Acupuncture Treatment As A Form Of Traditional Chinese Medicine For Infertility
By Kenneth Koh
When it comes to traditional Chinese medicine and infertility, both the herbs and acupuncture are essential
in order for the medications to be effective. The idea behind it is to treat the imbalance in the body through
the use of acupuncture and herbs as they will restore the disharmony.
With alternative source of treatment, the conventional infertility treatments and traditional Chinese medicine
must be combined. The traditional Chinese medicine and conventional infertility treatments can be are used when all avenues are
exhausted as it will lead to a higher possibility of conceiving.
Acupuncture has existed for many centuries in certain cultures as a mean of treating all form of diseases. Acupuncture assists in
regulating the flow of blood by the stimulation of the central nervous system as neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released as a
result which help to heal the body.
In addition to, acupuncture discharge endorphins which help to fight pain; giving rise to a sensation of wellness. In the East where it was
found and even in the west, acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions and the association between acupuncture and infertility is
still being studied.
Although acupuncture may seem an odd treatment for infertility, it has become increasing popular in helping infertile couples. The idea that
needles are used can be discomforting but it is just a painless process of treating infertility. Just like an ant bite and slight bruising might
occur but in general, acupuncture causes no major discomfort. Other form of infertility treatment cause more discomfort than acupuncture
treatment, so there is nothing to worry.
The use of acupuncture for infertility is effective because our body have energy channels and they flow to different portions of the body and
the surface of the body. With blockages, the energy flows are impeded and acupuncture will free the obstructions. With the release of
chemicals into the muscle, brain and spinal, the healing is in process. Acupuncture has proven to assist in certain areas that normal
infertility treatments are not able to.
Before embarking on acupuncture or alternative treatment, there is a need to consult your infertility physician and if the physician found out
from the infertility tests that the problem is structural; then the combination of both traditional acupuncture and herbs treatment together
with infertility treatment will not be helpful.
Knowing the cause is essential to treating infertility and acupuncture is a good start. The focus will be on three vital organs and they are
kidney, spleen and liver as they have a direct bearing on the reproductive organs. Traditional Chinese medicine concentrate on these three
organs and acupuncture will directly impact the reproductive organs through the treatment of these three organs.
Herbal supplements go well with traditional Chinese medicine by enhancing infertility treatment. Disharmony in the infertility treatment will
be assisted by consuming herbal medications. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by their use and all in all, the treatment will improve the
chances of conceiving.
As acupuncture is mostly used in treating infertility problem such as hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities such as blockages of
the fallopian tubes cannot be treated with acupuncture. With acupuncture, the body system is regulated and more blood flow to the vital
organs and help in the regulation of the hormones. That will provide sufficient time for the body to recover especially for matter such as
hormones imbalance. Acupuncture is best after conventional form of treatment are tried and in combination with such treatments.
As herbal supplements are sometimes used with acupuncture to boost acupuncture treatments and assist in curing infertility but certain
herbs do impede the effect of infertility pills, so it is wise to consult your physician. Acupuncture is most effective when female is having the
in vitro fertilization cycle. As acupuncture assist in calming the body as well as reducing anxiety, adding to in vitro fertilization success.
As there is an effective link between acupuncture and infertility, so it will be beneficial to look at the treatment. Just scheduling a few
sessions may contribute to conception.
One of the best alternative forms of infertility treatments is acupuncture but it is better to find out more before using it and traditional form of
treatment is very effective with acupuncture. Although traditional form of treatment is still controversial, there is little harm in taking a look
after all else fail. Acupuncture as a form of treatment is worth a look at and conception might just occur.
By Kenneth Koh
When it comes to traditional Chinese medicine and infertility, both the herbs and acupuncture are essential
in order for the medications to be effective. The idea behind it is to treat the imbalance in the body through
the use of acupuncture and herbs as they will restore the disharmony.
With alternative source of treatment, the conventional infertility treatments and traditional Chinese medicine
must be combined. The traditional Chinese medicine and conventional infertility treatments can be are used when all avenues are
exhausted as it will lead to a higher possibility of conceiving.
Acupuncture has existed for many centuries in certain cultures as a mean of treating all form of diseases. Acupuncture assists in
regulating the flow of blood by the stimulation of the central nervous system as neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released as a
result which help to heal the body.
In addition to, acupuncture discharge endorphins which help to fight pain; giving rise to a sensation of wellness. In the East where it was
found and even in the west, acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions and the association between acupuncture and infertility is
still being studied.
Although acupuncture may seem an odd treatment for infertility, it has become increasing popular in helping infertile couples. The idea that
needles are used can be discomforting but it is just a painless process of treating infertility. Just like an ant bite and slight bruising might
occur but in general, acupuncture causes no major discomfort. Other form of infertility treatment cause more discomfort than acupuncture
treatment, so there is nothing to worry.
