The Thyroid & Chinese Herbal Medicine

Thyroid imbalance impacts our body in different ways. 

From the perspectives of both western biomedicine and Chinese medicine, the management of thyroid disorders can be complex. The treatment of thyroid diseases in Chinese herbal medicine typically employs the use of herbs that balance kidney yin and yang energy. Additionally, the use of minerals, sea shells and seaweeds, which contain iodine are used to soften masses such as thyroid nodules and goiter.

A strength of Chinese herbal medicine is that it treats the root of the thyroid condition to more effectively balance the whole physiological system. In western biomedicine thyroid function is measured in terms of TSH, T3 and T4 levels. In Chinese medicine we observe the patient’s pulse qualities, tongue, and take into account the patient’s symptoms to establish a Chinese medical diagnosis. By this, we look at the thyroid imbalance from an angle that points to the root cause of the imbalance leading to thyroid disease.

Common causes of thyroid disease from a Chinese medical perspective include:

• Poor diet impairing the spleen (digestion) thereby promoting phlegm and accumulation of fluids causing nodules
• Excessive emotions such as stress, anger, irritability impairing the liver causing pathogenic heat which rises to singe the yin fluids of the neck
• Heart fire-Mania, agitation, insomnia, giddiness and palpitations impairing the heart yin

Herbal formulas are created according to the pathological pattern into which the patient is categorized. This leads the practitioner to a range of formulas that may benefit the patient and is modified based on accompanying symptoms. One of the herbal formulas used to address a hyperactive thyroid is Chai hu jia long gu mu li tang. This formula would be modified to address specific imbalances for a particular patient such as kidney yin or yang deficiency, blood deficiency, blood stagnation, liver qi stagnation, to name a few.

Chai hu jia long gu mu li tang contains bupleurum which courses the liver qi to ensure smooth flow of qi. This action essentially unites the functions of the internal organs so they work as a team. Thyroid diseases can be understood as an attack on one’s own system, coursing the liver qi helps to dissuade that attack. Another interesting herb in this formula is oyster shell. This herb helps to dissolve phlegm nodules such as goiter and thyroid nodules.

Reference:

Dharmananda, Subhuti. Treatment for Thyroid Diseases With Chinese Herbal Medicine. Retrieved from www.itmonline.org

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The Value of Home

Change, whether it is physical through location or state of health, emotional, mental, job related, etc., can challenge our sense of stability and connectedness. As a simple notion, change is considered growth by some and can be interpreted in a negative perspective as well. All in all change is a catalyst for the ebb and flow of life, an instrument in the natural cycle of creation and destruction.

In Chinese theory we look to the yin aspect to ground us, create stability and placidity. And in the presence of change (yang aspect) this is an exaggerated necessity. One of the goals of Chinese medicine is to create a balance of yin (grounded-ness/non-changing) and yang (motion/change). The goal is not to remove one aspect for the benefit of the other.

A simple thing to do when having periods of change, whether it is dramatic or ordinary, is to do some grounding exercises for 5-10 minutes/day. To do this, sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, back straight, hands resting on your thighs. Close your eyes, sit without fidgeting or distractions, breathe into the lungs so that you can expand your diaphragm to push your belly out slightly, exhale all the air out, and continue breathing this way. Then imagine roots coming out of the bottoms of your feet and connecting you to the earth….this is home…

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The Weight Loss Puzzle

Most everyone wants to lose weight and many people are successful at losing some weight. But the difficulty often lies in keeping the weight off, or losing some weight, but not reaching your overall goals.

Why You Can't Keep the Weight Off

Most programs will work during the short term, because any NEW change that is made, for example a different diet or new exercise routine, will be a “shock”to the system, and the body will start burning calories. However, the body will start to become more efficient, and as a consequence, will start to burn less calories and you will see a drop off in weight loss. This is called a “plateau”.This is the point where most will become discouraged and may even quit a program or go back to old habits.

Getting Stuck in a Weight Loss Plateau

" Not being in shape" means that the body has a more difficult time using oxygen under high demand. This is what happens when you get out of breath running a short distance or climbing a flight of stairs. However as you “get in shape”your cardiovascular system becomes more efficient at carrying oxygen to your muscles and tissues. Since oxygen leads directly to energy, your body does not need to burn as much fat for energy.Your body is always trying to find ways to conserve energy and burn LESS fat!

