L., Yoga Instructor, San Diego, CA

…before seeing Dr. Shalom, my two kids, aged 2 and 4 were constantly sick with chronic ear infections, colds, sinus infections, and cough. It seemed like they were always on antibiotics. I am really pleased. With the Chinese herbs and the advice you gave me about diet, my kids have passed this year with only one mild cold each, and no ear or sinus infections. I am extremely pleased, especially since now my wife and I get to sleep through the night. How cool is that?

Alex G., Technical Writer, Long Beach, CA

Women’s Health

When I first came to see Dr. Shalom I couldn’t be away from a rest room for more than 20 minutes. I was in so much pain, too. Interstitial Cystitis is really dreadful. I couldn’t be happier. I can drive for 3 hours and feel like I have my normal life back. Praise God and thank you Eyton.

Ellen W., Software EngineerOceanside, CA

…my life was ruled by my menstrual cycle before, and it wasn’t pretty. After acupuncture and Ayurvedic herbs I have a normal period like I think we are supposed to…

Daphne S., Teacher and Dancer, Idylwild, CA

Sports Medicine

…i have come to Eyton Shalom and have brought both my teenaged kids, for ankle sprains, IT band tear, shoulder and knee issues. We are all very active, my

son has run three marathons, my daughter is on the basketball team, and I run and play volleyball. I have found acupuncture very helpful for quick recovery.

Dr. Daniel S., D.D.S, Dentist, Rancho Bernardo, CA

…my partner and I both play volleyball, very competitively. Would not be able to play without Eyton’s acupuncture needles!…

Sandy W., Clinical Psychologist, San Diego, CA

…i first hurt my shoulder in a car accident. I made it worse hitting a shorebreak in Hawaii bodysurfing. Partial tear rotator cuff. I am all better after a course of acupuncture, and just came back from a hunting trip. Firing a shotgun is not easy on the shoulder, but I feel fine…

Geoff D., Attorney at Law, Mission Hills, Ca

…I am 42 and I snow board and surf like a 20 year old, that’s the truth. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t see Eyton for acupuncture once or twice a year for prevention. And when I have been injured, he fixes me up real good and fast. Way to go!

Beaudy G., Tile Contractor, Pacific Beach, CA

…I am a massage therapist so I really need my shoulders. I basically have an overuse situation from my work, but it really bothered me after a grueling 40 mile trek in the Sierras with a heavy pack. Back to work after one acupuncture

session!

Maurey T., Massage Therapist, Kearney Mesa, CA

…the fact that I drive down from Orange County to see you says it all. But let me tell your public that I would not be able to otherwise. I am 76 and I still garden and lift weights like a man half my age. Really appreciate the acupuncture when my back goes out.

Dick R. , Retired Insurance, Laguna Hills, CA

Depression and Anxiety

I had depression after my baby was born 6 months ago. It was so bad and the drugs were not really helping. Acupuncture and herbs with Dr. Shalom really turned things around. I am exercising again, and feel confident I can cope with whatever comes up. Thanks

Renata M., Homemaker

I had post-partum depression, very badly. Ayurveda and Chinese herbs made a huge difference. I am pregnant again, and not even worried about their being a problem. I feel much healthier now….

Michal O., Project Manager

Learning how to meditate with Dr. Shalom, along with the acupuncture and herbs, has given me a tool to use when I feel anxiety getting out of control.

Overall I feel much less anxious. I am very very pleased.

Eric H., Retired Scientist

I can’t thank you enough. I would not have believed how much better I feel after treatments with you.

Andy R., Mortgage Broker

After an unexpected death in the family I developed severe anxiety and depression. When the drugs did not help I tried alternative methods with Mr. Shalom. I feel hundreds of times better now. …

Christinia S., Graduate Student