Building Protective Qi.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are fifteen types of qi or life energy flowing in the body. The protective qi or wei qi is the body’s most active or most yang qi. It is controlled by the lung and constantly circles the periphery of the body protecting it from viruses, germs and other environmental invaders. From a Western perspective, wei qi is the immune system.
Here are some simple suggestions to support the immune system.
Exercise. Regular exercise helps body metabolism and increases the production of endorphins which improves the immune system and gives a general feeling of well-being.
Diet. Limit the intake of processed foods, avoid eating late, eat whole foods and a simple combination of grains and vegetables.
Environment. Surround yourself with a supportive and healthy environment. This includes an orderly work environment, a pleasant home, positive friends, an ample intake of sunlight and fresh air, and, large quantities of filtered water to flush toxins out of your body.
Positive Attitude. Having a positive attitude is key to maintaining a healthy immune system. Spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, affirmation, visualization help focus the mind and smooth the flow of qi through the body which in turn helps the protective qi of the immune system.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
A Maintenance Manual for Longevity
Unfortunately for us, we do not arrive in this world with a maintenance manual. If we want to achieve as long and healthy a life as possible, we need guidance on basic lifestyle factors such as controlling our emotions, sleep, diet, exercise, and so on.
Chinese medicine has long believed that it is far easier to maintain health than it is to cure disease. An ancient Chinese saying which has become my mantra in practicing Chinese medicine states that “maintaining health is ultimate wisdom; to cure disease is like digging a well when you are thirsty, or forging weapons when the war has begun.”
With that in mind, I encourage patients to do their own self-examination as to how their daily life choices impact their health. As I so often point out to patients, they are only in my clinic for an hour; the choices they make outside of my office have a far greater impact than anything that I can do for them.
Modern research on life choices has gained momentum over the past few years as pharmaceutical remedies have failed to adequately address serious chronic health issues. Western medical journals are now beginning to include clinically based studies on life style choices and how it impacts health.
I believe that health is based on the interaction of mind, body and spirit. How we interact with others, the dialogue that is playing in our mind on a moment-to-moment basis, and our general outlook on life play a far greater role on our physical health that modern science is just now beginning to recognize. There is now ample evidence that avoiding intense negative emotions, calming the mind, laughing, and cultivating generosity contribute to good health and longevity.
Recent studies have shown that happiness and laughter are clearly beneficial to health. Blood flow was significantly increased in research subjects after they watched comedy film clips, but was reduced after watching violent films. Another study of women subjects showed a decrease in stress levels and an increase in immune response after watching a humorous movie. A study of subjects with type 2 diabetes showed an increased ability to process sugar after watching a comedy show. These studies prove that feeling happy has virtually immediate effects on the immune system. They show that within 20 minutes of happy thoughts being experienced, the immune factor found in saliva doubles and remains raised for at least three hours.
By contrast, studies show that anger has the most powerful and harmful impact on the body. Loss of temper can trigger a stroke within two hours. Men with anger prone personalities are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation and have a 20 percent greater risk of dying from any cause than men with a cooler temperament. The ancient Chinese saying that, “Anger speeds up aging, laughter makes you younger” is now scientifically validated.
Although our modern world has indoctrinated us that acquisition offers happiness and fulfillment, satisfaction and a sense of well-being has little to do with our possessions. A survey comparing the Masai tribe in East Africa to 400 of the richest Americans according to the Forbes list shows about an equal sense of satisfaction and well-being. The Masai live in dung huts and have no electricity or running water.
Compare this to a study which indicates that generosity and altruism benefit health. In a five-year study of 423 older couples, of the 134 individuals that died during this time frame, almost two-thirds of these individuals had said they do not help others compared to the one-third that were known to be helpful and giving to others.
Meditation is now recognized as a valid means of calming the mind. A short, eight-week program of mindfulness meditation showed long lasting changes in the left frontal region of the brain, an area related to positivity and optimism and the function of the immune system. Prostrate and breast cancer patients who meditated were found to enhance overall quality of life and decrease stress. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome who meditated twice a day for fifteen minutes had a significant improvement in symptoms. Those who continued to meditate for a year continued to improve.
