 |
||||||||||
| Office Hours: |
| Monday ~ Friday: 10:00 AM ~ 7:30 PM |
| Saturday: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM |
| Phone: 215-635-3998 |
| 1909 W. Cheltenham Ave. |
| Elkins Park, PA 19027 |
| Direction |
|
Weight loss with Chinese medicine & Acupuncture |
 |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Welcome to H. B. Acupuncture. It has been operated for over five years by Dr. Peter Shen. Dr. Shen has over 27 years of experience in Acupuncture and anticancer drug development and published more than 20 research papers with his M.D. from China and Ph.D from Japan. He holds PA Acupuncture License and is certified by the Board.
Dr. Shen is specialized in treating the
following disorders with acupuncture and secret herbal formulations inherited
from generation to generation:
Weight loss
Quit smoking and drinking addiction
Bell's palsy
Anxiety
Fatigue
Asthma
Allergies
Pain Relief
Sports Injury
PMS
Nail fungus
Dr. Shen serves patients from greater Philadelphia (19111) area, especially, Melrose Park, PA 19027, Cheltenham, PA 19012, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Wyncote, PA 19095, Glenside, PA 19038, Jenkintown, PA 19046 and Abington, PA 19001. He received numerous appraise and appreciation from patients.
Dr. Shen has solid knowledge and comprehensive appreciation of traditional Chinese medicine. He listed the following frequently asked questions regarding Chinese medicine and illustrated the basics of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. However, these are just his knowledge and opinions regarding acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He strongly recommends you to see a profession. He will update and expand it frequently. He is always pleasure to be reached via phone or email to answer your questions and concerns.
Why is traditional Chinese medicine a personalized treatment?
What is results of Dr. Shen's natural gel to treat nail fungus?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healing art that deals with the
prevention and treatment of diseases by needling method.
For thousands of years acupuncture has bean accepted by the general population for
its good curative effect, wide range of indications, simple application, low
cost, safety, etc.
How did Chinese philosophy have impact on
acupuncture?
There are two main philosophical ideologies: Taoism and
Confucianism. One of Confucianism tenet is that the whole body is sacred and
should remain complete throughout life and also in death.
It was opposed to the development of anatomy and surgery. Acupuncture
is one solution to this constraint by curing internal disease with external
means. The philosophy of Taoism is to maintain harmony between man and his
world, and between this world and beyond. Yin and Yang are the two sides of
Taoism equation. Unbalance between Yin and
Yang could cause a disease. Maintaining harmony within the
body and between the body and “the world” is a way to keep health and
strong. Acupuncture is a way to achieve the Yin and
Yang balance.
What diseases are widely treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
| Allergies | Anxiety | Stroke | Asthma |
| PMS | Habitual smoking | Sports injuries | Fatigue |
| Depression | Pain | Insomnia | Chronic GI problems |
| Disk hernia | Impotence | Arthritis | High blood pressure |
| Infertility | High cholesterol | Addictions | Menstrual irregularity |
| Constipation | Sciatica | Body chills | Menopause trouble |
| Menstrual pain | Paralysis | Facial palsy | Stomach spasms |
Is
acupuncture safe?
The skilled acupuncturists know the jingluo system and the human anatomy
well. The acupuncturist apply contemporary technology while following traditional
methods. The acupuncturist are needling in a safe fashion. Acupuncturists use only sterile and disposable stainless steel needles
as thin as a hair. The patients experience minimal pain or sometimes will not
feel any pain. Acupuncture has no side-effects. Bleeding rarely occurs. However,
people at risk of easy bruising or excessive bleeding (for example, patients
with clotting disorders and those taking a blood-thinning medication) would be
advised to avoid acupuncture. Pregnant women are not recommended for acupuncture.
Does
acupuncture have side effect?
There is no adverse or additive side effects caused by acupuncture. When performed by a properly trained and licensed
acupuncturist, acupuncture
is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. A sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during and after
treatments. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may be resolved concurrently.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the standard hypodermic
needle. They do not draw blood. The sensations range from nothing at all, to
mild tingling, to slight numbness/aches, to electrical pulsations in areas
distant from the site of insertion. Most people who have had acupuncture would
describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a
hair.
What is an acupuncture treatment like?
Acupuncture is a relaxation for most patients. Usually patients leave in less
discomfort and are more functional after an acupuncture treatment. Sometimes the
effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of acupuncture
treatment.
Yet after several acupuncture treatments the improvements become more and more apparent.
What are the acupuncture limits?
In general, acupuncture and Chinese traditional medicine is good for treating
chronic or reluctant ailments, not for acute diseases. It needs to take time to recover the balance of
qi.
What
is the jingluo system
for acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The jingluo system
is a network over the whole body to provide passage of qi. The jing
passages run lengthwise within the interior of the body while the luo
passages are the branches from jing
and run crosswise either on or just below the body's surface. They form a
network from the upper to the lower and from the exterior to the interior. The jingluo system is the foundation of
acupuncture and Chinese medicine..
What
is the composition of the Jinluo
system in acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The Jinluo
system consists of the twelve regular channels, the eight extra channels and
the twelve divergent channels. The twelve regular channels are the three yang
channels of the hand, the three yang channels of the foot, the three
yin
channels of the hand and the three yin channels of the foot. The twelve
regular channels are the major passage of qi in the
jinluo system. They start
and terminate at given parts, run along regular routes and meet in a specified
sequence. They are associated with the organs. The eight extra channels are Du,
Ren, Chong, Dai, Yinqiao, Yangqiao, Yinwei, Yangwei.
