tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 New and traditional products for drug-free care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32533 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my previous column, I presented two case studies using modification of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue) formulas to assuage physical pain. I will continue this exploration of classical formula modifications by using a Golden Chamber formula modification to treat emotional/psychological "pain." The unique feature of both case studies is that both patients received substantial benefit from a simple modification of a classical formula after having minimal clinical benefit from a common TCM patent formula.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my previous column, I presented two case studies using modification of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue) formulas to assuage physical pain. I will continue this exploration of classical formula modifications by using a Golden Chamber formula modification to treat emotional/psychological "pain." The unique feature of both case studies is that both patients received substantial benefit from a simple modification of a classical formula after having minimal clinical benefit from a common TCM patent formula. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32507 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In Jake Paul Fratkin's Acupuncture Today article entitled "Going Beyond the Classics," it was suggested that Western practitioners of Chinese medicine are ignoring modern research only to be "married to the classic formulas." Fratkin makes the case that China has been making advancement after advancement in medicine over the last 60 years that Westerners would be foolish to ignore.

By Jason Blalack, LAc and Z'ev Rosenberg, LAc In Jake Paul Fratkin's Acupuncture Today article entitled "Going Beyond the Classics," it was suggested that Western practitioners of Chinese medicine are ignoring modern research only to be "married to the classic formulas." Fratkin makes the case that China has been making advancement after advancement in medicine over the last 60 years that Westerners would be foolish to ignore. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32492 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

While attending herbology classes in acupuncture school, I recall being presented with scenarios that seemed far-fetched. One example of this is the diagnosis of "running piglet syndrome," in which the patient experiences a sensation moving from the pubis to the sternum as if a small animal were running over the abdomen.

By Gordon Cohen, LAc While attending herbology classes in acupuncture school, I recall being presented with scenarios that seemed far-fetched. One example of this is the diagnosis of "running piglet syndrome," in which the patient experiences a sensation moving from the pubis to the sternum as if a small animal were running over the abdomen. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32484 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of the most important aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is its rich source of historic medical texts. Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials of the Golden Cabinet) is perhaps one of the most important of these texts. Far from being an antiquated resource, the following case studies reveal how an ancient formula from this important historic text is still able to provide powerful healing solutions to modern dilemmas.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG One of the most important aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is its rich source of historic medical texts. Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials of the Golden Cabinet) is perhaps one of the most important of these texts. Far from being an antiquated resource, the following case studies reveal how an ancient formula from this important historic text is still able to provide powerful healing solutions to modern dilemmas. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32447 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Chronic and inflammatory diarrhea is a serious and debilitating symptom and is the often the main presenting complaint in a long list of Western medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diverticulitis, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis to name but a few. While there are diverse etiologies behind chronic and inflammatory diarrhea, I would like to present a short case study, which will examine ways to integrate nutritional supplements with TCM medicinals in a HIV positive patient who was suffering from chronic severe diarrhea as a result of the use of protease inhibitors and anti-retroviral medication.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG Chronic and inflammatory diarrhea is a serious and debilitating symptom and is the often the main presenting complaint in a long list of Western medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, diverticulitis, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis to name but a few. While there are diverse etiologies behind chronic and inflammatory diarrhea, I would like to present a short case study, which will examine ways to integrate nutritional supplements with TCM medicinals in a HIV positive patient who was suffering from chronic severe diarrhea as a result of the use of protease inhibitors and anti-retroviral medication. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32437 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or even agony that results from the stimulation (by heat, cold or pressure) of specialized nerve endings. Even though pain serves as a protective mechanism for the body, it may cause a tremendous amount of suffering. In such cases, pain must be managed so the sufferers may resume a normal lifestyle. The goals of pain management are to decrease the intensity of the pain, and to increase the patient's physical activity. I would like to explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of drug and herbal therapies, and to identify the most beneficial treatment you can provide your patients.

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or even agony that results from the stimulation (by heat, cold or pressure) of specialized nerve endings. Even though pain serves as a protective mechanism for the body, it may cause a tremendous amount of suffering. In such cases, pain must be managed so the sufferers may resume a normal lifestyle. The goals of pain management are to decrease the intensity of the pain, and to increase the patient's physical activity. I would like to explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of drug and herbal therapies, and to identify the most beneficial treatment you can provide your patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32431 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Erlichia is a tick-borne rickettsial disease that was first described in 1987. It is considered to be a new and rare disease. I live in North Central Florida and am aware of nine cases in my area. Two of these cases were so severe they required intensive care and one person was on a ventilator for several days.

