Many Americans are putting down the double-espresso mocha latte and exploring the extraordinary world of tea. Asian cultures realized its value centuries ago, and U.S. consumers are now finally catching on. Tea is being rediscovered as the miracle drink that others have revered for years.
As the healthiest beverage in the world after water, tea offers numerous benefits that can significantly contribute to a change in your lifestyle and consciousness, resulting in a healthier way of life. This affects the way you eat and the foods you consume. People who drink four to six cups of tea a day are unlikely to continue consuming foods high in fat and calories.

How does drinking tea, especially green tea, contribute to a change in lifestyle, awareness and diet? There is nothing you have to do or think about. Within 30 days or so of starting a green tea regimen of four to six cups a day, you’ll start to experience a change in attitude and behavior, based on the empowering belief that you’re the source of all your own answers.

Women of all ages and backgrounds can be affected by the condition of endometriosis. In fact, an estimated five to seven million American women currently suffer from this condition, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Endometriosis is derived from the word “endometrium,” which is the lining of a woman’s uterus. In this condition, organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments surrounding the uterus, and possibly the lungs, head, and other locations, are lined with the endometrium as well as the uterus. However, unlike the uterus, these linings are not expelled from the body during menstruation, but rather linger and are slowly absorbed into the body. This can cause symptoms ranging from pain during intercourse, before menstruation, low back pain, nausea, fatigue, and even infertility.

The Western diagnosis and treatment for this condition are both invasive. A laparoscopy is performed to diagnose the condition; this is when a lighted optical tube is inserted through a small incision in the navel. Western treatments for endometriosis include surgery and drug therapy. The causes of endometriosis are still unclear, although many theories have been made with attention to stress, genetic predispositions, and exposure to heat or cold during menstruation.

Traditional Chinese medicine has become increasingly popular in America. Where it may have once been viewed as a trend, or a high class, little-known treatment, it is now wide-spread and available to the masses. From the cities to suburbia, treatments like acupuncture, herbal therapy, yoga, qi gong, and tai ji are popular, accessible and accepted by modern day Americans. Part of the success in this field is the abundance of convenient and safe private practices. Thousands of people a year decide to begin their education in Oriental medicine in the hopes of becoming a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist, with the ambition of opening their own local private practice.

The process of diagnosis in acupuncture is a very personal experience. There is an extensive interview between the acupuncturist and patient in which the tongue and pulse are examined and many specific questions are asked. Acupuncture treatment is completely individualized for each patient – it is contingent on their specific histories and preferences. Many patients of acupuncture get the treatment on a regular basis, and thus, are very familiar with their specific acupuncturist. This comfort level between practitioner and patient is one of the appeals of small private practices, for both parties. The convenient location and small, cozy feel of private practices attract many first time experimenters of acupuncture, as well as keep many veterans returning. Most students of Oriental medicine confess to wanting to begin their own private practice in which to create a harmonic environment of their own for future patients.

By Kathleen Rushall

The well-known news network, CNN (Cable News Network), has recently been crediting Oriental medicine with success in pain relief. Traditional Chinese medicine has become increasingly accepted as a common course of treatment in the United States, and this integration is apparent in the increase of articles on the topic in major news networks, CNN being one of them.

In China, the pomegranate fruit symbolized longevity. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers. Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. According to results published in the August 2006 issue of Atherosclerosis, subjects who drank 180 ml (6 oz.) of pomegranate juice per day for three months experienced a reduced risk for atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to arterial wall thickening and hardening.

Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest studies have shown that the juice limits the genetic tendency of the hardening of the arteries.
"We have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy. He also stated that, "The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed,” making pomegranate juice appear to have even more value than was previously realized.

By Michelle Fletcher

For centuries, herbs and spices have been used in food and as medicine. Ranging from mint tea to common ingredients in pharmaceutical drugs, herbs play an important part of our everyday life.

By: - Patrick Paine, L.Ac.

The simple fact that plants are a major source of many drugs is not a surprise to most. Penicillin comes from mold, coumadin from sweet clover and aspirin from the bark of the white willow. Many of the most effective cancer drugs are also plant derived such as Vincristine (from periwinkle), Etoposide (from mayapple) and Taxol (from the pacific yew tree).

Insomnia is more than tossing and turning. It’s more serious than an inability to fall asleep early and has more debilitating effects than are commonly recognized. An estimated 32 million people – about one in eight – suffer from insomnia in the U.S.  Oriental medicine, with its focus on healing whole syndromes rather than individual symptoms, has shown great success treating those who experience insomnia.

Insomnia may present itself in different ways. For some, the inability to fall asleep is the most noticeable symptom while others are unable to reach a deep level of sleep and are startled awake by every noise. These symptoms would frustrate any sleeper, but night after night for months or years the most serious issues of insomnia accumulate – the daytime effects. These can include physical tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling depressed, irritable or lethargic. Oriental medicine is a great treatment option – it focuses on patients’ individual symptoms and builds a whole-healing plan from these.  And it has been widely successful in treating depression, stress and physical pain.

Insomnia may have a number of causes, including stress, depression or anxiety; irregular work schedules; medications, drug or alcohol abuse; major life changes; chronic pain, hyperthyroidism or arthritis. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have high success rates with each of these causes and can therefore treat insomnia at its root.

By Kathleen Rushall

While mental health is often considered a separate issue from one’s physical well-being, the two have always been linked in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM, emotions and thoughts are considered to have a direct impact on the physical health of a person, and furthermore, mental and physical health are equally valued.  Because of the importance placed on the mind in traditional Chinese medicine, there are many methods available within the profession that are geared toward the renewal, healing, and upkeep of mental wellness.

Over 28 million Americans take antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents, and depression is considered among the most common of behavioral disorders. While there are a myriad of prescription drugs and therapists available for disorders such as depression, there are also some interesting Oriental methods available for this affliction. Peace-providing physical exercises such as Tai Ji and Qi Gong have been known to help align the energetic forces of the body and soothe anxiety. Massage therapy is a well-known stress reliever, and consistent breathing and meditation exercises can have long-term effects on high-strung individuals.

The Chinese king Tang Xuan Zong of the Zang dynasty asked a monk who was more than 130 years old, "How could you live so long? Did you take any medicine for that?" The monk answered, "Drank tea daily, no thing else." Thus goes the legend.

China is the largest producer of Green tea, while Japan and Korea also contribute considerably. Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea, Camellia sinensis. What makes it different though is the manner in which the plant is processed. It is the least processed of the commercial teas. The leaves are picked and then immediately 'fired' -- a tea processing term, which means the leaves are either steamed or heated. The leaves are then dried. This process also helps retain the antioxidants that retard the aging process in human beings.