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It is a privilege to discuss my thoughts on TCM and Acupuncture and relate some of my observations on the incorporation of its use in Western hospital settings. As a native of Singapore, I am a third-generation practitioner of Traditional Oriental Medicine. One could say I was raised in the medicine.  Both my grandfathers were herbologists and TCM doctors.  While holding earlier business-related degrees from Brigham Young University/Hawaii, I earned my Cardiovascular degree from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida and my Traditional Chinese Medicine Training from East-West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota, Florida and with that received National Board certification with NCCAOM.  In the last 19 years of practicing both Eastern and Western medicine and running 3 private practices in Florida and Arizona, I have also worked in the Catherization Lab at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida; and most recently as a member of the Integrative Medical Team of Banner M.D. Andersen Cancer Center in Gilbert, Arizona.

After cross-country moves from Florida to Alaska and then Arizona, my husband and I settled in Scottsdale/Mesa Arizona where I established 2 practices. It was an exciting opportunity in 2017; I was invited to join the Oncology Integrative Team at M.D. Andersen in Arizona.

TCM has come a long way from the 70’s to present day, from being illegal to practice to now integrating medical practices in some hospitals.  We are standing on the shoulders of many that have come before with their hard work and diligence. I do believe we still have a long way to go. There are different levels of acceptance of TCM practices in hospitals across the US and this varies from state to state. From research acupuncturist working with herbal studies and acupuncture protocols to establish evidence based science to hospitals who just wants acupuncture as an alternative modality because there is a demand. Overall, there is still a lack of understanding and doubt of TCM in the western medical world.

There is definitely an increase in awareness of and interest in the benefits of TCM through the years. This leads to conversations and demands from the healthcare system we presently have. With the participation of the insurance system, that awareness and interest heightens.  Hospitals particularly in the world of oncology are beginning to see the benefits of how acupuncture can help cancer patients alleviate the discomfort and pain that comes with post cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.  Many patients ask for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to enhance the efficacy of their cancer treatment, to boost their immune system, and to reduce side effects and increase tolerability of conventional cancer care.  Hence, it is refreshing to see the various forms of alternative care such as yoga, massage, and even essentials oils that facilitate that demand in those hospitals.  Acupuncture a well-established part of TCM and 1 of the oldest treatments, is one of the most frequently requested and offered treatments. In the area of nausea, neuropathy, xerostomia, cancer related fatigue, dsyphsia etc. has led to positive results.

Below are some thoughts that I have observed that might help speed up a true integration that will benefit future patients.  Namely: Increase the amount for evidence based studies on both acupuncture and herbal medicine, secondly, as practitioners we need to work together and bring a unifying effort to have Acupuncturists and Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicines recognized as key health care providers in ALL 50 states. With this recognition, comes the respect our branch of health care deserves, and along with the compensation equal to other branches of medicine. Lastly, a strong encouragement to all Colleges of TCM to instill in all their graduates a higher level of respect for our selected practice of medicine – one that has now stood the test of time for over two thousand years.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to China with Dr Dan Wen of TCMZone and a team of TCM colleagues to receive further training on TCM.  I have seen integration of western medicine such as chemotherapy and radiation, and Chinese herbal infusion used on patients post cancer treatments. The results were phenomenal and I can only hope the day will come when our branch of medicine will take its place as equal part of the treatment protocol in our hospitals as well.

By: Sherri Taylor, L.Ac.

This month we are focusing our attention on TCM for digestive conditions. Digestive conditions are vast and common and TCM offers powerful therapies to support a healthy digestive system*.  Our TCMCeuticals® Digestive line consisting of three (3) formulas for the upper, middle and lower jiao are the fundamental digestive formulas for your practice.  Our formulator, Dr. Haihe Tian’s comprehensive TCMCeuticals® digestive line consists of Esophageal Balance for the upper jiao, Digestive support for the middle jiao and Colon Harmony for the lower jiao*.  These three (3) formulas address the most common patterns of digestive imbalance and are based on Dr. Tian’s years of clinical experience in G.I.*.  Read the description below for Chinese Medicine pattern indicated for each of these formulas.