Key to a Successful Weight Loss Program

With the 3 month Stram Center Weight Loss and Lifestyle Transformation Program, you will be taught the keys of breaking through metabolic efficiency so that your body can continue to burn fat and lose weight.

The Stram Center Weight Loss and Lifestyle Transformation Program is a 3 month medically supervised, personalized program. You will work with a team of medical professionals, including a naturopathic doctor, a holistic nurse practitioner, a personal health and fitness coach as well as a nutritionist and culinary chef. Our Lifestyle Transformation program is designed to get you healthier, stronger and leaner while incorporating a personalized nutrition and training program that will last a lifetime.

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The Yin and Yang of Summer: Keep Your Body in Balance

Summer can cause internal imbalance. Here are some tips for keeping your body in check this summer!

Summer has arrived indeed! According to Chinese medicine, summer is the most yang (pronounced ‘yong’) time of the year. Yang is the moving, active, warming aspect within nature and our bodies, while yin is the still and cooling aspect.

Following the healing advice of one of the world’s most famous Qigong masters, “As we look at nature, during this time of the year, the surface of the earth is warm, however when you step into a tunnel or underground it is very cold. Our bodies mirror this same structure. Our yang Qi moves toward the outside and we feel hot, however our internal organs are very cool. In order to reinforce the yang and nourish the yin for this season, implement the following suggestions:

1. Eat and drink warm or room temperature foods and liquids.

2. Eat more soups and easily digestible foods.

3. Eat or drink 2-3 slices of ginger after breakfast.

4. The temperature of a room or car should be no more than 10 degrees different than the outside temperature.

Acupuncture and acupressure can also be used to address imbalances brought on with seasonal changes. The heat of the summer is considered one of the outside environmental factors that can disrupt the body’s defenses. This can lead to fever, headache, toothache, sore throat, nosebleed, stomachache, too much sweating or even too little sweating, dizziness and more. One of the most accessible acu-points to help clear heat and address these presentations specifically is Large Intestine 4. The Chinese name for this point is ‘He Gu’ which translates to ‘Joining Valley.’ It is said to be the ruler of the face and the mouth. This is one of the best points for any kind of headache and even for almost any kind of pain in the body.

This point is located on the top of the hand between the metacarpal bones that lead to the thumb and index finger, midway between the wrist and knuckle of the metacarpal bone of the index finger. By applying pressure very close to this bone, find the tender most spot, and hold for 1-5 minutes each side. You may notice your headache/toothache/stomachache dissipate entirely! Meanwhile, you’ll be strengthening your body’s defensive Qi by activating this point.

(This point is contraindicated during pregnancy until a woman is ready for labor due to its strongly moving function, so please do not apply pressure here if you are pregnant.)

References:

http://www.linggui.org/master-liu-hes-self-healing-advice/

Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman.

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Tick Borne Infection and Mental Health

I recently had a patient contact our office with a complaint of a multi-year history of anxiety that started several months after a camping trip.  Despite trying many different medications and counseling therapies, their anxiety has been resistant to all attempts at treatment. In addition to the anxiety, the patient had also developed a distinctive “stretch mark like” rash, but the patient did not have risk factors for stretch marks. This case has the hallmarks for a vector borne infection that we lump into the category of Lyme and associated diseases, called Bartonella (also known as Cat Scratch Fever). Neuropsychiatric symptoms (mental illness) have been well documented in the scientific literature in patients with Bartonella positive testing. 

Rather than the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) imbalances that we typically associate with mood issues, infections like Bartonella lead to mental illness by causing inflammation in the brain. While in some cases psychiatric medications help, in other cases they do not or they lead to other unpleasant symptoms. Finding and treating the underlying cause of the inflammation is the best approach to helping someone recover. The case study “Bartonella henselae Bloodstream Infection in a Boy With Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome” published in the Journal of Central Nervous System Disease
in 2019 is a good example of such a case. Bartonella is not the only vector borne infection to be associated with treatment resistant mental illness. It is also well documented that patients with Lyme disease (Borreliosis) have higher than average rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide than the general public. It is so important that we find and treat these infections so that people can live their best and happiest lives. 

