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TCM is not as complex as it sounds at first. At first it can seem overwhelming, bizarre, and alien because the underlying concepts are so different from Western medicine. And there's the funny-sounding names of TCM syndromes. But after one gets over the initial East-West cultural clash and becomes familiar with the basics, it's not as complex as it once seemed.
TCM is based on thousands of years of observation and practical experience as to what works, and under exactly what circumstances something works. The ancient Chinese were master observers and analysts. The Chinese have never shied away from expanding their medical system. Whenever the Chinese encountered something that TCM was ineffective for, they responded by finding something that was effective and expanding TCM. This is happening today as the modern Chinese gather medical and scientific information from all over the world and incorporate what works into modern Chinese medicine. For example, the ancients weren't running electrical currents through acupunture needles, but the modern Chinese do because it's been found to be more effective than regular acupuncture when it comes to some things (like anesthesia for operations (though acupunture can't be used in place of drugs for all operations, just some)).
In TCM the emphasis is on identifying imbalances and returning balance to the body so the body can heal itself. It's also on identifying and treating Roots instead of merely treating symptoms.
When one starts to study TCM it quickly becomes apparent that the way TCM is taught and organized is very logical and step-by-step. For example, there are different approaches to analysis in TCM. The most basic and the first students are introduced to is something called the 8 Principal Patterns. What this does is to look at an analyze the imbalance from the perspective of 4 pairs of opposites: Heat vs Cold, Exterior vs. Interior, Excess vs Deficiency, and Yang vs Yin. Start with learning all you can about the 8 Principal Patterns if you're interested in learning TCM.
The next stage is to learn about the Fundamental Processes or Fundamental Substances. These are Qi, Blood, Jing (Essence), Fluids, and Shen (Spirit/ Mind).
The third step usually is learning about the Pernicious Evils - Heat, Cold, Dampness, Dryness, Wind, and Fire. BTW, TCM pays a lot more attention to the effects of weather and the environment on health than Western medicine does. Perncious Evils can invade from the outside (weather and environmental conditions), or, they can arise within the body because of food, herbs, emotions, other TCM syndromes, etc.
Once the student is comfortable with all this basic material, the next step usually is Organ analysis. In other words figuring out exactly which Organs are being affected by Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Phlegm, etc. Part of learning this is to learn what types of symptoms are associated with which Organs. For example, if breathing problems are emphasizes, consider the Lungs. If digestive system problems are especially pronounced, consider the Spleen (and Stomach). If urinary problems are very pronounced, consider the Kidneys. Also consider the Kidneys if there is back pain or weakness, problems with the ears and/or hearing, changes in libido, bone problems, problems with the teeth, or weak knees. Consider and rule in or rule out possible Liver problems if there is a lot of anger, problems with the eyes or vision, or feelings of something being stuck or "tight". In TCM, the condition of the Lungs often is reflected in the skin and in the nose. Speech impediments and severe mental illnesses may be indicative of Heart imbalance. (There are exceptions. These are general guidelines for the most probable Organs affected when certain imbalances are present. For example, some cases of tinnitus are Liver-related instead of Kidney related.)
There is another approach to analysis which some TCM schools don't cover. It's the 5 Element approach. I won't go into this here except to say I'm in favor of learning 5 Elements because sometimes, in particularly knotty (complex) cases, a knowledge of the 5 Elements can provide the extra insight into analysis and treatment that will make the difference between a successful treatment and one which isn't. Speaking from personal experience, back when I was first learning TCM, armed only with a good acupoint chart and a basic knowledge of 5 Element theory, I figured out which points I could use in acupressure to get rid of the extreme headaches I had had since I was in junior high. The thing is, the points which I needed to work are not mentioned in the more general books on acupressure or acupuncture. Later on, as I got deeper into TCM I discovered reference to these points for headaches in more advanced articles. I had figured them out just from knowing 5 Element Theory so I definitel recommend learning 5 Element theory for that extra help it gives.
TCM concepts are not restricted to TCM. There are striking parallels between Mayan traditional medicine and TCM. There also are isolated TCM concepts found in various cultures around the world. For example, a friend of mine has a German mother who used to tell her as a child that her stomach aches were coming from her stomach being too cold and needing warming up. Also, the frozen corpse of a pre-historical European was found with tattoos over the body. At first these were thought to be part of some religious belief until someone familiar with acupuncture realized acupoints were tattooed. The acupoints were those used for certain arthritic conditions and the man had suffered from arthritis. There are snatches of TCM concepts found in various places around the world. It's just that China was the one place where the body of information survived intact, continued to evolve, and was written down.
