Chinese Med 101 – Page 3 – Center for Integrated Eastern Medicine

Chinese Med 101: Kidney/Bladder System, Urinary

Posted on February 8, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Kidney Meridian

The Kidney Meridian travels from the soul of the foot (grounding point), up the inner side of leg as shown in the picture.

Kidney Syndromes

The Kidney System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the circulatory system in western medicine. The heart element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Bladder
Color: Black
Flavor: Salty
Emotion: Fear
Tissue: Bones, teeth, marrow and nerves
Sense: Hearing
Element: Water

The Kidney Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates water metabolism – Edema, dysuria, urinary incontinence, dysentery
Produces marrow – Brain (Cerebral hypoplasia)
Nourishes bones – Osteomalacia, Loose or loss of teeth
Houses Zhi (Will Power) – Concentration, thinking and focus
Stores Jing (Essence) – Infertility, slow development, early senility
Opens into the ear – Tinnitus and deafness
Lumbar is the house of the Kideny – Soreness, pain or weakness of the lumbar area and spine
Dominates the reception of Qi – Asthma
Warms the Spleen to promote Spleen Function – Diarrhea at dawn
Dominates the fire at the gate of vitality – Prospermia, impotence, yin deficiency, yang hyperactivity, nocturnal emissions, hypersexuality

Kidney Qi deficiency:

Impaired hearing
Low back and knees achy and weak
Premature ejaculation
Spermatorrhea
Dribbling after urination
Incontinence
Frequent urination
In Women: Infertility, Clear/cold leukorrhea, Vaginal discharge, prolapse of uterus

Western symptoms: Chronic nephritis, Diabetes insipidis, Enuresis, Incontinence of urine, Neurasthenai

Dietary recommendations:

Corn, Oats, Quinoa, Potato, Sweet Potato, Watercress, Yam, Cherry, Grape, Mulberry, Chestnut, Pistachio, Walnut, Carp, Eel, Oyster, Shrimp, Chicken, Duck, Goose, Lamb, Mutton, Pork, Venison, Cinnamon bark, Fennel seed, Licorice, Sage, Black Cohosh, Bushu, Geranium, Ginseng (American), Heartsease, Kava Kava, Microalgae, Mugwort, Pollen, Rue, Saw Palmetto, White Deadnettle, Molasses

Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Dizziness
Tinnitus or deafness
Aching, soreness of low back
Spermatorrhea or premature ejaculation
Bones ache in heals and legs
Dry mouth, thirst
Night sweats
Malar flush
Low grade fever in afternoon
Dry stools or constipation
Dark, scanty urine
Heightened libido

Western symptoms: Chronic hearing problems, Chronic low back pain, Chronic nephritis, Diabetes mellitus, Essential hypertension, Pulmonary TB

Dietary recommendations:

Kamut, Millet, Wheat, Alfalfa Sprout, Asparagus, Potato, Seaweed, Sting bean, Sweet Potato, Yam, Kelp, Nori, Wakame, Mulberry, Raspberry, Black bean, Kidney bean, Soybean (black), Sesame, Abalone, Clam, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Oyster, Chicken, Pigeon, Pork, Black Cohosh, Borage, Ginseng (American), Red clover

Kidney Yang Deficiency:

Low back feels cold and achy
Feeling chilled with aversion to cold
Bright-white facial complexion
Frequent urination that is clear
Nocturia
Lassitude, apathy
Withdrawn
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Impotence
Low libido
Female infertility

Western symptoms: Chronic lumbago, Hypoadrenocorticism, Neurasthenia, Depression, Prostate issues, Sexual Dysfunction

Dietary recommendations:

Jasmine Tea, Star Anise, Saw Palmetto, Pine needle, Horny Goat Weed, Damiana, Aconite, Winter Savory, Savory, Horseradish, Fennel seed, Clove, Dill seed, Clove, Cinnamon bark, Chive seed, Basil, Aniseed, Beef (kidney), Goat, Lamb (kidney), Lamb, Mutton, Venison, Lobster, Crawfish, Mussel, Shrimp, Chestnut, Pistachio, Walnut, Quinoa

Kidney Essence (Jing) Deficiency:

Dizziness
Tinnitus
Low back and weak knees

In adults:

