Norah McIntire, L.Ac.
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Eating Disorders and Chinese Medicine
In ancient China disease was thought to be the result of ghosts or demons invading the body. Mental or physical illness was the manifestation of another creature inhabiting one’s physical structure. The return to wellness required the expulsion of the ghost so the person could regain control and ownership of her/his body. Certainly the literal presence of ghosts is no longer considered a mechanism of pathology in our time and culture. However, the image of another being taking over a person is a useful metaphor for certain types of diseases such as eating disorders.
To both the person suffering from the eating disorder and the person’s loved ones, the eating disorder can seem like an entity unto itself. The eating disorder seems to take over the person’s mind and personality, and as the disease progresses, the person seems less and less accessible, even to her/himself. The voice of the eating disorder is a constant invasive presence, interfering with fundamental perceptions and decisions. As the disease progresses, not only does the voice become louder and more persistent, the situation becomes increasingly dangerous due to the various physical effects of disordered eating. This physical deterioration compromises mental and emotional health leading to a vicious cycle that, left unchecked, can ultimately be fatal.
Effective treatment for eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) interrupts this cycle and challenges the “ghost” of the eating disorder. Standard treatment includes psychological therapy, nutritional counseling and medical care. In addition to these therapies, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be invaluable because they uniquely address the emotional and physical discomforts of eating disorders.
The medical complications of eating disorders compromise multiple body systems, including the cardiac, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. The medical problems creating by eating disorders can be life threatening (which is why eating disorders require Western evaluation and treatment). Even those dysfunctions that are not life threatening, however, are uncomfortable and can seriously interfere with efforts to recover.
Primary examples of this are those symptoms associated with the digestive system, one of the most severely disrupted systems of the body. Depending on the specific eating disorder, symptoms of this disruption may include abdominal bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. All of these problems make efforts to normalize eating habits more difficult. Acupuncture has a history of effectively addressing the above symptoms, easing the distress of recovery until the body functions effectively by itself. Other related physical problems treatable with Chinese medicine include headaches, gynecological disorders, and fertility issues.
Besides physical complaints, the mental and emotional distresses associated with eating disorders can be excruciating. These complaints can be both causes and effects of eating disorders and include depression, anxiety, obsessive symptoms, insomnia, irritability, and impulsivity. Acupuncture can help ease these symptoms and increase a person’s sense of overall well-being. A feeling of physical and mental relaxation is often the very first effect of acupuncture a patient notices, and this reduction in stress can offer a reprieve from the constant and exhausting voice of the eating disorder. This decrease in mental and emotional agitation creates space to reconnect with one’s body and learn new ways to navigate everyday situations.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not replacements for therapeutic counseling and Western medical treatment. Nevertheless, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are powerful tools to help repair physical and emotional damage as well as help relieve the distress of fighting an eating disorder. They support recovery with minimal side effects and offer a holistic dimension that treats body, mind, and emotions simultaneously. There are no magic cures or treatments, but the addition of acupuncture and Chinese medicine to psychotherapy and Western medical care creates comprehensive treatment to help reclaim one’s body, thoughts, and life.
© Copyright 2008 Norah McIntire, L.Ac. All Rights Reserved by the Author.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chinese Medicine
Definition of Irritable Bowel
Syndrome:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of
the gastro-intestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and a
disturbance in bowel function (constipation, loose stools, passage of mucus,
incomplete evacuation, straining with bowel movement, or some combination of
these). IBS is classified as a functional disorder, meaning it cannot be
attributed to a structural problem, infectious process, or biochemical
imbalance. Western medicine also notes that patients who seek treatment for IBS
frequently also have mental emotional discomfort such as anxiety or depression.
Western medicine considers IBS a lifelong, chronic affliction, and treatment is
aimed at managing the symptoms of the disorder.
Western management of the symptoms may include dietary changes to eliminate
aggravating foods (often dairy or gas-forming foods), stress reduction methods,
and/or medication. The medications used include anti-spasmodic,
anti-constipation, and anti-diarrheal agents. Fiber supplements may also be
suggested to help regulate the bowel. Anti-depressants are also sometimes
prescribed, depending upon the patient’s presentation.
