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Pacific College Newsletter - November 2004
Welcome to the latest issue of the Pacific College Newsletter! In this issue you will find: • Great American Smokeout 2004 • Beneficial Herbs for Fall Pains • Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the Day Important November Dates to Remember • November 4-7 Pacific Symposium • November 6 Pacific Symposium Open House • November 17 New York Open House • November 18 Great American Smokeout • November 20 Chicago Open House (MTOM)
Great American Smokeout 2004: It's Never Too Late to QuitDid you know if you're a smoker, you could gain almost immediate benefits as soon as you quit, regardless of your age? Within 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse rates drop to normal. Eight hours after quitting, the oxygen level in the blood increases to normal. One day after quitting, the odds of having a heart attack start to drop. Within 48 hours nerve endings start re-growing and the ability to smell and taste is enhanced. Within two weeks, lung function will have increased by up to 30 percent. Two weeks to 3 months after quitting, circulation improves and walking becomes easier. One year, the body's energy level increases and the risk of coronary heart disease will be half that of a smoker. Since 1977, the American Cancer Society and Citizens for a Smokefree America have sponsored the Great American Smokeout TM , an event based on the idea that smokers who can manage to quit for a day can quit for good. In support of this effort, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine community clinics in San Diego , Chicago and New York are offering one free acupuncture treatment to new patients who want to kick the habit throughout the month of November. The Pacific College Clinics utilize auricular (ear) acupuncture, where four to five very small needles are inserted into points corresponding to the lung, kidney and nervous system. It is thought that these needles increase the flow of endorphins, morphine-like hormones that induce a deep state of relaxation. This state is prolonged and leads to a lessening of cravings for nicotine and other drugs. Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the U.S. , says the American Cancer Society, but each year it kills more Americans than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, suicides, murders and fires combined. According to the American Lung Association, smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 440,000 American lives each year. Cigarettes and cigarette smoke contain over 4,000 chemicals, including 60 known to cause cancer. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, heart disease, asthma, and women's reproductive disorders. Millions of Americans will stub out their cigarettes on November 18. For individuals truly motivated to stop smoking, acupuncture can be just the help they need. Join Pacific College and make the Great American Smokeout the first day of your smoke-free life! Antibiotics, Herbs, and Oriental Medicine Concepts of ImmunityBy: Brian Benjamin Carter, MS, LAc Antibiotic overuse (especially for the common cold) has led to antibiotic resistance. Natural antibiotics and anti viral herbs that may boost immune system are discussed, plus the types of cold and flu, and cough and cold in a weak immune system. Most people don't realize that western biomedical understanding didn't include the immune system until very recently. The first vaccine was developed in the late 1800's, and most of the immune system was not understood until the 1960's. Oriental Medicine has been diagnosing and treating immune system diseases with herbs since as early as 150 A.D. when the first systematic book on externally contracted illnesses, the "Cold Damage Classic" was written. Superbacteria Medical professionals are now concerned about antibiotic-resistant 'superbacteria.' These superbacteria have evolved because of inappropriate medical prescriptions. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria, not against viruses. MD's and DO's often prescribed antibiotics to pacify patients who refused to leave the doctor's office without them - even when the doctor knew the antibiotic would not help. The problem is that we are running out of antibiotic drugs; there is a finite number of them. It is thought that, in the future, the more complex treatment agents such as natural herbs may be our only defense. Chinese herbs have successfully treated and caused remission of viral hepatitis and AIDS. In clinical research studies on human beings, at least 15 herbs have been shown to stimulate the immune system and destroy viruses and bacteria (see next table). Chinese herbs appear to have an effect against bacteria and viruses directly, and they stimulate and strengthen the immune system (wei qi) in doing its job of ridding the body of pathogens. 15 Anti-Viral Chinese Herbs Proven Effective in Human Studies
Oriental Medicine Concepts of Immunity Wei qi is the protective qi. This qi is thought to circulate in the more superficial levels (skin and muscles). In biomedical terms, it is probably not the entire immune system, but the part of it that deals with external invasions. Protective qi is controlled by Lung organ-system, and can be compromised by overwork, grief, smoking, not eating, and talking too much. Vulnerability occurs particularly when you are tired, or from excessive environmental influences like cold, heat, dryness, and dampness- each of these is associated with a season when that pathogen is more prevalent.