Loss of head hair
Graying or whitening of the hair
Weak sexual function
Atrophy of the feet and difficulty walking
Poor memory
Senility
Tinnitus
Brittle bones
Loose teeth or bad teeth

Western symptoms: Congenital mental retardation, Dementia, Osteoporosis

Dietary recommendations:

Sesame, Walnut, Oyster, Mussel, Beef (kidney), Chicken, Lamb (kidney), Pork (kidney), Nettle, Micoalgae, Pollen, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, Algae, Royal Jelly, Vitamin A

[…]

Chinese Med 101: Heart/Small Intestine System, Circulation

Posted on January 31, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Heart Meridian

The Heart Meridian travels from the pinky, up the inner side of arm as shown in the picture.

Heart Syndromes

The Heart System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the circulatory system in western medicine. The heart element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Small Intestine
Color: Red
Flavor: Bitter
Emotion: Happiness/Joy
Tissue: Blood and vessels
Sense: Speach
Element: Fire

The Heart Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates blood – Stagnant blood, extremities cold, lack of strength, poor constitution
Controls vessels – Irregular pulse
Complexion – Blue lusterless complexion, ruddy lustrous complexion
Hair is the ends of blood – dry brittle hair
Small Intestine relationship – Defecation and urination disorders
Houses Shen (spirit) – Mental symptoms, illogical speech, mind not clear, insomnia
Controls speech – forgetfulness

Heart Qi deficiency:

Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Excessive perspiration (daytime)
Symptoms worse after exertion
Facial pallor
Fatigue, weakness
Suffocating sensation in the chest

Western symptoms: Cardiac failure, Cardiac disease, Arrhythmia, Reactive depression (neurosis), Coronary Arteriosclerosis

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rye, Wheat germ, Reishi, Apple, Cherry, Longan, Chickpea, Lentil, Pheasant, Cinnamon bark, Hawthorn, Licorice, Sage, Thyme, Arnica Flower, Hawthorn, Pollen, Rue, Yarrow, Algea, Ginseng (American), Coconut

Heart Yin Deficiency.

Palpitations
Low grade fever
Irritability
Night sweats
Insomnia
Dry mouth, thirst
Excess dreaming
Dry throat, mouth
Poor memory
Malar flush
Anxiety
May be depressed

Western symptoms: Anemia, Arrhythmia, Reactive Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Neurosis, Tachycardia

Dietary recommendations:

Wheat, Apple, Persimmon, Mung Bean, Coconut milk, Cuttlefish, Arnica Flower, Chickweed, Ginseng (American), Hops, Rose

Heart Blood Deficiency:

Palpitations
Poor memory
Excess dreaming
Anxiety
Dizziness
Insomnia
Pale lips
Dull complexion
Lack of concentration
May be depressed
Fatigue

Western symptoms: Aesthenia, Anemia, Neurosis, Hyperthyroidism

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Wheat germ, Beetroot, Reishi, Longan, Coconut, Chickweed, Microalgae, Pollen

Heart Yang Deficiency:

Palpitations
Shortness of breath on exertion
Four limbs cold
Watery stool with undigested food
Mental cloudiness
Bright – pale face

Western symptoms: Cardiac insufficiency, Cardiac Failure, Depressive neurosis, Arrhythmia, Shock, Angina pectoris

Dietary recommendations:

Scallions, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (dry), Rosemary, Aconite, Arnica Flower

Heart Fire:

Ulcerations, erosion and pain in the mouth and tongue
Thirst with a desire for cold drinks
Irritability
Feeling of heat and disturbance in the heart
Insomnia
May be red or flushed face
Bitter taste in mouth
Inability to stay asleep
Extremely anxious
Deep yellow urine

Western symptoms: Tongue ulcers, Avitaminosis

Dietary recommendations:

Wheat, Wheat germ, Lotus root, Apple, Persimmon, Watermelon, Aduki bean, Mung bean, Vitamin C, Clary Sage

Heart Phlegm-Fire:

Irritability
Palpitations
Bitter taste in mouth
Insomnia
Dream disturbed sleep
Agitated
Restless
Alternates between depression and confusion

Western symptoms: Manic or hypomanic psychosis, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Neurosis