The Understanding of IBS According to
Chinese Medicine:
Chinese medicine recognizes digestion as
primarily the realm of the Spleen and Stomach organs. (Other organs such as the
Liver, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine also contribute to maintaining the
integrity of digestion.) The Stomach is responsible for receiving and processing
food for the Spleen. The Spleen is responsible for “transformation and
transportation” of food: to transform it into useable energy (qi) and distribute
it appropriately throughout the body. When this process is happening
efficiently, digestion is painless, bowel movements are regular, one’s energy
level is high, and mental processes are clear.
The digestive element can be damaged by various factors, including immoderate
eating and drinking, inappropriate levels of physical activity (too much or too
little), inadequate rest, and emotional stress. One’s constitutional tendency
can also make one more susceptible to digestive upset. A weakened digestive
element is also more vulnerable to interference from other organ systems that
are out of balance, such as the Liver. (According to Chinese medicine, the Liver
has an important role in the regulation of the emotions. An imbalance between
the Liver and Spleen is associated with the depression and anxiety Western
medicine sometimes observes in IBS.) When the Spleen is damaged by any of the
above factors, digestion is less likely to happen efficiently.
When the processing of foods becomes compromised, bowel movements become irregular, abdominal pain and bloating occur, and evacuation may be strained or incomplete. Additionally, the body can accumulate Dampness, the by-product of inefficient food processing, commonly manifested in IBS as the passage of mucus.
The Treatment of IBS with Chinese Medicine:
Treatment of IBS with Chinese medicine begins with an individual evaluation to diagnose the patient according to the Chinese medical understanding of the body’s systems. This is done through a health history and examination of the tongue and pulse. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate acupuncture points are chosen to strengthen and/or regulate the digestive process to address the individual’s symptoms. An herbal formula to address the individual’s particular imbalance can also be an important part of treatment. Massage, moxibustion, and lifestyle changes are also used to both resolve discomfort and treat the root of the dysfunction. By strengthening and harmonizing the digestive system, Chinese Medicine balances the entire body and helps avoid the disruptions of IBS episodes without the side effects of Western medicine.
© Copyright 2008 Norah McIntire, L.Ac. All Rights Reserved by the Author.
Migraine Headaches and Chinese
Medicine
Western Definition:
Migraines are classified as one of two types: classic or common. Classic migraines include an aura (a subjective sensation that precedes the headache) which typically includes visual disturbances such as double vision, flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or a partially blocked field of vision. Classic migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing, one-sided headache pain, usually behind the eye, frequently accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells is common. Those who suffer from migraines also may experience speech difficulty, mood changes, confusion, muscular weakness, tingling in the limbs, and clumsiness either before or during the headache. The attacks can last up to 72 hours. Common migraines are not preceded by an aura and may or may not include nausea and vomiting. Given the severity of the symptoms, migraines can greatly undermine the quality of an individual’s life, requiring the use of medication, missed days from work, and disrupted family and personal time.
Precipitating Factors:
The current theory about the mechanism behind
the pain and other symptoms of migraines is a disturbance and inflammation of
the blood vessels surrounding the brain, including the temporal artery. Changes
in the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin have also been noted, although
the meaning of this variation is unclear. Migraines involve increased
sympathetic nervous activity (the type of activity responsible for the “fight or
flight” response), and this causes symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, delayed
emptying of the stomach, pallor, and cold hands and/or feet.
The factors that bring on these changes vary by the individual suffering from the migraine. A family history of migraine is present in a significant number of those who suffer from these headaches. Women are more likely to suffer from migraines than are men. Sensitivities to certain foods are also implicated, and foods such as hard cheeses, fermented foods, MSG, chocolate, bananas, avocados, and alcohol are thought to be common triggers. Other contributors include fluctuations in blood sugar, hormonal changes, too much or too little sleep, changes in barometric pressure, emotional stress, exposure to sun glare or flashing lights, smoking, and muscular tension related to postural imbalances.
