Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic diseases. In addition to antihypertensive medications, adopting a regular and healthy lifestyle, along with traditional Chinese medicine treatment, may have beneficial effects on blood pressure control and symptom improvement. Here are ten Chinese herbal teas that may assist in lowering blood pressure:
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Chrysanthemum Tea:
Chrysanthemum tea can be prepared by combining chrysanthemum with honeysuckle and licorice, which have liver-cleansing, vision-clearing, heat-clearing, and detoxifying properties. It is recommended to use sweet chrysanthemum, preferably the large white chrysanthemum produced in Suzhou and Hangzhou China. Use approximately 3 grams per serving and consume a few times daily.
Hawthorn Tea:
Hawthorn contains components that aid digestion, dilate blood vessels, lower blood sugar, and reduce blood pressure. Hawthorn tea may have some auxiliary therapeutic effects for hypertension. Use 1-2 fresh hawthorn fruits or dried hawthorn slices to brew the tea, 2~3 times daily.
Pagoda Flower Tea:
Pagoda tree flower tea possesses properties such as blood vessel constriction, and may have therapeutic effect on hypertension. After drying the pagoda tree flowers, steep them in boiling water to make the tea. You can have a few times per day.
Lotus Leaf Tea:
The infusion and decoction of lotus leaves have the effects of blood vessel dilation, heat-clearing, and blood pressure reduction. Additionally, lotus leaf is beneficial for weight loss and fat reduction. Use half a fresh lotus leaf, wash it, cut it into small pieces, boil it with an appropriate amount of water, and consume as tea. Alternatively, you can use dry lotus leaves in hot water to make a tea.
Polygonum Multiflorum Tea:
Prepared Polygonum Multiflorum has the effect of reducing blood lipids and preventing blood clot formation. For individuals with elevated blood lipids, regular consumption of Polygonum Multiflorum tea shows some therapeutic effects. Take 5-10 grams of prepared Polygonum Multiflorum, boil it in water for 30 minutes, and drink it as tea.
Kudzu Root Tea:
Kudzu root improves cerebral blood circulation and provides relief for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and lower back pain caused by hypertension. Wash and slice 30 grams of kudzu root, boil it in water, and consume it as tea.
Lotus Plumule Tea:
Lotus plumule refers to the green sprout/embryo inside the lotus seed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it has a bitter taste, a cooling nature, and possesses certain blood pressure-lowering effects. It also has the benefits of heat-clearing, calming the mind, and strengthening the heart. Use 12 grams of lotus seed heart, steep it in hot water, and consume it as tea.
Cassia Seed Tea:
Cassia seed has the effects of lowering blood pressure, reducing blood lipids, cleansing the liver and benefit vision. Use 15-20 grams of cassia seeds to make tea by steeping them in water. Consume a times daily.
Mulberry Mistletoe Tea:
Mulberry mistletoe is an important herb for nourishing the kidney in Chinese medicine. Brew mulberry mistletoe as a tea to provide significant auxiliary therapeutic effects for hypertension. Take 15 grams of dried mulberry mistletoe, boil it for 15 minutes, and consume it as tea. You can have the tea a few time per day.
Corn Silk Tea:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine Corn silk has been used for diarrhoea, diuresis and some stomach issues. It also has some blood pressure-lowering effects. Use 25-30 grams per serving to make tea. 2~3 times daily.
For patients with hypertension, Chinese herbal tea may provide complementary therapeutic benefits in conjunction with your conventional medical treatment. In general, it is easier to use a single herb for tea brewing. For specific treatment needs or conditions, we recommend see a fully qualified Chinese medicine practitioner for herbal combinations. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasis on individualised treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Your TCM practitioners aim to address the unique patterns of disharmony within your body and provide tailored herbal remedies for the specific imbalances.
Saturday last week (5th July 2023) American actress Sandra Bullock’s partner Bryan Randall passed away at 57. He battled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) privately for 3 years.
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What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. ALS primarily involves the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to their degeneration and eventual death. As these neurons die, the brain loses the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, eventually, respiratory failure.
Main Symptoms of ALS
Muscle weakness: Initial symptoms often include weakness in the limbs, which may affect the ability to walk, grasp objects, speak, or swallow.
Muscle cramps and twitching: Individuals with ALS may experience muscle cramps and fasciculations (muscle twitching).
Difficulty speaking and swallowing: As the disease progresses, speech and swallowing become challenging.
Muscle atrophy: Affected muscles begin to shrink due to the lack of nerve stimulation.
Difficulty breathing: In later stages, respiratory muscles become affected, leading to breathing difficulties.
Causes
The exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, ALS can be linked to specific genetic mutations. However, the majority of cases appear to be sporadic with no clear genetic inheritance pattern.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ALS can be complex and involves ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. The process usually includes a thorough neurological examination, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, MRI scans, and blood tests. A diagnosis of ALS is typically made based on clinical observations and the exclusion of other possible causes.
Treatment
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there is no cure for ALS, and treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life. Medications, such as riluzole and edaravone, may help slow disease progression and provide some symptom relief. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can assist in maintaining mobility and communication. Devices like ventilators may be used to support breathing in later stages of the disease.