Research now validates the Chinese medical text classic saying of 2000 years ago that says,” In caring for life, the wise must adapt themselves to the fluctuations of cold and heat in the four seasons, live peacefully and practice temperance in joy and anger; balance between yin and yang, strength and gentleness. Hence no outward evil can impair their health and they will enjoy long lives.”
Unfortunately for us, we do not arrive in this world with a maintenance manual. If we want to achieve as long and healthy a life as possible, we need guidance on basic lifestyle factors such as controlling our emotions, sleep, diet, exercise, and so on.
Chinese medicine has long believed that it is far easier to maintain health than it is to cure disease. An ancient Chinese saying which has become my mantra in practicing Chinese medicine states that “maintaining health is ultimate wisdom; to cure disease is like digging a well when you are thirsty, or forging weapons when the war has begun.”
With that in mind, I encourage patients to do their own self-examination as to how their daily life choices impact their health. As I so often point out to patients, they are only in my clinic for an hour; the choices they make outside of my office have a far greater impact than anything that I can do for them.
Modern research on life choices has gained momentum over the past few years as pharmaceutical remedies have failed to adequately address serious chronic health issues. Western medical journals are now beginning to include clinically based studies on life style choices and how it impacts health.
I believe that health is based on the interaction of mind, body and spirit. How we interact with others, the dialogue that is playing in our mind on a moment-to-moment basis, and our general outlook on life play a far greater role on our physical health that modern science is just now beginning to recognize. There is now ample evidence that avoiding intense negative emotions, calming the mind, laughing, and cultivating generosity contribute to good health and longevity.
Recent studies have shown that happiness and laughter are clearly beneficial to health. Blood flow was significantly increased in research subjects after they watched comedy film clips, but was reduced after watching violent films. Another study of women subjects showed a decrease in stress levels and an increase in immune response after watching a humorous movie. A study of subjects with type 2 diabetes showed an increased ability to process sugar after watching a comedy show. These studies prove that feeling happy has virtually immediate effects on the immune system. They show that within 20 minutes of happy thoughts being experienced, the immune factor found in saliva doubles and remains raised for at least three hours.
By contrast, studies show that anger has the most powerful and harmful impact on the body. Loss of temper can trigger a stroke within two hours. Men with anger prone personalities are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation and have a 20 percent greater risk of dying from any cause than men with a cooler temperament. The ancient Chinese saying that, “Anger speeds up aging, laughter makes you younger” is now scientifically validated.
Although our modern world has indoctrinated us that acquisition offers happiness and fulfillment, satisfaction and a sense of well-being has little to do with our possessions. A survey comparing the Masai tribe in East Africa to 400 of the richest Americans according to the Forbes list shows about an equal sense of satisfaction and well-being. The Masai live in dung huts and have no electricity or running water.
Compare this to a study which indicates that generosity and altruism benefit health. In a five-year study of 423 older couples, of the 134 individuals that died during this time frame, almost two-thirds of these individuals had said they do not help others compared to the one-third that were known to be helpful and giving to others.
Meditation is now recognized as a valid means of calming the mind. A short, eight-week program of mindfulness meditation showed long lasting changes in the left frontal region of the brain, an area related to positivity and optimism and the function of the immune system. Prostrate and breast cancer patients who meditated were found to enhance overall quality of life and decrease stress. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome who meditated twice a day for fifteen minutes had a significant improvement in symptoms. Those who continued to meditate for a year continued to improve.
Research now validates the Chinese medical text classic saying of 2000 years ago that says,” In caring for life, the wise must adapt themselves to the fluctuations of cold and heat in the four seasons, live peacefully and practice temperance in joy and anger; balance between yin and yang, strength and gentleness. Hence no outward evil can impair their health and they will enjoy long lives.”
