DAAN Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

Some good advice for skin care:

“As Chinese medicine becomes more popular in the U.S., we gain the benefit of their ancient skin care secrets: While Westerners run to the stores looking for the latest dry skin or anti-aging products, many of which contain harsh chemicals that actually exacerbate the situation, the Chinese generally use the same medicine they’ve been using for hundreds or thousands of years – medicines that address the internal problems so the skin can heal itself. Shielding lotion, a breakthrough in topical dry skin care treatment now recommended by thousands of doctors, follows along the same line in that it also allows the skin to heal itself, but knowing some of the Chinese remedies will also provide the internal boost you need.

A doctor who specializes in Chinese medicine heals skin problems by observing the skin’s specific characteristics, relating them to the health of the fluids – known as the ‘yin’ - and functions – known as the ‘yang’ - within the body. If the skin is dry and has fine lines, the yin is treated, if the skin is sallow, sagging and pale, the yang is treated.

One of the staples of Chinese medicine for dry skin care is the wolfberry – the fruit of two species of boxthorn. Wolfberries nourish and tone the fluids of the liver, kidneys and blood and although the name might not be familiar to us, the ingredients are: anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, linoleic acid, thiamine, beta-carotene, riboflavin and trace minerals. Wolfberry comes under several names: Chinese Wolfberry, Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Matrimony Vine and Goji Berry. The latter is the most common and is available in many health food stores in both liquid and dried forms.

Interestingly enough, other recommendations would include some of the same products considered beneficial by natural skin care aficionados in the West: plain yogurt, walnuts, cherries and aloe juice.

However, no matter how healthy you are on the inside, you also need a topical dry skin care treatment to protect you from the harsh, irritating chemicals and environmental conditions that cause most dry skin – which is where a shielding lotion comes in. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps moisture in and chemicals out. As with Chinese medicine, the skin can then heal itself.

I can’t guarantee that the Chinese approach to skin care explains why many Chinese look almost the same at 65 as they did at 25 but along with the shielding lotion for dry skin care and prevention, it will definitely help give us a more beautiful complexion.”

Daan carries a number of good skin care products, including:

Drula Soft Moisture Cream

Drula Special Intensive Cream

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin and Hair Cream

Perfect Balance Skin Wash

Tags: Women's Health by DAAN
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Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, can improve the immune system of older adults:

“Tai chi chih, the Westernized version of the 2,000-year-old Chinese martial art known for its slow movement and meditation, significantly boosts the immune system of older adults, according to a new UCLA study.

Tai chi specifically boosts the immune system against the virus known as shingles, which is a painful, blistery rash.

The 25-week study involved a group of 112 adults ranging in age from 59-86. The study showed that practicing tai chi chih by itself boosted the immune system to levels comparable to having received the standard varicella zoster virus which causes shingles.

When tai chi chih was combined with the vaccine, immunity reached a level normally seen for someone in middle age. The UCLA report currently appears online in the April issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

According to lead author Michael Irwin, the Norman Cousins Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, the results confirm a positive, virus-specific immune response to a behavioral intervention. It demonstrates that tai chi chih can produce a clinical boost in the immunity from shingles and increase the benefit of the shingles vaccine in older adults.

“These are exciting findings, because the positive results of this study also have implications for other infectious diseases, like influenza and pneumonia,” said Irwin, who is also director of the UCLA Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology. “Since older adults often show blunted protective responses to vaccines, this study suggests that tai chi is an approach that might complement and augment the efficacy of other vaccines, such as influenza.”

The study worked by dividing individuals into two groups. Half took tai chi chih classes three time a week for 16 weeks. The other half attended health education classes which included advice on stress management, diet, and sleep habits. They did not practice tai chi chih.

After 16 weeks both groups received a dose of the shingles vaccine Varivax. At the end of the 25-week period, the tai chi chih group achieved a level of immunity two times higher than the other group.

The research follows the success of an earlier study that showed a positive immune system boost from tai chi chih without being combined with the vaccine.”

Tags: Immune system by DAAN
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Pepsi has introduced Diet Pepsi MAX, which include ginseng:

“Pepsi-Cola North America announced plans to launch Diet Pepsi MAX, a new zero-calorie cola with extra caffeine and a touch of ginseng. This formulation is especially designed for adults to get them through the day. The product, which received high scores in consumer testing, hits stores nationwide in June.

Diet Pepsi MAX is for 25-34 year-old diet drinkers, as well as transitioners — those making the switch from regular colas to diets. According to the company, nearly 80% of adult consumers say that maintaining energy is a top priority and nearly 60% find that there’s not enough time in the day to do the things they need to do.