The use of acupuncture for infertility is effective because our body have energy channels and they flow to different portions of the body and
the surface of the body. With blockages, the energy flows are impeded and acupuncture will free the obstructions. With the release of
chemicals into the muscle, brain and spinal, the healing is in process. Acupuncture has proven to assist in certain areas that normal
infertility treatments are not able to.
Before embarking on acupuncture or alternative treatment, there is a need to consult your infertility physician and if the physician found out
from the infertility tests that the problem is structural; then the combination of both traditional acupuncture and herbs treatment together
with infertility treatment will not be helpful.
Knowing the cause is essential to treating infertility and acupuncture is a good start. The focus will be on three vital organs and they are
kidney, spleen and liver as they have a direct bearing on the reproductive organs. Traditional Chinese medicine concentrate on these three
organs and acupuncture will directly impact the reproductive organs through the treatment of these three organs.
Herbal supplements go well with traditional Chinese medicine by enhancing infertility treatment. Disharmony in the infertility treatment will
be assisted by consuming herbal medications. Stress and anxiety can be reduced by their use and all in all, the treatment will improve the
chances of conceiving.
As acupuncture is mostly used in treating infertility problem such as hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities such as blockages of
the fallopian tubes cannot be treated with acupuncture. With acupuncture, the body system is regulated and more blood flow to the vital
organs and help in the regulation of the hormones. That will provide sufficient time for the body to recover especially for matter such as
hormones imbalance. Acupuncture is best after conventional form of treatment are tried and in combination with such treatments.
As herbal supplements are sometimes used with acupuncture to boost acupuncture treatments and assist in curing infertility but certain
herbs do impede the effect of infertility pills, so it is wise to consult your physician. Acupuncture is most effective when female is having the
in vitro fertilization cycle. As acupuncture assist in calming the body as well as reducing anxiety, adding to in vitro fertilization success.
As there is an effective link between acupuncture and infertility, so it will be beneficial to look at the treatment. Just scheduling a few
sessions may contribute to conception.
One of the best alternative forms of infertility treatments is acupuncture but it is better to find out more before using it and traditional form of
treatment is very effective with acupuncture. Although traditional form of treatment is still controversial, there is little harm in taking a look
after all else fail. Acupuncture as a form of treatment is worth a look at and conception might just occur.
| Professional Edition Volume 2 Issue 4 April 15, 2008 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Will Chinese Medicine Help Yao?
Docs Offer Different Opinions, as Basketball Star Arrives in China
By DAN CHILDS, ABC News Medical Unit, April 7, 2008
The decision of NBA superstar Yao Ming to head to China to seek traditional Chinese medical treatment
for his stress fracture has orthopedic physicians and traditional medicine experts at odds over whether
the healing techniques will do any good.
The 27-year-old, 7-foot-6 all-star center for the Houston Rockets was forced out of the season by a stress
fracture in his left foot — specifically, a crack in the tarsal navicular bone, between the ankle joint and the middle of his foot.
Yao underwent surgery early last month when surgeons inserted a screw to stabilize the bone. Doctors involved with the surgery reported
that the procedure was successful and that Yao would begin an aggressive rehabilitation program once he was up to it.
The surgery carries with it a normal downtime of four months. But it appears Yao is also looking to traditional Chinese medicine — a
system that includes acupuncture and herbal remedies — to help speed his healing. On Friday, the Associated Press reported that Yao
had arrived back in his home country to consult with the nation's top experts.
Some U.S. doctors, such as Dr. Robert J. Neviaser, professor and chairman of orthopaedic surgery at George Washington University in
Washington, D.C., are skeptical that this extra step will do much, if any, good.
"I am aware of no scientific evidence that has established that traditional Chinese medicine modalities have any positive effect on stress
fractures," Neviaser says. "We do not know a great deal about acupuncture, which seems to have value as an anesthetic alternative for
surgery, but there is no data which show that it can help heal a fracture."
But some experts in Chinese medicine said that, despite the lack of published evidence, the modalities offered by Chinese medicine may
go a long way in helping Yao cope with the painful injury.
"It is not unwise, and I would do the same if I was Yao Ming, given that, conventionally, there is not much active treatment — aside from
passive rehab — offered by Western conventional medicine for stress fractures, either," says Dr. Raymond Chang, president of the Institute
of East West Medicine in New York.
"TCM is familiar and reputed — by empiricism, not by studies — to be helpful in such settings and quite familiar to almost all Chinese as a
part of our upbringing, so it is only natural that Yao Ming would seek this therapy," added Chang.
