Cholesterol is always a topic of conversation among western healthcare providers and patients. It seems just about everybody assumes that if his cholesterol level is in the “acceptable” range then he has nothing to worry about. Typically, a blood test serves as the main source from which these results are obtained.

As mentioned, most western clinicians are satisfied if the cholesterol level on a blood test is in range. However, if one were to delve deeper into the true nature of cholesterol and what it represents then he would not simply be satisfied by looking at a blood test result.

One of the advantages of being a TCM physician is that I get to analyze western issues from a nonbiased viewpoint. Most of this bias is due to the heavily indoctrinated medical school/training that a western clinician undergoes. I just gave you the perfect example: cholesterol level on an ordinary blood test.

Without getting too technical, the two categories most associated with cholesterol are LDL and HDL, with HDL being the good cholesterol. One must research the levels of these two types to gain the proper perspective off that person’s cholesterol status.

Why is HDL considered good in dealing with cholesterol? It helps to understand it properly. HDL is a particle that contains cholesterol and is sent to the liver to further process. It does not go into the bloodstream like LDL goes into. What is the significance of LDL going into the bloodstream?

LDL also contains cholesterol and if it goes into the blood stream and is in the form of small particles, these particles can jam into the cellular wall/membrane of an organ and disrupt its cellular integrity. This can lead to the diseases in which LDL cholesterol is linked to.

I hope this brief discussion gives you a better understanding of what your cholesterol means then just looking at your level on a blood test.