Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Tuina (Tui Na) is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. Tuina (Tui Na) uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tuina (Tui Na) seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body the naturally heal itself.

Tuina (Tui Na) methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi , and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.
Tuina (Tui Na) has a variety of different systems that emphasize particular aspects of these therapeutic principles. The main schools in China include the rolling method school which emphasizes soft tissue techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains, the one finger pushing method school which emphasizes techniques for acupressure and the treatment of internal diseases, and Nei Gung method school which emphasizes the use of Nei Gong Qi energy generation exercises and specific massage methods for revitalizing depleted energy systems, and the bone setting method school which emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships and specializes in joint injuries and nerve pain.
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Three plants have been revered in ancient and modern China for their healing properties: ginseng, green tea, and the Ningxia wolfberry. Ancient China is renowned for its rich tradition of natural medicine. Dozens of herbs and spices play a part in the Chinese lexicon, for cooking and for healing. In modern China, three of the most revered plants are ginseng, green tea, and wolfberry. Ginseng was revered in historical China because the root’s forked shape resembled “a little man.” In fact, its name is derived from the Chinese renshen meaning “man root.” It is used as a general tonic and to boost energy and vitality, and is especially good for men. Chinese and Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is said to carry “yang” or masculine energy, and promotes circulation and warmth; American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), however, has “yin” or feminine energy.
Many people are surprised to learn that green tea is brewed from the same plant as black tea (Camellia sinensis). Only the processing of the leaves differs. Green tea is higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than other teas, and has been promoted to boost the immune system, fight cancer, improve heart health and more. Although the benefits of the polyphenols, catechins and other compounds in green tea have been shown to be helpful, human testing is still ambiguous about whether green tea has the health benefits that sellers claim. No effects of green tea have been scientifically established, perhaps because the caffeine content outweighs potential benefits. However, it remains one of the primary exports of Chinese culture – tea is still of noted ritual importance in China and Japan. Read the rest of this entry »

Ma Huang, the native-Chinese herb used in fat-burning supplements and also known as Ephedra, has been used as a natural treatment for a variety of illnesses spanning the past five thousand years. Early ailments treated by products of the Ma Huang plant include allergies, asthma, and related wheezing, coughing, fevers and colds. Although more prevalent in China, several species of Ma Huang are also found in North America, particularly in Utah.

The Ma Huang plant is an evergreen shrub that grows to an average of 50 cm tall and is native to desert regions in the countries where it can be found. Characterized by its variety of colors, the shrub has tiny leaves that remain green only briefly and tough yet flexible stems. Dependant upon the particular species, Ma Huang shrubs can display colors including green, yellow, red, or brown-gray. more

Ma Huang works as a stimulant. Biologically similar to methamphetamines, the substance derived from this plant has an effect similar to Epinephrine, only far stronger. A variety of stories concerning the use of Ma Huang exist in folklore, including its use by guards of Genghis Khan as a way to remain awake while on duty, and the consumption by early Mormons in Utah as a replacement for caffeine-loaded coffee and tea.

Because of the highly powerful stimulant reaction caused by derivatives of Ma Huang, herbal practitioners recommend use of the entire stem rather than extracts. Ephedrine extracted from Ma Huang is known to cause elevations to blood pressure and heart rate, while the effects of consumption of the entire stem are far milder. Beyond use as a stimulant, Ma Huang is also known for its mood elevating properties as well as its potential to speed weight loss by affecting the body’s metabolic rate through appetite suppression.

Ephedra is most popular is modern-day herbal medicine as a dietary supplement used by patients seeking mild to extreme weight loss. Most effective in individuals who already experience lower basal metabolic rates, Ephedra stimulates the body’s fat burning ability while taking away feelings of hunger. The resulting weight loss is often very welcome, but care should be taken to limit the rate of lost weight to a healthy level.

Although usage in moderation can have a positive impact on your health, Ma Huang is not without side effects. Because of its primary purpose as a stimulant, Ma Huang can cause sleeplessness and insomnia, although these symptoms will clear quickly after discontinuing use or adjusting dosage. Anyone suffering from problems related to blood pressure and heart disease should use with great caution, as Ma Huang can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and heart rates. Finally, because of its interaction with the body’s metabolic process, Ma Huang can lead to feelings of nervousness and anxiety and lead to dry mouth, headache and tremors.

The use of Ephedra or Ephedrine was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2004 due to an increase in adverse reactions and even several deaths reportedly caused by its ingestion. Following additional research into both the benefits and detriments of the use of Ma Huang, a Federal District Court overruled the ban in 2005, but set into place a provision that limits dosage to 10 mg or less. As with any drug or dietary supplement, use Ma Huang carefully and upon consultation with your doctor.

Ginkgo Biloba is also called the Maidenhair Tree. Ginkgo Biloba can be found in parks and along city sidewalks around the world. It may grow as high as 40 meters and live for more than 1,000 years. Ginkgo Biloba, a powerful antioxidant that has detoxifying qualities. Ginkgo Biloba is recognized for its great revitalizing, stimulating, and firming qualities Ginkgo Biloba leaf extracts used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. Ginkgo Biloba is especially popular in Europe; officials in Germany recently approved the extract for treating dementia. more
Ginkgo Biloba is perhaps the most widely used herbal treatment aimed. Ginkgo Biloba is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. It is also used as a treatment for vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and a variety of neurological disorders and circulation problems. Ginkgo Biloba may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy.
Ginkgo Biloba Purpose:
Ginkgo Biloba herb is a useful and demonstrated tonic for numerous diseases caused by restricted blood flow. European physicians advise the extract for treatment of Raynaud’’s disease, a condition of impaired circulation to the fingers. It is also suggested to treat alternating claudicating, a circulatory condition that results in aching cramping of the calf muscles in the leg and impairs the ability to walk. German herbalists recommend ingesting the extract for treatment of leg ulcers, and large doses are used to treat varicose veins. Ginkgo is broadly recommended in Europe for the treatment of stroke. Ginkgo extract also acts to reduce destructive free-radicals in the body, and has been shown to be capable in treatment of premenstrual syndrome, relieving affectionate or painful breasts.
Ginkgo Biloba leaves have two groups of chemicals.
Flavenoids – Flavenoids aids capillary function and has powerful antioxidants.
Terpenoids – Terpenoids can control platelet-activiating.
Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals take place naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also boost the number of these damaging particles..
Ginkgo does decrease platelet function occasionally.
For patients taking Ginkgo, their physician can monitor their platelet function.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations.
Ginkgo should be avoided two days before and one to two weeks after surgery to avoid bleeding complications.