Migraines According to Chinese
Medicine:
Migraines, according to Chinese medicine, can
be caused by a variety of imbalances, very often involving the Liver and
Gallbladder organs and meridians. In the simplest terms, this imbalance can be
characterized as too much or too little of a particular energy/substance. In
clinical practice, both an excess and a deficiency can and do frequently
co-exist. If a substance is either excess or deficient, this disrupts the flow
of qi (chee) and creates pain.
Treatment with Chinese Medicine:
Like its approach to other disorders, Chinese
medicine’s treatment of migraines and other headaches is based on an
individualized Chinese medical diagnosis. Even though two individuals may have
both been diagnosed as suffering from migraines from the Western perspective,
the Chinese diagnosis and corresponding treatment may differ by individual.
Examining the specific migraine triggers, characteristics of the headaches,
location of the pain, and the person’s constitution and medical history allows
treatment that is tailored to the individual. A comprehensive treatment plan
based on an Eastern diagnosis ensures that both the root (cause) and the
manifestation (headache pain) are addressed.
Acupuncture, herbal formulas, massage, cupping, moxibustion, specific lifestyle suggestions, dietary modifications, and exercise and/or stretches are all commonly employed together to address migraines. To what degree each of these tools is used depends upon the particular person’s needs at the time, determined by a thorough health history and an examination of the pulse and tongue.
Each tool of the medicine is employed according to these findings. Which acupuncture points are used is determined by the location and quality of the headache pain. Herbal prescriptions and dietary suggestions are based upon information about specific triggers, aggravating and alleviating factors, and overall health. An assessment of one’s posture allows the effective use of appropriate stretches and exercises to address contributing musculoskeletal factors.
The overall goal of treatment is to restore the body to a greater level of health. When the body is fundamentally in balance, it is less susceptible to precipitating factors that cause a headache in the first place. By employing these multiple tools, a comprehensive treatment plan can offer relief from the pain and disruption of migraine headaches without the side effects of Western medications.
© Copyright 2008 Norah McIntire, L.Ac. All Rights Reserved by the Author.
Most people have an occasional bout of insomnia without much disruption to their lives. When sleep problems become long-term, however, the situation can become both frustrating and damaging to one’s health. Lack of restorative sleep impairs everyday functioning, decreases the ability to concentrate, and can contribute to irritability and other mood problems. Long-term insomnia undermines the overall quality of life.
“Insomnia” can describe a range of sleep issues: difficulty falling asleep, waking throughout the night, waking too early in the morning, not sleeping deeply and being awakened easily, or some combination of these. Examples of Western medical disorders that may cause or contribute to sleep problems include depression, anxiety disorders, compromised nutritional status, respiratory disorders, hormone imbalances, and thyroid problems.
Sometimes a few good habits are enough to ensure a proper night’s sleep. Basic “sleep hygiene” suggestions include going to bed only when tired, getting up and going to bed at consistent times (regardless of the amount of sleep during the previous night), exercising daily, limiting fluids in the evening, discontinuing stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, using the bedroom only for sleep (rather than watching TV or working), establishing a nightly routine for winding down from the day, and regularly practicing relaxation techniques.
Sometimes, however, despite implementing the above measures, additional intervention is necessary to provide a restful night’s sleep. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) model, insomnia can come from a variety of patterns of imbalance and, therefore, each treatment is based on a person’s specific circumstances. Treatment is aimed at rebalancing the entire person to address the root of the problem.
The common element in all insomnia is a disturbance of what TCM calls the Heart, the “home” of a person’s mental and emotional capacities. A healthy Heart system allows a person to rest peacefully during the night, concentrate during work, and function without anxiety. The specific reason the Heart is out of balance is discussed during the acupuncture session, and this information determines the components of the treatment plan. Sometimes the reasons for this imbalance can be quite complicated since other systems of the body can be part of the underlying problem and must be treated if recovery is to be complete.