Esophageal Balance– is appropriate for the upper GI tract and upper jiao.  It is indicated for an excess heat pattern with liver overacting on the stomach.  The chief ingredients in this formula make up Zuo Jin Wan.  The function of this formula is to clear heat and direct rebellious qi downward.  The remaining ingredients assist with directing the rebellious qi downward and preventing chronic conditions*.

Chinese Medicine Pattern– Liver overacting on the stomach with heat*.

Esophageal Balance contains the following ingredients:

**Huang Lian (Chief Herb)

**Wu Zhu Yu (Chief Herb)

These 2 ingredients are the chief herbs that make up Zuo Jin Wan.  Other ingredients include: Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Xiang Fu, Duan Wa Leng Zi, and San Qi.

Digestive Support– promotes the function of the stomach, and middle jiao.  The Chinese Medicine pattern is mainly for Qi stagnation in the stomach.  This may be due to over eating or poor dietary habits.  Digestive Support is also useful for digestive problems due to emotional upset*.

Chinese Medicine Pattern: Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation*.

Digestive Support contains the following ingredients:

**Chai Hu (Chief Herb)

**Xiang Fu (Chief Herb)

**Both of these herbs work together to spread the Liver Qi, regulate the emotions, decrease pain, and balance Liver and Spleen disharmony*.  Other ingredients are Zhi Ke, Da Fu Pi, Xiang Yuan, Fo Shou, Zi Su Geng, Chao Bai Shao, Zhi Gan Cao, and Yan Hu Suo.

Colon Harmony– assists with harmonizing the lower GI tract to help correct the imbalance of   function and bacteria in the lower jiao.  This formula raises the Spleen Qi, improves Spleen function, and soothes the liver*.

Chinese Medicine Pattern- Spleen Yang deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation*.

Colon Harmony contains the following ingredients:

**He Ye (Chief Herb)

**Ge Gen (Chief Herb)

**Xiang Fu (Chief Herb)

These three herbs are the main herbs in this formula. Primarily, these three (3) herbs raise the Spleen Qi and assist with the liver Qi stagnation*.   Other ingredients to assist with this action include Chai Hu, Chao Bai Zhu, Chao Bai Shao, Shan Yao, Rou Gui, and Zhi Gan Cao. 

Questions about any of these formulas?  Contact TCMzone and speak to our herbal consultant, Sherri Taylor, L.Ac. Call 888-788-8086 on Mondays, 12-2pm PT or email any time sherri@tcmzone.com.

Oriental medicine practice and utilization in America is in such an exciting period of growth and expansion, and I feel so blessed to be in practice at this time. I did my training in the mid 1990’s in Miami, FL and got my license in early 1997. The times have changed so much, on every front, that many of my students seem so shocked when I tell them stories ‘of the old days’, even though in the grand scheme of things, it was not that long ago.

The most vital aspect of this is the massive increase in awareness of and interest in all aspects of oriental medicine that regular and average citizens have.  This has occurred rapidly and exponentially.  One benefit of this is that doctors and large medical institutions have followed along.  Sometimes driven from the patient level up, and other times because high level accreditations have begun requiring integrative methodologies and integrative medicine departments. And acupuncture is at the top of the list of the most required and desired integrative practices.

I ran a private practice, renting clinical space, in a community hospital based breast cancer center because of a fabulous and progressive Medical Director there. We began this in 2005 and this continued and thrived until 2015, when the hospital created a fully comprehensive Integrative Medicine Department.  It was quite a journey and project, with many trials and tribulations to get to that point, but I am since then happily part of a full department and a well supported program.  I am a full time employee along with a full support staff, a second, part time acupuncturist, a nurse practitioner, and a full time Integrative Medicine Doctor, trained by Andrew Weil.  We partner with other departments and programs throughout the hospital that provide massage, yoga, diet and nutrition, mindful meditation, and exercise.

