Tinnitus Eastern vs Western Medicine

Tinnitus From Western View

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears and according to Western medicine, it is not a disease but a symptom of several health conditions that produce sounds that fill a person's head with noise that only they can hear. The phantom sounds snap, crackle, pop, ring, hiss, roar, hum, whistle, click and squeal. The quality can be pulsating, intermittent, or steady and may vary in pitch. People with severe tinnitus may have difficulty with sleep, focus, and concentration leading to irritability, depression, increased stress and anxiety. Milder symptoms may go unnoticed. Three months or longer is considered chronic. One study links poor alignment of the skull and jaw to tinnitus. A person experiencing symptoms may be referred to an audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), dentist, neurologist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist.

Adults and children can get tinnitus, but it is most common in adults age 40 and 80. 

A common cause of tinnitus is damage to the inner ear hair cells, which convert sound waves into electrical impulses that are carried along the auditory nerve to the brain. If the hairs are bent, they can leak random impulses to the brain, creating a cacophony of internal sounds. Many genetic and environmental factors, such as overexposure to loud noises and aging, destroy critical cells in the hearing system. 

Impacted ear wax, bacterial infection, head injuries, TMJ, vertigo, Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, hypertension, atherosclerosis, surgery, circulation problems, age, trauma, and vestibular tumors are associated with tinnitus. 

Over 200 medications contribute to tinnitus symptoms. Examples include diuretics, aspirin, NSAIDS, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antimicrobials, loop diuretics, antidepressants, and cancer drugs. 

Tinnitus treatment in Western culture might include a white noise machine to mask the sounds, cognitive behavioral therapy, wearing hearing aids, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, counseling, relaxation techniques, and retraining therapy.

Lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms of tinnitus include limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoidance of noisy environments, and cessation of smoking.

Tinnitus Eastern View

In TCM, the imbalance of Yin and Yang is the main cause of tinnitus. For many people, tinnitus expresses a deeper disharmony that has grown over time. Chinese medicine nourishes the body by addressing the underlying imbalance (the root) rather than the symptom (the arm). Digestion, mood, and emotion are also considered when treating tinnitus with Eastern medicine. 

Some of the more common patterns of tinnitus in Chinese medicine are as follows:

Imbalance of liver-spleen vertigo and tinnitus presents with liver symptoms, cricket sounds, vertigo or dizziness, and a heavy head. Chronic deficiency of spleen qi can lead to internal dampness. When dampness is combined with stagnated liver Qi it causes an upward rise of phlegm-fire. 

The kidney-liver imbalance is due to chronic stagnating liver qi is usually caused by stagnation and Yin Deficiency in the liver and blood.

Vertigo and tinnitus due to liver excess is typically triggered by loud noises which cause an upward rise of liver fire that may be related to frustration or anger. This internal wind is usually accompanied by dizziness and a painful sharp, stabbing headache.

Tinnitus with Imbalances in kidneys and heart involves the elements of water and fire, which must be balanced to preserve wellness and health. When one or both of the two energetic organ systems is compromised, a communication breakdown can arise. Kidney deficiency and heart blood deficiency may present with anxiety characterized by a sense of impending doom, poor memory, insomnia, and/or palpitations.

Tinnitus due to Depleted Kidney-Essence is associated with aging. It is characterized by low sound and a slow progressive onset of symptoms. Fear, sore knees, achy back, slight dizziness, and poor memory may also be present. 

Tinnitus due to Deficient Kidneys begins with a gradual onset of symptoms that include sounds of rushing water and ringing ears. Afternoon-evening sweats and/or hot flashes may be present.

Massage helps relieve tinnitus symptoms by reducing stress and relieving muscle tension.  It can relax the head, neck, and jaw muscles, which stresses the inner ear. Regular massages can also help resolve postural problems that contribute to tinnitus.

Massage Recommendations For Tinnitus

Massage can target points around the ear and neck to relieve tinnitus symptoms. The meridians of the heart, small intestine, pericardium, gallbladder, and liver can also be used.

Self-care for tinnitus might include pulling the bottom of the earlobe laterally and upwards in a stretching motion, which helps to reduce inner ear fluid buildup and relieve ringing sensations.

Massaging the mastoid process with gentle Swedish massage can relieve tension in the neck and ear muscles and allow the neck to move back into the correct alignment.

