by Mark Xu | Aug 27, 2015 | Chinese Medicine
Have you ever wondered why you feel so tired that you can’t complete normal daily activities?
While chronic fatigue syndrome has no known cause and is difficult to diagnose, its major symptoms can be treated. People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often feel so tired that they can’t do even half of what their routine requires of them. Unfortunately, the feeling doesn’t go away even with rest.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms usually start suddenly. But for some people, they develop gradually over weeks or months. Symptoms can change in a day, and may last a month, a couple of years, or many years. These symptoms can come and go. Interestingly, twice as many women as men are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Below is a core set of symptoms that affect nearly everyone with CFS:
- Extreme physical fatigue, mental fatigue, or both. It can be constant, or it can come and go. This fatigue can be so severe that it interferes with your work, your play, and your social activities.
- Feeling unwell after being active. This can mean you feel ill or weak or your CFS symptoms are worse. There can be a delay before it starts. It can take more than 24 hours to feel better.
- Sleep problems.
- Pain, which can be widespread or in one place. CFS pain can be in one area, and travel to another.
Overall, chronic fatigue is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But there are helpful measures that you can take to ease your symptoms and may relieve your symptoms all together.
Eating a healthy diet and using medicinal herbs as recommended may help reduce the symptoms of CFS, and may improve overall energy.
Several studies in China have shown acupuncture may help treat CFS. Western studies have found that acupuncture helps conditions with similar symptoms, such as fibromyalgia, depression, headache, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Evidence also suggests that acupuncture may help boost your immune system. It may also help people with CFS get a more restful night’s sleep, which is often key to turning the condition around.
Acupuncture patients with CFS are treated based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In the case of CFS, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians. But a deficiency may also be found in the lung or liver meridians. CFS does not have to be caused by a deficient condition. It can also be a symptom of excess in certain meridians.
Acupuncture patients may use moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) in addition to needling therapy, as it is thought moxibustion helps to provide a deeper and stronger treatment. Patients also may be recommended specific herbal medicines, as well as dietary changes.
Though it seems like CFS is something that is here to stay, it isn’t. You can change things starting now! There are options for people who want to fight Chronic Fatigue without the use of prescription drugs which could harm the body!
To learn more about CFS and Acupuncture please visit our Memphis Acupuncture Clinic
by Mark Xu | Jun 23, 2015 | Chinese Medicine
TCM Wellness Tea
We are ready for summer at Xu Wellness Center! We have changed our wellness tea to our summer blend! Those of you not familiar with our tea, it is a complimentary tea offered daily in our lobby for both our customers and anyone else who would like to stop by. The tea blends are seasonal and made for everyone to be able to enjoy!
During these Memphis Summer months, you have to really worry about the humidity and heat. Heat is a yang pathogenic factor while dampness is a yin pathogenic factor. With too much heat and dampness, the body tends to stop functioning as it should. The yin-yang balance becomes disturbed. When an excess of heat and dampness results, according to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), it can be the root cause of many diseases.
As stated in The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor, “Yin in excess consumes yang, and yang in excess consumes yin.” “Yin in excess causes cold syndromes, and yang in excess causes heat syndromes.” Too much heat in the body causes dehydration and exhaustion. In TCM this is said to be a depletion of qi (bodily fluids).
To stay healthy this summer stay hydrated, eat foods that do not cause mucus/ dampness to accumulate in the body (i.e. dairy, gluten, alcohol, sugar), stay active (exercise pulls toxins and dampness out of the body), and drink our summer blend medicinal tea at least 5 days a week. Feel free to bring a thermos when you come in to stock up for the week!
by Mark Xu | Apr 28, 2015 | Uncategorized
We ALL love our babies! Our main priority everyday is always maintaining their health and safety. But, what if the products you’ve thought were safe for years pose the most risks to your precious little ones?
After being given the task of educating online followers on our line of organic, all-natural, 100% Pure, baby products, I was encouraged by my fellow Xu Wellness Team members to write a blog post on the unknown truths about baby products. Generally, I assumed that ALL baby products were safe and gentle for use, but after a detailed search I soon found that I WAS WRONG!
What started off being a social media tweet, became a couple of days of research and soon after a quest for answers! I personally, have used many of these products for years without ever giving a second thought that these products could indeed be unhealthy to my son. Not only do they expose children to countless harmful toxins, but they also risk causing life- threatening diseases. Below is listed what these ingredients are and what products to keep away from our little ones!
After water, the second ingredient listed in a very popular baby lotion is Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which was voted allergen of the year in 2004 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Their next ingredient is P.E.G.-80 Sorbitan Laurate, which has been listed on the Environment Working Group’s list as an over-all hazard. This ingredient is also a known skin allergen for sensitive skin. Another known skin allergen and listed ingredient in multiple companies baby’s lotions is Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, which is strips skin of it’s natural oils. What’s that about??? They also round off their ingredients list with several dyes that they report are “harmless” yet they are NOT food sourced. So much for “the purest, gentlest, mildest care” motto advertised for decades.