Integrative practice, whether hospital based or not, is not suited for everyone, nor is everyone suited for it.  I love it and find it compelling and stimulating, but it also has challenges and requires compromises.  TCMzone has asked me to do a webinar with them this month.  I will be sharing and providing a wide spectrum of information about hospital based integrative acupuncture practice, including aspects of my own experience.  I will cover the major topics for those curious about hospital based practice.  In a second webinar, also this month, I will cover necessary components and attributes of good quality professional medical records.  This is a vital aspect that we must all strive to do well, especially as we seek greater utilization and more respect by patients and the overall health care system.

Since 2000, I have been a teacher at several schools in our profession, all in Florida.  I absolutely love being a teacher.  I teach in the classroom and continuing education.   I have learned so much from teaching and preparing lectures. I have learned so much from my students. The interaction in the classroom and in seminars is invigorating, and every year the enthusiasm, passion and drive of those in our profession increases.  As someone in the later portion of their career, this is beautiful and I can only imagine how much further they will all take us.

From 2004 to 2010 I had the pleasure to serve as President of the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association (FSOMA). This was an amazing experience and I learned so much and met so many people, all working hard to spread the word and power of oriental medicine, helping us all move forward and come out of the shadows.  FSOMA recently decided to undertake an expensive and difficult task, to challenge the Florida Board of Physical Therapy that had decided to add ‘dry needling’ to their scope. This took great courage and hard work, and required that lots of money be raised.  Just days ago the judge for the case ruled that the Board of Physical Therapy overstepped their authority and ruled against their ability to add ‘dry needling’.  The judge ALSO ruled that ‘dry needling’ IS acupuncture. This is huge.  And this is all extra special because too often acupuncturists do not adequately or consistently enough step forward and donate the kind of money these issues and battles require. This topic is likely not done here in Florida, but the good news is that it has stirred us up and unified us.

Going in to my 22^nd year of being licensed and practicing, I have seen and learned and experienced many things. All the way from the days when acupuncturists were arrested for practicing, to having patients of mine tell me that their doctors told them not to do acupuncture. I have seen the amount of licensees in Florida triple and the myths and misconceptions of acupuncture fade away. It is an exciting time for us all and the future will only bring more.

It is a delight to be a webinar presenter for TCMzone.  TCMzone has recorded versions of webinars we have done in the past, available for earning CEUs and NCCAOM PDA’s, including the required topics of Ethics and Safety, including Herbal Safety.

Medicine is the only profession I ever considered. I earned my medical degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 1987 and then my Masters of Science in Integrated Clinical Medicine. I have always believed that every patient deserves personalized treatment and so this is how I conduct my practice. Based on the individual conditions, I design a treatment plan specific to each person using acupuncture, herbal treatments, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle counseling.  In order to customize my herbal treatments I find using TCMzone granule packets to be the absolute best methodology for a safe, effective, and simple plan.

First, the granule packets are safe for my patients. Not only are the TCMzone granules manufactured at GMP facilities and tested for quality assurance before packaged. The packets themselves offer a sense of confidence to my patients when they open them for the first time at home. Each dose comes sealed and labeled with lot number, name and amount, adding to higher patient compliance.

Second, the TCMzone granule packets are effective. This comes down to manufacturing and quality standards. However, the TCMzone packets in both single herbs and formulas also allow me, as the practitioner, to customize my herbal protocols for each patient condition. I can modify a granule packet formula by adding sealed single herbs to the protocol or I can build my own herbal formula using the single herb packets to address specific conditions.

Finally, the granule packets are convenient. They are simple in packaging for my patients to use. They are easy to open and pour into water to make their daily tea, drinking half in the a.m and remainder in the evening. They are also easy for my patients to travel with and to carry. They can keep the granule packets in their purse, luggage, pockets and take during their travels or work day.  This dosage form offers my patients convenience, which is essential when taking Chinese herbs.

by Sherri Taylor, L.Ac., MSOM, FABORM

As summer comes to an end, we prepare for another season change, transitioning into fall. How do we prepare our patients to stay healthy during the time of transitioning from summer (yang) to fall (yin)?

