July 1997
Authors note
July has slipped by, and as summer is the time of Fire and intense activity, so have I been consumed in that "fire" and am late in getting this letter out. I realize that there are an abundance of newsletters out there, so if you find yourself on my email newsletter mailling by mistake, please send or return a letter with "drop news" in the subject field to alohadoc@addr.net. This newsletter is part of an ongoing service associated with my webpage Chinese Herbal Doctor, alohadoc, service which offers individualized email and phone consultations, Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, information, and Herbal Treatment. For more information, please visit me at http://home1.gte.net/alohadoc/index.htm
1)EMOTIONAL BALANCING WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE,
CONTROLLING ANGER
2) THE QUESTION OF PROGNOSIS WITH TCM/NATURAL THERAPIES
3) EFFECTS OF CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS ON CHOLINE ACETYLTRANSFERASE
ACTIVITY
4) CHANGES IN PLASMA CAROTENOID, ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL,
AND LIPID PEROXIDE LEVELS IN RESPONSE TO SUPPLEMENTATION WITH CONCENTRATED
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXTRACTS
5) THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF KIDNEY-TONIFYING HERBAL
FORMULAS AND HERB ESTROGEN FORMULAS ON OSTEOPOROSIS
1) Emotional Balancing with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anger and frustration by Bob Kelley OMD
One of the main causes of illness by TCM is internal injury due to emotional causes. Although emotions are quite normal they become damaging (or toxic) when we become fixated with a particular emotion. That is, if we are angry all the time, we begin to damage the associated organ network system, in this case, the Liver network. To understand how to balance these "toxic" emotions, we must first have an understanding of the 5 phase/Organ network systems, their related emotion(s), and their inter relationship.
The 5 phase theory is an attempt to describe different energies or manifestations of nature. In keeping with Nature, each "Phase" is associated with an element ( and is also so called the 5 element theory), a season, a color, an emotion (and associated emotions), a spirit, an organ network system, as well as a sound, a taste, a smell, and body types to name a few. For example, the "Wood" phase or "element" is associated with the spring, the color green, anger (as well as frustration, irritability, resentment, hostility, biterness, vengefulness; but also self assertion, motivation, willpower, responsibility), the "Hun" or etherial soul, the Liver (and Gall Bladder), and the sound of shouting to name the most relevant.
Furthermore, the "Phases" or "elements" can be divded as having a "Yin Yang" dualism within each phase.As emotions go, this means there are the positve and negitive sides. For example in the case of the Wood or Liver/Gall Bladder system, we have the more negative side of anger and frustration balanced with the more possitive aspects of self assertion, motivation, willpower, and responsibility. These exist in the same relationship as do Yin and Yang, each being opposites, each definning the other, each consumming each other, controlling each other, and each transformming into the other in their extreme. (see previous newsleter for the basics on Yin Yang theory) Furthermore, when fixated on one of these, they transform into their more extreme "toxic" forms. For example, Anger and frustration turn into hostility, bitterness, and vengefulness. Self assertion, overmotivated, strong willed, and over responsible (type a) transform into self blame and guilt. In their extreme, these will transform into depression, a total lack of feeling, boredom, and impotency. This is an attempt to stop the feelings of pain, hurt, and intense emotions.
The five phases, besides being individually represented by particular
emotions and subdivided into thier yin and yang, positive and negative
aspects, are interrelated to each other in both nurturing and controlling
aspects. Here a chart is worth a thousand words, and you may have seen
this chart . 
To make an example, the wood element promotes the fire element, is controlled
by the metal element, and controls the earth element. Remenber wood (paper)
covers rock (earth), and sissors (metal) cut paper (wood). However, Rock
(in this example) does not smash sissors (metal). Oh well, close.
These "controlling" aspects are of most importance for relavency of balancing emotions. If we understand each of the elements "nature" or associated feelings and the controlling relationship between these natures, then we can attempt to "control" or balance fixated "toxic" emotions. To simplify into specific examples, To controll Wood, Anger, it must be counterred by the positive (yang) aspect of the metal element, openness, receptivity, letting go, and non attachment. Furthermore, it can be temperered by its controlled aspect, Earth, with its associated feelings of Empathy, sympathy, and consideration. I have found this particullarily true. If I am overly angry, I find some empathy for someone or something, and the anger dissipates. Of course, non attachment (Metal aspect) is the frontal approach, but is often more difficult to muster since it is usually from attachment that most anger and frustration spring. This is an example of treating the "wood' or "Liver", said to be the general and very much in command and control, and therefore not particularily receptive to a "frontal" attack, treating it from the back door. To read about all the five network systems, see my link, Chinese Organ System, on my webpage: http://home1.gte.net/alohadoc/zangfu.htm
More on counterring the other emotins in a later newsletter.
