Treating The Effects Of Multiple Sclerosis With Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Formulas

 

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Formulas are very effective in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an  autoimmune disease.  A person's immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers and protects  the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. A simple way of understanding the disease is this:  imagine the outer casing that holds and protects many electrical wires wears away leaving tears and holes that expose the internal wiring.  The wires inside the casing short circuit, burn, smoke, and malfunction due to exposure to environmental elements (your bodily fluids, etc).  The wearing down of the myelin sheath leads to injury and inflammation; consequently, electrical or nerve signals to and from the brain to different organs, muscles, nerves and other connective tissue are blocked.  The end result is debilitating - the patient can experience difficult vision, burning pain in the extremities, loss of muscle coordination and strength, loss of organ and other bodily functions, and a downward spiral of degenerating health.  Multiple sclerosis can affect any sex or age group but is common in ages 20 to 40 years of age.  Women are twice susceptible to MS as men.

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the patient as a whole in determining treatment for MS or any other condition.  All lifestyle and physical aspects of the patient are evaluated.  Tongue and pulse diagnoses offer much information about the patient's condition.  There are 18 pulse positions that are felt and evaluated; the condition of the tongue can determine heat, cold, organ dysfunction, build up of toxins and a plethora of other indicators pertinent to the individual case.  In evaluating the MS patient, the demyelization of the neural sheath is considered to be a heat condition; heat dries bodily fluids and builds toxins; this in turn, leads to organ and connective tissue malfunction.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas address these symptoms effectively and can help reduce or eliminate various symptoms of this autoimmune disease. 

Case Study:  A 62 year old post menopausal female presented with burning pain in both legs, travelling to lower legs and the soles of her feet.  The patient was unable to walk 2 city blocks without pain. The patient experienced nocturnal body heat and woke up every other hour in the evening in 'pools of sweat'.  The patient had  been diagnosed with MS 4 years prior to her visit to my office and had recently gone on disability because of her inability to walk and work.  Her quality of  life had suffered and had been suffering mild depression.  The patient's tongue was overall red with a very dry, thin coat (this denotes a heat condition and drying of internal bodily fluids.  Her pulses overall were thin, rapid, wiry and small.  I determined a diagnosis of Yin Deficiency as root cause and a secondary condition of Qi Stagnation.  In plain English, this means that the MS was caused by a heat condition (Yin Deficiency); the night sweats and neuropathies were being caused by the secondary condition (Qi Stagnation).  Because of the heat, the internal bodily fluids were drying, causing the normal flow of blood, lymph, fluids, red and white blood cells to reach the extremities and provide the necessary cellular nutrition for proper physical function.  The treatment strategy:  clear the heat, tonify the immune system, clear the stagnation and calm the mind (to address the depression).  Acupuncture treatment twice weekly for 4 weeks, with nutritional modifications ( no spicy foods, acidic foods, alcohol, sugar or dairy) and water therapy were additive to the protocol.  An herbal pill formula to address the nocturnal sweat and fluids was prescribed to be taken on a daily basis.

After 4 weeks of this treatment protocol, the patient reported she could walk more than half a mile, could swim for 20 minutes in the pool, and the burning pain had dissipated from a 9 of 10 on the pain scale to a 3 of  10.  The nocturnal sweats had disappeared and she was beginning to feel more like herself.  The protocol was modified to one treatment weekly for 8 weeks; yoga was suggested in addition to water therapy and the continued diet modifications.  After 8 weeks, the patient reported that she was pain free and had spoken with her employer - she was going back to work and felt wonderful.  This patient continues with treatment once monthly and continues to do yoga and swim; she can now dance and is living a productive and happy life once again.

Traditional Chinese Medicine cannot offer a cure for MS, but a good practitioner can help reduce or eliminate certain afflictions of the disease.  While results vary from case to case, this is one of the many pathologies that I treat on a daily basis.  Traditional  Chinese Medicine is over 2,000 years old for a reason.

Breakthroughs Can Happen When You Believe In Yourself

I've worn out my patellar cartlidge in my left knee and the right one is complaining it's quitting soon - bummer to say the least.  So, while I wait for some 'goop' to be injected into my knees to buy me a few more years of jumping and kicking fun, I'm back to yoga and sometimes some good old boxing.  This is a self reinvention; the warrior is becoming a yogi again.   I've bought myself proper yoga clothing so I don't stick out in the class like Godzilla in my Muay Thai shorts.  I've been wearing a specially fit hinged brace for my left knee which enables me to walk, do yoga and box - basic activities we all take for granted that have been impossible or just plain painful.  Hence, the reservations of taking a chance to do different yoga poses (although I taught yoga to martial artists for years)....ah, fear and what torments it will play with your mind.  Today, I went into class and decided that my 'magic brace' was going to hold me steady as my physical therapist swears.  I had a mental and physical breakthrough.  For the first time in a few months, I jumped back into my chattaronga pushups, bent my left knee without pain and truly enjoyed the class....my mantra and devotion to today's practice was 'I CAN'...not the "I can't" I've allowed fear to shout to me previously.  I forgot how much yoga could be fun and challenging.  Breakthroughs and transformations...I think I'll explore this thought a bit more and get back to you on it....to be continued....