By Kathleen Leavy, RN, AP Erlichia is a tick-borne rickettsial disease that was first described in 1987. It is considered to be a new and rare disease. I live in North Central Florida and am aware of nine cases in my area. Two of these cases were so severe they required intensive care and one person was on a ventilator for several days. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32420 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Should herbalists be using lab tests? This question should actually be divided into several questions. First, what level of Western medical training is appropriate for the TCM herbalist? Second, if the patient does not come with important lab tests, should we be ordering them? And if so, which ones?

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc Should herbalists be using lab tests? This question should actually be divided into several questions. First, what level of Western medical training is appropriate for the TCM herbalist? Second, if the patient does not come with important lab tests, should we be ordering them? And if so, which ones? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32408 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately three percent of the population. It is thought to be a genetic disease with immune-mediated skin lesions that (according to western scientific medicine) has no cure. The various types of psoriasis are categorized according to morphology or by location of lesions. The most common morphologies include: chronic plaque psoriasis ("common" psoriasis), guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (may or may not have skin lesions). More than one form of psoriasis can be present concurrently, and one type can transform into other types. Common plaque psoriasis is the type most often seen in the clinic.

By Diana Hermann, LAc Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately three percent of the population. It is thought to be a genetic disease with immune-mediated skin lesions that (according to western scientific medicine) has no cure. The various types of psoriasis are categorized according to morphology or by location of lesions. The most common morphologies include: chronic plaque psoriasis ("common" psoriasis), guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (may or may not have skin lesions). More than one form of psoriasis can be present concurrently, and one type can transform into other types. Common plaque psoriasis is the type most often seen in the clinic. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32402 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article I discussed important simple ways to help patients prevent acquiring cold and flu issues. In this article, I will present my favorite patent medicines for cold/flu presentations and discuss novel methods of administration to improve patient compliance.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my last article I discussed important simple ways to help patients prevent acquiring cold and flu issues. In this article, I will present my favorite patent medicines for cold/flu presentations and discuss novel methods of administration to improve patient compliance. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32393 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

In traditional Chinese medicine, the first reference to infectious disease appeared in Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) compiled in the first or second century C.E. This text discussed the presence of Re Bing (hot disease), which according to our understanding today, refers to the various types of infectious disease.

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc In traditional Chinese medicine, the first reference to infectious disease appeared in Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) compiled in the first or second century C.E. This text discussed the presence of Re Bing (hot disease), which according to our understanding today, refers to the various types of infectious disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32390 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I once visited an acupuncturist friend of mine in the South. His family and I went out for Southern food night after night - twice it was "fried this" and "gravy covered" that. I learned that in the South, macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable and green beans often are not deemed edible until cooked so soft anyone without teeth can easily manage them. The food was good, but my Southern California digestive system could not manage all the fat and lack of fresh vegetables.

By Constance Scharff, PhD I once visited an acupuncturist friend of mine in the South. His family and I went out for Southern food night after night - twice it was "fried this" and "gravy covered" that. I learned that in the South, macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable and green beans often are not deemed edible until cooked so soft anyone without teeth can easily manage them. The food was good, but my Southern California digestive system could not manage all the fat and lack of fresh vegetables. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32384 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have been making alcohol-extracted Chinese herbal formulas since 1988. I was introduced to the percolation method in New Mexico by Western herbalists Charlie Jordan and Mitch Coven. Later, Clarissa Smith of Portland, Ore. helped me fine-tune the process.

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc I have been making alcohol-extracted Chinese herbal formulas since 1988. I was introduced to the percolation method in New Mexico by Western herbalists Charlie Jordan and Mitch Coven. Later, Clarissa Smith of Portland, Ore. helped me fine-tune the process. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32356 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The treatment of life-threatening diseases is the distinguishing feature of modern scientific medicine. Pinpoint accuracy of a diagnosis using laboratory testing has led to significant advances. In order for treatment to be successful a diagnosis must be correct. Scientific differential diagnosis as well as fundamental TCM principles are critical in approaching difficult cases.

