There are a number of methods within TCM by which a pattern of illness may be defined. One of the most commonly used is called the Eight Principles or Eight Parameters approach. In this approach, the signs and symptoms of the patient’s illness are defined in terms of 4 pair of criteria. These include hot vs. cold, interior vs. exterior, excess vs. deficiency and yin vs. yang. Continue reading…
Alternative Medicine
Diagnosing and Treating Patterns
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years (estimated anywhere between 2000 and 6000 depending on the source). The major components of TCM are acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tui Na (Chinese massage). Continue reading…
A well known international medical journal has called on the acting FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to adopt an independent stance and follow the best judgment of it’s expert staff and scientific advisers, even when that means incurring the wrath of patients’ groups, industry, Congress, and even the White House. Continue reading…
OK, you’ve gotten the message. You’re tired of the excess weight, the fatigue, the depression … are you ready to try something new?
You’ve tried the fad diets, body wraps and sit-ups. You’ve finally faced the fact there are no “quick fixes,” no “magic bullets” when it comes to your health, and you’re ready to undertake a more holistic approach to staying healthy and fit.
Herbal remedies are big business. The local pharmacy, the chain store, the grocery store and even the convenience stores now stock herbal remedies. It’s so common, most people assume these substances are harmless.
Q.What are pedicle screws? Are there any adverse effects from them?
A.Pedicle screws are a type of device used in spinal fusion, a procedure performed to eliminate abnormal motion between the bones in the spine. The pedicle is an area of the vertebra that lies next to the spinal canal. Continue reading…
Q.I’m 32 and have done light weights and some cardiovascular exercise fairly religiously my whole life. In the last year I have noticed that my back and the backs of my legs are extremely tight. I have pulled muscles or just noticed a lot of sore/muscle tension. I think I have pinched a nerve in my lower back/leg area making it hard to bend over. What would be the best approach to gain more flexibility? Should I continue with the weightlifting or switch to taking more classes, such as yoga? Continue reading…
Ah, July — long sunny days, clear blue skies, lush vegetation bursting out all over and kids home from school spending those long hours in the yard, in the weeds and in woody areas near home or camp. Ah, July! Ooohh — poison ivy! Continue reading…
Your baby may be showing his particular personality at around three months of age. He is less inner directed and will start to enjoy his surroundings.
Sleep. At the end of this month, your baby should be sleeping through the night. He may wake for short stretches, but you may want to wait and see if he can put himself back to sleep. By rushing in when he wakes, your are teaching him that he cannot get to sleep without his mom or dad to comfort him. If you have trouble getting him to sleep be sure his is getting enough stimuli during the day. Do not leave him in the crib too long when awake. He needs to associate the crib with sleep time. Place your infant down in the crib at night when he is drowsy, but not fully asleep.
During a circumcision, the infant lies on his back in a “circumstraint,” or tray, with his arms and legs strapped down. Many doctors and midwives give the baby an injection of anesthetic before beginning the procedure to lessen the baby’s pain. His penis is visible through a hole in the sterile sheet that is laid over his body. The tip of the foreskin is then crushed and enlarged by making a slit in it. The doctor uses a small instrument to get between, and then separate, the foreskin and glans, two layers that normally adhere to each other.