They interlaced with the twelve regular channels, supporting the functionality
of the twelve regular channels in acupuncture. The eight extra channels are not directly
linked to any of the internal organs in Chinese medicine. The twelve divergent channels are
extensions of the twelve regular channels. They usually start from the limbs,
run into the body and meet at the back of the neck. These channels are divided
into yin and yang channels, with counterparts in both the left and right sides
of the body. The yang divergent channels start from the six regular
yang
channels and the yin divergent channels from the six
yin regular channels. They are basics of
acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
How does acupuncture work?
Besides nervous, circulatory, endocrine and lymphatic
systems, Jingluo or meridian, a network system for passage of qi
in Chinese medicine, exists in human body. Blocking or stagnation of qi may result
in an excess in one place but a deficiency in another place.
Acupuncture points are those critical points in the Jingluo network system, identified by early oriental
practitioners. Practice of acupuncture maintains smooth passage of qi in the Jingluo
network system, balance of yin and
yang in the body and enhances vitality and well-being with
acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Acupuncture cures diseases by regulating qi or energy flow through stimulating specific acupuncture points using needles. The actual insertion of the hair-thin, disposable needles has been described as feeling like a mosquito bite. The acupuncture needles may be inserted from a fraction of an inch up to about one inch deep. The whole process of acupuncture usually requires half hour.
To understand the acupuncture mechanism, it is necessary to know basic theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine as described below.
What is the Channel and
Collaterals and their roles in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The theory of channels and collaterals deals with the courses and distributions, physiological functions,
pathological changes of the channels and collaterals of the human body, and
their relations to the zang-fu
organs in Chinese medicine.
The channels and collaterals are comprehensively termed “Jingluo” or meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The channels, meaning paths, are the main trunks which run longitudinally and interiorly-exteriorly within the body; while the collaterals, meaning networks, thinner and smaller than channels, are the branches which run crisscrossly over the body.
The channels collaterals pertain to the zang-fu organs interiorly and extend to the extremities and joints exteriorly, integrating the zang, fu, tissues and organs into an organic whole, by which they transport qi (energy flow) and blood and regulate yin and yang, keeping the functions and activities of all parts of the body in harmony and balance relatively. In the practice of acupuncture, the channel tropism by sings-symptoms differentiation, the corresponding channel point selection, reinforcing and reducing, and others are all based on the theory of channels and collaterals in Chinese medicine.
What is the Composition of the System of the Channels and
Collaterals and their roles in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine ?
The channels include the twelve
regular channels, the eight extra channels and those subordinate to the twelve
regular channels, the twelve divergent channels, the twelve muscle regions and
the twelve cutaneous regions; while the collaterals are made up of fifteen
collaterals, the superficial collaterals and the minute collaterals.
The composition of the system of the channels and collaterals in acupuncture and Chinese
medicine is shown
in the following.
What is the Twelve Regular
Channels and their implications in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine ?
The twelve regular channels the major trunks of the system of the
channels and collaterals in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Their
nomenclature is based on comprehensive factors, namely: yin
or yang, a zang
or fu organ, and the areas they pass through.
As the twelve regular channels pertain to the twelve zang
and fu organs
respectively, each channel is named after the organ to which it pertains, and
meanwhile, in consideration of the factors, such as hand or foot, interior or
exterior, anterior, middle or posterior aspect the channel travels through, and
also in accordance with aspect the channel travels through, and also accordance
with the theory of yin and yang in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The
twelve regular channels linking one another by their branches and the
collaterals result in the formation of 6
“pertaining-and linking relation”, that is, the yin
channels pertain to the zang
organs and link up to the fu
organs, and the yang
channels pertain to the fu
organs and link up to the zang
organs. For example, the Lung
Channel of Hand-Tayin pertains to the lung, while links to the large
intestine, and the Large Intestine Channel of Hand-yangming pertains to
the large intestine, while links to the lung.
A cyclical flow of qi
as maintained by the connection of the channels of the hand and foot, yin
and yang, exterior and interior. Qi and
blood may travel all over the body to the zang-fu
organs interiorly and to the muscles and superficies exteriorly through the
channels in acupuncture.
What is the Twelve Divergent
Channels and their implications in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The twelve divergent channels are the branches which derive form, enter,
emerge from and joint the twelve regular channels which, in turn, reach the
deeper parts of the body through these branches in acupuncture and Chinese
medicine.
Most of the twelve divergent channels derive from the regular channels at
the upper and lower regions of the elbows and knees and then enter the thoracic
and abdominal cavities, where they connect their pertaining zang
or fu organs to
which they pertain. Then, they
emerge from the body superficies at the head and the neck.
In the regions, the yang
Divergent Channels joint the regular channels, and the yin Divergent Channels connect the
internally-externally related yang Divergent Channels.
Thus, the twelve divergent channels strengthen the connections between
the zang and fu
organs, bring the twelve regular channels and all parts of the body closer, and
extend the scope of indications of the acupuncture points in Chinese medicine.
What is the Twelve Muscle Regions
and their roles in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The twelve muscle regions are the conduits which distribute the qi of the twelve regular channels to the
muscles, tendons and joints, and which are the external connecting regions of
the twelve regular channels in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The
distribution of the Muscle Regions in Chinese medicine corresponds to the body-superficies course of
the Regular Channels. All the
Muscle Regions of acupuncture function in a course which starts from the terminals of the limbs
and runs on to the head and trunk in Chinese medicine. Instead
of entering zang
and fu organs,
they travel along the body surface, and connect with the joints and bones. The main functions of the Muscle Regions are to connect with
the bones and control them to ensure easy flexing and extending of the joints
and normal motion of the body in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
What is the Twelve Cutaneous
Regions and their roles in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The twelve cutaneous regions in Chinese medicine refer
to the body superficies on which the functions of the twelve regular channels
are reflected, and the sites where the qi
of the collaterals spreads. The
cutaneous regions are within the domains of the twelve regular channels in
acupuncture and Chinese medicine..
