4 TCM Ways to Boost Immune System to fight the virus outbreak
In China, the new coronavirus (named Covid-19 by WHO) has caused about 44000 hospitalizations and about 1100 deaths so far.
In the
United States. Influenza
has already taken the lives of 10,000 Americans this season, according
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 19
million have caught the flu, and an estimated 180,000 people have been hospitalized during the 2019-2020 flu season.
In Canada, Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year. and it is also worse in this 2019-2020 flu season.
While flu shots and rest are common advice for prevention, a strong immune system is critical to keeping you healthy all year long.
4 TCM Ways to Boost Immunity Power Naturally
In Canada, Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year. and it is also worse in this 2019-2020 flu season.
While flu shots and rest are common advice for prevention, a strong immune system is critical to keeping you healthy all year long.
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of natural therapies is their
ability to optimize immune function and prevent illness and disease. In
particular, Chinese and naturopathic medicine have a tremendous arsenal
of natural remedies that can effectively heighten immunity and greatly
reduce the chance of serious pathology from occurring. Immune weakness
is certainly a ubiquitous concern in the modern world, as cancer, AIDS,
autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc.), and
pandemics such as the Avian bird flu constitute major health hazards for
the global population. Although Western medicine can be miraculous in
its ability to save lives, it is notably vacuous in its repertoire of
natural agents to bolster immunity and balance one’s physiology.
Therefore, it is imperative that the health benefits of natural
therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, and
dietary strategies be made available to as many people as possible.
Let’s examine the main approaches of each of these therapies.
1. ACUPUNCTURE
Practiced for over 2,500 years in various Asian cultures, acupuncture has finally made its way to the Western world. In our clinical practice, many patients have sought treatment for weak immunity. A typical pattern includes frequent colds and flus, recurring sinus infections, fatigue, stress, and insomnia. For this constellation of symptoms, acupuncture can be an effective way to break the cycle of chronic vulnerability to the elements.
Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi (life force) through 14 major meridians on the body. Immune weakness is typically due to deficient Qi of the lungs and spleen. When these organs are weak, symptoms such as allergies, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and recurring infections are commonplace. For these issues, acupuncture points are chosen on the lung and spleen meridians to supplement the Qi, thereby strengthening immune function.
Moxibustion is also a powerful tool in the acupuncture repertoire. Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves the use of mugwort, an herb that is applied topically on acupuncture points. Moxibustion has been shown in studies to increase white blood cell count in chemotherapy patients and other cases of immune weakness. For patiens with recurring infections and colds, moxibustion is an excellent technique for naturally bolstering immunity.
2. HERBS
There is one Chinese herbal formula that has gained international recognition for its ability to immediately strengthen immunity. The formula is called Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng San. It has been used in China for many centuries as a natural preventative against environmental pathogens. Jade Windscreen is a simple formula that consists of three herbs: huang qi/astragalus, fang feng/siler, and bai zhu/atractylodes. Astragalus is considered one of the most renowned immune strengthening herbs on the planet. It is very helpful for chronic cycles of infection and illness.
Another class of herbs that is used for a variety of immunity issues is medicinal mushrooms. This class of herbs is frequently used for immune regulation in serious patterns of cancer and AIDS. Mushrooms such as shitake, reishi, ganoderma, maitake, and poria have numerous health benefits that are beyond the scope of this article. If you have serious immune dysfunction, I recommend learning more about these amazing medicinals.
Echinacea is probably the most commonly applied herb for prevention of colds and flus. Recent research suggests that this herb is not as effective as many have been led to believe. A recent major study concluded that Echinacea is no more effective than placebo in warding off and treating colds and flus.
