Recommended foods for Male fertility

• Ingestion of antioxidants such as Folate, vitamin B12 and Zinc has a positive effect on spermatogenesis. Zinc and Folate increase sperm count, and Folate reduce sperm DNA fragmentation.

• Ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA + EPA) (rich in nuts or fish) has a positive effect on spermatogenesis.

• Foods rich in vitamin B (green and yellow vegetables, oysters, shijimi(clam)), vitamin C (fruits, acerola, broccoli), and vitamin E.

• Beta-carotene and lycopene have been reported to improve sperm quality.
  

1.    Zinc (亜鉛)

Foods That Are High in Zinc:

1)    Meat - Meat is an excellent source of zinc.

Red Meat is a great source, but ample amounts can be found in all different kinds of meat, including beef, lamb and pork.

• Pork liver (80g) contains 5.5 mg of Zinc

• Beef (90g) contains 4.8mg of Zinc

2)    Shellfish - healthy, low-calorie sources of zinc.

Shellfish like oysters, crab, mussels, Shijimi (clam), shrimp and some fish (sardines, salmon, flounder, etc), can all contribute to your daily zinc needs.

• 2 oysters(40g)  contain 5.3 mg of Zinc

3)    Legumes

Legumes like chickpeas, lentils and beans all contain substantial amounts of zinc. They are also an excellent source of protein and fiber and can be easily added to soups, stews and salads. Processing methods like heating, sprouting, soaking or fermenting can help improve its bioavailability.

4)    Seeds

Some seeds like hemp, pumpkin, squash and sesame seeds contain significant amounts of zinc. They are also a good source of fiber, healthy fats and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

 5)    Nuts (unsalted)

Eating nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, cashews and almonds can boost your intake of zinc. Nuts are a healthy and convenient snack that can boost your intake of zinc and many other healthy nutrients.

6)    Dairy (organic)

Dairy foods (organic) are good sources of zinc. They also contain protein, calcium and vitamin D, all of which are important nutrients for bone health.

7)    Eggs (organic)

One large egg contains 5% of the DV for zinc, as well as a host of other nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, B vitamins, selenium and choline.

8)    Soy Beans

• Natto (fermented soybeans) 100g contains 1.9mg of Zinc

• Koya-dofu (frozen-dried tofu) 100g contains 5.2mg of Zinc

9) Whole Grains

Whole grains like wheat, quinoa, rice and oats contain some zinc.

2.    Folate (葉酸)      

Foods That Are High in Folate:

• Beef liver (80g) contains 800μg

• Spinach(60g) contains 126 μg

• Broccoli (60g) contains 126 μg

• Edamame (a preparation of immature soybeans in the pod)(60g) contains 126 μg

• Strawberry(90g) contains 81 μg

• Seaweed(3g) contains 57 μg

3.    Vitamin E

Foods That Are High in vitamin E:

• Sunflower oil (1.4g) contains 1.5mg

•  Almond (10g) contains 2.9mg

• Grilled Eel (Unagi kabayaki) (100g) contains 4.9mg

• Nalta jute (moroheiya)(60g) contains 3.9mg

4.    Vitamin C

Foods That Are High in vitamin C:

• Red pepper (60g) contains 102mg

• Brussels sprouts (60g) contains 96mg

• Broccoli(60g) contains 72mg

• Kiwi fruits(90g) contains 126 mg

• Strawberry (90g) contains 56mg

5.    Lycopine

A recent study states that the red pigment compound found in sun-ripened tomatoes can increase sperm count by up to 70% while providing other key benefits for male reproductive systems.

•  One large sized tomato contains 7-8 mg of lycopine.

• A glass of fresh tomato juice (200ml) contains 20 mg of lycopine.

6.    Beta Carotene
Foods highest in beta carotene include:

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Winter squash

• Spinach and kale

• Fruits like cantaloupe and apricots

• Broccoli

• Butternut squash

• Red and yellow peppers

• Peas

• Romaine lettuce

RECOMMENDED TYPE OF CUISINE:

1. Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is a traditional diet eaten in the Mediterranean coastal regions such as Italy, France, Spain and Greece. It has a good balance of beans, vegetables, fruits, seafood, meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts, and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. In recent years, it has been attracting attention as a nutritionally balanced diet. (Be careful not to drink too much wine with the foods!)

• Enjoy daily - Whole grains, Legumes, Fruit, Vegetables, Healthy Fats, Herbs & Spices.

• Enjoy 2-3 times per week - Fish, Seafood, Omega-3 rich food

• Enjoy 1-2 times per week - Poultry, Eggs & Dairy

• Enjoy sometimes - Red meats & Sweets

• Practice daily - Physical activity

2. East Asian diet

East Asian diet with high in seafood, poultry, grains, legumes and vegetables. Use organic ingredients with good quality of sea salt, Miso or soy source. We highly recommend Natto (fermented soybeans - boost immunity), and Miso soup with chicken, seafood & assorted vegetables.

References (Japanese sites):

https://ivf-kyono.com/column/post-700/

https://sset-clinic.com/guide/seisi_huyasu/index.html

http://www.ishikawa-hp.or.jp/medical/medical12.html

https://www.elevit.jp/ninkatsu-m/nutrition/foodlist/#:~:text=いくことです。-,亜鉛をしっかり摂取できる食材,には注意しましょう。

Things better to avoid for Male fertility issues:

1. Tight underwear & pants

Sperm production is extremely sensitive to temperature, and requires temperatures a few degrees lower than the temperature inside the abdomen. The tight underwear likely to push the testes closer to the abdomen and raise the temperature inside the scrotum. Please avoid tight underwear or pants, particularly during sports activities. Wear loose clothing, especially if you sit for long periods of time.

2. Hot sauna or hot bath

Exposure to high temperatures, like in hot tubs, hot baths or saunas for 30 minutes can cause the temperature of the testes to become too hot. This can kill sperm and lower sperm count. Avoid sitting on a hot chair.

3. Put laptops on their laps

Males who use laptops on their laps are likely to experience scrotal hyperthermia – elevated temperatures in their testicles – which can significantly affect the quality of their sperm, and consequently their fertility.

4. Sexual inactivity

If the inactivity period is too long, sperm motility tends to decrease and sperm DNA damage rates tend to increase.

5. Sitting long hours

Avoid sitting for long hours, which worsen testicular blood flow. Please get off the chair once in 1-2 hours while you are working, and stretch yourself on the floor or shake your whole body.

6. Lack of sleep

Sleep at least 6 hours and more.

7. Lack of nutrition

Healthy eating habit is crucial to fertility.

8. Too much alcohol/caffeine intake

Try decaffeinate coffee, Japanese tea or herb tea,etc.

9. Stress

To avoid stressing out, we recommend Gentle breathing exercise: Such as Yoga, Qi gong, and Tai Qi.

10. Hair restorer

Do not use finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) for hair loss. There is accumulating evidence that it negatively impacts male fertility.

References (Japanese sites):

https://ivf-kyono.com/column/post-700/

https://sset-clinic.com/guide/seisi_huyasu/index.html

http://www.ishikawa-hp.or.jp/medical/medical12.html

https://www.elevit.jp/ninkatsu-m/nutrition/foodlist/#:~:text=いくことです。-,亜鉛をしっかり摂取できる食材,には注意しましょう。

Why is it so important to document a patient's allergy status?

Before we prescribe your herbal medicine or you purchase OTC products,  it is crucial to know all your allergies and biomedical conditions with medications that are being taken, including listing food allergies and sensitivities.

What is food allergy?

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. The eight major food allergens include;

• Milk, Egg, Fish, Crustacean shellfish, Tree Nuts, Wheat, Peanuts, and Soybeans

What are the most common signs and symptoms of the food allergy?

• Hives, itching or eczema, tingling in the mouth

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body

• Wheezing, nasal congestion

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening, requiring emergency medical attention)

o    Constriction of the airways, swollen throat that makes it difficult to breathe

o    Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, loss of consciousness

Do herbal medicines carry allergens?

Herbs carry the eight major food allergens which may cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with immediate allergic reactions. In many cases, an allergic response will happen within two hours of ingestion an herb. Symptoms can range from a mild rash to severe anaphylaxis.

Commonly used Chinese herbs with potential allergens

Gluten :

• Fu Xiao Mai (Triticum aestivum), Wheat

• Mai Ya (Hordeum vulgaris), Malt sprouted barley

• Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata), fermented wheat/malt

Seeds :

• Bai Jie Zi (Semen Sinapis Albae), Mustard Seed

• Hu Ma Ren (Semen Sesami Nigrum), Sesame

Crustacean Shellfish & Mollusks

• Hai PiaoXiao (Endoconcha Sepiae), Cuttlefish tone

• Mu Li (Concha Ostreae), Oyster

• Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha Margaritifera), Mother of pearl

Tree Nuts:

• Bai Guo (Semen Ginkgonis Bilobae), Ginkgo

• Hu Tao Ren (Semen Juglandis), Walnut

• Li Zhi He (Semen Litchi Chmensis), Leechee Nut

  Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae), Apricot

Soy (potentially processed with soya-bean oil):

• Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Preparatum), Prepared Soybean

Ragweed (herbs in the Asteraceae (daisy) family)

• Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi) Chrysanthemum Flower

Latex:

• Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae), Eucommia Bark

Animal & Insect:

• Di Long (Pheretima), Earthworm

How can I know if I have a food allergy?

• A blood test can measure your immune system's response to a particular food, and a skin prick test can determine reactions.