What is the Eight Extra Channels
and their meaning in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The eight extra channels are the Du,
Ren, Chong, Dai, Yinwei, Yangwei, Yinqiao and Yangqaio
Channels. Unlike the twelve regular
channels, none of them pertain to the zang-fu
organs in Chinese medicine. And they are not
exteriorly-interiorly related. Their
courses are unique, and hence the name, the extra channels.
They have two main functions: (1) strengthening the association between
the twelve regular channels, and (2) regulating the qi and blood of the regular channels, such
as in storage, drainage of the qi
and blood. They are intensively referred in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
What is the Fifteen Collaterals
and their meaning in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
The fifteen collaterals include the which separate from the twelve
regular channels, the collaterals of the Ren
and Du and the
major collateral of the spleen. They
are named respectively after the names of the points from where they start. Their main function is to strengthen the association of the yin-yang
channels and the externally-internally related channels on the body surface.
For example, the collateral of the ren
Channel connects with the qi
of the channel on the abdomen; the collateral of the Du
Channels ensures fluent passage of qi
of the channels n the back, and the major collateral o the spleen links up the
passage of qi the channels on the back, and the major collateral of the spleen
links up the passage of qi
the channel on the sides of the chest.
Superficial Collaterals are those which are distributed on the superficial parts of the body, and the smallest branches of the collaterals are called “Minute Collaterals” in Chinese medicine. They are innumerable and are distributed all over the body working to transport qi and blood to nourish the body.
The above-mentioned twelve regular channels, eight extra channels, fifteen collaterals, twelve divergent channels, twelve muscle regions and twelve cutaneous regions add up to the integrated system of the channels and collaterals. They are the foundation of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
What are principles of treatment
in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine?
Acupuncture cures diseases by
regulating qi or energy flow
through stimulating specific acupuncture points using needles.
The principles of treatment in acupuncture and Chinese medicine consist of the aspects:
a) How to Search
for the Primary Cause of a Disease in Treatment in Acupuncture and Chinese
medicine?
Contrasted with “biao”,
“ben” means something fundamental or
essential, just like the root of a tree. Searching
for the primary cause of a disease in treatment is to seek the fundamental cause
of a disease so as to make a proper remedy.
This is one of the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of Chinese
medicine on
overall analysis of symptoms and signs, the cause, nature and location of the
illness and the patient’s physical condition according to the theory of
traditional Chinese medicine. In
practice, however, the two aspects must be applied correctly, namely, “the
routine treatment and the treatment contrary to the routine” and “treatment
of biao (expectant
treatment) and ben
(causal treatment)”. It is one guideline for H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs, in
Cheltenham, Philadelphia.
b) How to strengthen
the body immune system and to eliminate pathogenic factors with Acupuncture and
Chinese medicine?
This is to strengthen the vital
qi
and the immune system of the human body as well as its self-repairing ability to
remove pathogenic factors and recover the health with proper curative measures,
such as traditional Chinese herbs, acupuncture and moxibustion, and some other
therapies in combination with proper diet, physical exercises etc.
This therapeutic method can be applied to any kind of deficiency syndrome
dominated by the deficiency of the vital
qi
without exuberance of the invading pathogens.
Corresponding measures should be adopted in accordance with the specific
characteristics of the disease. Instances
can be found in invigoration qi
for deficiency of qi,
enriching blood for lake of blood and doing both for insufficiency of the two:
the same is true of deficiency of yin
or yang or both.
All these are the specific approaches of the principle of strengthening
the body resistance with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
This is to remove pathogenic factors with acupuncture, traditional Chinese drugs or
some other therapies to restore the vital-qi
and cure a disease. It is
applicable to syndromes dominated by pathogens with undiminished vital-qi.
Corresponding measures should be taken in consideration of the particular
kinds and features of pathogens as well as the sites they invade.
For instance, exterior wind-cold syndrome should be treated by dispelling
cold to relive exterior syndrome; lingering of toxicant substance and phlegm in
the chest and stomach should be treated with emetic therapy; coproma and
pathogenic heat lingering in the intestines should be treated by removing heat
by catharsis; indigestion should be dealt with by promoting digestion;
obstruction of blood stasis should be removed by promoting blood circulation;
and interior excess of toxic heat should be cured by clearing away heat and
toxic materials. All these are the
specific approaches of the principle of eliminating pathogenic factors with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
What is the personalized treatment of acupuncture?
Same disease could be different in the cause, the level
and the extension among patients. The acupuncturist must develop a personalized
treatment for each patient based upon the principles of acupuncture: a)
cooling the heat, warming the cold; b) tonifying the deficiency and sedating the
excess; c) relationship of local and whole body; d) formation of point prescriptions and their combination;
e) diagnosis of Jingluo, qi and Zang Fu (organs). The acupuncturist should tailor down the treatment
precisely and accurately to cure a disease with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
How does qi seasonally change and the implication in acupuncture?
How does qi
vary among age and gender and the implication in acupuncture?
Yang
is superficial and fragile for young people. It requires needle for short time, shallow,
gently, and only do few points at acupuncture. Women are better tolerant to pain. Because the
cycle has impact on woman’s reaction to acupuncture, it would be good to
keep track of the cycle even if not treating gynecological problems.