ALS and Traditional Chinese medicine
There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may provide some symptom relief for individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It’s important to note that TCM is a holistic system that aims to restore balance and harmony within the body, and individual responses to TCM treatments can vary.
Some of the ALS symptoms that TCM may potentially address include:
Muscle Cramps and Twitching: Certain herbal remedies and acupuncture may help alleviate muscle cramps and fasciculations.
Pain: TCM treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicines, have been used traditionally to manage pain associated with various conditions, including neurological disorders like ALS.
Stress and Anxiety: TCM practices, such as acupuncture and meditation techniques, may help reduce stress and anxiety levels, providing some relief to individuals with ALS who may experience emotional distress.
Improving General Well-Being: TCM treatments often focus on supporting the overall well-being of an individual, which may contribute to an improved sense of quality of life.
It is essential to understand that TCM should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based medical treatments for ALS. ALS is a severe and progressive neurological disorder, and while TCM practices may offer some symptomatic relief or complementary support, there is no cure for the disease through TCM alone.
If someone with ALS is interested in exploring TCM or other complementary therapies, it is crucial that they consult with their healthcare team, including a qualified TCM practitioner, to ensure that these treatments are safe and do not interfere with any existing medical interventions.
Since research and medical knowledge are continuously evolving, it is advisable to consult updated sources and medical professionals for the most recent information regarding ALS treatments and complementary therapies.
How to choose TCM for ALS
When considering the use of Chinese herbal tea as a complementary approach for managing ALS symptoms, it’s crucial to work with a qualified and experienced TCM practitioner. They will take into account the individual’s overall health, specific symptoms, constitution, and any other relevant factors before recommending specific herbs or herbal formulas.
Here are some points to keep in mind:
Consultation with a TCM Practitioner
A TCM practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the pattern of disharmony or syndrome that best matches the individual’s condition. This involves examining symptoms, pulse, tongue appearance, and other diagnostic methods.
Herb Selection and Formula Creation
Based on the assessment, the TCM practitioner will select appropriate herbs and create a herbal formula tailored to the individual’s needs. The formula may consist of multiple herbs that work synergistically to address specific imbalances.
Quality and Safety
It’s crucial to use high-quality herbs from reputable sources to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Working with a qualified TCM practitioner helps ensure that the herbs are properly sourced and prepared.
Monitoring and Adjustment
TCM treatments are often adjusted over time as the individual’s condition changes. Regular follow-ups with the TCM practitioner are important to assess progress and make any necessary modifications to the treatment plan.
Integration with Conventional Care
TCM should not replace conventional medical treatments for ALS. It can be considered a complementary approach to help manage symptoms and improve well-being alongside standard medical care.
Communication with Medical Team
It’s important for individuals with ALS to maintain open communication between their TCM practitioner and their medical doctors. This ensures that all healthcare providers are aware of the treatments being pursued and can collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
Reference
Significant Neurological Improvement in Two Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis After 4 Weeks of Treatment with Acupuncture Injection Point Therapy Using Enercel
Author links open overlay panelShan Liang 1, David Christner 2, Stephanie Du Laux 2, Dariel Laurent. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. Volume 4, Issue 4, December 2011, Pages 257-261
Erik K Koda, Acupuncture for Managing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Med Acupunct 2021 Feb 1;33(1):103-106. doi: 10.1089/acu.2020.1474. Epub 2021 Feb 16.
Poovadan Sudhakaran, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Acupuncture Approach, Med Acupunct. 2017 Oct 1; 29(5): 260–268.
Mudan Cai , Eun Jin Yang, Complementary and alternative medicine for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A narrative review. Integr Med Res. 2019 Dec;8(4):234-239
Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023 Jul 12. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1.
For centuries, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been trusted remedies for infertility. Today, they’re gaining recognition as adjunctive therapies alongside IVF treatments.
New Study
A recent study published in a leading scientific journal (the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics) has highlighted the positive effects of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The comprehensive review and meta-analysis, conducted by researchers Menghao Xu, Mengdi Zhu, and Cuihong Zheng, analyzed data from 25 trials involving a total of 4,757 participants.
Research Objective
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. The researchers performed a meticulous search of various digital databases, including Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. They also reviewed the reference lists of relevant documents to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, the included studies underwent a rigorous assessment for biases based on established guidelines.
Key Findings
The analysis revealed promising outcomes. Acupuncture groups showed significantly higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared to control groups. The pooled data highlighted a clear advantage: acupuncture groups achieved a 43.6% clinical pregnancy rate and a 38.0% live birth rate, compared to 33.2% and 28.7% respectively in control groups.
Implications
Different acupuncture methods, timing of sessions, and treatment frequency positively influenced IVF outcomes. These findings underscore acupuncture’s potential to enhance IVF success and its validity as a complementary therapy.
“These findings suggest that acupuncture can play a significant role in improving pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing IVF,” explained the researchers. They also noted that placebo acupuncture was identified as a viable control measure, ensuring the validity of future studies.