At the Stram Center it is our goal to help find and treat the underlying causes of disease so that you can feel your best. May is lyme awareness month, please spread the word so that people get the help they need. 

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Tick Borne Infection and Mental Health Related Services

Tick Prevention and Good Nutrition

In this day and age, the likelihood of getting a tick bite, either directly or from a tick carried in by a pet, is pretty good! That’s the bad news. But now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, the good news is you can do something about protecting yourself. Certainly, equipping yourself with proper outdoor gear helps but you can protect yourself from the inside as well. That’s where good nutrition can lend itself. The right nutrition can really support your immune system, fighting infections and battling bacteria so it doesn’t take root, causing a myriad of symptoms. We can especially support our immune system by improving gut health (where most of the immune system lives) and lowering overall inflammation in the body. 

Some things that support gut health include avoiding things that irritate the gut, including food sensitivities or allergies, limiting, or avoiding alcohol, avoiding artificial sugars and other chemicals in processed foods, and inflammatory oils such as vegetable oils or fried foods. Things that nourish the gut include foods such as fatty fish, digestive supportive greens like arugula, healthy fats, high-quality proteins, and antioxidant-rich berries. Proper hydration is also nourishing and helps to both reduce inflammation and aid detoxification. Additional herbs and spices that can lower inflammation include chamomile and turmeric. Ginger is both soothing and healing for the gut as well. 

Some key nutrients that support the immune system include zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid/folate. By eating a wide variety of whole foods in vibrant colors (those dark leafy greens and bright citrus), you can easily get what you need to support your body’s natural defenses. Eat right for immune health by including adequate protein, lots of fruits and veggies, and healthy fats at your meals. And don’t forget the water!

About Janna Neitzel,, MS, RD, CDN

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Tick Prevention and Good Nutrition Related Services

Tips and Treatment Approach to Lyme Using Chinese Medicine

Most people living in the northeastern part of the country have either had acute Lyme or have it chronically or know someone who has.  Those who knew they were infected and treated it early are the lucky ones.  Unfortunately, more often than not, Lyme becomes chronic and even worse is left undiagnosed for far too long.  Personally, I know I was bit two separate times, about 4 years apart within the last 12 years, but looking back on my health history, I actually think I’ve had Lyme for around 20 years.  I had headaches that began increasing in frequency until they were daily and debilitating at times for about 8 years and no one once thought to test me for Lyme. The two times I knew I was bit I was fortunate to be able to get antibiotics right away and took  them for 3 weeks and 6 weeks and I also took a lot of Chinese herbs both times which I know kept infection from infiltrating deeper.

     One tip to help prevent a bite from infecting is to apply clove essential oil directly to the bite site.  There are many herbs and essential oils that have anti-microbial properties that work quite well in both acute and chronic stages of Lyme and other tick borne diseases.  If you’ve been bitten but are asymptomatic (which can often be the case for several weeks) there are some very effective Chinese herbal formulas that can be taken right away, best for at least 3 weeks, to prevent infection.  These contain anti-microbial herbs that can be harsh on the system for a reason, in order to kill bacteria, and clear toxins, but they are balanced with herbs that nourish as well so as not to cause unwanted side effects.  If you become symptomatic, some of these formulas can be continued and others added in order to increase potency and break the biofilm that microbes hide in and this should be continued for 6-8 weeks.  These will continue to help reduce inflammation in the neurological and digestive systems.  Depending on where symptoms are presenting different formulas may be prescribed.  If you’re approaching treatment having been ill for a very long time, it’s best to commit to treatment for at least 6 months and in this case, treatments will be tailored to you individually.

     One of the hallmarks of Chinese medicine is that there is no standard treatment, every patient is approached as an individual unique person.  An acupuncturist looks for underlying patterns to illness and treats accordingly.  The advantages to taking a natural approach to medicine are that there are safe and effective herbs as well as acupuncture treatments that can be used in both the short and long term that actually promote repair and regeneration.  Chinese medicine understands and approaches the healing process from an energy based perspective, not just purely physical.  If you’ve been ill with Lyme, or any chronic or severe acute illness (even covid), you know what it feels like to have your life force compromised—this is what we work with to restore health using the tools of acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, bodywork and qigong meditation. 

