Acupuncture Point Zusanli (ST 36) Used to Treat Asthma

OBJECTIVE:
To observed efficacy differences of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) in rats with Asthma and asthma with spleen-deficency, so as to investigate the therapeutic mechanism.

METHODS:
Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their weight, named as an asthma with spleen-deficency group (group A), an acupuncture on asthma with spleen-deficency group (group B), an asthma group (group C), an acupuncture on asthma group (group D) and a control group. The rat models with spleen-deficiency in the first two groups were set up by TCM, then the rats of asthma model in the first four groups were induced by egg albumin, but the control group was treated by the same dose of saline. The group B and the group D were both treated with acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36), once each day for 8 days, and the other groups remained unhandled. The mRNA expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 in the lung tissues were detected by hybridization in situ and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL (terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dutp nick end labeling).

RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, in both the group A and the group C, the expression of Fas mRNA significantly decreased, but the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA significantly increased (all P < 0.01), and eosinophils (EOS) counts significantly increased, but EOS apoptosis rate significantly decreased (all P < 0.01). Compared with the group C, in the group A, the expressions of Fas mRNA significantly decreased, but the expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and EOS counts significantly increased (all P < 0.01). At the same time, compared with the corresponding asthma groups, in both acupuncture groups, Fas mRNA expression obviously increased, Bcl-2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced (all P < 0.01), EOS counts remarkably decreased and EOS apoptosis rate significantly increased (all P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the expressions of Fas mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA between the two acupuncture groups (both P > 0.05), but compared with group B,in the group D, EOS counts significantly decreased and EOS apoptosis rate significantly increased (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:
Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) can regulate the disorders of Fas mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in the state of both asthma and asthma with spleen-deficency, promote EOS apoptosis so as to inhibit the development of inflammatory reaction of asthma, showing that acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) has certain advantages on regulation of related gene of EOS in asthma with spleen-deficency.

Acupuncture for Patients with Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat, or inflammation of the pharynx. Although there are a host of reasons why people experience pharyngitis, ranging from smoking to mouth breathing to allergies, the two most common causes of pharyngitis are viruses and bacteria. Once school resumes in the fall, it is a prime time for germs to spread. Increased exposure extends beyond the classroom as students flock to football games, dances and parties – often resulting in a rise of confirmed cases of the common cold, tonsillitis, strep throat and mononucleosis (mono).

Of course, many adults contract these ailments as well, but mononucleosis most often occurs in teenagers between the ages of 15–17. Since teens of this age are frequently dating, mono also goes by the nickname "the kissing disease" because it is transmitted through saliva and mucus. The reality, however, is that mono and the other contributors to pharyngitis are caused not only by transmitting saliva through kissing, but also by such innocuous methods as sharing a straw or simply being in close proximity when someone coughs or sneezes.

The most difficult aspect is that many people carry the virus and bacteria without presenting any symptoms, meaning carriers are unaware of the threat they pose and others don’t know they should avoid close contact with an unknowing carrier. The problem is compounded by the fact that mono has an extensive incubation period of 30-50 days. That means that symptoms you are just beginning to notice could be the result of sharing an elevator ride with someone who was a carrier over a month ago.

Because it is almost impossible to completely avoid these germs, you will most likely experience a sore throat at least once in your lifetime. And when that happens, you will want relief fast. What should you do?

The Solution: It should first be stated that anyone experiencing high fevers, problems swallowing, or symptoms persisting for several days should absolutely be seen by their physician. However, most people experiencing a stand-alone dry, scratchy and/or sore throat tend to purchase over-the-counter medications and tough it out. What they may not know is that acupuncture therapy, combined with plenty of rest and fluids, is a simple and speedy alternative.

A study of 74 patients in 2012 found that balance acupuncture significantly reduced sore throat pain within one minute of treatment. How can that happen? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes that energy flows through a number of pathways (meridians) to each organ of your body. When those pathways are disrupted, illness or pain ensues.

