The ability to adapt to the stresses of life is fundamental to life itself. Adaptability is the root of evolution and the rate limiting factor to biological success.  Fortunately, human beings are one of the most adaptable creatures on earth.  We have adapted to almost every climate.  People live in some of the hottest, driest, dampest, coldest, and most barren parts of the earth.

In this age, a healthy person easily adapts to a wide range of normal stressors, such as changes in weather, nutrition, emotions, or physical activity.  Success could be measured by how well we handle stress.  Those who manage stress well generally take on greater challenges, overcome more obstacles, and get more accomplished.  

Successfully adapting to change is the truest way to grow in experience, knowledge, and wisdom.  The more adaptive an individual, the more vigor with which one can meet the challenges of life, and the greater that person's heath. 

But if we lose this fundamental ability, we stiffen and lose our ability to change.  Therefore, we easily become imbalanced and stagnant, and dangerously susceptible to disease. 

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of flowing with nature's changes; constantly harmonizing, always maintaining balance to avoid the extremes.  By knowing when you have gone far enough, you will lead a less stressed, less draining life.  Additionally, by living close to nature and changing gracefully with your environment, you can avoid disaster and slow down aging.

One of the greatest secrets of a satisfying and happy life, according to traditional Chinese medicine wisdom, is to focus on promoting health instead of managing disease.  Physical health is irrelevant if it is accompanied by unhappiness, trouble, or failure.  It is necessary and possible to cultivate an attitude of holistic health so the body, mind, and spirit can flourish.  Total success takes determination, knowledge, and discipline. 

But we don't have to do it alone.  While we already have excellent adaptive systems in place, such as the work done by our liver, kidneys, and digestive tract, sometimes we can use a tune up to function optimally.  Regular acupuncture and tonic Chinese herbs are wonderful resources to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.  Traditional Chinese medicine can help you look and feel your best.  Try out a system of healing that's full of wisdom and perfect for the modern age.

Inspiration: The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs, Ron Teeguarden

April is Parkinson's Awareness month!  This post highlights some exciting new research in Parkinson's Disease (PD) at Cornell University. 

Researchers found that the main ingredient in aspirin may stop the process leading to cell death in PD.  The published paper can be found here.  The compound is called salicylic acid and is found naturally in many plants.  Scientists were studying its effect on cell death in plants when they noticed its similarities to a medication called selegiline, used to prolong the anti-parkinson activity of levodopa.

To understand its potential to treat PD, the researchers know they would need to study it in human cells.  They tested three forms of salicylic acid (plant-derived, synthetic, and a form from Chinese medicinal herb licorice) to see if it could prevent cell death in human cells.

Results:

• All forms of salicylic acid were able to stop a specific enzyme from damaging brain cells.
• The salicylic acid derived synthetically and from medicinal Chinese licorice were more effective than the plant-derived salicylic acid.

Discussion:
This research shows that salicylic acid may interact with an enzyme linked to PD to stop cell death in laboratory settings.  This opens the door to development of compounds that are similar to, but more effective than, aspirin.  Undoubtedly, more research is needed.  Note, although salicylic acid is a main component of aspirin, aspirin itself has not been shown to be beneficial in PD. 

In this study, a medicinal Chinese herb was as effective as a synthetic compound, and more effective than aspirin itself. Meanwhile, eating licorice for these therapeutic purposes is not recommended.  The licorice used in this study is a specific form derived from Chinese medicine.

About licorice root:
Licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae, is traditional Chinese herb that tonifies energy, especially in the digestive and respiratory systems.  In combination with other herbs, it releases cramps and alleviates pain, is used as a poison antidote, can lessen the harsh and toxic nature of other herbs, and enhances the overall effects of an herbal formula. 

Source: Parkinson Disease Foundation

Chrysanthemum flower (Chrysanthemum morifolium) has been brewed for thousands of years in Asia and continues to be one of the most commonly consumed herbs in China.  Chrysanthemum is aromatic, has a cooling effect on the body, and has a slight bitter and sweet flavor.

This delicious flower is most known for its effect on vision and eye health.  It is used to brighten the eyes, improve vision, and clear minor eye irritation.  It helps support the natural moisture and coolness of the eyes.  It is widely used by individuals who experience mild, occasional dry eyes or redness due to irritation by dust, wind, or overstrain, especially during the spring or summer months. 

Chrysanthemum is also used to calm and clear the mind.  Consuming a relaxing cup of chrysanthemum tea can help to relieve stress and tension when due to mild overwork or too much thinking.

Ever since the earliest record of traditional herbs, the beneficial effects of long-term consumption of chrysanthemum have been recognized.  It has long been a favorite of Daoists and poets.  The famous painter Zheng Ban-Qiao (one of the “Eight Eccentrics” of 18th century Yangzhou) remarked:

It is called Taichong, or Great Rushing.  Located between the first and second metatarsal bones, it is the source point of the Liver channel.  Source points are acupuncture points where energy from deep in the body surfaces and concentrates.  These points modulate organ function.

Activating this point helps to improve any stagnation, any time of year.  It is extra beneficial during the springtime to address issues like itchy, watery eyes or headaches.  Spring Forward Into Health has more info about the Liver and spring connection.

Starting at your toes, run your finger between the metatarsal bones toward your ankle on both feet.  The point is located at the pronounced depression before the junction of the metatarsals.  Apply pressure in the area until you discover a tender spot.  Then, apply firm pressure until it feels a little achy.  Repeat until the achiness disappears.

Here are five tips to help get you through allergy season this spring.

Do:

• Acupressure.  Place your middle finger below your cheekbone, directly below your pupil.  Place your index finger on either side of your nostril.  Gradually press inwards and upwards under the cheekbone for one minute.  Repeat as needed.
• Eat ginger.  Among its many benefits, ginger’s anti-histamine properties help to relieve allergy symptoms due to constriction and swelling in the bronchioles and sinuses.    

Don’t:

• Overindulge in refined sugar.  Refined sugar triggers the inflammatory state and weakens the immune system.  The more weakened your immune system, the harder it has to work to fight off attacks from foreign invaders (pollen, dust, etc), and the more severe symptoms you will experience. 
  
• Overindulge in dairy.  Dairy products contain arachidonic acid, which metabolizes leukotriene D4.  Leukotriene D4 triggers bronchiole contraction, increasing mucus secretion.  
• Stress.  When your stress response is high, the body increases levels of cytokine.  Cytokine is a protein responsible for cell-to-cell communication in immune responses and pushes the body toward a state of inflammation. 

If these tips don't do the trick, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are excellent at reducing or eliminating seasonal allergies, as well as boosting immunity to prevent a recurrence of symptoms.

While winter was a time to rest and go inward, spring is a time of renewal and regeneration.  In traditional Chinese medicine, spring is associated with the liver and its energy is expansive and outward moving.

When liver energy is balanced, we are able to make decisions and follow through with our creative visions, our tendons are flexible, and our eyes are clear and bright.  When the liver is out of balance, we may notice foggy thinking, tight tendons, red and itchy eyes, or increased agitation.

Four tips to put some spring in your step:

1. stretch (morning or yoga or tai qi)
2. taste sour (lemon, olive oil, tomatoes)
3. eat green (young plants or dark leaves)
4. go outside (to breathe)

When spring arises, if you begin to feel out of balance, consider receiving a traditional Chinese medicine treatment.  Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbs can help to improve the health of your liver, as well as harmonize with spring’s energy.