Often, MD’s tell patients to not take herbs. I can understand their concern for their patients, but if a patient is seeing me and diagnosed by me as needing herbs, I still recommend them. Most MD’s have little to no knowledge regarding herbs.

Doctors usually:
1) Don’t have any herbal knowledge at all; after all, their MD degree is in Biomedicine.
2) Don’t prescribe herbs to patients and see the effect of herbs on them; again, this is reflected in their stuideis. Doctors also are not specialists in general on pharmacology.
3) Don’t have a license to prescribe or dispense herbs; their license is to do surgery, provide drugs, or other medical procedures.
4) Don’t use them for themselves; Because they believe strictly in the paradigm of “science”, many doctors are reluctant to use herbs on themselves as they view it as “unscientific”.
5) Go by hearsay and say herbs can cause kidney damage, etc. My retort is which ones? There are over 2000 Materia Medica substances used in Chinese Medicine…

Many drugs can cause Liver and Kidney failure when taken long term or when taken with other drugs, but I wouldn’t say all drugs do. In fact, so many beloved celebrities have been victims of medicinal drugs – just look at Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith and Corey Haim.

So the next time an MD talks about herbs, find out their qualifications about herbs and their experience with herbs. They may not be more qualified to tell you about herbs than your own grandmother. If they are found lacking, then its better to listen to your acupuncturist/herbalist.

Coming End of month April 2010 to the first week of May 2010, we are moving to our new clinic!

We will be moving from our current address on Washington Blvd to:

1028 N. Lake Avenue, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91104

More details to come!!!

In Pasadena, we have two free Qi Gong classes!

On Wednesdays, from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, we have classes at the Huntington Memorial Hospital.

On Thursdays, we have classes at the Wellness Community Foothills, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

These easy to follow classes introduces traditional Chinese concepts of health and exercises the Qi (breath or life energy) to regulate and balance individuals for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.  Obstruction of life force is like a dam that blocks the vital energy flow, creating lack of ease (disease) and dysfunction. 

The purpose of class is to learn simple exercises that aid in movement and flexibility, increase strength and vitality, and develop calmness and mental clarity through meditative movements, standing postures, and seated meditation through coordinated breathing.  

For more information, call Dr. Chu at 626 487-1815.

Regular clinic hours at:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 12 noon, 2 pm – 6 pm

Closed from 12 pm to 2 pm

Saturdays, Appointment only 8:30 am – noon

Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104
U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
(626) 345-0442 Fax

Please call to inquire.

Read all about it here:

http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/headline_health/acupuncture_hot_flashes/2010/01/04/304422.html

Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy effectively treats:

Anxiety

Auto-Immune Disorders

Back Pain and Sciatica

Chemo and Radiation therapy Side Effects

Constipation

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Ear Pain and Ringing

Eczema and other Skin Problems

Edema

Headaches

Infections

Insomnia

Migraines

Nausea and Vomiting

Numbness and Neuropathy

PAIN of all types

Stress

Weight loss

 Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can treat many symptoms of  Parkinson’s Disease:

•Bradykinesia

•Tremors

•Rigidity

•Parkinsonian gait

•Weak Voice

•mask-like facial expression

•Constipation

•Depression

•Difficulty swallowing

•Excessive salivation

•Excessive sweating

•Loss of intellectual capacity (dementia)–late in the disease

•Psychosocial: anxiety, depression, isolation

•Scaling, dry skin on the face and scalp (seborrhea)

•Slow response to questions (bradyphrenia)

•Small, cramped handwriting (micrographia)

Many people are frustrated when they go to their doctor’s office or the hospital emergency room when they have the flu.  They are usually sent home, and told not much can be done, unless they develop complications.  In this article I hope to give busy people some advice on how to prevent the flu and what alternatives there are if you catch the flu. With the current Flu epidemic throughout the United States, we must educate ourselves on how to prevent catching the flu, what to do to if we catch it, and know the warning signs to get help if the situation gets worse.  Also, with the threat of the deadly H1N1 flu looming over us, it’s better to be prepared for the worst.

Prevention:

It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.  The best way to deal with the flu is not to catch it.  That means to rest properly, eat well, exercise, avoid stress and maintain healthy emotions.   Wash your hands frequently, and avoid inhaling the mist when another sneezes or coughs, is a good idea.  If there is a flu epidemic as dangerous as H1N1, it is best to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, along with disposable gloves and avoid being outside in crowded places.