The masseter is the strongest muscle in the body in proportion to its size, and when overly tense, it can contribute to misalignment of the jaw and ringing in the ear. Any massage intended to relieve tinnitus will focus effort on the masseter muscle.

Acupressure points around the ears relieve tinnitus along with the pericardium, small intestine, and heart meridians. Gua sha is another therapeutic technique for releasing areas of tension.

Contraindications Of Tinnitus Massage Treatments

Some contraindications for tinnitus may include heightened sensitivity to touch, light, and sound. Craniosacral therapy would be recommended to relieve the strain patterns in the meningeal membrane system that wraps the brain and spinal cord. These fascial layers can develop strain patterns or become injured through trauma.

In one case study, a patient showed a reversal of tinnitus symptoms after 2.5 months of soft tissue massage, repetitive movements, and joint mobilization.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11122/

http://tcmwindow.com/diseases/Nervous-System-Diseases/Tinnitus-symptoms.shtml

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14689631/ 

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears-and-what-to-do-about-it

https://hms.harvard.edu/news/reversing-hearing-loss

http://tcmwindow.com/diseases/Nervous-System-Diseases/Tinnitus-diagnosis.shtml

Circulation problem around ear, neck, shoulder, ears are opening 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.986805/full

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14164-tinnitus 

https://www.rmtedu.com/blog/cervicogenic-tinnitus-and-massage-therapy

Causes Tinnitus according to CMT

http://tcmwindow.com/diseases/Nervous-System-Diseases/Tinnitus-causes.shtml

Clinical Trial - no approved meds or treatments

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.844730/full#B13

Youtube: 

Gua Sha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUiJbQXrEq4 

 

Massage Therapy for Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or going back to sleep. This results in poor sleep quality and can lead to daytime impairment and distress. For many people, it’s common to experience short-term insomnia at some point in their lives, which can last for a few days or weeks. But for others, insomnia can become chronic, lasting for months or more. 

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. If the body does not get enough sleep, it will lack the energy and ability to function completely and optimally. This can compromise things like the immune system, physical performance, cognition, hormonal balance, mood swings, and more — virtually all aspects of the human body. 

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is often associated with what western medicine refers to as the circadian rhythm. Also called the biological clock, the circadian rhythm is the series of physiological changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle. The biggest influence on the circadian rhythm is light intake, followed by diet, stress, physical activity, temperature, and social environment. 

For example, things that may interfere with the circadian rhythm include:

• Not getting enough daylight during the day 
• Thinking about life concerns that keep the mind up at night
• Bedtime habits that prevent the body from relaxing before trying to sleep (such as working, eating, watching screens, etc.)
• Consuming any food, medication, or substances that contain stimulants (like caffeine) too late or too early in the day
• Medical conditions that cause pain or disrupt sleeping (such as sleep apnea, which inhibits breathing)

Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of an irregular circadian rhythm. It is a natural consequence of an offset biological clock, reflecting the body’s inability to relax at appropriate times of the day. If the circadian rhythm is offset for an extended amount of time, it will result in negative health effects that may eventually compound into more serious health conditions later on. 

Treating Insomnia

In western medicine, there are two primary ways to treat insomnia: prescription medication, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Prescription sleeping pills can help the body fall asleep and stay asleep, but generally doctors do not recommend relying on them for more than a few weeks, as they often come with negative side effects, such as cognitive or physical impairment. 

Alternatively, behavioral therapy, which is usually recommended as the first treatment for insomnia, involves developing habitual strategies to control or stop thoughts and actions that keep the mind awake. This includes stimulus control therapy (which helps associate the bed with sleep, specifically), light therapy, nutrition therapy, and sleep restriction (restricting naps). Some doctors may also prescribe certain relaxation methods, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or massage therapy. 

TCM and Insomnia

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the causes and treatments for insomnia from a holistic perspective, focusing on the balance of the body's energy (Qi), blood, and organs. TCM recognises different types of insomnia, each with its unique set of causes and symptoms. Depending on the diagnosed type of insomnia, TCM will utilize a combination of herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. 

From a TCM perspective, insomnia is heavily associated with stress and anxiety, which can correlate with certain organs and their meridians. Here are a few examples of the energetic causes of insomnia, according to TCM:

• Kidney Yin Deficiency. The health of the kidneys reflect the quality of energy, youth, and vitality in the body. A deficiency of yin energy in the kidneys can contribute to insomnia. 
• Heart Disharmony. The heart is affected by all emotions. Both deficiency or excess in the heart may contribute to insomnia by affecting its synergy with other organs. 
• Liver Stagnation and Deficiency. The liver is strongly affected by stress and frustration. Frequent stress can stagnate the liver energy, which can cause insomnia. Deficiency of liver blood can also be a cause.

