Get Some Sleep: Using acupressure, yoga, tai chi – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

Research shows that therapies that are part of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Model can help create healthy sleep patterns.

For the full story, check out this link: Get Some Sleep: Using acupressure, yoga, tai chi – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs

Community Acupuncture with Camille Harris, L.Ac.

On a beautiful spring day in Learning Garden, a community garden in Venice, California, I had the opportunity to meet up with Camille Harris, who is a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine.

Camille shares her passionate about bringing medicine to the community:

Camille is dedicated to the local as well as the global community:

For more information about One World Health Project, visit owhp.org.

To learn more about The Learning Garden, visit thelearninggarden.org.

Insights on Acupuncture with Cherrie Laygo, DAOM, L.Ac.

I had the opportunity to interview Cherrie Laygo, who is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and licensed acupuncturist. She is one of the small percentage of acupuncturists in the United States who has earned this prestigious doctorate degree. (Note: Cherrie Laygo, L.Ac. will complete her doctorate degree in June of 2011. For purposes of this capstone project, the interview takes place as if she already graduated, but is in no way meant to mislead the viewer that she has completed the program. This disclaimer will be removed upon completion of the DAOM.)

Dr. Laygo shares how she became interested in Chinese Medicine, the education available in the United States, and what one can expect from a visit to an acupuncturist:

In Part Two of the interview Dr. Laygo explains more about advanced education in Chinese Medicine, the development of Chinese Medicine in the United States, and how Chinese Medicine can be an important part of resolving the epidemic of health care concerns:

For more information about the education opportunities available at Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, please visit emperors.edu.

For more information about Dr. Cherrie Laygo, please visit acu-girl.com.

9000 Needles: Thumbs Way Up

I recently had the privilege of attending a screening of the award-winning documentary 9000 Needles. The screening was sponsored by Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine and took place at the Santa Monica Public Library.

The screening was presented to a full house of students, acupuncturists, Chinese medicine enthusiasts, their friends and families, as well as members of the local community.

I was very enthusiastic to see this film; however, it exceeded my expectations. 9000 Needles is the story of Devin Dearth, a successful businessman, a loving husband and father, and a championship bodybuilder. Devin's life dramatically changes when he suffered a devastating stroke that results in a brain injury. Devin, a passionate guy who lives life on high octane, becomes paralyzed on his right side.

Through Devin's own determination and his receipt of great medical care,  Devin experiences remarkable breakthroughs which gives everyone hope for his recovery. However, during a pivotal time in his recovery, Devin is informed that his insurance can no longer cover his therapy.

Devin's brother Doug finds out about a unique stroke recovery program in China involving acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The support of Devin's community is remarkable, funds are raised, and Devin and the family are off to China.

What unfolds after they arrive in China is simply amazing. Witnessing the healing effects of Chinese medicine in this context is truly eye-opening, and raises an important point: part of the healing of the health care crisis in America needs to include looking at lower cost, effective medicines that have been successfully practiced in other cultures.

Not only is the story of Devin's  healing journey itself inspiring and amazing, but the fact that it was documented so well was particularly impressive. Yes, it is a story about how powerful acupuncture and Chinese medicine is. That alone makes the movie worth seeing. But it is so much more. The film really tugs at your heartstrings as you travel with Devin and Doug and their family from tragedy to hope. At the screening that I attended, I witnessed the significant emotional involvement from the audience. By the end of the film, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Check out the trailer for this inspiring film:

There was a great interview with the producer of the film in Acupuncture Today.
For the full interview click here: Doug Dearth Interview

You can find out more about the film, local screenings, and how you can purchase the DVD at 9000Needles.com. 

Food As Medicine - Chinese Dietary Therapy with Lauren Howard, L.Ac.

