| Professional Edition Volume 1 Issue 2 February 17, 2007 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
| Happy Chinese New Year The Year of the Pig! |
Chinese New Year - Year of the Pig
By Pavika Wilson
The Chinese calendar follows the lunar year where the years are arranged in major cycles of 60 years, and the 12 year cycles (each with a
different animal) are repeated. This year is the Year of the Pig (or Boar). Those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and of
course 2007 are born under the sign of the pig. According to legend, Buddha asked animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve
animals came – the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and
the Pig. So he named each year after them claiming that a person born under that year would have similar characteristics to the animal.
Persons born under the Year of the Pig work very hard, have excellent manners, are loyal friends and enjoy luxuries.
February 18, 2007 is the first day of a 15 day Chinese New Year celebration. Because it is the most important holiday in China, people take
weeks of holiday time from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. A lot of effort and preparation goes into making the New Year
celebration festive. Superstition and tradition play a great role in the celebration. Red is the favorite color amongst Chinese people. Red
symbolizes fire which legend says drives away evil spirits and bad luck. People dress in red, decorate with red and children are even given
red envelopes of “lucky” money. Fireworks light up the night sky and tradition say it is to help ward away evil spirits. Live blooming plants
represent rebirth and new growth. Mounds of oranges and tangerines are typically given as gifts when visiting family during the two week
celebration.
Of course there would be no celebration without a wonderful banquet. Traditionally families gather together to share large meals
throughout the Chinese New Year celebration. But the biggest feast is usually held on New Year’s Eve. Not only is the banquet shared by
family as a sign of respect, the feast is also prepared for deceased family ancestors. The foods that are eaten signify different aspects of
life and must be consumed to attain the meaning. Lotus seed signifies male offspring, Ginkgo nut represents silver, dried bean curd and
Black seaweed -wealth and happiness, Bamboo shoots translates to “wishing that everything be well”. Whole fish is served representing
togetherness and abundance and chicken for prosperity. Everything should be whole and uncut representing togetherness. The most
important Chinese New Year food is uncut long noodles representing long life. The tremendous amount of food represents abundance
and wealth.
Chinese New Year would not be complete without the lantern festival which usually marks the ending of the festivities. Lanterns are hung
in temples, and are carried in the evening to a parade. Many lanterns are beautifully hand painted with nature themed designs or scenes
from history. Usually a dragon dance will take place where a large number of people hold up a dragon made of paper or silk that could
stretch as long as a hundred feet through the streets.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but is also celebrated in the United States. Asian communities in San Francisco and
New York have parades, banquets, and firework shows to celebrate as they do in China. Families also gather to have elaborate feasts, pay
respect to their ancestors and ring in the New Year with good fortune.
By Pavika Wilson
The Chinese calendar follows the lunar year where the years are arranged in major cycles of 60 years, and the 12 year cycles (each with a
different animal) are repeated. This year is the Year of the Pig (or Boar). Those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and of
course 2007 are born under the sign of the pig. According to legend, Buddha asked animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve
animals came – the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and
the Pig. So he named each year after them claiming that a person born under that year would have similar characteristics to the animal.
Persons born under the Year of the Pig work very hard, have excellent manners, are loyal friends and enjoy luxuries.
February 18, 2007 is the first day of a 15 day Chinese New Year celebration. Because it is the most important holiday in China, people take
weeks of holiday time from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. A lot of effort and preparation goes into making the New Year
celebration festive. Superstition and tradition play a great role in the celebration. Red is the favorite color amongst Chinese people. Red
symbolizes fire which legend says drives away evil spirits and bad luck. People dress in red, decorate with red and children are even given
red envelopes of “lucky” money. Fireworks light up the night sky and tradition say it is to help ward away evil spirits. Live blooming plants
represent rebirth and new growth. Mounds of oranges and tangerines are typically given as gifts when visiting family during the two week
celebration.
