Herbal Medicine for Eczema

It is estimated that over 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from eczema, a skin disorder that is often difficult to treat.  Although conventional treatments in the form of medications are often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of eczema, many individuals opt to use natural remedies, such as herbal medicine, either as an alternative or complementary treatment to more conventional methods.  

What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin disease classified as dermatitis.  It is characterized by the inflammation of the epidermis or top layer of the skin.  It is often manifested in the form of small, multiple red rashes that may crack, blister, flake, scale, or ooze.  Because rashes can sometimes be dry and itchy, scratching can sometimes cause them to bleed.  The tearing of the skin can then lead to scarring and skin discoloration.

The first time eczema appears in individuals is when they are still infants.  Rashes often appear on knees, elbows, and certain areas of the face.  In many cases, this skin disease resolves by itself and fails to cause any problems in adulthood.  However, eczema can persist in certain individuals, usually triggered by a bout of allergies to certain irritants such as chemicals or food ingredients.  It can also appear suddenly on people who suffer from frequent stress.  

TCM SOLUTIONS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AND BONE DISEASES



Osteoporosis, commonly referred to as brittle bones, is a syndrome leading to the reduction of bone mineral density, and changes in the variety and amount of proteins found in bones. Patients with osteoporosis are at an increased risk of fracture; a hip or spine fracture would require immediate hospitalization and surgery. Spinal or vertebral fractures can also result in loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Of the 10 million Americans affected by osteoporosis, 80% are women. Women have lighter and thinner bones, and lose bone rapidly post-menopause.
• Age reduces bone density.
• Heredity and genetics determine if one is at risk.
• A smaller and thinner person is at a higher risk
• An adult who has broken one or more bones during his or her adulthood.
• There is a greater likelihood of people of Caucasian, Asian, or Latino descent to develop osteoporosis as compared to Africans. • Women with low estrogen levels, and men with low testosterone levels pose a similar risk. • A diet lacking in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous, and essential vitamins.
• Too much animal protein in the diet can lead to loss of calcium through the kidneys.
• Eating too much sodium can cause bone loss.
• Inactive lifestyles combined with smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Certain medications may also make one more susceptible to osteoporosis.

While osteoporosis is a serious condition, traditional Chinese medical modalities show promise in helping patients.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) centers on the balancing of energy (qi) in each human being. TCM focuses on restoring the body to health through herbs and diet as well. According to TCM, the loss of Kidney Qi and blood stagnation are mainly responsible for osteoporosis.

The herbal decoctions used for bone remedies strengthen the kidneys, build qi, as well as work towards regeneration of new bone cells. A variety of herbs are used such as liquorices root, fresh ginger, Chinese taxillus herb, fresh oyster shell, white peony root, cassia bark, etc., are used to help patients with osteoporosis and other bone diseases. 

Clinical research conducted at the Traditional Medicine Research Institute, has found that Chinese medications containing rich kidney tonic ingredients, amino acids, and compounds could revitalize the cell systems and help in the treatment of osteoporosis. Other clinical research found that the herbs were effective in faster recovery from traumatic fractures. The formulas had anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, lessened pain and swelling, and improved blood circulation and microcirculation of injured tissue and organs. 

Acupuncture and Moxibustion have been used for people with diabetes to normalize his or her endocrine function. According to clinical studies, acupuncture is beneficial in lowering glucose levels.

Many people around the world suffer from diabetes. In fact, it is one of the most widespread chronic illnesses in the United States today. Conventional medicine for diabetes is geared towards the regulation of blood sugar with a combination of oral pharmacological agents and insulin. Change of diet and regular exercise are also recommended for people with diabetes. Although TCM and western medicine are geared towards the same goals, the diagnosis and the treatment are not similar. While Western medicine targets the cause of an illness and eventually tries to get rid of the root cause, traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the big picture and fixes the problem by fixing the whole.

Traditional Chinese medicine has existed for thousands of years and has evolved into one of the most reliable systems of medicine. The most common Oriental treatment for diabetes and other illnesses is acupuncture, but other methods such as diet therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, qi gong, and tai ji are also used.