Talc is a powdered mineral that is added to baby powder. It’s used as the main drying agent, but it’s a known as lung irritant. Talc is also mined in massive rock formations that intermingle with other harmful materials, including asbestos. Cross-contamination is inevitable during the mining process and is carried over into any consumer product containing talc, including baby powder.
Fragrance is added to numerous baby products, mainly to mask odors of nasty chemicals used during production of these products. The problem with fragrances is that it’s used to define whatever secret ingredients companies wish to add. (Companies are NOT obligated to reveal what is contained within their “fragrances”) The effects of fragrance are long lasting and can cause respiratory, neurological, skin and eye damage. There are also suggestions that early exposure to fragrance as a child may lead to asthma.
Proplyene Glycol is another chemical to watch out for. It basically opens up the pores to let other chemicals in. But, Propylene Glycol is used in wiper fluid and to de-ice airplanes, yet is often found in almost all baby wipes, how could that be safe?? Look out for Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) on labels too!
Cetearyl Alcohol according to it’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is “slightly hazardous” and is an irritant in cases of skin contact, ingestion, eye contact and inhalation. Not the best ingredient to put in baby lotion is it????
Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil is a cheap skin-conditioning agent used in baby oils, according to the Environment Working Group, this oil could be contaminated with mercury, arsenic, lead and pesticides, among other harmful toxins. It’s one of the ONLY natural oils NOT safe for cooking so why would you put this in products to rub on your precious baby’s skin???
More than half of the baby products recently tested by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics were found to contain trace levels of formaldehyde and Dioxane. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household goods including baby products. Though the study didn’t accuse any baby product companies of dumping barrels of the potential carcinogens directly into their baby products, the dangerous chemicals can form during the manufacturing process as other ingredients break down. The full list of 48 tested baby shampoos, lotions, soaps, and wipes—included some well-known products you probably have on your shelf!
A cheap and deadly manufacturing process called Ethoylation requires the use of Petrochemical Ethylene Oxide, which generates 1, 4-dioxane, a chemical known to cause cancer and also suspected to be a kidney toxicant, neurotoxin, and respiratory toxin. But you wont see 1,4-dioxane on any ingredient labels, because it’s a by-product produced only in manufacturing, not an intended ingredient. Traces of this toxin have been found in baby shampoos, bath and body washes. The government hasn’t banned the use of dioxane in baby products or cosmetics, even though they can seep through lotions into the skin.
Parabens unfortunately are everywhere! They can be found in soaps, body washes, shampoos and moisturizers, including those marketed towards babies. Parabens are neurotoxins and are linked to reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption and skin irritation.
Thankfully not all baby products include toxic ingredients! After doing some research I have found that very few companies have actually pledged to providing baby care products that are natural, safe, and additive free. Here, at Xu Wellness Center we carry one of those brands. 100% Pure Baby Products, is a collection of baby care products gentle enough for newborns. Their formulas DO NOT contain any synthetic, artificial fragrances, or any other toxins. We stock all products ranging from Extra Gentle Diaper Balm to SPF 30 Baby Sun Block Lotion. Finally something safe for our precious little baby toes! 🙂
Hopefully you will be just as inspired as I, to make a healthy change protecting the future of our little ones. Please be sure to share this post with ALL the parents you know!
Promoting Happiness and Wellness,
The Xu Wellness Center Team
by Mark Xu | Jan 8, 2015 | Flu and Colds
Cast of players for this little science story:
King Imsy: Immune System
Sir Macrowain: Macrophage Cell
Sir Lantrophils: Neutrophil Cell
Sir Denahad: Dendritic Cell
Attack of the RhinoWarriors
Or
How Our Immune System Fights
“Sir, we’ve just received word that the kingdom is under attack! A-A barrier has been breached…!” The messenger rushed over to King Imsy who sat at the round table before him.
“Who is the one that dare threatens me?” He stiffened and eyed the man.
The man quivered nervously under the powerful king’s gaze. “W-We…aren’t sure…but they are multiplying in number. G-Great numbers.” His voice quivered and it was clear from his demeanor that those words were the last ones he wanted to tell the king.
King Imsy slammed his fist on the table and the knights that sat comfortably around straightened, taking this as their cue to be worried. The king was not one to play games when it came to enemies.
“If we do not know what enemies we fight, send out your men, Sir Macrowain. They are strong and will devour and kill whatever illness comes our way.”
Sir Macrowain, a man very tall and wide, nodded. He sported a full red beard and dark eyes that seemed to pierce whatever he saw. “Yes, My King.” He bowed as he put a fist to his chest to show reverence. Then he left.
The messenger nodded and bowed also before scurrying out of the room, very pleased to get away from the king and his rage.
The fighting was fierce, unlike any foe that was ever fought before, and soon Sir Macrowain and his men grew very tired. It wasn’t long before Sir Macrowain had each of his troups send word to Sir Lantrophils.