3. NUTRITION
The food we eat is one of the most important determinants in not only our immune function, but our overall health. Many people have weak immune systems because they are eating processed, refined, and rich diets that are devoid of the essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health. Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to greatly strengthen immunity:
1. ACUPUNCTURE
Practiced for over 2,500 years in various Asian cultures, acupuncture has finally made its way to the Western world. In our clinical practice, many patients have sought treatment for weak immunity. A typical pattern includes frequent colds and flus, recurring sinus infections, fatigue, stress, and insomnia. For this constellation of symptoms, acupuncture can be an effective way to break the cycle of chronic vulnerability to the elements.
Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi (life force) through 14 major meridians on the body. Immune weakness is typically due to deficient Qi of the lungs and spleen. When these organs are weak, symptoms such as allergies, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and recurring infections are commonplace. For these issues, acupuncture points are chosen on the lung and spleen meridians to supplement the Qi, thereby strengthening immune function.
Moxibustion is also a powerful tool in the acupuncture repertoire. Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves the use of mugwort, an herb that is applied topically on acupuncture points. Moxibustion has been shown in studies to increase white blood cell count in chemotherapy patients and other cases of immune weakness. For patiens with recurring infections and colds, moxibustion is an excellent technique for naturally bolstering immunity.
2. HERBS
There is one Chinese herbal formula that has gained international recognition for its ability to immediately strengthen immunity. The formula is called Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng San. It has been used in China for many centuries as a natural preventative against environmental pathogens. Jade Windscreen is a simple formula that consists of three herbs: huang qi/astragalus, fang feng/siler, and bai zhu/atractylodes. Astragalus is considered one of the most renowned immune strengthening herbs on the planet. It is very helpful for chronic cycles of infection and illness.
Another class of herbs that is used for a variety of immunity issues is medicinal mushrooms. This class of herbs is frequently used for immune regulation in serious patterns of cancer and AIDS. Mushrooms such as shitake, reishi, ganoderma, maitake, and poria have numerous health benefits that are beyond the scope of this article. If you have serious immune dysfunction, I recommend learning more about these amazing medicinals.
Echinacea is probably the most commonly applied herb for prevention of colds and flus. Recent research suggests that this herb is not as effective as many have been led to believe. A recent major study concluded that Echinacea is no more effective than placebo in warding off and treating colds and flus.
3. NUTRITION
The food we eat is one of the most important determinants in not only our immune function, but our overall health. Many people have weak immune systems because they are eating processed, refined, and rich diets that are devoid of the essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health. Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to greatly strengthen immunity:
- Start eating organic foods
- Drink 6-9 glasses filtered water daily
- Drink green tea instead of coffee
- Reduce intake of refined sugar and carbohydrates
- Eat 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables
- Minimize pasteurized dairy
- Eat a diet rich in essential fats and low in transfats and saturated fats
Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C and green tea extract can be helpful adjuncts to ward off illness.
4. HEALING THE STRESS RESPONSE
Stress can be a major cause of immune weakness. Many studies from the field of psychoneuroimmunology have clearly demonstrated the link between stress and immunity. Along with acupuncture and herbs, two of the most powerful practices you can undertake for overcoming chronic stress are yoga and meditation. We recommend practicing each about 1/2 hour per day. This can profoundly heighten your quality of life and health.
4. HEALING THE STRESS RESPONSE
Stress can be a major cause of immune weakness. Many studies from the field of psychoneuroimmunology have clearly demonstrated the link between stress and immunity. Along with acupuncture and herbs, two of the most powerful practices you can undertake for overcoming chronic stress are yoga and meditation. We recommend practicing each about 1/2 hour per day. This can profoundly heighten your quality of life and health.
Healing from the root,
beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience
greater health and well-being!
Cupping therapy can help you beat Asthma
Except acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine, one of the most remarkable treatments to improve asthma symptoms is the cupping, though many mainstream and even alternative doctors have been slow to embrace it.But Hippocrates used cupping and wrote about it CENTURIES ago. And a thousand years ago, the Persian physician Avicenna described a technique for using cupping to disperse inflammation in the body (which explains its efficacy as a curative measure for asthma, considering its connection to inflammation).
