“A closed mind is like a closed book; just a block of wood” -Chinese Proverb

A study conducted by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has determined that the use of moxibustion at specific days during a woman’s menstrual cycle can decrease pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is a big problem for many women. This study used moxibustion, an accessory modality of TCM, to treat the pain associated with menstruation. The study and its systematic review showed moxibustion treatments were more effective at relieving pain only when the moxibustion began prior to the onset of actual menstruation. This is also the theory behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, that it should be used as preventive care. The efficacy of using moxibustion during the premenstrual time period holds great promise for those who are debilitated by dysmenorrhea.  

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is experienced by more than half the menstruating women in the world. It is one of the most commonly encountered gynecologic disorders and for those suffering from severe dysmenorrhea, it can mean they are incapacitated for up to three days or more every month. The main cause of dysmenorrhea is increased or abnormal uterine prostanoid production and release, which then gives rise to abnormal uterine contractions and pain. The treatment of dysmenorrhea usually involves some sort of pain medication and rest, but there are alternatives.

TCM is a medical system that incorporates numerous methods for treating disease and illness. One of the tools found in the toolbox of the Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner is known as moxibustion.  

Moxibustion is a technique that involves the burning of mugwort, known as moxa, which is an herb that facilitates healing. The purpose of moxibustion is to stimulate the flow of blood and energy throughout the body. Moxibustion creates a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates 
deeply into the skin, but does not create a scar or any pain. To perform moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a stick of moxa and holds it close to the acupuncture point for several minutes until the area turns red. There are also adhesive cones of moxa that can be applied to the skin. These are then lit and allowed to burn until the fire reaches the base, which is when they are removed to prevent scars.

Moxibustion is used to help people with cold or stagnant conditions. Burning moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the body, which creates a smooth flow of energy and blood. Moxibustion can be used to treat dysmenorrhea because it stimulates the flow and release of the hormones that cause uterine contractions. By stimulating the release of these hormones, the body can then expel them which leads to decreased pain. Moxibustion is also great for women who suffer from fibroids, which is a stagnation and buildup of blood in the uterus. The warmth from the burning mugwort actually increases blood flow and this can help decrease the size of the fibroids over time.

As with acupuncture, only a licensed practitioner should be called upon for treatments such as moxibustion. If you believe moxibustion may be helpful with your dysmenorrhea, be sure to discuss this with me during your next scheduled appointment.

Telehealth is the use of technology to support long-distance health and clinical care. This has become a widely used practice in recent years, with the ASPE tallying 52.7 million telehealth visits in 2020, a huge boost compared to an approximate 840,000 visits in 2019. This shows how telehealth has become an invaluable innovation in the field of public health that could continue to develop over the next several decades.

On another hand, we have acupuncture, a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has already been around for the last 3000 years. Acupuncture is deeply personal, requiring a licensed acupuncturist to locate the meridians in your body where qi resides. With how telehealth has come to be a staple in healthcare, long-time enthusiasts who swear by the benefits of acupuncture have questioned whether harmony is possible between tradition and innovation.

Let’s take a closer look at this below.

Benefits of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that bases itself on the idea of qi, the body’s vital energy. Using very thin needles, acupuncture can stimulate pressure points and meridians on your body to correct any imbalances of qi, which is oftentimes the cause of a variety of ailments and conditions that you may currently have.

The practice can thus have a range of uses! Our previous write-up on Benefits of Acupuncture Care lists arthritis, chronic pain, depression, and weight loss among several other health conditions that acupuncture care can help with. Here, the very thin needles can stimulate the production of brain chemicals like endorphins that promote relaxation and boost mood while also reducing blood pressure and boosting immune system functions.

Telehealth adoption

Telehealth reached the heights of its popularity in recent years. However, the concept of delivering medical care using information technologies can actually date back to a century ago. Only the telegraph and the telephone accommodated communication then, and it wasn’t until 1958 that two-way video communication became a reality for telemedicine.