Judy
In Reply to: Learning TCM posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 10:00:29:
Thanks, Judy.
I definitely intend to learn more about TCM, as it pays attention to the symptoms and signs, instead of ignoring them, and because it sounds like a coherent system, although it might require a new way of thinking about health.
You certainly do a fine job explaning it.
Sonja
In Reply to: Learning TCM posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 10:00:29:
I wish TCM would find something effective for acid reflux. I've had success with accupuncture on back pain and other pains, but had about 30 sessions for acid reflux and it didn't do a thing (except lighten my wallet from $900.00). The Chinese practitioner I was seeing kept saying it would take more time. If I knew it would take another 30 or even 100 sessions, I would have kept going, and the cost would have been worth it, but it's hard to continue spending the money and time without seeing some success, and not knowing if it's ever going to help.
In Reply to: Re: Learning TCM posted by Jim on July 23, 2001 at 11:40:33:
Here's a link to a table on epigastric pain. Reflux, nausea, and vomiting frequently accompany Food Stagnation.
Some translations for those new to TCM: Excess patterns are those in which problems are caused by there being too much of something. Any Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, Phlegm, or Food Stagnation is too much.
Deficiency patterns are those in which problems are caused by there not being enough of something or something isn't working as well as it needs to.
The Middle Jiao is another way of saying Middle Burner, aka Middle Heater. The Triple Heater, aka Triple Burner, aka Tripple Jiao, is a special Organ in TCM that the Chinese admit has no form, only function. (Collections of functions in TCM are more important than form.) There are different aspects to the Triple Heater. One of these is that the Upper Burner refers to the Lungs and Heart, the Middle Burner refers to the Stomach, Spleen, and Liver, and the Lower Burner refers the Kidneys and Bladder. When reading this table think "Stomach/ Spleen" when you see the word "Middle Jiao".
This table concentrates on different TCM Roots that can manifest with pain. Some of them also can manifest with reflux. In addition a TCM healer would consider the possibility of Liver Invading Stomach and Stomach Qi Rebelling.
Each meridian has a proper direction of flow of Qi (also spelled Ch'i, prounounced chee). Stomach Qi is supposed to descend. When it rises instead, this is called Rebellious Qi, and this is classified as an Excess condition. When Stomach Qi Rebels, some of the possible symptoms are nausea, vomiting, belching, and acid reflux.
BTW, the proper direction of Qi flow for the Spleen is ascending. When Spleen Qi descends instead, this is called Spleen Qi Sinking, and possible symptoms include prolapse of organs. Spleen Qi Sinking is classified as a Deficiency condition.
If Spleen Qi is Rebelling, the next question is "Why?". Is the Liver Invading the Stomach, is the Stomach being invaded because it's weak, is the Stomach too Cold, is there Food Stagnation, etc.?
Sometimes acid reflux has nothing to do with anything TCM. For example, if you're taking supplements in capsule form, sometimes some of the supposedly inert ingredients can cause acid reflux.
Not all acupunturists are versed in TCM or versed very well in it. Did this acupunturist do a tongue diagnosis, a pulse diagnosis, and ask you a lot of questions? If so, do you know the TCM diagnosis.
Sometimes acupuncture works best for certain things, sometimes TCM herbalism works best, and sometimes something else or a combination works best. I couldn't find any info on which is considered the best treatments for reflux.
I do know that acupressure can work on at least some cases of acid reflux. You can do acupressure on yourself, and it's free. Acupuncture generally works quicker and acts more strongly than acupressure, but this doesn't mean that acupressure isn't powerful. Let me do some research on possible acupoints that may help.
In addition, Qi Gong exercises frequently can help Qi movement problems, if this is a case of Stagnant or Rebellious Qi.
Sometimes injuries and spinal misalignment can trigger reflux, and a chiropractor can best handle the problem.
Sometimes people think they're too acid, take too many antiacids when in reality they're too alkaline, and this can trigger reflux.
Sometimes acid reflux will accompany the conditions in which epigastic pain is experienced when the stomach is empty.
Do you have any breathing problems?
Judy
In Reply to: Re: Learning TCM posted by Sonja on July 23, 2001 at 10:52:01:
Thank you.
