Yin and Yang

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based around the concept of balance. Our bodies and the world around us are viewed as a delicate interplay of the two opposing principles of yin and yang. Yin is defined as cool, moist, passive and feminine, whereas yang is hot, dry, active and masculine. The terms yin and yang literally refer to the dark side of a hill (yin) and the sunny side of a hill (yang). Health is the perfect but dynamic balance of the two. Yet the deeper philosophical mystery is that there is only one -- we just experience it as two. At the core of each is the other and each is in a constant process of becoming the other. This is all demonstrated in the classic symbol of the Tao -- or the way.

Western medicine uses a similar concept called homeostasis. Though there are no specific terms to use in conceptualizing the two extremes of any balance as there is in Chinese medicine -- there are the Latin prefixes hypo and hyper. So a disease condition such as high blood pressure may be described as hypertension. Low blood pressure may be called hypotension. Being too hot is hyperthermia and too cold is hypothermia. Modern western medicine may strive to keep the various measures related to the body within a certain range-- temperature, blood pressure, heart rate or any number of lab values from blood work. Outside of the established range is considered disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine does the same. One patient may be too yang or another may be too yin in regards to a specific aspect of their physiology. Someone with high blood pressure may be considered too yang whereas certain types of low blood pressure may be related to an excess of yin.

The philosophy of Chinese Medicine takes it a step further. The body is seen as an extension of the environment -- we are interconnected with the whole world and all of existence emerges from this dance between yin and yang. The following video is a beautiful animation that visually expresses this concept of an emergent world made up of the constant interplay of yin and yang . Part meditation, part artistic rendition this short film visually demonstrates the Taoists concept of "The Way." Done in the style of a Chinese watercolor, I found it gentle and pleasing so I share it with you -- enjoy.

Naturopathic Medicine continues to get the recognition it deserves

A friend of mine who lives in New York City sent me this link. Naturopathic doctors are not licensed in the state of New York, though they have been working on passing a licensing law for the past few years. I hope it happens soon. Many wonderful naturopathic doctors practice in New York but are limited in what kinds of care they can provide.

Naturopathic medicine holds such promise for the future of health care. I have personally seen the power of good quality natural medicine. When coupled with highly educated health practitioners - natural medicine provides incredible results for patients courageous enough to give it a try. I use the term courageous because unfortunately we live in a climate of suspicion and fear of natural medicine. This perspective is propagated by other competing economic interests.

I hope you find this article interesting. Our medical system does not have to be based on a divided and divisive system - we can all work together to decrease suffering and increase healthy full lives.
Link to 1010wins

Natural Combination lowers cholesterol more than Statin Drugs

Statin drugs have become the mainstay of cholesterol lowering medication. However, they have many side effects and often patients cannot tolerate them. Recent research done by the Mayo clinic has demonstrated that a combination of red yeast rice and fish oils worked better than statin drugs. 74 patients were randomly divided into two groups - one group was prescribed conventional a statin drug while the other group received a combination therapy of red yeast rice and fish oil. After 12 weeks the statin group's cholesterol lowered by 39.6% whereas the red yeast rice and fish oil group's cholesterol was lowered by 42.4%. The red yeast rice and fish oil group also showed a considerable lowering in triglycerides and lost more weight in general. Read more about it here.

Aromatherapy and Science: Treatments for Anxiety and Depression

Can scent effect our mood or memory. Aromatherapy is a natural therapeutic treatment that utilizes this aspect of our physiology - specific essential oils are thought to influence our consciousness in certain ways. It is known that the sense of smell is directly transmitted and processed in the limbic system. This part of the brain is related to memory and emotions. Perhaps you have experienced a strong memory associated with a specific scent. Has a smell ever taken you back to a time or place in your life?

Studies have supported the use of essential oils to modulate mood and stimulate specific emotional responses. A variety of studies have shown unique effects from different essential oils.
One study showed significant differences on objective measures of cognition and subjective influences on mood between subjects exposed to the aroma of rosemary and lavender oils, when compared to a control group exposed to neither. Lavender was found to relax subject while rosemary made them more alert.