Available in 20-ounce bottles, two-liter bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, Diet Pepsi MAX will be sold at retail stores nationwide. It is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The national rollout will be supported by a full slate of advertising, marketing, and in-store activity. Diet Pepsi MAX joins Pepsi-Cola North America’s portfolio of 13 colas that includes caffeine-free, diet, and flavored versions. “

Tags: Ginseng by DAAN
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Studies show ginseng is good for overall sexual health:

“Dr Ismail was also there to reveal the positive results in sexual health he had recorded, over a six-week period, after evaluating the response of 50 male subjects to a herbal product containing Horny Goat Weed, ginseng, ginkgo, puncture vine, muira puama, withania and damiana.

In the tests, three internationally recognised Quality of Life (QOL) scores were used: Ageing Male Symptoms, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and Grade of Erection.

Substantial improvements were recorded on all three scores, regardless of the age of the subjects. In fact the first week of supplementation already produced results, which improved as the study went on.

Dr Ismail put it down to the adaptogen effect of the herbs in the supplement.

“Herbs are food forms that have to be taken every day for some time to see the changes taking place. These bring about positive changes, adapt into your system and improve your level of wellness. This food substance is adaptogen.

“The commonest adaptogen is ginseng, which gives a lot of goodness to your system. It has food functional properties and has been used to boost health. In the supplement for sexual health, most of the herbal extracts are associated with wellness.”

Two of the herbs in the supplement are withania and damiana. Withania acts as an adaptogen to fight the effects of stress. Damiana stimulates the natural desire for sex. “You feel more relaxed, as that part of the body becomes more intense and the drive increases. You are not taking drugs but food which changes something in your body.””

Tags: Ginseng by DAAN
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Acupuncture can relieve some pregnancy-related pain for some women:

“Acupuncture is effective at relieving pelvic pain during pregnancy, a study says.

Pelvic girdle pain is common among pregnant women with one in three affected suffering severe pain.

Researchers found acupuncture was better at easing the pain than standard and specialised exercising.

The team from Gothenburg`s Institute for the Health of Women and Children said the medical profession should be more open to using acupuncture.

Report co-author Helen Elden, a midwife at the institute, said according to BBC report: “The study shows that methods other than structured physiotherapy may be effective in treating pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy and that acupuncture represents an effective alternative.”

It [acupuncture] is good because it does not involve any drugs, which women have to be careful about taking during pregnancy And she added: “A combination of several methods is probably even better.”

The team studied the effect of three six-week treatment programmes on 386 pregnant women suffering from pelvic girdle pain, which it is thought is caused by hormones affecting ligaments and muscles.

One group were given a standard home exercise routine, a second received the exercise routine and acupuncture, while the third had a specialised exercise regime aimed at improving mobility and strength.

Pain levels were recorded every morning and evening and assessments were done by an independent examiner.

The women using acupuncture experienced the best results, followed by those who underwent the specialised exercise programme. “

Tags: Women's Health by DAAN
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Alternative medicine for pets is becoming more popular:

“A growing number of people who head to chiropractors or acupuncturists to get relief for their aches and pains are now considering the same holistic treatments for their pets.

While most veterinarians don’t recommend that traditional care be replaced with alternative medicine, many are making it part of their practice.

Pets Unlimited, one of the largest animal hospitals in San Francisco has just completed a special sanctuary for holistic medicine and gave “Good Morning America Weekend Edition” a tour.

The center has all the makings of a luxury spa, except the clientele is made up of pets.

The veterinarians at the new holistic center in San Francisco are using the latest in alternative medicine to treat their patients.

“People are using holistic medicine for themselves, and they love their animals as much as any other member of the family, so they want to extend it for the animals,” said Dr. Cheryl Schwartz, a holistic veterinarian.

Pets can receive acupuncture, as well as chiropractic care and Chinese herbs from an on-site pharmacy.

The center’s setting is specially designed to relax the animals and their owners. Instead of metal exam tables, benches mimic couches at home and pets can recline on area rugs, in front of framed shoji screens.

Even the wall colors have an effect.

“It’s a very calming room because it has the blue which simulates the reflection of the sky on the water, so it brings the energy down,” Schwartz said.

Murlene Randall arrived at the center after another vet recommended a medication with a dangerous side effect for her Shih Tzu, Bellina.

“They say it works, but it could you know, cut her life span, and I definitely didn’t want to do that,” Randall said. “I intend to have her forever. … I have noticed some positive change.”

Results on Jimmy the Pug were even more dramatic. A seizure paralyzed one side of Jimmy’s head so severely, he couldn’t even blink.

“We really did wonder that night, whether, you know, Jimmy was going to, how he was going to come through that,” said Jimmy’s owner, Ann Dey.”