Heres Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Believe in Yourself...breakthroughs CAN happen!

Yo, Yo, Yoga

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  my patients ask me my thoughts on yoga; some of them are quite inflexible or nonathletic.  Here's my opinion:  find a yoga studio or gym that has a good reputation for its teachers and take classes on a regular basis.  You might not be able to bend over and touch your knees the first class you attend, but if you stick with it, after a month you'll be surprised when you can not only touch your toes, but palm the floor.  I have a patient who was a professional athlete; he's now in his early 80s and has been doing yoga for the past 20 years.  He is strong, flexible and at 6'6", he can palm the floor and then some!

Low Impact Exercises

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Very often, people who have not exercised in quite some time ask me what exercises they can do that would kickstart them into healthy living.  If you have no other medical issues that would prevent you from engaging in low impact exercise, here's a list: yoga, exercise bikes, walking, swimming, elliptical machines, weight training, pilates.

Let's Go Beans!!!

Here are some healthy statistics on some of the most common types of legumes that are easy to cook and prepare:
Lentils: .25cup dry:  150 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 27g carbs, 7g fibre, 2g sugar, 11g protein, 15mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol
Black Beans: .50 cup dry:  110 calories, 1g fat, 0g sat fat, 18g carbs, 6g fibre, 0g sugar, 7g protein, 15mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol
Dried Garbanzo Beans:  .25cup dry:  140 calories, 5g fat, 0g sat fat, 23g carbs, 7g fibre, 0g sugar, 8g protein, 10mg sodium0mg cholesterol.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Beans are good for you.  A great source of protein and other wonderful vitamins and minerals, these legumes are action-packed with fiber, can help reduce your blood sugar levels and may help prevent cancer.  So let's go beans tonight!

A Little Humor In The Aftermath Of Sandy, Or Why You Should Stay In Shape!

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Yesterday, I had to get to my lower Manhattan office.  No power, no lights and I'm on the 19th floor.  Management sent a young man with me to climb the stairs and ensure my safety.  So, I said to him, "let's sing so it's not so boring.  When I was fight training years ago, my trainer would make us run up and down flights of stairs, so let's make this more fun and sing songs".  Personally, I was a bit worried that my old lady knees would give out...sliding down the bannisters was coming into the motis operandum for the way down.  So up we went, and as I'm singing songs and reaching the 19th floor, I realized this guy was several flights below me.  I told him to pony up, I was old enough to be his mother.  When we finally reached my office, I had to have him lie down and gave him water.  This was no time for heart attacks...no cell service and this was just no time for CPR!
The message here:  I keep up with my cardio and thank goodness for the yoga I've been doing lately.  You never know when you're going to have to make your body endure and you never know what emergencies lie ahead.  This guy's going to start hitting the gym, 'cause this old lady just laid him to shame!  My knees are just fine and I'll admit...going down is a lot easier than going up! :)  Be safe and prayers for all those terribly affected by Sandy!

Give The Gift Of Intention To Someone

Very often, prior to a yoga session, one will briefly meditate on the intention of the day's practice on the mat.  Peace, health, wealth, success - the choice is up to the individual.  Putting an hour's worth of concentrated energy - both mind and body - into that intention reaps results in eastern philosophy.  I find this to be true.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Today, whatever you do with everything you've got - mind and body and soul - instead of placing the intention upon yourself, why not send those positive thoughts to someone who might need them?  If you've got a friend or loved one who is in a conundrum of life and could use some peace or guidance, send your intentions to them in the form of peace and love.  We've all got plenty to share....let's not be greedy.

Practice What You Preach

I am a huge fan of the benefits of yoga.  It's not that I love doing yoga - it's like eating your veggies, only better.  I encourage all my patients to engage in a yoga practice, whether they are professional athletes or couch potatoes.  Yoga is all about you and your mat; no one else matters. 

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you are recovering from an injury, want to improve your sports performance, digestion or lower your blood pressure - here's what you do.  Schedule regular acupuncture treatments and sign yourself into a nice yoga studio.  That's what I'm doing today as part of taking care of ME, so I can better take care of YOU!

