The theory of Chinese medicine revolves around the philosophical concept of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang is a long held  Chinese idea of living in harmony with nature and having opposing balance, even going so far as to correspond with the four seasons and the 24 hour cycle of 4 time zones throughout the day – sunrise, noon, sunset, and evening. Everything in the universe is divided into two parts, the Yin and Yang: darkness versus light, feminine versus masculine, rest versus activity, north versus south, and right versus left, cold versus hot.
However, when it comes to Chinese medicine specifically, in terms of physiological functions, Yin and Yang can be split into form versus energy, contraction versus expansion, below versus above, and growing versus generating. This definition of Yin and Yang is very important in Chinese medicine, because it can help a skilled practitioner determine where an imbalance of chi – or, a persons life force -  is, and how such an imbalance of chi can be fixed. For example, Chinese medicine teaches that Yin places of the body consist of the front of the body as well as the inner and solid organs like the liver and kidney, while Yang places of the body consist of the back of the body as well as the exterior and hollow organs like the stomach or intestine. If one were to have stomach cramps, for example, that would be an imbalance of Yang – thus, Chinese medicine dictates that it can be balanced out by treatment of giving a person more Yin by making a traditional herbal prescription. In a more simplified example of Chinese medicine at work, if a person is cold – a Yin sign – then such an ailment can be cured with heat – a Yang sign. However, because there are so many aspects of Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine, it takes a professional to help determine how to keep ones body balanced properly if there is an imbalance within.

There are a wide variety of different Chinese medicine methods used around the world to help treat an imbalance of chi, or life force, in a persons body. One of the most common forms of Chinese medicine would be acupuncture. This is a technique in which a skilled practitioner puts tiny, thread sized needles into a specific point – or points – on a persons body in order to help redirect and rebalance the body’s chi.
Another popular form of Chinese medicine would be the one most thought of as traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies. There are nearly 500 different types of herbs to mix and match in order to tailor specifically to a persons needs to regain balance of ones body and chi. An example of such a concoction would be a soup that serves as an immune system booster, a recipe which can easily be found online that generally consists of 10 grams of huang qi [astragalus] root, 10 grams of a dang shen [codonopsis] root, 10 grams of a shan yao [dioscorea] yam, and 10 grams of lotus seeds, boiled just like a person would make tea – the only difference being that this recipe allows for the addition of anything ranging from mushrooms to miso, and other vegetables. Other simple versions of this Chinese medicine include specially made teas assembled from different herbs used to help balance the body’s chi.
Other forms of Chinese medicine, perhaps not as well known, include things such as “cupping” and relaxation exercises. “Cupping” is a massage, where cups are placed on the body in places where chi is imbalanced; a match is lit and placed inside the cup, then removed as the cup is placed on the body. The hot air from the match caught within the cup creates a vacuum of suction, upon which the cups can be slid along the body for  reverse-pressure massages. The exercises of Chinese medicine are more well-known. Tai chi chuan, for example, has within the name the idea of rebalancing a body’s chi; yoga has also become a form of rebalancing ones chi.

Chinese medicine is a philosophy based off of how the human body works as a universe in itself. The basic concept of Chinese medicine consists of balance within the body and its interconnected systems, focusing on the flow of body fluids – chi. The internal and external philosophy is one based on how internal emotions can lead to an imbalance of chi, causing external symptoms to manifest and point out certain illnesses occurring within the body.
This idea in Chinese medicine believes the development of disease is based on emotional disturbance. Sorrow generally reduces chi, and affects the lungs by causing asthmatic symptoms like irregular breathing, as the lungs control respiratory reactions. Fear represses chi and effects the kidneys, and such imbalance can lead to anything from urinary problems to poor short-term memory, as the kidneys effect the bladder and are a key part in telling the body to distribute oxygen to the brain. Anger stimulates chi and affects the liver, an imbalance that causes irritability and headaches, as the liver produces the biochemical’s that help process food and nutrients. Brooding affects chi of the spleen by congealing it, causing digestive issues. Joy calms chi and affects the heart; and though joy may not seem like an emotion that would hinder the body with negative effects, Chinese medicine deems that too much of a good thing can lead to excess stress and an inability to stay restful.
These are the seven key emotions in Chinese medicine. Having an imbalance of emotions – anything from too much emotion to too little emotion – can cause negative effects on one’s chi, disrupting the body and causing disease or illness. Luckily, by understanding the symptoms listed, a skilled practitioner in Chinese medicine can figure out which part of the body is being affected by an imbalance of chi, and easily help rebalance the body.

For many people, it’s hard to imagine the pain that couples face when they’re dealing with infertility. Well-meaning family members and friends try to console them, if they’re aware of the problem. Infertility is a topic that’s somewhat taboo, reserved for hushed conversations with close friends. Ultimately, couples are left alone to deal with the monthly heartbreak of yet another negative pregnancy test.

