By Alex A. Kecskes

Why is it that Eastern civilizations appear to avoid the pitfalls of diet related diseases like constipation, colon cancer, and obesity? Could it be as simple as their observance of traditional diets and eating styles, handed down from generations of whole-food eaters? The foods consumed by these "healthier" cultures are not only as natural as possible, but they also align with an area's seasonal produce and the body's needs.

Whole foods are recommended for almost all diet patterns. The widely held belief stipulates that foods should not be broken down into nutrients but instead consumed in their natural forms, sans processing. This coincides with the notion that nature provides the best nutrition and the most balanced diet, obviating the need for vitamin and mineral supplements so popular in our culture.

A whole-foods diet helps ensure that your entire body gets the required nutrition it needs. That's because whole foods carry out the major functions of a good diet, which includes absorption, assimilation, and elimination, everything a healthy body needs. In contrast, synthetic, processed, and refined foods may interfere with your body's normal functions. In time, unnatural foods may leave you vulnerable to disease. For more insights on whole foods, pick up a copy of "Healing With Whole Foods" 3rd Edition by Paul Pitchford. You might also take a look at the Asian Healing Arts and Whole Foods Nutrition Program at http://www.heartwoodinstitute.com/content/asian/index.htm

So what are whole foods? Simply put, they are the natural, raw produce of nature, foodstuffs that have not been chemically or genetically tampered with. Foods like vegetables grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, cereals that are unpolished or unprocessed, in particular, foods without additives, coloring, or other artificial ingredients. You should avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, trans fatty acids, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, white flour, refined carbohydrates, and other artificially modified ingredients. Strive for whole foods that are seasonal, and not frozen or chemically preserved. Make a habit of eating fresh vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts; go for green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce and kale; and don't forget roots like beets, carrots, and parsnips. Many Americans rarely eat these vegetables. Others may encounter them only in TV dinners prepared months before in food factories thousands of miles away. Can't find the whol e foods you need? Try the Whole Food Farmacy at http://www.hot-hands-healing.wholefoodfarmacy.com/2005/ga_home.asp

Keep in mind that Eastern nutrition is like Chinese herbal medicine. Foods are perceived as natural healing substances that include grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, algae and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. The emphasis is on whole organic food in its simplest form. In China, food grade herbs are highly respected, producing the most lasting results with the most gentle of action. They nourish areas of your body and bring it into balance.

For some healthful recipes, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/value/v_citrussole.html

Here's one from their site:
Citrus Sole Packets--Serves 4

To everything, there is a season. Our physical and emotional health is no exception. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is nationally recognized during the month of December and throughout winter, is an example of how a change in seasons can affect our wellbeing.

Between 4 and 6 percent of the U.S. population suffer from SAD. It is more commonly observed in those who live at high latitudes (areas farther away from the equator to the north and south). Seasonal changes are generally more extreme in these regions, supporting the idea that SAD is caused by changes in sunlight availability.

Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur during summer with limited symptoms such as weight loss, trouble sleeping, and decreased appetite. Winter symptoms tend to be more severe. They include fatigue, increased need for sleep, decreased energy levels, weight gain, increase in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and increased desire to be alone.

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine states that, "People and nature are inseparable." The TCM yin and yang forces of the seasons coincide with those of the body. While yang's warmth, activity, and brightness work throughout the spring and summer months, yin's passivity, coldness, and darkness begin in autumn and continue until spring equinox. Therefore, the winter months, which represent the height of the yin cycle and the water element, can cause those whose constitution tends toward yin to feel the effects of this season more acutely.

Energetic imbalances, which are associated with emotional and physical disturbances in the body, can become more pronounced after a change in weather and sunlight. Western medicine currently treats seasonal affective disorder with light therapy and sometimes with antidepressants. The downside to these therapies is that they carry side effects such as eyestrain, headache, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, high blood pressure, and reduced libido. Also, these therapies do not address the underlying problems, but merely offer symptom relief.