Both acupuncture and herbal medicine are important elements in the treatment of insomnia. In addition, certain types of meditation or exercise (qi gong) can be extremely helpful because they can create a greater sense of calm during the day and/or before bed. Appropriate nutrition can also help support the body’s natural rhythms. Treatment generally consists of acupuncture two times per week with herbs in between appointments for several weeks. As the person’s system improves, the frequency of treatment decreases to once a week to every other week to every two weeks, etc. until the body can maintain balance on its own with proper self-care.
Chinese medicine tends to be quite effective in treating insomnia. Patients generally report experiencing more regulated sleep patterns, more restful sleep, and more consistent energy throughout the day. Having a reliable period of rest helps safeguard long-term health and improves quality of life.
Chinese Medicine and Musculo-skeletal Disorders
Traditional Chinese Medicine is becoming increasingly well-known as an effective
system of health care. Among the general public, one of the most well-known
benefits of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is pain relief, especially in cases
of musculo-skeletal problems. Low back pain, tennis or golfer’s elbow, carpal
tunnel syndrome, bursitis, neck/shoulder pain, muscle strains and sprains, even
broken bones can be helped by acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Because Chinese Medicine is critically concerned with the concept of balance,
the treatment of muscular and skeletal problems is approached holistically.
Besides focusing on the site of injury, treatment stems from an understanding of
the person’s overall health (physical and emotional) and lifestyle. The various
modalities of Chinese Medicine can then be applied to not only alleviate pain
but address lifestyle, activities, past physical injuries, and emotions, all of
which have an effect on the body. Treatment may include the use of acupuncture,
herbal medicine (topical or internal), nutrition, cupping (applying suction to
the body to increase circulation and eliminate toxins), tui na (Chinese medical
massage), or moxibustion (warming acupuncture points or areas of the body with
herbs).
Acupuncture focusing on the site of injury helps to eliminate pain and speed the
healing process, ultimately decreasing inflammation. The strategic use of
acupuncture points can treat various types of pain with relatively simple and
efficient treatments. Surprisingly, sometimes the needles may not even be placed
in the area of pain. This is called a distal treatment, meaning the needles are
designed to treat the injured area but are not actually placed in the injured
area. Overall acupuncture mobilizes the body’s own healing resources to increase
circulation and help the body recover.
Herbal medicine can be used internally or externally and is an ancient medical
art. The martial arts traditions in China produced a wealth of knowledge about
traumatic injury and its treatment. Herbal plasters, liniments, and poultices
are often utilized to alleviate discomfort and increase circulation to the area.
Various internal herbal formulas are also available, addressing acute or chronic
injury and providing the body with nourishment and nutrition vital to recovery.
Herbal formulas are chosen and adjusted for each individual, taking into account
the stage of injury or dysfunction, the type of tissue affected, and specific
underlying health issues.
Adjunctive modalities such as cupping, tui na, and moxibustion are all useful
tools in the treatment of pain. Cupping is the placement of (usually) glass cups
on the body to create suction. This increases circulation to the area and is
used in cases of muscle tension, injury, or cold and flu. Tui na is medical
massage with specialized techniques for certain types of injury and imbalance.
Moxibustion is the practice of warming points of areas of the body with herbs
(most commonly mugwort) to increase circulation, alleviate pain, or stimulate
acupuncture points. Moxibustion can be used in acute injury, chronic arthritic
pain, or a wide variety of health problems such as digestive disorders, urinary
dysfunction, and fatigue.
Chinese medical practitioners have been treating both chronic and acute pain for
thousands of years. The multiple tools of Chinese medicine treat musculo-skeletal
disorders by addressing both internal and external causes, and can be used in
addition to other types of physical therapy. Using a comprehensive view of each
individual, Chinese medicine treats musculo-skeletal disorders and supports
overall health and well-being.
©
Copyright 2008 Norah McIntire, L.Ac. All Rights Reserved by the Author.