The key to restoring the pathways is to address corresponding meridian points; each point serves a different function. Thus, when someone experiences a sore throat, a licensed acupuncturist will typically combine multiple meridian points to remove heat (inflammation), increase moisture (resolving the dry, scratchy feeling), transport phlegm (silencing the often associated cough), and boost the overall immune system.

Even though people experience common symptoms, the cause of the pharyngitis can be different for each individual, as has already been discussed. An acupuncturist will therefore spend some time talking to you before the treatment to gain a better understanding of your personal situation in order to identify patterns which indicate which meridian points to address. Thus, two patients both being treated for a sore throat may receive different acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture is an excellent addition to Sinusitis

The Sinuses are air filled cavities that function to warm and humidified inhaled air, increase the resonance of the voice, act as a buffer for trauma and they lower the weight of the skull. Inflammation of the sinus cavities can be caused by allergies, chemical irritants or over use of over the counter nasal sprays, or the common cold.  Viruses or bacteria may cause sinus infections.

Sinusitis Symptoms
nasal congestion
sinus headaches
sinus pressure
sinus pain
difficulty breathing through the nose

Treatment of Sinusitis
Treatment of acute sinusitis involves over the counter decongestants (Sudafed type meds) and the use of vaporizers to inhale steam.  Decongestants will relieve congestion, but they can also dry you out too much, which could lead to more pain.

Chronic sinusitis is treated through more frequent use of vaporizers/humidifiers, and neti pots with saline rinses.  In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.  It’s important to treat sinus infections as they can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

If the cause of your chronic sinusitis is allergies, you may be given oral steroids or antihistamines.
Many of the current treatment methods mainly offer symptomatic relief.

Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can treat all forms of sinusitis: acute, chronic, allergic, or infectious. Acupuncture treats the current congestion while strengthening your immune system to help make you less reactive in the future.

Acupuncture treatments can be so effective that you may notice your congestion lessening during your treatment.   Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the body, which means it helps to reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities and decrease pain levels.  Acupuncture also helps with the movement of fluids in the body, and can assist in the breakdown of congested mucous.

Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent addition to your treatment regimen for sinus congestion and infections.   There are many Chinese herbs with anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties, allowing for the treatment of both causes of infection (bacteria or virus).  If needed, an individualized formula will be made for your specific needs.

Cloves is frequently used for ED(erectile dysfunction)

Also known as FLOS CARYOPHYLLI and Syringa oblata in Latin, it means the dried buds of Eugenia caryophllata Thunb., a tree in the family Myrtaceae. This plant is native to Tanzania, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In China, it is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hainan and other places. Medicinally it is usually harvested from September to the following March when clove bud turns from green to red.

Clove plant is evergreen tree and up to 10 meters. Leaves are opposite and with slender petiole and oblong obovate or elliptic leaf blade. It blooms during autumn. Flowers have strong aroma. The inflorescence is acrogenous thyrses, with about 6mm flower diameter. Berries are red-brown, slightly shiny, rectangular oval, 1 to 2.5cm long, 5 to 12mm in diameter, with fragrant hypertrophy persistent calyx lobes at apex. And there are a few rectangular clove seeds.

Buds contain volatile oil, namely oil of clove. Clove bud oil mainly contains eugenol, acetyl eugenol, B-caryophyllene, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl salicylate, humulene, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, m-Anisaldehyde, benzyl acetate, Chavicol, a-ylangene, and so on. Normally eugenol accounts for 64 to 85% in oil of cloves. However, some wild species contain no eugenol but Eugenone and Eugenin. Flower bud also contains triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid, flavonoids, Rham-netin, kaempferol, Eugenin, Eugenitin, Isoeugenitin, and Isoeugenol.