• Write a Food Diary. Write notes about what symptoms you have after eating certain foods. By doing it, your doctor will find out if you have a food allergy or a food sensitivity.

• Write down all symptoms experienced during the day or night. Note if symptoms are absent, mild, moderate, or severe.

• Record date and time that symptoms start and end, such as “20 minutes after eating pancakes, I had hives all over the body and swollen lips”.

Where on OTC product label to find information on food allergy?

The Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires the top eight food allergens to be listed separately on the ingredients label.

Case study:

Dry eyes with Oral Allergy Syndrome

A 30-year-old female patient visited our clinic for dry eyes and blurred vision. She has night sweat, a red tongue with little coating, and a rapid, thin pulse.

During the intake, she says she is sensitive to Ragweed pollen and raw fruits and vegetables such as melons and cucumbers. She experienced itching and swelling of the mouth and tongue with those foods. She can eat them cooked. Her skin prick test diagnosed Oral Allergy Syndrome (Pollen Food Syndrome). Her sensitization to Ragweed pollen has been linked with allergic reactions to bananas, cucumber, melons, watermelon, sunflower seed, and zucchini. (Pollen & Food cross-reactivity)

Our TCM diagnosis was: Dry eyes due to Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency.

The formula we selected; Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium Fruit, Chrysanthemum, and Rehmannia Pill).

Herbs:

• Lycii Fructus (Gou Qi Zi) 9g

• Chrysanthemi Flos (Ju Hua) * Remove

• Folium Mori (Sang Ye) 9g *Add

• Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Shu Di Huang) 15g

• Corni Fructus (Shan Zhu Yu) 9g

• Radix Dioscoreae (Shan Yao) 6g

• Poria (Fu Ling) 6g

• Cortex Moutan (Mu Dan Pi) 6g

• Rhizoma Alismatis (Ze Xie) 6g

Modification: Due to her sensitization to Ragweed pollen, we removed Ragweed-related Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi) and added Folium Mori (Sang ye).

Method of Preparation: Decoction.

Herbal medicine practitioners must ensure their prescriptions carry allergen labels for the ’major eight’ allergens.

Chinese herb formulas may contain potential allergens not typically recognizable to consumers and not currently required by the FDA. But patients have the right to know what ingredients are in their prescription. Medicine that derives from a potential allergen must label that allergen source.

At the same time, practitioners should provide information to patients to better understand food allergens and discuss their allergy status for safe practices.

To find a Qualified Practitioner, Please visit:

https://www.nccaom.org/find-a-practitioner-directory/

References:

1.       Anaphylaxis, Symptoms & Causes,  October 2021

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc- 20351468

2.       Chinese Herbs & Allergens, Labeling With Caution, Shellie Rosen DOM, LAc, February 2018  https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/digital/index.php?i=720&a_id=33435&pn=21&r=t&Page=21

3.       Adverse Reactions to Alternative Medicines, 2019

           https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/drug-allergy/adverse-reactions-to-alternative-  

            medicines                            

4.       Z-P Zeng and J-G Jiang, Analysis of the adverse reactions induced by natural product-derived drugs, 2019

           https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2850395/pdf/bph0159-1374.pdf

East Asian Medicine for the treatment of Menopausal symptoms

CASE STUDY 

 Patient: 48, F

 Her symptoms including:

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Frequent urination, waking up 2-3 times at night to urinate

• Insomnia

• Backache

• Hair loss, nails breaking easily

• Anxiety and mood swings

• Poor memory

• Slightly cold feet

• Tongue: Red tongue with a slightly rootless coating

• Pulse: Weak and Deep pulse on both Rear positions, Rapid and Overflowing on both Front positions

 Case History:

A 48-year-old female patient, visited our clinic for her menopausal problem of two years. Her gynecologist recommended HRT (Hormone replacement therapy).  She tried it for three months before she could no longer tolerate its severe side effects, such as stomach cramps, headache, and nausea. (HRT involves replacing estrogen and progesterone through pills and patches. While it helps many get through menopause, health risks include increased breast and endometrial cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Also, the side effects may affect some women).

 TCM Diagnosis:

Most of this patient's symptoms are due to deficiency of Kidney-Yin with Empty Heat affecting the Heart and harassing the Mind. The symptoms of Kidney-Yin deficiency are hot flushes, Night sweating, Red tongue with a slightly rootless coating, and a Weak and Deep pulse on both  Rear positions. The symptoms of Empty Heat affecting Heart and harassing the Mind are depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia and a pulse that is Rapid and Overflowing on both Front positions. In this case, there is an overlapping of Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang deficiency; although the primary condition is one of Kidney-Yin deficiency, there is also some Kidney Yang deficiency as evidenced by the slightly cold feet and frequent urination.

 Treatment principle:

 The treatment principle adopted was to nourish Kidney- and Heart-Yin, clear Heart Empty Heat, and calm the Mind; a secondary aim was to tonify Kidney-Yang. She was treated with acupuncture and Herbal medicine.

1.    Acupuncture

 Acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy - a life force (chi or qi) that flows through pathways (meridians) in the body, inserting thin needles into specific points on the skin. Acupuncture is known to be effective for reducing the frequency of menopausal symptoms. A recent study found that five weeks of acupuncture reduced hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disruptions in women dealing with menopause.

 Acupuncture points selected, including:

•  LU-7 Lieque and KI-6 Zhaohai  - to regulate the Directing Vessel, strengthen the Uterus and nourish Kidney-Yin.

• Ren-15 Jiuwei -  to calm the Mind and clear the Heart.

• Ren-4 Guanyuan -  to nourish the Kidneys and calm the Mind.

• Du-24 Shenting and G.B.-13 Benshen -  to calm the Mind.

• Du-20 Baihui to lift depression.

• HE-6 Yinxi and KI-7 Fuliu  - to stop night-sweating and clear Heart Empty Heat.

• SP-6 Sanyinjiao  - to nourish Yin, calm the Mind and promote sleep.

—We scheduled weekly Acupuncture treatment for the patient. After four weeks, her symptoms improved significantly besides occasional Hot flashes. So we added Herbal therapy to her.

2. Herbal Therapy:

Base formula: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan- 知柏地黃丸 - Anemarrhen Rehmannia Eight Formula

 Formula Principles:

• Enriches Yin, Nourishes the Essence of the Liver and Kidneys, Reduces Deficiency Fire

 Ingredients:

• Shu Di Huang  Rehmannia Root

• Shan Zhu Yu   Cornus Fruit

• Shan Yao         Dioscorea Rhizome

• Ze Xie             Alisma Rhizome

• Mu Dan Pi     Moutan Bark

• Zhi Mu          Anemarrhena Rhizome

• Huang Bai       Phellodendron Bark

• Fu Ling            Poria

TCM Pattern:

• Kidney Yin deficiency with Fire flaring

• Fire flaring with liver and kidney Yin deficiency

• Steaming bone disorder

• Damp-Heat in the lower Jiao

Dosage (for pills):

• 5-7 pills 2-3 times daily before meals, Take with warm water

Course of treatment

• 1-2 months

Cautions & Contraindications

• Use with caution in those with spleen and stomach deficient cold.

 —-After a month of Herbal therapy along with Acupuncture, the patient’s Hot flushes reduced by 50%.

 3.    Healthy Diet

 During the patient’s visits, we advised her what and how should be eaten to keep her body warm and healthy. A healthy, balanced diet can provide a rich supply of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and other nutrients required for women going through menopause.

Foods can help strengthen bones and relieve Menopausal symptoms:

• Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach and kale)

• Yogurt, Cheese, and Soy milk

• Fresh Fish (Bluefish, Mackerel, Salmon, and Sardine), Shellfish, and Seaweeds

• Flax, Chia Seeds, Sesame seeds and Nuts

• Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrot, Onion, Ginger,  and Mung bean sprouts

• Blueberries and other dark berries

• Soybeans (Miso soup, Natto-fermented soybeans)

• Multi-grain rice and/or Brown rice

 Foods that may worsen Menopausal symptoms”

• Processed foods

• Spicy foods

• Fast food

• High-sodium foods

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Sweets

• Raw foods

• Refined carbohydrates

4.    Daily Exercise

We also gave her advice on simple daily exercise. That helped her to keep muscle and bone strong, increased flexibility, and improved balance. Exercise even kept her mind clear and relieved her symptoms like poor memory and anxiety.

We recommend her:

• Walking, Yoga, Stretching, Swimming, Water workout, Tai Chi, and Meditation

References:

• Maciocia, Giovanni, Kaptchuk, Ted J., Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine - 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone, June 3, 2011  p. 741-762

Cold limbs: How can I warm my feet with poor circulation?

You blood flow improves by soaking your feet in a foot bath with hot water.

Recently we noticed that more than 75% of our female patients suffer from cold limbs due to poor blood & Qi circulation.

Those patients tend to have wet & swollen tongue with a little or no coating, and slow pulse. Many have some menstrual problems, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (no period), irregular bleeding, and irregular menstrual cycle. Some have infertility issues, and some have menopausal & pre-menopausal symptoms such as hot flush and nocturia related insomnia. And all of them have stiff shoulders & neck and living in a state of some stress.

According to the western medicine, hormonal imbalance causes cold limbs. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can affect sensitivity to cold, causing women to feel colder than usual during any stages of the menstrual cycle. High stress may cause cold feet too. One of the body's natural responses to stress is to pump adrenaline into the bloodstream. As it circulates, adrenaline causes the peripheral blood vessels to constrict, which caused low blood flow to the outermost areas of the body - feet.