Tags: Acupuncture by DAAN
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Vietnamese cuisine, like Chinese cuisine, uses lots of herbs and is an important part of a healthy diet:

“Feel drained of energy? Don’t drink that energy drink, said Trung Do, co-owner of Megan’s Noodle House.

Instead opt for a traditional Vietnamese soup to chase away the drain.

“It makes you feel much better,” Do said.

The Vietnamese don’t turn to medicine to cure their ailments, they treat them with herbs. The same herbs the restaurant uses in their Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.”

Tags: Food by DAAN
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Chinese medicine can help some people with the symptoms of MS:

“Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, generally striking during early adult years. Its most frequent symptoms include numbness, impaired vision, loss of balance, weakness, bladder dysfunction and psychological changes. While there is no cure for the disease, acupuncturists can offer significant help managing symptoms and side effects. In a 2002 survey of multiple sclerosis patients at the Rocky Mountain MS Center in Boulder, Colo., more than 50 percent of patients receiving acupuncture noted significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, muscle stiffness and numbness. Additionally, many noted improvement in walking problems, weakness and balance, while others saw positive changes in urinary and bowel problems.”

Tags: Disease by DAAN
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Some couples are finding success with using acupunture to treat infertility:

“The countdown has begun for “Jessica,” 40, and her husband. The couple is blissfully expecting their first offspring, twins, this June after several attempts at natural conception. When the old-fashioned method wasn’t working, they pursued invitro fertilization (IVF).

That wasn’t working either, so Jessica turned to acupuncture to nudge her into the family way.

“I was having problems getting pregnant,” she says. “My fertility doctor couldn’t find anything wrong. One day I woke up and decided to check out acupuncture. I did some research on the Internet, just read up what people had to say. I also have migraines, and I needed some help with that as well.”

Jessica made a visit to Hong Yan, an acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine specialist at Southcentre Chinese Acupuncture. After an extensive assessment and a customized treatment plan, the new mother-to-be said she noticed a difference.

“Hong was very good, very relaxing,” she says. “After two months of having pins stuck in you, I’d had enough of it, but I felt great afterwards. I think it woke my system up. Once we started the second IVF treatment, I got pregnant right away.”

Yan, who originally honed her skills in China as a physician, has been practicing acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for 13 years. While many people come to her for pain and stress relief or alleviation from chronic illnesses, she’s found the method has worked effectively for couples who want to conceive.

“Most want to try a natural process, and some of them are on waiting list for fertility clinic specialist,” she says. “Then some people have already tried IVF, didn’t succeed and they want something more natural.”

Yan says she immediately checks to see if there are any medical impediments to prevent a woman from getting pregnant. Then she helps them track their basal body temperature, which is commonly used the rhythm method. The evidence collected helps her determine where to apply the acupuncture needles as well as which herbs to prescribe.

“With every phase of a woman’s cycle, there are particular levels of hormones and temperatures,” she says. “I find what is wrong with the hormones I will try to add some new protocols with acupuncture and Chinese herbs to help regulate the temperatures.”"

Tags: Women's Health by DAAN
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A visit to a foot reflexology center in Malaysia:

” Last weekend, I tagged along with a colleague to get my feet massaged for the first time at Happy Feet Foot Reflexology centre.

The dimly lit room accommodated more than 20 reclining chairs and I took a corner seat next to my colleague.

The foot reflexologist assigned to massage my feet then came with warm towels and a tray of foot powder, lotion and oils.

My feet were cleaned with the warm towels before Fung Tow Lan wrapped my right foot with a towel and began spreading lotion on my left foot.

At first, I felt ticklish when the massaging lotion was evenly spread on my foot.

He then began rubbing the sole of my foot and when it came to certain points, it was extremely painful and Fung glanced at me and asked, “You have a sweet tooth, right?”

I could only nod in agreement as I thought of my fondness for cakes and pastries.

But how did he know?

He explained that there were certain formations on the foot soles, which can be felt when he massaged it that indicated the conditions of one’s health.

“We are not doctors but we are like messengers telling our customers which area of their body that they should pay more attention to,” said the 57-year-old.

Relaxed moments: I enjoy Fung’s attention on my feet, and he surprises me with revelations about my health.
He advised me on the dangers of diabetes and how I could prevent it at a young age.

The massage went on to my toes which he said I was a person who had enough sleep which he thought was a good sign.

I also did not tell Fung that I was down with flu but he managed to find out that my nose was giving me some problems and that I should take more fruits.

Besides that, Fung, who is a keen student of Chinese herbs, also gave advice on what herbs I could try. For instance, he recommended a cup of warm water with red dates as an excellent source of vitamin C. “

Tags: General by DAAN
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