BENEFITS OF CLOVES 
As explained above, the clove oil benefits are really astounding. You know, clove essential oil is regarded as the top ten essential oils with special attributes. In addition to its culinary and medicinal value, it is also a famous ornamental plant for garden thanks to its unique aroma, huge lush inflorescence, elegant and harmonic color, and plump and beautiful gesture. Nevertheless, cloves'health benefits are the focal point here. As a matter of fact, cloves have long been used in the treatment of burns and toothache.

MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS 
1. Oral administration of this herb can promote the secretion of gastric juice, enhance digestion, relieve nausea and vomiting, reduce abdominal bloating. These evidences showed that it is an aromatic stomachic;
2. Its water extract and ether extract have analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects;
3. Eugenol has anticonvulsant effect;
4. Its decoction inhibits staphylococcus, streptococcus and diphtheria, proteusbacillus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, escherichia coli, shigella dysenteriae, typhoid bacillus, and so on. And it also has a better acaricidal effect;
5. It also has antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-diarrhea, choleretic and anti-hypoxia effects.

PROVEN CLOVES RELATED HERBAL FORMULAS
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbalists believe that it is acrid in taste and warm in properties. It covers 4 meridians, such as spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney. Its major functions are warming middle energizer to descend adverse-rising and reinforcing kidney to strengthen yang. Chief cloves uses and indications are deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach, hiccups and vomiting, reduced appetite due to vomiting and Diarrhea, crymodynia in heart and abdomen, ED(Erectile Dysfunction) due to kidney deficiency, and so on. Recommended dosage is from 1 to 3 grams in decoction.

1) Ren Shen Ding Xiang San
This formula comes from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulas of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). It is primarily formulated for adult or infantile unceasing vomiting that leads to throw up anything swallowed, including the decoction. Other main herbal ingredients include Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), and so on.

2) Ding Xiang Jian Wan
This prescription comes from Pu Ji Fang (Prescriptions of Universal Relief). It is basically designed for discomfort in chest and diaphragm. Other major herbs include Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Huo Xiang (Patchouli), Sha Ren (Cardamon), and more.

3) Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
This formula is from Zheng Yin Mai Zhi (Pulses, Causes, Patterns, and Treatments). It is exclusively used for deficiency-cold vomiting. The rest key herbs are Shi Di (Persimmon Calyx), Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), and so on.

Chinese Herbal Prescription for Treating Lung Abscess

Lung abscess is a disease due to the attack of virulent wind-heat on the lungs, which results in the accumulation of heat and blood stasis and the formation of abscesses; the disease is characterized by fever, chest pain and cough with discharge of foul or even purulent and bloody sputum. The malady appears with a sudden onset of chilliness, rigor, remittent fever as high as 39-40 C, chest pain and cough. The sputum is small in amount and frothy in the beginning, and late it increases in amount and becomes mucous and purulent. As the abscess is formed, large amounts of foul purulent or bloody sputum are discharged, which may form an upper frothy layer, a middle layer of thin mucus and a thick purulent layer at the bottom after settling down for several hours.
Etiology and Pathogenesis

Virulent wind-heat attacks the lungs, which are already affected by endogenous heat. Both exogenous and endogenous evils act on the lungs and render them incapable of keep qi pure and descendant; in turn, heat accumulates and blood stagnates, and lung abscess ensues.

Syndrome Differentiation and Therapeutic Principles
A. Syndrome differentiation
(a) Differentiation between lung abscess and wind-warm syndrome: A case of wind-warm syndrome may develop into lung abscess in cases of erroneous treatment. Although the wind-warm syndrome also presents such symptoms as fever, cough, restlessness, thirst, chest pain and dyspnea, it can be distinguished from lung abscess by the absence of high fever, chills and discharge of profuse, foul and purulent sputum.