Another study supports these findings. Lavender was found to relax subjects, decrease anxiety and was supported by increased beta power on EEGs. Subjects were also faster and more accurate in mathematical computations after aromatherapy. Subjects exposed to rosemary oil were found to be more alert as seen in increased frontal alpha and beta power on EEGs. They were found to be faster but no more accurate on mathematical calculations after being exposed to rosemary oil.

Though these studies show significant changes when exposed to specific essential oils, it is unclear to what extent these differences are due to direct biochemical effects or psychological associations between subjects, scents and personal experiences.

At least one study suggests that these aromas may actually interact with ion channels in our cell membranes. A study published in the Journal of the Federation of Societies of Experimental Biology showed that a compound from frankincense seemed to alleviate depression and anxiety through triggering a poorly understood ion channel in cells of the brain (link).

Researchers believe these findings may lead to the development of new anti-depressant drugs, all the while many natural health practitioners have already been utilizing these substances for depression and anxiety for hundreds of years with good results.

Lower Cholesterol with Artichoke Leaf Extract

New research supports the use of artichoke leaf as a natural cholesterol lowering substance. Artichoke has been used historically as a tonic for the liver and to sooth digestion. Studies have shown that it can increase bile flow which assists the body in absorption of fat from meals. Bile is produced from cholesterol by the liver and if bound up in soluble fiber, it is removed from the body.
Researchers found that a daily dose of 1280mg of Artichoke leaf extract taken over a 12 week period significantly reduced plasma cholesterol.

Red Wine and Breast Cancer

New research supports the use of a popular supplement called resveratrol as a possible preventative step against breast cancer. The laboratory study shows that resveratrol can "suppress the abnormal cell formation that lead to most types of breast cancer...."

Resveratrol is a substance found in the skin of red grapes. The making of red wine naturally concentrates this substance. Many studies have looked at this antioxidant's possible effects on a number of health related conditions. Research has looked at resveratrol for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies support its use in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has also been considered for adjunct support in the treatment of cancer.

The French paradox first brought attention to resveratrol and the consumption of red wines. The French people are known to consume far higher amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol than those from the USA, and yet have lower rates of coronary artery disease. This paradox baffles scientist and research has pointed to red wine consumption as part of the reason. Though there are other possible factor to explain this "paradox" - such as eating less quantities and more physical activity, red wine consumption may hold part of the answer.

Resveratrol is a trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene, which is produced when the plant is grown under stressful conditions. It is thought to help function as a deterrent against pathogens and pests. Organic and naturally raised grapes having considerably more resveratrol content than those conventionally grown, especially when pesticides are used. With the use of pesticides, it seems the grapes have no reason to produce as much resveratrol.

Those looking to use this substance for its health benefits can drink a glass of organic red wine daily (any more and the health benefits are probably offset by the alcohol). It is also advisable to check for sulfite free versions as these substances can cause other health problems. For most looking to add this medicinal substance to their diet - a supplement is the most consistent and reliable form.

Naturopathic Licensing

Minnesota has just licensed naturopathic doctors through a bill signed into law this July. The law will go into effect in 2009.

Currently there are 18 states, districts and territories licensing naturopathic doctors in the US – Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota*, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the United States Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Naturopathic doctors are also licensed in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.


Massachusetts has a bill (bill number S2820)in its house that would license naturopathic doctors. If you reside in or have contacts in Massachusetts - urge them to contact their Speaker of the House and ask the bill be brought to the floor for a vote.

Use this link to contact the Speaker of the House. Remember, calls must come from Massachusetts residents only.


Licensing of naturopathic doctors is very important. Licensing assures that those calling themselves naturopathic doctors have an educational background equivalent to other doctors. It protects the public ensuring a high degree of training amongst health care providers and creates a legally defined scope of practice for the naturopathic doctors in that state.

Continued expansion of naturopathic licensing is important for the growth of natural medicine and its integration as a health care option for the general public.

Take a look at this video. Dr. Andrew Weil and other experts discuss the importance of licensing naturopathic doctors.