A Moment Of Quiet Contemplation

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Take a moment today to close your eyes and envision one of your most favorite places.  Go there in your mind and linger a while.  Taste the aromas, feel the air and allow your eyes to wander and explore the space.  Relax, absorb, participate, share and enjoy.

Another Reason Why You Should Stay Fit and Limber

This weekend, it finally happened....taking a slow uturn on an uphill...I dropped the Harley.  I just didn't give it enough throttle.  As the bike was going down, my instinct took over and I leapt approximately 8 ft away from the bike.  Although I landed on my feet like a cat and without a scratch, I did pull a hamstring...ouch to say the least.  So, I turned the engine off and started to walk out the pull.  A nice fellow stopped by on his farm truck and helped me pick up the bike and get it turned and down the hill.  I decided the hamstring was good enough to continue and enjoyed a lovely ride through the farm roads.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  OK, I've got a really sore hamstring today, but it's because I pushed off my left leg with everything I had to leap 8ft from the bike to safety.  If I weren't in good physical condition and limber (let's talk yoga here), I could never have gotten away from the bike, which could have landed on me, resulting in a big injury.  For all you riders out there, I've got some good advice....cardio and yoga will get you free of the bike if it goes down and don't forget TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF!

Yoga For Good Health

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Yoga not only lowers the blood pressure, but helps to increase overall blood circulation to bones, muscles, brain and connective tissue.  You lengthen, strengthen and elongate your muscles while building tone.  Yoga will de-stress you and leave you with a 'runner's high'.  It might not be the most exciting activity in the world, but it's good for your health.  Try it!

Take Precautions When Working Out With Cardio DVDs

While I was doing my Kenpo P90X dvd this morning, I realized how so many people get injured while following cardio dvds.  Basically, unless you know what you're doing, you can become seriously injured following any cardio program (torn hamstrings, calves, overextension of joints, etc).  I am a seasoned martial artist; Kenpo is not a martial art I have practiced, but I can understand the different kicks and blocks quite easily and practice them with care - without snapping my joints or injuring myself.  I keep a definite imaginary opponent in focus when kicking or punching - as if I am back in the ring; I do not flail out my limbs into space.  My training partner also practices Muay Thai kickboxing, so he's just as focused and careful during his workout.  But what about the lay person who has never practiced the martial arts?  Hmmm....I have a few thoughts about this that I'd like to share today.
I've never been a fan of 'cardio kickboxing' or pseudo martial arts/boxing classes I have witnessed in various gyms.  Quite often, the instructor has had nothing but a weekend certification class and has absolutely no idea what he/she is doing; never mind teach a novice.  Many of them have never practiced the sport or martial art - it's quite obvious by their lack of form and less-than-amatuerish maneuvers.  I've trained quite a number of individuals; form and technique come first and foremost, so not one of them have ever been injured while training. 

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you have an interest in boxing, martial arts or even yoga, be smart.  Do your research and find a dojo (gym) that specializes in the discipline.  All these facilities have various levels of classes, where you will learn proper form and technique.  You will get a great workout, lose weight and not become injured.  Once you have form and technique drummed into your mind and muscle memory (and you can literally do this in your sleep after a while), if you want a little more 'umph' during your workout week - by all means get a dvd.  You'll have enough under your belt to follow the routines with proper form and techniqe.  You'll get a great workout into your day and without injury.  If any of you would like a recommendation for a Muay Thai dojo or Yoga studio, just email me and I'll help you out!

Exercise To Reduce or Eliminate Your Low Back Pain

Let's face it, folks...the more physically fit you are, chances of maintaining a healthy low back greatly improve.  The key to low back health is to NOT perform exercises or activities that put stress on your back or elicit pain.  Aerobic exercises that engage the large muscle groups (arms, legs, glutes) in a non-impactful method are best.  these activities include:  swimming, cycling, ellipitical machines and power walking.  Performing these activities for a minimum of 30 minutes 5 times per week is not only wonderful for your circulation, but uses all the major muscles groups of the body that are important to good spine and low back health.  Stretching and strengthening your abdominals, pelvis, low back and quadraceps reduces the chances of injury to the low back and can help alleviate low back pain and recurrance of injuries.  Flexibility is key.  Yoga and Pilates are wonderful programs that can help strengthen your core and improve low back health.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Before engaging in any new aerobic program, consult your physician to ensure the activities are right for your aerobic/orthopedic level.  Be smart!  Do some sleuthing and ask for referrals when choosing a trainer or exercise studio.  Make sure the instructors are well-certified and ask to take a free trial class.  If you are not comfortable with the instructor or level of activity, then STOP and LEAVE!  Improper form or the wrong type of activity can worsen any condition, so do your homework.  And remember....ACUPUNCTURE HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY THE WHO (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION) TO REDUCE AND/OR ELIMINATE THE SYMPTOMS OF LOW BACK PAIN.  That being said...call or make an appointment today!