(b) Differentiation between lung abscess and pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome: Lung abscess usually manifests itself as a sthenia-syndrome with a sudden onset and a short duration. Pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome is a disorder which involves atrophy of the lung lobe due to exhaustion of qi and yin and damage as asthenic heat, or asthenia-cold of lung-qi which is characterized by an insidious onset and a prolonged duration and manifests itself as an asthenia-syndrome. However, a longstanding case of lung abscess, when its treatment is delayed or erroneous, may develop into pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome because of consumption of lung-yin by phlegm-heat.

(c) Identification of the stages of the disorder: Lung abscess may be grouped under various stages according to its progress, i.e., the early stage (with superficies-syndrome), the stage of abscess formation, the stage of abscess rupture and the convalescence stage.

B. Therapeutic principles
Expelling evil is the major therapeutic principle for lung abscess, including clearing away heat and toxic materials, eliminating blood stasis and draining off pus. Before the formation of abscess, the therapy of clearing the lungs and dissipating suppuration should be adopted, and in cases where abscess has occurred, draining off pus and clearing away toxic materials is the therapy recommended. When superficies-syndrome marked by fever and chilliness exists, drugs with the actions of clearing away heat and expelling superficial evils should be added. In the convalescence period, the therapy of expelling residual heat and tonifying yin and qi ought to be employed. for chronic cases with deficiency of healthy qi and retention of evils, the therapy of supporting healthy qi and expelling evils should be applied.

Prescription:
Flos Lonicerae (Jinyinhua)  10 g
Fructus Forsythiae (Lianqiao)  15 g
Herba Schizonepetae (Jingjie)  10 g
Herba Menthae (Bohe)  5 g
Rhizoma Phragmitis (Lugen)  30 g
Radix Platycodi (Jiegeng) 10 g
Prunus armeniaca (Kuxingren)  10 g
Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin)  10 g
Herba Houttuyniae (Yuxingcao)  30 g

Chronic rhinosinusitis treated successfully with acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment developed by traditional Chinese medical practitioners to treat a wide range of health problems. Once only used in Eastern cultures, it has gradually gained respect and acceptance by medical professionals in the West. Acupuncture is now commonly used to treat everything from pain to nausea following surgery. Lesser-known uses, such as the treatment of allergies, are also gaining traction.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice, possibly dating to prehistory in what is now China. It is based on the belief that life energy, called qi (pronounced "chee"), flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians. By inserting thin needles at specific points, called "acupuncture points," skilled practitioners seek to restore the flow of energy to eliminate pain and disease.

Acupuncture and Allergies
What about acupuncture for the treatment of allergies? Preliminary research indicates that acupuncture may actually help allergy symptoms. A recent study conducted in South Korea examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the moist tissues of the nasal passages and sinuses, which lasts for three months or more. It is associated with perennial allergies, and can sometimes be complicated by allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," which is generally associated with seasonal inhalant allergies, triggered by exposure to allergens such as grass or tree pollens.

A study used patients suffering from both of these conditions. For five weeks, subjects submitted to two 20-minute acupuncture treatments, administered by experienced traditional medical doctors with at least seven years of acupuncture experience. Patients’ symptoms and quality-of-life scores were assessed at the beginning of the trial, at its end, and again eight weeks after the beginning of the trial.

Patients experienced statistically significant reductions in symptoms at five and eight weeks after the beginning of the trial. This study didn’t use controls, and the number of subjects, at 19, was small, but the investigators concluded that acupuncture was "clinically effective". They also noted that additional larger, controlled trials are warranted. Fortunately, German researchers have taken up the challenge.

Using Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure

A German study published in the June 2007 issue of Circulation found that acupuncture significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The extent of the blood pressure reductions by acupuncture treatments was comparable to those seen with antihypertensive medication or aggressive lifestyle changes, including radical salt restrictions.

For the study, 160 outpatients with uncomplicated, mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to six weeks of acupuncture performed by Chinese medicine practitioners or to a sham procedure. Patients underwent 22 sessions, each 30 minutes in length. By the end of the six weeks, 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced from baseline in the acupuncture-treated patients (5.4 mm Hg and 3.0 mm Hg, respectively). No significant changes were seen in the sham acupuncture group.