“Sir, we at the front lines require assistance in bringing down the number of these foes. They are very strong in power and need more than what we can give. Though we are tired, we will never give up and will fight to the death if necessary.”
Without hesitation, Sir Lantrophils led his men into battle. He messaged the King to tell him of the battle, hoping to make him aware of how dire the situation was.
The men that Sir Lantrophils led were ones not to be messed with, not only killing invaders but, occasionally in the battle, their fighting would get so fierce that they would end up killing their own men as well. But the warriors were just too fierce and soon Sir Macrowain was sending for more help. This time from Sir Denahad.
Sir Denahad, a very smart man with an eye for detail, requested all the information that he could receive. He was also skilled at weaponry. After analyzing the situation, he was brought before the king.
“Sire, I believe I know what we are fighting.” He bowed very low to an angry looking Imsy.
“Do not waste breath! Tell me at once!” King Imsy stood, his eyes narrowed and his nose flared.
“They are a fierce, rogue virus that plagues on innocent beings. . . they are known as the Rhinowarriors.”
The King rubbed his forehead, looking weary. “Is there another plan of attack? I will not give up my kingdom to these wretches!”
“Sir, I have sent out my men to create the proper weapons needed against these barbarians. Thousands of buildings are being used to create these weapons even as we speak.”
“You’re a good man. . . One of my best.” The King patted Sir Denahad on the back tiredly. “I am proud, even now, of the fight my people have put up.
On the battlefield, Sir Denahad’s men fought with enthusiasm as they used their new and customized weapons. The Rhinowarriors were stunned and eliminated with greater ease than before, and there was a change in the way the battle was turning out. Soon the battlefields were covered with dead or perished Rhinowarriors. Thousands came in a joint effort to help clean the mess up that was left by the invaders. Word was sent back to the king.
“Dear Sire,
I am pleased to inform you that the threat has ceased and we are able to once again focus on our normal, daily tasks. The cleanup has gone well and the rebuilding fast. Thanks to the way you directed your men into battle, there isn’t any permanent damage to any of your people. We did lose men, but I assure you that it was done honorably and with the intention of keeping our homeland, people, and of course, you safe.
Sir Macrowain
Thank you for reading! Subscribe if you’ve enjoyed the story!
by Mark Xu | Jan 8, 2015 | Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, TCM
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a condition where facial blood vessels enlarge. It can be recognized with the frequent flushing of the face that makes it look like you are constantly in mid-blush. The redness can also make it appear as though you’ve been sunburned, and red, lumpy spots show up looking very similar to acne. Sometimes the spots go away after a little bit and other times they take much longer to disappear. Depending on how bad the rosacea flares up, tiny blood vessels under the skin can become quite prominent. Symptoms can also cause discomfort with your eyes, including, burning, stinging, itchiness, dryness, sensitivity to light, and eyelid problems.
What causes rosacea to flare up?
Triggers can include alcohol, heat, sun, wind, exercise, hot drinks, spicy foods, skin care products, stress, anxiety, and even overuse of steroid cream. What causes your rosacea to flare-up, might not bother another person at all. With so many different types of triggers, it might be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing you difficulty. A helpful thing to do might be to keep a food/drink diary and track what you take in. That way, if you get a flare-up, you’re not wondering what exactly you ate that could have made you have a bad reaction.
When cleaning your face, try to stay away from everything that has alcohol, acetone, or witch hazel in it, as it can cause burning and irritation. Get rid of harsh cleansers. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your face. This could irritate your skin and make you even more uncomfortable. Heat and pressure can also aggravate your sensitive skin. Be gentle with your skin, after all, you wouldn’t powerwash a puppy!
Skin prone to rosacea is apt to be more sensitive in different weather conditions. So applying a natural, gentle sunscreen daily and a moisturizer without chemicals is a good way to go.
Acupuncture for rosacea
One of traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture’s main jobs is to reduce chronic inflammation, so it can help greatly in reducing the signs of rosacea.
Acupuncture three main healing benefits. They are pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and restoration of homeostasis.
Acupuncture, for overall pain relief, works by unclogging a person’s qi (chee). Qi is really a person’s energy and all bodily fluids. So, if your energy, your hormones, blood, and any other healing fluids in your body are clogged up or you’re unable to produce the right amount, you slowly start to feel unwell. Over time it becomes worse and that’s when people develop painful conditions.
Sometimes you can even have too much qi (bodily fluids that you don’t need) and sometimes it’s the exact opposite and you have too little. Either one isn’t ideal. Acupuncture helps to get your qi flowing properly. The needles are like guideposts that qi follows to heal your body or to maintain your health. Pain and inflammation is a big sign of your qi not functioning properly. The key is to get it back on track.
If you’re worried because acupuncture sounds scary, take heart! It’s not that frightening!
Comment below if you have anymore questions about how Acupuncture can help with rosacea!