Top of page
2) THE QUESTION OF PROGNOSIS WITH TCM/NATURAL THERAPIES Bob Kelley
Health is a relative state along a continuum, yet the body often works in a digital manner. What does this mean? Well, lets take an example, the nervous system requires a build up of neurotransmitters between the synapses. This build up of various transmitters, such as norepinepherine or acetelcholine, could be viewed as a continuum of relative quantitative amounts of these neurotransmitters. However, until there is a certain amount of these transmitters, the nerve impulse will not jump, and conversely, when the quantity reaches a certain level, the impulse will "jump" across the nerve synapse and the conduction, be it sensory or motor will "occur". This is a sort of digital reaction. Either on or off, + or -, 1 or 2.
I have often noted that this principle holds true with larger overall Health conditions, especially with natural therapies. When using herbs or supplements, it is necessary to saturate the blood with the nutrients and keep them there for sometime until the unhealthy cells can be replaced, repaired, or purged. This "loading" period is often as long as 90 days for food nutrients.This just depends on what tissues are affected. The stomach lining replaces itself as quickly as 5 days while the enamel on the teeth takes over a year to replace itself. For herbs, this "loading" period is somewhat less because of their more pharmacological properties. Again, this depends on the nature of the disease. Acute infections respond more quickly to the more "anti toxin" herbs. However, the more a condition is related to a "deficiency" syndrome, and the more "tonics" are the primary therapy, the longer and more like a nutritional approach the "loading" time takes. With respect to the overall "disease", the "symptoms" will often seem to not change very much (particularly with the more chronic degenerative, "deficiency" syndromes), during the loading period. Yet there is a change taking place in small ways, such as overall improvement of energy, sleep, appetite, etc. Much like the build up of the neurotransmitters at the synapses, it is not until the overall momentum and general health has reached a certain point that the condition "jumps' and makes a quantum leap. At this point, the persons health will improve exponentially.
I realize that this sounds like a never never tale in a culture that seeks instant cure. However we must remember that we did not get into our present degenerative condition quickly, but over a lifetime, and sometimes over several generations (as is the case with the ever growing number of genetically linked "degenerative" diseases). In short it takes time to rebuild Rome. A rule of thumb is 3 months of treatment for every year of the illness or disease. Of course this depends greatly upon many co factors like lifestyle, age, and the nature of the disease.
3) EFFECTS OF CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS ON CHOLINE ACETYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY excerpted from East West Medical Digest Pi-Kwang Tsung, Ph.D.
Alzheimer disease is the most popular dementia in the elderly people. Cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain are considered to be involved deeply with the cognitive functions. Neuronal degeneration in this area has been considered to be responsible for several types of dementia including Alzheimer disease. The neurotransmitter, acetylcholine is synthesized from acetyl coenzyme A and choline by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Therefore, ChAT activity has been considered as a specific maker for the activity of cholinergic neurons. Alzheimer disease significantly decreases the ChAT activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus . The induction of ChAT activity in cholinergic neuron may improve the cognitive functions in Alzheimer disease.
Recently, it has been shown that some Chinese herbal formulas are useful for the treatment of dementia. Bupleurum, Citrus & Pinellia Formula (Yi-gan-san jia-chen-pi-banxia), Ginseng Longan Combination (Gui-pi tang) and Hoelen Bamboo Combination Plus (Jia-wei-wen-dan-tang) remarkably increased ChAT activity of rat embryo septal cultured cells when the Chinese herbal formula was added to the culture medium.
Oral administration of Hoelen Bamboo Combination Plus demonstrated the improvement of passive avoidance behavior of scopolamine treated rats. Egashira, et. al., have reported that Bupleurum, Citrus & Pinellia Formula improved scopolamine-induced cognitive deficit. The results suggest that the above-mentioned three herbal formulas might be the potential therapeutical formulas for Alzheimer disease.
4) CHANGES IN PLASMA CAROTENOID, ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL,
AND LIPID PEROXIDE LEVELS IN RESPONSE TO SUPPLEMENTATION WITH CONCENTRATED
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXTRACTS: A PILOT STUDY
The following is independent research on the "Juice Plus" product which
I have been using since it came out 1993. For more information, please
see the webinfo at http://home1.gte.net/alohadoc/juice.htm
JOHN A. WISE1 , ROBERT MORIN2 , ROGER SANDERSON 3 , AND KENNETH BLUM4
1Natural Alternatives International Research Foundation, San Morcos,
California
2American Longevity Association, Los Angeles, california,
3Health Screening of Orange County, Newport Beach, California, and
4 Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center,
San Antonio, Texas
ABSTRACT
Studies over the last two decades equating diet with chronic diseases have linked the highest consumption of mixed fruits and vegetables to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cataracts, and cancer at multiple sites. High levels of natural antioxidants, Including the carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid appear to be responsible for these reductions in risk. However, long-term intervention studies to alter chronic diseaseoutcomes have generally used a single nutrient such as beta-carotene at high doses, and results have been disappointing. Because antioxidants have multiple and synergistic interactions and also enhibit compartmentalization and tissue specificity, it appears desirable to use supplementation that increases blood levels while simulating combinations of these chemoprotective substances in amounts more closely approximating amounts of mixed diets.