Chinese Medicine describes our innate ability to harmonize our biological clock with nature.  Naturally, we are able to adapt to the changes in the weather, sleep/wake cycles, and dietary habits.  We educate patients on the importance of eating and dressing appropriately for the seasons and getting enough rest. However, we do have patients that resist these changes and become more vulnerable to illness.  They are unable to adjust their lifestyle and resist the changes that are necessary to keep in harmony with nature.  Due to one’s internal disharmony, it simply takes the change in environment for someone to fall ill.  A sudden drop in body temperature will lead to a wind cold especially if the wei qi is unstable to begin with.   Western Medicine describes this phenomenon as viruses being able to survive longer in the dry, cold temperatures rather than solely the cold environment.  Hence, the Cold and Flu season.

As practitioners, we see Eastern Medicine diagnoses of Wind Cold, Wind Heat, Lung Qi Deficiency, Phlegm Heat in the Lung, Phlegm Cold in the Lung, and Wei Qi deficiency during the fall season.   Upon entering the Metal element, it is important to have the following herbal formulas in stock to help balance your patients internally during this vulnerable time.

• Yu Ping Feng San– can use preventatively during this time to boost Wei Qi and Lung Qi. It is also the “go to” formula when your patients suffer from allergies during the seasonal transition*.
• Yin Qiao San- is for the beginnings of a sore throat and Wind Heat invasion*.
• Gui Zhi Tang- for Wind Cold Invasion with sweating that is due to an imbalance of the Wei Qi (defense) and Ying Qi (nutrient qi)*.
• Sang Ju Yin- Clears Wind Heat, descends the Lung Qi and stops cough*.
• Xiao Chai Hu Tang- Harmonizes and releases Shao Yang for alternate fever and chills, dry throat, coughing, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, rib side pain and stiffness of the neck*.

Currently, we are making the transition from the Earth Element to the Metal Element.  The Spleen and Stomach meridians should be well prepared if we were in harmony with the season.  This will also be dependent on how well we endure the changes.  The function of our stomach has always been a key factor in maintaining our health.  What we eat plays a significant role in how healthy the gut flora is.  Our microbiome is always changing with diet.   A diverse, healthy microbiome is necessary to maintain healthy flora and a strong immune system.  If we are not eating correctly with the seasons, too much of the wrong food can lead to inflammation of the gut and less diversity in the microbiome.  Low diversity of bacteria in the body contributes to inflammation and overgrowth of bad bacteria.   One must eat large amount of fruits and vegetables to remedy this.  The microbiome starts to change in just 3 days from dietary modifications.  In order for the modifications to have a lasting effect, one has to sustain the diet of primarily fruits and vegetables.   The Chinese medicine principle of warming, cooked, easy to digest foods always applies anytime you want to improve the microbiome.

It is important during this time to continue to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach meridians since they play a vital role in the immune system as well as boosting the Lung and Large Intestine meridians to prevent Wind Cold, Wind Heat, and Phlegm Cold & Heat in the lungs.

*The information provided here is for healthcare professional practitioners only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

An Interview with the formulator, Dr. Haihe Tian, Ph.D.(China), A.P.(FL)

Sherri: Hi Dr. Tian, thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to speak with me regarding your new digestive herbal line with TCMCeuticals® by TCMzone.  Can you tell me a little more about your background and how you decided on these 3 formulas for your digestive line?