Typically, it takes six months to a year of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant before a physician recommends that a couple undergo diagnostic tests. Fertility experts seem to agree that 40 percent of the time, the man has a medical issue that’s preventing pregnancy and 40 percent of the time, it’s the woman’s health problem. The remaining 20 percent of cases involve fertility concerns for both the man and woman. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more than seven million (nearly 12 percent) of women between the ages of 15 and 44 experience infertility.

There are a variety of medical procedures available to couples. Doctors may prescribe ovulation-enhancing drugs like Clomid or offer outpatient procedures like in utero insemination. More involved treatments like in vitro fertilization require multiple visits to the doctor, thousands of dollars in medication, and minor surgical procedures. Except in states where it’s illegal to do so, many insurance companies exclude fertility treatments and related prescriptions from coverage, leaving couples to bear the high costs themselves.

Before undertaking expensive procedures to get pregnant, many couples explore alternative treatments like acupuncture. Practitioners strategically place very thin needles into the patient’s body. This technique for bringing the body into balance has gained wide acceptance and popularity when it comes to treating infertility. In fact, many physicians who do in vitro fertilization strongly recommend that their patients get acupuncture treatments to compliment the procedure. Some infertile couples turn to naturopathy for help, a process that involves increased exercise, better nutrition, and improved emotional health. Massage is another popular treatment that can help some infertile couples. Alternative medicine can be an affordable source of healing and help for couples having problems getting pregnant.

The doctrine of century’s old, ancient wisdom held the belief that the body was made of energy, with nerves transmitting electrical currents throughout the spine and brain. From this frame of reference, Chinese doctors formed a distinctive medical system called Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, that diagnoses and cure illnesses.

At its core, TCM differs from traditional Western medicine in that it stems from a holistic interpretation of the world, as detailed in Daoism, with treatments based mainly on different syndromes—or misconstrued energies. So, while a Western doctor may treat an ailment with pain pills or surgery, Chinese doctors would prescribe something like Tai Chi in order to lessen the occurrence of the ailment by redirecting, or realigning, energy flows, thereby getting rid of the syndrome.

In essence, scientific diagnoses and subsequent treatments in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine are largely based on the theories known as the yin-yang and five elements. These theories relate natural marvels and the rules of nature to the teachings of physiological behaviors and pathological changes of the body, and its relationships that interrelate and continually interact.
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The most common therapies employed by TCM doctors are herbal medicine treatments, acupuncture, and exercises known as qigong. Commonly, these treatments are used together and compliment each other, working to aid different parts of the body in unique ways. Herbal medicine targets the internal organs and nourishes them, while qigong aims to restore an orderly flow of information inside the nervous system. Acupuncture is beneficial in that is stimulates specific areas of the outer body, easing tension and restoring calmness.

While these treatments are very different in how they are performed and what they do, they all have the same principal objective to heal the body and share insight into the nature of the body and how it interacts within the flow the energy of the universe.

Given the term ‘alternative medicine,’ TCM is becoming more popular in the United States and is practiced by millions, gaining acceptance, recognition, and a place within Western medicine.

Ancient Japanese remedies harboring the wisdom of ages have merged with modern technology to develop unique supplements that feature herbs used for centuries to promote health and well being. Rooted in sacred philosophy, and revered for their healing powers, the three herbs listed below provide nutrition, increase immunity, give total body cleansing and inspire invigoration and the cultivation of happiness and tranquility.

Eleuthero Root

Known as an "adaptogen," an extraordinary element offering a broad range of health benefits, the Eleuthero Root reduces the effects of stress on the body in a multitude of ways. Providing improvement in memory, increased endurance, and defense against radiological activity, the Eleuthero Root stimulates immune function and aids the body in total health.

Believed by scientists to help prevent "adrenal burnout" caused by ongoing physical or mental challenges, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory that decreases cortisol levels. In addition, it contains amazing chemoprotective qualities that protect healthy tissues from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs.

Albizzia Bark

Used worldwide by scientists and researchers alike, bark from the Albizzia plant is a soothing agent and herbal remedy used to alleviate emotional aliments and decrease stress. Known as "the herb of happiness," Albizzia Bark possesses natural ingredients that refresh the mind, calm the spirit, and restore a sense of tranquility and peace.

Dating back hundreds of years, and part of ancient traditions that celebrated the bark’s de-stressing abilities, Albizzia Bark is completely non-chemical and has been shown by researchers to contain antioxidants that encourage emotional well being.

Dimocarpus Longan

Used for centuries to nurture the health of the heart, this super-fruit revitalizes the blood, invigorates the spleen, and adds vibrant luster to the skin. A staple of the earliest holistic remedies known to man, Longan also treats stomach aches, insomnia, and has even been shown to help cure amnesia.

An essential energy-providing element, Longan enhances mood to invite a contented, happy mind, and supplies the body with stamina against physical strain and mental stress. Supporting the immune system and calming the nervous system, Longan truly does it all.