Massage for Insomnia

Massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for insomnia, with no contraindications. However, for the best treatment, it is recommended to use all and any strategies to specifically promote relaxation. 

In the massage room, this can include using a combination of soft lighting, soothing music, and temperate heating. During the intake, using rhetoric that emphasizes thoughts of positivity and healing may also help promote the healing process on a psychological level by directing the mind away from current stressors. For the massage itself, techniques that are generally calming (rather than vigorous or energizing) should be prioritized. 

Overall, any general relaxation massage will help treat insomnia. However, by identifying the organs involved with insomnia, according to TCM, certain acupressure points can be integrated into the massage pattern, thus improving the effectiveness of the treatment. Here are some acupressure points that can help insomnia, taken from “Acupuncture Points Handbook” by Deborah Bleecker: 

Head

• Du 20. Top of the head, aligned with top of ears. (p.71)
• Si Shen Cong – Four Alert Spirit. A group of four points located one finger (1 cun) away from Du 20 in each direction. (p.247)
• Yin Tang – Hall of Impression, or Spirit Gate. Midway between medial ends of eyebrows. (p.251)
• An Mian – Peaceful Sleep. Calms the spirit. Treats insomnia. Located 1 finger behind the earlobe. (p.236)

Hands

• Heart 7. Important point for calming the body. Located in the ulnar side (little flinger) wrist crease, on the later side of the tendon. (p.103)
• Heart 8. Between fourth and fifth metacarpal bones, where the little finger can touch the palm. (p.104)
• Pericardium 6 – The Insomnia Point. “Acupressure done with a magnetic pellet is very effective to treat insomnia. Just place the magnetic pellet on the point an hour or so before bed, and take it off in the morning. It will help you get to sleep and stay asleep all night.” Located 2 fingers (2 cun) above the wrist crease, between the tendons in the midline of forearm. (p. 159).
• Pericardium 7. In the middle of the wrist crease, between the tendons. (p.161)

Feet

• Kidney 1. Sole of foot in center depression when the foot is flexed. (p.106)
• Kidney 3. The “most important point of the Kidney”. Treats insomnia due to kidney weakness. Located in the depression in midpoint between the medial ankle bone and back of leg. (p.107)
• Kidney 6. Major point for insomnia. Located in depression directly below ankle bone. (p.111)
• Spleen 6. A multifunctional point that regulates and strengthens the Spleen, Stomach, Kidneys, and Liver. Very calming and treats the underlying cause of insomnia. Located 3-4 fingers (3 cun) above the tip of the medial ankle bone. (p.189)
• Liver 2. Major point that treats stress and excess liver energy. Located between the big toe and second toe, in the web margin. (p.137)
• Liver 3. Relieves stress and anger. Very relaxing. Slightly above the web of Liver 2. (p.139)

Back

• Bladder 15. On back erectors, between T5 and T6. (p.42)

References

Insomnia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355167

The beneficial effects of massage therapy for insomnia in postmenopausal women. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4521661/

Circadian Rhythms. https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx#:~:text=Study%20Circadian%20Rhythms-,What%20Are%20Circadian%20Rhythms%3F,and%20temperature%20also%20affect%20them.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12115-circadian-rhythm-disorders

The Different Types of Insomnia in Chinese Medicine. https://healthinflow.com.au/the-different-types-of-insomnia-in-chinese-medicine/

The effect of classical foot massage on insomnia and anxiety in preeclamptic pregnant women: a randomized controlled study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38422316/ 

Massage Therapy Can Help Improve Sleep. amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-can-help-improve-sleep/

New Research Continues to Support Massage for Improving Sleep Quality. amtamassage.org/about/news/massage-for-sleep-research/

Randomized control trial evidence for the benefits of massage and relaxation therapy on sleep in cancer survivors—a systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8448699/

Sleep Toolkit: Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing | Huberman Lab Podcast #84. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2aWYjSA1Jc

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS) is an autoimmune arthritic disease that is known for creating prolonged inflammation of the spine and ligaments of the spine. Over time, this disease creates rigidity of the spinal column. The chronic inflammation can cause calcium deposits to form on the ligaments and around the intervertebral discs, which effectively fuses vertebrae together over time. It is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood and is a lifelong disease.