Today, this seamless innovation is adopted across the globe. Wheel highlights how telemedicine software and services ease burnout for nurse practitioners in Minnesota and other states across the United States, as well as other healthcare staff shortages by allowing healthcare providers to offer flexible clinical services. These platforms can also adapt to patient needs and remove obstacles from the patient journey such as transportation and waiting times.

This could become key for a number of senior patients who depend on acupuncture for their care. While acupuncturists can’t needle someone through a screen, practitioners of acupuncture therapy can rely on their wider arsenal of tools beyond needles to provide other holistic healing techniques. That’s because part of the underlying wisdom of TCM is its focus on self-care and health promotion.

With telehealth, acupuncturists can impart dietary advice, lead people through breathing exercises or body awareness techniques, and offer herbal medicine. Some can also guide patients through self-applied acupressure treatments. A survey in NIH recounts how telehealth eased stress and pain, and provided immune support to patients who were simultaneously educated on nutrition- or herbal-based therapies.

Future developments

Research on acupressure continues to grow as its positive impacts on the treatment of chronic medical conditions develop. A study published in the Journal of the ASPMN looks into the development of an auricular point acupressure (APA) mobile app that patients used to guide themselves when learning and self-administering APA to manage their chronic low back pain. They were then provided the opportunity for questions and were able to verify the accuracy of the self-administered APA using telehealth. After four weeks, participants in the app and telehealth group experienced a 29% decrease in pain intensity during the post-intervention time point.

This shows us the potential for acupuncture to remain relevant in the time of digitally-provided healthcare. Acupuncturists and acupuncture enthusiasts alike can look forward to how the century-long tradition can only evolve along with the times to offer more holistic and accessible care.

Unfortunately, statistics show that men often have shorter life expectancies and poorer overall health when compared to women. The reasons for these poorer health outcomes may be a combination of genetic and social influences. Genetically, men are more prone to heart disease than women. In addition, social constructs around masculinity may contribute to the fact that men are much less likely than women to look after their health and see physicians.

According to the CDC the two most common causes of death for men are heart disease and cancer.   June is a time to talk about these looming killers and encourage health screenings that can help promote longer lives for men, but it is also a time to consider quality of life.

‘Healthy aging’ is a buzz phrase often focused on women, but men also want to retain the energy and strength (and good looks!) of their youth once they've got the wisdom to go with it. One of the main threats to quality of life for aging men is testosterone decline. Testosterone is a hormone that maintains sex drive, sperm production, body hair, muscle and bone. While not as dramatic as women’s plunging hormones in menopause, all men go through a period of many years known as andropause, marked by a gradual decline in testosterone.

Generally this plays out as about a 1% decrease a year after the age of 40.  For many men, this is a normal transition that comes without noticeable symptoms. And many continue to have testosterone levels within normal ranges. But for some men, there are accompanying symptoms or further decline in levels that drop them below normal range. About 10-25% of men experience what has been called: “Aging Male Syndrome” and this can be a serious threat to their quality of life. The struggle can include weight gain, insomnia, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, sweats and hot flashes, trouble concentrating, irritability, depression, increased urination, and bone, hair and muscle loss.

The western approach to this problem, in addition to encouraging a healthy lifestyle and regular health screenings, offers drug therapy in the form of hormone replacement for men with severe symptoms. Testosterone therapy has shown some benefits for some, but for others, these benefits are not always clear. And the risks are concerning, as hormone therapy can stimulate the growth of metastatic prostate or breast cancer. It may also increase formation of clots and risk of heart attack or stroke. 

When Chinese Medicine talks about aging, the focus is on the kidneys. Kidney energy (qi) and essence governs the life cycles of human development. Testosterone, in general, is thought of as a manifestation of Kidney Yang (the hot, active aspect of kidney qi) As this declines, it is associated with low back pain, cold limbs, lower libido, paling complexion and weakness.