Stress Fractures Painful, Persistent
Stress fractures, unlike many other types of fractures, don't occur all at once. Rather, they are generally the result of repeated mechanical
stress to a vulnerable, weight-bearing bone, such as those in the feet.
While such fractures can happen to almost anyone, there are certain groups of people who are particularly vulnerable — those who
engage in demanding sports, those who are tall, and those whose weight puts constant pressure and strain on their bones.
In this respect, it is little surprise that the towering, 310-pound Yao has had the misfortune of suffering such an injury.
In some cases, such as Yao's, treatment involves surgery. But in less severe cases, the placement of a cast and a hiatus on the activity
that brought about the injury are enough. Pain and inflammation can also be treated with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
and other pain medications.
Chang says Chinese modalities for this type of injury usually involve external applications of herbal balms and liniment and ointments, and
does not necessarily involve the ingestion of herbs.
The dearth of high quality studies on traditional Chinese techniques to deal with these injuries means that they are not yet part of the canon
of conventional treatments. Still, some orthopedic experts say there may be benefits that will come to light through future research.
"As I know little about Chinese medicine, I can only comment on the possible benefits," says Dr. Andrew J. Elliott, assistant professor of
clinical orthopaedic surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. "Those might be increasing blood flow to the area to speed
healing, and possibly ingesting things that might help stimulate bone cells to heal."
And studies confirming some of the purported benefits of Chinese medicine for bone repair may be on the way. Dr. Regis J. O'Keefe, chair
of the department of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center, along with his colleagues, presented
evidence at a recent meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, showing how one Chinese remedy appears to have some benefit, at
least in mice.
"There is a compound in traditional Chinese herbs that can stimulate fracture repair," O'Keefe says. "It alters a signaling pathway well
known to regulate bone formation."
O'Keefe and his colleagues are investigating the compound, which is derived from shellfish, primarily to determine whether it can help
stimulate bone formation in osteoporosis patients. But their findings may one day provide new avenues for fracture repair, as well.
Docs Offer Different Opinions, as Basketball Star Arrives in China
By DAN CHILDS, ABC News Medical Unit, April 7, 2008
The decision of NBA superstar Yao Ming to head to China to seek traditional Chinese medical treatment
for his stress fracture has orthopedic physicians and traditional medicine experts at odds over whether
the healing techniques will do any good.
The 27-year-old, 7-foot-6 all-star center for the Houston Rockets was forced out of the season by a stress
fracture in his left foot — specifically, a crack in the tarsal navicular bone, between the ankle joint and the middle of his foot.
Yao underwent surgery early last month when surgeons inserted a screw to stabilize the bone. Doctors involved with the surgery reported
that the procedure was successful and that Yao would begin an aggressive rehabilitation program once he was up to it.
The surgery carries with it a normal downtime of four months. But it appears Yao is also looking to traditional Chinese medicine — a
system that includes acupuncture and herbal remedies — to help speed his healing. On Friday, the Associated Press reported that Yao
had arrived back in his home country to consult with the nation's top experts.
Some U.S. doctors, such as Dr. Robert J. Neviaser, professor and chairman of orthopaedic surgery at George Washington University in
Washington, D.C., are skeptical that this extra step will do much, if any, good.
"I am aware of no scientific evidence that has established that traditional Chinese medicine modalities have any positive effect on stress
fractures," Neviaser says. "We do not know a great deal about acupuncture, which seems to have value as an anesthetic alternative for
surgery, but there is no data which show that it can help heal a fracture."
But some experts in Chinese medicine said that, despite the lack of published evidence, the modalities offered by Chinese medicine may
go a long way in helping Yao cope with the painful injury.
"It is not unwise, and I would do the same if I was Yao Ming, given that, conventionally, there is not much active treatment — aside from
passive rehab — offered by Western conventional medicine for stress fractures, either," says Dr. Raymond Chang, president of the Institute
of East West Medicine in New York.
"TCM is familiar and reputed — by empiricism, not by studies — to be helpful in such settings and quite familiar to almost all Chinese as a
part of our upbringing, so it is only natural that Yao Ming would seek this therapy," added Chang.
Stress Fractures Painful, Persistent
Stress fractures, unlike many other types of fractures, don't occur all at once. Rather, they are generally the result of repeated mechanical
stress to a vulnerable, weight-bearing bone, such as those in the feet.
While such fractures can happen to almost anyone, there are certain groups of people who are particularly vulnerable — those who
engage in demanding sports, those who are tall, and those whose weight puts constant pressure and strain on their bones.
In this respect, it is little surprise that the towering, 310-pound Yao has had the misfortune of suffering such an injury.
In some cases, such as Yao's, treatment involves surgery. But in less severe cases, the placement of a cast and a hiatus on the activity
that brought about the injury are enough. Pain and inflammation can also be treated with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
and other pain medications.