What are these most commonly used acupuncture
points?
The number of acupuncture points
was identified as 365 in ancient time, the same number of days in a year.
These acupuncture points were mapped along 14 major meridian lines, one meridian for each
of the 12 inner organs, one meridian along the spine and the other along the
midline of the abdomen. There are other sets of acupuncture points along the
outer ears, on the nose, in the scalp, on the hands, on the feet and at the
wrists and ankles. However, the acupuncture points on the 14 main meridians are more often
used than others in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Each meridian has favor points used for treating a wide
variety of diseases.
Lieque (LU7)
This acupuncture point is located above the wrist on the inside of the arm. It is used to
treat several disorders of the upper body, including headache, neck stiffness,
cough, asthma, sore throat, facial paralysis, and wrist problems.
Zusanli (ST36)
This acupuncture point is located on the front of the leg, just below the knee. It is used
to treat digestive disorders.
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
This acupuncture point is located on the inner side of the leg just above the ankle. This
acupuncture point is valuable for treating
hormonal disorders, digestion disorder and immune disorders.
Fengchi (GB20)
This acupuncture point is located at the base of the skull where it joins the neck in
back. It is used in the treatment of acute disorders, including common cold,
influenza, headache, neck pain, and fever.
Taichong (LV3)
The acupuncture point is located on the top of the foot, between the first and second
toes. It is used to balance emotional energy, to regulate menstruation, to
reduce tension and pain in the chest, treat eye disorders, alleviate
headaches, and reduce high blood pressure.
Neiguan (PC6)
This acupuncture point is located on the inner arm, just above the wrist. It is useful for
cardiac disorders, such as heart palpitation and angina pectoris. It is also
useful for nausea, vomiting, spasms, and convulsions.
Shenmen (HT7)
This acupuncture point is located on the outer side of the wrist. It is used in the
treatment of a variety of mental disorders, such as absent mindedness,
insomnia, disturbing dreams, hysteria, depression, agitation, and mental
illness. It is also used in the treatment of heart disease and fatigue with
acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Weizhong (BL40)
This acupuncture point is located at the back of the knee. It is used in the treatment of
back pain, hip impairment, muscular atrophy, leg pain and immobility,
abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Taixi (KI3)
This acupuncture point is located just behind the inner ankle. It is used for disorders in
several areas of the body, including sore throat and toothache, deafness and
tinnitus, dizziness, asthma, thirst, insomnia, impotence, frequency urination,
pain in the lower back, and menstrual irregularities.
Waiguan (TB5)
This acupuncture point on the meridian is located on the outer side of the arm, above the
wrist. This acupuncture point is mainly used in treatment of disorders of the fingers, hand, arms,
neck, ears, cheek, and top of the head.
Houxi (SI3)
This acupuncture point is located on the side of the hand, below the little finger. It is
used for treating mental disorders, stiffness and pain in the neck, chest, and
lumbar region, seizures, night sweats, and fevers.
Baihui (GV20)
This acupuncture point is located at the top of the head. It is traditionally applied in
the treatment of various mental disorders and other problems occurring in the
head.
Guanyuan (CV4)
This point is located a little below the navel. It is used for all types of
lower abdominal disorders, including urination problems, hernia, menstrual
disorders, gynecological infections, postpartum bleeding, diarrhea, rectal
prolapse etc.
What
are external factors causing
disharmony in Chinese medicine?
The following are some instances of external causes for disharmony in acupuncture and
Chinese medicine.
a)
Wind:
it
refers to the ability
of an illness to spread within the body.
Commonly linked with wind
are
included chills, fever, colds, flu, nasal
congestion
and
headaches.
b) Cold: it diminishes the body's immune system, causing colds, upper respiratory allergies, anemia and weak digestion.
c) Heat: it is described as hot and inflammatory, resulting in hypertension, hyperthyroid, ulcers, colitis, inflamed arthritic joints and skin rashes.
d) Dampness: its symptoms are created through the intake of oily and fluidic foods, as well as wet weather, causing swelling, obesity, the formation of cysts, tumors, and lumps, and an increased production of phlegm.
e) Dryness: it can damage vegetation, causing disorders of the lungs, sinuses, large intestine, skin, digestion, and reproductive organs.
What
are internal factors causing disharmony in Chinese medicine?
The following are some instances of internal factors causing
disharmony in acupuncture and
Chinese medicine.
a) Sadness: it decreases the flow of qi in the lungs and heart, and is associated with depression, fatigue, shortness of breath, asthma, allergies, cold and flu.
b) Grief: it is similar to sadness, and injures the lungs, decreases immunity to colds and flu, as well as chronic upper respiratory diseases.
c) Pensiveness: it refers to over-engaging mind, resulting in edema, digestive disorders, low appetite, and fatigue.
d) Fear: it causes qi to descend, resulting in potential harm to the kidneys, lower back, or joints when this emotion is ever present.
e) Fright: it refers to fear with sudden onset, causing one's qi to diverge. The rapid change in flow first affects the heart in symptoms such as breathlessness and palpitations, then moves to the lower body in a similar fashion to fear, damaging the kidneys, lower back, and joints.
f) Anger: it encompasses all the negative emotions of rage, irritability, frustration, and resentment, and causes the qi to rise inappropriately. Anger is associated with headaches, mental confusion, dizziness, and hypertension.
g) Joy: it refers to excess, or overabundance, and relates to illness relative to overindulgence. Damage to the heart may result, and the conditions of hysteria, muddled thought, and insomnia may arise.
