A study by the Center for Disease Control found that one in four Americans suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). CFS is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by chronic fatigue that can't be alleviated with sleep, and that is often exacerbated by physical or mental exertion. While people with CFS can be seriously impaired, only half of the adults suffering from this condition have sought medical help. Furthermore, the earlier this condition is caught and addressed, the higher the chances are of recovery. In addition to the fatigue, patients report symptoms of weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory, and insomnia. CFS can last for years if untreated.

The cause of CFS is unknown, but recent research conducted by Emory University School of Medicine found a link between CFS and people who experienced trauma (specifically emotional or sexual abuse) as children. CFS patients were found to have low levels of cortisol, a "stress hormone" which is often associated with trauma. A lack of cortisol is known to prolong stress responses. Not all CFS patients have suffered from a childhood trauma, but there appears to be a clear tie between trauma and anxiety and the energy disorder.

by Alex A. Kecskes

For centuries, culinary herbs were the healthy seasonings people used to add flavor to foods. They were also a natural and abundant source of healing chemicals. A recent USDA study revealed that many popular herbs are a great source of natural antioxidants-compounds that help neutralize free radicals-more so than those reported for berries, fruits and vegetables. Isaac Cohen, a doctor of Oriental medicine, and one of the leading authorities in the field of cancer treatment, reported in the book Breast Cancer: Beyond Convention, that several Chinese herbs show high anticancer activity against breast cancer.

By Kathleen Rushall

After graduating with his Master's of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from San Diego's Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Marc Sklar was on the path to becoming an acupuncturist with a specialty in reproductive health. Marc took that goal a step further and created his own business, The Reproductive Wellness Clinic. With the co-founder, Gerald Williams, Marc has created a beautiful and successful practice located in Mission Valley, San Diego.

By Paul Kempisty, L.A.c

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to explore the similarities between traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary Western medicine in the treatment of cancer. Assessment of hemodynamics lends the context through which to view and correlate clinically useful pharmaceutical and herbal agents known for their anti-cancer properties. The effects of modern drugs are considered through the lens of traditional Chinese medical theory and, thus, offer the clinician a more incisive guideline for choosing medicinal agents in the treatment of cancer.

Originating in China as a form of self-defense, Tai Ji is an almost ballet-like series of smooth, graceful exercises that millions have practiced regularly for over 2,000 years. The very words, Tai and Ji, hint at its potential for healing. ‘Tai' means ‘ultimate' or ‘supreme' and ‘Ji' is the all-inclusive life force the envelopes the spirit of the earth and one's soul. A regular regimen of Tai Ji can help reduce stress, build agility, and improve overall mental well being. Many have called it "yoga in motion."

Tai Chi can help enhance one's breathing system and gently exercise most joints and major muscle groups. Ideal for all ages, Tai Ji exercises involve the whole body and circulate internal energy. Tai Ji has more than 100 possible movements and positions. Executed properly, these movements promote strength, stamina and flexibility. In Tai Ji, a person's arms, legs, neck and center mass all move as a single entity, stimulating the link between mind and body. Focusing the body in this way and moving fluidly free of distractions forces a person to breathe properly. It creates a calming, relaxed state that works to reduce anxieties and tensions.

By Joseph Alban

The sciatic nerve can literally be a huge pain in the butt. It is the largest nerve in the body, which consists of a large bundle of smaller nerves that begin in the lumbar spine, travel down the buttocks, and move through the leg. Technically, sciatica is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that affect the region of the sciatic nerve. Radiating pain is one of the more common and intense symptoms associated with sciatica. There can also be numbness and tingling starting in the lower back radiating down the leg.

By Dr. Greg Sperber

My research about applying evidence-based medical levels to drug-herb interactions has led me to the conclusion that there aren't very many interactions that are above the lowest level of evidence. In fact, out of approximately1,000 drug-herb interactions, I only found 56 that were above "D" level (the lowest level) evidence. A little over a third of these involved Ma Huang (herba ephedra). Only two were "A" level, 18 were "B" level, and the rest were "C" level. Obviously, these numbers are not static and there is always new research, but these at least give us a good feel for what may be an important drug-herb interaction.

By Lynn Jaffee, L.A.c

You may be surprised to find that during an acupuncture appointment, your practitioner will ask to look at your tongue. This may seem like an odd request, and is probably the first time a health care provider has asked you to stick our your tongue. However, in Chinese medicine, a practitioner can garner quite a bit of information about you and your condition, simply by taking a look at your tongue. When your practitioner looks at your tongue, he or she is looking at the shape, color, size, coating and positioning or movement of the tongue, each of which offers a piece to the diagnostic puzzle.

by Eric Brand, M.S., L.A.c

The development of concentrated herbal extract powders, commonly known as "granules," has had a major impact on the field of Chinese medicine. The consistent and easily quantifiable nature of granule extracts makes them well-suited to evidence based medical research, while the portability and convenience of granules dramatically increases patient compliance. Granule formulas can be extensively customized and deliver a comparable level of potency to raw herb decoctions, but granules have a longer shelf life and require less space and preparation than their raw counterparts. Most practitioners appreciate the degree to which these important factors affect our day-to-day clinical practice, but few practitioners are aware of the larger trends surrounding the use of granules in Asia. While granule use has produced a number of new approaches to prescription formulation and dosage in Asia, these clinically essential developments are only just now beginning to be appreciated in Western countries.

by Mitchell Wolf, L.A.c

 My first exposure to Toyohari came in October 1997. Four senior teachers from Japan came to Seattle, Washington to teach a weekend introductory workshop. Three of them were blind and among them was Toshio Yanagishita Sensei, who now serves as the president of the Toyohari Association of Japan. I had recently graduated in April 1996 from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) as a member of the first class of the New York City campus. On the start of the weekend, each teacher stood up and introduced themselves to the class. I don't remember who it was, but one of them said, "We have come all the way from Japan, to teach you how to overcome your handicap of vision." The next stood up and said, "We have come to teach you the correct way of practicing acupuncture." Although I was a bit taken aback by these blunt statements, I immediately knew that I had come to the right place. Although it was not until 11 years later that I took the first level certification course, this brief weekend had a major impact on how I practiced acupuncture in the succeeding years, as I tried to incorporate the concepts that I was exposed to during this weekend.