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Arthritis Eased by Acupuncture
Just ran across this interesting research being done in Germany using acupuncture as a modality to treat arthritis.
A study by a German team of researchers may give hope to the more than 46 million people who suffer from some form of arthritis. The study, published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, suggests acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve quality of life, which is particularly encouraging news for the millions who suffer from arthritis and would like to avoid conventional medical approaches to treatment, which usually involves drugs.
The 3,633 participants of the study were divided into three groups: an acupuncture group (357), a control group (355), and a nonrandomized acupuncture group (2,921). All of the patients were allowed to continue their regular medical care during the study. The two acupuncture groups received 15 sessions within the first three months; while the control group was offered the acupuncture treatments in the final three months. A symptom and pain questionnaire was completed by all subjects at the beginning and end of the six-month period.
Survey results showed that patients who received the initial round of treatments experienced a sustained improvement during the next three months. Those who underwent the second round of sessions had comparable improvement at the end of the three months. Also, those who continued their routine medical care demonstrated a significant improvement in their quality of life, which included pain reduction and increased mobility.
Resource
Witt C, Jena S, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: a randomized, controlled trial with an additional nonrandomized arm. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2006;54(11):3485-3493.
Just ran across this interesting research being done in Germany using acupuncture as a modality to treat arthritis.
A study by a German team of researchers may give hope to the more than 46 million people who suffer from some form of arthritis. The study, published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, suggests acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve quality of life, which is particularly encouraging news for the millions who suffer from arthritis and would like to avoid conventional medical approaches to treatment, which usually involves drugs.
The 3,633 participants of the study were divided into three groups: an acupuncture group (357), a control group (355), and a nonrandomized acupuncture group (2,921). All of the patients were allowed to continue their regular medical care during the study. The two acupuncture groups received 15 sessions within the first three months; while the control group was offered the acupuncture treatments in the final three months. A symptom and pain questionnaire was completed by all subjects at the beginning and end of the six-month period.
Survey results showed that patients who received the initial round of treatments experienced a sustained improvement during the next three months. Those who underwent the second round of sessions had comparable improvement at the end of the three months. Also, those who continued their routine medical care demonstrated a significant improvement in their quality of life, which included pain reduction and increased mobility.
Resource
Witt C, Jena S, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: a randomized, controlled trial with an additional nonrandomized arm. Arthritis and Rheumatism 2006;54(11):3485-3493.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Nuts to You
This month’s Cooking Light magazine, a staple in our house, offered a good comparison of almonds and walnuts. Although all nuts are sources of “good” mono- and polyunsaturated fats, almonds and walnuts particularly stand out for their individual merits.
An ounce of almonds contain almost half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E which helps boost your immune system. Almonds also have almost twice the fiber intake as compared to walnuts and more than double the calcium of walnuts.
However, where walnuts shine is in their content of omega-3 fatty acids. An ounce of walnuts offers 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Compare this to the daily intake recommendation for men of 1.6 grams and for women of 1.1 grams.
Here’s an easy analysis of walnuts and almonds:
Almonds Walnuts
164 calories 185 calories
14 grams fat 19 grams fat
3 grams fiber 2 grams fiber
7 milligrams vitamin E 0 milligrams vitamin E
70 milligrams calcium 28 milligrams calcium
0 grams omega-3 fatty acids 3 grams omega-3 fatty acids
Remember, an ounce is only a small handful. Calories from nuts add up quickly given their fat content. Three handfuls would almost be a meal from a calorie standpoint.
This month’s Cooking Light magazine, a staple in our house, offered a good comparison of almonds and walnuts. Although all nuts are sources of “good” mono- and polyunsaturated fats, almonds and walnuts particularly stand out for their individual merits.
An ounce of almonds contain almost half of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E which helps boost your immune system. Almonds also have almost twice the fiber intake as compared to walnuts and more than double the calcium of walnuts.
However, where walnuts shine is in their content of omega-3 fatty acids. An ounce of walnuts offers 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Compare this to the daily intake recommendation for men of 1.6 grams and for women of 1.1 grams.