The TCM approach is therefore to boost kidney yang. This is mainly done through acupuncture, moxibustion and herbs. One herb used to boost the kidney yang is called: yin yang huo, commonly known as horny goat weed. This and other individual herbs are known for strengthening kidney yang, but it is more likely that your practitioner will prescribe a multi-herb formula to address the issue from a few angles. Depending on the individual pattern, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan is a formula that may be prescribed to supplement yang and warm the kidneys, while restoring balance in the system.

Even without herbs, getting in for regular treatment proves very beneficial for men looking to maintain healthy testosterone levels. An eight week protocol of electro-acupuncture and moxibustion given to aging men at acupuncture points UB23 and DU 4  (known for tonifying the kidney yang energy), significantly increased total and free testosterone .  The best part? This acupuncture-induced hormone boost comes without the unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture, moxibustion and herbs are some of the best ‘healthy aging’ tools available for both men and women! Improve your quantity and quality of life by calling to schedule your next appointment!

Essential oils can work wonders on the body when combined with massage and other healing modalities. Each essential oil has their own distinctive properties that work on different parts of the body, mind and spirit. There are many different essential oils that can be incorporated into a self-care session, but there are also a few essential oils recommended to get you the most out of your self-care. 

As always with any therapy, it is recommended to receive multiple treatment sessions in order to reap the most rejuvenating and healing effects possible. Check out the five essential oils you should ask for at your next session.

1. Lavender Essential Oil 

Lavender essential oil is one of the most widely utilized essential oils you can find. Lavender oil promotes good sleep, relaxation and an increase in healthy energy levels. These properties are what make it such a good essential oil for many things. Lavender oil is also great for reducing stress, ask your therapist if they carry lavender essential oil and increase the benefits of your session. 

2. Mandarin Essential Oil 

A perfect essential oil for curing insomnia and anxiety, mandarin essential oil is a go-to because of its calming and therapeutic properties. It gives off a light citrus aroma which proves very pleasing to the all of the senses. 

3. Bergamot Essential Oil 

This essential oil is every bit as spicy as it is citrusy. Bergamot oil combines spicy and citrusy aromas in order to create versatile effects on the body. This essential oil is great for fighting addictive behaviors, mood disorders and depression. 

4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil 

This essential oil is cleansing in every sense of the word. Eucalyptus oil can help keep germs away and cure problems you may be experiencing due to sinus infections and allergies. Overall the calming smells eucalyptus oil emits can be very beneficial for your therapy session. 

5. Angelica Essential Oil

Various therapy sessions directly target both your muscles and nerves. Angelica essential oil is a great way to ensure your muscles are soothed and relaxed during your treatment. If you want to increase the relaxing and soothing effects, make sure to ask for angelica essential oil at your next therapy session. 

Egg health

Getting pregnant can be frustrating when it isn’t happening as easily as planned. There are many reasons you could be dealing with a difficult pregnancy including egg health. There are many factors that play into egg health including blood circulation, stress and hormonal balance.

For improving blood and oxygen flow, try to get some sort of exercise whether it is yoga, running or simply going on a brisk walk at least three times a week. Ask a massage therapist about abdominal massage, which can increase blood flow to the reproductive system. Stress can also play a very important factor in egg health. Find ways to destress with meditation practices, acupuncture and deep breathing. 

Hormonal balance

Hormonal imbalances in women are common and can result in weight gain, fatigue, skin problems, infertility and PMS. Hormones are an important part to our body’s growth and development, mood, reproduction and metabolism.

To keep your body in balance, avoid high omega-6 polyunsaturated fats that are found in vegetable oils. Reduce your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can have a negative impact on the endocrine system. Most importantly, make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. When the body does not get enough rest, hormones cannot regulate. 

Breast health

There are many reasons that some women have a higher risk of breast cancer including both genetics and environmental impacts. Research has shown that keeping a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods can help the health of breast tissue. Chemical exposure from foods as well as other environmental factors have been shown to be high in women who have breast cancer.