By Gordon Cohen, LAc The treatment of life-threatening diseases is the distinguishing feature of modern scientific medicine. Pinpoint accuracy of a diagnosis using laboratory testing has led to significant advances. In order for treatment to be successful a diagnosis must be correct. Scientific differential diagnosis as well as fundamental TCM principles are critical in approaching difficult cases. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32346 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific, idiopathic, inflammatory and ulcerative disease of the colon and the rectum that has no known etiology. Many factors have been suggested, but none are proven. Possible risk factors include immunologic factors, infectious agents (such as bacteria, virus or ameba), dietary factors (including chemicals and drugs), and psychosomatic factors. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 30, or 50 to 70. (1) When diagnosing, doctors look for chronic history of bloody diarrhea with pus and mucus in the stool that indicate possible ulcerative colitis. Definitive diagnosis is made by sigmoidoscopy, which provides a direct visualization of the rectal mucosa. A colonoscopy is sometimes helpful to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease. A biopsy is performed if cancer is suspected. (2)

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, non-specific, idiopathic, inflammatory and ulcerative disease of the colon and the rectum that has no known etiology. Many factors have been suggested, but none are proven. Possible risk factors include immunologic factors, infectious agents (such as bacteria, virus or ameba), dietary factors (including chemicals and drugs), and psychosomatic factors. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs between the ages of 15 to 30, or 50 to 70. (1) When diagnosing, doctors look for chronic history of bloody diarrhea with pus and mucus in the stool that indicate possible ulcerative colitis. Definitive diagnosis is made by sigmoidoscopy, which provides a direct visualization of the rectal mucosa. A colonoscopy is sometimes helpful to differentiate ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease. A biopsy is performed if cancer is suspected. (2) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32344 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

As the winter months approach, clinicians should be considering herbal medicinals to have on hand to prevent colds and flu rather than just waiting for acute patient presentations. While there are highly effective herbal formulas for targeting cold/flu pattern presentations, clinicians must not forget the advantages of avoiding disharmony before it arrives. There are diverse array of herbs, which can be used to boost the immune system. These days most discussions concerning cold/flu issues target treating acute symptoms. I have discussed the pros and cons of using echinacea in a past column, so I will not address this concern here but encourage readers to refer to this article for useful clinical information.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG As the winter months approach, clinicians should be considering herbal medicinals to have on hand to prevent colds and flu rather than just waiting for acute patient presentations. While there are highly effective herbal formulas for targeting cold/flu pattern presentations, clinicians must not forget the advantages of avoiding disharmony before it arrives. There are diverse array of herbs, which can be used to boost the immune system. These days most discussions concerning cold/flu issues target treating acute symptoms. I have discussed the pros and cons of using echinacea in a past column, so I will not address this concern here but encourage readers to refer to this article for useful clinical information. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32307 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article, I discussed the use of Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang and Guan Xin Er Hao Feng in cardiovascular disease. In this article, I would like to continue this discussion by presenting two case studies. Both cases involve non-threatening cardiovascular disease presentations which were not resolved by standard allopathic medical interventions.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my last article, I discussed the use of Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang and Guan Xin Er Hao Feng in cardiovascular disease. In this article, I would like to continue this discussion by presenting two case studies. Both cases involve non-threatening cardiovascular disease presentations which were not resolved by standard allopathic medical interventions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32299 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland with increased levels in secretion and circulation of the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and has an enormous impact on health and well-being. It secretes the thyroid hormone, which in turn regulates human growth, maturation and the speed of metabolism. Optimal functioning of the thyroid gland depends on proper functioning of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, adequate supply of iodine, and proper conversion of thyroxine (T4) to tri-iodothyronine (T3). When one of these factors is out of balance, the affected individual will begin to experience either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (a deficient quantity of thyroid hormone). Hyperthyroidism is a rather common disorder. In general, it occurs more frequently in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, and is found more often in women than in men, with an approximate ratio of 4:1.

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland with increased levels in secretion and circulation of the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and has an enormous impact on health and well-being. It secretes the thyroid hormone, which in turn regulates human growth, maturation and the speed of metabolism. Optimal functioning of the thyroid gland depends on proper functioning of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, adequate supply of iodine, and proper conversion of thyroxine (T4) to tri-iodothyronine (T3). When one of these factors is out of balance, the affected individual will begin to experience either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (a deficient quantity of thyroid hormone). Hyperthyroidism is a rather common disorder. In general, it occurs more frequently in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, and is found more often in women than in men, with an approximate ratio of 4:1. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32293 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

There's a new trend emerging in the field of traditional Chinese medicine; an increasing focus on legitimizing herbs as healthier alternatives to the synthetic chemicals normally used as pharmaceutical drugs. Several producers of herbal medicines are pursuing FDA clinical trials to market their products as drugs to U.S. and European markets. One compound, Danshen Dripping Pill, formulated by Tasly (based in Tianjin, China) has passed Phase II clinical trials this past July. The intent of Phase II trials is to initially measure the effectiveness and risks of the drug. This particular formulation treats angina and coronary heart disease and is due to be on the market by 2013. Canada, Russia, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and a few African countries have already approved the product. Tasly plans on building 50-70 trial centers worldwide over the next 18 months for its Phase III trials, which will be more involved.

By Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac. There's a new trend emerging in the field of traditional Chinese medicine; an increasing focus on legitimizing herbs as healthier alternatives to the synthetic chemicals normally used as pharmaceutical drugs. Several producers of herbal medicines are pursuing FDA clinical trials to market their products as drugs to U.S. and European markets. One compound, Danshen Dripping Pill, formulated by Tasly (based in Tianjin, China) has passed Phase II clinical trials this past July. The intent of Phase II trials is to initially measure the effectiveness and risks of the drug. This particular formulation treats angina and coronary heart disease and is due to be on the market by 2013. Canada, Russia, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and a few African countries have already approved the product. Tasly plans on building 50-70 trial centers worldwide over the next 18 months for its Phase III trials, which will be more involved. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32288 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Those of you who work with triathletes know their mantra: Further, faster, more efficient. Many athletes take herbs to enhance endurance (running, swimming, biking or cross-country skiing), induce muscular hypertrophy and strength (weight lifting, strength sports) or enhance overall performance.1 Such substances have been used for millennia to provide athletes a competitive edge. What is the latest research that supports or refutes the performance benefits of herbal medicine? Moreover, how can we make safe, effective recommendations to our patients who aspire to greater athletic achievement?

By Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac. Those of you who work with triathletes know their mantra: Further, faster, more efficient. Many athletes take herbs to enhance endurance (running, swimming, biking or cross-country skiing), induce muscular hypertrophy and strength (weight lifting, strength sports) or enhance overall performance.1 Such substances have been used for millennia to provide athletes a competitive edge. What is the latest research that supports or refutes the performance benefits of herbal medicine? Moreover, how can we make safe, effective recommendations to our patients who aspire to greater athletic achievement? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32283 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

When a patient comes into the clinic with an acute infection, I recommend that the herbal practitioner prioritize treatment of the infection over any other complaints. Most infections that come into the clinic are viral and include sore throat, common cold, influenza, ear infection, bronchitis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, mononucleosis, acute viral syndrome (Coxsackie, Cytomegalia, West Nile, etc.), and vaccination reaction.

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc When a patient comes into the clinic with an acute infection, I recommend that the herbal practitioner prioritize treatment of the infection over any other complaints. Most infections that come into the clinic are viral and include sore throat, common cold, influenza, ear infection, bronchitis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, mononucleosis, acute viral syndrome (Coxsackie, Cytomegalia, West Nile, etc.), and vaccination reaction. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32269 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

When the famous physiologist Hans Selye was conducting his original research on the stress response in the 1930s, he observed that prolonged and sustained stress eventually attacked the adrenal glands themselves. The end stage of maladaption to stress was the exhaustion phase, during which levels of cortisol production declined to below those needed to sustain health because of the atrophy of the adrenals.

By Kerry Bone, BSc (hons), Dipl. Phyto. When the famous physiologist Hans Selye was conducting his original research on the stress response in the 1930s, he observed that prolonged and sustained stress eventually attacked the adrenal glands themselves. The end stage of maladaption to stress was the exhaustion phase, during which levels of cortisol production declined to below those needed to sustain health because of the atrophy of the adrenals. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32257 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

In several of my previous columns, I have discussed the clinical implications of blood stasis and its impact on the progression of joint disease. In this column, I would like to examine the role of blood stasis in cardiovascular disease and explore ways to integrate two key TCM formulas with an important Ayurvedic medicinal in order to maximize positive clinical outcomes and reduce common risk factors in cardiovascular disease.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In several of my previous columns, I have discussed the clinical implications of blood stasis and its impact on the progression of joint disease. In this column, I would like to examine the role of blood stasis in cardiovascular disease and explore ways to integrate two key TCM formulas with an important Ayurvedic medicinal in order to maximize positive clinical outcomes and reduce common risk factors in cardiovascular disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32229 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Successful treatment of insomnia can be an elusive goal, especially in patients who have a chronic condition (more then five years) or in later life (after age 50). The difficult cases tend to be those based in deficiency, rather than excess. Cases of excess respond quite quickly with herbal intervention.