Of course there would be no celebration without a wonderful banquet. Traditionally families gather together to share large meals
throughout the Chinese New Year celebration. But the biggest feast is usually held on New Year’s Eve. Not only is the banquet shared by
family as a sign of respect, the feast is also prepared for deceased family ancestors. The foods that are eaten signify different aspects of
life and must be consumed to attain the meaning. Lotus seed signifies male offspring, Ginkgo nut represents silver, dried bean curd and
Black seaweed -wealth and happiness, Bamboo shoots translates to “wishing that everything be well”. Whole fish is served representing
togetherness and abundance and chicken for prosperity. Everything should be whole and uncut representing togetherness. The most
important Chinese New Year food is uncut long noodles representing long life. The tremendous amount of food represents abundance
and wealth.
Chinese New Year would not be complete without the lantern festival which usually marks the ending of the festivities. Lanterns are hung
in temples, and are carried in the evening to a parade. Many lanterns are beautifully hand painted with nature themed designs or scenes
from history. Usually a dragon dance will take place where a large number of people hold up a dragon made of paper or silk that could
stretch as long as a hundred feet through the streets.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but is also celebrated in the United States. Asian communities in San Francisco and
New York have parades, banquets, and firework shows to celebrate as they do in China. Families also gather to have elaborate feasts, pay
respect to their ancestors and ring in the New Year with good fortune.
A case of phantom pain, letter from Brebda Duzan (brendaduzan@cs.com)
I have not tried any (Ashi) products yet. I've just found out about you. My brother has had an injury to his hand and lost 1 1/2 fingers, one of
his nerves were buried deeper to try and decrease the phantom pain. He has tried many things and nothing seems to help. Do you know
of anything that would help him. The pain is so bad at night he grinds his teeth and does not sleep soundly.
-Thank you
Response from Ashi
Thank you for your inquiry. Phantom pain is one of the most difficult pain conditions to manage. The problem is initially due to the damage
of sensory nerves. The truncated nerves then outgrow to become enlarged near the end of the cut. Overtime, this part of the nerves
becomes highly sensitive and can fire nerve impulses spontaneously. As such, patients perceive the nerve impulses as pain from their
lost limbs, in your brother’s case, the lost fingers. In more advanced stage, the central nervous system (the spinal cord and the brain) also
has functional changes, making the problem more difficult to control.
We would like to suggest your brother to combine topical and oral medicines. He can rub Ashi Pain UM as indicated in the instructions. It
will take a few weeks of continuous application of the cream to desensitize the truncated nerve endings. In the meanwhile, he needs a
remedy to adjust his central nervous system. Below is one of our formulas for him. We only make them as specially requested by
customers. However, you can make it yourself by following the instruction given below.
Ashi NerveCalm
Suan Zao Ren (Semon Ziziphi Spinosae) ……90 g
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) ……9 g
Fuling (Poria)……18 g
Direction: All herbs mentioned above should be 5:1 extract powders. Mix the powders and put 400 mg mixture in each capsules (size #0).
Make a total of ~ 270 capsules.
Dosage: 3 times a day, 4 capsules each time.
Indication: For sleep & depression problems due to pain.
We hope the above information is helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you can any questions.
Ashi Research Team
www.ashi-research.com
I have not tried any (Ashi) products yet. I've just found out about you. My brother has had an injury to his hand and lost 1 1/2 fingers, one of
his nerves were buried deeper to try and decrease the phantom pain. He has tried many things and nothing seems to help. Do you know
of anything that would help him. The pain is so bad at night he grinds his teeth and does not sleep soundly.
-Thank you
Response from Ashi
Thank you for your inquiry. Phantom pain is one of the most difficult pain conditions to manage. The problem is initially due to the damage
of sensory nerves. The truncated nerves then outgrow to become enlarged near the end of the cut. Overtime, this part of the nerves
becomes highly sensitive and can fire nerve impulses spontaneously. As such, patients perceive the nerve impulses as pain from their
lost limbs, in your brother’s case, the lost fingers. In more advanced stage, the central nervous system (the spinal cord and the brain) also
has functional changes, making the problem more difficult to control.
We would like to suggest your brother to combine topical and oral medicines. He can rub Ashi Pain UM as indicated in the instructions. It
will take a few weeks of continuous application of the cream to desensitize the truncated nerve endings. In the meanwhile, he needs a
remedy to adjust his central nervous system. Below is one of our formulas for him. We only make them as specially requested by
customers. However, you can make it yourself by following the instruction given below.