Foods to eliminate from your diet include highly processed foods, additives, canned foods and soy. Avoiding foods that are high in hormones and adding foods that are packed with antioxidants such as berries can help lower your risk of breast cancer. 

Metabolism 

Many women feel their metabolism has slowed over the years, making it harder to break down and burn calories and fat. Try adding more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet such as salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help regulate blood sugar and lower inflammation, which can then improve metabolic function.

Increasing strength training can also help give the metabolism a boost. The more muscle you have, the more your resting metabolism will increase to burn fat. Lastly, eating breakfast has been shown to give your metabolism a jump start for the day compared to eating your first meal later in the day. 

Immune health 

Don’t let the cold and flu season get you down this year. There are many natural ways to boost your immune system to prevent illness and to improve energy levels. Assess your stress levels and take action if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Spend some time practicing deep breathing or finding an activity that you find relaxing. Try adding in more garlic and ginger to your diet. These natural ingredients contain properties that help boost the immune system and lower cold and flu symptoms. 


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It is generally accepted that you should see your family physician at least once a year and your dentist at least twice a year. But not everybody knows about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and the many benefits it can provide for you. If you start incorporating acupuncture into your health and wellness regime, you may not have to rely on the family physician so much for those minor little issues.  Let’s look at how getting regular acupuncture treatments can help you stay happy and healthy.
                
There are many ways acupuncture treatments can change a person’s life. One of the most noticeable is acupuncture can get you to look at your health from a completely different perspective. This could mean you might start taking a more in depth look at your health, which may allow you to veer away from some of the mainstream medical practices such as multiple pharmaceuticals. Many long-term acupuncture patients find they no longer need all the medications prescribed by their family physician, because the symptoms have been controlled using acupuncture.
                
Acupuncture is great for prevention. Because regular acupuncture treatments can balance hormones and boost immunity, there is a good chance you won’t need that annual flu shot or all those over-the-counter cold medications. A trained acupuncturist can spot a problem like decreased immunity from a mile away. It can appear as symptoms such as chronic fatigue, insomnia and even body temperature fluctuations. A couple of treatments can make a big difference.
                
What about relieving some of that extra stress we all deal with? Yes, regular acupuncture treatments can keep that at bay too.  Many people don’t equate being poked with tiny needles as a relaxation technique, but it truly is relaxing. Many patients actually fall asleep after or while the needles are being placed. And the effects can last for days or even weeks. So the next time you feel irritable and overwhelmed, check out your local licensed acupuncturist.
                
Regular acupuncture treatments can help you save money. What? It’s true. This goes back to the previous benefits. If you don’t need as many pharmaceuticals, you will ultimately save money. Also, conditions like stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression can keep you from going to work, possibly costing you several days of pay. But with regular acupuncture treatments, your moods can be more effectively managed and you won’t need to miss work as frequently. 
                
And the most popular reason to get regular acupuncture treatments is that it will help you remain pain free. We all have aches and pains. But research has shown acupuncture is more effective than opioids for controlling things like arthritic pain in the joints. It is also be incorporated into hospital emergency rooms throughout the United States, so people don’t need as many pain medications. As a matter of fact, in Asia, acupuncture is sometimes used by itself during and after surgical procedures to treat pain.  
            
While many of you may have a needle phobia, don’t let that deter you. Acupuncture is part of an amazing medical system that has been around for nearly 3,000 years. In comparison, Western medicine has only been around for about 200 to 250 years. That puts things in perspective a little, especially when you consider most people in Asian countries live longer, happier, healthier lives than almost everybody in the United States. There’s no better time than the present to start a good habit, and it's as easy as booking online at All Ways Well today! Your whole life just might change for the better.

Background:
It is estimated that COVID-19 could be up to ten times more deadly than the flu. This could be due to the intense inflammatory response it triggers in the body. Covid-19 seems to have an effect on the production of proteins called “cytokines” which are known to be involved in systemic inflammation. These Cytokines are found to be overproduced in those suffering from severe COVID-19. 