Increased Oxygen Intake Important for Any Activity

Very often, I suggest yoga to many of my patients for a myriad of reasons.  Flexibility, strength, prenatal health, stress relief...the list could go on and on of the benefits to doing yoga.  But, if you suffer from asthma, COPD or always seem like you just can't catch your breath, you too, can benefit from yoga.
Yogic breathing (there are several types) allows the body to intake its maximum amount of air.  This translates to the production of fresh oxygenated red blood cells, which in turn lead to the regeneration and nutrition of connective tissue, nerve tissue, muscles, hormones, and good health.  For the person who suffers from any type of pulmonary condition, yogic breathing allows for the steady inhalation and exhalation motion of the lungs.  Fresh air fills even the bottom-most portions of the lungs, giving nutrition and inflation to the lower bronchioles, thereby reducing inflamation and increasing inspiration.  This in turn, leads to better breathing, less stress and a better qualtiy of life.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you or someone you know suffers from asthma, COPD or shortness of breath, why not sign you and your suffering buddy up for a nice gentle healing yoga class.  You will both notice a difference in your energy, breathing ability and quality of sleep almost immediately!

Fibromyalgia

Did you know that there is no definite diagnosis for fibromyalgia?  Fibromyalgia is defined as pain experienced throughout the body for an indefinite period of time with no known cause.  Did you know that the combined therapies of acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas, diet, exercise and meditation can greatly reduce the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  if you are experiencing pain throughout your body, first visit your m.d. and have a complete blood panel done to rule out any other pathologies (such as leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc).  If your m.d. believes you are suffering from fibromyalgia, then take a step back.  Reassess your lifestyle:  stress, diet, exercise.  Speak with your dietitian, acupuncturist and therapist about a personalized wellness program.  Gentle healing yoga a few times per week and a few minutes of quiet meditation are the olives to your healthy cocktail!  If you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, empower yourself!  Log onto the link below, take the wellness questionnaire and get yourself started in the right direction to a pain-free life!
http://www.kmondesire.com/whatsnewsthismonth.html

Does Acupuncture Improve Athletic Performance?

The Journal of Strength Conditioning Research, (24:1421-1427, 2010) reports that a study from the Near East University in Turkey concluded that acupuncture increases strength and power and causes physiological changes that can improve endurance.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 on the greatest of martial artists to improve strength and power, it can help you too!  I have quite a number of professional athletes in my practice who see me on a regular basis to improve their running time, fight stamina, jumping abilities and overall vitality.  Whether you're a weekend warrior or yogi, acupuncture can work for you!

Satur-Daze

Oh, it's Saturday!!  Off to yoga, maybe a run afterward.  The Tribeca Film Festival is in town, so me and the trusty dog are going to saunter up to the neighborhood and check out the outdoor events.
It's a beautiful and sunny Spring day here in Manhattan. 
I think I'll relax a bit today and engage in a Satur-Daze......
Daze me.....daze to you too!
http://www.kmondesire.com/

Yoga and More!

Well, today I went back to my morning yoga class after almost 6 weeks.  The comment my teacher and fellow yogis (after welcoming me back) was..'wow, you look great!   You lost weight!'.....NOTHING could have made me feel better today!  All this hard work and commitment to good health and fitness is paying off because it's being noticed!

For the first time in almost 2 years, I was able to do a full and DEEP Warrior 2 pose and a true Chair pose!  No knee pain at all!  All that physical therapy has been paying off.  My chattarongas were on the money and we ended class with gratititude and respect for oneanother and our practice.  My yoga teacher, Johanna, couldn't have been more supportive and kind and attentive.

Feeling like a superhero once again, I went straight for that treadmill after class and did 2 miles.  I started off slow at a 12 minute pace.  After a while, feeling like I was going nowhere fast, I stepped up the pace to a 9:30 mile.  I finished strong.  I share a 1/2 grapefruit with my trusty dog and enjoyed a protein shake.  I'm on track!  I'm back!  I'm healthy and strong!!

Namaste!

Get More Energy...Get Some Acupuncture

Hey, did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can boost your energy, improve your immune system and get this: it can improve your performance on the golf course, the tennis court, the yoga mat and in the bedroom!

Nutrition is fuel.  Acupuncture is cellular nutrition, improved circulation, decreased stress and increased sex drive.

Try it, you'll like it!!

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