Here’s an easy analysis of walnuts and almonds:
Almonds Walnuts
164 calories 185 calories
14 grams fat 19 grams fat
3 grams fiber 2 grams fiber
7 milligrams vitamin E 0 milligrams vitamin E
70 milligrams calcium 28 milligrams calcium
0 grams omega-3 fatty acids 3 grams omega-3 fatty acids
Remember, an ounce is only a small handful. Calories from nuts add up quickly given their fat content. Three handfuls would almost be a meal from a calorie standpoint.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Nose Knows
Fall is the time of the lung according to Chinese medicine and the facial feature most prominently associated with this time of the year is the nose. To honor the debut of fall, this month’s column will focus on the shapes and sizes of noses and the personality traits associated with the various sizes and shapes according to Lillian Bridges' book on Chinese face reading.
Face reading is part of our own historical development. Plato and Aristotle wrote about personality types associated with facial characteristics. It is also documented that Abraham Lincoln chose his cabinet based on facial characteristics.
The ancient Chinese associated large noses with nomadic ancestors who came from cold climates. Noses had to be large and long to warm the air before it entered the lung so as not to damage the lung. Living in such a cold climate required an ego that would sustain the belief that one was supposed to survive which gave the individual ambition to work hard in order to live. Thus, someone with a large nose probably has a healthy ego and a long nose will probably belong to a person who is ambitious. The effects of a cold climate could also isolate people so large noses can also imply a longer mentality and an independent spirit.
A person whose nose comes off their face by over an inch can be thought of as a trailblazer. Protruding noses usually belong to individuals who like to do things in new and different ways. The Chinese were amazed at the size of the noses of the first Western sailors that landed on their shores and actually nicknamed them “big noses”. The Chinese were impressed with how far their noses came off their face, as this was a rare trait to be found among the Chinese. They believed that the Western sailors had to leave the comfort and security of home to explore the unknown because of the size of their noses.
By contrast, smaller noses belong to people whose ancestors came from warm climates where the air was warmer and easier to breathe. Food was more plentiful and people did not have to struggle to survive. Consequently, people with small noses usually are more passive and group oriented. They live socially and cooperatively with their neighbor and prefer to blend in and not stick out in a crowd. They prefer an easier life and a relaxed work environment. Play is an important part of life. These individuals enjoy group activities and being part of the crowd. People with small noses are not personally ambitious.
Flatter noses belong to people who are content to live life as it has always been lived. They do not readily grasp innovative ways to change and definitely prefer the tried and true methods to new ways. These individuals conform and are not adventurous. They prefer to travel with someone or with a tour group. They prefer to live adventures vicariously rather than first hand. These individuals may have security issues and prefer the anonymity of groups.
The ancient Chinese also considered the nose to be the “moneybox of the face”. The bridge of the nose shows how much energy a person has to earn money. A wide bridge indicates an individual who has extra energy for making money. Money comes in easily and in large quantities. A narrow bridge indicates an individual who has less energy to expend and money is earned in smaller increments.
A bump on the bridge of the nose indicates a person who likes to be in charge. This person is not a good follower, but makes a good leader. If the nose turns upward at the end, this individual is more of a follower. The Chinese believe that an upturned nose indicates someone whose work will pay off to them later in life.
The base of the nose, which includes the nostrils, shows how much money can be saved. A fleshy nose indicates materialism and often belongs to someone who appreciates and accumulates things. A bulbous nose may indicate overindulgence in physical pleasures and someone who accumulates for the sake of acquiring things.
People with thin or narrow noses belong to people who value ideals over money. These individuals care more about quality than quantity and would rather do without than “make do” with something inferior. A bony nose indicates a person who lives simply and eschews material things. These individuals prefer hardship to pleasure and often live a monastic life.