A 68 year-old lady found us online and she came for cupping for her Asthma. she told us that she used go to her other Chinese therapist regularly for cupping and helped her get rid of the puffer. She didn't go to see her for a while because she is not in Toronto anymore. Recently she got flu and she got Asthma attack. She knew she need cupping again. So she start her online searching and she found us.She told us that she stop using puffer after the first session cupping.
Cupping is acceptable by most of patients, no needles, no medicine, along with proper diet. It works very well for most of the Asthma patients. Every patient's condition is different, please consult our therapists see if cupping therapy suitable for your condition.
3 Acupuncture Points to Boost Your Energy Levels
It is estimated that over 50% of the Canadian population experiences chronic fatigue. The most common causes are stress, overwork, insomnia, depression, and various malfunctions in the major systems of the body (endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, etc.) Western medicine is decidedly lacking in safe and effective treatment options for fatigue. Quite commonly, the first step is to use a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as Prozac, Paxil, or Wellbutrin, as fatigue is commonly associated with depression. Although trends are changing among the newer generation of doctors, it is still quite rare that the patient is offered lifestyle counseling that focuses on nutrition, exercise, and sleep. There are many wonderful alternative treatment options that include acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and exercise. Acupuncture tops the list because it tends to be so effective is supplementing the body’s energy.
ACUPUNCTURE
The majority of patients who complain of fatigue suffer from a deficiency of vital energy (Qi). Qi is the basic energy that creates optimal physiological and neurological function. Aside from fatigue, other signs of Qi deficiency are diarrhea, pallor, easy bruising, excessive sleep (more than 9 hrs. a night), scanty menses or amenorrhea, frequent urination, low libido, and shortness of breath. The strategy of Chinese medicine is to identify a pattern of disharmony that reflects the entirety of one’s symptoms, pulse qualities, and tongue appearance. We recommend weekly acupuncture treatments for 4-6 weeks, then assessing for progress. Combining with the Traditional Herbal Formula or reflexology is also a great option.
3 Chinese Acupressure Points to Boost Your Energy Levels
HERBS
Qi deficiency primarily affects 4 different organs: the spleen, kidney, heart, and lungs. Here are symptoms and herbal treatment options for each pattern:
Spleen: diarrhea, loose stools, bloating, bruising, fatigue, prolapse, laconic speech, internal cold
Herbal Formula: Bu zhong yi qi tang
Kidney: low back pain, low libido, fatigue, internal cold, frequent urination
Herbal Formula: Jin gui shen qi wan
Heart: restless sleep, worry, fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath
Herbal Formula: Gui pi tang
Lung: chronic cough, weak immunity, allergies, fatigue, shortness of breath, asthma
Herbal formula: Bu fei tang
Adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola rosea, ashwaganda, and ginseng may be helpful adjuncts .
SUPPLEMENTS
B Complex: B vitamins are warming and energizing. They build Qi and blood.
Tyrosine: precursor to norepinephrine (often deficient in chronic fatigue)
5HTP: precursor to serotonin, for deeper sleep, weight loss, anxiety
Adrenosen by Health Concerns and Adrenotone by Designs for Health are both effective adrenal tonics for fatigue due to adrenal burnout.
EXERCISE
20-30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week. At first, this may feel forced and difficult because you won’t want to exercise when you feel tired. After a few days, however, your body will begin to love the endorphin release and serotonin boost that exercise provides. Exercise alone can be a wonderful cure for fatigue. Your program should be a combination of cardiovascular and restorative exercise. Cardiovascular exercise involves running, biking, swimming, hiking, etc. Restorative exercise involves yoga, tai chi, or qi gong.
IDENTIFYING WHERE YOU LEAK YOUR ENERGY
Many people with chronic fatigue can attribute this pattern to a central theme that is stealing their energy. Perhaps you are in a marriage that is not working or a job that feels stagnant. Maybe you have set your life up so that you never have time for yourself because you are too busy caring for others. Or maybe you have financial problems that make life feel burdensome. Low energy is often a sign that we are not in control of our life, whether it is in relationships, work, with our health or with our money. Set an intention to heal any area of your life that is spiraling out of control and that feels toxic to you.