Acupuncture, which has shown promising results treating depression by releasing serotonin and noradrenaline-norepinephrine, has no side effects. Together with a treatment plan created by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture can improve balance of mood and energy, relieving the patient from the burdens of a depressed, unbalanced system.

The winter months are associated with the Kidney system, which is the base of qi, our vital energy. The Kidney creates fire and warmth and provides energy to other organs. As our bodies use up energy keeping warm, they begin to crave quick sources of new energy in high calorie foods, which are stored as fat to keep the body warm. These foods do not sustain energy levels in the body, nor do they properly nourish the Kidney, and with this energy depletion we tend to feel more lethargic and sensitive to our surroundings. This is why winter is a time to seek replenishment of body, mind and spirit.

Nourishment in all areas of life is especially important during the winter months when SAD is most common. Although many people head indoors during winter, it is important to continue outdoor activities to expose yourself to daylight, and to take part in activities that support inner balance. Physical and mental stress, as well as poor sleep and nutrition, further deplete the body's energy and leave you susceptible to illness. You should rest and conserve energy, but also spend time with friends and loved ones, cultivate your inner dialogue and eat a well balanced diet. Eating less fruits, increasing whole grain intake and plenty of warming foods such as soup, is a great way to nourish the Kidney system.

Oriental medicine can restore the balance our bodies seek during seasonal transitions. While the tendency is to look inward or become preoccupied with one area of our health, such as maintaining energy and keeping warm, it is important to remember that balance in everything from your diet to your living environment is essential in sustaining a positive outlook and a healthy mood.

By Jeff Denny

Millions of people in the United States and around the world endure daily pains and discomforts due to back injury, strain, or disorder. Back pain has become more commonplace among those who primarily spend their working days in a seated or sedentary posture and with others who perform repetitive duties throughout the day. The demands of jobs may have changed considerably in the past two hundred years but the worker remains relatively the same. The ancient wisdom of Oriental medicine and Chinese herb therapy maintains its practicality and effectiveness for regaining the spine's strength, stability, and flexibility.

There is the temptation among those afflicted to assume their circumstances are inevitable and unavoidable. Dulling the pain enough to continue with life becomes the foremost concern for many, yet these remedies do little to get to the root of the problem. Thousands are turning to physical adjustments from a Chiropractor to help with back pain. Manual manipulation is scientifically proven to help with spinal alignment and alleviate symptoms of sciatica, herniated disc, and other spinal conditions. However, without supplemental help to achieve balance in the human organ, hormone, and nervous system the pains will return.

The Chinese were not unique in using herbs, roots, and plants to assist in overcoming physical ailments. The American Indians, Greeks, and Middle Eastern cultures also relied heavily on natural remedies. In modern day India, much like Oriental medicine in China or Japan, the practice of Ayurvedic Medicine and herb therapy prevails over Western medicine. What makes Chinese herb therapy special is the advances made in combining herbs available to make a cocktail or tonic specific not to the condition of back pain but specific to the individual or patient. It is in this way that Chinese herb therapy can treat the cause of back pain and not just the symptoms.

Back pain can be acute (disappearing on its own within three months), recurring (reappearing every three or four months), or chronic (always a factor). The leading cause of back pain today is muscle strain from bending or twisting, poor posture, and seated working conditions. The pain can sometimes be immediate as with injuries due to car accidents but typically it develops over a long period of time. Frequently the pain can be attributed to Nerve Impingement Syndrome (a pinched nerve in the spinal column) or a deteriorating condition of the vertebrae. Besides the pain itself tension, spasm, insomnia, and depression may follow. A good herb treatment will address all of these in relation to the patient's viscera and internal milieu.