Chang says Chinese modalities for this type of injury usually involve external applications of herbal balms and liniment and ointments, and
does not necessarily involve the ingestion of herbs.
The dearth of high quality studies on traditional Chinese techniques to deal with these injuries means that they are not yet part of the canon
of conventional treatments. Still, some orthopedic experts say there may be benefits that will come to light through future research.
"As I know little about Chinese medicine, I can only comment on the possible benefits," says Dr. Andrew J. Elliott, assistant professor of
clinical orthopaedic surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. "Those might be increasing blood flow to the area to speed
healing, and possibly ingesting things that might help stimulate bone cells to heal."
And studies confirming some of the purported benefits of Chinese medicine for bone repair may be on the way. Dr. Regis J. O'Keefe, chair
of the department of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center, along with his colleagues, presented
evidence at a recent meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society, showing how one Chinese remedy appears to have some benefit, at
least in mice.
"There is a compound in traditional Chinese herbs that can stimulate fracture repair," O'Keefe says. "It alters a signaling pathway well
known to regulate bone formation."
O'Keefe and his colleagues are investigating the compound, which is derived from shellfish, primarily to determine whether it can help
stimulate bone formation in osteoporosis patients. But their findings may one day provide new avenues for fracture repair, as well.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
Ashi Home | Products and Orders | Contact Us | ©2006 Ashi Research, Inc. All rights reserved.
Pain And Genetics - Did You Inherit Your Pain?
By Pamela Avery
Grandma had rheumatism and Grandpa had back pain. Now you have fibromyalgia. Did you ever stop
to think you may have inherited your pain? Science has now explained why some of us are predisposed
to developing painful conditions while others are not. This is a fascinating look into our genetic
underpinnings that may help explain the epidemic of pain that we as a society are suffering. We are living
in a phenomenal era. Until recently, our knowledge of human genetics was limited and composed of
genetic identification of a relative handful of disease states, such as sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome
and other devastating diseases.
But in 1989, a new world began to open up. The National Human Genome Research Institute began as the National Center for Human
Genome Research (NCHGR). It was established in 1989 to carry out the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the International
Human Genome Project (HGP). The project was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and given
the mission in 1990 to map the human genome, our basic DNA structure as humans. In 1997 the United States Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) renamed NCHGR the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), officially elevating it to the status of
a research institute - one of 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
By April 2003, the entire human genome sequence was completely identified. Scientists around the world now had access to a database
that greatly facilitated and accelerated the pace of biomedical research. This human genome project may truly represent the greatest public
health project ever undertaken. So much is now known about the human genome that the field of genetics is rapidly emerging as the
foundation of much of modern medicine. You might ask, "What role does genetics play in my pain? Isn't my genetic make-up a permanent
feature? Do my genes ever change?" These are valid questions. Let's take a look at each of them.
The role of genetics in pain is complex. The human genome project has given us more information today than we had in the past. This has
allowed us to understand why some of us are predisposed to developing excessive or chronic pain. We now also know that inflammation
plays at least some role in many of the conditions which produce pain. We can, therefore, search for certain genetic predispositions
towards inflammation and thus, chronic or excessive pain.
In 1866, a monk named Gregor Mendel discovered inherited "factors" that seemed to play a role in the selection of certain traits in common
peas. This discovery led to many other investigations. Ultimately, James Watson and Francis Crick made the well-known discovery that
resulted in a Nobel Prize for their delineation of the double helix as the primal genetic material of life. This amazing discovery helped us
understand many of the confounding inherited diseases such as sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and even some
cancers such as breast cancer. These diseases are a result of gross abnormalities of the chromosomes, large collections of DNA found
in paired sequences within each of our individual cells.
The human genome project allowed the scientific world to peer deeper into each paired chromosome and analyze each strand of DNA,
building block by building block. These building blocks are composed of four purine bases - adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. They
are arranged in an amazing variety of sequences to give the human body its complex series of codes. These codes produce enzymes,
proteins, hormones and much more, creating the master plan for your own unique body.
It is deep in the genetic code where scientists have discovered minor small variations that occur on a fairly common basis for some of us,
determining how our bodies function in a variety of "less than normal" ways.
These minor variations are called gene SNPs (pronounced snips) or single nucleotide polymorphisms. These SNPs are important to
understand for many reasons. Because SNPs produce a wide variation of physiological responses in the body, they are intimately involved
in the reason we see wide variations in how individual bodies respond to trauma, injury and common causes of illnesses. Even more
importantly, these gene SNPs impact the ways your body absorbs and utilizes nutrition, vitamins, minerals and even synthetic compounds
such as pharmaceutical drugs.