How is AS Managed with Western Medicine?

Although this disease is commonly recognized in Western medicine as incurable, there are multiple avenues of treatment that can slow the progression and help with client comfort. Some of said treatments include:

- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)  

- Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Cortisone) can by injected directly into the joints or taken orally

- Physical therapy (e.g. Yoga, Range of Motion exercises, stretching) keeps blood moving through the spine

- Surgical Intervention 

How is AS Managed with Eastern Medicine?

AS is viewed as a deficiency of Kidney and Liver Qi and is qualified as a ‘Bi Syndrome’, which is a TCM term for blocked Qi in the meridians due to the external introduction of cold, wind, and damp.

Some treatments include:

- Herbal Formulas to build blood and Qi

- Acupuncture to recover Qi flow along Kidney and Liver meridians 

- Moxibustion is used to introduce heat and movement to stagnant areas

Cautions and Contraindications to Massage Therapy 

Cautions:

- Any pressure at all can feel painful. If massage is too painful, then stopping the session is advised.

- Medications are often anti-inflammatory so any technique that produces excessive inflammatory results should be limited

- Pain medications may also be prescribed so perception of pain may be unreliable

Contraindications:

- Spinal manipulation can lead to serious injury, including fractures and neurological symptoms

- Massage could trigger flare-ups of inflammation along the spine 

- Deep tissue on clients with progressed spinal fusion can increase pain and sensitivity and may induce neurological symptoms 

Benefits of Massage Therapy on a Client with AS

- Improved blood circulation to Spine and joints

- Improved lymphatic function, which will help get rid of metabolic waste

- Increase in mobility 

- Release of muscle tension

- Reduction of pain and stiffness

- Reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms

Modifications for a Client with AS

- Lighter pressure massage is recommended to begin with. Medium pressure may be applied if the client is comfortable

- Check-in with the client in regards to pressure and comfort level frequently

- Possible neck pillow and larger bolster may be required depending on the progression of the disease and comfort level of the client

- Deep Pressure is generally ill-advised, although deep tissue vibration techniques may be indicated

Sources: 

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis#:~:text=Ankylosing%20spondylitis%20is%20a%20type,help%20us%20move%20and%20bend

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8051999/#:~:text=Several%20systematic%20reviews%20and%20meta,the%20treatment%20of%20ankylosing%20spondylitis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354813

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45284133_Bi_Syndrome_Arthralgia_Syndrome

https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2013.1481

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ankylosing-spondylitis-massage#massage-chairs

https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/treatment-information/integrative-medicine/#:~:text=%22Anyone%20with%20limited%20spinal%20mobility,fusion%20(extra%20bone%20growth)

https://www.noterro.com/blog/the-benefits-of-massage-for-ankylosing-spondylitis#:~:text=Overview%20of%20Ankylosing%20Spondylitis&text=There's%20no%20cure%2C%20but%20massage,million%20Americans%20have%20Ankylosing%20Spondylitis

DIABETES THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

           What is diabetes?

In western medicine diabetes is a disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without the proper amount of insulin blood glucose levels are elevated. Glucose is the bodies main source of energy provided by the food we consume. Somtimes our bodies pancreas cannot produce or use insulin effectively. When this happens the glucose remains in the body and the cells care deprived. Overtime an excess of glucose in the body causes numerous health problems.There is no known cure for diabetes but you can take steps to manage your diabetes. 

            Are there different types of diabetes?

Western medicine recognizes 3 main types of diabetes 

       * Type 1

Thought to be an autoimmune disorder that is closely corelated to your generics and environment. Diabetes mellitus results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas.  The lack of insulin leads to increased blood and urine glucose. Type 1 usually presents in childhood,  but it could appear at any age. Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections to stay alive. 

        * Type2

With type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces insulin but the body is unable to use the the insulin appropriately. Type 2 is closely linked to lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, as well as family history. Physical activity a clean balanced diet and close attention to blood glucose levels can greatly reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes and help control blood sugar providing a better quality of life, with hard work type to diabetes can be cured. 

         * Gestational diabetes 

This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the child. If you have Gestational diabetes then you are more likely to get Type 2 later in life.

           How common is diabetes?