Dietary recommendations:

Hijiki, Agar, Persimmon, Aduki bean, Chickpea, Aniseed, Licorice, Sage, Calamus, Lobelia, Myrrh, Rhubarb root, Sandalwood, St John’s Wort, Yarrow, Tea (black and green), Neroli

Heart Qi/Blood Stagnation:

Palpitations
Cold hands
Heart pain radiating down arm into palm
Oppressive discomfort in the chest

Western symptoms: Angina pectoris, Coronary artery disease, Heart Attack, Myocardial infarction, Pericarditis

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rye, Wheat Germ, Beetroot, Lotus root, Scallion, Cherry, Aniseed, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Ginger (fresh), Hawthorn, Licorice, Oregano, Pepper (black), Thyme, Arnica flower, Barberry bark, Camphor resin, Catnip, Celandine, Cinnamon twig, Aduki bean, Frankincense, Hops, Mistletoe, Lavender, Limeflower, Lobelia, Motherwort, Myrrh, Pasque flower, Passionflower, Rhubarb root, Rose, Rue, Scullcap, St Johns Wort, Spirits

[…]

Chinese Medicine 101 – Spleen/Stomach and Digestive System

Posted on January 21, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Spleen Meridian

The Spleen Meridian travels from the upper part of the chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb on bilateral. As shown in the picture.

Spleen Syndromes

The Spleen System is very different it TCM than in western medicine. It is the powerhouse system that produces energy for the entire body. Spleen Element correspondences include:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Stomach
Color: Yellow
Flavor: Sweet
Emotion: Anxiety, desire, pensiveness
Tissue: Muscles
Sense: Taste
Element: Earth

The Spleen Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates muscle – Thin muscles, general weakness
Controls blood – Bruising on skin, bloody stool
Related to Stomach – Decrease food intake, retention of food, gastric distention, nausea, vomiting
Transportation and transformation of nutrients – Sallow complexion, pale lips, abdominal distention, loose stool, cold limbs, lack of strength
Transportation and transformation of fluids – pressing sensation on chest, phlegm accumulation, ascites, edema, nausea, heavy limbs and body
Qi ascends – Shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea, prolapse of anus and uterus

There are several patterns associated with Spleen Qi.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Tiredness
Limbs feel heavy and weak
Loose stool
Digestive issues
Poor concentration

Western symptoms: Anemia, gastric issues and ulcers, chronic neurosis, chronic gastritis or enteritis, IBS

Dietary recommendations:

Oats, Rice, Rye, Seitan, Carrots, Potato, Pumpkin, Squash (winter), Watercress. Yam, Shiitake, Apples, Cherry, Grapes, Papaya, Chickpea, Lentil, Soybean (yellow), Tofu, Almonds, Chestnuts, Coconut, Peanut, Sunflower seeds, Carp, Mullet, Salmon, Tuna, Beef, Chicken, Duck, Goat, Ham, Turkey, Cinnamon bark, Licorice, Thyme, Astragalus, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Pollen, Saw Palmetto, Beer, Chamomile, Soy Milk, Algae

Spleen Yang Deficiency:

Bloating after eating
Loose stools
Low appetite
Edema
Cold limbs
Chilliness

Western symptoms: similar to above

Dietary recommendations:

Chestnuts, Anchovy, Shrimp, Goat, Lamb, Basil, Cayenne, Chili, Cinnamon bark, Clove, Dill seed, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Aconite, Ginseng, Jasmine flower, Saw Palmetto, Ginger

Dampness in Spleen/Stomach:

Full feeling
Nausea
Low appetite
Loose stool
Muzzy head
Tired and heavy
Sticky yellow coat on tongue

Western symptoms: Acute or chronic gastroenteritis, bacterial dysentery, cirrhosis of liver, chronic hepititis

Dietary recommendations:

Buckwheat, Rye, Alfalfa, Asparagus, Caper, Parsnip, Squash (winter), Turnip, Watercress, Oyster Mushroom, Blueberry, Grapefruit peel, Lemon peel, Papaya, Orange peel, Tangerine peel, Aduki been, Blackeye been, Chickpea, Lentil, Mackerel, Tuna, Duck, Quail, Basil, Cardamom, Cinnamon bark, Garlic, Horseradish, Juniper, Nettle, Rosemary, Angelica root, Kava Kava, Ginger […]

Chinese Medicine 101 – Lungs/Large Intestine and Respiratory System

Posted on January 10, 2015November 10, 2015 by somes

In order for our patients to receive more information on the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and associated western symptoms, we are putting together a series of very basic information of each system. It is not meant to be all inclusive or include every combination or possibility of a diagnosis from a TCM perspective, that is up to your practitioner to figure out. Your practitioner will help you understand your specific diagnosis.