     Just to share a little more about how Chinese medicine approaches Lyme, we consider it a ‘Gu syndrome.’  The translation of Gu is basically possession, or ‘to cast a harmful spell over.’  Those who experience(d) Lyme can relate to this, it’s a feeling of wanting your life back, of not feeling yourself, almost as if you’re possessed by something else.  This Gu type of toxin tends to hollow out the body by unseen forces.  It has a complex presentation, affecting multiple systems of the body including the mind and spirit.  There tends to be almost non-sensical or unexplainable symptoms and a typical treatment approach to these often doesn’t work.  A Gu syndrome is a severe infection and consumes the host.  These types of toxins/microbes are highly adaptable to different environments and there can be long incubation periods of hiding out alternating with periods of growth and replication leading to insidious onset of immune system invasion causing chronic symptoms.  These include fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, bone pain, malaise, stiff neck, neuropathy, difficulty thinking/concentrating/finding words, memory loss, muscle twitching and weakness, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, ringing and pain in the ears, vision problems, urinary/bladder urgency/frequency/irritation, insomnia, difficult breathing, night sweats/fever/chills, shooting/stabbing/migrating pain, numbness, heart palpitations, carditis, gastritis or any digestive upset, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or gain, psychiatric issues, mood disturbances and more.

     So in addressing this type of illness, an acupuncturist focuses on altering the terrain that is the physical body, mental and emotional mind, and the spirit of the person to clear infection, support the immune system, calm the mind and restore life force. Depending on how the individual presents will determine the order of approach, for example if someone’s digestive system is severely compromised, that needs to be the starting point before stronger herbs can be introduced that clear toxins and detoxify.  All of this takes time but leads to a nourishing and replenishing of the whole person once these consumptive issues have been addressed.

My advice to those who want to prevent Lyme entirely, and also to anyone who has previously been infected, is to constantly check your clothes and body when you are outside (except for when it’s freezing with snow on the ground) and also check your entire body before going to bed.  Ticks go towards the warm areas so check the armpits, behind the ears, base of the neck and entire scalp, in between the legs.  Use a mirror if you have to and if you can have someone else check the back of your body.  If you find a tick attached, send it in for testing, it’s much easier to test a tick itself than your own blood years later.  Also check your outdoor animals constantly.  

For those of you in the trenches of Lyme (or any chronic illness)—do not give up, include natural medicine in your treatment plan, reassure yourself that it can get betterand you will figure it out, take note of the progress even when it’s one step forward and two steps back, find ways to relax your being (acupuncture is a great way!), rest when you can balanced by moving and stretching when you can, prioritize your sleep and get help with it if you’re having difficulty (acupuncture also great for this!), eat a nutritious whole foods anti-inflammatory diet, drink lots of room temperature to warm water, take deep breaths, and find people who support you and make you laugh.  We at the Stram Center are here to support your journey towards better health.

Sources:

https://classicalchinesemedici...

webinar: The Treatment of Lyme and Stealth Infections with Chinese and Natural Medicine by Hillary Thing, L.Ac.

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Tips and Treatment Approach to Lyme Using Chinese Medicine Related Services

Tips for a Successful Detox

Detoxification is a term that is often used for chemical and alcohol dependencies. However, it is also a term, which describes the removal of normal metabolic wastes that accumulate from the body’s normal functions.

It also includes the body’s process of removing foreign substances which invade us through living in a polluted world. This includes chemicals and organism that are found in our air, water, food and homes.

Our bodies have a resilient ability to process these environmental substances, but sometimes we need additional support for these processes. It is now appearing that some people have an inhibited ability to maintain these functions. These people are often diagnosed with conditions like chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivities, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, and immune deficiencies such as autoimmune conditions.

The Center offers comprehensive cleansing and detoxification programs. These programs include dietary regiments such as therapeutic fasting or elimination diets along with herbal and nutritional supplementation which supports the body’s natural "detox" processes, specifically, the cytochrome P450 pathways. We now offer therapeutic Far Infrared saunas to support patients during their cleanse.