Almond Wellness Centre Approaches
Dr Zeng in the IVF clinic
In light of these findings, Almond Wellness Centre, as the premier acupuncture Chinese medicine clinic in Fertility IVF acupuncture in Melbourne, places a strong emphasis on integrating of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with infertility treatments. With almost 30 years of experience, the clinic offers acupuncture Chinese medicine for IVF support. The clinic director Dr. Richard Zeng, expressed pride in their ongoing commitment to integrating acupuncture, electroacupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, which consistently yield positive results in supporting IVF.
Take Action
Ready to explore acupuncture’s benefits in your IVF journey? Contact our experienced team or visit our Coburg or Ringwood clinics. Together, we can improve your IVF outcomes and bring you closer to parenthood.
Pull quote
“According to the researchers, these findings suggest that acupuncture can play a significant role in improving pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing IVF. Moreover, placebo acupuncture was identified as a viable control measure.”
Keywords
Acupuncture, Assisted reproductive technology, In vitro fertilisation,IVF, Pregnancy rate.
Reference
Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023 Jul 12. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1.
Cupping therapy, an ancient healing technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has gained popularity in recent years as a natural and holistic treatment option. Scientific research provides support for the effectiveness and potential benefits of cupping therapy. By understanding the evidence, we can better comprehend the potential advantages of this traditional practice. Here are the 3 major benefits of cupping therapies:
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1. Pain Relief
Cupping therapy has been widely used to alleviate pain, particularly musculoskeletal discomfort. Several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life:
A systematic review published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2019 analysed 26 clinical trials and concluded that cupping therapy showed significant pain reduction in conditions such as neck pain, low back pain, and knee osteoarthritis[^1].
Another study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2011 examined the effects of cupping on chronic neck pain. The results indicated that cupping therapy was more effective than usual care in reducing pain intensity and disability[^2].
2. Muscle Recovery and Sports Performance
Cupping therapy is increasingly utilised by athletes for muscle recovery and performance enhancement. While research in this area is limited, some studies have suggested positive effects:
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2012 investigated the effects of cupping on range of motion and muscle activation. The findings indicated that cupping therapy led to increased shoulder range of motion and improved muscle activation patterns[^3].
In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014, researchers examined the effects of cupping therapy on athletes’ performance and recovery. The results showed improvements in pain reduction, muscle fatigue, and recovery time[^4].
3. Stress Reduction and Psychological Well-being
Cupping therapy is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Although more research is needed in this area, some studies have reported positive psychological outcomes:
A randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017 investigated the effects of cupping therapy on anxiety and depression. The study found that cupping therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores compared to a control group[^5].
A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2018 analysed six studies on cupping therapy’s effects on psychological well-being. The review suggested that cupping therapy had a positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving overall psychological health[^6].
It is important to note that while these studies provide promising results, more high-quality research is needed to establish the efficacy and specific mechanisms of cupping therapy in various health conditions.
Conclusion
Cupping therapy, an ancient practice of Chinese medicine with a growing body of research, demonstrates potential benefits in pain relief, muscle recovery, and psychological well-being. Scientific studies have indicated positive outcomes in these areas. However, further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of cupping therapy.
1. Cao H, Zhu C, Liu J. Wet Cupping Therapy for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2019;25(4):325-336.
2. Lauche R, Cramer H, Choi KE, et al. The influence of a series of five dry cupping treatments on pain and mechanical thresholds in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain – a randomised controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:63.
3. Arslan M, Çakmakçı E, Ekinci G, et al. The Effects of Cupping Massage on Shoulder Range of Motion and Adhesive Capsulitis in Male Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(8):799-805.
4. Bridgett R, Kloseck M, Overend T, et al. Acupuncture and dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pain. 2014;18(7):939-959.
5. Chen XH, Yu F, Wang SC, et al. Cupping therapy for anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2017;37(3):324-328.
6. Liu X, Ma J, Wu J, et al. The effects of cupping therapy on depression, anxiety and psychological well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:271-278.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the morning is considered a time of Yang energy rising. TCM emphasises the concept of “Harmony between Heaven and Human,” which means that human beings are interconnected with the natural environment, and our energy and health are influenced by the changes in nature.
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Yang Energy raises in the morning
In the morning, as the sun rises and illuminates the world, it symbolizes the ascending Yang energy. This natural transition is believed to affect the human body and its energy patterns. Engaging in exercises during this time can align with the rising Yang energy and help enhance the body’s vitality and energy levels for the entire day.
Set the tone of the day
TCM views the morning as a crucial period for setting the tone of the day. By actively participating in exercises, you can tap into the abundant Yang energy, invigorate your body, and promote the circulation of Qi (vital energy) and blood. This can help awaken your senses, improve mental alertness, and provide a boost of energy, allowing you to start the day with a positive and proactive mindset.
Common exercises and beyond
Walking power walking, jogging or any activities that can help you warm up. And other things can help “Raise your Yang”, including hot showers, warm food or drinks, including coffee.
It is important to note that TCM’s understanding of energy and its relationship with nature is a holistic approach. It takes into account not only physical aspects but also mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, incorporating morning exercises as part of your daily routine can contribute to balancing and harmonising your overall energy, promoting a healthier and more energised state throughout the day.