Interview with Lauren Howard

Chinese Dietary Therapy

I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Howard, L.Ac. Lauren enjoys using the full spectrum of modalities with her patients, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition. An important aspect of healing within Chinese medicine is that of Chinese dietary therapy. Definition. Lauren shares with us some of the basics and shows us how we can incorporate some of the principles by demonstrating the preparation of one of her favorite healing dishes:

The Interview:

Cooking Part 1:

Cooking and Tasting:

Prices of Chinese medicinal herbs soar as flu spreads - CNA ENGLISH NEWS

With flu season in full swing, the prices of Chinese medicinal herbs used to combat this public health concern continue to rise. Experts attribute this rise to climate change and the increase in demand of high-end Chinese herbs.

For the full story click on this link: Prices of Chinese medicinal herbs soar as flu spreads - CNA ENGLISH NEWS

The Fungus Among Us: The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

When most people think of fungus, visions of culinary delights and life-saving medications are not what usually comes to mind. Athlete’s foot, molds growing on food, and mildew in dirty showers are common visual responses when the word fungus is mentioned.

The truth is that there are over 100,000 different species of fungi. Fungi is a kingdom which includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

Pencillin, an antibiotic, and cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection, are two life-saving medicines that come from fungi. Wine, beer, and soy sauce are produced by a fermentation process involving fungi. Culinary mushrooms appear in popular dishes throughout the world.

A category of beneficial fungi little known in the West is that of medicinal mushrooms. Used to treat a wide variety of ailments for over 3,000 years in the East, knowledge of these powerful plants is just beginning to blossom on the other side of the globe.

There are quite a few species of mushrooms that have been documented in the Traditional Chinese and Japanese medical literature. The Pen King, believed to have been written between 221 and 264 AD, is a classic within Traditional Chinese Medicine, and lists a number of medicinal mushrooms and their healing properties.

Modern research has performed numerous clinical trials, many of which have backed up the claims made throughout history within the ancient medical texts.

Three mushrooms that are prized within Traditional Chinese as well as Japanese medicine are Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake. These mushrooms have been extensively studied in modern times as well for their remarkable medicinal value.



                                      Reishi (Ling Zhi)

                                          
                                             Pharmaceutical Name: Ganoderma Lucidum

G. Lucidum is know as “Ling Zhi” in China and “Reishi” in Japan. It is most commonly referred to as Reishi in Western cultures as well. It is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” and the “great protector.”

The medicinal uses of Reishi can be traced back for over 4,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese medicine. Numerous clinical studies in modern times have documented its tremendous health benefits as well.

Reishi has demonstrated strong immuno-modulating properties, and studies suggest it is beneficial in treating stress-related conditions, insomnia, Hepatitis B, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, and fatigue. 

Shiitake

                                                  Pharmaceutical Name: Lentinula edodes

Shitake has been renowned in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for thousands of years.

During the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644), the writings of physician Wu Juei stated that the mushroom could be used not only as a food but as a medicinal mushroom, used to relieve upper respiratory diseases, poor circulation, liver problems, exhaustion and weakness, and to boost qi, or life energy. Modern research has confirmed its wide range of beneficial effects. Studies have demonstrated its immune regulating, cardiovascular, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and cancer preventative benefits.

Maitake

                                               Pharmaceutical Name: Grifola Frondosa

"Maitake" is Japanese for "dancing mushroom." It is believed it was so named because the fruiting bodies of the adjacent bodies look like butterflies in a wild dance. Maitake is a type of mushroom renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese medicine for its numerous health benefits.  Traditional uses and modern research highlights its benefits to regulating blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and cholesterol levels. Its immune supportive and hepatoprotective properties are impressive. It is helpful for patients undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS and cancer.


To learn how to safely and effective use medicinal mushrooms for health benefits, it is best to seek the counsel of a Chinese medical practitioner.

References:
Healing Mushrooms by Georges M. Halpern, M.D., Ph.D. (2007 Square One Publishers)
Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. (1995 Botanica Press)
MycoHerb: Clinical Guide for Practitioners by Kan Herb (2008 Golden Mirror Press)