Approximately 1.5 million people are diagnosed  with diabetes each year. More Americans die each year from diabetes than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Almost 80,000 people each year die from diabetic complications.

           Symptoms of diabetes 

Frequent urination 

Excessive thirst

Extremely hunger

Slow healing cuts 

Extreme fatigue 

Numb limbs

Sweet taste and smell

Unexplained abnormal behavior 

            What are the treatments for diabetes?

Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes but there are many other things to do to help relieve symptoms. Massage therapy, healthy diet and exercise.  Testing blood sugar levels is very important in determining how much insulin to take. The invention of the insulin pump and CGM have greatly improved the life's of diabetics enabling  better control over blood glucose levels.

            How can massage benefit diabetes?

Massage is highly recommended for any type of diabetes. Some studies have shown it has great effect on lowering glucose levels and helping  neuropathy by bringing circulation to the affected area. Diabetic massage allows the muscles to relax and calms the mind. Reducing the physical and mental ailments associated with diabetes. Having diabetes is a life long condrion that takes an extreme routine lifestyle change and abundance of dedication to ones self. The client would benefit greatly from relaxation massage alone, because of the amount of care and mental stress that they deal with daily. Diabetics that often have hypoglycemia may experience a thickening of connective tissue. Massage can help loosen the muscle and tissue providing better circulation, range of motion and flexibility by relaxing the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Foot massage is especially important because most diabetics eventually have restricted blood flow and circulation to the extremities causing neuropathy and can eventually lead to amputation. 

       What are the contraindications for massage?

There are not alot of Contraindications for diabetic massage, but it is very important to realize that a full body massage may drop blood glucose levels by 20-40 points and can result in hypoglycemia. It may be smart to keep orange or apple juice around in case of an emergency. Recognize the symptoms of a diabetic emergency:

         Excessive sweating 

         Trembling or shaking

         Pounding heart rate 

         Dizziness 

         Confusion 

         Personality change

         Unable to wake

         Non coherent communication

It is important that if your client is able to chew that you give them juice or something with a lot of sugar immediately. If they are not responding call 911 right away. You may also need to be aware of recent insulin injections sites and use universal precautions for any open wounds. Diabetics often have loss of pressure sensitivity so it is up to the therapist to judge how much pressure is appropriate.

           What does Traditional Chinese Medicine have to offer diabetics?

     Studies have shown that Thai chi can lower blood sugar, blood pressure, boost the immune system and even help with weight-loss. Western medicine says high blood glucose will damage the kidneys. Eastern medicine believes that both high blood sugar and the treatment affects the kidneys. Once the spleen and pancreas are showing problems the next major organ to be affected is the kidneys. Both schools of medicine agree that blood glucose is the main problem, but the treatments are very different. TCM uses herbs to strengthen the kidneys so they can better withstand the effects of high blood sugar. These same herbal remedies provide relief from many symptoms including frequent urination, cooling inflammation and adding nutrients to the digestive system, as well as tingling and numbness in extremities and blurred vision. With Type 2 diabetes the herbs will calm the intestines and stomach bringing the pancreas back to a normal state, resolving excessive thirst and hunger. Once the disharmony in the organs is addressed the blood sugar  should return to a normal level.

      TCM practitioners believe diabetes is a result of eating too much fatty, sugary, rich foods. They see poor diet as one of the four contributing factors pertaining to the root cause of diabetes. This is believed to be a depletion of the yin energy - a cool dark and earthy energy combined with excessive asthenic fire in body. It is recommended to avoid greasy, sweet food and alcohol, they exhaust the spleen and create  damp heat. Also an unstable emotional life disrupts the flow of Qi and causes stagnation leading to an excess of internal fire. One more note is that excessive sexual intercourse depletes the kidney essence imparing the ability to provide yin to the body.

     TCM divides treatments into three main sections the upper, middle,  lower wasting:

     Upper wasting: characterized by excessive thirst,  dry mouth and irritability. Red tongue with a thin yellow coating, and rapid pulse. Having lung heat with depletion Syndrome. Rise in internal heat in lungs and a deficancy in body fluids(yin jin). Treatment includes a concoction of coptis chinesis, ophiopogon japonica and radix Rehman.

     Middle wasting : Shows as excessive hunger, bad breath, weight-loss, constipation, dry stool, oral ulcers, excessive thirst and urine output. Also tongue will show red with a yellow coating and pulse is rapid. Stomach fire syndrome is resolved using a remedy known as Jade maiden decoction made with gypsum fibrosum, rhizome anemarrhenae and gardenia jasminoides.