There are many wonderful treatment options for chronic fatigue. This article is not intended to cover this issue in its entirety, as there can certainly be other factors involved in fatigue (immune dysfunction, low level pathogenic influences, etc.) The key is to be proactive in treating this condition.
Healing from the root,
beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience
greater health and well-being!
Amazing Benefits of Head Scalp Massage
Head massage has many benefits. It helps improve blood circulation, relaxes the mind, and helps get rid of stress. It also helps in relieving tension, headaches, and migraines. Head massage is also said to improve hair growth and scalp health.
Massaging the scalp and hair with warm oil infused with hair-friendly herbs is a great way to nourish the scalp. It also relaxes your mind and nervous system, promotes sound sleep and may help your memory too.
A warm oil head scalp massage, done once a week, has the following benefits:
- It conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry, itchy scalp
- It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded
- It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening existing hair
- The massage helps relax the scalp and the muscles in the neck area
For an excellent Head Scalp Massage from our experienced practitioner, please call 416-800-3978 or text Emily 647-230-2907 for appointment.
Acupuncture For Fertility , What you need to prepare?
If you are interested in the Chinese medical treatment for infertility, you need prepare several things:
1, Give it at least 3 to 6 month try, you may get pregnant after one month treatment, but most of the time, people need several month treatment to adjust the patient’s condition.
2, For infertility, we need combine both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine together. A lot of people think only acupuncture is good enough for the treatment of infertility, but we think Chinese herbal medicine play a big role in the treatment along with acupuncture. For some cases, acupuncture maybe good enough, but for most of infertility patients, herbal medicine is needed. At Oriental Acupuncture Clinic, we have licensed and experienced acupuncturist and herbalist for both men and women's fertility treatments.
3, If you are preparing for the IVF or other assistant reproductive treatments, twice acupuncture a week is recommended during the whole process of your western medical treatment. No Chinese herbal medicine is OK if you don’t want to take the herbs, but for some patients, we do hope you can take some diet to improve the treatment. According to the research, acupuncture can improve the successful rate. In our office, we helped a lot of patient during their treatment of IVF. The results are very positive.
Infertility? Acupuncture is a great option along with IVF or IUI
Infertility? Acupuncture is a great option along with IVF or IUI
10 Ways that Acupuncture can help Fertility
One of Jarry's successful case of acupuncture for infertility
Healing from the root,
beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience
greater health and well-being!
Acupuncture for hair loss : Does it work?
Have you been losing a lot of hair lately? Is your hair thinning with the passage of time? Many factors like stress, diet, injuries, improper lifestyle, etc. have a drastic effect on the hair, leading to hair thinning and hair loss. Experimenting with various products in the market further aggravates our hair conditions. With so many artificial provisions in today’s world, it’s a good idea to look for alternate options to treat hair loss naturally.
Clinically, common treatments include medication – minoxidil is the drug of choice – and surgical options, like hair transplant or surgical restoration. TCM approaches hair loss differently.
TCM practitioners believe that the main cause of hair loss is blood deficiency. Hair will grow well if there is sufficient blood in the body, and blood in the body is governed by the spleen and the liver. A well-functioning spleen and liver will allow healthy hair growth and shine.
The kidneys also play a very important role, The kidneys govern the essence of the body, and this kidney essence is needed to keep one’s hair black. Weakened kidney ‘qi’ and a lack of essence may cause hair to turn grey.
Conversely, healthy hair reflects healthy ‘qi’ in the liver, spleen and kidneys. That means that just by looking at a person’s hair, a TCM practitioner can get an idea of a person’s overall health. Dry and brittle hair, for example, might indicate a ‘yin’ deficiency or ‘heat’ in the blood, while hair growth in abnormal places, such as the chin, might indicate that blood is not flowing properly.