If you are seeking alternative health treatments and have an interest in Chinese medicine, consider the Reishi Mushroom and Lycium Berry, both of which contain incredible health benefits and invite tranquility, boost your body’s natural immunities, and harvest health and harmony.

Reishi Mushroom

Few things on this earth are as powerful and advantageous to your health as Reishi Mushrooms. Providing four-fold benefits that contribute to physical health, hearten happiness, promote longevity, and increase wisdom, this rare mushroom has achieved legendary status with its medicinal properties.

Believed by Taoists to be the elixir of youth, emperors and kings alike drank Reishi Mushroom teas to encourage a long life and achieve vitality. Containing strong antioxidant properties, these mushrooms boost immunity and act as a natural anti-inflammatory to treat many ailments associated with inflammation and neuralgia.
Because of the therapeutic effects of triterpenes and polysaccharides in Reishi Mushrooms, they increase blood flow and are beneficial for people with heart disease, Alzheimer’s and chronic, degenerative diseases that stem from inflammation.
Remarkably, Reishi Mushrooms are even believed to suppress the growth of tumors and are commonly used in cancer prevention. Incredibly enough, this exceptional mushroom is found in only two or three 10,000 year old trees; however it is available at certain health food stores and online.

Lycium Berry

Hailed as one of the most nutritionally complex foods there is, the Lycium Berry (also known as Goji) contains polysaccharides that provide abundant benefits to the body, including helping to regulate the immune system, protect the liver and kidneys from age-related stress, and improve insulin resistance caused by diabetes.

Used in Asia as an anti-aging tonic, the Lycium Berry is filled with vitamins and minerals, packing more vitamin C than an orange and more beta-carotene than a carrot.

Containing nine essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium, numerous B vitamins and Vitamin E, this little berry is full of healthy punch and gives you all the nutrients you will need.

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Zen philosophy is cultivated with a spirit of compassion and a deep sense of responsibility towards one’s self and all people, teaching that our capacity for growth is limitless, and that we can achieve body and mind wellness as one. An alternative health method for millions of people, Zen can help us along our given paths in life, allowing us to discover our full potential in time, recognizing that we can feel more alive, tranquil, and achieve self mastery both internally and externally.

There are many forms of Zen practices that have health benefits, including acupuncture, meditation, holistic diets, spa treatments, and alternative health products and supplements.

Zen acupuncture involves inserting and manipulating needles into precise points on the body in order to relieve pain or provide therapy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are located on meridians where vital energy flows.

Zen meditation can be a way to manage pain and relieve stress and depression by inviting calmness, stillness, and the control of one’s breathing—which benefits the body physically and emotionally.

A holistic diet is primarily low-carb, high-protein orientated with a focus on eating organic, fresh food, and of course, eating in moderation.

Zen spa treatments can include aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, facials, and traditional body scrubs and massages. All treatments aim to obtain full body relaxation, rejuvenation, and cleanse the body of toxins.

Alternative health products and supplements generally are comprised of herbs, roots, and plants that contain vitamins and minerals that work to harmonize the body’s natural defenses by way of nourishment and strengthening the immune system. Some of these supplements come in the form of teas and spices, and have been shown to be quite effective when treating certain ailments.

In adherence a central theme of Zen philosophy–to have a deep sense of responsibility toward yourself, conduct research to see which alternative medicine treatment is right for you. A wise place to start would be at a Zen center, where you can experience first hand a Zen lifestyle and acquire advice, compassion, and take a step towards your path in life.

Centuries ago, before modern medicine, the use of plants, roots, herbs, and flowers was critical in maintaining health and treating illnesses.  Over the course of hundreds of years, knowledge began to amass revealing the effectiveness of certain combinations of specific herbs. Today, many doctors in traditional, Western medicine believe that while modern medicine may produce a quick fix, it does not provide long term solutions and work in accordance with the body’s natural functions and energies. A movement toward alternative medicine and treatments is gaining momentum in modern medical field, reverting back to use of natural herbs and plants.

One natural treatment that is being employed is the use of Beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is considered the most powerful supplement available for overall immune function and plays a crucial role in the body in its ability to modulate the immune system. Equipped with healing properties, it is a powerful antagonist to both benign and malignant tumors, and activates the body’s natural immunological defenses.

Clinical studies conducted in Japan suggest Beta-glucan promotes innate immunity without over-stimulating the immune system (as many clinical drugs do) and reduces influenza-infected cells. It also has been proposed in recent studies that it increases NK cell activity, and has been demonstrated in laboratory studies to kill H1N1 and Bird Flu viruses. It has even been used to treat cancer, and has been proven in several clinical studies to shrink tumors, inhibit tumor growth, and stimulate the body’s natural ability to destroy a tumor. In fact, in Japan for the past twenty years extracts containing an assortment of different types of Beta-glucan have been used to effectively help cancer patients.

With such compelling advantages to the body’s first line of defense–the immune system, and pioneer in the cancer-fighting war, the potent Beta-glucan is a central and highly valued ingredient in any health supplement.