According to Chinese medicine, internal cold can result from external invasions getting into our system's deeper levels and embedding themselves. This process is enabled by weakness within the system, typically of Qi, and most importantly, Yang. The Yang deficiency leads to a series of cold symptoms characterized by a cold body and limbs owing to an insufficiency of Yang Qi, which fails to warm the body and leads to a Yang deficiency-induced internal cold.

Then, how to warm them up?

the way to warm cold limbs in everyday life

Cover your feet with wool socks & legwarmers.

1. Wear wool socks & legwarmers that cover your feet and ankles at home and in the bed. Avoid barefoot even at home. Additionally, keep wearing stole, scarf or neck warmer around your neck all the time. According to the traditional Chinese medicine, the cold evil invades through the back of your neck.

The Futon dryer warms and dries mattress and comforter by forcing warm air through it.

2.Warm the bedding before going to bed. It is said that the temperature of the bedding that leads to a good night's sleep is about 91.4F (33C), which is a little lower than the body temperature. Warm it with a Futon dryer or a heated mattress pad.

3.Taking foot bath, hot bath (or hot shower) is the key to the warm body. You can improve blood flow by soaking your feet in a foot bath with hot water (109.4F (43C)) and some Epsom salt which relieves aches and inflammation. Or, use Foot Spa Bath Massager. In the bathtub, make sure to massage your scalp, feet and back of calves to improve blood circulation.

4.Relaxing your body with a gentle stretch on the floor. A simple stretch has effect on relaxing and warming the body and mind. Yoga, Tai Chi, and a gentle breathing exercise are also recommended.

The Hand Body warmer (stick-on type) helps to ease your cramping cold feet.

5.Put a Hand Body warmer (stick-on type) around the sacrum bone on your back. Because of the large blood vessels there, it is easy for heat to reach the entire body and it makes you feet warm. The Hand Body warmer can apply on your toes when you get cramps in your cold feet too.

6.Eat body warming food & drink and avoid body cooling food.

• Body warming food: Warm, cooked, organic and naturally flavored food

1) Organic Vegetables (boiled or steamed - body warming effect)

Ginger, Garlic, Scallion, Renkon(Lotus Root), Pumpkin (Kabocha), Gobo (burdock root), Carrot, Onion, Yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam), Shiitake mushroom

2) Flavor - Black sesame, Miso, Sea salt, Soy Sauce

3) Fresh Fish (bluefish, Mackerel etc), Shellfish

4) Herb tea (Chamomile, Rooibos tea, etc) – Calming effect

5) Soy Beans -  Organic Tofu, Natto (fermented soybeans - enhance immunity)

6) Haiga-mai (Shortgrain Rice), Gokoku mai (Five Grain Rice), Wheat, or Brown rice, Soba (Buckwheat noodle)

7) Organic Meat (Chicken, Polk, and Beef) & Eggs

8) Seaweeds, Kombu kelp, Wakame, Hijiki, Shirasu & ChirimenJako (Baby Sardine)

• Body cooling food: Raw, cold, spicy, sweet and artificially flavored food

1)    Dairy foods (Milk, Butter)

2)    Cold food - Salad, Raw vegetables & Tropical fruits

3) Summer vegetables (raw) : Tomato, Lettuce, cucumber, eggplant

4)    Icy water, Icy cold drink

5)    Raw fish (sushi / sashimi), Raw meat

6)    Spicy food

7)    Sweet (white sugar)  - try honey or brown sugar instead

8) White rice, Udon noodle

9) Caffeine (Coffee, Green tea)

10) Artificial ingredients, Food additive, Artificial flavors & coloring

Reference:

Why Do You Feel Cold All the Time?

Causes and remedies for cold feet

就寝4時間前からがキモ! 冷え知らずになる“温活”、夜のルーティン

Nocturia - Want to stop frequent urination at night?

What is Nocturia?

Nocturia is a condition in which you wake up during the night because you have to urinate. As we get older, more and more people suffer from Nocturia. Some study shows, about 60% in the 50s and 80% in the 60s or older are awake more than once during the night.

According to the Western medicine, the causes can include high fluid intake, sleep disorders, bladder obstruction, and decreased function of internal organs. Still, about one-third is due to 'overactive bladder,' which is caused by autonomic nerves disturbed so that the contractile function of the bladder occurs.

Nocturia is also seen among women in the early perimenopausal stage. There might be an association between decreasing estradiol levels and disturbance of autonomic nervous system.

Most of the Nocturia is also "Nocturnal polyuria”. If one-third of the daily urine volume is present at bedtime, it becomes Nocturnal polyuria.

Usually, the amount of urine at night decreases compared to the daytime, but with aging, the amount of "antidiuretic hormone" that reduces the amount of urine at night decreases, and the kidneys' function that concentrate urine declines. As a result, the amount of urine produced in the middle of the night increases.

Treatment

Treatment of Nocturia by Western medicine includes certain activities, such as restricting fluids or medications that reduce symptoms of overactive bladder. However, there are side effects of using drugs, such as stomatitis and constipation.

Case Treatment by Acupuncture

Clinical manifestations: Nocturia, frequent-pale urination, feeling cold, cold lower back and knees, lower backache, dizziness, tinnitus, exhaustion, nocturnal enuresis in children, incontinence in old people, Impotence, low libido in men, menstrual disorders in women.

Tongue: Pale & Wet. Pulse: Deep-Weak.

Diagnosis: Kidney-Yang deficiency 　Treatment principle: Tonify and warm Kidney-Yang, strengthen the Governing Vessel.

Acupuncture Points: BL-23 腎兪, BL-20 脾兪, S.I.-3 後渓 with BL-62 申脈, Du-4 Mingmen　命門(with moxa), Du-20 百会, Ren-6 気海, Ren-4 関元, KI-3 太谿. All with reinforcing method.

self-treatment

If the cause of Nocturia is overactive bladder, there is a way to improve it safely at home.

1) “Rubbing the back of the leg" exercise

All you have to do is rubbing the back of your leg, include the back of the calf, knee, and thigh, where the nerves related to the bladder concentrate, and also, bladder meridian runs there according to the traditional Chinese medicine. Please massage slowly and gently for a few minute with your both hands, tennis ball, or massage roller. We recommend to do it after taking a hot bath, hot shower, and after your skin is dry.

By rubbing your back of the leg, you can reset your autonomic nervous system. There are reports among our patients who have improved Nocturia with the massage. One of the patients who were showing menopause symptoms, used to wake up twice for urination during the night, but now she only wakes up once after practicing this exercise.

If you are spending time in the same posture - sitting or standing - during the day, the body's water will accumulate in the lower limbs due to gravity. Furthermore, as you age, the ability to circulate blood declines, causing water in your legs to leak from your blood vessels and accumulate in your calves. This leads to Nocturia as well as "swelling feet" at night. Some people call the calf the ”second bladder” because the water they ingest during the day accumulates in the calf. By rubbing your calf, it is possible that you can decrease the water accumulation. Additionally, elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings will greatly help prevent fluid accumulation.

2) Warm the bedding before going to bed. It is said that the temperature of the bedding that leads to a good night's sleep is a little lower than your body temperature. Warm your bedding with a Futon dryer or a heated mattress pad. The Futon dryer warms and dries mattress and comforter by forcing warm air through it.

3) Take foot bath, hot bath or hot shower before go to bed. You can improve blood flow by soaking your feet in a foot bath with hot water (109.4F (43C)). Or, use Foot Spa Bath Massager. In the bathtub, make sure to massage your scalp, feet and back of calves to improve blood circulation.

*This care method works only for Nocturia caused by the overactive bladder. If it doesn't work, you need to suspect a serious illness, such as angiopathy, heart disease, diabetes, or visceral dysfunction. Please consult your physician.

Reference:

Nocturia

“40代から急増する夜間頻尿　第二の膀胱ふくらはぎが原因かも”

“夜間頻尿の原因「過活動膀胱」防ぐための「骨盤底さすり」“

Maciocia, Giovanni, The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Second Edition

Moxibustion for Stress reduction, Insomnia, and Women's health issues

Chosei-kyu - Stick-on Moxa

Moxibustion ( Moxa, 灸) is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort (moxa) on particular points on the body. It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Practitioners use Moxa to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and Qi.

In our clinic, we use Japanese style Moxibustion combining with Acupuncture treatment. Moxa is an excellent tool for stress reduction, insomnia and improves fertility by warming & relaxing the body through increasing Qi & blood circulation, for women, especially good for circulation in the ovaries and uterus.

We use the smokeless Japanese Stick-on Moxa, called "Premamaplus", which is effective during fertility treatment and throughout pregnancy. In case if you wish to try Stick-on Moxa at home, the Chosei-kyu Stick-on Moxa is available in the US market.

1)    Moxa points for stress reduction

Points – LV3, PC8, PC6, HT7, SP6, CV12, CV17, BL10, BL23, DU20

PC 8 Laogong 労宮（ろうきゅう）

Location: When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the middle finger touches.

Indication: Clears Heart Heat, Calms the Shen (spirit), Fever, coma, loss of consciousness, Epilepsy, mania-depression, Heart pain

PC 6, Neiguan, 内関（ないかく）

Location: 3 fingerbreadths (2 cun) above the transverse crease of the palmer side of the wrist, between two tendons.

Indications: Calms the Shen (spirit), insomnia, nausea & vomiting, and any condition related to the chest.