While hair type and volume are determined by our genes, overall hair condition is determined by our lifestyle. Many factors – both external and internal – can affect the condition of our blood, and consequently, the state of our hair. These include stress, anxiety, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep and some medications.
By understanding the whole patient – beyond his or her hair problems – TCM practitioners seek to restore balance to the body, which ultimately restores hair health.
An alternative therapy, acupuncture, which is also one of the most widely recognized and respected Chinese medical practices, is one way to treat your hair follicles without the use of chemicals. The Chinese believe that this non-conventional method re-balances our body’s energy. This energy flow in our body is called “qi” (chi) and it is important for these energy pathways to remain clear for the body to function properly. When a blockage of energy occurs anywhere in the body, illness, diseases and bodily dysfunctions manifest.Acupuncture stimulates the qi and blood circulation, thereby clearing the blockages in the body and redirecting the nutrients to the appropriate places and allowing the body to function properly.
- It is important that the hair follicles have proper nutrition and blood flow, as they are responsible for hair nourishment and healthy hair growth. Applying acupuncture on certain areas in the body and scalp stimulates blood flow and nutrition to the hair follicles, which in turn stimulates new hair growth.
- Acupuncture helps in drawing lost energy back into the body to restore vitality to the hair follicles, and allow them to regain their ability to contract tightly around the roots of the hair, holding it in place.
- Acupuncture reduces follicle inflammation, revitalizes the damaged hair follicles, eases scalp itchiness and creates a healthy environment for the hair to grow.
- Scalp acupuncture, and acupuncture stimulate neurohumoral and endocrine system responses which restore the sebaceous gland functioning, which is important for healthy hair.
- Chinese medicine believes that the quality of the hair relates to the sufficient amount of qi, blood and kidney energy within the body, the insufficiency of which causes hair loss. Acupuncture takes care of these insufficiencies, strengthens the immune system and stimulates blood circulation thereby promoting healthy hair growth.
- Acupuncture stimulates hair re-growth in cases of hair loss and balding.
What does an acupuncture hair treatment involve?
The first visit with a professional acupuncture therapist is just like a normal visit with your general physician. It will involve a short TCM diagnosis assessment and a detailed medical history in order to provide the treatment that is necessary and custom tailored for you. You may experience some hesitation at having needles poked into your body and scalp at first, but this method is definitely worth a try.
Really don't like needles, no worries, we have options, we also have head(scalp) massage combined with the essential oil for improve the blood circulation, for hair regrowth or for stress-relief, insomnia or migraine.
Really don't like needles, no worries, we have options, we also have head(scalp) massage combined with the essential oil for improve the blood circulation, for hair regrowth or for stress-relief, insomnia or migraine.
Looking for licensed and experienced acupuncturist or TCM herbalist or massage therapists, feel free to call 416-800-3978 to set up the appointment. You can also book an appointment online.
TCM herbs herbal formula for Insomnia
- calming the mind,
- settling the nervous system,
- building the resources that the body needs for deep rest and relaxation.
Insomnia due to indigestion
For many people, eating a big meal—especially rich, heavy and spicy foods—too soon before bed can undermine quality of sleep or cause insomnia. Not surprisingly, when the digestive system is very active, the body will be restless and it will be hard to fall asleep. In this case, the best remedy is fairly obvious:
- avoid eating too late
- make your last meal of the day light and avoid spicy foods.
But Chinese Medicine also has a traditional herbal formula for insomnia due to indigestion, called Bao He Wan. It’s used on an “as needed” rather than an ongoing therapeutic basis.
The Bao He Wan formula:
- Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) – Hawthorn Fruit
- Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) – Medicated Leaven
- Lai Fu Zi (Raphani Semen) – Radish Seed
- Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) – Aged Citrus Peel
- Zhi Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) – Honey Fried Pinellia Rhizome
- Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
- Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) – Forsythia Fruit
Although this formula is composed of digestives, like radish seed and citrus peel, there are a few herbs in here that also help the heart and calm the mind:
- Shan Zha is a Chinese hawthorn berry which is very beneficial for circulation within the heart.