I sort of got primed for TCM by 20 years of CFIDS. For 19 of those years I didn't know what I had. I came down with CFIDS 10 years before the outbreak in Incline Village, NV first began to bring what is known as CFS or CFIDS to the attention of the medical establishment and the public. Talk about operating in the dark!
Anyway, I got forced into discarding the existing Western allopahtic medical paradigm of zap it with an anti-drug or cut it out with surgery. And what I gradually discovered through those years later would dovetail with TCM and make it easier for me to accept a very different view of healing. By the time I discovered TCM, many of the underlying concepts weren't that alien. Things like restoring balance and strengthening the body to be able to fight off what was ailing me.
The thing that gets me the most is that even though no one knew what CFIDS (CFS) was back in the 70's, what I had could have been treated very successfully back then because a TCM healer would have recognized the TCM syndromes, and there are treatments for them. One of the things that really impressed me was that so many of my worst symptoms - symptoms that left Western doctors shaking their heads - were spelled out in TCM. It was like, "Oh, that's no mystery, that's Kidney Yang Deficiency." (Kidney Yang Deficiency is not the only Root underlying CFIDS. There almost always is Kidney, Spleen, Liver, and Heart imbalance plus other systems may be affected. Kidney Yang Deficiency just happened to be my most severe problem, and so many problems started clearing up once it started to be addressed.)
Judy
In Reply to: Learning TCM posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 10:00:29:
tcm is good in some areas,and it defenitly depends on what school the practicioner is. tcm is lacking in diagnoses at times,yes,many times, the tongue diagnoses is wrong,also tcm here in america,is not nearly as good as in china. learning the five elements,and their corresponding organs is an easy way to start to understand. ts a good system of health,i start school soon, but it is lacking when it comes to leaky gut,and parasite diagnoses,etc. yeast is often underplayed also..
In Reply to: Acid reflux posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 14:11:14:
there is a chool of tcmthat is called accupunctiure physical medecine, where the do myofascial release and accupuuncture,for reflux
In Reply to: Acid reflux posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 14:11:14:
Judy, in response to your questions/comments:
I didn't start taking supplements until after I got acid reflux, so that eliminates that concern. The acupuncturist I saw always checked my tongue and pulse, but seldom asked questions. He was new to the states and was very difficult to understand. I was told by others that he was famous for acupuncture in China, but have no idea if that was true. Currently, I'm seeing Doc Kim (a chiropractor), who says my problems, at least in part, are due to being hypoglycemic, which is definitely true. I never took many antacids, as they didn't do anything for me, but certainly my diet was not very good (way too many refined carbs). I've been on a whole foods diet for about a year (but I've done my fair share of cheating). Any yes, shortness of breath is my most disturbing symptom, along with sinus pressure and the feeling of reflux, but I also am getting what I believe are mild panic attacks. There's no doubt in my mind, as Dr. Stoll has said, that acid reflux is stress induced. But meditation, whole foods, and exercise has not been enough to overcome it. I'm not sure I'm willing to give any more money to an acupuncturist. Still, I appreciate your help and would be interested in the acupressure points. I'm thinking of trying biofeedback next.
Thanks,
Jim
In Reply to: Re: Acid reflux posted by Jim on July 23, 2001 at 17:37:36:
Is it harder to inhale than exhale? Does it feel like your diaphragm is stiff and won't move like it should when you try to breathe in?
Are the breathing problems worse when you lie down or about the same when prone as when upright?
The hypoglycemia suggests a possible Kidney link, but I need to know if it's harder to inhale than exhale.
The sinus congestion is External attack by a Pernicious Evil. Does it tend to get worse before, during, or immediately after changes in weather? Wind? Cold? Dampness? Heat? Dryness? Also consider artificial weather conditions like air conditioning, sitting in front of a fan, etc.
When someone is getting a lot of sinus congestion, that suggests weak Protective Qi. The next question is, "Why is the Protective Qi Deficient? Lung Deficiency? Blood Stasis? Long-term Kidney Yang Deficiency? Astragalus root is excellent for increasing Protective Qi.
When people have breathing problems, they tend to feel anxious. In fact, an allergy nurse taught me that one thing she looks for when people come into the allergy clinic is do they appear anxious. If they do, she knows they probably are having breathing problems and will move them up for an appointment.
Hypogylcemia also can do its fair share to make one feel anxious. (Can you tell I've been there, experienced that?) Also, I remember reading years ago that all asthmatics are hypogylcemic though not all hypoglycemics are asthmatic.