2)    Moxa points for sleep problem

Points – Insomnia point, CV12, CV14, PC6, ST36, GB20, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL23, DU20

Insomnia point, 失眠（しつみん）

ST 36, Zusanli 足三里（あしのさんり）

Location: one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

Indication: Harmonise the Stomach, Gastric pain, abdominal distention, borborygmus, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, Emaciation due to general deficiency, palpitation, shortness of breath, lassitude, dizziness, insomnia, Cough and asthma

3)    Moxa points for Qi & Blood circulation and over all women’s health

Points –LV3, ST36, SP6, ST27, CV4, CV6, BL67, BL18, BL23, BL32

SP6 San Yin Jiao 三陰交（さんいんこう）

Location: On the medial side of the lower leg, 4 fingerbreadths (3 cun) superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, in a depression close to the medial crest of the tibia.

Indication: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, amenorrhea, prolapse of uterus, postpartum faintness, infertility, nocturnal emission, impotence, premature ejaculation, hernia, Enuresis, edema, dysuria

LV 3 Taichong 太衝(たいしょう)

Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the hollow distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones.

Indication: Headache, vertigo, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, Depression, pain in the hypochondrium, Weakness of the lower extremities, Irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, hernia, enuresis Epilepsy

BL18 ( Gānshū, Liver Shu 肝俞) , BL20 ( Píshū Spleen Shu 脾俞), and BL23 (Shènshū
Kidney Shu 腎俞)area

What foods improve gut health? - Japanese style

Burdock root (Gobo)

1. Foods rich in fiber

Dietary fiber is something that you should actively take into your daily diet to avoid getting sick.
Dietary fiber can add bulk to the stool, which can stimulate the bowels and help move stool through the digestive tract, so it is a valuable ingredient to improve your intestinal environment

There are two types of dietary fiber: insoluble dietary fiber that is difficult to dissolve in water, and water-soluble dietary fiber that is easily soluble in water. It is good to balance these two types of dietary fiber.

• Insoluble dietary fiber absorbs water in the abdomen, increases the bulk of the stool, and promoting the peristaltic movement of the intestine.

Foods rich in insoluble dietary fiber: Burdock root (Gobo), Sweet potato, Beans, Brown rice, Haiga mai (Shortgrain Rice), and Gokoku mai (Five Grain Rice)

Haiga mai- Shortgrain Rice

• Water-soluble dietary fiber attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. It has the function of increasing the moisture in stool and make it easier to discharge. It also acts as a feed for good bacteria and helps regulate the intestinal environment.

Foods rich in water-soluble dietary fiber: Okra, Natto (fermented soybeans), Satoimo (Japanese Taro), Nameko mushroom, Soba (buckwheat noodles), and Carrots.

2. Fermented foods

Natto (fermented soybeans)

Fermented foods are rich in lactic acid bacteria. As you know, more than 200 kinds and 500 trillion intestinal bacteria inhabit the intestine, which is called "intestinal flora".

E.g. : Cheese, Natto(fermented soybeans), Kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage with salt and strong spices), Miso (fermented soybeans paste), Pickles, and Yogurt.

People with longevity naturally incorporate these fermented foods into their daily lives traditionally in many countries.

Currently in Japan, amid the Covid-19 crisis, more people consume Natto regularly to boost their immune system. Natto is traditionally well known to protect against many bacterial pathogens in Japan, and many believe that it may help fight against viral infections.

I started eating Natto, Burdock root (Gobo), Haiga mai (Shortgrain Rice) with Gokoku mai (Five Grain Rice), and Miso soup with assorted organic vegetables daily since this April during the lockdown. I ate meals twice a day, 7 AM and 4 PM. After 5 months, my bowel movement became more regular and my gut has been working better than ever. I used to have IBS which caused digestive problems like cramping, bloating; and diarrhea, constipation, or both. Now I have none of those symptoms. Additionally, I have lost 18 pounds ( 8 kilograms ) naturally!! But you have to be careful not too excessive eating of Rice if you are a Diabetic & Pre-Diabetic patient.

Miso soup with various organic vegetables

Foods That Increase Fertility When You’re Trying to Get Pregnant - Japanese style

Boiled Renkon, Gobou (burdock root), Carrot, Satoimo(taro), Takenoko(bambooshoot) and Konnyaku (Amorphophallus konjac)

Haiga mai (half-milled rice) and Miso soup with assorted vegetables, chicken and Shiitake mushroom

Recommended food

• Has mind-calming effect

• Strengthen the Kidney & Spleen (organs for life force energy)

• Makes your body keep warm

• Boost your immune system

1)    Organic Vegetables (body warming effect)

-       Renkon(Lotus Root), Pumpkin (Kabocha), Daikon radish, Gobo (burdock root), Carrot, Onion, Yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam), Broccoli, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Shiitake mushroom (enhance immunity), Ginger

2)    Flavor - Black sesame, Miso, Sea salt, Soy sauce

3)    Fresh Fish (white fish, bluefish, Mackerel, Eel, etc), Shellfish

4)    Seaweeds, Kombu kelp, Wakame, Hijiki, Shirasu & ChirimenJako (Baby Sardine)

5)    Barley tea (mugi-cha) , Herb tea (Chamomile, Rooibos tea, etc) – Calming effect

6)    Soy Beans -  Organic Tofu, Natto (fermented soybeans - enhance immunity), Azuki bean, Black soybean (kuro daizu)

7)    Rice (Haiga-mai, Gokoku-mai, Wheat, or Brown rice), Soba (Buckwheat noodle) *Be careful not too excessive eating of Rice for Diabetic & Pre-Diabetic patients.

8)    Organic Meat (Chicken, Polk, and Beef),  Eggs, Liver

9)    Unsalted Nuts - Almond, Hazelnuts, Peanuts

10) Hot drink or Room temperature water

11) Seasoned Fruits– Apple, Orange, Prune, etc

Natto (fermented soy beans) on the rice with Scallion, Black sesami and Ginger

Soup Stock - Kombu kelp, Shiitake mushroom, Bonito flake and Dashijako (fish broth)

Gobo (burdock root)

Recommended Cooking

-       Warm home-cooked food – such as Miso soup with Vegetables, Seaweed & Tofu

-       Chicken soup with Vegetables,

-       Steamed rice with Natto (fermented soy beans) with Black sesame & seaweeds

-       Ginger Chicken & vegetable porridge (Congee)

-       Use organic foods

-       Use good quality salt

-       Use Japanese ingredients

-        “Eat slowly, Chew 100 times before swallow”

Gokoku-mai (5 grain rice), Miso soup and organic meat & vegetables

Not Recommended foods

Better to avoid or take less – Foods that make your body cold & stagnate blood

1)    Dairy food (Milk, Cheese, etc)

2)    Fast foods

3)    Cold food - Salad, Raw vegetables & Tropical fruits,

4)    Icy water, Icy cold drink

5)    Raw fish (sushi/ sashimi), Raw meat

6)    Very spicy food - makes your body cold

7)    Very greasy food

8)    Sweet (white sugar)  - makes your body cold, if you need to eat sweet, take honey or brown sugar

9)    Gluten food – try the gluten-free grain

10) Alcohol & caffeine (coffee, Green tea) – Sympathetic dominance

11) Artificial ingredients, Food additive, Artificial flavors & coloring – causes blood stagnation

Recommended activities for stress reduction & better sleep

1)    Walking

2)    Yoga / Stretching

3)    Qi gong

4)    Meditation with breathing

5)    Laughing with funny youtube videos (cats, dogs etc)

6)    Hot bath or Footbath (with Pure Epsom Salt)

7)    Use Yutanpo (Hot water bottle) or Hot stone on your navel or Kidney area for warming up before going to bed

8)    Wear wool socks in the bed

9) Ankle rolling Exercise - Good for blood circulation to Uterus

Pot-au-feu with organic vegetable, chicken. tofu and mushroom

Facial (Cosmetic) Acupuncture - How does it work? 美容鍼はなぜ効果があるのか？

https://gentleacu.com/facial-acupuncture

Facial acupuncture, or “cosmetic acupuncture,” is a popular facial treatment in Japan which helps the face to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, and can help rejuvenate skin by improving overall energy.

The immediate effectiveness was probed by all our clients who received Facial acupuncture in our office. Since we started offering the treatment this year, we have been getting rave reviews such as; “My face got noticeably slimmer after just one session!“, “Fatigue of my whole face disappeared and looked rejuvenated!“, “My sagging cheeks lifted up shapely, and my eyes look much bigger!”, and “My skin looked glowing and whole face toned up. My skin got smoother too!“

Below is from the article I found in Healthline website which explains well about how the facial acupuncture actually works. (Just, the article below says that most clients need 5 visits before experiencing the effectiveness, but most of our clients see the positive result just after the first session. Also, we had never seen bruising on any of our clients yet.).

To see the difference Before & After, please visit our Instagram.