What
i
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diseases are often treated with herbs as well as acupuncture. Application of Chinese herbs in treating diseases is based on the nature and activities of herbs and herbs are depending on the energies, flavors, movements, and meridian belongings of the herbs. For example, there are four energies of the herbs: cold, hot, warm, and cool. When an herb is effective in the treatment of a hot syndrome, it is considered to have a hot energy. The four energies can be further divided into yin and yang in Chinese medicine. Cold and cool energies belong to yin and hot and warm energies belong to yang.
Why
is traditional Chinese medicine a personalized treatment?
Chinese herbs and Traditional Chinese Medicines have been
used for thousands of years. It has been developed to regulate a balance of yin
and yang, to promote energy and vitality, and to prevent disease from attacking.
Its efficacy has been demonstrated again and again over thousands of years.
Chinese medicine practitioners believe that all diseases stem from imbalance of yin
and yang in local
organs and the whole body. A
properly balanced body is able to defense itself from disease attack.
Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture emphasizes the importance of moderating the entire body to reach the balance of
yin and yang. The major objective of meditation is to restore and maintain the
body balance with natural herbs and dietary treatment. Those classic
formulations of Chinese medicine are composed of multiple components to achieve
synergic effect and balance. Meanwhile, each formulation can be modified to fit
each person’s needs. Such personalized treatment provides the exact level of
treatment and reduce the risk of adverse reaction or side effects. However, the
personalized treatment heavily depends on doctor’s skill of diagnosis and
judgment of ailment status in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
What
are herbal formulations in Chinese medicine?
Herbal formulations: In most cases, one disease has more than one symptom that requires application of more than one Chinese herb. Therefore, the ancient practitioners began to use several Chinese herbs together to cope with all conditions as well as to obtain synergistic effects. Thus, formulations of different herbs were developed. A standard herbal formula consists of a king herb, subject herb, assistant herb and servant herb. Every formula must have at least one king herb, but not every formula needs a subject herb, assistant or servant herbs. Sometimes, a king herb may also act as a subject herb. Generally speaking in Chinese medicine, the king herb in a formula has the largest dose followed by the subject, assistant and servant herbs.
Chinese herbs are classified according to their actions in Chinese medicine. There are total 20 major classes, each of which represents a number of important actions: herbs to induce perspiration, herbs to reduce excessive heat inside the body, herbs to counteract rheumatism, herbs to reduce cold sensations inside the body, herbs to reduce dampness in the body, herbs lubricating dry symptoms, herbs to induce vomiting, herbs to induce bowel movements, herbs to promote digestion, herbs to suppress cough and reduce sputum, herb to regulate energy, herbs regulate blood, herbs to regain consciousness, herbs to reduce anxiety, herbs to stop involuntary movements, herbs to correct deficiencies (weakness), herbs to constrict and obstruct movements, herbs to expel or destroy parasites, herbs for ulcers and tumors, and herbs for external application (including for skin problems).
What are examples of
commonly used herbs and their functions in Chinese medicine?
Ginseng
Ginseng is the most commonly used Chinese herb in tonic
formulations. It improves vitality and energy and enhances immune system. It is
frequently used for spleen
qi
deficiency, lung
qi
deficiency, lack of appetite,
fatigue, weak limbs etc. However it is not recommended for patients with
headaches, high blood pressures or hypertension. Both Asian ginseng and American
ginseng are used in Chinese medicine though American ginseng is more moderate
than Chinese ginseng. Ginseng is an expensive herb since it takes years to grow
and mature. The longer the herb grows, the more expensive the herb is.
ShanZhuYu (Cornus officinalis sieb . et Zucc)
Functions of the herb-- toning up the liver and kidneys, constricting semen and monitoring perspiration. Indications for which the herbs is used for-- seminal emission, excessive perspiration, lumbago, dizziness, tinnitus and insomnia.
ShuDiHuang (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch)
Functions of the herb-- toning up blood, nourishing kidneys, and
yin. Indications for which the herb is used for-- anemia, tinnitus, night sweats, bleeding, diabetes, and seminal emission.
DangGui (Angelica sinensis Diels)
Functions of the herb -- Toning up blood, regulating menstruation, and pain relief. Indications for which the herb is used for - anemia, irregular menstruation, and pain.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe is another tonic herb in Chinese medicine. It elevates mood, reduce
anxiety and depression, help build muscles. This herb also has function of enhancing
sexual prowess. Yohimbe has synergic effects when used with ginseng.
However, adverse effect could be caused by high dosage. This herb is the
inner bark of the tropical tree Corynanthe Yohimbe, originated from Africa.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a herbs with functions of improving the heart and
lungs and alleviating coughs, asthma and acute allergic inflammations. Both
leaves and fruits have medical functions in Chinese medicine. In nature, the tree itself is
resistant to insects, diseases and pollution; it can live as long as a thousand
years.
Ephedra
Ephedra (aka Ma Huang) is another tonic herb in Chinese medicine, with
functions of enhancing energy, helping lose weight and gaine muscles and
alleviating asthma and upper respiratory infections. Ephedrine alkaloids are
major active ingredients. The ephedra plant is perennial bush, grown in northern
China.
Deer Antler Velvet
Deer antler velvet is another commonly used tonic Chinese
medicine. It has function of enhancing energy and vitality and improving immune
system without side effects. It is a tonic stimulant, affecting hormonal system.
This natural product has to be specially harvested.
Reishi
Reishi is a precious Chinese medicine. The herb has function of
improving blood circulation, increase vitality and expanding life span.