So which gene SNPs may be involved in the development of chronic or excessive pain? It appears there may be many. Since inflammation
is one component of chronic or excessive pain, then any genetic control of inflammation will impact your tendency to develop chronic or
excessive pain. Indeed, there are several genetic variants of common genes known to predispose an individual towards the production of
excessive inflammation. In addition, there are known genes that control your body's ability to neutralize oxidative stress, another source of
inflammation. And finally, there are genes that control your body's ability to detoxify, render toxins harmless and eliminate them. Variants of
these particular genes can limit your body's ability to remove toxins, increasing the tendancy of these toxins to cause damage to DNA,
proteins and tissues of your body and produce inflammation in the process. Notice I said "tendency".
An amazing concept has stood traditional science on its head. The expression of some genes, in fact, can be turned on and off by many
factors, including the foods you eat, the supplements you take and the lifestyle you lead. This is a radical discovery. For years, it was
believed that our genetic make-up resulted in specific and consistent types of responses in the body. In fact, you may believe you have a
genetic destiny based on the genes you have inherited. We now know this isn't the complete picture.
While some genetic conditions may in fact be our physiological destiny, especially when large variations in chromosomes occur such as
Down's syndrome, far more genetic conditions can be modulated by the lifestyle we choose to lead. This is great news! This means that if
you are willing to learn what conditions your genetic constitution predisposes you to develop, you can then create a lifestyle to avoid,
modulate or moderate its effect. In particular, with chronic pain, knowing your genetic tendencies around inflammation, antioxidant systems
of your body and your detoxification abilities can help explain your particular response to pain as well as give you the nutritional blueprint for
improving your pain.
Dr. Pamela Avery, the Natural MD, is a board-certified physician and specialist of over 30 years in the management of pain through natural
methods. She offers free articles, weekly newsletters and online pain management lifestyle coaching. She has developed a lifestyle system
for chronic pain entitled "Live Pain Free! 6 Steps to a Pain Free Life." It can be accessed at http://www.drpamavery.com Her free special
report, "The Truth about Supplements", as well as her E-zine, "Natural Solutions", can be accessed at http://www.the-natural-md.com
By Pamela Avery
Grandma had rheumatism and Grandpa had back pain. Now you have fibromyalgia. Did you ever stop
to think you may have inherited your pain? Science has now explained why some of us are predisposed
to developing painful conditions while others are not. This is a fascinating look into our genetic
underpinnings that may help explain the epidemic of pain that we as a society are suffering. We are living
in a phenomenal era. Until recently, our knowledge of human genetics was limited and composed of
genetic identification of a relative handful of disease states, such as sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome
and other devastating diseases.
But in 1989, a new world began to open up. The National Human Genome Research Institute began as the National Center for Human
Genome Research (NCHGR). It was established in 1989 to carry out the role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the International
Human Genome Project (HGP). The project was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and given
the mission in 1990 to map the human genome, our basic DNA structure as humans. In 1997 the United States Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) renamed NCHGR the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), officially elevating it to the status of
a research institute - one of 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
By April 2003, the entire human genome sequence was completely identified. Scientists around the world now had access to a database
that greatly facilitated and accelerated the pace of biomedical research. This human genome project may truly represent the greatest public
health project ever undertaken. So much is now known about the human genome that the field of genetics is rapidly emerging as the
foundation of much of modern medicine. You might ask, "What role does genetics play in my pain? Isn't my genetic make-up a permanent
feature? Do my genes ever change?" These are valid questions. Let's take a look at each of them.
The role of genetics in pain is complex. The human genome project has given us more information today than we had in the past. This has
allowed us to understand why some of us are predisposed to developing excessive or chronic pain. We now also know that inflammation
plays at least some role in many of the conditions which produce pain. We can, therefore, search for certain genetic predispositions
towards inflammation and thus, chronic or excessive pain.
In 1866, a monk named Gregor Mendel discovered inherited "factors" that seemed to play a role in the selection of certain traits in common
peas. This discovery led to many other investigations. Ultimately, James Watson and Francis Crick made the well-known discovery that
resulted in a Nobel Prize for their delineation of the double helix as the primal genetic material of life. This amazing discovery helped us
understand many of the confounding inherited diseases such as sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and even some
cancers such as breast cancer. These diseases are a result of gross abnormalities of the chromosomes, large collections of DNA found
in paired sequences within each of our individual cells.
The human genome project allowed the scientific world to peer deeper into each paired chromosome and analyze each strand of DNA,
building block by building block. These building blocks are composed of four purine bases - adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. They
are arranged in an amazing variety of sequences to give the human body its complex series of codes. These codes produce enzymes,
proteins, hormones and much more, creating the master plan for your own unique body.
It is deep in the genetic code where scientists have discovered minor small variations that occur on a fairly common basis for some of us,
determining how our bodies function in a variety of "less than normal" ways.