It is important to work with a trained healthcare practitioner to help guide you through a structured detox program. For additional information about our detox program, call the center at 518-689-2244.

Follow this blog over the next few days for an overview of the nutrition recommendations for a basic detox program.

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Tips for Letting Go of Stress

Allow Change

Ever try to capture a moment and put it in a bottle, or try to stop the seasons from changing? It just can’t be done. The simple truth is that everything of this world is subject to change. Change is the only constant. You are subject to change. Your body changes, your circumstances change. You are quite literally not the same person you were a year ago, physically, emotionally or in your life circumstances. With all this change we have the choice of moving with the flow of change or resisting it.

Letting Attachment Go

To allow change requires letting go. Letting go of our attachments of wanting things to stay the same. Letting go of our mental constructs of how we believe things should be. Our homes, automobiles, lifestyles, even our loved ones. We want them to stay the same. We create memories, positive impressions of events in space and time. We personalize them and identify ourselves with these past impressions. We come to believe that these past impressions are somehow better than whatever is happening now.

Learn to Trust

Change can be scary and the uncertainty of unknown outcomes in our life can be frightening. Now imagine letting go of the fear of the unknown. Letting the change flow, letting life become a joyous celebration of change. No fear, no attachment to a past that is gone forever. Honor the moment, the memory of it, by letting it go. Think of how much energy it takes to hold up all these attachments, beliefs. Imagine having all that energy at your disposal. Imagine letting things be as they are and letting the change just flow. Imagine then becoming the change that moves through your life. Consider your relationships, do you put those closest to you in a holding pattern, not wanting them to change? Imagine all the energy you would have to place somewhere creative, somewhere loving. Imagine how would it change your life, change the world, by becoming the change.

Maybe all it really takes is letting go.

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Tips for SAFE (Outdoor) Summer Exercise!

Exercising outdoors is great, but you must take the proper precautions.

There is nothing quite as great as the “great outdoors”. I say this for many reasons, but mainly because it allows all of us to be active amongst nature’s beauty: Hiking, biking, swimming, running – there are so many outside activities to choose from! And there is no better time to enjoy these activities than summer.

The summer is the perfect time to enjoy all that our area (and beyond) has to offer – but beware of that summer heat! It is important to take the necessary precautions when being active outdoors to combat the heat and it’s sometimes negative effects.

One of the biggest concerns when dealing with extreme heat and humidity is staying hydrated and maintaining your body’s balance of electrolytes and salt. When your body sweats, you are not only losing water, but these other electrolytes and even salt too. Your body’s balance is very important to keeping your body functioning properly and at it’s best. Without proper hydration, our bodies can become dehydrated and the results can range from light-headedness, nausea and if not recognized, can even result in kidney failure. So pick up those water bottles and avoid heat exhaustion, dehydration and more with these tips:

1. Time of day is important. Try to avoid exercising between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the time of day that the sun is the strongest, and the hottest! Generally, the early morning is the best time to hit those hiking trails or putting your feet to the pavement.

2. Wear loose, light-colored clothing. By wearing light-color clothing, the lighter color will help to reflect the heat. Also, wearing cotton material will help the evaporation of sweat.

3. Put on that sunscreen. Lather up! It is super important to protect your skin from sun damage even on a cloudy day. You can get burned and suffer long-term sun damage to your skin without proper protection.

4. Keep your water intake up. Before you go out, drink at least one glass of water to get your body hydrated. Make sure you take a bottle of water with you and take a big swig every 15 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty! At the end of your workout – reach back for that water bottle and drink some more.

5. Replenish your body. That electrolyte/salt balance mentioned earlier is very important to maintain. Find a good sports drink that will help you to replenish your system.

6. Choose wisely. Choose your activity trails carefully – shaded trails or pathways that keep you our of direct sunlight are best. But just remember to bring your tick spray!

7. Listen. Most importantly listen to your body - it won't lie. Stop immediately if your feeling dizzy, faint or nauseous.

8. Last, but not least...Enjoy! Be sure to take it all in and enjoy your active time in the great outdoors.

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