After six months the blood-pressure reductions disappeared, leading investigators to conclude that ongoing acupuncture treatments would be required to maintain the blood-pressure reductions.

Alternative Approach to For Nocturnal Emission

Nightfall, else known as nocturnal emission is a common condition reported among young men. It is a condition characterized by uncontrolled ejaculation of semen during sleeping hours at night. As per studies, weakening of parasympathetic nervous system is found to be as the major cause of problem. Persisting condition of nightfall and nocturnal emission can give rise to several health problems in future life. Lifestyle of person plays a great role in forming Nocturnal Emission.

Erotic dreams occurring during rapid eye movement of sleep, accumulation of seminal fluid in body above holding capacity and stimulation from blankets are some among the major causes for the formation of nightfall condition in men. If not cured in early stages, chronic nightfall condition can lead way to several health problems like erectile dysfunction, misty vision, severe back pain and fatigue. Herbal medicine for nightfall is found to be very beneficial in treatment purpose. Following are some among the best recommended herbal remedies for curing nightfall condition in men.

Mixture of foliage juice and honey is an effective herbal remedy for nightfall problems. Intake of foliage juice before bed time consistently for two to three months time period reduces the risk of reproductive disorders like impotence, semen leakage after urination and oligospermia. Apart from curing nightfall troubles, regular intake of foliage juice and honey also helps in improving the over all well being of person. Increasing immune strength of person, improving oxygen consumption of cells and enhancing energy are other health benefits of using foliage juice and honey.

Sage tea is found to be as a safe herbal remedy for curing nightfall or nocturnal emission problems. It acts as a natural health tonic for rejuvenating body cells. You can easily make this preparation by adding dried herb in boiling water. Multiple health benefits delivered by sage tea increases the energy level of person and prevent the risk of fatigue problems due to nightfall. Other advantages of drinking sage tea include purifying blood, relieving nervous disorders, preventing excessive perspiration and curing kidney troubles.

Acupuncture Approaches to menopause or andropause

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine offers help to women and men who continue to have health issues directly related to the changes they experienced during their menopause or andropause.

For women, this life transition occurs in a relatively quick frame of time, as opposed to the slower, less obvious mid-life process that men experience. A woman is technically in menopause if there has been no bleeding or spotting for one year after her last menstrual period. Her production of the hormone estrogen drops significantly at this time.

A man, on the other hand, starts a slow decline of testosterone production in his 20s or 30s. This may seem surprisingly early, but this early phase of declining testosterone is unlikely to cause any noticeable symptoms. Once symptoms do appear, a test from your physician can help determine when testosterone sinks to abnormally low levels.

Although the hormones affected by the mid-life transition are different in the male and female body, some common symptoms that stem from "the change" may continue long after menopause or andropause. Shared Symptoms that may continue after mid-life changes for men and women include:
osteoporosis
heart disease
fatigue
depression
night sweats
weight gain 
loss of libido
Insomnia

Support your Kidney Qi as You Get Older
An acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioner may associate one or more of these symptoms with the kidneys. The kidneys provide the foundation for the energy and vitality of the entire body. Other important functions reliant on this organ include brain marrow production, maintenance of the skeletal system (including the teeth), fertility, and the ability to conquer fear through willpower. While other organs may play a role in the presentation of symptoms, your practitioner will most likely choose acupuncture points to reinforce and nurture your Kidney Qi.

Healthy Kidney Qi is vital at all stages of life and, the older one gets, the more important it is to support it. According to acupuncture and Oriental medicine, the kidney is likened to an ocean and, like all water on earth, streams and rivers eventually drain into the ocean. This means the kidney is the ultimate filter for clearing toxins and hazardous substances from the body. Strong emotions contribute to the toxins which may plague the kidneys.

