On My Radar: May 2014

I spend some time each week reading articles either for the pure sake of learning or for entertainment. This blog is mainly dedicated to veganism and Traditional Oriental Medicine, but I find other topics to be relevant for this blog as well. In my efforts to educate myself to become the best health practitioner I can be, an integral part of healing is educating my patients and community. 

This monthly blog series will consist of news stories and articles regarding things that are "On My Radar."

Can Patients Afford Their Medicine?

With the rising cost of healthcare, it should be on the doctor's radar to check if their patients are having a difficult time paying for their health. This could mean paying for doctors visits, medications and supplements, or even healthy food. Check out this article from the NY Times to see just how many Americans need help paying for basic health necessities. 

GMO Labeling Bill in CA, Again!
A new bill that would require the labeling of packaged foods and produce that has been genetically engineered (aka genetically modified) was heard in the Appropriations Committee on 5/12/14. Read here about differences between the new bill and Prop 37. Look for upcoming news about how it did in the latest committee hearing.

The Health Benefits of Smiling
Read this great article about 15 health benefits of smiling.

[Photo Credit]

Digestive Health

This is a simple, to-the-point article about digestive health. One of my favorite areas of practice is digestion and I've had great success using acupuncture, nutrition counseling, and Chinese herbal medicine to treat digestive imbalances. Please read this article to see if you have less than optimal digestive health. You'd be surprised to know that many people with digestive issues don't know they even have a problem. If digestive issues go untreated, it can lead to toxic build-up in the body and cause seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Valerie Harper Kicks Cancer's Butt!

See how the beloved TV star has used conventional medicine, Chinese medicine, and mindfulness to live more than one year past her predicted "expiration date."

Three Surprises About Acupuncture

This article talks about three of the most common surprises that people encounter when first learning about acupuncture: 1) acupuncture is not just for pain, 2) acupuncture is relaxing, and my personal favorite 3) acupuncturists go to school for a long time. 

In My Medicine Cabinet

Here are a few of the items that I always have handy in my medicine cabinet. 

Pure Body Clear 

This is, hands down, one of the best supplements I've ever encountered. "Pure Body Clear may be recommended to maintain normal liver functions and offers gentle support for the primary pathways of elimination." It helps support the liver and gently assists with urination and defecation. Honestly, I use this supplement anytime I drink alcohol. Even if I just have one alcoholic beverage, I take 3-4 of these capsules before bed and feel fine in the morning. I also take it if I'm just feeling "out of sorts." 

Wellness Fizz

This is a great formula that acts in a similar way to Emergen-C or Airborne. They are fizzy little wafers that are based on an ancient Chinese Medicine formula. I take it when I start to feel like I'm coming down with a cold or if I've been around sick people, on airplanes, or in close quarters with people. 

Methyl B-12 Liposome Spray

Many vegans don't get enough Vitamin B-12, nor do many other people for that matter. This is either due to improper diet or poor absorption of the vitamin. I get my B-12 from this fantastic little bottle. It is a sub-lingual (under the tongue) spray that should be taken one time (spray) per day. It has a nice fruity flavor and is more absorb-able if taken under the tongue. 

Bi Yan Pian*

This supplement is a patent Chinese Medicine formula that mixes many ancient Chinese herbs. It is great for me whenever I get a cold or allergy attack. It really helps to drain the nose and "release the exterior," which basically means it will induce sweating to push the disease out of the body.

An Mien Pian*

This is my go-to sleep formula, another patent Chinese Medicine mix. If I'm ever having a tough time falling asleep or staying asleep, this formula will definitely knock me out. It is really simple with only six herbs and I've found it to be the best sleep aid for me.

Greening Power

This formula comes in a powder form and capsule form. I like both. Sometimes I'll add the powder to a smoothie or take the capsules with water. It is a great mixture of superfood greens with some tonic Chinese herbs mixed in. I take this formula whenever I feel like I haven't eaten enough green foods that day. 

Yunnan Bai Yao (not pictured)

Another patent Chinese Medicine formula, that is a pain reliever and helps stop bleeding. I have taken it to alleviate the pain from menstrual cramps, or headaches. I always keep some in my kitchen because it can be applied topically to cuts to stop bleeding from those times that I am not so graceful with a knife. 

*Always consult a knowledgeable practitioner before taking any of these supplements.

Animal Product Herbal Medicine

Being vegan in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine school is not the easiest thing to be. One might associate an acupuncture school with vegan "hippies", but what we learn from a Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) perspective is far from a promotion of veganism or even vegetarianism.

In TCM we learn that the best way to "build or tonify the blood," for people who may have conditions such as anemia, is to drink beef broth especially broth made from beef bones. This would obviously pose a big problem for vegans. Blood deficiency (often referred to as anemia in a western diagnosis) is a common problem for vegans and vegetarians who don't get enough iron or Vitamin B12. But look at the list of Blood Tonic herbs used in TCM:

• Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae)
• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)
• He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni multiflori)
• Bai Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
• Long Yan Rou (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae)
• E Jiao (Colla Corrii Asini)

There is only one herb from this list that isn't a plant: E Jiao (Colla Corrii Asini), which is donkey hide gelatin. The other five herbs in this list are all vegan/vegetarian friendly and can help "tonify" the blood, which may (in western medical terms) help reduce anemia.

Don't forget that we can also get many of the essential nutrients from our food. If you are lacking in iron, eat more spinach. You can do a quick Google search to find out which foods are high in essential nutrients.

In all cases where an animal product herb would be used, there are plant-based herb alternatives. The animal product herbs can be much stronger than plant-based herbs, but don't let this discourage you if your acupuncturist/herbalist recommends an animal product. Always inform your healthcare provider about your diet and lifestyle. The practitioner should discuss with you that treating your condition only using plant-based herbs may take a bit longer if the plant-based herbs aren't as strong, but you'll still be well on your way to better health and you won't have to compromise your morals.