A flu shot can help, but at times, the vaccine is not available, or the strain of the influenza virus does not match the type of flu going around, rendering it a waste of time.  Vaccines also have mercury and formaldehyde, which are known toxins.  People with lowered immunity should consider twice before having the shot.  People with allergies to eggs should avoid flu vaccines because the virus is cultured in eggs.  Patients on long-term aspirin treatment might want to get the flu shot.  If you’re pregnant, women should consider a flu shot, particularly if they are in their second or third trimester.  Having a flu shot does not mean immediate immunity, as it takes about two weeks for full protection.

Natural herbal supplements like Astragalus, Golden Seal, Ginger and  Isatis can boost the immunity to prevent the flu, or keep symptoms mild.  Although herbs and other supplements may be natural, they may be dangerous when used incorrectly and self prescribed.  Most herbs are available in extracts of liquid or powdered form, so it is easy to take.

These herbal supplements are available in most health food stores and drugstores.   Astragalus is an important herb in boosting immunity in Chinese Medicine and is best in preventing colds for the young, old, or immuno-compromised.   Goldenseal is an effective natural antibiotic and is recommended when there is yellow or green phlegm, which indicates a bacterial infection.  Goldenseal is available in liquid extract form. 

Ginger is often used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, as well as commonly used in Western herbology.  Ginger is used as a diaphoretic herb, which means it induces sweating.  It can also be used to gargle with for sore throats.  Chinese medicine looks at it as a warm herb, and would not traditionally recommend it as such, but both Ayurvedic and Western herbalists get good results and that is what is important.  It can also alleviate some of the nausea you might have with the flu.

Isatis Root, also known as Ban Lan Gen, is used in Chinese Medicine to boost the immunity in cases of common cold or flu.  In fact, when the SARS epidemic in China hit, sales of Isatis went up to prevent catching any respiratory ailments.  Isatis is available in a sweetened powder form that is dissolved in water to make tea.  They are readily available in Chinese Herbal stores.

What to look out for:

Symptoms of the flu include fatigue, headache, fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, muscle aches and pain, and serious complications include bacterial infection or pneumonia, can prove fatal for those who are over 65 years old, have heart and lung disease, including asthma and chronic bronchitis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic anemia, or whose immune system is already compromised by existing disease like HIV or Cancer.

If you have the flu:

It is rarely helpful to take antibiotics when one catches the flu, but they may help with complications, such as bacterial infections. 

Large doses of Vitamin C can speed recovery, or even prevent a cold or flu entirely.   It helps in building collagen to aid in preventing colds and flus.

Good old mom’s chicken soup helps also, as it is easily digestible and contains many compounds to fight off infection.  Of course, if you catch the flu, it is best to get plenty of rest, bundle up, induce sweating, and take plenty of fluids, and eat easily digested foods.

A humidifier or vaporizer with the use of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can help ease stuffy noses and congestion.  Simply add 3-6 drops of the essential oil to your vaporizer and let scent of the essential oil mix with steam. 

Acupuncture can be very effective and you can get an immediate response after being needled in a few points.  The insertion of acupuncture needles has an effect on the autonomic nervous system and homeostatis.  The needles are hair-thin, and may feel like a tiny prick or pinch upon insertion.  Sterile disposable needles are always used.  The needles are typically retained for 20 – 45 minutes, depending on the ailment.  Some people experience sensations of a “tingling”, “distended”, “electrical” or “full” feeling, whereas others may feel numbness or nothing at all.  Most find the sessions relaxing, and fall asleep during the treatment, waking up refreshed and feeling great. 

Chinese herbal medicine can cure the flu in a few doses.  It is best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist or licensed Oriental Medicine practitioner and get customized herbal formula prescriptions under their care.   Proven herbal formulas such as Cinnamon Twig Formula (Gui Zhi Tang), Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Factors Formula  (Renshen Bai Du San), Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder (Yin Qiao San) and Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) are prescribed for runny nose, muscle aches and pains, sore throat, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting.  Formulas are available in pill or powder form.  These formulas are unique, because they can be modified and tailored for the individual. 

Homeopathic remedies are available in lactose sugar pills that are safe and effective.  It is best to consult a licensed alternative medicine practitioner.   Homeopathic brands such as Hylands, Boiron, and Heel are available in health food stores and some pharmacies.  Aconite is good for the onset of colds, Belladonna is good for onset with a high fever, Gelsemium is good for flu with cold, achy limbs.  For those with early stage cold with clear mucus, and cold sores, should take Natrum mur.  For those prone to ear infections, or have a nagging nighttime cough, Hepar Sulph is a good choice.   Follow the directions on the package and administer as directed.  Most will find it very agreeable to dissolve the little sugar pills under their tongue. 