How Acupuncture Can Help to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

While the occasional struggle for an erection is not necessarily cause for concern, a persistent inability for a man to get and maintain an erection hard enough to engage in sexual intercourse, may be a symptom of a medical condition called erectile dysfunction (ED). Another term for this is impotence. It is important to keep in mind that symptoms of ED do not automatically indicate a long-term problem is at hand.

The three telltale symptoms of ED are:
Difficulty getting an erection
Trouble maintaining an erection firm enough and long enough for sex
Little to no desire for sex
For the vast majority of men over 50 years old, it is common to experience one or more of these symptoms. Still, there may also be problems with premature or delayed ejaculation.

Male dysfunction can occur for a variety of reasons. Most causes are physical, but some are psychological and involve stress, depression, anxiety, being unsatisfied with one's sex life, or the mental and emotional reverberations of not being able to impregnate a partner. Sometimes it's a combination of both physical and psychological factors. For example, a man experiencing difficulties in getting an erection because of medical reasons may develop low self-esteem or depression as a result of perceiving this as a failure to satisfy not just himself, but his partner as well. So, while the reason for his ED may have started off as physical in nature, his mental and emotional state can make it even harder for him to achieve an erection.

Some physical causes of ED include:
Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Certain pharmaceutical drugs (e.g. anti-depressants and antihistamines)
Certain diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis)
Medical treatments for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
Trauma to the pelvis or spinal cord, including surgeries and accidents
Sleeping problems

And though physical and psychological factors are the biggest contributors to erectile dysfunction, a man's lifestyle choices may also make him susceptible to this condition. They include:
Tobacco and alcohol use
Drug addiction
Being overweight or obese
Excessive bicycle riding (may restrict blood flow to the groin)

Currently, there are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter medications available for treatment. However, they may not be entirely safe and can lead to adverse side effects. If you consult your acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioner as early as possible, you may reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical drugs.

According to the theory of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, many men experience symptoms of ED due to the decline of "Ming men fire." This fire, so to speak, resides in both men and women, and is located between the kidneys. Also known as the Gate of Life and the Gate of Vitality, it provides the essential energy needed to animate our bodies. The nature of this energy is likened to the heat from fire. Without it, the body dies. When it is in decline, symptoms such as tiredness, cold limbs, frequent urination, sore low back or knees and symptoms of ED may ensue.

Your practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental medicine can design an acupuncture treatment to meet your specific needs, depending on your specific signs and symptoms. It may also be necessary to treat any underlying conditions or diseases contributing to symptoms of ED, such as high blood pressure or Diabetes.

Infantile Asthma treated with Moxibustion

Researchers from China’s Southern Medical University and Hospital of Integrated Chinese have determined that moxibustion applied to acupuncture points with or without a new massage apparatus successfully treats asthmatic infants.

The research tested sixty infants with asthma. They were randomly split into two groups of 30 patients each, and given either standard suspended moxibustion to six points or moxibustion with the moxibustion-massage apparatus to the same six points. The treatments were given daily for a period of three months.

After the three months, the moxi-massage apparatus group had a "total effective rate" of 90% (27 out of 30 patients), while the moxibustion-only treatment resulted in a total effective rate of 83%.

The acupoints used by the researchers were Fengmen (BL 12), Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL17), Pishu (BL20), Acupuncture Single Point Juque, and Acupuncture Single Point Zhongwan.

Total effective rate was gauged on whether the treatment resulted in a significant reduction of asthma attacks and asthmatic symptoms.

The researchers concluded that: "It is held that the combination of new moxibustion-massage apparatus and Chinese medicine for infantile asthma in remission stage has obvious therapeutic effect, which can reduce the attack of asthma and alleviate symptoms. The result is better than suspended moxibustion."

The treatment also resulted in no adverse side effects. This is typical for acupuncture and moxibustion. Moxibustion is a process whereby a ‘cigar’ or ‘cone’ of rolled mugwort herb is burnt and after it smolders, it is pressed against the skin at acupuncture meridian points. Burning the skin is prevented by using a variety of protective devices, making it completely safe.