A Cytokine Storm is "a severe immune reaction in which the body releases too many cytokines into the blood too quickly. A cytokine storm can occur as a result of an infection, autoimmune condition, or other diseases. It may also occur after treatment with some types of immunotherapy." A cytokine storm is the rapid release of pro-inflammatory proteins and is a classic sign to physicians as a symptom of sepsis; an often fatal response to infection.  Symptoms of a Cytokine Storm fall in line with what we have been told to look for as common symptoms of covid-19 such as fever, swelling, severe fatigue, and nausea.

Research:
A study originally published in early August of 2020 (linked here) demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture.  This certainly is not the first study to provide evidence that acupuncture can be incredibly effective in supporting the body’s immune function, however considering the current pandemic, it seemed to catch the eye of many concerned readers. 

The study was able to conclude that though anti-inflammatory drugs are also effective, they come with undesirable side effects, including organ damage. Whereas acupuncture offered a safe, natural, and effective way of helping the body navigate the complexity of this disease with no lingering side-effects and many added therapeutic benefits. 

Similar findings were reported in a study originally posted in September of 2020 (linked here). While investigating the effects of acupuncture on those suffering from asthma, they were able to conclude that acupuncture does in fact have an effect on the immune response. 

Hang on, this gets a little science-heavy here, but this is an important statement from the above study as to why acupuncture is able to act as an anti-inflammatory treatment. “T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) plays an important role in cell-mediated immunity, whereas T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) is responsible for humoral immune responses, such as regulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE secretion. Acupuncture has been shown to restore the equilibrium between Th1 and Th2 activity by reducing the production of Th2-specific cytokines”. 

Though Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) have been around for over 3,000 years, the efficacy of TCM has been questioned in Western medicine since its arrival on our shores back in the 1970s. A fundamental difference between the two is that Western medicine often seeks to block neural pathways in order to relieve symptoms (such as pain) as the first course of action. TCM uses a more holistic approach to wellness. An acupuncturist is trained to identify areas of disharmony (such as pain or heat) within the body and with this knowledge treat the diagnosed condition (or conditions), not simply mask the symptoms. A benefit to this type of medicine is that TCM looks much more thoroughly into the health and condition of organs and their contribution, or lack thereof, to the system as a whole. Though much work needs to be done in order to fully understand the relationship between cytokines, Covid-19, and TCM, this continuing research represents an important step. Ongoing efforts will continue in order to understand the neuroanatomy of acupuncture, and how it could, and quite frankly should be used safely and effectively alongside just about any other treatment modality. 

What does all this mean?
Because of the disease’s potentially fatal production of these pro-inflammatory proteins, COVID-19 and Cytokine Storms have a lot in common. The good news is that acupuncture may be able to help! 

If you are looking to simply boost your immune system, or require some input on what to do next, please reach out. We are here for you. Feel free to call or schedule your appointment today.

Wellness doesn't always mean perfect health. Nor does a diagnosis mean you are doomed to a life of poor health. In fact, there are many things you can do to support wellness, even when facing chronic pain. Take action for your health now with these strategies from Always Well. 

​Start with a Healthy Environment
While a healthier home environment won't eliminate a diagnosis, it can help alleviate stress and some symptoms. Try these tips for making your home comfortable and less flare-up-inducing.

• Clear out household clutter for peace of mind (and fewer trip hazards).
• Reduce your exposure to toxins around your home by changing products and routines.
• Talk to your local HVAC specialist about repairing system issues and achieving cleaner air.

Change the Habits You Can Control
Chronic pain can make many things difficult, but healthier habits are always beneficial, and some may even help alleviate pain.

• Increase hydration to help your body discard waste and protect delicate tissues.
• Boost your system's defenses with antioxidant-rich foods.
• Choose anti-inflammatory foods to support healing.
• Try exercises to manage your symptoms while strengthening your body.

Address Pain from Multiple Angles
Living with chronic pain isn't easy, and there's no magic solution. But there are many ways to live with and minimize pain, no matter the cause.