- Fu Ling is also a heart tonic (tonic meaning something that imparts energy, strength or vitality) with sedating and tranquilizing effects. In Chinese Medicine, the heart is responsible for the mind and mental agitation, and insomnia is typically attributed to the heart.
Insomnia due to Blood Deficiency
Insomnia due to indigestion usually occurs in isolated incidents and doesn’t tend to be a chronic problem. However, there is a diagnosis pattern that links
- digestive discomfort,
- fatigue,
- poor memory and
- insomnia.
In this case, the digestive system is deficient. The result is an inability to properly digest food and produce enough healthy blood. In Chinese medicine, quality of the blood is key. Memory and mental activity is closely linked to the state and quality of the blood. For example, the more blood and nutrients available, and the better the cerebral circulation, the better the memory.
The quality of the blood is also important for the heart and mind to be able to settle into sleep. With insomnia due to blood deficiency, it may be hard to fall or stay asleep, and the cause is typically due to worry or rumination. From the Chinese herbalist’s perspective, the excessive worry is closely linked to a deficiency in the digestive system, and the traditional remedy to this type of insomnia is a formula called Gui Pi Tang.
The Gui Pi Tang formula:
- Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) – Chinese Ginseng Root
- Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) – Astragalus Root
- Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) – White Atractylodes Root
- Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) – Licorice Root
- Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – Chinese Angelica Root
- Long Yan Rou (Longan Arillus) – Longan Fruit
- Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
- Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
- Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) – Polygala Root
- Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) – Costus Root
- Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) – Fresh Ginger Root
- Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) – Chinese Date
As in the previous formula, Gui Pi Tang contains a few digestives in it such as Sheng Jiang , Zhi Gan Cao, and Mu Xiang. We see Fu Ling again in this formula as it both helps digestion and nourishes the spleen and the heart. Other active ingredients in this formula that specifically calm the mind are Long Yan Rou, Suan Zao Ren, and Yuan Zhi. Blood nourishers in the formula include Long Yan Rou fruit and Suan Zao Ren—the seed of the Chinese red date. These ingredients have been widely used in Chinese herbal formulas to:
- reduce time necessary to fall asleep,
- help stay asleep and
- improve sleep quality.
Finally, Yuan Zhi is classically used to dispel brain fog and rumination and help the mind settle into sleep. Research on the active constituents of Yuan Zhi has found that it is nature’s helping hand for the stressed among us. A triterpenoid saponin from the roots, named Yuanzhi-1, shows potent antidepressant effects. Another Yuan Zhi constituent, 3,6′-disinapoyl, has been shown to:
- block stress-induced elevations of plasma cortisol,
- improved hippocampal-dependent learning and memory,
- rescue stress-induced deficits in hippocampal neuronal plasticity and neurogenesis.
Insomnia due to Yin Deficiency
Insomnia due to yin deficiency is the classic case of burnout. The yin is the body’s cooling system. The yin, or yin fluids, refer to the protective lining of all body tissues and nerves—it is a measure of the proper hydration of your body tissues. If yin “runs out,” the body overheats, leading to symptoms like afternoon fever, night sweats, and insomnia.
The kidneys are the body’s natural reserves of cooling fluids and are depleted after long hours of work and standing for long periods. If those fluids run low, the heat can go unchecked and rise, agitating the heart and the mind. This is a recipe for bad sleep, manifesting primarily as difficulty staying asleep and night sweats. The traditional remedy for yin deficiency-type insomnia is the formula Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.
The Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan formula:
- Sheng Di Huang (Rhemanniae Radix) – Rhemannia Root
- Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) – Chinese Ginseng Root
- Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix) – Asparagus Tuber
- Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) – Ophiopogon Tuber
- Dan Shen (Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix) – Salvia Root
- Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
- Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – Chinese Angelica Root
- Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) – Scrophularia
- Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) – Polygala Root
- Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) – Schisandra Fruit
- Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen) – Biota Seed
- Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
- Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix) – Balloon Flower Root
This formula contains many herbs called yin tonics, such as Sheng Di Huang, Mai Men Dong and Tian Men Dong. These herbs replenish the body’s cooling system and fluids. We also find Xuan Shen, clears what we call ‘deficiency heat.’ In other words, it helps quell the internal fire that happens as a result of the cooling system being out of order.
We see some herbs from the previous formula such as Suan Zao Ren, which nourishes the blood as well as helps astringe fluids to keep the body hydrated, and Yuan Zhi which works on brain fog, calms the mind and has antidepressant properties.
Finally, Wu Wei Zi offers a host of benefits, as it:
- is both sweet and nourishing for the blood, and sour to astringe fluids,
- helps strengthen the kidneys and calm the mind.
- is a dual direction herb, meaning that it can be used both to stimulate or sedate the central nervous system (CNS).
As a nervous system stimulant, it increases reflex responses and improves mental alertness. In this formula, Chinese herbalists harness its inhibitory effects on the CNS. Based on evaluations, this CNS inhibition mechanism may be related to an effect on dopaminergic receptors.
Insomnia due to Liver Stagnation and Heat
The final pattern of insomnia that we will explore is insomnia due to too much stress. In this situation, there will be a constant exposure to stress, which will then cause agitation in the nervous system, leading to heat in both the liver and the heart. Patients exhibit irritability, anxiety and have difficulty falling asleep.
The way that the body adapts and responds to stress is closely related to the way that qi moves through the body, so high stress would be diagnosed as qi stagnation.
In Chinese medicine, the Liver is the primary organ that works on the smooth flow of qi throughout the body, so this type of insomnia is identified as a type of liver qi stagnation. Additionally, irritability is often a sign of heat in the liver, or an agitated nervous system. Finally, anxiety is often attributed to heat in the heart and in this case there is excess heat both in the liver and the heart. The classic remedy for this situation is the formula known as Suan Zao Ren Tang.
The Suan Zao Ren Tang formula:
- Suan Zao Ren (Zizyphi Spinosae Semen) – Sour Jujube Seed
- Fu Ling (Poria) – Hoelen
- Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) – Szechuan Lovage Root
- Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) – Anemarrhena Root
- Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) – Licorice Root
In this formula, Suan Zao Ren is the key ingredient to nourish the Heart and the Liver and give the nervous system more resources to deal with stress and relax into sleep.
Chuan Xiong is traditionally used to invigorate the blood but here plays a key role in pacifying the liver and enhancing cerebral circulation. Zhi Mu is a great herb to clear the heat associated with anxiety and irritability. Fu Ling and Gan Cao are tonic herbs for the Heart.
Chuan Xiong is widely used to regulate blood flow in the body and has an active constituent called Ligustrazine which can:
- dilate cerebral blood vessels,
- reduce vascular resistance,
- significantly increase blood flow to the brain and body, and
- improve microcirculation
Chuan Xiong and other herbs that invigorate circulation are particularly helpful for patients who have trouble falling asleep because of headaches, muscle tension or jaw tension.
This simple Suan Zao Ren Tang formula also combines well with other relaxation and stress relief herbs, both Eastern and Western.
Want better sleep?
If you’re:
- having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep,
- not feeling fully rested upon waking,
- interested in alternatives to pharmaceutical sleep aids, then
… consider Chinese herbal medicine. Our clinic includes a full Chinese herbal pharmacy and our licensed herbalist prepare custom herbal formulations for your particular combination of symptoms and conditions.
also check Acupuncture Cupping Massage therapy for Insomnia.
Or Call Oriental Acupuncture Clinic today at 416-800-3978
to set up your first appointment!
Healing from the root, beyond treating symptoms.
So you can experience greater health and well-being!
With our Therapists 25+ years clinical experience,
you will feel the difference.
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