Ashi NerveCalm
Suan Zao Ren (Semon Ziziphi Spinosae) ……90 g
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) ……9 g
Fuling (Poria)……18 g
Direction: All herbs mentioned above should be 5:1 extract powders. Mix the powders and put 400 mg mixture in each capsules (size #0).
Make a total of ~ 270 capsules.
Dosage: 3 times a day, 4 capsules each time.
Indication: For sleep & depression problems due to pain.
We hope the above information is helpful. Please feel free to contact us if you can any questions.
Ashi Research Team
www.ashi-research.com
For thousands of years, Dang Gui (angelica sinensis) containing TCM formulas have been used for treating menopause symptoms and
other disorders in women. An estrogen-like property is a basis for its use for women, but do you know why it does not have the serious
side effects of hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy that cause breast cancer and heart problems. The mystery has now been solved
by scientists.
Women in menopause suffer from hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, mood swings, as well as an increased risk for many health problems,
such as bone density reduction, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and pain. These problems are largely due to the deficiency of
estrogen. While hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy (HRT) helps many women relieve menopause symptoms, its use has recently
been discouraged because of an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary artery disease in women who use HRT.
Traditionally, Dang Gui containing formulas have been commonly prescribed to women in China as a remedy for menopausal symptoms,
menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), irregular periods, and other disorders. For example, Dang Gui Bu Xue Tan, a traditional formula
containing Dang Gui and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), is often given to female patients to raise their ‘‘Qi’’ (their vital energy) and nourish
their ‘‘Blood’’ (their body circulation). Pharmacological results indicated that the Dang Gui-containing formula has the abilities to promote
hematopoietic functions, to stimulate cardiovascular circulation, to prevent osteoporosis, to increase anti-oxidation activity and to stimulate
the immune system.
Why Dang Gui is especially helpful for women? A recent study shows for the first that Dang Gui in the TCM formulas such as Dang Gui Bu
Xue Tan produces estrogen-like effects by directly acting on estrogen receptors to boost functions in a manner similar to what estrogen
does (Gao et al., 2007). However, one of the effects of estrogen in hormone replacement therapy is to induce cell proliferation, which is
associated with the side effects (e.g. breast cancer) of hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, unlike the estrogen in hormone
replacement therapy, Dang Gui containing formulas do not induce cell proliferation. The study by Gao et al. (2007) further identified cellular
and molecular mechanisms by which Dang Gui containing formulas activate estrogen receptors without inducing cell proliferation.
Because of this property, women who take Dang Gui containing formulas get benefits from Dang Gui’s estrogen-like effect but will not risk
themselves to the serious side effects that have been seeing in hormone replacement therapy.
Reference: Gao et al (2007) Danggui Buxue Tang – A Chinese herbal decoction activates the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-
regulated kinase and estrogen receptor a in cultured MCF-7 cells. FEBS Letters 581 (2007) 233–240
FEBS Letters is a high impact international journal in biomedical research. You can free download the full article for your reference so that
you can promote the science of TCM and let more Americans accept TCM.
other disorders in women. An estrogen-like property is a basis for its use for women, but do you know why it does not have the serious
side effects of hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy that cause breast cancer and heart problems. The mystery has now been solved
by scientists.
Women in menopause suffer from hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, mood swings, as well as an increased risk for many health problems,
such as bone density reduction, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and pain. These problems are largely due to the deficiency of
estrogen. While hormone (estrogen) replacement therapy (HRT) helps many women relieve menopause symptoms, its use has recently
been discouraged because of an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary artery disease in women who use HRT.
Traditionally, Dang Gui containing formulas have been commonly prescribed to women in China as a remedy for menopausal symptoms,
menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), irregular periods, and other disorders. For example, Dang Gui Bu Xue Tan, a traditional formula
containing Dang Gui and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), is often given to female patients to raise their ‘‘Qi’’ (their vital energy) and nourish
their ‘‘Blood’’ (their body circulation). Pharmacological results indicated that the Dang Gui-containing formula has the abilities to promote
hematopoietic functions, to stimulate cardiovascular circulation, to prevent osteoporosis, to increase anti-oxidation activity and to stimulate
the immune system.