Reishi is a rare mushroom with hard structure.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a herb with function of improving woman disorders in Chinese medicine.
The herb tonifies the blood and regulates blood deficiency manifested as pale skin,
dryness, anxiety, insomnia, constipation and poor memory. This herb is frequently
prescribed for menstrual disorders resulted from a blood deficiency, such as
irregular menstruation, not menstruating, or painful menstruation.
The herb is an aromatic Chinese herbal remedy made from the root of angelica
sinensis.
What is negative interaction between herb and drug?
Some herbs may have negative effect on drug. Therefore, a
doctor should be advised what drug is being used. For example, Gancao (Chinese
licorice) is used in many herb formulas at low dosages in Chinese medicine. However Gancao can
decrease the absorption of drugs. When you take drugs, you should avoid use
Gancao containing formula. Ma Huang (Ephedra) should not be used when you are
taking digitalis or any other heart drugs. It could reduce the effectiveness of
anti-anxiety and sedative drugs. Ginseng may cause headache, tremulousness and
manic episodes when used with phenelzine sulfate. Echinacea could cause liver
toxicity. Therefore, it should not be used with other liver toxic drugs.
What is synergic interaction between herb and drug?
Some Chinese herbs have synergic interaction with drug,
adding up complementary effects to drug medicine. The combined therapy could
reduce the dosage of a drug. The herbal formulas restore the whole body and the
balance of
ying
and
yang. They enhance the efficacy of drug. For example, Gancao
increases the effectiveness of prednisone. The dosage of prednisone could be
reduced and so is the side effect. The Chinese herbs Jinyinhua and Pugongying
have synergic effects with penicillin/streptomycin for mastitis. Herbal formulas
help reduce drug dosage for those who are on multiple drugs. Diuretic drugs help
reduce the excess fluids but not restore the spleen and kidney systems. Herbal
formulas can help strengthen them.
Why do you need a profession in Acupuncture or Chinese
medicine?
The classic formulas of Chinese herbal medicine that have
been practiced and tested for thousands of years are guidelines. The actual
composition of a medicine formula is decided by a doctor. Some ingredients may
be increased while other may be reduced based upon the diagnosis. And as patient
condition changes, the herbal formula is modified accordingly. Therefore, a profession
is must be to take Chinese medicine and to avoid adverse effects, even though
Chinese herbal formulas are even broader, comprehensive, and balanced than
single pharmaceutical drug.
What are special in H.B.Acupuncture and Herbs?
H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs has a collection of thousands of Chinese herbs, from which a specific formulation will be designed for each individual patient based on the classic formulations and the secret formulations inherited from generation to generation. H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs also provides free service to process each formulation of Chinese herbs medicine and to pack it in convenient bags for patients as shown in the following pictures.
 |
 |
Where is the H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs located?
H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is located in the Gordon building at 753
Cheltenham Ave, Melrose Park, PA 19027. Melrose Park is a small nice town within the
Cheltenham district in Montgomery county, neighboring with Elkins Park (19027),
Cheltenham (19027), Abington (19001), Jenkintown (19046), Glenside (19038) and
Philadelphia (19111). Philadelphia is one of the big cities in the States. The
metro area includes Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. Philadelphia is a city
between two rivers, with Philadelphia International Airport. Philadelphia is
between New York and D. C. Philadelphia has trains and buses. I95 goes around
Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a great city. Montgomery county surrounds most
boundary of Philadelphia. It includes Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham,
Glenside, Jenkintown, and Abington. Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham,
Glenside are just separated from Philadelphia by one block. Cheltenham is the
most east side, then Melrose Park, then Elkins Park, then Glenside. Jenkintown
and Abington is slightly further northern, but still close to Philadelphia.
What is the direction to the H. B. Acupuncture and
Herbs?
H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is at very convenient location, able to be
easily reached by trains, buses and cars. By trains R1, R3 and R5, you get off at
Melrose Park station. H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is just one block away from
the station. Since H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is on the Cheltenham Avenue, just
three blocks
east from the
intersection between Route 611(Broad St.) and Cheltenham Ave, you can easily get here via
buses and cars from Philadelphia, Abington, Elkins Park,
Jenkintown, Glenside and Cheltenham. Cheltenham is the most east side, then
Melrose Park, then Elkins Park, then Glenside. Jenkintown and Abington is
slightly further northern, but still close to Philadelphia. Melrose Park, Elkins
Park, Cheltenham, Glenside are just separated from Philadelphia by one block.
Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Jenkintown, and Abington all
belongs to Montgomery county. Montgomery county surrounds most boundary of
Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a great city. Philadelphia is also one of the big
cities in the States.Philadelphia is a city between two rivers, with
Philadelphia International Airport. Philadelphia is between New York and D. C.
Philadelphia has trains and buses. I95 goes around Philadelphia.
Who is the H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs serving?
H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is serving people from greater
Philadelphia area, including Abington (19001), Jenkintown (19046), Glenside
(19038), Cheltenham (19027), Elkins Park (19027) and Philadelphia.
Others from far distance area also come to H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs through
references from their friends and relatives. H. B. Acupuncture and Herbs is
always happy to serve each and every one.