     Lower wasting:  Can be described as excessive turbid urination, lower lumbar pain, knee weakness, fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, dry lips and dry itchy skin. Tongue diagnosis shows a red tongue with little to no coating. The pulse is thin and rapid. Treatmentment consists of six-flavor rehmannia pills made with schisandra, Chinese yam and wolf berry or gogi berry.

        Acupressure Protocols      

SP Qi Deficiency  alone, with dampness or damp heat

LV Stagnation  alone, or with fire

☝ Upper Wasting - LU Heat

Symptoms: 

Dry throat and mouth 

Excessive thirst 

Frequent urination 

Tongue: Red with dry yellow coat

Pulse: Rapid 

Treatment points 

👉 St. John treatment points (modified)

👉 SP6 Tonify yin

👉 ST36 Tonify Qi

👉 LU 5 Clear lung heat

👉 UB13 LU Shu

✌ Middle Wasting - ST Dryness

symptoms:

Excessive hunger 

Epigastric pain

Constipation 

Tongue: yellow dry coat

Pulse: Rapid 

Treatment points 

👉 St. John treatment points 

👉 SP6 tonify ST/SP

👉 ST36 Tonify Qi 

👉 ST44 Clear ST Heat and dryness

👉 KD3 Tonify KD

👉 UB20 SP Shu

👉 UB21 ST Shu

👌 Lower Wasting - KD Yin and Jing

Symptoms: 

Sore back

Knee pain

Weak lower body

Dizziness 

Blurry vision 

frequent urination 

Dry mouth

Tongue: Red no coat

Pulse:fine, rapid

Treatment points 

👉 St. John treatment points  ( modified) 

👉 KD 6 Tonify yin

👉 KD3 Tonify KD

👉 CV4 Tonify Yin 

👉 SP6 Tonify ST/ SP Yin

👉 GV20 Raise the yang

👉 UB23 KD Shu

Spleen Qi Deficiency 

Symptoms: 

Fatigue 

Weakness

Poor appetite 

Loose stools

May generate dampness combined with heat

Tongue: pale with teeth marks coated dampness 

Pulse: empty, slippery with dampness 

Treatment points 

👉 St. John treatment points ( modified) 

👉 SP3 Tonify SP

👉 SP6 Tonify SP yin

👉 ST36 Tonify Qi 

👉 CV12 ST Mu

👉 UB21 ST shu

👉 in damp SP9

👉 if damp effecting head ST8

👉 if damp heat LI 11

LV Qi Stagnation 

Symptoms: 

Depression 

Anger

Belching 

Gas

PMS

Menstrual cycle irregularities 

Tongue: normal pale, purple ( red with yellow coat with liver fire)

Pulse: wiry (rapid with LV fire)

Treatment points 

👉 St. John's points(with modifications)

👉 LV3 with LI4 four gates TX harmonize  LV

👉 LV14 LV MU

👉 PC6 open the chest calm the spirit

👉 UB18 LV Shu

👉 if LV fire LV2

There are many more treatments out there but I hope that someone can use this information!

NS 2021

References:

 

https://www.humantouch.com/blog/all-things-considered-what-are-the-effects-of-massage-for-people-with-diabetes.html

https://www.massagetherapyreference.com/diabetes-massage-contraindications/

https://www.euyansang.com/en_US/home

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-history.html

http://www.diabete.qc.ca/en/understand-diabetes/all-about-diabetes/history-of-diabetes/treating-diabetes-1921-to-the-present-day/

Mayo Clinic

https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/massage-therapy-and-diabetes

https://www.nwpc.com/

Yinyanghouse.com 

 

        

          

          

          

  

      

Peptic Ulcer and Qi Imbalance

1st Part

Stress, fear, anxiety are a constant in our daily life. Most of us live the life doing, achieving, creating a goal, a purpose and we cant put it on hold.  We want to be in control. However this constant state of mind, the constant thinking and over thinking has a negative impact on our physical and psychical health or our spiritmindbody. We see ourselves as individual entities running around, tending our daily business and forget the fact the we are all interconnected. To the non-verbal world (plants, animals) doesnt apply the fittest survive motto, but together we stand and flourish. It is a positive, symbiotic relationship and not a dog eat dog world. When one wants to be in control of his or her life happenings is actually being in a constant imbalance with oneself and everything around.  Stress is a major factor of this and it has so many aspects that I will not further apprehend in this article. Inadvertently, stress, especially chronic, accumulated for months, perhaps years does have so many negative effects on our health and way of existing. One of this negative health effect is peptic ulcer. What is peptic ulcer? Can it be prevented?

