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)
Hi Dr. Wen, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about our newest brand of professional herbal formulas, TCMCeuticals. I’m so excited about this new offering from TCMzone and would like to share some of your insights on this novel approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Let’s get started. – Jenifer Knapp
al medicine is the primary form of treatment, and acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, tui na, etc. are secondary solutions. Herbal medicine is a natural form of internal and external medicine, and more and more people are turning to natural methods for their healthcare. people are tired of the western pharmaceuticals that often have more side effects than benefits. Drugs such as antibiotics, are over prescribed in situations that might not be appropriate. As a result, the natural flora in the gut gets disrupted and weakens the immune system leading to other potential health problems. Herbal medicine can help balance the body during times of illness and with recovery. Herbs can be used alone or with other western medications depending on the person’s condition and meds. They can also serve as a preventative medicine during times such as cold or allergy season.
Chinese Medicine. Since my practice consists primarily of prescribing customized herbal formulas for patients with various conditions, this was the perfect training for me.
. The team discussed the patient’s history, symptoms, and a detailed plan of short term and long-term treatment including herbal medicine and lifestyle recommendations. In Cardiology, we would see patients hooked up to an IV drip of Dan Shen instead of a western medication for their heart. Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang was also a popular formula given to some of the Cardiac patients. In Traumatology, pain patients had an area where they had steam beds made for an herbal steam for their pain. The patient would lie in this metal bed with a grate plate for the steam to come through the body. The bottom of the bed would have a concoction of herbs. The left over dregs of the herbal concoctions were wrapped in towels to put locally. One patient had the dregs wrapped in a towel on her neck to help treat her neck pain. Another form of external pain management were herbal patches placed on the patient’s skin that were used for electrical stimulation with a TDP lamp every other day for 20 minutes for approximately 10 sessions. In addition to taking the herbs topically, patients would also have a prescribed herbal tea to take internally.
into liquid to make packets of tea, along with granules that are dispensed in the hospital pharmacies. There were bags and bags of raw herbs stacked in the supply room. Definitely a different look than what we might find in storage room of a western medicine hospital.
herbs any contamination. Another thing that you want to make sure of is that the company complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Chinese medicine manufacturers in mainland China are all under China’s pharmaceutical GMP to ensure that products are produced and controlled according to CFDA. Manufacturers in the US need to be in compliance with current GMP (cGMP) under the FDA requirement. If you want to know detailed information about a specific herb or formula manufactured by the company, ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA).