Dr. Sullivan's Blog |
Indigestion is a condition of poor digestion which is often due to a weak stomach; lack of digestive enzymes; or simply eating to fast! ( Remember, slow down and chew slowly - there is an old Chinese saying that states " the stomach has no teeth "! ) All of these causes relate in Oriental Medicine to what is referred to a Spleen Qi Defiency. Symptoms are often abdominal fullness and bloating - at times this results in distension; burping; gas; and diarreha or constipation. This stagnation of food in the stomach simply does not feel very plesant at all!
Foods in Oriental Medicine that were thought to benefit indigestion are the following:
papayas
sweet potatoes
ginger
yams
figs
barley
sweet rice
daikon radish
peppermint
Once again, remember to chew slowly, and avoid rich, fatty foods. Always try to diminish stress and tension while you eat! Do not watch TV or read the newspaper while you eat, for believe it or not, this takes energy from the body that it needs for proper digestion!
Foods in Oriental Medicine that were thought to benefit indigestion are the following:
papayas
sweet potatoes
ginger
yams
figs
barley
sweet rice
daikon radish
peppermint
Once again, remember to chew slowly, and avoid rich, fatty foods. Always try to diminish stress and tension while you eat! Do not watch TV or read the newspaper while you eat, for believe it or not, this takes energy from the body that it needs for proper digestion!
" A simple Beginning To Weight Loss "
Obesity is a public health problem that continues to plague thousands of Americans. After years of published information on dietary modifications coupled with a need for exercise, the average weight of Americans is increasing, and obesity in our children is occuring at a younger age. Health however, is not simply a matter of looks or pounds, but the role that weight gain plays in increasing the risk of a wide variety of diseases. Our food choices, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle that often includes limited exercise, frequently leads to the gradual accumulation of excess fat. This fat not only accumulates in the tissue as adipose cells, but also in the blood which has an effect on the circulatory system and the heart. In addition to leading to an increased incidence of Heart Disease, these accumulating fats lead to the formation of gallstones; increase the risk of diabetes; play a role in the formation of High Blood Pressure, and in the development of Cancer.
As one can see, weight loss and obesity are complicated health issues for which there is no simple solutuion. In an article to be written next month, I'll examine this subject in far greater detail from the standpont of Oriental Medicne. A simple beginning however, may be to begin drinking Bojenmi Tea! " Baojianmei Jianfi Cha " literally translates into " maintain health and nice appearance, reduce fleshiness tea ". It is produced in Fujian Province, and has been used for many years by the Chinese people. The main incredient is tea leaf, along with eleven other herbs. It helps to lower blood lipids, improves digestion and assimilation, and aids the body in breaking down adipose tissue ( ie. fat cells ). The tea is prepared by steeping the loose tea or tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Two to three cups a day would be a good recommended dosage, and should aid in weight loss even if dramatic dietary changes are not made. It has a mild taste, with a slightly bitter/spicy after taste. A small amount of honey or stevia can be added to enhance the taste, if you feel it is needed. It comes in boxes of thirty tea bags, or loose tea in a cannister. Remember, each tea bad can be used 2 or 3 times, which makes this a very economical way to begin your program of weight loss. Bojenmi Tea can be found in most Oreintal or Chinese Grocery Stores, or here at the White Crane Clinic. I find this to be a delicious tea that you will find me drinking often!
Until Next Time! Dr. Sullivan
Obesity is a public health problem that continues to plague thousands of Americans. After years of published information on dietary modifications coupled with a need for exercise, the average weight of Americans is increasing, and obesity in our children is occuring at a younger age. Health however, is not simply a matter of looks or pounds, but the role that weight gain plays in increasing the risk of a wide variety of diseases. Our food choices, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle that often includes limited exercise, frequently leads to the gradual accumulation of excess fat. This fat not only accumulates in the tissue as adipose cells, but also in the blood which has an effect on the circulatory system and the heart. In addition to leading to an increased incidence of Heart Disease, these accumulating fats lead to the formation of gallstones; increase the risk of diabetes; play a role in the formation of High Blood Pressure, and in the development of Cancer.
As one can see, weight loss and obesity are complicated health issues for which there is no simple solutuion. In an article to be written next month, I'll examine this subject in far greater detail from the standpont of Oriental Medicne. A simple beginning however, may be to begin drinking Bojenmi Tea! " Baojianmei Jianfi Cha " literally translates into " maintain health and nice appearance, reduce fleshiness tea ". It is produced in Fujian Province, and has been used for many years by the Chinese people. The main incredient is tea leaf, along with eleven other herbs. It helps to lower blood lipids, improves digestion and assimilation, and aids the body in breaking down adipose tissue ( ie. fat cells ). The tea is prepared by steeping the loose tea or tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Two to three cups a day would be a good recommended dosage, and should aid in weight loss even if dramatic dietary changes are not made. It has a mild taste, with a slightly bitter/spicy after taste. A small amount of honey or stevia can be added to enhance the taste, if you feel it is needed. It comes in boxes of thirty tea bags, or loose tea in a cannister. Remember, each tea bad can be used 2 or 3 times, which makes this a very economical way to begin your program of weight loss. Bojenmi Tea can be found in most Oreintal or Chinese Grocery Stores, or here at the White Crane Clinic. I find this to be a delicious tea that you will find me drinking often!
Until Next Time! Dr. Sullivan
Attention All Mom's, Dad's, Grandmother's, and Grandfather's - I want to make you aware of a wonderful product for children ( Your Children! ) that we have carried at the White Crane Clinic now for many years!
Often in my years of practice, I have been asked if I treat Pediatric Illness and Symptoms. The answer as always been emphatically Yes! What many Parents and Grandparents are commonly looking for is an alternative natural choice for treating cold and flu symptoms for children between the ages of one 6 months and 6 years. Antibiotics can be wonderful things, but if is there is a proven, safe, natural non drug/chemical based product that works as good or better than the pharmaceutical choice, that also possess no side effects, than the obvious thought is " Why would anyone not at least try It "!
The product that I am talking about is called Yin Chao Junior! It is an empirical herbal formula that was created by Dr. Fung after 60 years of Pediatric clinical experience. This formula is very gentle yet amazingly effective at treating Children's Cold symptoms and beyond. It is capable of not only treating Colds, but also fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing. I have also used it to revitalize a child's digestive system after taking antibiotics, or a protracted illness. The herbs within the formula also have the capacity to strengthen the child's immune system, and therefore, can be taken in small dosages during the cold and flu season to prevent the occurrences of the disease in the first place.
The next question of course is " how am I going to get him or her to take it "? This formula comes in a liquid form, and is administered with an eye dropper. Commonly it is place directly into the child's mouth, or placed in juice or water, and than swallowed. It was with purposeful intent created for Children, and therefore, actually has a taste that most children enjoy!
I've even used this formula for adults on occasion that are hypersensitive to drugs or herbal formulas because of it's gentle and soothing nature and it's yummy taste!
The most important first consideration when treating any disease pattern, is do I have the treatment available in my medicine cabinet. This would be my first choice for every parent/grandparent to have on hand for when your children become sick. The Chinese have a wonderful statement that goes something to the the effect " that you wouldn't wait until you are thirsty before you begin to dig a well"! Prepare ahead of time for the crisis not after it occurs!
Often in my years of practice, I have been asked if I treat Pediatric Illness and Symptoms. The answer as always been emphatically Yes! What many Parents and Grandparents are commonly looking for is an alternative natural choice for treating cold and flu symptoms for children between the ages of one 6 months and 6 years. Antibiotics can be wonderful things, but if is there is a proven, safe, natural non drug/chemical based product that works as good or better than the pharmaceutical choice, that also possess no side effects, than the obvious thought is " Why would anyone not at least try It "!
The product that I am talking about is called Yin Chao Junior! It is an empirical herbal formula that was created by Dr. Fung after 60 years of Pediatric clinical experience. This formula is very gentle yet amazingly effective at treating Children's Cold symptoms and beyond. It is capable of not only treating Colds, but also fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing. I have also used it to revitalize a child's digestive system after taking antibiotics, or a protracted illness. The herbs within the formula also have the capacity to strengthen the child's immune system, and therefore, can be taken in small dosages during the cold and flu season to prevent the occurrences of the disease in the first place.
The next question of course is " how am I going to get him or her to take it "? This formula comes in a liquid form, and is administered with an eye dropper. Commonly it is place directly into the child's mouth, or placed in juice or water, and than swallowed. It was with purposeful intent created for Children, and therefore, actually has a taste that most children enjoy!
I've even used this formula for adults on occasion that are hypersensitive to drugs or herbal formulas because of it's gentle and soothing nature and it's yummy taste!
The most important first consideration when treating any disease pattern, is do I have the treatment available in my medicine cabinet. This would be my first choice for every parent/grandparent to have on hand for when your children become sick. The Chinese have a wonderful statement that goes something to the the effect " that you wouldn't wait until you are thirsty before you begin to dig a well"! Prepare ahead of time for the crisis not after it occurs!
This article will focus on the treatment of diarrhea through the use of Oriental Dietary Therapy.
Diarrhea is characterized by the frequent passage of loose or abnormally watery stools, usually caused by increased peristalsis. Remember, peristaltic movement through the digestive tract normally occurs over the time period of 8-12 hours which equates to 1-2 bowel movements a day ( if your eliminating after every meal, the food you ingested is moving through your system too quickly! ). Irritation of the intestines which often causes diarrhea is typically caused by improper diet, drugs, bacterial infections, and infrequently, parasites. Remember, diarrhea differs from Dysentery in that the former is often due to digestive weakness; biological imbalance; or chronic spleen Qi weakness, whereas, Dysentery is due to bacterial infection.
Common foods in Oriental or Asian Medicine that were thought to benefit diarrhea are the following. Including the one's you like on a frequent bases will assist in keeping your bowels normal which is important in that it means that your system is properly assimilating the nutritious foods that your eating.
Garlic; Black pepper ; Blueberries ; Cinnamon ; Yams; Sweet Potatoes ; Peas ; Buckwheat ; Litchi ; Apples ; Ginger; Barley ; and Basil.
Happy Eating and please remember too choose organic foods whenever possible!
Diarrhea is characterized by the frequent passage of loose or abnormally watery stools, usually caused by increased peristalsis. Remember, peristaltic movement through the digestive tract normally occurs over the time period of 8-12 hours which equates to 1-2 bowel movements a day ( if your eliminating after every meal, the food you ingested is moving through your system too quickly! ). Irritation of the intestines which often causes diarrhea is typically caused by improper diet, drugs, bacterial infections, and infrequently, parasites. Remember, diarrhea differs from Dysentery in that the former is often due to digestive weakness; biological imbalance; or chronic spleen Qi weakness, whereas, Dysentery is due to bacterial infection.
Common foods in Oriental or Asian Medicine that were thought to benefit diarrhea are the following. Including the one's you like on a frequent bases will assist in keeping your bowels normal which is important in that it means that your system is properly assimilating the nutritious foods that your eating.
Garlic; Black pepper ; Blueberries ; Cinnamon ; Yams; Sweet Potatoes ; Peas ; Buckwheat ; Litchi ; Apples ; Ginger; Barley ; and Basil.
Happy Eating and please remember too choose organic foods whenever possible!
Is there a way to prevent and treat the initial stages of Colds and Influenza - Yes there Is!
Over the period of the past twenty-five years, I have consistently used an herbal formula called Yin Qiao ( Yin Chiao ). During this entire period of time, I can recall having two or three colds! Yin Qiao was initially developed approximately 150 years ago as a treatment for what a Oriental/Asian Physician would call a wind heat or wind cold invasion - what we commonly refer to as Colds and Flu. The herbs within the formula are specific for sore/scratchy throats; fever/chills; nasal congestion/runny nose; body aches; headache; etc. - all the symptoms we feel when were in the process of getting Sick! The important thing to keep in mind, is that this formula is excellent for both bacterial and viral infections!
I have used many ways over the years: Upon feeling the initial symptoms listed above, I often taken 5-6 tablets, for or five times a day. These are not large tablets - they are about the size of an M&M candy! Taking this many pills may seem like a lot, but consistently my symptoms are gone within a twenty-four period! It can also be used preventively: If someone comes into the clinic with a cold or flu, I will take 3 pills after they leave, not because I'm sick - I simply wish to remain that way!; When I travel, I take the same dosage before I get on the plane ( It's a wonderful place to be exposed to germs! ); the same applies when I visit hospitals; give talks in front of groups of people; or when a family member or co-worker is sick. There are so many ways that Yin Qiao can be used to keep you in a wonderful state of health and well-being.
Yin Qiao is created by many manufactures, but I am particularly fond of the Pine Mountain Brand due to it's quality, efficacy, and safety. It comes in bottles of 120 tablets so it will last you a good long time. It is a formula that we are never out of at the White Crane Clinic! ( It also comes in a liquid/tincture form, and a Pediatric variety that is wonderful for children ( which has expanded usage that I'll go into next time. )
Truly, there is a cure for the common cold, and there is an alternative to the Flu Shot!
Over the period of the past twenty-five years, I have consistently used an herbal formula called Yin Qiao ( Yin Chiao ). During this entire period of time, I can recall having two or three colds! Yin Qiao was initially developed approximately 150 years ago as a treatment for what a Oriental/Asian Physician would call a wind heat or wind cold invasion - what we commonly refer to as Colds and Flu. The herbs within the formula are specific for sore/scratchy throats; fever/chills; nasal congestion/runny nose; body aches; headache; etc. - all the symptoms we feel when were in the process of getting Sick! The important thing to keep in mind, is that this formula is excellent for both bacterial and viral infections!
I have used many ways over the years: Upon feeling the initial symptoms listed above, I often taken 5-6 tablets, for or five times a day. These are not large tablets - they are about the size of an M&M candy! Taking this many pills may seem like a lot, but consistently my symptoms are gone within a twenty-four period! It can also be used preventively: If someone comes into the clinic with a cold or flu, I will take 3 pills after they leave, not because I'm sick - I simply wish to remain that way!; When I travel, I take the same dosage before I get on the plane ( It's a wonderful place to be exposed to germs! ); the same applies when I visit hospitals; give talks in front of groups of people; or when a family member or co-worker is sick. There are so many ways that Yin Qiao can be used to keep you in a wonderful state of health and well-being.
Yin Qiao is created by many manufactures, but I am particularly fond of the Pine Mountain Brand due to it's quality, efficacy, and safety. It comes in bottles of 120 tablets so it will last you a good long time. It is a formula that we are never out of at the White Crane Clinic! ( It also comes in a liquid/tincture form, and a Pediatric variety that is wonderful for children ( which has expanded usage that I'll go into next time. )
Truly, there is a cure for the common cold, and there is an alternative to the Flu Shot!
In an on-going series of describing how food can be used as medicine, we turn our attention to a symptom that effects many people - Constipation.
Constipation is a lack of a regular bowel movement, or difficulty in defecating. Keep in mind that the average transit time through our digestive systems is usually eight to twelve hours, therefore, under normal circumstance, our bowels will move 1-2 times per day. If this is not the case, a person may experience bloating and fullness in the abdomen; abdominal hardness or tension; and interestingly enough, bad breath. If our peristalsis is slow, the food waste can become dry and is often difficult to pass, which can lead to hemorrhoids. One techniques that is used to stimulate peristalsis is to gently rub the abdomen in a clockwise direction from 50 - 100 times!
Foods that traditionally were thought to benefit proper bowel movements were the following:
Bananas, apples; walnuts; figs; spinach; peaches; pears; pine nuts; sesame seeds; grapefruit; yams; honey; red beans; yogurt; sprouts; beets; cabbage; bok choy; cauliflower; potato; and a small amount of salt water. Alas, as you can see, prunes and prune juice are not the only foods for keeping the intestinal system health! Eating some of the above listed foods on a regular basis should keep your digestive system to function in a health manner.
One other addition you may want to consider for constipation is the use of Magnesium. It commonly comes in capsules of 400 iu, and the only known side effect of too much Magnesium in the system is diarrhea!
Next time, we will consider foods for the opposite symptom that also effects many people - Diarrhea.
Eat healthy and your system will be in balance which results in Harmony!
Constipation is a lack of a regular bowel movement, or difficulty in defecating. Keep in mind that the average transit time through our digestive systems is usually eight to twelve hours, therefore, under normal circumstance, our bowels will move 1-2 times per day. If this is not the case, a person may experience bloating and fullness in the abdomen; abdominal hardness or tension; and interestingly enough, bad breath. If our peristalsis is slow, the food waste can become dry and is often difficult to pass, which can lead to hemorrhoids. One techniques that is used to stimulate peristalsis is to gently rub the abdomen in a clockwise direction from 50 - 100 times!
Foods that traditionally were thought to benefit proper bowel movements were the following:
Bananas, apples; walnuts; figs; spinach; peaches; pears; pine nuts; sesame seeds; grapefruit; yams; honey; red beans; yogurt; sprouts; beets; cabbage; bok choy; cauliflower; potato; and a small amount of salt water. Alas, as you can see, prunes and prune juice are not the only foods for keeping the intestinal system health! Eating some of the above listed foods on a regular basis should keep your digestive system to function in a health manner.
One other addition you may want to consider for constipation is the use of Magnesium. It commonly comes in capsules of 400 iu, and the only known side effect of too much Magnesium in the system is diarrhea!
Next time, we will consider foods for the opposite symptom that also effects many people - Diarrhea.
Eat healthy and your system will be in balance which results in Harmony!
This POST will be the first in a series of using "food as medicine", which is an important aspect of Oriental Medicine. Look for future articles every two weeks or so.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that is commonly seen here at the clinic. It is often felt in the pulse as wiry, full, and at times fast. Symptoms often associated with this condition are headache, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), chest fullness or tightness, insomnia, numbness of the extremities, and fatigue. Keep in mind, not all these symptoms are present at the same time, and conversely, some of these symptoms may be present without a person having high blood.
Foods that were traditionally thought to benefit those suffering from high blood pressure were the following:
celery
spinach
garlic
bananas
honey
sunflower seeds
vinegar
lemons
tomatoes
corn
apples
peas
buckwheat
water chestnuts
eggplant
plums
mushrooms
seaweed
bamboo shoots
Two interesting remedies of Chinese Folklore, suggested drinking Chrysanthemum Tea daily, and drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of vinegar and honey at least once a day!
* Please note that these are suggestions of food and drink that may help in lowering high blood pressure, not necessarily treating it at a causative level.
Since we all have to eat and drink on a daily basis, why not try to include some of these foods in your daily diet. Consistency is the key! Happy Eating!
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that is commonly seen here at the clinic. It is often felt in the pulse as wiry, full, and at times fast. Symptoms often associated with this condition are headache, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), chest fullness or tightness, insomnia, numbness of the extremities, and fatigue. Keep in mind, not all these symptoms are present at the same time, and conversely, some of these symptoms may be present without a person having high blood.
Foods that were traditionally thought to benefit those suffering from high blood pressure were the following:
celery
spinach
garlic
bananas
honey
sunflower seeds
vinegar
lemons
tomatoes
corn
apples
peas
buckwheat
water chestnuts
eggplant
plums
mushrooms
seaweed
bamboo shoots
Two interesting remedies of Chinese Folklore, suggested drinking Chrysanthemum Tea daily, and drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of vinegar and honey at least once a day!
* Please note that these are suggestions of food and drink that may help in lowering high blood pressure, not necessarily treating it at a causative level.
Since we all have to eat and drink on a daily basis, why not try to include some of these foods in your daily diet. Consistency is the key! Happy Eating!
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