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Epilepsy

 Traditional Chinese Medicine & Epilepsy 

Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

• There are two main types of seizures; focus/partial and generalized-onset.

• Within each type there are subsections varying in severity

• Focus/Partial: When seizures appear to result from abnormal activity in just one area of your brain, they're called focal (partial) seizures. These seizures fall into two categories:

• Focal seizures without loss of consciousness. Once called simple partial seizures, these seizures don't cause a loss of consciousness. They may alter emotions or change the way things look, smell, feel, taste or sound. They may also result in involuntary jerking of a body part, such as an arm or leg, and spontaneous sensory symptoms such as tingling, dizziness and flashing lights.

• Focal seizures with impaired awareness. Once called complex partial seizures, these seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or awareness. During a complex partial seizure, you may stare into space and not respond normally to your environment or perform repetitive movements, such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing or walking in circles.

• Symptoms of focal seizures may be confused with other neurological disorders, such as migraine, narcolepsy or mental illness. A thorough examination and testing are needed to distinguish epilepsy from other disorders.

• Generalized-Onset: Generalized-onset seizures are surges of abnormal nerve discharges throughout the cortex of the brain more or less at the same time. The most common cause is an imbalance in the “brakes” (inhibitory circuits) and “accelerator” (excitatory circuits) of electrical activity in the brain.

• Genetic Considerations

• Generalized seizures may have a genetic component, but only a small number of people with generalized seizures have family members with the same condition. There is a slight increase in risk for generalized seizures in the children or other family members of an affected person with generalized seizures, but the severity of the seizures can vary from person to person. Genetic testing may reveal a cause for generalized seizures.

• Sleep deprivation or drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the excitatory response and increase the risk of generalized-onset seizures, especially in people with a genetic tendency to have them.

• Absence seizures

• Absence seizures, previously known as petit mal seizures, often occur in children and are characterized by staring into space or subtle body movements such as eye blinking or lip smacking. These seizures may occur in clusters and cause a brief loss of awareness.

• Tonic seizures

• Tonic seizures cause stiffening of your muscles. These seizures usually affect muscles in your back, arms and legs and may cause you to fall to the ground.

• Atonic seizures

• Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, cause a loss of muscle control, which may cause you to suddenly collapse or fall down.

• Clonic seizures

• Clonic seizures are associated with repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements. These seizures usually affect the neck, face and arms.

• Myoclonic seizures

• Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches of your arms and legs.

• Tonic-clonic seizures

• Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting your tongue.

• Causes: Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including:

• Genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, run in families. In these cases, it's likely that there's a genetic influence.

• Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes, but for most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures.

• Head trauma. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can cause epilepsy.

• Brain conditions. Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.

• Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy.

• Prenatal injury. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors, such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.

• Developmental disorders. Epilepsy can sometimes be associated with developmental disorders, such as autism and neurofibromatosis.

• Indications and Contraindications: It very much depends on the type of seizures that an individual suffers from and care needs to be taken as over-stimulation may trigger an attack. Each person and their epilepsy should be considered individually

• Clients who suffer from tonic-clonic seizures, it is beneficial to work on the body and limbs due to the contraction of these areas during their seizures

• Hot stone and grounding head massages are known to be generally safe but energy work to the head should always be avoided. 

• Reflexology can be deeply relaxing for some people, so it could be of great use to those whose epilepsy is triggered by stress.

• Certain essential oils such as fennel, rosemary and sage, [amongst others, ask your doctor for a comprehensive list] should be avoided as they are known to increase the risk of seizures. Make sure your therapist is a qualified aromatherapist with the knowledge of which oils to avoid and alternatives to go for – ylang ylang, chamomile and lavender have a relaxing and calming effect, which could ward off a seizure too.

• If a ketogenic diet is being used to improve epilepsy symptoms let your therapist know. Weakness, dizziness, sleepiness and diarrhea are all side effects that may mean the practitioner will want to adapt the session slightly.