We are also including some common foods that a patient can eat in order to assist in balancing their energy and associated patterns.

Lung Meridian

The Lung Meridian travels from the upper part of the chest down the inside of the arm to the thumb on bilateral. As shown in the picture.

Lung Syndromes

The Lung System in TCM is different in many ways than what we think of as the respiratory system in western medicine. The lung element has the following correspondences:

Yin associated Yang organ is the Large Intestine
Color: White
Flavor: Pungent and Spicy
Emotion: Sorrow, worry, grief
Tissue: Skin
Sense: Smell
Element: Metal

For example: If someone is craving pungent and spicy foods but is never satisfied after eating a little, they might have a Lung associated issue. If one experiences a lot of sorrow, worry or grief, Lung related symptoms may appear.

The Lung Qi in TCM has the following etiology and associated pathology signs/symptoms:

Dominates skin and body hair – Excess sweating, thin dry hair, rough dry skin
Regulates water passages – Difficult flow of urine, edema
Dispersing function – Cough, retention of urine, constipation, shortness of breath
Descending function – Spontaneous sweating, no sweat, edema, constipation and diarrhea
Controls channels and blood – Cold Limbs
Dominates Qi and respiration – Lassitude, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, cough, panting, dyspenia
Opens into the nose – Nasal obstructions & discharge, loss of sense of smell, difficulty breathing

If a person suffers from a Lung Qi deficiency the following western condition might exist:

Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Asthma
Allergies
Chronic sickness
Difficulty breathing
Weak Cough
Daytime sweating

Dietary recommendations:

Almonds, Carrot, Cherry, Coconut, Ginseng, Goose, Grape, Licorice, Lentil, Oats, Quinoa, Rice, Sage, Squash, Tofu, Yam, Potato

Since every TCM system has a Yin and Yang component, one could experience a Lung Yin Deficiency. The following western condition might exist:

Chronic bronchitis
Chronic pharyngitis
Diphtheria
Laryngitis
Pulmonary TB
Malar flushing
Night sweats
Dry throat and mouth
Dry cough

Dietary recommendations:

Apple, Asparagus, Banana, Honey, Kidney Bean, Lemon, Mango, Pear, Seaweed, Sesame, Spelt, Spinach,Tofu, Tomato, Wheat, Yam

Another pattern that can occur within the Lungs would be Phlegm in the Lungs or Phlegm and Heat in the Lungs. Signs and symptoms can include the following:

Phlegm only:

Chronic coughing fits
Pale sputum
Shortness of breath
Stuffy feeling in the chest
White coat on tongue

Phlegm and Heat:

Yellow or green phlegm
Barking cough
Shortness of breath
Stuffiness in the chest
Yellow coat on tongue

Dietary recommendations:

For Phlegm: Almonds, Apple Peel, Celery, Garlic, Grapefruit, Lemon peel, Licorice, Olive, Pepper, Peppermint, Tea, Thyme, Walnut

For Phlegm and Heat add: Apple, Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Banana, Celery, Grapefruit, Kelp, Lemon, Mint, Potato, Salt, Seaweed

When external pathogens attack the Lung, the following symptoms might appear:

Common cold
Bronchitis
Influenza
Pneumonia
Tonsillitis
Asthma
Dry skin, mouth throat, thirst, hoarse voice
Shortness of breath
White phlegm
Stuffiness in the chest
Cough

For external pathogens, we commonly recommend herbal formulas to help drive them out. However, there are some basic foods you can add to your diet to help the process. Most of the foods are warming to the body.

Basil, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Cherry, Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Peach, Rosemary, Scallion, Walnut […]