Why Dang Gui is especially helpful for women? A recent study shows for the first that Dang Gui in the TCM formulas such as Dang Gui Bu
Xue Tan produces estrogen-like effects by directly acting on estrogen receptors to boost functions in a manner similar to what estrogen
does (Gao et al., 2007). However, one of the effects of estrogen in hormone replacement therapy is to induce cell proliferation, which is
associated with the side effects (e.g. breast cancer) of hormone replacement therapy. On the other hand, unlike the estrogen in hormone
replacement therapy, Dang Gui containing formulas do not induce cell proliferation. The study by Gao et al. (2007) further identified cellular
and molecular mechanisms by which Dang Gui containing formulas activate estrogen receptors without inducing cell proliferation.
Because of this property, women who take Dang Gui containing formulas get benefits from Dang Gui’s estrogen-like effect but will not risk
themselves to the serious side effects that have been seeing in hormone replacement therapy.
Reference: Gao et al (2007) Danggui Buxue Tang – A Chinese herbal decoction activates the phosphorylations of extracellular signal-
regulated kinase and estrogen receptor a in cultured MCF-7 cells. FEBS Letters 581 (2007) 233–240
FEBS Letters is a high impact international journal in biomedical research. You can free download the full article for your reference so that
you can promote the science of TCM and let more Americans accept TCM.
FORMULA OF THE MONTH
SHUBI
Shubi is derived from the formula Shu-Bi Tan described in "Hundred-One Formula Collections".
Ingredients:
Qiang Huo (Notopterygium incisium root) 9
Jiang Huang (Curcuma longa rhizome) 9
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root) 9
Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus root) 9
Chi Shao Yao (Paeonia lactiflora root) 9
Fang Feng (Ledebouriella divaricata root) 9
Gan Cao – Zhi (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root) 3
Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale rhizome) 3
Indications: Pain, soreness, numbness and heavy sensations of the limbs and joints of upper body including shoulders, arms, and
neck. Bi-syndrome in upper body caused by wind and dampness (TCM diagnosis).
Directions: All herbs mentioned above should be 5:1 extract powders. Mix the powders and put 400 mg mixture in each capsule (size
#0). Make a total of ~ 150 capsules.
Dosage: 3 times a day, 4 capsules each time, taken orally with warm water.
SHUBI
Shubi is derived from the formula Shu-Bi Tan described in "Hundred-One Formula Collections".
Ingredients:
Qiang Huo (Notopterygium incisium root) 9
Jiang Huang (Curcuma longa rhizome) 9
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root) 9
Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus root) 9
Chi Shao Yao (Paeonia lactiflora root) 9
Fang Feng (Ledebouriella divaricata root) 9
Gan Cao – Zhi (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root) 3
Gan Jiang (Zingiber officinale rhizome) 3
Indications: Pain, soreness, numbness and heavy sensations of the limbs and joints of upper body including shoulders, arms, and
neck. Bi-syndrome in upper body caused by wind and dampness (TCM diagnosis).
Directions: All herbs mentioned above should be 5:1 extract powders. Mix the powders and put 400 mg mixture in each capsule (size
#0). Make a total of ~ 150 capsules.
Dosage: 3 times a day, 4 capsules each time, taken orally with warm water.
Vice premier calls for development of traditional Chinese medicine
Source: Xinhua, January 12, 2007
Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi on Thursday called for further innovation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in order to safeguard one of
the country's most valuable cultural heritages.
"TCM is a quintessential element of Chinese culture and an important field of innovation for medical scientists. There is a huge market
demand worldwide," said Wu at Thursday's national TCM conference.
Wu stressed the importance of respecting tradition in TCM innovation and its clinical practice, and added that modern science and
technologies should be employed to develop TCM.
She called for strengthening protection of TCM intellectual property and the training of professional personnel.
China currently has about 3,000 traditional medical hospitals that dispense medical treatment to nearly 234 million people each year.
