Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM and Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that disrupts normal function of the epithelial cells in the body. Epithelial cells line the passageways of many of our vital organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, reproductive system and the skin. Those who have cystic fibrosis have a defective gene that impairs epithelial cell function. This can lead to a buildup of sticky mucus throughout the body that may eventually lead to lung damage and chronic coughing, affecting how patients with cystic fibrosis breathe and filter air, digest their food and absorb the nutrients from that food. In the United States alone, there are nearly 12 million people who suffer from this disease. Unfortunately, there is no known cure and most of those affected with the disease only live into their 20s and 30s. Current modern medicine treatments focus on increasing the quality of life by managing symptoms. continue reading
4 Tips for an Energizing, Joyful Summer
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with one of the elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Perhaps unsurprisingly, summertime is associated with the element fire. Fire represents maximum activity. In nature, everything is at its peak growth during the summer, so TCM sees our energy as its most active and exuberant. Summer is the time of year with the most yang energy, which is all about excitement and assertiveness. continue reading
Healthy Eating from Early to Late Summer
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is all about balance. In this ancient system, the key to health is to move through the world in such a way that our bodies can remain in homeostasis, in balance. This idea connects to sleep patterns, what we eat and ultimately the flow of Qi, or energy, throughout the body. For that reason, healthy eating in summertime, according to TCM, is all about using cooling foods to balance out how hot it is outside. In other words, we can find homeostasis from the inside out. continue reading
Extraordinary Vessels – Chong Mai
Most acupuncture points are located on the 12 primary channels that flow along the surface of the body. However, there are eight Extraordinary Vessels that flow more deeply in the body, and are perhaps even more powerful that the 12 primary channels. The Extraordinary Vessels regulate the 12 channels, and are deep lakes of energy, which can feed the 12 primary channels when they are depleted. continue reading
The Qi (Chi) Life
The Qi (Chi) Life holds the key to abundant health!
Dr. Michele Arnold-Pirtle’s new book
“It is my personal mission to spread the potential health benefits of nature’s plant medicines. Food, Herbs, spices, and essential oils can be used to cultivate a wellness lifestyle to enjoy a healthier, happier life-longer!
This is a small book with a lot of impact! If you want an easy to follow guide with simple natural ways to stay healthy, then this book is for you!
This book includes
- Commonly used Acupressure points
- Chinese Medicine healthy food rules
- Harmonize the liver and gall bladder naturally
- Congee, an Asian rice porridge for detoxification or illness
- Natural blood thinners and pain relievers
- Information about using Cannabinoid (CBD) oil.
Learn about Chinese Herbal Teas for improved blood flow, and analgesia
The following is an excerpt:
We use herbs that are concentrated granules of raw herbal ingredients boiled in an aqueous solution. They are free from preservatives, additives, and colors. They are certified pharmaceutical grade using GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). The powder is mixed with warm water and drunk as a medicinal tea.
They also come in other forms of administration such as honey pills, capsules, tablets, or alcohol or glycerin extracted tinctures.
Where to buy
Herbal Formulas can be prescribed and purchased from your local Acupuncturist.
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction).
TCM Diagnosis: Blood stagnation, especially of the upper body, head and chest.
Action: Nourishes and moves blood, a natural analgesic alternative.
Indications: Pain Acute, Severe, after Trauma, aggravated by wrong movement, fixed localized pain, occasional stabbing pain aggravated by certain postures or movement, and pain is worse at night, a natural alternative to aspirin.
Bio-medical or common disease names: acute endometritis, retained placenta, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, cirrhosis of the liver, intestinal obstruction, coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, rheumatic valvular heart disease, hypertension, post-concussion syndrome, migraine, menopausal syndrome, urticaria, psychosis.
Ingredients: Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root), Sheng Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Tao Ren (Peach Pit), Hong Hua (Safflower), Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root), Jie Geng (Platycodon, Balloon Flower Root), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange Peel), Chai Hu (Bupleurum, Thorowax Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root). Plus add turmeric-curcumin (Yu Jin), cinnamon bark (Rou Gui), Bai Shao (White Peony), and Gan Cao (Licorice).
How to Take: Take Before meals. In severe cases can increases dosage 50-100%, then reduced as treatment takes effect.
Contraindications/Cautions:
Contraindicated in pregnancy, excessive menstrual bleeding, bleeding diathesis, or hemorrhagic disorder. For women, stop taking during your period unless otherwise directed. Caution in patients taking anti-coagulants.
*Women being treated for menstrual problems may notice heavier, more painful periods, expulsion of clots, for one or two cycles as the stagnation is moved, and they are encouraged to continue formula for several cycles.
Dr. Michele Arnold is a doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (D.A.C.M.). She has been in private practice for over 18 years. She brings together both experience, and research for you to find out what to eat to stay healthy, how to use essential oils, herbs, and acupressure according to the balanced principles of Chinese Medicine.
Disclaimer: The products and information mentioned here have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent illness or disease. It is not a substitute for medical advice.