Dr. Tian: Sure. In 1993, I graduated from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine with a Ph.D. degree in Chinese Medicine.  I have clinical training in both Eastern and Western Medicine.  I mentored under a renowned teacher in China that specialized in Internal Medicine and more specifically Digestive health conditions.  I received specialized training in Digestive conditions and when I moved to America, I was surprised to see so many people struggling with their digestive health.  Most people would come in to my office and complain of physical pain, but most often they had chronic internal medicine conditions that were also contributing to their physical pain including digestive health conditions.  I designed these 3 specific formulas based on what I see most often in my clinic.  There is a formula for the upper GI tract, Stomach and Lower GI tract.  Since there are many Chinese Medicine patterns for these conditions, I based the formulas on the most common in each of the three areas.

Sherri:  I would like to first ask you about the Esophageal Balance Formula.  I noticed the base formula is Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill) which is known as the main formula in Chinese Medicine for esophageal balancing.  Can you tell me about the ingredients you added to this formula and how it changes the base formula?

Dr. Tian: Yes, as you know Zuo Jin Wan is for heat in the liver overacting on the stomach.  I added herbs such as, Chai Hu, Xiang Fu to help with Liver Qi stagnation and address the emotional component of the Liver Qi stagnation.  All of the herbs I added to Zuo Jin Wan help reinforce the rebellious Qi to go downwards.

Sherri: Why did you use Wa Leng Zi in this formula?

Dr. Tian: Wa Leng Zi is used to offset the acid and protect the membranes of the esophagus.

Sherri: What is the Chinese Medicine pattern for the use of this formula?

Dr. Tian: The pattern is excess in the liver, liver heat and rebellious Qi over acting on the stomach.

Sherri: What pattern in Chinese Medicine is Digestive Support Formula indicated for?

Dr. Tian: This formula is mainly for Qi stagnation in the stomach.  This may be due to over eating, eating at the wrong time of day or poor dietary habits.  Also, this formula is very good for digestive problems due to emotional upset.  The function of this formula is to regulate the stomach and liver qi and direct the Qi downwards.

Sherri: Can you tell me what the function of Xiang Yuan is in this formula?

Dr. Tian: Yes, this is an excellent herb to use for digestive problems.  In this formula, it is used along with Fo Shou and Chai Hu for Qi stagnation and hypochondriac pain.  Xiang Yuan with Fo Shou provides comfort for the middle jiao and eases pain.

Sherri: Can you use this formula for severe food stagnation with heat and phlegm?

Dr. Tian: You can add Bao He Wan to this formula to treat a more severe case.

Sherri: Do you recommend digestive enzymes to a patient when taking this formula?

Dr. Tian: Yes, I do recommend digestive enzymes when needed in addition to taking this formula.

Sherri: What would you say the pattern is for Colon Harmony Formula? Spleen Yang deficiency?

Dr. Tian: Yes, this is Spleen Yang deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation.  The TCM treatment with this formula is to raise the Spleen Qi and restore the Spleen function while soothing the liver to treat the Liver Qi stagnation. This formula is recommended for supporting colon function particularly with loose bowel movements and diarrhea.

Sherri: Do you recommend probiotics in addition to this formula as well?

Dr. Tian:  Yes, because there is an imbalance with the bacteria with these conditions, I will often recommend probiotics in addition when needed.

Sherri: How long do you prescribe these formulas for?

Dr. Tian: These formulas are made to take long term.  I will prescribe them to a patient for 2 months, 3 months or 6 months depending on the case.  Once they are improving and feeling better, you can reduce the dosage for maintenance if needed.  The formulas are designed to improve GI function.  Once function is restored they will be able to feel good without having to take the herbs or maybe just need a couple pills per day for prevention and maintenance.

In Chinese Medicine it is important to treat with herbs and acupuncture.  They work together in improving one’s health.  Acupuncture will help open the meridians and activate the nerves for improved function as well as improving the digestion and absorption of the herbs.  Acupuncture and Herbal treatment is a formula in and of itself in improving overall health.

Sherri: Dr. Tian thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us.  Congratulations on your formula line!  We know many practitioners that are excited to use these formulas to patients with these very complex digestive health conditions.

Dr. Tian:  It was my pleasure, thank you.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information contained in this piece is for licensed healthcare professionals only.