According to Oriental medicine, the human body should be viewed in a holistic way. From this standpoint, every single symptom is related to the whole well-being of a person and unlike conventional medicine, TCM concentrates more on disharmony between two forces: Yin and Yang.  A person’s Yin and Yang are interdependent, one cannot function or exist without the other. So this means that the different energies of a person should be directed to the right places to achieve equilibrium.

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy have been used for people with diabetes to normalize his or her endocrine function. According to clinical studies, acupuncture is beneficial in lowering glucose levels.
Another integral part of TCM is the use of herbal medicine. The Chinese have utilized herbal medicine for over 2000 years and many of these medicines have been used for diabetics. The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, dating back to the Han Dynasty, has a list of 13 herbal formulations for the treatment of diabetes. These medicinal herbs usually have four components which include the principal ingredient used for the treatment of the disease, an assisting ingredient that is also good at fighting the disease, another assisting ingredient that enhances the effects of the principal ingredient, and an envoy ingredient that makes sure the effects of the other ingredients are merged into an effective brew.
The prescribed herbs for diabetes however differ from one person to another depending on the predominant symptoms of a patient.

by Alex A. Kecskes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Traditional Chinese Medicine can be helpful in treating a number of ailments. One common condition that many people suffer from is an intolerance to gluten. What is gluten? It's the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains. And for some people, gluten can be very hard to digest. When it comes in contact with the small intestine, it can create a  condition known as celiac disease, which can injure the lining of the small intestine. This injury can ultimately result in weight loss, diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, estimates that at least 10 million people in the US are gluten-sensitive.

By Whitfield Reaves

After years of experience, I have come to believe there is nothing more complex to differentiate, diagnose, and treat than low back pain. Western orthopedic evaluation does a great job when there is a disc herniation with a protrusion or fragment lodged on a spinal nerve root. Anything else, in my opinion, is either art or guesswork. I see many patients who have been to numerous physicians, each diagnosing a different cause of pain. Unfortunately, TCM diagnosis is no better. I gave up on treatment based upon the meridian (jing-luo) perspective years ago when Bladder meridian points such as Bl 23, Bl 25, Bl 40 and Bl 60 gave my patients inadequate results. And from an internal organ viewpoint, I have never found treating the Kidney, which controls the lower back, to be clinically reliable.

Back pain is a complicated and comprehensive condition, and it is not the purpose of this article to articulate on the subject. However, I would like to discuss how acupuncture treatment to the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle is important to consider in any treatment plan for lumbar, sacral, and gluteal pain. While this muscle might not be the entire cause of pain - other points, treatments, and techniques may be necessary - the simple techniques that follow benefit many patients and may serve as an important protocol for acupuncture treatment.

Bacteria are not all bad. Too often we relate bacteria to germs and harmful microorganisms that cause disease. The truth is the human body is made up of billions of bacteria, without many of which we would not survive. The term "probiotics" relates to foods and nutritional supplements that contain these same "good" bacteria found in the body.

It is normally not necessary to supplement with probiotics to stay healthy. Most of us have enough of the friendly bacteria to do fine. However for individuals suffering from digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Irregularity, probiotics can be a blessing, and a natural alternative to more aggressive treatments such as steroids. Along with being found in nutritional supplements there are many foods that contain probiotics such as: miso, yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, and various juices and soymilks.

by Alex A. Kecskes

An old Chinese medical proverb says--The best doctor treats the problem before the problem becomes the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses herbs and medications, acupuncture, massage, and qi gong  (coordinating breathing patterns with various physical postures and body motions). TCM has been practiced in Asia for over 4,000 years. To underscore its importance in health care, the ancient Chinese upper class saw doctors only for preventative care; if they became sick, the doctors were not be paid.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Traditional Chinese medicine brings to mind acupuncture and the use of natural herbs as healing remedies. Cupping is a lesser-known treatment that is also part of Oriental medicine, one that can provide an especially pleasant experience. One of the earliest documentations of cupping can be found in the work titled A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies, which was written by a Taoist herbalist by the name of Ge Hong and which dates all the way back to 300 AD.