I constantly asked about how a TCM practitioner goes about in diagnosing. Obviously, there are a lot of factors involved; however, in the beginning, one of the most important variables to ascertain is the “stage” at which the disease has presently manifested. Without getting too technical, the purpose of the intake is not just noting… Continue reading Wind-Heat Formulas

It is the time of the year where you start hearing the familiar sounds of the season changing to Fall/Winter. Of course, these sounds include coughing and sneezing. It is also the time of the year where many of my patients are in need of more intensive treatment in the form of Herbal formulas.  … Continue reading Common Herbal Formulas for This Time of Year…

The sequence of determining the depth to a TCM diagnosis is never exact. Unlike our western medical colleagues, we keep an open mind in developing out diagnosis and treatment plans. I have noted this difference in other blogs. However, I will now further highlight how this “inexactness” manifests in my treating relationship with the patient.… Continue reading Differences in Approach…

During the years of the Han dynasty, Zhang Zhong-jing wrote the Shang-han Lun. In it, he writes about Cold-Induced Disorders. This book is regarded as being instrumental in shaping what modern TCM represents today. In the Shang-han Lun, Zhong-jing discusses the six stages of disease and the diagnostic methods in acute febrile diseases. The book… Continue reading The Shang-Han Lun

The Nei Jing is the earliest book on Chinese Medical Theory that is known. The earliest version dates back to around 100 B.C.E, but the text has been revised many times to incorporate mote modern knowledge. It is also called: The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic. Most historians are comfortable in stating that these texts serve… Continue reading The Nei Jing

The most surprising aspect of treating Veterans is realizing how uneducated they are, as a group, in appreciating their healthcare benefits. I can’t tell you how many times a Veteran has emphasized to me that he wished he knew he had access to acupuncture. It always takes me a minute to process his message.  … Continue reading Veteran Healthcare…

The one thing that Biomed and TCM practitioners agree on is how important one’s diet and lifestyle is in preventing or treating diabetes. Regardless of test outcomes or diagnostic patterns, the core to anyone’s wellbeing is what he eats, thinks and “does” in life. I have had my best conversations with Biomed clinicians regarding changing… Continue reading Diabetes Part 3

There are variables in an ordinary blood test that one can look to gauge his position in being at-risk of getting diabetes or being a diabetic. For instance, one can look at his glucose level to get an immediate reading on his diabetic status. Undoubtedly, this will give a person a good short-term perspective of… Continue reading Diabetes Part 2

Most Americans appreciate that Diabetes is a condition that is affecting the vitality of many lives. It is also well known that Diabetes is affecting the middle aged/elderly more than any other segment of the population. The surest way to screen for Diabetes is by taking a blood test. The result of this test will… Continue reading Diabetes Part I

I have recently written about the process of integrating TCM within the Western medical system. As I stated, medical tests are at the very center of this integration becoming successful. I’ve discussed how important it is for a TCM practitioner to be able to interpret the results of simple blood tests or glucose readings. Many… Continue reading Imaging Testing…