Moxibustion can also be used by heating acupuncture needles with lit mugwort herb before using the needles. Suspended moxibustion does not incorporate the needles. Moxibustion has a great track record of success in Chinese Medicine, and has been the subject of thousands of clinical trials.

Acupuncture Treatment for Frequent Urination, Sexual Function

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been treating problems of urination and sexual dysfunction for over than 2000 years.  Starting in the ancient text called Elementary Questions, TCM has described the diagnosis and treatment many syndromes of incontinence as well a frequent and painful urination.   Obviously there was no surgery for prostate cancer at that time, but the modern practice of Chinese medicine has shown that those same principles of diagnosis and treatment are effective when applied to the symptoms caused by prostate cancer surgery.

TCM, Frequent Urination, and Sexual Function
Traditional Chinese Medicine works by correcting imbalances in the body.  Treating the imbalance does not just treat the symptoms or mask the condition, but rather corrects the root of the problem by encouraging self-healing of the body.  Generally, the root cause of incontinence and sexual function is an imbalance of the kidneys.  Sometimes an imbalance of the spleen or liver is also involved.  Please note that while the organ names and some of the functions are the same in both TCM and Western medicine, a dysfunction of the TCM kidney, spleen, and liver does not mean a disease in the western medicine organ. 

In TCM, the kidneys are responsible for both sexual function and water metabolism.  It is said that the kidney "governs water."   In other words, the kidneys regulate urination.  Just like in western medicine, the kidneys filter out the urine.  But unlike western medicine, kidney qi (or energy) also contributes to the ability to hold urine in the bladder as well as the ability to urinate completely.  The kidney is also the main contributing organ for libido and sexual function.

The functions of the kidney can be described in terms of yin and yang.  The ability for the bladder to sufficiently hold urine is a yin function.  When there is too little kidney yin, the bladder cannot hold urine and may result in stress and urge incontinence.  Stress incontinence occurs when one's bladder leaks while laughing, coughing, or sneezing while urge incontinence is the sudden and urgent need to pass urine.  Other symptoms of kidney yin deficiency are night sweats, red face, thirst, frequent nighttime urination, a rapid pulse, and a red tongue.  

The ability to smoothly urinate is a yang function.  When there is too little kidney yang, the bladder cannot properly control the opening and closing of the urethra, which can lead to inhibited urination.   A problem with kidney yang may lead to overflow incontinence, which is described as difficulty in starting urinating and then there is dribbling after it begins.  Other signs of yang deficiency are a feeling of cold in the body, possible loose stool, fatigue, a slow pulse, and pale tongue.  Impotence and poor libido is also a sign of kidney yang vacuity.  Just as it is common to have many types of incontinence at the same time, it is also common for both kidney yin and yang to simultaneous be damaged. 

The spleen is also an important organ in water metabolism and urination.  If the frequent urination is accompanied by extreme fatigue especially in the morning, loose stools, poor digestion, and a pale swollen tongue, the imbalance may be in the spleen.  If it is worsened by stress or anger, the liver may also be involved.

Another factor post prostate surgery is qi and blood stagnation.  Qi and blood naturally circulate in the body. Injury or trauma can cause them to slow down or stop, what is called stagnation.  This is common following surgery of any kind.  It can also develop from any chronic disease and may naturally occur as one ages. Following prostate surgery, it is often a factor in recovery and should be treated with acupuncture and possibly Chinese herbs.  Signs of blood stagnation can be pain, dark spots on the tongue, or a purplish hue in the tongue color.  The urine may also have blood in it, and it may be difficult to completely void.  Blood stagnation usually does not occur alone, but is combined with kidney or spleen vacuity.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Treatment
The acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment are focused on correcting the root imbalance in the body.  The treatment is usually once or twice a week with acupuncture and a treatment series is usually 10-12 sessions.  The treatment should increase one's ability hold urination, decrease number of times one urinates at night, decrease urinary urgency, and create a smoother urine flow.  In addition, patients can see an improvement in sexual function over the same period of time. 