Right now, people are from W. Cheltenham, Elkins Park and E. Cheltenham Ave, Cheltenham, Central Ave. Cheltenham, Pepper Rd. Abington, Panther Rd. Abington, Ansley Ave Melrose Park, Limekiln Pike, Glenside, Old York Rd. Jenkintown, Highland Ave, Jenkintown, Fairy Hill, Abington, Newbold Rd. Jenkintown, Plymouth Rd. Glenside, Stetson Rd Melrose Park, Parkview Rd Cheltenham, Meetinghouse Rd. Abington, Willow Ave Melrose Park, Park LA. Jenkintown, West Ave. Jenkintown, Oak Rd. Glenside, Lindley Rd. Glenside, Kingsley Rd. Abington, S. John Russell Cir. Elkins Park, Massey Way, Elkins Park, Greenwood Ave. Jenkintown, Autumn Rd. Abington, Harte Rd. Abington, Fairway Rd. Abington, Lanfair Rd Cheltenham, Williams Way, Elkins Park, Newbold LA. Glenside, Willow Grove Ave. Glenside, Summit Ave. Jenkintown, Florence Ave. Jenkintown, Hilldale Rd Cheltenham, Mather Way, Elkins Park, Washington LA, Abington, Lewis Rd. Abington, Glennwood Rd Cheltenham, Windsor Av Cheltenham, Cloverly Ave. Jenkintown, East Ave. Glenside, Green Lane, Elkins Park, Waverly Ave. Glenside, Harrison Ave. Glenside, Hillside Rd. Jenkintown, Spring Ave, Elkins Park, Jenkintown Rd Cheltenham, Church Rd, Elkins Park, High School Rd, Elkins Park, Susquehanna Rd. Abington, Cedar Rd, Elkins Park, Ashbourne Rd, Elkins Park, Valley Rd, Melrose Park, Juniper Rd, Melrose Park, Mill Rd. Abington, Beech Ave, Melrose Park, Johns Rd, Melrose Park, Shoemaker Rd. Elkins Park, Huntingdon Rd, Abington, Elkins Ave. Elkins Park.
People are also from Philadelphia City, including, Broad St. Philadelphia, Front St. Philadelphia, 3rd St. Philadelphia, 4th St. Philadelphia, Adams Ave. Philadelphia, Rising Sun Ave. Philadelphia, Chew Ave. Philadelphia, Onley Ave. Philadelphia. Ogonz Ave Philadelphia, Washington LA. Philadelphia. Cheltenham Ave. Philadelphia. Philadelphia is one of the big cities. Philadelphia is a city between two rivers, with Philadelphia International Airport. Philadelphia is between New York and D. C. Philadelphia has trains and buses. I95 goes around Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a great city. The metro area includes Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. Montgomery county surrounds most boundary of Philadelphia. It includes Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Jenkintown, and Abington. Cheltenham is the most east side, then Melrose Park, then Elkins Park, then Glenside. Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside are just separated from Philadelphia by one block. Jenkintown and Abington is slightly further northern, but still close to Philadelphia.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungal infection, formally called Onychomycosis, is an
infection of the nails by a fungus, typically dermatophyte (Trichophyton rubrum).
How common is the nail fungus?
You are not alone. Nail fungus is of high
prevalence. About 20-30% of adults are infected by the age of 60. More than 30
millions of Americans are suffering the infection of nail fungus. Men are more likely to be
infected by nail fungus than women. Elder people are more likely to be infected
by nail fungus than younger
ones. People with immune system disorders, such as HIV and diabetes, tend to be
infected by the fungus.. People with the family history of infection have higher chance to be
infected by nail fungus. People who work or play with their hands or feet continually exposed
to moisture are at higher risk. Toenails have 6-7 times more incidences than
fingernails. Injury nails are easier to get infected by nail fungus. The big toe is usually the
first one to be infected by the nail fungus.
How does the nail fungus come out?
The infection of nail fungus is a progressive procedure. The fungal
infection starts distal edge (outside tip) of a nail, with patches of white or
yellow discoloration. It indicates that you have been infected by the fungus and
your immune system is unable to defeat the fungus. If the condition is left untreated,
the journey of nail fungal infection is progressing. The fungus makes it home
the nail bed (the place where the nail meets the skin) of dark, warm and
moisture. The fungus grow and multiply. They digest the keratin, the protective
protein. As a result, the keratin goes into over-production, which causes an
excess to separate the nail from the nail bed. The texture, color and growth of
the nail are changing. The infected nails loses luster and shine, and discolors;
the nail becomes
brittle and crumbly; it grows irregularly. The fungus works its way inward. The
symptoms are getting more severe. The nail can become quite painful.
The infection of nail fungus is a procedure of multiple stages. The fungus first breaks the barriers to get onto the nail bed; then they reside on the nail bed; finally the fungus multiple and expand. The barriers include physical one and immune system. The fungus rarely invades an intact nail. Usually, there is some kind of trauma allowing the physical barrier to be breached by fungus. Prolonged wetness can also allow the barrier to be breached. Sometimes, prolonged athlete’s foot allows the barrier to be breached by fungus. After the fungus gets into the nail, people have immune system barrier to embody them and prevent them from surviving. People suffering some sort of immune disorders or inheriting a certain type of immune system could lose the last barrier. Even after the fungus breaches both barriers, they require a wet, warm and dark environment to survive. Keeping foot dry all time is a good way to prevent fungal infection. As the favorable conditions exist, the fungus will thrive and expand gradually meanwhile the nail deteriorates.
What are risk factors for
nail fungus?
Therefore, any factors that help breach the barrier or
provide the favorable conditions could be the risk factors for nail fungus. Some
risk factors may
include:
How can nail fungus be prevented?
Any measures that protect the barrier, enhance and maintain
immune system and prevent the formation of the favorable conditions would be
preventive for nail fungus. Some prevention tips include:
What are treatments
available for nail fungus?