Magnesium deficiency plays a big role in many breathing problems. I discovered this by accident. One night, right before my period (part of my PMS was breathing problems), I was having leg cramps. I knew to take calcium for that. The only Ca supplement we had in the house was combination Ca & Mg. I took some. I wasn't surprised when the leg cramps stopped, but I sure was when my breathing eased. I checked that out a few times and reported it to my doctor. He said he was not surprised as IV Mg can break the worst asthma attack that prescription drugs can't help. His mother has asthma, so it's an subject of special interest for him. Since he is a DO he also gave me the adjustments that eased the breathing problems. (And the adjustment to the neck that opens up the sinuses. He was a very popular fellow during allergy season among a lot of people.)
Mg deficiency can be related to the feeling that the diaphragm is locked up. If you are having this problem, there also are some acupoints which can help.
Anyway, here's some acupoints for now for the anxiety. Gently press or massage the center of your breast bone. This is acupoint Conception Vessel 17, aka the Sea of Tranquility. If this point is sore, you definitely need to work it.
Another good point is Governor Vessel 24.5, aka the Third Eye Point. You can hold CV17 and GV 24.5 at the same time.
Heart 7, aka Spirit Gate, also is good. It's on the wrist on the inside of the forearm on a line with the small finger.
There are some others. There is a chapter on Anxiety and Nervousness in the book Acupressure's Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach.
Have you ever tried Pericardium 6, aka Inner Gate, for nausea. Nausea and reflux often have the same Root. And, this is another of the points recommended for anxiety. It's on the inside of the forearm about 2 and 1/2 finger widths up from the wrist crease, between the two bones.
I don't know the answer to the breathing questions yet, but this is one you may want to try. Find the hollow beneath the collar bones rights before they connect to the breast bone. They will curve up slightly before dipping down to the breast bone. There is an indentation immediately below them. Press gently on both sides for a few seconds. Let me know if this relieves the breathing some. This is one to try if there is a feeling of tightness in the chest like the diaphragm won't move and it's harder to inhale than exhale.
All acupoints of the main 12 meridians are bilateral, on the right and on the left side of the body. The points on the Conception and Governor Vessels are unilateral on the midlines of the front (Conception) and back (and over the head to a point just above the lip - Governor).
There is an acupressure.com website with chapters from this book, and some of these points may be on there. It's best when one can see pictures and diagrams, and Acupressure's Potent Points have some very good pictures, diagrams, and written instructions.
Judy
In Reply to: Breathing (for Jim) posted by Judy on July 23, 2001 at 19:14:50:
Hi Judy,
Some interesting questions, but hard to answer some of them. It is definitely harder to inhale. I've never experienced any problems exhaling except that sometimes, when I have a long exhale, I can feel myself getting anxious to complete the exhale so that I can hurry up and inhale. The breathing problems come and go. There have been many times when I thought I had this beat through meditation and whole foods, but it always comes back. Lately it has been pretty bad again, and I don't know why. It doesn't feel as if the diaphragm is stiff -- more like my esophagus is filled with polluted gas that the air has to filter through. I'm not sure how else to explain it. I can get it both laying down or sitting, but usually get some relief while standing (there are times, especially while falling asleep, or even during a meditation, that I actually get startled awake because I feel as if I had stopped breathing - this use to happen to me a lot. I went a long time without it happening, but lately it's come back).
I haven't been able to tell when the sinus pressure is worse. It feels as if this is an extension of the breathing problem. It does seem as if it might be worse when the weather is hot and humid (I was definitely better this past winter than I am now). I also live in an apartment which has one air conditioner in the living room, which has to cool the entire apartment. It's a pretty powerful A/C unit and blows harder than most (and of course, I'm sitting in the living room all the time, about five feet from it - so you caught my attention with that one). My apartment gets really hot whenever the sun is out, even if it's cool outside, so the A/C gets used alot. Hmmm.
Regarding allergies and hypoglycemia, I've never been allergic to anything, but now I'm not so sure. Last week I had a really bad night after having eaten a bunch of blueberries. Doc Kim muscle tested me for blueberries and I showed a very negative reaction to them. I'm not sure what to make of this. He kind of blew my mind when he did that test. If that test is accurate and I'm allergic to blueberries, then I'm sure it's not the only thing I'm allergic to.
As far as I know I'm not asthmatic, but several of my siblings are (my older brother died from asthma a couple of years ago), and I have two other siblings that are asthmatic and hypoglycemic (but they don't have reflux problems).