Acupuncture points such as Ren 4 and 6 on the lower abdomen as well as Bladder 23 and Du 4 on the lower back all tonify the Kidney.  Kidney 7 can be added to tonify the yang, while Kidney 2 will be used if there is more yin deficiency with heat. Other points, such as Ren 3 and Bladder 64 can directly tonify the Bladder and help with incontinence. If the spleen is involved, Spleen 3 and 9 will be helpful.  If the liver is in disharmony, Liver 5, 3, or 2 can help move the qi and open the channels in the genitals. 

Also, many points on the lower back and sacrum help move the Qi and blood, such as Bladder 32 and 33.  Spleen 6 also helps move qi and blood and can be used.  Moxibustion, the warming of acupuncture points with a smoldering herb called ai ye, can be helpful for incontinence and libido.  Warming the lower abdomen and lower back can be very effective for this problem because moxibustion both warms yang while moving Qi and Blood stagnation.

Herbal formulas such as liu wei di huang tang can be used for kidney yin deficiency, while ba wei di huang tang is effective for yang deficiency.  If the root imbalance is in the spleen, wu ling san or bu zhong yi qi tang can be a very effective formula.   For blood stagnation, herbs such as dan shen and wang bu liu xing can be added.  When taking Chinese herbs, it is very important to get diagnosed and treated by a trained practitioner of Chinese medicine.

Emotions and health

In modern medicine more and more attention is now being paid to emotional and psychological causes of diseases. According to researches, from 50% to 80% of diseases occur because of inner emotional instability. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that emotions and physical health are closely connected. Seven natural human emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, pensiveness, grief, fear and fright are understood as inner causes of diseases. Emotional activity is a physiological reaction to the environment, but emotional stress breaks the functions of human organs which lead to diseases. It is normal to feel all of these seven emotions, problems occur when a particular emotion is experienced for a long time what leads to imbalance and the balance in TCM – is a key factor.

1. Joy
This emotion is closely connected with heart. Incredible as it may seem overexcitement is an imbalance in our body, even though all of us want to be happy. People surrounded by parties and fun are more likely to have such health problems as Insomnia, palpitations and feelings of agitation.

2. Anger
Anger in traditional Chinese medicine is understood together with resentment, irritability and frustration. Liver – is the organ that suffers the most, it can lead to Headache, dizziness and other health problems.

3. Anxiety
Common symptom of anxiety is irregular breathing. Lungs are considered to play an important role in immune system, which is extremely important as it provides resistance to viruses.

4. Pensiveness
Thinking too much is not good either. It will cause the appetite loss and pale skin which later will lead to a deficiency of spleen.

5. Grief
The lungs are the organ that suffers the most from this emotion. If the grief remains unresolved, it will become chronic and will create disharmony in lungs which can lead to serious diseases.

6. Fear
Fear is a normal human emotion, but if it is chronic it causes disharmony in the whole human body. Symptoms that point to a kidney energy deficiency syndrome are night sweating, poor memory, premature greying or hair loss and back pain.

6. Fright
Fright especially damages heart and kidneys. It can lead not only to insomnia but to some much more serious health problems.

TCM Practicioners suggest keeping the harmony in your soul and don't let negative emotions influence you. Learn how to live in the harmony with the four seasons. In spring for example try to spend more time outside in the nature, enjoy the twittering of birds and the fragrance of flowers; drink more pure green tea or with chinese hearbs as you probably heard about the vital role of tea in TCM. The more time you spend in the harmony with yourself the healthier you'll be. By taking care of our emotional stability and not letting our emotions be unresolved, we can greatly help our health and avoid imbalance and serious diseases.