• Consider acupuncture for relief; studies suggest it can have a clinically relevant effect on pain.
• Aim to relieve stress and tension; reducing anxiety may help minimize flare-ups.
• Advocate for yourself regarding conventional pain management, as needed.

There is no magic solution to eliminating pain due to a chronic condition. But these strategies can help minimize pain and enhance your quality of life while you find ways to live with your diagnosis.

Did you know that acupuncture can be a powerful ally for people who have various types of Diabetes? 

It’s true...let me explain how an acupuncturist views the common condition.

 Although Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine use different methods to treat common diseases, both approaches also agree on many things. Western medicine considers diabetes melletis as a disease of blood sugar metabolism. 

Diabetes is caused by either or a failure of the cell’s ability to accept insulin and dump toxins into the blood or the pancreas is not able to produce adequate insulin to lower blood glucose.

According to TCM, Xiao Ke or “wasting and thirsting disease” is divided by the patient’s symptoms into upper jiao, middle jiao and lower jiao. We’ll discuss more about this further in the article.

Diabetes, according to Western Medicine  is divided into three general categories (ADA, 2018): 

1)    Type 1—pancreatic beta cell autoimmune destruction is usually diagnosed in children.  

2)    Type 2, adult onset functioning, yet progressive beta cell destruction autoimmune markers along with insulin resistance. 

3)    Gestational diabetes is hyperglycemia during pregnancy.  Gestational diabetes usually resolves itself following delivery of the baby.

According to TCM, Xiao Ke or “wasting and thirsting disease” is divided by the patient’s symptoms and also divided into 3 general categories:

1)    Upper Jiao - The upper jiao is when the lung isn’t able to descend moisture to the rest of the body.  
2)    Middle Jiao - The middle jiao is “spleen not able to transform and transport” to the rest of the body.  
3)     Lower Jiao - Stomach may also have excess fire or deficiency thus unable to digest food.  Liver yin deficiency, creating fire may also  be a culprit.  Lower jiao involves kidney yin. Yin is the body’s ability to cool, ground, it’s substance and associated with water.  When yin is deficient, it creates heat in the body, and consumes the body’s fluids.  Diabetes Meletus is excessive glucose, heat, inability to ground in TCM.  

TCM physicians use the patient’s case history, looking at the patient’s tongue and feeling the patient’s “pulses”. “Reading” the pulse, isn’t counting beats. The pulse shows nine organ and channel conditions-- the “climate” of the body.  The practitioner can feel such as heat, cold, damp, excess, deficiency and phlegm which indicate how to best treat the patient. TCM therapy has seven aspects. Treatment is specifically individualized to harmonize climate and imbalance.” 

Similarities: Both Western and Eastern focus on diet, weight loss, and exercise to treat diabetes.  Both use medications, nutritional supplements or herbs to reduce blood sugar and improve cellular respiration.

Differences:
Western medicine uses a “one size fits all” approach. Everyone with a diagnosis of adult onset diabetes type 2 starts off with metformin. The A1C is measured after three months, then the medication is adjusted, or other medications are added.  If the A1C isn’t within normal limits, insulin may be added. According to Western medicine, the pancreas is diseased.

TCM uses differential diagnosis developed over 3,000 years. Urinating sugar illness is called Tang Niao Bin.  Diabetes is also called “Wasting and Thirsting” disease, “Xiao Ke”. Diabetes Mellitus is caused by heat, dampness and phlegm.  An acupuncturist will ask to see your tongue, feel the pulses in three positions and three levels. The TCM physician considers a detailed patient history, including past illness, emotional trauma and injuries important to determine the best treatment.  Treatment is specific to each person.  Diabetes Mellitus can be caused by disharmony in the upper body, middle or lower body.  Diabetes isn’t a “one size fits all”, but a symptom of a deeper problem (Guo, 2014).  

Though there are many TCM patterns for this condition , which pattern below best describes your symptoms?