This study measured carotenoid and tocopherol levels in human plasma after supplementation with dehydrated fruit and vegetable extracts (Juice Plus+®). Serum lipid peroxides were also measured to assess the effectiveness of supplementation in modifying oxidative processes. Fifteen healthy adults (10 women, 5 men; age range, 18 to 53 years) consumed supplements twice daily with meals for 28 days, with fasting plasma and serum samples taken at baseline and 7, 14, and 28 days. After 28 days, plasma antioxidant levels increased significantly: beta-carotene, 510%; alpha-carotene, 119%; lutein/zeaxanthin, 44%; lypocene, 2046%; and alpha-tocopherol,57%. Serum lipod peroxides decreased fourfold after 7 days and remain significantly lower than baseline at 28days (baselin, 16.85 ± 16.91 µmol/mL 28 days, 4.22 ± 3.78 µmol/mL). Decreases in lipid peroxide levels were coincident with increases in carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol, and reflect functionally improved oxidative defense mechanisms.
Because these bioactive compounds can act synergistically, the effect cannot be attributed to any one component, but it may reflect a combined mechanism of antioxidant defense. Marked increases in plasma levels of predominant dietary carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol in all subjects indicate that supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrates (here Juice Plus) may prove effective in future intervention studies. For more information, or the complete study, please see my link http://home1.gte.net/alohadoc/juice.htm
5)THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF KIDNEY-TONIFYING HERBAL FORMULAS AND HERB ESTROGEN FORMULAS ON OSTEOPOROSIS
Back pain, a typical symptom of osteoporosis, has been considered a "Kidney" deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine (TMC). Therefore, back pain has been treated by "Kidney"-tonifying herbal formulas with pain-killing formulas. The Chinese character "Shen" in TCM has been frequently translated in English as "Kidney". However, "Shen" in TCM indicates not only the kidneys, but also includes the endocrine and reproductive organs. Therefore, functions of Shen include the kidneys, endocrine system and reproductive organs.
A decrease in the functions of kidneys, the endocrine system and reproductive organs are also observed with age. Since osteoporosis is an aging process, "Kidney"-tonifying herbal formulas have been used with herbal estrogen formulas in treating osteoporosis in China and Japan remedy.
The most frequently used "Kidney" tonifying herbal formula is Rehmannia 8 (Bawei-di-huang-wan). Rehmannia 8 was recorded in Jin Kui Yao Lue (Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), written by the renowned physician Zhang Zhong Jin in the Han Dynasty (220 A.D.). Rehmannia 8 reactivates the functions of degenerated kidneys, adrenals, and reproductive organs. It is considered as a preventive medicine for aging.
The treatment of estrogen-deficient rats with Rehmannia 8 showed the preventive effect on bone mass loss. The combined uses of Rehmannia 8 and Vitamin D3 in women with insufficient ovarian also showed a two-fold increase in serum estrogen and a 5 -1 1% increase in bone mineral contents. The Rehmannia 8 modified formula Bushen Jiangu also showed the therapeutic effect on post menopausal osteoporosist.
Since substantial loss of bone mass occurs after estrogen deficienc yin menopausal women or those who have undergone a hysterectomy or ovariectomy, estrogen therapy has been commonly used for the prevention of osteoporosis. However, estrogen users were found to have an increased risk for uterine and breast cancer.
The Gambrell Group's report that the combination of estrogen and progestin (commercial name of progesterone) has a protective effect against breast cancer is misleading. Its conclusions were based on only 11 cases without appropriate control subjects. European studies have shown an elevated risk of breast cancer among women who took estrogen plus progestin. Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women's Hospital research group also showed that combination hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin is associated with an increased risk of breast cancert.
In order to avoid the risk of breast cancer, Chinese herbal formulas have been used for the prevention of osteoporosis in China and Japan. Since Tang-kuei Peony 6 (Dang-qui shao-yao-san,) and Cinnamon Hoelen 5 (Gui-zhi-fu-lin-wan,) have been found to increase serum estrogen levels in women with insufficient ovarian function and infertile women. Tang-kuei Peony 6 (TP6) with Vitamin D3 treatment on osteoporosis in women with ovari ectomies have been shown to be very promising. Rehmannia 8 and TP6 also have been shown to increase progesterone (commercial name progestin) levels. Among the ingredient herbs of TP6, Paeoniae radix, Angelica radix, and Hoelen have been found to have activities which increase serum progesterone.
Recently, Hidaka, et. al., showed that Japanese folk medicine, Chujo-to, had preventive effects on bone loss when used on ovary ectomized rats. Chujo-to has similar ingredients as those in TP6. Chujo-to is considered to be a modified formula of TP6.The combination of "Kidney"- tonifying and herb estrogen formulas is the most effective treatment for osteoporosis.
Hope some of this is of intereest. Topics for August will include National News update, Legislative updates, warnnings on Ephedra, and a note about "testing" methods and herbology. Hope you are having a wonderful summer, Dr Kelley