「美容鍼」は、コラーゲン産生力を刺激し、肌質を改善し、総体的なエネルギーを高めることで肌の若返りを促進する、日本でも人気のフェイシャルトリートメントです。

当院で美容鍼を受けたすべてのクライアント様が、その即効性を体感しています。 今秋から美容鍼を始めて以来、皆様から以下のような報告を受けています。

「たった1回のセッションで顔がスリムになりました！」、「顔全体の疲労が消えて若返りました！」、「垂れ下がった頬が引き上がり、目が大きく見えてきました！」、「肌が輝いてトーンアップしました！」「 顔全体が引き締まって肌もスムースになりました！」

以下は、Healthlineのサイトで見つけた記事で、美容鍼が実際にどのように機能するかについてよく説明されています。（但し、以下の記事では平均5回で効果を体感と言ってますが、当院では一回でほとんどのクライアントは効果を体験しています。副作用と言われる青あざもほぼ皆無です）

施術前後の変化については当院のインスタグラムをご覧ください。

______________________________

Acupuncture has been around for centuries. A part of traditional Chinese medicine, it may help treat body pains, headaches, or even nausea. But it’s supplementary benefits might surprise you — especially if you decide to let your acupuncturist have a go at your smile lines.

“It works internally to optimize your health while simultaneously enhancing the appearance of your skin,” explains Amanda Beisel, acupuncturist and founder of SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic.

Facial acupuncture, the reportedly safer alternative to surgery or Botox.

This cosmetic treatment is an extension of traditional acupuncture. It’s said to naturally help make the skin look younger, smoother, and all-around healthier. And unlike injection procedures, facial acupuncture addresses not only signs of aging, but also the skin’s overall health.

The science behind facial acupuncture

After a regular full-body acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will move on to the facial portion of the treatment. If the practitioner only does the facial part of the treatment, Beisel doesn’t recommend it.

“If you were just going to put a large number of needles in the face and not the full body, this would result in energy congestion in the face,” she says. “A client can experience dullness, headache, and discomfort.” When you start with the body, you can experience a full flow of energy that helps support the facial acupuncture.

On the face, the acupuncturist will insert 40 to 70 tiny and painless needles. As the needles puncture the skin, they create wounds within its threshold, which are called positive microtraumas. When your body senses these wounds, it goes into repair mode. This is the same idea microneedling uses to get bright, anti-aging results — except acupuncture is a bit less intense, averaging about 50 punctures. Microneedling applies hundreds of pricks through a rolling device.

These punctures stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system, which work together to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing skin from the inside out. This helps even out your complexion and promote your skin’s glow. The positive microtraumas also stimulates the production of collagen. This helps improve elasticity, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

According to Beisel, the main result people experience is a bright complexion. “It’s as though the skin has been awakened from a long, deep sleep,” she says. “All the fresh blood and oxygen flood the face and really bring it back to life.”

But unlike Botox or dermal fillers, facial acupuncture isn’t a quick fix of any kind. “I like to manage clients’ expectations,” explains Beisel. “The focus is to create long-term changes in the health of the skin and body, not short-term quick fixes.” By this, she means better collagen stimulation, a brightened skin tone, reduced jaw tension, and a softer appearance overall on top of health benefits like reduced anxiety and tension.

One study Trusted Source found that the majority of people saw improvements after just five sessions of facial acupuncture, but Beisel recommends 10 treatments once or twice a week to see optimum results. After that, you can go into what she calls a “maintenance stage,” where you get the treatment every four to eight weeks.

“It’s a great treatment for those who are really busy and on the go,” she says. “It allows the body time to relax and restore.”

With every successful procedure, there’s always a chance of side effects

The most common side effect for facial acupuncture — or really any acupuncture — is bruising.
“This only happens about 20 percent of the time, but is still a possibility,” says Beisel, who adds that bruising should heal before the week is up. To avoid bruising and instead achieve the best results, the person receiving the treatment should be in good health for maximum healing capabilities. This is why people with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes shouldn’t seek this treatment. If you do experience bruising, Beisel reassures that any bruising often heals quite quickly.

鍼治療は何世紀にも渡って行われてきた伝統的な中医学を基礎とし、体の痛み、頭痛、さらには吐き気などにも役立ちます。しかし驚くことに、鍼の役割はあなたの笑顔が作る「しわ」にも効果があります。

「美顔鍼は体の内部に働きかけ、健康を最適化すると同時に肌の外観を改善します」、SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinicの鍼師であり創設者であるアマンダ・べーゼル氏は説明します。

美顔鍼は整形手術やボトックスに代わる安全な施術

鍼による美容トリートメントは、伝統的な鍼治療の延長です。自然に肌を若く滑らかにし、全面的に健康的にするのに役立つと言われています。ボトックス注射のプロセスとは異なり、美顔鍼は加齢の兆候だけでなく、皮膚の全体的な健康増進にも対処します。

美顔鍼の背後にあるサイエンス

通常の身体部の鍼治療の施術後、鍼師は顔部の治療に移ります。顔部のみを行う美顔鍼をべーゼル氏は推奨しません。

「全身ではなく顔にだけ多くの鍼を刺すだけだと、顔部にエネルギーの混沌が生じるでしょう」、と彼女は言います。 「その際、クライアントはだるさ、頭痛、不快感を感じることがあります」。身体部から始めると、顔部の治療をサポートするのに役立つエネルギーの完全な流れを体験できます。

美顔鍼において、鍼師は顔部に40から70の小さな痛みのない鍼を打ちます。鍼が皮膚を穿刺すると、その内部に傷ができます。これは、ポジティブなマイクロトラウマと呼ばれるものです。体がこれらの傷を感知すると、即座に修復モードが開始されます。これはマイクロニードルが肌のトーンアップと若返りに使用されるのと同じアイデアです。ただし、マイクロニードルがローリングのデバイスを使って数百の穿刺を行うのと違い、美顔鍼の施術はもっと微弱で、平均して約50回の穿刺です。

美顔鍼の穿刺はリンパ系と循環系を刺激します。これらは共に働き、栄養分と酸素を皮膚細胞に送り、皮膚の内側から栄養を与えます。これにより顔色を均一にし、肌の輝きが促進されます。ポジティブなマイクロトラウマもコラーゲンの産生を刺激します。これによって弾力性が向上し、小じわやしわが最小限に抑えられます。

べーゼル氏によると、クライアントが経験する主な効果はトーンアップした明るい顔色です。 「まるで肌が長く深い眠りから覚めたようです」、と彼女は言います。 「すべての新鮮な血液と酸素が顔に溢れ、肌を本当に生き返らせます」。

しかし、ボトックスやフィラー注射とは異なり、美顔鍼は単純な修正ではありません。 「短期的な部分修正ではなく、肌と体の健康の長期的な変化を作り出すことが焦点です」。美顔鍼には、不安や緊張の軽減などの健康上の利点に加え、コラーゲン刺激、肌のトーンアップ、あごのこわばりの減少、および顔全体の印象を和らげ、ソフトにするなどの効果が含まれています。

情報筋によると、大部分のクライアントは約5回の美顔鍼で効果を体験していますが、べーゼル氏は最適な結果を得るために週に1〜2回、合計10回の治療を推奨しています。その後、「メンテナンス・ステージ」に進み、この段階では、4〜8週間ごとに美顔鍼を受けます。「美顔鍼は本当に忙しい人にとって素晴らしい治療です。これは身体をリラックスさせ、疲労回復を可能にします」。

 全てのサクセスフルなプロセスには、何かしらの副作用の可能性があります。

美顔鍼の最も一般的な副作用（普通の鍼治療も同じですが）とは、青あざができる可能性です。「これは約20％のケースにしか発生していませんが、それでも可能性はあります」、とべーゼル氏は言います。青あざができるのを避け、最良の効果を達成するために、美顔鍼を希望するクライアントは自然治癒力のある健康体でなければなりません。これが出血性疾患やコントロール不良の2型糖尿病の人がこの治療を求めるべきではない理由です。たとえ青あざを経験したとしても、大多数のクライアントは早急に治癒することをべーゼル氏は確信しています。

Reference:

Can Facial Acupuncture Really Make You Look Younger? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/facial-acupuncture#how-does-it-work

Non-insertive acupuncture in Japan # 2

Shonishin - Pediatric Acupuncture 

The Shonishin became renowned in the 17th Century in Osaka, Japan. Shonishin techniques involve rhythmic stroking, rubbing, tapping, and pressing the skin to give gentle stimulation for harmonizing the child's vital energy, and strengthening the constitution.

Children are almost always more sensitive than adults. Because it is very important to control and regulate the amount of stimulation given when treating children, specialized Shonishin methods have evolved. 

A variety of tools are used to treat wide range of symptoms from excessive crying, Atopic dermatitis, headaches, eczema, allergies, asthma, bed wetting, posture, growing pains and a range of sleep, digestive, ADHD to developmental problems. (for age 1 - 12)

How the Shonishin works?

Shonishin is a technique that, without causing damage to the skin, strokes the skin to produce stimulation in accordance with skin toughness by gently waving the needle over the skin. In Daishi-style, this technique is called “feather touch”.

Shonishin acupuncturists observe that the child they are treating gets calmer and more relaxed with treatment. We now know what causes this frequently observed physical and psychological effect. Among the free nerve endings, the C-nerve fibers, with their slow conductivity, respond to stimulation by delicate stroking (Uvnäs-Moberg 2005).

The stimulus produced via these C-fibers is directed into the CNS, and leads to release of the hormone Oxytocin in the hypothalamus (Waldeyer 2003).
"Oxytocin also plays a part in the fine-tuning of emotional states and appears to reduce anxiety and stress - independently of childbirth and breastfeeding.

Because of its influence on social relations, and because it gives rise to feelings of happiness, oxytocin has been called the love and bonding hormone. For the Shonishin acupuncturist, this is one of the most important explanations for the success of the treatment; it also highlights one of the strengths of Shonishin, namely the immediate reaction to treatment.

