Published in a psychology journal, the study found that consistent use over a period of time of a specific form of t’ai chi appeared to boost the immune system’s response to a common virus, and could help ward off outbreaks of a painful, debilitating skin condition, shingles that afflicts primarily the senior age population.

Shingles and Seniors – What You Need to Know This skin rash, known as shingles, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus; this virus is the cause of two diseases in humans. In small children, it causes chickenpox, a common skin condition that usually resolves itself after seven to 10 days. After the outward signs of chickenpox subside, the varicella virus remains alive in the body’s nerve cells, but is usually kept in check by the immune system.

However, when an individual’s immune system is weakened by stress, illness or old age, the varicella virus can re-emerge to cause shingles, a painful skin rash that can last for months or years. The pain can be so severe that it is physically debilitating, and as a result, some seniors with shingles also become depressed, which further lowers immunity.  There is no standard treatment for the prevention of shingles, and even after the rash disappears, skin in the affected area can remain extremely painful to the
touch.

While there is no traditional medical treatment to heal shingles, Oriental Medicine offers 2 effective alternatives – acupuncture, and a second that doesn’t require a trip to your holistic physician’s office – t’ai chi. Shingles Prevention with Oriental Medicine and T’ai Chi The best way to prevent shingles is to keep your immune system strong and resilient according to most health care providers and researchers.

Researchers in the health care field decided to see if behavioral and exercise programs such as t’ai chi might play a role in immunity and well-being, and thus lower the chances of shingles.  Dr. Michael Irwin and a team of scientists at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute designed a trial using elderly patients who had the chickenpox virus.

They recruited 36 subjects, all of whom were at least 60 years old and had chickenpox earlier in life, but not shingles. Half of the patients were randomly selected to participate in a t’ai chi group; the remaining half were told not to begin any new exercise programs during the study and acted as a control group.

For the t’ai chi group, the researchers used a specially structured form of exercise called tai chi chih (TCC), consisting of 20 simple, repetitive movements and designed for easy use by older adults. TCC was practiced three times a week for 15 consecutive weeks, for a total of 45 sessions; the patients were taught by a certified TCC instructor, who conducted all of the treatments. A typical session lasted 45 minutes, comprised of a 10-minute warm up; a 30-minute exercise period; and a 5-minute cool down stage.

The main outcome measured in the study was the level of a certain type of cells in the blood – specifically, a “memory T-cell,” which is designed to recognize and attack the varicella virus. In older adults, there are approximately 10 memory T-cells for every 100,000 white blood cells in the bloodstream. The researchers also used the standard SF-36 medical outcomes questionnaire to measure general health and well-being. Blood tests were taken at baseline and one week after the TCC sessions ended, while SF-36 assessments were taken at baseline, at five-week intervals during the study, and one week after the final TCC session.

Because of geographical difficulties and time requirements, four patients in the TCC group dropped out of the program. One patient also dropped out of the control group, resulting in 31 patients who completed the study.

Results of the Research on T’ai Chi and Shingles in Older Adults In the TCC group, there was a “robust increase” levels of memory T-cells in the blood. On average, the scientists found “a nearly 50 percent increase” of varicella virus responder cells in TCC patients from the start of the study to the one-week post-TCC period. On a patient-by-patient basis, levels of memory T-cells increased in nine TCC patients, remained unchanged in seven patients and decreased in one patient. In the control group, memory T-cell levels increased in three patients, were unchanged in eight patients and decreased in five patients.

Physical improvements also were noted in the TCC patients. Analysis of the
SF-36 forms found that patients in the TCC group had “significantly higher” role-physical and physical functioning scores compared to the control group. Role-physical scores improved throughout the study for the TCC patients, whereas scores for the control group varied between assessments.

Anecdotally, patients in the TCC group generally reported higher feelings of relaxation and increased energy, and less fatigue, than control patients.
Dr. Irwin expanded on the results achieved in the study by saying the
following: “Our findings offer a unique and exciting example of mind over matter,” Irwin said. “A large body of research shows how behavior can negatively affect the immune system and health, but ours is the first randomized, controlled study to demonstrate that behavior can have a positive effect on immunity that protects against shingles.

The findings are particularly noteworthy, as t’ai chi chih, or ‘meditation with movement,’ increased immunity in older adults who are at risk for herpes zoster (shingles).  “The improvements in both immunity and physical functioning were significant by widely accepted measures of each, and all with no surgery, no drugs and no side-effects,” Irwin continued. “We were particularly struck by incredible improvements in what subjects were able to accomplish physically as a result of participating in these classes. In fact, older adults who had the more impairment present at the start of the study showed the greatest improvement and benefit at the end.”

Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions a Naturopathic Doctor in Westchester, New York uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medical modalities including nutrition to meet the health care needs of older patients, and is well-versed in t’ai chi. If you are affected by shingles or other signs of low immunity, please contact with Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions to schedule an appointment.

Organic Foods, Children and Babies – Are Our Kids More Vulnerable to Pesticides than We Are?

Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of exposure to synthetic pesticides, according to a mounting number of studies conducted since the 1980′s.  As the evidence mounts that babies and children – who have lower body weights and faster metabolisms than adults, as well as developing organs and bodies – are more negatively impacted than their parents and grandparents, families need to be aware of how to safely and healthily feed and nourish their most precious gems – their kids and grand kids.

Choosing organic products can go a long way toward minimizing a child’s exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and other harmful substances that may be in the food supply. Plus, studies show that organic foods contain a wide range of nutrients that help to keep children healthy, that are found to be depleted in soils where non-traditional methods of growing have caused a dwindling depleted of vital nutrients in previously rich, loamy soil.   One nutrient of great importance that has been exhausted by modern factory farming methods that do not include crop rotation and composting is zinc.

Zinc is most well known for its essential role in maintaining respiratory health, and also plays a  vital, yet lesser known role in women’s reproductive health.  Studies conducted in Asia found that teens who supplemented with zinc were able to stop pain associated with periods.  Babies are found to have fewer incidences of “cradle cap,” thrush, and ear infections when supplementing with zinc. Until modern times, zinc was plentiful in soils, and the human immune system evolved to rely upon zinc.  Now, in many places in the world, the soils are deficient in zinc, and at a time in world history where unparalleled stress levels are placing increased demands on the immune system.  Zinc deficiency is a worldwide problem in children as a direct result of non-organic farming, and in countries such as India, where traditional Western medicine is staunchly followed, and pesticide use is unregulated, medical doctors regularly prescribe zinc to children and adults.  Restoring the soil through organic, sustainable methods of growing is a part of the solution to maintaining immune health in babies, children and teens.

What does “organic” mean?

The “organic” label on foods informs you that the food was grown and produced in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Farms that sell less than $5000 of organic products per year are exempt from having their practices certified (by an agent accredited by USDA’s National Organic Program) as compliant  with federal law governing organics.  Many farms are certified by 2 agencies.

USDA organic standards are designed to protect and clarify the meaning of organic to consumers. In broad strokes, the standards prohibit synthetic pesticides, genetically modified ingredients, irradiation, and the use of bio-solids (sewage sludge) as fertilizer. Organic livestock eat organic feed and are not given antibiotics or hormones, and have access to pasture. Producers keep written audit trails to demonstrate that organic integrity is maintained throughout farming, processing, production, and transportation of organic foods.  If the food you give your children and babies doesn’t say that it’s  “Certified Organic,” then it may contain chemicals that mimic the cancer-causing form of estrogen in the body, genetically-modified ingredients, human wastes, and high doses of radiation as a preservative.  Since kids weigh less and usually absorb nutrients from foods more effectively than adults, these additives and chemicals can adversely affect their growth, development, health and happiness.

In order to farm successfully within organic rules, organic farmers use a variety of methods to create eco-systems that are balanced, naturally pest-resistant, and appropriate to the climate and the region.  Modern organic farming methods that include a wide basis of scientific knowledge and thousands of years of history and experience, while more labor intensive than factory farming methods, produce high yields of delicious, healthy food that enriches humans, wildlife, AND the soil.

Visit http://www.usda.gov/nop to learn more about the National Organic Program and organic certification.

Why Organic Foods May Matter Most to Children

Children may be much more at risk than adults for pesticide exposure, and may suffer greater harm to health and development from exposure research and analysis has shown in the past 3 decades. Yet standards for safety and tolerance limits for these chemicals rarely include adequate consideration of the risks to children.   Until very recently,  the established food safety standards for food chemicals were for healthy adults.

Recent laws now mandate factoring in these risks and re-evaluating safety limits, but the wheels of re-evaluation have turned very slowly. Organic foods, therefore, may be especially important to more fully protect children from the risks of exposure, even when pesticide levels in foods are within existing legal limits.

Why are children at greater risk? First, they ingest more food and water per pound of body weight than adults, so any exposure is greater in proportion to their size. Second, these chemicals may be more harmful to developing organs and bodily systems, including neurological and reproductive systems, than they are to mature bodies, as most pesticides work by disturbing reproduction in pests – and unfortunately, these chemicals also disrupt hormones and reproduction in wildlife and human beings.

In a study published in May 2002 in Food Additives and Contaminants, organic foods were shown to have significantly lower pesticide residues than conventionally grown foods (for a number of reasons, such as persistent residues in soil that last for many years, some organic foods may still show residue).

Other studies show the environmental benefits of organic agriculture to air, soil and water, lowering the total toxic burden to our ecosystems. As demand for organic foods continues to grow, more farmers are likely to view organic methods as a viable and marketable option, helping to stabilize supply and price.  Supermarkets such as Whole Foods also collaborate with government assistance programs that provide food for children of low income households and offer organic food choices and education to thousands of children and their parents.

It adds up to an evolving landscape that increasingly allows for – and makes a compelling and credible case for – including organic foods in children’s diets whenever possible. As concerned parents, teachers, administrators, and foodservice professionals create and insist on innovation and reform in school lunch programs, organic foods make sense as part of the picture.   Dozens of programs exist in the public school system in Washington state alone as growing public awareness and activism leads to positive growth and change on behalf of their children and families.

Learn More About Children, Pesticides, and Organic Foods:

BOOKS:
Wargo, John. Our Children’s Toxic Legacy: How Science and Law Fail to Protect Us from Pesticides (Yale University Press, Second Edition, 1998)

Landrigan, Philip J. et al. Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World: 101 Smart Solutions for Every Family (Rodale Press, 2002)

Lipson, Elaine. The Organic Foods Sourcebook (Mcgraw-Hill Contemporary, 2001).

ON THE WEB:
1.  Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org
EWG has conducted research and published many substantive reports on children, pesticides, and other environmental toxins and concerns. Visit the site for downloadable reports, including “How ‘Bout Them Apples? Pesticides in Children’s Food Ten Years After Alar,” “Overexposed: Organophosphate Insecticides in Children’s Food,” and more.

2.  Children’s Health Environmental Coalition: www.checnet.org

3.  Organic Trade Association: www.ota.com (see also www.organic-center.org)

REPORTS and ARTICLES:

1.  National Academy of Sciences. Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children. Washington: National Academy Press, 1993.

Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions in Westchester, New York uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine modalities including nutrition to meet the health care needs of his patients with problems associated with the immune system and nutrition, including infants, toddlers, children and teens. If you or your child is affected by your diet, allergies, has developmental issues, or environmental concerns contact  Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions to schedule an appointment.

The mind-body connection is often referenced in modern medicine thanks to a growing awareness that our mind affects our health, and increasingly the mind-body connection is being acknowledged as a key, contributing factor in maintaining health, as well as in healing illness.  The mind-body connection simply refers to the interrelatedness of our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs and that they can play a starring role in the evolution of painful symptoms and disease in the body.

Modern medicine has acknowledged this in many ways, including:

1. Writing 14 million prescriptions for yoga last year
2. Prescribing mood altering drugs such as anti-depressants for diseases such as fibromyalgia, gastric reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome
3. Funding studies to explore the mind-body connection, especially as it relates to post-traumatic stress

While these acknowledgements represent movement towards building bridges of connection between holistic and medical doctors, perhaps a deeper exploration of the mind-body connection will empower you to take charge of your health even more.  Here are some beliefs that may support you to affect positive, lasting changes in your own healing in conjunction.  Applying this knowledge will serve to strengthen your relationship with yourself and your doctor.

How does the mind-body connection help me to heal and stay healthy?

Illness AND health have a mental cause and physical expression.  Each thought we have stimulates a feeling, and these feelings and emotions such as joy, fear, anger, love, sadness and excitement have their physiological equivalent in the brain including the neurotransmitters serotonin, adrenaline, dopamine, PEA, and acetylcholine to name a few.  These neurotransmitters have a direct relationship with all of your body’s cells, and with each organ being more sensitive to certain neurotransmitters than others, certain health conditions may be predicted by understanding the link between emotions, brain chemistry, and your vital organs.  Chinese Medicine has established such an understanding.

By understand the direct relationship between your mind – including your thoughts and emotions – and the direct role they play in the functionality of your beautifully designed body, you are placed in the driver’s seat – only now you may feel more like your health destination is your choice, rather than a mystery or an accident.

How does Chinese Medicine promote healing of the mind-body connection?

Chinese Medicine has acknowledged for over 4,000 years that our emotions affect the body in very predictable ways – ways that we may understand, and therefore utilize to both prevent and treat diseases with acupuncture and movement practices such as Qi-Gong and T’ai Chi.  The fundamental understanding is that each emotion affects a particular organ; when an organ is affected, there are certain symptoms, known as organ patterns that may be expressed.

Here are a few of the common mind-body connections that Classical Chinese Medicine acknowledges:

1. Anger and the Liver Meridian: Can manifest as tension, irregular or painful menstruation, headaches, irritability, depression, pain of all kinds, gas, irregular digestion, insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep, and poor vision or eye problems.
2. Excitement, Anxiety and the Heart: Can manifest as heart palpitations, forgetfulness, palpitations, lack of focus, poor concentration, insomnia with too many thoughts when falling asleep, impaired blood circulation, and darkening of the facial complexion.
3. Worry, Pensiveness and the Spleen/Stomach: Can manifest as weak digestion, nausea, loose and/ or frequent bowel movements, reduced appetite, craving of sweets, loss of memory in school, and memorizing facts in studies, swelling, tiredness, and muscle weakness.
4. Sadness, Loss, Grief and the Lung: Can manifest as frequent colds and upper respiratory infections, reduced immunity, sore throat and hoarseness, dry skin, sinus problems, allergies, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lethargy.
5. Fear, Trauma, Shock and the Kidneys: Can manifest as low back pain, leg pain and swelling, ankle edema, poor memory of recent events, names and faces, hair loss, hearing loss, knee pain, impaired fertility, and overall feeling of decline in vitality.

How do we heal ourselves permanently?

In order to permanently heal a condition, we must first dissolve the mental causes that contributed to its development.  This will facilitate healing the brain chemistry, the nervous system, and the vital organs where the condition may be located.  Acupuncture and its associated modalities also correct the brain chemistry imbalances that are the result of the mind-body connection in the evolution of disease.

Most often, since you may not know what the mental cause of our illness is, you may find it difficult to know where to begin.  Chinese Medicine and the emotional principles can provide you with an excellent starting point to begin the mind-body exploration, or deepen the search that you may have already established.  By combining a holistic approach to healing that also includes taking charge of your thoughts, feelings and beliefs so that they support your overall treatment and health goals in conjunction with other complementary medicine treatments such as acupuncture, your results will be sustainable and enduring.

Lasting results is what most people want – and what your health care provider wants for you too.  To achieve this aim, taking charge of your mental health while receiving treatment from your provider, as well as afterwards will insure that you get healthy – and stay that way.  Then, when an occasional health bump in the road comes you will feel much more at ease knowing that first you may seek to understand the mental causes, and if a visit to your physician is required, that you will be well soon.  Holistic medicine honors that your body knows how to heal itself.  To inquire further about Holistic and Chinese Medicine or to schedule an appointment, please contact Integrative Med Solutions and Dr. Lisanti directly at 914-337-2980.

Did you know that up to 80% of your immune cells are located in your gastro-intestinal (GI) tract? These cells need to be nourished by certain key nutrients and substances found in your diet in order to provide you with optimum immunity. Their immune protection can also be “switched-off” by ingesting certain substances that aren’t naturally occurring in the diet.  By tuning in to your gut and keeping it in prime shape by making wise and delicious food choices, you are insuring that you get the most out of your immune system.  Recent findings in medical journals around the world are confirming what Naturopathic and Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) doctors have sagaciously advised their patients for years: your vitality, wellness and mind all depend on a healthy digestive system.

Your gut is home not only to immune cells, it is also a thriving environment that contains trillions of beneficial bacteria, collectively referred to as “pro-biotics.” In a healthy GI system, probiotics comprise the majority of your “gut flora,” while the disease-causing bacteria are the minority. As long as this majority balance is in your favor, you’re healthy.  The purpose of the probiotic bacteria presence in your digestive tract is to digest fiber – the energy source for the immune cells in your GI tract. These fibers, especially water-soluble fibers, essentially keep your team well-fed, happy, and able to maintain your gut immunity.

Sometimes, however, the balance or ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria becomes disturbed.  This can lead to symptoms such as poor digestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, poor concentration, fatigue and chronic inflammation of the bowels, skin, and sometimes the gums. When this unhealthy balance extends for a period of months or years, additional symptoms and diseases such as heartburn, arthritis, yeast infections, food allergies, reduced immunity, respiratory allergies, asthma and chronic respiratory infections can result.

Restoring the balance of power in your GI tract can improve your digestion and your overall immunity.  According to CCM, spring is the season for eating foods that are sweet and aromatic.  These fruits and fresh herbs and will cool your palette in the warmer temperatures, as well as spice up your menu! Here are a few pointers that may act as an easy-to-follow guide for making wise food choices this spring season:

Pro-biotics – Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that maintain the integrity of your immune system, that is, they defend your skin, nasal passages, mouth, throat and digestive tract from invasion by harmful bacteria, or keep their numbers low enough that they are rendered harmless.  Pro-biotic bacteria are found in fermented and cultured foods, including lacto-fermented foods.  Lacto-fermented foods are made by fermentation with Lactobacillus bacteria already present in the food. Sauerkraut, miso, tamari, and Bragg’s amino acids and tempeh are non-dairy sources of pro-biotics.

Pre-biotics – Are the nutrition for these “good guys.”  The main source of food to “feed the troops” is found in soluble plant fibers, found in most fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.  Many “pre-biotic” supplements are available, however if you know which fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fresh herbs are a rich source of pre-biotics, you can boost your immunity naturally by wisely choosing to eat these foods.  Rich food sources that top the charts for soluble, pre-biotic fiber from all of the natural food groups include:

-    Cilantro and parsley
-    Whole wheat and oats
-    Oat bran
-    Carrots, broccoli, tomato paste and artichokes
-    Pinto, kidney soy beans, and lentils
-    Figs, prunes, dark raisins
-    Flax and sunflower seeds

Digestive-friendly amino-acids – L-Glutamine is a “non-essential” amino acid, that under conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation or infection becomes “essential,’ that is, more is needed than the body can manufacture.  L-Glutamine “energizes” immune cells once they are activated by infection or inflammation, and thus helps the immune system to be stronger, better, and faster.  L-Glutamine is found in all protein-rich foods; however, supplementation may be recommended when there is weakness and poor absorption in the GI tract.

Polyphenols – “Free-radicals,” cellular damage, and cellular loss are often by-products of infections, allergies, and inflammation, such as chronic or acute pain.  Polyphenols are natural anti-oxidants that help to neutralize this damage and promote faster healing during and after illness or injury.  They also aid in preventing injury.  Most foods that are rich sources of Polyphenols are also rich sources of pre-biotic, water-soluble fiber.  Polyphenols are found in fruits and some leaves such as tea.

Digestive enzymes – These are naturally occurring in foods, but these food-sourced enzymes require additional enzymes from the body in order to become bio-available.  When immunity in the gut is weak, enzyme and healthy stomach acid production decline, leaving food in an incompletely digested state.  This incomplete digestion feeds harmful bacteria and further weakens the gut.  Adding digestive enzyme supplements when symptoms of inflammation, allergies, acute or chronic pain are present will reduce the molecular size of the food, help feed the healthy bacteria, and starve the “bad guys.”

Fruits that boost immunity and brain function

Brain function depends on many factors.  One factor that can inhibit a variety of brain functions including memory, concentration, learning and recall is the presence of certain inflammatory chemicals that are neutralized or eliminated by enhancing the immune system with polyphenolic compounds found in fruits and properly prepared tea.  Fruits and fruit-based foods that are rich in these inflammatory-reducing polyphenols and other plant-based nutrients include:

-    Figs – 5 dried
-    Pomegranates – ½ medium
-    Raspberries – ½ cup
-    Black grapes – ½ cup
-    Blackberries – ½ cup
-    Black currants – ¼ cup
-    Blueberries-  ½ cup
-    Prunes – 3 large
-    Dark raisins – ¼ cup

Interestingly enough, all of the above foods are also rich in the pre-biotic, soluble-fibers that nourish your immune system, making them an excellent addition to your daily diet.  Most of these fruits are also low-on the glycemic index, and will help keep blood sugar levels stable for a longer time.  Further, foods rich in soluble fiber help the “good guys” digest fat into a form that lowers trigycerides and raises HDL while reducing LDL cholesterol.   Eat 1-2 servings of each daily, and you have the beginnings of a recipe for immune success!

The brain depends on a diet and digestion to function optimally

When gut immunity is reduced, the resulting inflammation and elevated levels of bacteria and fungus such as candida albicans can reduce the signaling between neurons in the brain, resulting in poor memory, low mood, slower learning, poor concentration, and “brain fog.”  It is important to maintain GI tract immunity by making wise food choices to keep your brain healthy, smart, and agile.

An integrative solution to optimal immunity and brain function and memory

If you are experiencing symptoms of poor digestion, chronic pain, arthritis, tiredness, skin problems, rashes or allergies, your immune system and cognitive functions may need a “tune-up” or a “spring-cleaning.”

Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions in Westchester, New York uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine modalities including nutrition to meet the health care needs of his patients with problems associated with the immune system. If you are afflicted by any conditions associated with any acute or chronic immune impairment, please contact with Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions to schedule an appointment

• Painful or uncomfortable periods
• Mood swings and depression before periods
• Irregular or excessive bleeding
• Pre-menstrual migraine headaches
• Pre-menstrual acid reflux

Some of the more common medical diagnoses associated with these symptoms include dysmenorrhea, PMS, PMDD, metrostaxis, menorrhagia, endometriosis and migraine headache and acid reflux.

Initially, women who receive treatment for their period problems with integrative medicine may be receiving treatment for another health concern, such as depression, fibromyalgia, back pain or fatigue.  Most women do not know that integrative medicine has excellent treatment outcomes for resolving memstrual pain, regulating emotional fluctuations, and normalizing sleep and digestive disturbances that commonly occur with their periods.  Most women are told that menstrual pain is “normal,” and that they just have to “live with” having days or even weeks of their lives disrupted by painful symptoms.  Fortunately, integrative medicine offers a healthy, affordable approach for harmonizing a woman’s body and mind.

Women who seek integrative medicine for their menstrual symptoms may also continue to work with their gynecologist in case that they have sought relief for their pain.  Usually, oral contraceptives and/or antidepressant medications are prescribed, and when these don’t work, women may feel a sense of hopelessness.

Integrative medicine offers hope through a compassionate and balancing approach to women’s health concerns.  Here are a few points that women should keep in mind about periods:

1.  Pain is always a “cry for help” from the body.  If your primary care provider doesn’t have a pain-free alternative for you, consider integrative medicine.

2.  Stress plays an essential role in affecting women’s hormones and can activate the body’s natural pain-causing chemicals.  Integrative medicine helps to heal the symptoms of stress, and may guide women towards less stressful, more positive choices.

3.  Childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress are frequently found in the medical histories of women who have period problems.  Usually, for a complete healing to take place, an integrative approach that also helps to heal the emotional pain is needed.

Integrative Medicine Approach to Period Problems

Integrative medicine seeks to re-establish balance in a woman’s physiology, and, with the help of therapies such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis, heal any emotional traumas that may be sending out the body’s signals for help.  Treatment may include:

1.  Acupuncture and moxibustion to balance hormones, boost immunity and reduce inflammation

2.  Chinese and Western herbs to harmonize menstruation

3.  Diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation in the reproductive system

4.  Counseling

5.  Therapeutic exercise and relaxation

While it may take up to 3 menstrual cycles to see major improvements in symptoms, many women feel improved within the first month.  If the symptoms are very severe and have been chronic for a number of years, positive changes will likely occur over several months, and the healing will be experienced as deeper and more complete with each successive menstrual cycle.

Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) has suggestions that menstruating women are advised to follow for menstrual health:

1.  During menstruation:

• Avoid eating cold foods and beverages, raw foods such as salads, shellfish, and seafood, as these can reduce blood circulation, promote clot formation, and induce pain.
• Avoid spicy, hot or fried foods that include chilies, onions, garlic, too much ginger, coconut milk-based soups and sauces, and hot sauce.  These can induce heavy bleeding in some women either now or later.
• Eat nourishing foods such as warm soups, and eat them in lesser quality since the digestive capacity is reduced at period time.
• Avoid prolonged baths; bathe in warm water, and avoid swimming, especially in cool or cold water.  These can induce period pain by reducing uterine blood circulation.
• Avoid strenuous exercises, especially lifting more than 10 pounds, standing in one place, walking for more than 20 minutes, or exercises that involve jumping or induce sweating.  These can induce heavy bleeding or prolong the period, resulting in anemia and fatigue.

2.  1 week prior to menstruation:

• Avoid confrontations and postpone important discussions with your spouse
• Seek out calming activities
• Eat slightly less than usual
• Eat more blood-building foods that are high in iron such as green vegetables, whole grains, sea vegetables, and eggs
• Get plenty of exercise, perhaps more than normal

Many of these simple solutions are preventative in nature, and have a long history of being followed in China.  Remember, that how you treat your body and mind during your menstruating years will directly affect your menopausal years.  About 85% – 90% of Western women experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and memory loss, compared with just 25% of Chinese women.

If you have followed many of these principles and still continue to experience pain and negative mood changes at period time, the underlying cause may be emotional in nature. A deeper level of change may be necessary to experience healthy periods.

Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions in Westchester, New York uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine modalities including nutrition to meet the health care needs of his patients with problems associated with menstruation. If you are affected by pain and mood imbalances with your periods, please contact with Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions to schedule an appointment.

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat due to the fact that several organ systems are affected. Treatment plans for fibromyalgia vary greatly based on different medical disciplines. In Western medical communities, pharmaceuticals are used to manage pain associated with fibromyalgia. Common medications include analgesics or pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin and naproxen sodium (Aleve), as well as with muscle relaxants. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs might be prescribed to manage depression and improve sleep. Anti-spasmodic medications are also used to relieve abdominal pain. Unfortunately, the benefits of medications are often limited by their side effects.

Diet modifications can also help manage symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Because inflammation is the underlying cause of pain associated with fibromyalgia, some individuals respond well to anti-inflammatory diets. Anti-inflammation diets are high in whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, cold water fish, high quality fats, nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs and spices.  Others are responsive to detoxification diets which focus on the elimination of all processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars, meat and common food allergens such as wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, shellfish and soy. In addition, supplementation with probiotics keeps the digestive tract healthy and may also reduce inflammation by restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Individuals with fibromyalgia often have low blood levels of serotonin, so supplementation with 5-HTP, which increases the synthesis of serotonin, may be useful in these cases. SAMe or S-adenosyl-L-methionine may decrease pain and morning stiffness.

Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) has also been studied extensively for its effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia. Because CCM provides a holistic and systemic approach to health and healing, some individuals experience greater symptom relief when CCM therapies are used in addition to Western approaches. For example, results from a recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine indicated that the addition of acupuncture to conventional treatments was beneficial for pain and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. In CCM, there are 4 pattern assessments associated with fibromyalgia: liver Qi stagnation, qi and blood stagnation, qi and blood deficiency and kidney deficiency. Acupuncture and Chinese medical herbs can provide fibromyalgia symptom relief by balancing ying and yang and by adjusting the flow of qi and blood. A Chinese medical practitioner might also apply heat to specific points on the body, and use cupping, moxibustion and massage to help reduce pain. Scientific research indicates that Tui Na, Chinese massage, and movement therapies like Qigong and Yoga can reduce pain and improve symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.

Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions in Westchester, New York uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic medical modalities including nutrition to meet the health care needs of his patients with fibromyalgia. If you are affected by fibromyalgia, please contact with Dr. Lisanti at Integrative Med Solutions to schedule an appointment.

Pre-Pregnancy Plan

Pregnancy can either come as a surprise or be something that was planned for.  As with almost anything else, being planned and prepared for is the most desirable option. If you are in the position to plan and prepare before getting pregnant it is best that you seek a naturopathic doctors’ counsel. They will set up a pre-pregnancy program that will prepare your body for what’s to come. The use of nutrients and herbs, catered to each patients needs, as a part of a detoxification regime will help improve gastrointestinal health. Getting started before conception will also help to solidify a routine that will be followed throughout the pregnancy.

Pregnancy Plan

Massage therapy

Massage therapy can be used during pregnancy for the same reason it is used outside of pregnancy (to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and facilitate blood flow to internal organs). However, it can also be used to alleviate cramps, lower back and hip pain, and chronic tension caused by pregnancy. Massage therapy can also help to ease discomfort resulting from fluid retention.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used during the pregnancy as well as before and during labor.

During pregnancy acupuncture is effective in easing general discomfort, and aiding in many ways. Here is a short list of some of the ways in which acupuncture can positively contribute to the pregnancy:

-          Can be used to induce labor for late pregnancies

-          Enhance the health of the mother

-          Prevent complications during pregnancy

• Relieve morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum
• Alleviate heartburn
• Alleviate hydroids
• Alleviate stress

-          Influence the development of the baby

-          Turn breech babies

During labor, acupuncture is used to ease labor pains.  By using a non-drug substitute such as acupuncture you eliminate the possible side effects that can go along with local or general anesthetic.

Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle is always advised but there are many benefits to the mother and baby when taking such things as regular exercise and a healthy eating into consideration. If following the plan of a naturopathic doctor an expecting mother will be advised to exercise regularly and eat more or less of certain foods.  A naturopath will address eating organic foods, avoiding pesticides, preservatives, and chemically processed food as well as taking the proper supplements and vitamins. The following is a short list of ingredients, supplements, and nutrients along with their benefits.

-          Nutriceuticals: It is suggested that you speak to your naturopathic doctor about what nutriceuticals you should be taking. These physician grade supplements are extremely beneficial to the health and development of the baby.

-          Magnesium: As with many natural vitamins and minerals magnesium can be taken as a supplement or from eating food such as green vegetables, fish, dairy products such as milk, whole wheat bread containing bran and germ, as well as drinking plenty of water. Magnesium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, promote proper blood pressure, and increase pain tolerance for delivery.

-          Calcium: The most obvious source of calcium is dairy products. Beyond that you can get calcium from things such as soft bones of fish, tofu, sesame seeds, nuts, white bread, dried fruit, and green leafy vegetables. Bottled water, breakfast cereals and orange juice are also fortified with extra calcium. Proper intake of calcium can reduce the risk of certain birth defects, abnormalities, miscarriages, as well as kidney stones, hypertension, and depression for the mother. It also promotes healthy development of the skeletal system for the child.

-          Folic acid: Although folic acid can be ingested by eating such foods as whole wheat products, lentils, okra, asparagus, and orange juice the best way to ensure you are getting enough folic acid is to take supplements. Folic acid aids in cellular development and regeneration. It is important to always have enough folic acid but the first week of pregnancy is the most important time. It promotes proper development of the brain and spinal cord. Low levels of folic acid can lead to increased chances of miscarriage and Neural Tube Disorder (NTD). In the study “A Giant Step in Understanding the Link Between Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defect Prevention”, by Steve Austin, he found that “any folic acid supplementation that includes 1000 mcg B12/day will remove any theoretical concerns about masking pernicious anemia”.

-          Omega 3: Foods that have been deemed to be the richest foods in Omega 3 in order of the most condensed are: Flaxseed, walnuts, salmon, soy beans, halibut, shrimp, tofu, snappers, scallops, and winter squash. Omega three aids in the development of the baby’s eyes and brain as well as their overall proper growth and development. Taking the proper amounts of Omega 3 can prevent preterm delivery, reduce chances of the child having allergies, and decreases the mothers chance of post partum depression as well as easing the birthing process.

Food Intake

What you eat and how you eat it is important on so many levels. Much of this is covered in the other sections of this post. However, one aspect you might not consider is how what you eat affects your chances of experiencing acid reflux during pregnancy. Even if you are not prone to acid reflux it is very common for pregnant women to have it during the 3 months of their second trimester.

In order to avoid getting it here are some tips you can follow:

-          Eat regularly, small meals every few hours

-          Chew your food well

-          Carry around a snack in your bag at all times so that on the first onset you can eat something

-          Don’t eat late at night or right before you go to bed

-          Try to avoid overly acidic food

The following can be used to alleviate discomfort safely:

-          From Natureschild.com Slippery Elm (1 teaspoon) mixed into a paste with some honey neutralizes stomach acid, soothes the stomach and eases gas.

-          Chewing fennel seeds after a meal aids digestion and decreasing acid production.

Carrots: Many people don’t realize this, but while pregnant you might as well just change the “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” to “a carrot a day”. Carrots and carrot juice have multiple benefits to both the child and mother. Drinking carrot juice/eating carrots can accommodate the high levels of calcium needed during pregnancy as well as help to lower the chance of infection after birth. According to Naturalhealthcure.org “the chances of developing puerperal sepsis is minimized by the regular intake of carrot juice during pregnancy”. After birth carrot intake helps to keep breast milk enriched promoting proper nutrients for the baby. 

Exercise

Exercise is a key ingredient to staying healthy and fit during pregnancy. Some exercises are more recommended than others. Activities such as walking, yoga, and meditation can not only help keep you fit but aid with sleeping issues as well as high levels of stress.

During Labor / Birth Plan

There are multiple things that can be done to prepare and aid in a smooth labor. These suggestions will be covered in a later post. However, here are two tips that will help during labor.

Raspberry tea leaf mixed with some ginger helps the uterus to “make the most” of each contraction and Arnica 30c can help to keep the mother calm and focused during child birth.

If you would like more information or would like to meet with a Doctor to discuss your pregnancy and options please contact Dr. Lisanti’s Office to make an appointment.

Up to 27 million Americans experience imbalanced thyroid function, which comes in two forms: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In this week’s blog on blending the best of East and West to treat thyroid disease, we’ll first look at the signs and symptoms of the different types of thyroid disease. Then, we’ll check out a model of treatment for thyroid disease you can expect from the caregivers at IMS.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function or Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue and weakness
• Cold intolerance
• Dry and coarse skin
• Hair loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Depression
• Poor memory
• Forgetfulness
• Dementia
• Nervousness and tremors
• Immune system problems
• Heavy menstrual periods

Symptoms of Overactive Thyroid or Hyperthyroidism

• Fatigue and weakness
• Heat intolerance
• Dry and coarse skin
• Clammy skin
• Hair loss
• Warm hands and feet
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Poor memory
• Forgetfulness
• Nervousness and tremors
• Immune system problems
• Light menstrual periods
• Frequent defecation

Integrative Treatment of Thyroid Disease
Inspection, smelling and listening, inquiry, and palpitation are the four examinations used to gather information and to determine a diagnosis in Classical Chinese Medicine. Today’s CCM doctor may want to x-rays or lab results from blood work in addition to more traditional inspection techniques such as examining the tongue. There are 28 different types of palpations or qualities of the pulse. This aspect of the four examinations include palpating the body to understand the type of pain you may be feeling. This will help your caregiver to understand whether the pain is sharp, aching, stabbing, and so on. Zheng jia ji jiu or conglomerations of energy (Qi,) concretions, swellings and gatherings are pin pointed as a part of the palpation examination. A palpation diagnosis is sophisticated and useful in treatment, because it brings about understanding on how qi or vital energy is flowing through the body.

A pattern diagnosis is then developed through careful consideration of the information gathered. This is a statement about the combination of your particular symptoms and your general health patterns. Several patients may present with the same illness, but our goal is to treat each individual. This means that each patient may receive a unique treatment plan that is inline with their needs, according to his or her pattern diagnosis.

What might a patient with hyperthyroidism expect when they come to IMS? Treatment truly depends on the manifestation of hyperthyroidism as it is experienced. For example, a person with constant hunger, ringing in the ears, gas/belching, acid reflux, and a rosy complexion would not receive the same treatment as someone presenting with hyperthyroidism and a different combination of symptoms.

Complex and customized medicinal formulas maybe recommended in pill form. These gel capsules can be loaded with concentrated extracts with 15-25 ingredients chosen to supplement your particular needs. Dietary instructions are also common. Certain foods might be encouraged, while others should be limited or taken out of the diet all together. Certain types of exercise or meditation might be encouraged. If Hashimoto’s disease is found to be at the root of a thyroid problem, selenium, natural iodine pills, or coconut oil might be included in our modality.

The World Health Organization lists over 40 diseases that acupuncture treats effectively and thyroid is on the list. There are several studies, one conducted at the Shanghai Medical University, showing that acupuncture is especially well suited to those with hypothyroidism, because it is closely related to deficiency in Kidney energy. A typical acupuncture treatment for thyroid will last 45 minutes. It is recommended that treatments be given once a week in the beginning. Typical treatment points are on the neck, feet, and hands where sterile acupuncture needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are thinner than needles used to draw blood or for giving injections and do not cause pain when they are inserted. Patients generally find acupuncture treatments relaxing during and after the session, and acupuncture supporting the thyroid produces no side effects.

Sources:
www.thyrod-info.com “The Yin and Yang of the Thyroid: A Look at Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Thyroid with Dr. Patrick Purdue” by Mary Shomon
www.endocrineweb.com “Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland” by James Norman, MD
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture: A Systems Approach by Guan-Yuan Jin, Jia-Jia X. Jin, Louis L. Jin
Natural Choices for Women’s Health: How the Secrets of Natural and Chinese Medicine Can Create a Lifetime of Wellness by Dr. Laurie Steelsmith

According to the American Diabetes Associations, a total of 23.6 million children and adults, that’s 7.8% of the population, have diabetes.  All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no cure for the common types outside of a pancreas transplant.  Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas that enables cells to absorb glucose in order to turn it into energy.  Diabetes is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not properly respond to insulin.

Symptoms

Type 1

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2*

• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

Complications

Complications due to diabetes include acute health problems such as hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma if the disease is not controlled.  Long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, blindness, nerve damage, microvascular damage, which can cause erectile dysfunction and poor wound healing.  Poor healing of wounds, particularly in the feet, can lead to gangrene infection and possibly amputation.  Diabetes may also produce oral complications, digestive disorders, and complications in pregnancy.  Adequate treatment of diabetes and maintaining a healthy body weight and smoke free lifestyle improve the risk profile of most chronic complications.

Wasting and Thirsting Disorder

Discussion of diabetes under its traditional name, Wasting and Thirsting, appears in the earliest texts of Classical Chinese Medicine, including the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic (Neijing).  Thirst, hunger, and excessive urination are the three main symptoms connected to diabetes in the writings.  These symptoms are related to the Lung, Spleen, and Kidneys, respectively.  The wasting/thirsting imbalance is believed to be related to eating fatty or sweet foods in excess, to emotional disturbances and to a constitution that is yin deficient.

According to CCM, the transformative functions of the Spleen and Stomach are impaired by irregular eating habits that include over-consumption of fatty, greasy, pungent, and sweet food.  Hot drinks and alcoholic drinks have the same effect.  These substances accumulate and produce heat in the body.  All of these factors dehydrate leading to thirst and hunger.  This process is explained in Simple Questions:

“…fat causes interior heat while sweetness causes fullness in the middle burner. The qi therefore rises and overflows and the condition changes into that of thirsting and wasting.”

Long-term internal heat produces a cyclical imbalance.  Internal heat injures yin and consumes body fluids.  When fluids are consumed they are not available to nourish the Lung and Kidneys.  Yin deficiency leads to dry heat, dry heat to yin deficiency.

“The five inner yin organs are soft and weak and prone to symptoms of wasting heat.  When there is something soft and weak, there must be something hard and strong.  Frequent anger is hard and strong and the soft and weak are thereby easily injured.”

– The Spiritual Axis (Ling Shu)

TREATMENT ACCORDING TO THE THREE BURNERS: Lung, Spleen, and Kidneys

When working to understand the diabetic patient at Integrative Med Solutions, we pursue an analysis of symptoms to find which of the three burners is most affected by heat.  This way, treatment can be provided according to the area where yin is most deficient.  Relief is directed to the source of the problem.

Upper Burner………Lung

Middle Burner…………Spleen

Low Burners…….….Kidneys

The following are examples of manifestations and acupuncture treatment points aligned with the various symptoms of the three burners.

Upper Burner Manifestation

• Excessive thirst
• Dry throat/mouth
• Night sweats
• Emaciation
• Flushed cheeks
• Wiry, rapid pulse
• Red tongue with thin, dry, yellow coating or no coating
• Hoarse voice

Upper Burner Acupuncture Treatment to Strengthen and Tonify the Lung

• Feishu BL-13
  • Clears heat
  • Tonifies Lung yin
• Chize LU-5
  • Clears heat
  • Alleviates cough
  • Regulates the water passages
• Gaohuangshu BL-43
  • Nourishes blood and yin
  • Tonifies Lung, Spleen, Stomach, and Kidneys
  • Cools hear
  • Treats night sweating
• Yuji LU-10
  • Clears Lung heat
  • Beneits the throat
• Lianquan REN-23
  • Stimulates the production of body fluids
  • Chicken-claw method used
• Zusanli ST-36
  • Assists Feish BL-13 in strengthening the Lung
• Taixi KID-3
  • Tonifies the Kidneys
  • Nourishes yin
  • Supports the Lung

Middle Burner Manifestation

• Excessive hunger
• Halitosis
• Dry lips
• Painful swelling/bleeding gums
• Preference for cold drinks
• Constipation
• Rapid, full pulse
• Red tongue with thick yellow coating and red ulcerous tip

Middle Burner Acupuncture Treatment to Clear Stomach Dryness and Heat

• Zusanli ST-36 
  • Clears stomach dryness
  • Benefits stomach Yin
  • Classically indicated for “heat in the middle warmer with propensity to hunger”
• Neiting ST-44 
  • Clears stomach heat
• Sanyinjiao SP-6 
  • Benefits the stomach
  • Tonifies yin and body fluids
• Neiguan P-6 
  • Regulates the middle burner
  • Clears heat
• Zhongwan REN-12 
  • Harmonizes the middle burner
  • Tonifies the stomach
• Pishu BL-20 and Weishu BL-21 
  • Benefit the Spleen and Stomach
  • Classically indicated for remaining thin despite large food intake
• Weiguanxiashu (M-BW-12) 
  • Clears heat
  • Generates fluis
• Taixi KID-3
  • Tonifies the Kidneys
  • Nourished yin
  • Supports the yin of the whole body

Lower Burner Manifestation

• Excessive urination
• Lower lumbar pain
• Weak legs
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Malar flush
• Memory problems
• Afternoon fever
• Thin, rapid pulse
• Red tongue with scanty coating 

Lower Burner Acupuncture Treatment for Lower Wasting to Strengthen Exhausted Kidneys

• Guanyuan REN-4 
  • Benefits essence
  • Tonifies and nourishes the Kidneys
  • Benefits the Bladder
• Qihai REN-6 
  • Tonifies the Kidney
• Taixi KID-3 
  • Tonifies Kidneys
  • Nourished yin
• Rangu KID-2 
  • Clears deficiency heat
  • Regulates the Kidneys
• Sanyinjiao SP-6 
  • Benefits the Kidneys
  • Nourishes yin
• Shenshu BL-23 
  • Tonifies the Kidney qi
  • Nourished yin and essence
  • Treats excessive urination
• Jingmen GB-25
  • Combines with its back-shu point Shunshu BU-23
  • Tonifies Kidneys
  • Benefits the water passages
  • Controls Urination

Tumeric Tip!

In a study using diabetic rats, the active principal of turmeric, curcumin, significantly reduced blood sugar, Hb, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.  Supplementation with turmeric or curcumin also reduces the oxidative stress encountered by diabetics.  On top of these benefits turmeric also significantly lowers SDH, which catalyzes the changes of sorbitol to fructose.

Sources:
“Chinese Medicine Diabetes Report” Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center
“Efficacy of turmeric on blood sugar and polyol pathway in diabetic albino rats,. Arun N, Nalini N.
The Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus With Chinese Medicine: A Textbook & Clinical Manual By Bob Flaws, Lynn M. Kuchinski, Robert Casañas
American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults.  That’s about 9.5% of the U.S. population ages 18+.   Diagnoses included in these National Institute of Mental Health statistics include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.   Major depression is one of the top causes of disability in developed countries and is projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression vary.  Normal to mild depression is often healthy, because it provides you with the impetus to make changes to improve a situation that may seem unbearable.  These “blues” are a reaction to stressors like loss or change.  Feelings of doom, despair, and hopelessness paired with crying for no apparent reason, loss of appetite, loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are signs of a deeper depressive mood disorder.  Thoughts of suicide may also occur.  Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of mania, or intense excitement and energy that can cause a loss of sleep for days, alternating with debilitating depressive periods.  Psychotic depression is severe with symptoms including hallucinations and delusions.  People who have depression with psychotic features may hear voices or think that lyrics/persons speaking on the radio are directing messages specifically to them.

Common Treatments

Antidepressant pharmaceuticals are currently the automatic treatment plan in most of these cases, due to the cost-cutting prerogatives of many doctor’s offices and health insurance companies.  Only 30% of people on antidepressants report that they work, which is less well than placebo tests.  Effects of the most commonly prescribed and least damaging antidepressant SSRIs (e.g. Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) include:  sexual difficulties, weight gain, sleepiness, interaction with other drugs, and hypotension.

Another popular treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, which emphasizes patient education and training through a rewards system.  CBT appeals, because it takes place in a limited time frame.  However, this approach ignores the patient’s underlying causes of depression, and has an 80% relapse rate in the long term.

In recent years, the concept of the mind-body connection has become more accepted and the focus of research has shifted in that direction.  For centuries Classical Chinese Medicine has considered emotional health’s link to the physical body and vice-versa established empirical knowledge.  Looking, listening, smelling, asking, and palpitating are the techniques CCM practitioners apply to all illnesses whether they present somatically or emotionally.  Treatment aims to heal both sides of the human condition as well.

Classical Chinese Medicine’s Take on Depression

According to CCM, the following seven emotions capture the range of human experience.  They are normal reactions to the variety and “spice of life.”  However, when any of the emotions come on suddenly/intensely or are too long lasting there are pathological consequences.  Qi is immediately disturbed.  Disease caused by the emotions arises from the interior of the body and symptoms come on more quickly than disease that enters the body from the exterior.    The seven emotions pathogenic features directly impair organ qi and affect the functions of organ qi.  Continued emotional instability has deteriorating effects.

CMM’S SEVEN EMOTIONS & THE ORGANS THEY AFFECT

Joy……………………………Heart

Anger……………………….Liver, Stomach, Spleen

Worry……………………….Lungs, Large Intestine

Pensiveness……………..Spleen

Sadness………………….…Lungs

Fear…………………….……Kidneys

Fright…………………………Kidneys

Depression can be either a primary or a secondary wellness issue.  Primary depression has emotional disturbance as its root cause, while secondary depression usually develops due to preexisting physical disease (ex. chronic pain) or as an effect of medications.  Proper treatment of depression depends on determining the underlying source of disturbance.  Common syndrome patterns include those related to qi deficiency; qi stagnation, blood deficiency, phlegm, and deficiency of both yin and yang.

Herbal Treatments

Herbal supplements can lift depression in conjunction with other therapies, including pharmaceutical agents, while ensuring safety for the patient.  A multi-pronged approach including herbal therapies, counseling, exercise, and others patient-specific modalities are what we seek to provide at Integrative Med Solutions.  Most individuals seeking this sort of regimen are highly motivated to follow through, and limit their dependence on antidepressant drugs.  Read through information about the following formulas to get an idea of how a CCM consultation at IMS might be helpful to you or a love one.

A Popular Polygala Formula for Quieting the Heart—yuan zhi for quieting the heart; he haun and vervian to soothe emotions; gout eng, zhi zi (gardenia), damiana, white peony, dang gui, ban xia, fu ling, and chen xiang resolve dampness, phlegm, and liver qi staganation.

Physical indications that this type of herbal treatment should be applied are insomnia, palpitations, restlessness, slow pulse, and a pale tongue with white or gray coating.

Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang for the Liver—dragon bone and oystershell help calm the liver; chai hu to invigorate the liver; ginseng, ginger, pinellia, huang qin, cinnamon, rhubarb, and mu xiang balance the effects of the liver calming and liver invigorating herbs

Anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, rapid pulse, and redness around the edges of the tongue are signs that this herbal treatment is applicable to the depression.

Ding Xin Wan Calming Formula—biota for irritability, insomnia, and forgetfulness; enzymes to quench free radicals during stress; magnesium and taurine to calm; fu shen to quiet the spirit; bai shao; tang kuei; polygala; suan zao ren; mai men dong; dang shen; hu po

This calming formula works when there is a heart yin deficiency.  These types of depression are often anxiety-based.   Symptoms include insomnia, fast pulse, and a dry tongue.

Shen Gem for Heart Blood Deficiency—ginseng and astragalus which are among the strongest Chinese herbs for improving the spleen; longan and suan zao ren have calming effects; fu ling, white atractylodes, tang-kuei, salvia, amber, polygala, yuan zhi, ginger, licorice and cardamon treat dampness, stagnation of vital energy, blood stagnation and blood deficiency.

Symptoms indicating heart blood deficiency include pale complexion, difficulty falling asleep, withdrawal, forgetfulness, palpitations, weak pulse and a pale tongue.

Botanical medicine treatments should be given for at least three months, because the emotional imbalances they seek to uproot are long-standing patterns.  It is important to consult with your naturopathic doctor about the timing and frequency of taking botanical supplements for depression, to avoid interactions with pharmaceuticals you may be taking.  It is usually recommended that herbal medicine be taken two housr apart from other prescribed drugs.  If you or someone you know is interested in the long-term and lasting benefits of treating depression at the root of being—vital energy or qi—please contact Int Med Solutions so that you may do so safely and optimally within the outlines of your treatment plan.