The nostrils are also considered part of the “moneybox”. Wide nostrils indicate a person who spends money and energy easily. Narrowed nostrils often can be found on individuals shopping at warehouse discount houses and at sales. They indicate an individual who will spend money, but they want to save at the same time. Small nostrils belong to people who want to hold onto their energy and money. It does not mean that people with small nostrils are cheap, it just means that they are very aware of how much things cost and how long they have to work to earn the money to purchase items.
Fall is the time of the lung according to Chinese medicine and the facial feature most prominently associated with this time of the year is the nose. To honor the debut of fall, this month’s column will focus on the shapes and sizes of noses and the personality traits associated with the various sizes and shapes according to Lillian Bridges' book on Chinese face reading.
Face reading is part of our own historical development. Plato and Aristotle wrote about personality types associated with facial characteristics. It is also documented that Abraham Lincoln chose his cabinet based on facial characteristics.
The ancient Chinese associated large noses with nomadic ancestors who came from cold climates. Noses had to be large and long to warm the air before it entered the lung so as not to damage the lung. Living in such a cold climate required an ego that would sustain the belief that one was supposed to survive which gave the individual ambition to work hard in order to live. Thus, someone with a large nose probably has a healthy ego and a long nose will probably belong to a person who is ambitious. The effects of a cold climate could also isolate people so large noses can also imply a longer mentality and an independent spirit.
A person whose nose comes off their face by over an inch can be thought of as a trailblazer. Protruding noses usually belong to individuals who like to do things in new and different ways. The Chinese were amazed at the size of the noses of the first Western sailors that landed on their shores and actually nicknamed them “big noses”. The Chinese were impressed with how far their noses came off their face, as this was a rare trait to be found among the Chinese. They believed that the Western sailors had to leave the comfort and security of home to explore the unknown because of the size of their noses.
By contrast, smaller noses belong to people whose ancestors came from warm climates where the air was warmer and easier to breathe. Food was more plentiful and people did not have to struggle to survive. Consequently, people with small noses usually are more passive and group oriented. They live socially and cooperatively with their neighbor and prefer to blend in and not stick out in a crowd. They prefer an easier life and a relaxed work environment. Play is an important part of life. These individuals enjoy group activities and being part of the crowd. People with small noses are not personally ambitious.
Flatter noses belong to people who are content to live life as it has always been lived. They do not readily grasp innovative ways to change and definitely prefer the tried and true methods to new ways. These individuals conform and are not adventurous. They prefer to travel with someone or with a tour group. They prefer to live adventures vicariously rather than first hand. These individuals may have security issues and prefer the anonymity of groups.
The ancient Chinese also considered the nose to be the “moneybox of the face”. The bridge of the nose shows how much energy a person has to earn money. A wide bridge indicates an individual who has extra energy for making money. Money comes in easily and in large quantities. A narrow bridge indicates an individual who has less energy to expend and money is earned in smaller increments.
A bump on the bridge of the nose indicates a person who likes to be in charge. This person is not a good follower, but makes a good leader. If the nose turns upward at the end, this individual is more of a follower. The Chinese believe that an upturned nose indicates someone whose work will pay off to them later in life.
The base of the nose, which includes the nostrils, shows how much money can be saved. A fleshy nose indicates materialism and often belongs to someone who appreciates and accumulates things. A bulbous nose may indicate overindulgence in physical pleasures and someone who accumulates for the sake of acquiring things.
People with thin or narrow noses belong to people who value ideals over money. These individuals care more about quality than quantity and would rather do without than “make do” with something inferior. A bony nose indicates a person who lives simply and eschews material things. These individuals prefer hardship to pleasure and often live a monastic life.
The nostrils are also considered part of the “moneybox”. Wide nostrils indicate a person who spends money and energy easily. Narrowed nostrils often can be found on individuals shopping at warehouse discount houses and at sales. They indicate an individual who will spend money, but they want to save at the same time. Small nostrils belong to people who want to hold onto their energy and money. It does not mean that people with small nostrils are cheap, it just means that they are very aware of how much things cost and how long they have to work to earn the money to purchase items.
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