In a child - the same, of course, being especially true for a baby - Shonishin treatment has a balancing effect on the vegetative system, and is therefore a key factor in the maintenance or recovery of inner equilibrium.

Treating the child has a relaxing effect on the mother as well. Special nerve cells, the mirror neurons, are responsible for this. They are activated by the presence of other people and awaken the other person's feelings in the observer.

The mother feels what her child is feeling, and in this way Shonishin supports bonding between mother and child.(Deutzmann 2010)"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk2KpeUSZd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrQqEJilqig&t=185s

Reference:

Tatesaka, Satoshi, “Benefits of Daishi-style Pediatric Acupuncture”, NAJOM, Volume 22 number 64
Wernicke, Thomas,‎ Oppenheimer, Anne,‎ Michel, Wolfgang, "Shonishin: The Art of Non-Invasive Paediatric Acupuncture", Singing Dragon; 1 edition, 2014, p.68-70
Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Arn, I., Magnusson, D. "The psychobiology of emotion: the role of the oxytocinergic system". Int J Behav Med, 2005, 12, 59– 65
Waldeyer, "Anatomie des Menschen", 17. Auflage, Berlin 2003, p.99
Deutzmann, R. "Hormonelle Regulation". In Duale Reihe Physiologie, Thieme 2010

Non-insertive acupuncture in Japan #1

Teishin - Contact Needle

Teishin, a “contact needling”, is a non-insertive needle technique that uses a needle only on the surface of the skin, without penetrating, to activate points. It relies heavily on monitoring the pulse of the patient and the sensitivity of the practitioner. This technique is used for the root treatment according to the meridian theory. In Japan, non-insertive techniques are increasingly used by Toyohari and other Meridian therapy groups to treat patients of any age.

Toyohari originally developed by blind master – Kodo Fukushima in Japan. The treatment relies heavily on pulse diagnosis. Changes in the pulse characteristics indicate to the practitioner that the treatment is complete.

During a consultation, a medical history is taken, and the Hara, the meridians & channels are palpated to gain insight into the root of the patient's problem. Once the acupoint is located, the practitioner forms an ‘oshide’ at the surface of the skin. In the ‘root treatment’ of Toyohari, the Qi is manipulated with the tip of the needle only very lightly touching.

The practitioner awaits the arrival of Qi and applies the needling techniques, depending on whether the aim is to tonify or disperse.

"The nature of Toyohari treatments, placing great emphasis on the use of pulse diagnosis and palpation skills, is well suited to the sensitivity of these blind Japanese practitioners. The theoretical foundation of these treatment techniques is derived primarily from the Asian medical classic the Nan Jing, with influences from the Nei Jing, the Su Wen, and the Ling Shu."

For more information: https://www.toyohari.org/

Reference:
Society of Traditional Japanese Medicine,‎ Kuwahara, T. Koei, “Traditional Japanese Acupuncture: Fundamentals of Meridian Therapy”, Complementary Medicine Press, 2003

Toyohari Association of North America (TANA), https://www.toyohari.org/ 

“Absolutely no Pain” Acupuncture

Our office’s main interest is, “Absolutely no Pain” acupuncture therapy. I myself am extremely sensitive to pain by needle insertion, and I know many people just like me. Also, I know there are patients with serious medical conditions who are unable to receive needle insertions, even if they want to. So, I thought that it would be wonderful if there is a clinic in which the treatments use an extremely gentle approach by using Japanese style acupuncture including “non-insertive”style.

As I learned various acupuncture modalities, I decided to focus on the least painful treatment that uses the hair-thin Japanese needles and is as gentle as possible but is still effective. I use Japanese acupuncture methods such as Kiiko Matsumoto & Master Nagano style and Meridian Therapy, which uses the contact /non-insertive needles, and Shonishin - pediatric acupuncture (non-insertive) for infants. Fortunately I have roots in Japan and speak the language, so that I could learn from the practitioners living in Japan. 

Since I don’t limit my practice only in acupuncture and own a licensed practice of massage and CranioSacral therapy, I often combine acupuncture with them. If there are more useful modalities I find, I will combine them with acupuncture as well. I would like to be flexible for integrating various modalities. 

I am very open to any style of modalities by setting my ultimate purpose as the patients’ well being and sense of happiness. 

Qi has enormous power

Growing up in postwar Japan, I experienced Confucian and Buddhist philosophies strongly influencing my society and culture on many occasions, but I did not recognize the Taoist influence compared to these practices. However, as I researched Taoism, I started realizing that I have been surrounded by many Taoist teachings – physical and mental – without noticing.

The "Three Treasures," Jing, Qi, and Shen, are all familiar words to Japanese people. We talk about levels of Qi all the time. If someone’s mind or sprit seems down or not focused, we say, “take good care of your ‘Qi,’” or “strengthen your ‘Shen.’” When someone is not feeling well (or cannot perform sexually[MB1] ), we say, “you have to eat something to boost your ‘Jing.’ And if someone’s illness is lengthy, we recommend “Nourishing Life” (養生yangsheng), which traditionally means resting, eating well, or spending some time at an isolated hot spring spa surrounded by trees and nature.

Before Japan opened its doors to the West some 150 years ago, the basis of much of Japanese culture originated in China, including the social system, letters, philosophy, religion, medicine, and herbology. So it is not surprising to see the influence of Taoism in my country, including the Three Treasures, Yin and Yang, the Five Phases, and an appreciation of naturalness .

Five years ago in Japan, I took a class on the Qigong breathing exercise. While I was practicing it, I had some interesting experiences. I noticed a strong sensation between my palms, like magnets pulling each other. Soon, I could circulate from head to toe the Qi energy inside of my body, just by visualizing the ‘flow of force’ by breathing in and out. After, I felt refreshed. I felt even better when I practiced it outside, surrounded by trees in nature.

I am sure that many people have had similarly powerful experiences with Qigong, martial arts, or meditation. I have seen videos of martial arts such as Aikido, in which a tiny, elderly master knocks down a group of muscular young disciples without even touching them by using the Qi force in his hands. I have also seen Qigong healers cure illnesses with their hands. I understand that the Qi has enormous power and feel a deep appreciation for the early Taoist founders who discovered it in ancient times.

As I examine Taoist principles such as naturalness, cosmology, and harmony between heaven, nature, and humankind, and the nourishing essence of life for health, I find that Taoism possesses the timeless, universal value of cultivating our bodies, minds, and spirits. The more we live in the busy society of today, the more we need help from the Taoist wisdom of caring for the self.

Therefore, I am not surprised that Westerners are so attracted to this old East Asian philosophy and to the classic book, Tao Te Ching, sold in bookstores worldwide.

Taoism and its Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine #2

3.    How Taoism influenced Traditional Chinese Medicine today

1) Taoism originated the concept of ‘Qi-energy’ 
The founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, says in Chapter 42 of his Tao Te Ching:

The Chinese character for dao

The One begets the two,

The two begets the three and

The three begets the ten thousand things.

All things are backed by the shade,

Faced by the light,

And harmonized by the immaterial breath.[14]

Here, Lao Tzu talked about harmonizing the breath of energy to nourish all of the entities. He believed “Qi,” the vital energy, creates the universal yin (shade) and yang (light) that blend to produce the harmonic “Qi-energy” with which human beings are endowed.[15]

Another Influential Taoist, Zhuangzi (4th century BC) also mentioned Qi in his writings. He wrote that wind is the “Qi of the earth” and that cosmic Yin and Yang are “the greatest of Qi”.

He described Qi-energy as "issuing forth" and creating profound effects He said, "Human beings are born [because of] the accumulation of ‘Qi’. When it accumulates there is life. When it dissipates there is death... There is one Qi that connects and pervades everything in the world." [16]

The classic Taoists’ concept of ‘Qi -energy’ was eventually developed, along with many other early Taoist principles, into the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic (黄帝内剄 Huangdi Neijing), the most important text of Chinese medicine, which enormously influenced traditional Chinese medicine.

2) Taoist influence on Huangdi Neijing

The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic is considered the most influential text of Chinese medicine and was written between the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).

As I mentioned above, the Huangdi Neijing doctrine was based on Taoist principles, which found value in the harmony of the cosmic universe, as well as in human life and the spirit. This involved concepts such as Yin and Yang, Qi, and the Five Elements, and environmental factors such as wind, cold, and heat. In Taoism, one can maintain the balance between man, heaven, and earth, and therefore preserve health and longevity. [17]
 

The Neijing is one of the most important classics of Taoism. First, it gives a holistic picture of human life. It does not separate external changes - geographic, climatic, and seasonal, for instance - from internal changes such as emotions and our responses to them. It tells how our way of life and our environment affect our health. Without going into detail, the book articulates a treasure of ancient knowledge concerning the natural way to health, implying that all phenomena of the world stimulate, tonify, subdue, or depress one’s natural life force. [18]

The book shows early Taoism’s influence on medical notions of the cause, nature, treatment, and prevention of illness. Natural therapies and preventive approaches of the Huangdi Neijing hold timeless value and are even more appreciated today, not only in traditional Chinese medicine, but also in various healing methods worldwide.

3) Waidan - External Alchemy’s influence on Chinese herbology

As I mentioned in the Alchemical Taoism section, Waidan was practiced widely by using herbal or chemical substances found outside of the body to achieve longevity and immortality. The ingredients used for these elixirs were metal, mineral, animal or botanical products. Most of them play important role in the Chinese herbology today.