• Cupping where epileptics who experience seizures would not be a good candidate for service.  That is because if an epileptic had a seizure and fell to the ground with glass or plastic cups stuck to them, the cup could break or cut the client and provide a greater medical problem beyond the seizure itself.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: 

• Vitamin and folic acid supplements can help to control epileptic seizures, however, these need to be carried out with strict medical supervision as adverse effects can also happen. Vitamin B6, taurine (an amino acid) and omega 3 fatty acids are also known to help patients with epilepsy. 

• There is a Chinese herb called bupleurum which is used in combination with peony root, cassia bark, jujube fruit, ginger root and pinellia root to form two different herbal formulae known as sho-saiko and saiko-keishi. Other ingredients in the two formulae are ginseng root, licorice root and skullcap root. These Chinese medicines are known to help people with epilepsy without any negative side effects.

• Acupuncture and massage therapy are other therapies for epilepsy that have had a significant presence in the treatment of this disorder. 

• Acupuncture has been known to reduce seizures and also control abnormal brain activity that causes the seizures. Studies in China have established that treatment of epilepsy where acupuncture and massage is used along with certain herbs have had the best results.

•  A study in Germany which involved almost a hundred people established that acupuncture treatment over a period of up to 18 months showed marked improvement in 65 percent of the cases. All drugs were discontinued during the period of the test.

• There are two types of massage therapy that have been known to be effective in treating epileptic patients. They are Cranial-Sacral Therapy and Aromatherapy. 

• Cranial-Sacral therapy helps to get fluid moving freely around the brain thus releasing any blockages that can cause seizures.

• Aromatherapy using Jasmine makes the patient associate the scent with relaxation and this induced state of relaxation can reduce the possibility of seizures.

• There are Yin and Yang seizures. Yin seizures are rarely connected with epilepsy. Yang seizures are clenched and spastic. In some cases seizures are caused by a deficiency of Yin (in the Yin-Yang medical theory, this means an insufficiency of cooling bodily fluids) in the Liver or Kidney. Sometimes emotional constraint can lead to the Liver overheating, resulting in internal Wind.

• The causes of epilepsy can be summarized as congenital (present from birth but not hereditary) and acquired.

•  Congenital causes include an impairment of the transfer of Qi (the body’s essential energy) from the fetes to the baby. 

• Acquired causes include craniocerebral trauma; syncope; blood stagnation in the blood vessels and nerves; cerebrum and parasites in the brain; depletion in the nourishment of the heart and mind; suffocation, etc.

• For the purposes of syndrome differentiation, epilepsy is classified as being due to Fright (including chronic fear unsettling the mind); due to Wind (fever); due to phlegm (characterized by a weak mind and dementia) and due to blood stasis (caused by craniocerebral trauma and characterized by headaches).

• For epilepsy due to Fright, treatment will aim to calm the mind and eliminate fright.

• For epilepsy due to Wind, treatment focuses on eliminating the Wind and relieving convulsion.

• For epilepsy due to phlegm build-up, the focus will be on regulating the body’s Qi, removing the phlegm and resuscitating the patient.

• For epilepsy due to blood stasis, treatment will re-activate blood circulation in order to induce resuscitation and stopping Wind.

• According to Chinese Medicine theory both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used either during or after seizure. Since repeated seizures are often caused by a large accumulation of phlegm according to CM theory, eliminating phlegm is one of the priorities. 

• For patients who experience seizures on rare occasions, the Chinese Medical treatment focuses on strengthening the Spleen, nourishing the Liver, relieving spasm and also removing phlegm.

• Heart, Liver, Spleen and Kidney are all affected and require attention as part of the treatment.

• For best results, Chinese medicine must be combined with Western medicines.

Resources/Citations

• https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00YVGLY5UuZoWgrwkvjRU6XPlAhcA:1612739424725&q=Dictionary&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONQesSoyi3w8sc9YSmZSWtOXmMU4-LzL0jNc8lMLsnMz0ssqrRiUWJKzeNZxMqFEAMA7_QXqzcAAAA&zx=1612739736935#dobs=epilepsy

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy/types-of-seizures

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/epilepsy-treatments-1204498

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093

• https://urban.co/editorial/can-a-massage-affect-your-epilepsy/

• https://ceinstitute.com/blogs/news/epilepsy-massage-therapy-spa-salon-service-precaution

• https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/25/tcm-for-epilepsy-and-seizure-disorders

• https://clinic.acumedic.com/can-we-help/condition/epilepsy/