These minor variations are called gene SNPs (pronounced snips) or single nucleotide polymorphisms. These SNPs are important to
understand for many reasons. Because SNPs produce a wide variation of physiological responses in the body, they are intimately involved
in the reason we see wide variations in how individual bodies respond to trauma, injury and common causes of illnesses. Even more
importantly, these gene SNPs impact the ways your body absorbs and utilizes nutrition, vitamins, minerals and even synthetic compounds
such as pharmaceutical drugs.
So which gene SNPs may be involved in the development of chronic or excessive pain? It appears there may be many. Since inflammation
is one component of chronic or excessive pain, then any genetic control of inflammation will impact your tendency to develop chronic or
excessive pain. Indeed, there are several genetic variants of common genes known to predispose an individual towards the production of
excessive inflammation. In addition, there are known genes that control your body's ability to neutralize oxidative stress, another source of
inflammation. And finally, there are genes that control your body's ability to detoxify, render toxins harmless and eliminate them. Variants of
these particular genes can limit your body's ability to remove toxins, increasing the tendancy of these toxins to cause damage to DNA,
proteins and tissues of your body and produce inflammation in the process. Notice I said "tendency".
An amazing concept has stood traditional science on its head. The expression of some genes, in fact, can be turned on and off by many
factors, including the foods you eat, the supplements you take and the lifestyle you lead. This is a radical discovery. For years, it was
believed that our genetic make-up resulted in specific and consistent types of responses in the body. In fact, you may believe you have a
genetic destiny based on the genes you have inherited. We now know this isn't the complete picture.
While some genetic conditions may in fact be our physiological destiny, especially when large variations in chromosomes occur such as
Down's syndrome, far more genetic conditions can be modulated by the lifestyle we choose to lead. This is great news! This means that if
you are willing to learn what conditions your genetic constitution predisposes you to develop, you can then create a lifestyle to avoid,
modulate or moderate its effect. In particular, with chronic pain, knowing your genetic tendencies around inflammation, antioxidant systems
of your body and your detoxification abilities can help explain your particular response to pain as well as give you the nutritional blueprint for
improving your pain.
Dr. Pamela Avery, the Natural MD, is a board-certified physician and specialist of over 30 years in the management of pain through natural
methods. She offers free articles, weekly newsletters and online pain management lifestyle coaching. She has developed a lifestyle system
for chronic pain entitled "Live Pain Free! 6 Steps to a Pain Free Life." It can be accessed at http://www.drpamavery.com Her free special
report, "The Truth about Supplements", as well as her E-zine, "Natural Solutions", can be accessed at http://www.the-natural-md.com
The Wonders of Ginger
By JP Saleeby
The rhizome Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in Asia for centuries as a culinary spice
and as a medicinal for the treatment of various ailments. The milder young ginger root as well
as the more pungent mature root is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine to flavor dishes. In
the Qing Dynasty it was even used to make a ginger-flavored liqueur called Canton. In Great
Britain ginger is used in the production of a spirited beverage called Crabbie's Green Ginger
Wine. Both the Orientals and Arabs use ginger infusions to flavor their coffee and tea, while in
the West the traditional use is to flavor cookies and candies, and in the beverage ginger ale.
A most unusual use of ginger was amongst pre-WWI British mounted regiments when during public ceremonies a peeled ginger root
suppository was placed in the horse's rectum. The practice known as figging (or feauging), resulted in a burning sensation, while leaving
no permanent damage; it made the horses hold their heads and tails high. As you can well imagine this practice in humans is observed
within the S&M community.
In medicine, Ginger root (a misnomer as it is not a root but rather a horizontal subterranean stem) is use by TCM doctors for
gastrointestinal illness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and arthritic disease. In the United States it has been used to treat gastrointestinal
upset, nausea, motion sickness, pregnancy-induced nausea and arthritis mostly in folk medicine and alternative medicine. It may be
gradually gaining acceptance in traditional western medicine in this country with recent scientific studies reporting positive outcomes.
The flavor and characteristic sent of ginger root is due to a mixture of zingerone, shoagoles and gingerols which are the volatile oils making
up about 3% of the dry weight of fresh ginger. Gingerols are the medicinal components having analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antiemetic
and antibacterial properties in addition to reducing gastrointestinal motility. Gingerol ( [6]-gingerol ) is a relative of capsaicin, the compound
that gives peppers their hot spicy taste. When gingerol is exposed to heat (such as in cooking) it is transformed into zingerone with its more
palatable less pungent and spicy-sweet aroma.