Entrance of the pathogen The Lung (a system of correspondences including the lung, throat, nose, and skin) is the most exterior and most vulnerable organ. Sweating opens the pores, and 'wind' enters through pores. Wind can be thought of as the pathogen itself, since another quality (cold, damp, or heat, for example) is usually attached to describe the pathogen. Wind-heat, then, is the invasion of the body by a heat pathogen. Types of Colds and Flu in Oriental Medicine
Sweating (or 'exterior-releasing') is a major therapy in OM. The type of invasion may be identified by whether or not the patient is sweating, and whether or not that sweating is leading to improvement in your health Fever is thought to be the 'heat of battle' between pathogenic and righteous qi. In OM , you have a fever if you feel hot, even if your thermometer shows a normal body temperature. Chills are a sign that the pathogen is winning, while fever is a sign that your body is winning. Tiredness, Qi deficiency, & Weakness The fight may take so much of your energy that you can do nothing but lay in bed. You may also lose your appetite, which is a sign of qi deficiency in OM. Some people are more constitutionally weaker from birth, especially those with childhood asthma and allergies. These are often metal or water type people. They need to be especially vigilant in prevention. These OM disease theories are not without controversy; some biomedical research has concluded that cold temperatures, for example, do not contribute to getting sick. However, since biomedicine only became aware of the immune system in the 1960's, and OM has been treating colds and flu's for thousands of years, I would slightly favor the application of OM. It is true that OM 's theories may be inexact at the same time that the treatments is applies according to those theories are effective. In another thousand years, once biomedical researchers and OM practitioners have tested and sifted through OM theories and treatments, we will have a stronger, more accurate, and integrated medical system. Beneficial Herbs For Fall Pains As cooler weather moves in, so can health challenges such as colds, flu and arthritic aches. Use these herbal remedies as a way to keep aches and pains to a minimum. ARNICA Technical Name: (Arnica montana ) a daisy-like mountain flower Used For: Bruises, sprains, soreness and swelling/muscle spasms from sports activity; arthritis set off by seasonal change; general muscle and joint pain. ASTRAGALUSTechnical Name: Astragalus membranaceous, the root of a native Chinese plant Used For: Chronic or recurrent infections (especially respiratory infections); low resistance to disease, colds and flu (both prevention and treatment); physical effects of stress; lack of vitality; debilitation after sickness or surgery, adjunct treatment for cancer. It boosts the immune system and has antiviral activity. Available In: Tincture, capsule and tablets, whole dried slices of root (can be added to soups) CALENDULATechnical Name: Calendula officinalis, petals of the ornamental "pot marigold" flower Used For: Skin irritations, rashes (including diaper rash), eczema, chapped skin or lips, acne, minor burns Available In: Tinctures, oil, lotions, creams Quick Health TipsEating Horseradish Helps Sinuses. Arm yourself with horseradish during cold and flu season - it's a natural way to thin mucus and ease congestion because it liquefies bronchial secretions. You should always grind your own horseradish, since the homemade version is so much better - and has considerably more kick than the prepared stuff you get in jars. Using Garlic Broth Provides Medical Benefits. Garlic is an herb with remarkable medicinal properties and it tastes great, too. It is a cardiovascular tonic, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and inhibiting blood clotting. It's also a powerful germicide and may protect against some carcinogens. The smell of garlic cooking has extremely positive associations - it's comforting and homey. If you eat garlic regularly you won't smell of it. It's better for you in its natural state - raw or lightly cooked - rather than dried as powder or in capsules. Enjoy the smell, taste and healthful effects of the whole, fresh herb. Sip a warm mug of this flavorful broth as is or use it as a base for other soups. Chinese Wisdom: Quote of the DaySeeing it once is better than being told 100 times. Zhou Chongguo, Han Dynasty |
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