Many herbs use the same biochemical pathways as other pain relievers. In the short run they are typically not as invasive but they have myriad positive effects. The antispasmodic and circulation inducing qualities make up for pain suppression. Because Chinese medicine views the body as fully integrated, rather than a series of isolated systems that make up a whole, back pain is not only attributed to breakdown of muscles, bones, and tissue but also to improper organ function and flow of Chi and bodily fluids. If a patient approaches a Chinese Herbalist with back pains to sprain, strain, or injury as with work and sports the Herbalist may offer herbs to relieve blood stasis, dispel acid buildup, and facilitate the natural recovery process. In this way the spot of acute injury can receive the nutrients it needs to heal more rapidly. If a patient complains that cold weather makes their back stiff the Herbalist may give a mixture of herbs to dispel cold or dry up damp from the meridians brought on by external influence. In another instance where an individual complains of lower back pain the Chinese Herbalist may attribute this to a depletion of Kidney Chi or a urinary tract disorder and offer herbs to strengthen or remove damp heat. In TCM and herbal therapy incidences of back pain are hardly considered to be isolated events. Everything is a factor. The goal of Chinese herb therapy is to regain balance in all ways physical, chemical, and energetic.

Herbs are administered in a variety of combinations and ways. Today many roots and plants come in capsulated form and can be simply swallowed with water, thereby avoiding sometimes less than desirable or bitter tastes. Many naturopathic pharmacies make these herbs readily available; however, one should consult a trained herbalist to learn of contraindications when taking herbs for back pain and to receive the correct combination to suit there specific needs.

By Alex A. Kecskes

Many dieters suffer from the weight loss/weight gain roller coaster because the very act of dieting conflicts with what their body needs and wants. They often drastically alter their eating habits without looking into the real problems of what they eat and how often they eat. What's the answer? Is there a method, solution, or technique that can help reduce weight and improve your overall well being? There is. And it goes by the name of qigong. In fact, qigong was recently discussed at length on the Oprah Winfrey show and touted as the "Best Longevity Exercise."

by Steve Goodman

The very essence of traditional Chinese medicine is qi. Loosely translated, 'qi' means "vital energy". But it is far more than that. In the TCM tradition, qi is thought of as the essence that animates all things. In the human body, qi flows through meridians, or energy pathways. It is over this network that qi travels through the body and that the body's various organs send messages to one another.¹ It is by properly stimulating these meridians through the TCM practices of acupuncture, qi gong, and herbal medications, that the TCM practitioner increases qi flow. Through proper training, people can develop a sensitivity to feel the flow of qi, and find other methods to raise, restore, or enhance the flow of qi.

by Alex A. Kecskes

American women are four to six times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer. While women often encounter heart problems later in life than men-typically seven or eight years later-once they reach 65, they seem to catch up, making heart disease the leading cause of death among women over 65.

Even more alarming is this: Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men; worse still, women are at much greater risk of suffering a second heart attack. Some experts believe that women just don't seek or receive treatment as soon as men. Others think the failure to survive is due a woman's smaller heart and blood vessels, which are more easily damaged. But take heart. There are a number of natural pro-active steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Doctor Kam S. Woo, a professor and consultant cardiologist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that villagers in Pan Yu, a town in Guangdong Province in southern China had one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world. He concludes this may be due in part to the traditional Chinese diet of vegetables, rice, and green tea. He believes people should eat more fruits and vegetables, emphasize plant proteins and eat less dairy products and meat. He also suggests adopting a Chinese way of cooking, which includes steaming instead of deep-frying foods in oil.

Avoid the saturated fats found in meats and coconut oil. Check food labels for fat calories. Follow heart-healthy recipes, and don't be shy about asking for low-fat dishes when eating out. Many restaurants now serve heart-healthy dishes. At the store, look for snack chips without hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Try natural peanut butter instead of the pasty, hydrogenated kind. Replace unhealthy fats with healthy fats like olive, canola, or peanut oil. Use butter very sparingly or use butter flavoring. Finally, for those who've heard that a glass of wine may be beneficial, studies suggest drinking grape juice can have the same effect as consuming wine.

More than half of the heart attacks in women under 50 are related to smoking. Quitting can lower your risk of heart attack by one third in just two years. If you smoke and use birth control pills, you're at even greater risk. There are many products and programs to help you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about the best way to quit smoking. Breathing second hand smoke can also affect your heart and lungs. If you live with a smoker, encourage them to quit.

If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor on ways to control it. Your doctor may recommend regular exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet to help control high blood pressure. Cutting down on salt can also help. As for cholesterol, ask your doctor to check it and, if it's at unhealthy levels, how best to manage it.