The mechanism of action of ginger is poorly understood, however the antiemetic properties may be due to inhibition of serotonin receptors
which exert affect directly on the gastrointestinal and central nervous system. The use of ginger in the treatment of arthritic disease such as
osteoarthritis and rheumatism may be due to the fact that ginger inhibits the activation of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-a) and
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, thus acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Ginger has been used for years as an over-the-counter preparation for treating motion sickness without the drowsiness of medications
such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). It apparently works pretty well, according to some scientific studies conducted on seagoing naval
cadets. While a rather entertaining "scientific" study on Discovery TV's hit show the MythBusters explored [in "Episode 43: Seasickness - Kill
or Cure" (premiered: Nov. 16, 2005 )] several non-pharmaceutical remedies along with placebo to tackle Adam's very sensitive motion
sickness. Ginger happened to be one of the more successful "home remedies" to combat this illness on the show. Now back to
double-blinded peer reviewed published studies. In pregnancy-induced nausea several trials show comparable effectiveness with vitamin
B6 and superiority over placebo of ginger to control morning sickness. The Cochrane review showed ginger as a safe (for baby and
mommy) and effective antiemetic in pregnancy.
There are also studies to substantiate the use of ginger in post-operative nausea (post anesthesia). Ginger did not fare as well in
controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting however.
How does ginger stack up when treating arthritic pain? Where several studies showed mixed results when ginger was used to treat
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, a couple of trials did show statistically significant pain relief and reduction in swelling with the use of
ginger. Ginger has also been studied in in vitro models and animals for conditions ranging from the treatment of bacterial and fungal
infections, cancers and as anti-hypertensive agents. However, not many have been successfully studied in humans.
There does not appear to be any significant toxicity with Ginger. Although the FDA considers Ginger rather safe, there is a theoretical risk
when used with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). At high doses Ginger may cause elevation in protimes (PT) of those who take this
medication. The only other caution to be observed is the use of this herb in people with gallbladder disease; those suffering gallstones
may have an exacerbation in their condition as ginger releases bile from the gallbladder.
Clinical trials typically use 250 mg to 1000 mg of standardized powdered ginger root in capsular form. This dose is taken anywhere from
once to four times a day. For pregnancy-induced nausea studies a successful regiment is 250 mg four times daily has been used.
In my neck of the woods a common beverage consumed by folks today started out as a local medicinal. The "world famous" Blenheim
Ginger Ale is bottled less than 15 miles from my home in Bennettsville, SC. Blenheim Ginger Ale is named after the natural mineral spring
in Blenheim, SC. Dr. C. R. May in the late 1800's advised patients to drink this mineral water to sooth their upset stomachs. When it was
reported that the remedy worked, but that many of the patients disliked the strong mineral taste of the water he added Jamaican Ginger to
the water, thus spawning the now famous ginger ale. Jamaican Ginger has historically been used as a medicinal. It is classified as a
stimulant and carminative for treatment of dyspepsia and colic and the tea brewed from the root was a folk remedy for colds. In 1903 Dr.
May teamed up with a partner to bottle the product under the Blenheim Bottling Company. To this day it is considered the oldest and
smallest bottling company in America. Some folks today use the "HOT" red-topped Blenheim Ginger Ale more as a medicinal than a soft
drink for the treatment of sore throats, colds, the flu, and to settle their stomachaches. Renown journalist Charles Kuralt in his famous "On
the Road" TV series featured the ginger ale on one of his episodes, and Penn Jillette (of the comic-magic duo Penn & Teller) is reportedly a
big fan of the beverage. Penn was pictured on the cover of a September 1994 Wired magazine issue wearing a Blenheim T-Shirt, bottle in
hand. Cheers!
JP Saleeby, MD is medical director of the emergency department at Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville, SC. He authored a book on
Adaptogen Herbs in 2006. For more information visit http://www.saleeby.net
By JP Saleeby
The rhizome Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in Asia for centuries as a culinary spice
and as a medicinal for the treatment of various ailments. The milder young ginger root as well
as the more pungent mature root is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine to flavor dishes. In
the Qing Dynasty it was even used to make a ginger-flavored liqueur called Canton. In Great
Britain ginger is used in the production of a spirited beverage called Crabbie's Green Ginger
Wine. Both the Orientals and Arabs use ginger infusions to flavor their coffee and tea, while in
the West the traditional use is to flavor cookies and candies, and in the beverage ginger ale.
A most unusual use of ginger was amongst pre-WWI British mounted regiments when during public ceremonies a peeled ginger root
suppository was placed in the horse's rectum. The practice known as figging (or feauging), resulted in a burning sensation, while leaving
no permanent damage; it made the horses hold their heads and tails high. As you can well imagine this practice in humans is observed
within the S&M community.