Serious Complications:

See your physician immediately if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, persistent high fever for more than four days, bluish tinge to your skin, vomiting, diarrhea, or inability to keep fluids in, sluggishness, irritability, seizures, painful swallowing, persistent cough or persistent congestion and headaches. 

If you have these symptoms, and they do not go away with the supplements or herbals suggested here, you may need to be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or other medications, and they may be indicative of some other disease.  See your doctor if these symptoms persist.

Conclusion:

Worry only if your flu symptoms go away and then come back worse, or if you have an underlying medical condition that gets worse.  Most recover from the flu in a few days, and from colds in a couple of weeks.  Taking these steps can help you from seeing your doctor. 

Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104
U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
(626) 345-0442 Fax

Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS for short, is commonly seen in the clinic.  In Restless Leg Syndrome, a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs that can be  described as painful, numbness, crawling, cramping, and tingling. These occur usually in the calf, but may be experienced down the rest of the leg, sometimes radiating up to the thigh.  Both legs may be affected simultaneously, or just one leg.  Some people also have this sensation in the arms.  When a patient has this problem, it generally occurs from sitting or lying in one place too long.  This can be a problem for patients when at work, during plays and shows, and driving long distances.  Relief comes from walking, standing up, moving about, massaging or rubbing the legs.  Showers or baths can also help.  Usually symptoms are worse in the nighttime, which can interrupt sleep, causing a host of other problems.

Many MD’s cannot diagnose the problem through medical tests.   However, the condition is thought to be hereditary, can be gestational with pregnancy, associated with anemia or low iron, may be present in kidney failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy, and high caffeine consumption.

Chinese Medicine looks at RLS as either Internal Wind, or Qi And Blood Deficiency, or Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency.

The Classic of Internal Medicine, the Neijing, states “All wind and dizziness disorders belong to the liver.”  Internal Wind is the TCM diagnosis when the Liver channel is affected, producing seizures, uncontrollable eye movements, lock jaw, or tetanic cramping.  Cramping is a main feature of RLS.  Since the Liver is responsible for the tendons, it is said that the tendons connect the muscles to the bones, facilitating smooth and continuous movement.  The proper functioning of the tendons relies upon nourishment by liver blood.  It is suggested that if there are disorders of the Liver, do not take an excess of sour foods as this can cause cramping of the tendons.  If the diagnosis of Internal Wind is clear, we can choose the classical formula Zhengan Xifeng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinguish the Wind Decoction) or use the Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang (Course the Channels & Quicken the Blood Decoction) with modifications.

Qi and Blood deficiency is when there is a lack of ample energy and blood to circulate in the body causing a deficiency in the nourishment of the lower limbs.  A person may also experience paleness and numbness of the affected limb(s), light red tongue, and thready weak pulse.  Here in TCM, we strive to reinforce the qi, nourish blood, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in the vessels.  We can choose to use the formula Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Decoction for Nourishing Blood) with modifications and Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction).

Liver/Kidney Yin Deficiency is a result of our modern overactive lifestyles, excessive sexual activity, not getting enough rest, excessive consumption of caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol and drugs.   By burning your Yin, one uses up the potential energy to heal yourself.  Common signs and symptoms of Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency include low back pain, weak knees, heel pain, thirst, mental restlessness, blurry vision, night sweats, and dark circles under the eyes.   The best prescription to use in this case would be Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycii Chrysanthemum Teapills), which serves to tonify the Liver and Kidney Yin.

Regarding Acupuncture, the best points to use would be points of the Liver and Gallbladder channel, including Liv 2, 3, 6, and GB 34, 43 which are points around the lower leg.  These points are known to sedate Internal Wind, and move Qi and blood of the Liver and Gallbladder channels.  Acupuncture is no mystical science, as it helps stimulate the autonomic nervous system through sending a stimulus to the brain, resulting in the body’s attempt to homeostasis.  Of course it will not be an instant cure in one treatment, you will definitely have to see someone at least twice a week for a period of several weeks and take herbs.   The best bet is to find a local licensed acupuncturist in your area and consult with them regarding acupuncture and herbal therapy.

 Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
2502 East Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91104
U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
(626) 345-0442 Fax