Upper Body: 
1.    Lung Heat Injuring Fluids. This can be caused by childhood exposure to secondhand smoke, recurrent lung infections caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, often the pathogen has not been completely eliminated. Cigarette smoking dries the lung mucosa, destroying delicate cilia, depositing carbon into lung tissue. 

The patient experiences asthma, excessive thirst, dry mouth and tongue, hacking dry cough, sometimes producing a sticky phlegm.  Treatment: cool lung, descend lung qi. One formula is Bai Hu Ren Shen Tang (White tiger decoction). Diet would include pears, rice, mei men dong, sha shen tea, asparagus, mulberry leaf,  marshmallow root tea. Formulas may include Mai Wei Di Huang Wan and Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang.

Middle Body:
2.    Excess Stomach Heat.  Changes in diet and lifestyle usually clear this up.  Excessive consumption of alcohol, too much hot and spicy food, over-eating, too much red meat, too much highly processed food, dairy, and food allergens.   The person feels famished, heartburn after eating or at night, experiences constipation and dry stools, and elevated blood sugar. Pumpkin has been shown to lower blood glucose, avocados, one half gallon of water per day, sha shen tea, and lots of green vegetables. Beef is neutral in temperature and consumed in moderation, thus reducing heat and nourishes yin. Formulas prescribed may include Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Zeng Ye Tang.

3.    Liver qi deficiency (Hazlehurst, 2016) :  Blood sugar usually is higher with stress.  Some of the other symptoms include flank and chest discomfort, hypertension, red eyes, visual disturbances, short temper, irritability, depression, migraines, heartburn.  When liver qi is not flowing, the liver qi energy tends to rise. Exclude fried, dairy, alcohol, sodas. Diet includes  green leafy vegetables, olive oil and lemon juice, lemon water, dandelion, chlorella, and beets.  Formulas used to treat this pattern include Xiao Yao San, Yi Guan Jian and Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (Guo, 2014).

Lower Body
4.    Kidney Yin Deficiency (Zheng, 2011): Yin is the body’s ability to “cool” itself, it is substance, anchoring and grounding.  Kidney energy is called Dan Tian “life force energy”.  If the “Dan Tian fire” is too high, fluids are evaporated, blood thickens, and energy raises. The patient experienced low back achy pain, knee pain, unmeasurable low grade feverish feeling in the afternoon.  Often patients complain of night time urinary frequency, elevated blood pressure, hearing difficulty, and elevated glucose.  

Treatment: Diet with fish, sea vegetables, dark green vegetables, pork, dark beans, bone broth, miso soup, vitamins and minerals, and one half gallon of water per day is commonly prescribed.  Herbal treatment includes Liu Di Huang Wan,  Da Bu Yin Wan, and Zuo Gui Wan.

TCM offers many treatment options to control diabetes. This article details a few suggestions. Please contact your primary care physician and your acupuncturist to find what is best for you.

Resources: 
1.    American Diabetes Association. (2018). Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018. Diabetes care, 41(Suppl 1), S13–S27. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-S002
2.    Gökhan, S. Hotamışlıgil et al. (April 24, 2019).  “The short-chain fatty acid propionate increases glucagon and FABP4 production, impairing insulin action in mice and humans,” Science Translational Medicine, April 24, 2019, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav012
3.    Hazlehurst, J. M., Woods, C., Marjot, T., Cobbold, J. F., & Tomlinson, J. W. (2016). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 65(8), 1096–1108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2016.01.001
4.    Guo, J., Chen, H., Song, J., Wang, J., Zhao, L., and Tong X. (July 14, 2014).  Syndrome Differentiation of Diabetes by the Traditional Chinese Medicine according to Evidence-Based Medicine and Expert Consensus Opinion. Article ID 492193.  https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/492193
5.    Zheng, A.S.D. (2011). Essentials of Chinese Medicine. Internal Medicine 2nd Edition. Pgs 281-289. Bridge Publishing Group. ISBN:  978-0-9728439-8-0.