In medicine, Ginger root (a misnomer as it is not a root but rather a horizontal subterranean stem) is use by TCM doctors for
gastrointestinal illness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and arthritic disease. In the United States it has been used to treat gastrointestinal
upset, nausea, motion sickness, pregnancy-induced nausea and arthritis mostly in folk medicine and alternative medicine. It may be
gradually gaining acceptance in traditional western medicine in this country with recent scientific studies reporting positive outcomes.
The flavor and characteristic sent of ginger root is due to a mixture of zingerone, shoagoles and gingerols which are the volatile oils making
up about 3% of the dry weight of fresh ginger. Gingerols are the medicinal components having analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antiemetic
and antibacterial properties in addition to reducing gastrointestinal motility. Gingerol ( [6]-gingerol ) is a relative of capsaicin, the compound
that gives peppers their hot spicy taste. When gingerol is exposed to heat (such as in cooking) it is transformed into zingerone with its more
palatable less pungent and spicy-sweet aroma.
The mechanism of action of ginger is poorly understood, however the antiemetic properties may be due to inhibition of serotonin receptors
which exert affect directly on the gastrointestinal and central nervous system. The use of ginger in the treatment of arthritic disease such as
osteoarthritis and rheumatism may be due to the fact that ginger inhibits the activation of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-a) and
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, thus acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Ginger has been used for years as an over-the-counter preparation for treating motion sickness without the drowsiness of medications
such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). It apparently works pretty well, according to some scientific studies conducted on seagoing naval
cadets. While a rather entertaining "scientific" study on Discovery TV's hit show the MythBusters explored [in "Episode 43: Seasickness - Kill
or Cure" (premiered: Nov. 16, 2005 )] several non-pharmaceutical remedies along with placebo to tackle Adam's very sensitive motion
sickness. Ginger happened to be one of the more successful "home remedies" to combat this illness on the show. Now back to
double-blinded peer reviewed published studies. In pregnancy-induced nausea several trials show comparable effectiveness with vitamin
B6 and superiority over placebo of ginger to control morning sickness. The Cochrane review showed ginger as a safe (for baby and
mommy) and effective antiemetic in pregnancy.
There are also studies to substantiate the use of ginger in post-operative nausea (post anesthesia). Ginger did not fare as well in
controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting however.
How does ginger stack up when treating arthritic pain? Where several studies showed mixed results when ginger was used to treat
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, a couple of trials did show statistically significant pain relief and reduction in swelling with the use of
ginger. Ginger has also been studied in in vitro models and animals for conditions ranging from the treatment of bacterial and fungal
infections, cancers and as anti-hypertensive agents. However, not many have been successfully studied in humans.
There does not appear to be any significant toxicity with Ginger. Although the FDA considers Ginger rather safe, there is a theoretical risk
when used with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). At high doses Ginger may cause elevation in protimes (PT) of those who take this
medication. The only other caution to be observed is the use of this herb in people with gallbladder disease; those suffering gallstones
may have an exacerbation in their condition as ginger releases bile from the gallbladder.
Clinical trials typically use 250 mg to 1000 mg of standardized powdered ginger root in capsular form. This dose is taken anywhere from
once to four times a day. For pregnancy-induced nausea studies a successful regiment is 250 mg four times daily has been used.
In my neck of the woods a common beverage consumed by folks today started out as a local medicinal. The "world famous" Blenheim
Ginger Ale is bottled less than 15 miles from my home in Bennettsville, SC. Blenheim Ginger Ale is named after the natural mineral spring
in Blenheim, SC. Dr. C. R. May in the late 1800's advised patients to drink this mineral water to sooth their upset stomachs. When it was
reported that the remedy worked, but that many of the patients disliked the strong mineral taste of the water he added Jamaican Ginger to
the water, thus spawning the now famous ginger ale. Jamaican Ginger has historically been used as a medicinal. It is classified as a
stimulant and carminative for treatment of dyspepsia and colic and the tea brewed from the root was a folk remedy for colds. In 1903 Dr.
May teamed up with a partner to bottle the product under the Blenheim Bottling Company. To this day it is considered the oldest and
smallest bottling company in America. Some folks today use the "HOT" red-topped Blenheim Ginger Ale more as a medicinal than a soft
drink for the treatment of sore throats, colds, the flu, and to settle their stomachaches. Renown journalist Charles Kuralt in his famous "On
the Road" TV series featured the ginger ale on one of his episodes, and Penn Jillette (of the comic-magic duo Penn & Teller) is reportedly a
big fan of the beverage. Penn was pictured on the cover of a September 1994 Wired magazine issue wearing a Blenheim T-Shirt, bottle in
hand. Cheers!
JP Saleeby, MD is medical director of the emergency department at Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville, SC. He authored a book on
Adaptogen Herbs in 2006. For more information visit http://www.saleeby.net
This is a free service for posting educational events related to Chinese medicine . Contact tcm@ashi-resarch.com for the service.
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