Many women go from bed to car to computer desk, and then back to car to couch and to bed-with very little exercise in between. Keep in mind, like any other muscle in your body, your heart needs regular exercise to work properly. So do your heart a favor and do some brisk walking, swimming, jogging, or biking. With today's over abundance of fitness equipment and programs, you have no excuse. If you find exercise boring, find an exercise partner. Jog with them or take your dog for a walk. Try to exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If you're overweight, be sure to talk to your doctor about a safe and effective way to lose weight.

By Kathleen Rushall

Skin is the body's largest organ. It is also the most visible and vulnerable organ. Skin conditions are very common and the discomfort of conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin is often followed by distress over their appearance. While acne is most common in adolescents, and eczema is becoming increasingly common in children, each of these conditions affects people of all ages. Eczema is the appearance of dry, scaly, red patches of skin. Rosacea is the term used to describe an uneven and often permanent blush across a person's forehead, cheeks, and chin, which is often accompanied by small bumps and visible blood vessels. Psoriasis can spread across the body, but is most commonly found on the elbows and knees. It is the result of excess skin production that forms red or whitish scaly patches that can be itchy and painful.

By Andy Rosenfarb, C.A., National Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

Over the last 10 years, in my practice I have specialized in TCM Ophthalmology. I have made quite a few significant clinical observations through diagnostic testing, treatment, and direct feedback from my patients. In my clinical practice I incorporate TCM with nutrition and "functional medicine." Functional medicine uses methods to measure how weak (yin) or stressed (yang) the body's organs, glands, and systems may be. Among these include blood sugar, adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, oxidation, hydration, ATP-energy production, etc. Both TCM and functional medicine look to uncover patterns of disharmony. The idea is to relate the patient's symptoms (glaucoma in this case), to the underlying disease pattern.

The American Hospital Association conducted a survey in 2006 that revealed that more than one out of every four hospitals in the U.S. now offer some “alternative” therapies, including acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and massage therapy, among other types of non-Western treatment. According to the survey, which is conducted every year by the AHA, the percentage of hospitals offering “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) therapies grew from 8 percent in 1998 to 27 percent in 2005.

More Americans are finding relief through alternative forms of health care.  Hospitals have increasingly expanded programs in order to attract this patient base as well as to optimize care options.  CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) inpatient programs nearly doubled between 1998 and 2001, as attitudes and perceptions toward alternative medicine change.  The Journal of the American Medical Association states that 42 percent of U.S. adults receive at least one of sixteen alternative therapies surveyed.

As the quest for the elusive fountain of youth continues, it is good to know that there are some herbs and remedies that are quite remarkable in supporting a long and vigorous life.  Using herbs can help to sustain a long life as well as aid in keeping one healthy. There are some herbs that are beneficial in our search for longevity.

Gynostemma has a reputation as an anti-aging herb that has a long reign as the leading herb on herb charts across Asia. Often called the ‘miracle herb’, gynostemma is adaptogenic. Adaptogenic plants have an almost miraculous quality of being able to balance situations in the body. If the central nervous system is stressed and over stimulated, gynostemma will have a calming effect. If a person is in a depressed state, it will work as a stimulant. It is an anti-inflammatory and immune system booster. It protects the liver, lowers fat in the blood and helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. Bodybuilders are enjoying the benefits of gynostemma, saying that they are able to workout longer with less fatigue.

In Rosemary Gladstar’s book, Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbs for Longevity and Well-Being, she lists ginkgo biloba as her number one choice for longevity. Geologists tell us that the ginkgo tree has been growing on our planet for about 150 million years. Brought over to Europe in the 1700’s by Chinese monks, there have been over 300 studies showing that ginkgo prevents many health problems from developing. You may have heard of the amazing memory enhancing and brain-aiding properties of the gingko leaf. It also helps to increase the strength of arterial walls and prevents blood clots. A common complaint of aging is dizziness. By increasing blood flow to the brain, ginkgo is a great remedy for vertigo. People have noticed changes in their vitality and brain function, with consistent use.