The infected nail is hard to be treated because the fungus
is under the nail, which prevent medicine from direct application on infected
area. And because the toe nails are distal part of a whole body, it is hard to
get the medicine to the effective level at the toe part. Other nail medical
conditions can mimic fungal infection. Most doctors will confirm the diagnosis
by sending a nail clipping for laboratory evaluation. In general, the earlier
the treatment is, the better the result will be. When there are patches of white
or yellow discoloration on nails, you should see a doctor. The doctor will make
diagnosis and design treatment plan.
Several types of treatments for nail fungus are available, including topical cream treatments, oral medical treatments and surgical treatments. The topical creams are applied onto the infected nail. The efficacy of the topical treatment depends on the penetrating capability. The more the active ingredient get into the nail, the more effective the treatment will be.
Several oral drugs are available on the market. A course of treatment usually takes about 6-12 weeks, costs about $500 and has a 50-70% chance of curing the condition. Since the oral medicines have to go through the whole body to get into the tip of a toe, they have side effects on liver and kidney. Liver enzymes and blood should be monitored during the course of treatment. Other side effects could include nausea, diarrhea and rashes. There is a potential for interaction with other medications you may be taking. Therefore, some people may not able to take these medications because of other medications that you are taking or other medical problems. The nail fungal infection is not only difficult to be cured, but also have high chance of recurring.
What impacts does the nail
fungus cause?
Even though the invasion of nail fungus will not proceed to
internal organs, the infection could cause severe medical and cosmetic
consequences. It could be very painful and make daily activities difficult. If
it is left untreated, it will be in constant progress. At the point when
treatment is no longer effective, you may have to have the nail removed chemically or
surgically. It will expose the soft toe tissue to injury and affect
daily activities. The cosmetic problem is the direct and instant consequence
since the fungal infection affects appearance of nails. The discolored and
chipped nail is embarrassing. You may want to avoid socializing. You may be
concerned about spreading the infection of nail fungus. You don’t want to go beach; you
don’t want go to a public swimming pool; you don’t want to go gym; you
don’t want to expose your infected nail in any other public areas.
Why is Dr. Shen's gel special for nail fungus?
Dr. Shen developed a natural gel (topical use) for nail
fungus. The gel is packed in tubes
as shown in the following figure.
How is Dr. Shen's gel used for nail fungus?
What is results of Dr. Shen's natural gel to treat nail
fungus?
Hundreds of people have used the ointment. Here is an example
before and after use.
|
| before after |
Weight Loss with Chinese medicine and acupuncture
With Dr. Shen's combination of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the person lost weight 54 pounds, down from 205 to 151 pounds, in three months.
Side view:
Front View:
Dr. Shen cured the bell's palsy with acupuncture. Here is pictures of before and after.
Important web sites of acupuncture and herbs
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)’s home page, with its
newsletter, symposium, committees, membership log in. The
AAMA is the sole physician-only professional acupuncture society in North
America.
http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/
The British Acupuncture Council is
the UK's main regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture by over 2500
professionally qualified acupuncturists. It is BacC’s home page, with
news, membership and training information.
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/ It publishes current issues of acupuncture, has discussion forums and a list of informative links.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/ Home page of National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It provides information of health, research grants, training opportunities, clinical trials of Chinese medicine, and news
http://www.acupuncture.edu/ Home page of Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, layman’s guide to Acupuncture, TCM sources and Links, and Find a practictioner.
http://www.nccaom.org/ home page of National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), with links to national organizations of acupuncture.
http://www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk/aimintro.htm home page of journal of Acupuncture in Medicine.
http://www.pvpu.com The home page of wow gold and world of warcraft gold.
http://www.wowgoldmarket.com The entry point of purchasing wow gold and world of warcraft gold.
http://www.gwgoldmarket.com The entry point of purchasing guild wars (GW) gold.
http://www.eq2goldmarket.com The entry point of purchasing Everquest II gold / eq2 gold.
http://www.aworldofacupuncture.com/ The web site provides history, diagnosis, TCM basics. One of the best.
http://www.medicalacupuncture.org Home page of American Academy of medical acupuncture, with acupuncture laws of every state, online journal, and other educational information.
Elkins Park Hospital
60 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, 19027 (215) 663-6027
Shaare Zedek Medical Center Phila Chapter
261 York Rd, Jenkintown, 19046 (215) 886-7680
St Christopher's Hospital For Children Specialty Care Center-Old
947Old York Rd, Abington, 19001
Abington Memorial Hospital
115 E Glenside Ave, Glenside, 19038 (215) 885-0300
Rehabilitation Center
12033 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, 19116 (215) 676-3870
Aquahab Rehabilitation
921 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, 19046 (215)
887-8787
Health South Rehabilitation Center
219 North Broad St, Philadelphia, 19102 (215) 564-0495
Diagnostic
& Rehabilitation Center of Phila
212 Race Str, Philadelphia, 19106 (215)
625-4901
Post Gail PhD
711 O Ave,
Jenkintown, 19046 (215) 884-9260
Rosenbaum Edward PHD
605 Harper
Ave, Jenkintown, 19046 (215) 572-6292
Keortge Susan PHD
512 O Ave,
Jenkintown, 19046 (215) 885-1835
Kleiman Jack PhD
8210 Westminster
Rd, Elkins Park, 19027 (215) 884-8706
Martin Frances G PhD
700 Elkins
Ave, Elkins Park, 19027 (215) 782-1250
Robinson Rod PhD
2159 Menlo Ave,
Glenside, 19038 (215) 576-0589
Bernstein Arthur J PHD
25
Washington Ln, Wyncote, 19095 (215) 884-7722