of thinking about health - the whole thinking process - not just herbs and acupuncture. Recent research, by both Western and Chinese scientists, offers several exciting theories to reinforce ancient ideas about Yin and Yang bal- ance in the body. Bioelectrons are charged particles that exist in living cells and move freely through the body. It has been demonstrated - by measuring electrical resistance on the skin, and by tracking the movement of bioelectrons in the body - that there is decreased electrical resistance at rec- ognized acupuncture points, and that bioelectrons move noticeably along the classic blood flow pathways (merid- ians) that carry Qi (vital air) through the body. This is a unique non-invasive test I perform on all patients. We know
external factors (such as diet, weather, and physical injury), and internal fac- tors (such as emotional states, mental stimulation, and hereditary conditions) can all affect bioelectrical movement in the body and cause an imbalance of electrons at a cellular level. This can be interpreted as a Yin/Yang imbalance at the cellular level and is the core of dysfunction according to Integrated Chinese Medicine. Remembering that Yin/Yang theory is the concept of healthy balance in Chinese Medicine, it is important to approach thyroid problems with diet, lifestyle, herbal and acupuncture treat- ment. From a western perspective, I believe what we are doing is diminish- ing the auto-immune response which is fundamental to most thyroid problems.
While doctors may medicate with thyroid hormone, what I am doing is helping the immune system behave the way it is meant to. This is the founda- tion of treatment that has yielded results in my clinic. Let’s start with the diet. If you have food allergies and sensitivities, it is important to eliminate them from the diet. Simple tests can be conducted if you are not sure and Applied Kinesiol- ogy (muscle testing) has been shown to be clinically useful in identifying subtle reactions. Certain foods can inhibit the thyroid such as those from the Brassica family. This would include cabbage, brussell sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard, and rape seed. While these have other important benefits, if you have thyroid problems, it may be im- portant to moderate your intake. Herbally, I recommend careful
choices or seek out a professional to guide you as certain herbs will help while others can hurt. Almost all of the herbs in the Asian thyroid studies included herbs that inhibit the immune system attack on the thyroid. For ex- ample, Rehmannia is the most impor- tant Chinese herb for disorders of the kidneys and adrenal glands and is in a small group of herbs that helps auto- immune conditions. It also appears to combat adrenal suppression caused by steroid hormones. Rehmannia also hin- ders the breakdown of cortisone prod- ucts in the body, which lengthens this drugs effect. It is usually combined with other herbs to create a formula that fits the pattern of each patient. Chinese herbs are rarely used individually. Lastly, systemic regulation of the autonomic nervous system is critical. This includes regulation of stress hor- mones and emotions. Studies in China reveal that emotions play a large role in the development of thyroid problems. I believe they are critical in on-going care and avoidance of all diseases. The predominant emotions studied that relate to thyroid include sorrow and an- ger, fear, mania, emotional excitation, and extreme fear. One valuable tool to help patients is called Coherence training and is a way to modulate ones extreme emo- tions and reduce stress. With a quick 10 minute technique, you can significantly calm the mind and after continual practice it can happen automatically.
16 January 2011
www.naturalnutmeg.com
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