Source: Xinhua, January 12, 2007
Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi on Thursday called for further innovation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in order to safeguard one of
the country's most valuable cultural heritages.
"TCM is a quintessential element of Chinese culture and an important field of innovation for medical scientists. There is a huge market
demand worldwide," said Wu at Thursday's national TCM conference.
Wu stressed the importance of respecting tradition in TCM innovation and its clinical practice, and added that modern science and
technologies should be employed to develop TCM.
She called for strengthening protection of TCM intellectual property and the training of professional personnel.
China currently has about 3,000 traditional medical hospitals that dispense medical treatment to nearly 234 million people each year.
| Chinese New Year Special Offer - 10% Off Order Now |
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, corydalis acts to invigorate the blood, move qi, and alleviate pain, including menstrual, abdominal, and
hernial.
Research has led to the identification of 20 alkaloids from the tuber of corydalis, including corydaline, tetrahydropalmatine (THP), dl-
Tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP), protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine, tetrahydrocolumbamine, and corybulbine. Of these alkaloids, THP is found
to be the most potent. In laboratory studies, THP has been shown to have many pharmacological actions on the central nervous system,
including analgesic and sedative effects. 4 dl-THP has been found to produce a tranquilizing action in animals. Studies have indicated
that dl-THP blocks neurotransmitter receptors such as dopamine receptors in the central nervous system to produce sedation. In addition
to its effects on the central nervous system, animal studies have shown the alkaloids from corydalis have cardiovascular actions. For
example, dl-THP has been shown to both decrease the stickiness of platelets, improve blood circulation, and protect against stroke.
Human clinical studies have shown that dl-THP improve asleep in people suffering from insomnia after taking 100–200 mg of dl-THP at
bedtime. No drug hangover symptoms such as morning grogginess, dizziness or vertigo were reported by people taking the alkaloid
extract. Researchers also have found that 75 mg of THP daily was effective in reducing nerve pain in 78% of the patients tested. Painful
menstruation (dysmenorrhoea), abdominal pain after childbirth, and headache have also been reported to be alleviated by THP.
The crude, dried rhizome is usually recommended at 5–10 grams per day for the relief of pain and treatment of sleep disorders.
There were no well-known drug interactions with corydalis. However, people taking corydalis may experience vertigo, fatigue, and nausea.
In addition, high concentrations of THP were found to have liver toxicity. Corydalis should not be taken orally by pregnant or nursing women.
hernial.
Research has led to the identification of 20 alkaloids from the tuber of corydalis, including corydaline, tetrahydropalmatine (THP), dl-
Tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP), protopine, tetrahydrocoptisine, tetrahydrocolumbamine, and corybulbine. Of these alkaloids, THP is found
to be the most potent. In laboratory studies, THP has been shown to have many pharmacological actions on the central nervous system,
including analgesic and sedative effects. 4 dl-THP has been found to produce a tranquilizing action in animals. Studies have indicated
that dl-THP blocks neurotransmitter receptors such as dopamine receptors in the central nervous system to produce sedation. In addition
to its effects on the central nervous system, animal studies have shown the alkaloids from corydalis have cardiovascular actions. For
example, dl-THP has been shown to both decrease the stickiness of platelets, improve blood circulation, and protect against stroke.
Human clinical studies have shown that dl-THP improve asleep in people suffering from insomnia after taking 100–200 mg of dl-THP at
bedtime. No drug hangover symptoms such as morning grogginess, dizziness or vertigo were reported by people taking the alkaloid
extract. Researchers also have found that 75 mg of THP daily was effective in reducing nerve pain in 78% of the patients tested. Painful
menstruation (dysmenorrhoea), abdominal pain after childbirth, and headache have also been reported to be alleviated by THP.
The crude, dried rhizome is usually recommended at 5–10 grams per day for the relief of pain and treatment of sleep disorders.
There were no well-known drug interactions with corydalis. However, people taking corydalis may experience vertigo, fatigue, and nausea.
In addition, high concentrations of THP were found to have liver toxicity. Corydalis should not be taken orally by pregnant or nursing women.