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc Successful treatment of insomnia can be an elusive goal, especially in patients who have a chronic condition (more then five years) or in later life (after age 50). The difficult cases tend to be those based in deficiency, rather than excess. Cases of excess respond quite quickly with herbal intervention. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32199 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article, I discussed some basic concepts for winter immune health in order to prevent standard cold and flu presentations in the clinic. This article will review the actual treatment of acute cold/flu presentations and present ways to integrate Western herbs with TCM formulas to more effectively treat and resolve symptoms.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my last article, I discussed some basic concepts for winter immune health in order to prevent standard cold and flu presentations in the clinic. This article will review the actual treatment of acute cold/flu presentations and present ways to integrate Western herbs with TCM formulas to more effectively treat and resolve symptoms. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32191 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Huan Shao Dan (Return to Youth Pill) is one of the best kidney tonic formulas. Historically, it was used to treat spleen and kidney deficiencies. Today, it is used to successfully treat many premature aging conditions. The pinyin name is Huan Shao Dan, which translates as Return to Youth Pill. Some alternate names include Huan Shao Tan, Youth-Returning Formula, Lycium Formula. The original source for Huan Shao Dan is in Yang Shi Mi Fang (Secret Formulas of the Yang Family).

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc Huan Shao Dan (Return to Youth Pill) is one of the best kidney tonic formulas. Historically, it was used to treat spleen and kidney deficiencies. Today, it is used to successfully treat many premature aging conditions. The pinyin name is Huan Shao Dan, which translates as Return to Youth Pill. Some alternate names include Huan Shao Tan, Youth-Returning Formula, Lycium Formula. The original source for Huan Shao Dan is in Yang Shi Mi Fang (Secret Formulas of the Yang Family). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32186 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In April 2009, the Tri-State College of Acupuncture (TSCA), hired a private contractor who specializes in environmental air-quality testing, to perform an assessment in the TSCA clinic training room to determine the environmental effects of burning moxa. The college was concerned about possible health hazards from exposure to the smoke or by-products of moxa combustion. This has ramifications for both practitioners and patients alike.

By Peter Dubitsky, MS, LAc In April 2009, the Tri-State College of Acupuncture (TSCA), hired a private contractor who specializes in environmental air-quality testing, to perform an assessment in the TSCA clinic training room to determine the environmental effects of burning moxa. The college was concerned about possible health hazards from exposure to the smoke or by-products of moxa combustion. This has ramifications for both practitioners and patients alike. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32180 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the October 2009 issue of Acupuncture Today, I wrote on how to use pulse diagnosis to distinguish patterns as excess, deficiency or complex excess with deficiency. I ended that article by saying that most complex layered cases that enter the clinic will show excess/deficiency patterns affecting the liver, stomach and spleen. Our job, as herbalists, is to evaluate the various stagnation and deficiency patterns and to apply the appropriate herbal formula.

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc In the October 2009 issue of Acupuncture Today, I wrote on how to use pulse diagnosis to distinguish patterns as excess, deficiency or complex excess with deficiency. I ended that article by saying that most complex layered cases that enter the clinic will show excess/deficiency patterns affecting the liver, stomach and spleen. Our job, as herbalists, is to evaluate the various stagnation and deficiency patterns and to apply the appropriate herbal formula. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32154 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

It may seem rather self-evident that a hot cup of tea would be the perfect de-stresser. Now, a group of researchers from the University of Tokyo has tested the idea that tea - specifically green tea - reduces stress, and found some surprising results.

By Tina Beychok, Associate Editor It may seem rather self-evident that a hot cup of tea would be the perfect de-stresser. Now, a group of researchers from the University of Tokyo has tested the idea that tea - specifically green tea - reduces stress, and found some surprising results. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32139 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

There are two types of bacteria: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen for growth and survival; whereas anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen for growth, and may even die in its presence. Most bacteria are aerobic. Some aerobic bacteria are beneficial, such as those that contribute to the process of decomposition of organic materials in the soil. Others present serious health risks, such as infections affecting various organs and systems of the body. Examples of aerobic bacteria include the Staphylococcus species, the Streptococcus species, the Enterobacteriacae species, the Pseudomonas species, the Mycobacterium species and many others.

By John Chen, PhD, PharmD, OMD, LAc There are two types of bacteria: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen for growth and survival; whereas anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen for growth, and may even die in its presence. Most bacteria are aerobic. Some aerobic bacteria are beneficial, such as those that contribute to the process of decomposition of organic materials in the soil. Others present serious health risks, such as infections affecting various organs and systems of the body. Examples of aerobic bacteria include the Staphylococcus species, the Streptococcus species, the Enterobacteriacae species, the Pseudomonas species, the Mycobacterium species and many others.