Archive for September, 2009

Immune Boosting

There is a Chinese herbal formula that has been in use for 1000 years to boost the immune system and to increase energy. It is also used today in cancer patients for its antitumor and antimetastatic effects as well its radioprotective effects with no adverse effects.

The formula is: Shi Quan Da Bu Tang or the Ten Complete (All Inclusive) great Healing Formula.

Ask your practitioner about it!

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The days are getting shorter. Autumn is here and soon, winter will be upon us. Many of us who work long hours in office buildings will leave for work before the sun come comes up and go home after the sun goes down. We may not see any sunlight for weeks or even months on end.

During this time, if you experience some of these symptoms: fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities, social withdrawal, craving for foods high in carbohydrates, weight gain, then you may not have a simple case of the “winter blues”. You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a type of mood disorder that happens at a similar time every year. Symptoms start in the autumn and can continue through the winter. What causes SAD is still debated. Western Medicine treatment includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and antidepressants.

So, how can acupuncture help with SAD? Acupuncture releases serotonin and noradrenaline-norepinephrine which are common stimulants used in the treatment of SAD. Recent studies indicate that electro-acupuncture may be a viable alternative to the use of antidepressants. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the hypothalamus in the brain which controls circadian rhythms and hunger.

Heath Care Reform and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Thanks for everyone’s support! My goal is to advance the profession of TCM by promoting awareness and visibility. As a result, the public will benefit by learning of a good alternative or complement for their healthcare. The president’s push for healthcare reform has heightened the public’s sensitivity to all matters concerning their health, thus making them more receptive to the subject of TCM. In the long run, TCM practitioner and layman both benefit.

I thank Dr. Oz for being a great champion of Energy Medicine. His support of acupuncture has helped the profession immensely. I thank Ms. Oprah Winfrey not only for allowing me to introduce acupuncture to her viewers but also for producing Dr. Oz’s new show. It will educate and entertain millions of people and motivate them to live healthier and happier lives.

Flu Season: Herbal Medicines Can Help

People in China almost universally take these herbs every cold and flu season.

Viruses cause the cold and flu. Here are three of my favorite top antiviral/antibacterial herbs used in Chinese Medicine:

  1. Ban Lan Gen (Radix isatidis baphicacanthi).  A top antiviral and immunostimulatory herb(1)(2) (3). It is also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antinociceptive and antiendotoxic activities(4)(5).
  2. Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis). Widely known for its anti-cancer activity(6)(7), its active ingredient baicalin also exhibits anticonvulsive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity(8) (9).
  3. Da Qing Ye (Isatidis baphicacanthi) Studies indicate that Isatidis has antiendotoxic, antimicrobial, antiviral (10) (1) and immunostimulatory properties (3).

References:

  1. Wang T, et al. Evaluation on antiendotoxic action and antiviral action in vitro of tetraploid Isatis indigotica. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2000;25:327-9.
  2. Hoessel R, et al. Indirubin, the active constituent of a Chinese antileukaemia medicine, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases. Nat Cell Biol 1999;1:60-7.
  3. Xu YM, Lu PC. Experimental studies on immunostimulatory effects of the Isatis indigotica polysaccharide. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1991;11:357-9, 325-6.
  4. Hocking G. A Dictionary of Natural Products. Medford (NJ): Plexus Publishing Inc; 1997.
  5. Ho Y, Chang Y. Studies on the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root. Phytomedicine 2002;9:419-24.
  6. Bonham M, Posakony J, Coleman I, Montgomery B, Simon J, Nelson PS. Characterization of chemical constituents in Scutellaria baicalensis with antiandrogenic and growth-inhibitory activities toward prostate carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2005;11(10):3905-14.
  7. Chang WH, Chen CH, Lu, FJ. Different effects of baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin on mitochondrial function, glutathione content and cell cycle progression in human hepatoma cell lines. Planta Medica 2002;68:128-32.
  8. Ueda S, Nakamura H, Masutani H, et al. Baicalin induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway as prooxidant. Molecular Immunology 2002;38:781-91.
  9. Anticonvulsant effect of wogonin isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis. Eur J Pharmacol. Nov 28 2007;574(2-3):112-119.
  10. Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Ed. Seattle: Eastland Press; 1993.

Watch Dr. Hsu on the Dr. Oz Show on Tuesday, September 22

I will appear on the Dr. Oz Show on Tuesday, September 22. I will be performing acupuncture on a random audience member!

Check your local listings or go to http://www.doctoroz.com/sites/default/files/oz_wheretowatch.pdf

Welcome to Dr. Daniel Hsu’s blog!

Hello everyone! I have finally entered the blogosphere!

Please visit this blog frequently or subscribe to the newsfeeds.

Here you will find my secrets to balancing your mind, body and spirit for a healthier, happier life! 

I am going to show you how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used in your everyday lives: Acupressure that can be done at home or in the office to relieve common ailments; herbal medicinals that can be used as snacks or in cooking for nutritious and healthy meals; simple Qi Gong and Tai Chi techniques to help you feel energized and strong!

And I will also answer all of your burning TCM questions! 

So, what are you waiting for! Ask away!

Dr. Hsu