Some of the drugs subsequently developed in Chinese medicine resulted from the experiments with minerals by Taoist adepts and from the doctrine of transformations and abrupt changes to which these substances could be subjected.[19]

Although there were fatal risks to the human body in experimenting with the processing of elixirs, numerous attempts at processing those ingredients eventually developed into today’s Chinese traditional medicine and herbology.

4) Neidan: "Three Treasures" and their Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine

As I also mentioned above, Neidan comprises the elixir derived from the cultivation of substances found inside the body and in particular the manipulation of three substances in the body known as the "Three Treasures," which consist of Jing (life essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit or mind).

"Essence can generate Breath, and Breath can generate Spirit; to strengthen and protect oneself, nothing is more important than this. Those who devote themselves to Nourishing Life (養生yangsheng) treasure in the first place their Essence. If the Essence is full, Breath is strong; if the Breath is strong, Spirit flourishes; if the Spirit flourishes, the body is healthy and there are few illnesses. Internally, the five viscera bloom; externally, the skin becomes smooth. One’s complexion is luminous, and one’s ears and eyes are sharp and bright. "[20]

 
Today, the "Three Treasures” play an important role in Chinese medicine. For example, the breathing exercises for cultivating the circulation of Qi within the body developed into Qigong today.  Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation that is used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training. Yoga also uses those breathing and meditation techniques for balancing and strengthening the body and spirit.

The "Three Treasures" are appreciated more than ever today, not only for initiating prolonged life, but also for keeping the body and spirit healthy and for preventing illness. It surely influenced today’s Chinese medicine as well as many other healing methods all over the world.

Work sited:
[14] Lao-Tzu and the Tao.http://www.traditionalmedicine.net.au/laotsu.htm
[15]  Edward Wayne Younkins, Champions of a Free Society: Ideas of Capitalism's Philosophers and Economists (Lexington Books, 2008) 13.
[16] Fernando Guimaraes, Vibrational Energy Medicine: complimentary or alternative healing modalities (PediaPress, 2011), 108.
[17]“The Yellow Emperor's Classic,” http://www.traditionalmedicine.net.au/neijing.htm.
[18]  Maoshing Ni, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with commentary (Shambala Publications, 1995), preface.
[19]  Paul Ulrich Unschuld, Medicine in China: A History of Ideas, (University of California Press, 1985), 112.
[20] Catherine Despeux, “Jing, qi, shen; 精 氣 神; essence, pneuma (breath, energy, vital force), spirit,” in The Encyclopedia of Taoism, ed. Fabrizio Pregadio (Routledge, 2008), 562–5.
 

Bibliography
Despeux, Catherine. “Jing, qi, shen; 精 氣 神; essence, pneuma (breath, energy, vital force), spirit,” in The Encyclopedia of Taoism, ed. Fabrizio Pregadio. Routledge, 2008.

Guimaraes, Fernando. Vibrational Energy Medicine: complimentary or alternative healing modalities. PediaPress, 2011.

Ni, Maoshing. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with commentary. Shambala Publications, 1995.

 “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism Wang, Zhenguao.” History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Science Press, 1999.

Unschuld, Paul Ulrich. Medicine in China: A History of Ideas. University of California Press, 1985. 

Wang, Mu and Fabrizio Pregadio. Foundations of Internal Alchemy, The Taoist Practice of Neidan. Translated and edited by Fabrizio Pregadio. Golden Elixir Press, 2011.  www.goldenelixir.com/jindan.html. 
 

Taoism and its Influence on Traditional Chinese Medicine #1

1. Introduction

Taoism, also known as Daoism (Tao (dào) literally meaning "way"), is a highly influential Chinese philosophy and religious practice that first developed more than 2,500 years ago. Today, the Taoist philosophy is recognized not only in Asia, but also all over the world.

Today we are surrounded by many streams of Taoism. The most popular philosophical Taoist book, the Tao Te Ching, traditionally thought to be written by Lao Tzu in the 6th century BC, is sold in bookstores worldwide, alongside many other Taoist books. There are also various classes that teach breathing exercises such as Tai-chi and Qigong, which are rooted in the Inner Alchemy of Taoist tradition.

In the wake of the natural health and healing wave, along with the yoga boom, Taoist healing methods, including breathing exercises, meditation, and bodily posture exercises, have become more popular than ever, not only for cultivating the mind and body, but also as an alternative practice of medicine in Western society. Furthermore, Taoist-influenced lifestyle systems such as Feng Shui have also gained popularity in the West among people seeking universal harmony in their environment. 

Below, I will discuss what Taoism is, how Taoism developed historically, and how it influenced traditional Chinese medicine.

2. What is Taoism?

1) Origin of Taoism

Taoism emerged from rural China as a folkloric religion. In particular, many Taoist practices were thought to have evolved from ancient shamanism during the Warring-States period (4th to 3rd centuries BC). Taoism drew its cosmological foundations from the School of Naturalists in the form of its main elements: Yin and Yang and the Five Phases.[1]

Lao Tzu, the author of the best-known Taoist classic, the Tao Te Ching, is traditionally regarded as the founder of philosophical Taoism. The Tao Te Ching is widely considered the principle work of the Taoist tradition, together with the later writings of another influential Taoist philosopher, Zhuangzi (4th century BC).

Among the three classic philosophies that emerged in China, Taoism and Confucianism began around the same period, in the 6th century BC. Buddhism arrived China from India in the first century AD. Unlike Confucianism, which gained popularity with its social and political theory in Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), Taoism flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618- 907 AD). Taoism became the official state religion during the Tang Dynasty and remained until Neo-Confucianism began to gain political power during Song Dynasty (960–1279).[2]

Even to the present, Taoism grows in China by being constantly reimagined and reformulated to suit the needs of people in a changing society, dividing it into many schools of thought. It is impossible to separate Taoism from Chinese history or culture, or, most importantly, from traditional Chinese medicine.

2) Types of Taoism

There are three type of Taoism historically. One is the Philosophical Taoism, the second is Religious Taoism, and the last one is Alchemical Taoism.

a. Philosophical Taoism

Philosophical Taoism is based on close observations and studies of nature. As seen in the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu, which is based on the idea that human beings are an integrated part of the universe, the "flow of the universe" is highly regarded. Taoists conclude that each person is a microcosm of the universe and that the patterns of human society are a microscopic reflection of cosmic patterns.[3]

The term wu-wei (無爲) is the basic concept in Philosophical Taoism. It translates to mean "non-action," "effortless action," or "action without intent." “Non-active intervention" is one of the fundamental Taoist concepts. If someone tries to act against or out of rhythm with nature, the consequence may be a disruption to harmony. Taoism advocates the ideals of peace, harmony, non-action, and letting things take their own course.[4]

 b.  Religious Taoism

Religious Taoism developed alongside philosophical Taoism as a more strictly religious interpretation of Taoism. In this interpretation, Lao Tsu is regarded as one of three 'saints' - the ‘Supreme Venerable Sovereign’ divinity - and worshiped at Taoist temples, where he is decorated with symbolic images of yin-yang and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). There is Taoist liturgy, as well as monks and nuns, in the religious development of Taoism.[5]

"Religious Daoism (道教 Daojiao) is the indigenous religion of China, which holds longevity and immortality as its highest object of faith. It advocates attaining Longevity (長生 Changsheng) and Immortality (成仙 Chengxian) through a process of Nourishing Life (養生 Yangsheng), Cultivation and Refinement (修煉 Xiulian), and the practise of virtuous conduct, in order to escape death and reach eternity.[6]"

Philosophical Taoism and Religious Taoism are closely related. The core concept is the same. The classics of Taoist philosophy such as Lao Tsu’s Tao Te Ching and the Zhuangzi’s writings became ‘Perfect Scriptures’ (真經 Zhenjing) of religious Taoism.[7]

c. Alchemical Taoism

Alchemical Taoism emerged in the 2nd century BC and still exists in the present day. Its two main branches are Waidan (External Alchemy or External elixir) and Neidan (Internal Alchemy or Internal elixir). Alchemical Taoism has been practiced since the shamanistic Taoism of early days. Both Waidan and Neidan are practiced to attain longevity and immortality – their highest goals – just like in Religious Taoism.[8]

  - Waidan

Waidan refers to practices relating to the process of making an elixir, whose ingredients were herbal or chemical substances found outside of the body. Theses substances include mercury, sulfur, lead, and arsenic, as well as animal and botanical products. Some of these ingredients are found in Chinese herbology and traditional Chinese medicine.[9]

There was a great risk involved in this practice and in fact many casualties were recorded, including some emperors over several dynasties.  All of them died from the toxic effects of “elixirs of immortality” that contained metals and minerals such as mercury and arsenic. They desired eternal life, but died from poison elixirs processed by Taoist monks.[10]

Alchemical experiments to increase longevity indirectly originated pharmaceutical chemistry. After the western Jin dynasty, it was very popular for scholar officials to make pills and take them in the hope of infinitely prolonging life. Unfortunately these metal pills terribly damaged takers’ bodies. What is more, Taoist magic figures combined into medicine had bad effects on its development.[11]

  - Neidan
Neidan or Jindan ("golden elixir"; in other words, internal alchemy) derived from same theory as external alchemy (waidan). Instead of using substances found outside of body to achieve longevity and immortality, Neidan focuses on the elixir based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the cultivation of substances already present inside of the body. These are called the Three Treasures, consisting of Jing (life essence), Qi or Ch'i (energy or vital energy), and Shen (spirit or mind). 

"If the Three Treasures are healthy and flourishing, the body is strong; if they are drained and depleted, illnesses develop. When the alchemical texts speak of refining the Elixir, they actually mean refining the Three Treasures.[12]"

Neidan is composed by a combination of practices, including correlative cosmology (including the five-element theory), the emblems of the I Ching, medical theory, Taoist meditation, gymnastics, and sexual practice. For physical practice, visualization, breathing, and bodily posture exercises are used. Breathing exercises were used to preserve Jing, and bodily postures exercises were used to improve Qi flow in the body.[13]

Work Sited:
[1] Isabelle Robinet, Taoism: Growth of a Religion (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997 [original French 1992]), 6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism
[2] Micah Issitt and Carlyn Main, Hidden Religion: The Greatest Mysteries and Symbols of the World's Religious Beliefs (ABC-CLIO, 2014), 232.
[3] Jampa Mackenzie Stewart, “Foundation of Taoist Practice,” 1995, 1–17. http://www.scribd.com/doc/2527647/Foundations-of-Taoist-Practice.
[4] Robert E. Van Voorst, Anthology of World Scriptures, Cengage Learning, (2005, first published January 1994), 170.
[5] “Religious Taoism,” http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/religious-tao.html.
[6] “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism,” http://en.daoinfo.org/wiki/Similarities_and_differences_between_religious_and_philosophical_Daoism.
[7] “Similarities and differences between religious and philosophical Daoism,” http://en.daoinfo.org/wiki/Similarities_and_differences_between_religious_and_philosophical_Daoism.
[8] Fabrizio Pregadio, Taoist Alchemy: Neidan and Waidan, (Golden Elixir Press, 2014). http://www.goldenelixir.com/jindan.html.
[9] Mark Rogers, The Esoteric Codex: Alchemy I (LULU Press, 2013). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_alchemical_elixir_poisoning.
[10] Zhenguao Wang, History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Science Press, 1999), 96-97.
[11] Zhenguao Wang, History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Science Press, 1999), 96-97.
[12] Mu Wang and Fabrizio Pregadio, Foundations of Internal Alchemy, The Taoist Practice of Neidan, translated and edited by Fabrizio Pregadio (Golden Elixir Press, 2011), 15.
[13] Mark Rogers, The Esoteric Codex: Alchemy I (LULU Press, 2013). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_alchemical_elixir_poisoning.

The challenges acupuncturists in America face

There may be many obstacles and challenges that exist when someone tries to run a business as an acupuncturist in America.

The main obstacle must be the fact that acupuncture is still largely foreign to many Americans. Although acupuncture is growing rapidly in popularity worldwide as alternative medicine, the efficacy is still unknown to most people in the US, who are mostly skeptical.

Even in Japan, my parents, who spent their youth during the post-war era in Japan under a huge influence of American culture, never had acupuncture in their lives. When they had physical pain, they went straight to the hospital seeking help from Western medicine. On the contrary, my grandmother totally relied on Oriental medicine, including moxibustion and Kampo - Japanese styles of Chinese herbal medicine. She had many burn scars from moxibustion on both sides of her spine.

For my parents, Oriental medicine was too old-fashioned, primitive, and unreliable, while Western medicine was more scientifically proven and trustworthy. They didn’t look for any kinds of alternative medicine until very end of their battle with terminal cancer. As a result, their children’s generation grew up without knowing acupuncture. I visited the acupuncturist’s office for the first time when I was mid 20’s due to my dance-related injury. If I had not been a dancer then, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experiment for myself with acupuncture.

Many American people may have similar feelings as my parents had, especially those who live in small towns away from the big cities where people from diverse backgrounds share a multicultural ethnic environment. For Americans from rural areas, or those who have a preference for familiar styles of Western medical treatment, this needle-stick ancient Chinese therapy might look too primitive to try. Cultural discrimination is likely to play a role in the acceptance or rejection of acupuncture as an alternative medicine.

For a solution to this issue, first we have to convince the patients of the efficacy of acupuncture by using anatomical, pathological, and physiological explanations based on Western science, rather than explaining only with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Also, to avoid fearfulness, we have to treat the patients with the least amount of sensation, no pain and no bleeding. If we can convince one patient that acupuncture is not painful at all but very effective for their health issues, the patient may bring other patients by word of month.

When the patients become regular and comfortable with the needles, then we can use the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and the Oriental mythology more and more in the conversation. Acupuncture’s association with Oriental philosophy such as Taoism might appeal to some patients.

The Difference Between Fixing and Healing

https://onbeing.org/programs/rachel-naomi-remen-the-difference-between-fixing-and-healing-nov2018/

In this radio interview, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen talked about the course called “The Healer’s Art” which she created for the medical students to teach them the difference between curing and healing beyond the western scientific knowledge.

According to the transcript in the website, she says:

“It reminds them that healing is a different relationship than a curing relationship. It reminds them of their power to make a difference through their human response and connection to their patients. …I happen to see medicine as a spiritual path. That’s my personal thing, that medicine is a spiritual path, which is characterized by compassion, harmlessness, service, reverence for life, courage, and love”.

I agree with her. As an acupuncturist and a massage therapist, I have seen many sad-looking patients who came to us after being disappointed with conventional western medical treatments with a variety of medications. 

However after a series of our hands-on body works or acupuncture treatments, those patients often start looking very differently. One of them had such a significant change in her facial expression, such as her eyes brightening, laughs more, and she looked overall more alive than before, even when there was little improvement in her physical symptoms. 

Through her treatments, I started wondering if the failure of the western medicine might have been the lack of close spiritual connection with the patients.

It’s not the stress that makes you sick, but the stress response

Dr. Esther Sternberg, is a leading biomedical researcher in the field of neural-immune connections and the author of the 2001 book, The Balance within: the Science Connecting Health and Emotions.

https://onbeing.org/programs/esther-sternberg-stress-and-the-balance-within/

I resonated with this radio interview, in which Dr. Sternberg was talking about the molecular level of the mind-body connection. In her book, The Balance Within, she explored the history of medicine to understand why, until very recently, modern science failed to treat human emotions, such as stress. She also talked about how science is coming to a new understanding of the interaction between the brain and the body during emotional stress and how we all might use this knowledge. 

“The stress can make people sick” – as Dr. Sternberg says. It has been more than common sense in the Asian countries, including my native country – Japan, for many centuries. In Japanese Kanji-character, “Sickness” is written as “Sickness of Qi (病気),” and we commonly use the phrase such as “Illness arises from sickness of the Qi spirit.” This idea was influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy such as Taoism, which was imported to Japan nearly two thousand years ago.

I personally experimented to see how stress damaged my body throughout my life, especially last two years in acupuncture school. 

I have been suffering from a duodenal ulcer and UTI for years. It was originally diagnosed in 2001 while I was working as a web designer at a fast-paced design firm. At that time, I started having tingling pains in my right lower abdomen at night. I went to the hospital and had an endoscopy exam, which revealed the small duodenal ulcer in my intestine. Around that time, I started having UTI too.

Since then, I have had the ulcer and UTI attacks occasionally, but not severely since I quit working in a corporate environment. Then they started bothering me again, ever since I enrolled in school. Each time I got stressed out with exams or assignments, I started feeling a dull tingling pain on my right lower abdomen, especially at night. My UTI also returned more frequently. Normally the dull pain from the duodenal ulcer eased while I was resting, touching small animals or walking in the park.  However, when I started thinking of school and studying, the pain came back.

There is a definite connection in between the mind and body, as Dr. Stenberg says; 

“…you can have positive memories that trigger positive emotional responses and a flood of positive nerve chemicals, endorphins, those dopamine reward chemicals, and you can have negative memories that trigger the stress response”.

She says that it’s not the stress that makes you sick, but the stress response. Those hormones and nerve chemicals go to the immune system through the blood stream, through the nerve endings, and then hit the immune cells and change how the immune cells work, which causes stress.

She says that Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and Lupus are all overactive immune responses. We activate the immune cells to create inflammation to fight bacteria and bugs and to get rid of them. But then the immune system has to turn off. It has to have an exit strategy. So there has to be an on/off switch. 

Dr. Stenberg also talked about stress are triggered by memories. I resonated with her through my other experience with the ESR (Emotional Stress Release) therapy for my long-term backache. With this technique, I was sitting on a chair and touching my forehead with both my hands and focusing on the memory of the incident that was the root cause of my back pain 20 years ago. 

That happened so long ago, but I could still recall the day and my emotional state at that time. I could recall my frustration, anger, and sadness during that time and the people who were associated with me at the time, while touching the front of my head. My ESR therapist rang the tuning forks around my head and body at the end. 

The result was very powerful. This one simple exercise eased the dullness of my backache. I felt like I was back to my body of 20 years ago before the incident happened. I think what the therapy did was to reach out to my hidden trauma in my brain which kept causing me physical distress. By recognizing the traumatic experience and bringing it up to the surface to focus on, I could ease myself emotionally as well back to the state before that happened. 

As Dr. Sternberg says, the hippocampus controls memory, and the amygdala controls anxiety and is also known as the fear center. Both of these have connections to the brain’s stress center. 

The DLPFC points and the fear point in Kiiko Matsumoto style acupuncture seem to have a similar function to ease fear. The Somato Emotional Release (SER) in CranioSacral therapy also has a similar method which we call the ‘energy cyst’ which often contains the traumatic memory that needs to be released. When this happens, the patient often trembles and shakes while breathing heavily on the massage table, until she/he releases the residual emotion.