Anxiety

using chinese medicine to treat Anxiety using chinese medicine to treat anxiety “I’ve had many patients with tons of chaos in their lives that was, of course, reflected into their physical body (digestive complaints, migraines, pain). As a therapist, trying to work through all of that can be challenging. When I’ve sent them to the team at Tao to Wellness, they started feeling better physically almost immediately, which made their emotional state more flexible to change, which got them faster results with me. I’m so grateful to the ladies at Tao to Wellness.” –  Berkeley psychotherapist Chinese medicine works on all levels; the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. To us, all these are not just interconnected but rely on each other for solid health. People are sometimes surprised that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can work in the realm of emotional wellness. We actually work with all types of emotional fluctuations, not only anxiety, but depression, sadness, grief, heartbreak and fear to name a few. Utilizing Chinese medicine to support emotional wellness can enhance a patient’s life in many ways because we take into consideration the whole body, we look at the physical, the mental and the emotional. We are thorough in discovering your story and discussing at length your current health and past medical history. We also utilize diagnostic tools like the tongue and the pulse. All of these things help shape your unique treatment plan.  Let’s take a deeper look, anxiety can manifest from different organ systems being out of balance, but mostly it stems from an acute imbalance of the Heart, but the imbalance is actually caused by other organ systems.  The Heart regulates circulation, and is also the ruler of all mental and emotional processes. Because the body is interconnected, balancing only the Heart is not enough. For example, if the Liver is involved perhaps a patient has anger or irritability that essentially heats up the Heart, in turn causing the anxiety. If there is Spleen involvement, possibly there’s excessive worry or pensiveness that causes unrest in the Heart. And lastly, if a patient is constantly operating from a place of fear, it could very well be the Kidneys that are not communicating effectively with the Heart. Sometimes there’s just one scenario, sometimes all three are at play.  Commonly, our anxiety patients possess additional symptoms as well.  So again, what happens over time is the anxiety creates an imbalance, the long term  imbalance of that organ creates other symptoms, making this imbalance louder. Let’s say the patient is experiencing a Heart and Liver imbalance–  some additional symptoms that might occur are insomnia or trouble sleeping deeply, headaches especially along the Gall Bladder channel, PMS or menstrual cramps to name a few.  And vice versa, let’s say a patient who has been experiencing a Heart imbalance with daily palpitations and dizziness, might start to have anxiety because of it.  Thankfully with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine when we rebalance the organ, this diminish all the emotional and physical symptoms. How can acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine benefit? Brain chemistry stabilization Decrease in stress and cortisol Enhanced circulation to the Heart (the Ruler of Emotions) Decrease in inflammation overall, which relaxes the body and enhances flow of Qi and blood.  An optimally functioning physical body that allows the emotions space to release, balance and heal. An additional practice that we love to incorporate with our patients is meditation. Quieting our “monkey mind” is key in any emotional balancing.  Our minds are going a mile a minute with noise, replaying old conversations, rehearsing future conversations, strategizing life’s details, planning days, months, vacations, being upset or hurt about something that happened days or even months ago. We are also worried, fearful, annoyed, frustrated etc. Our minds never stop. Meditation can be a cleanse to your thoughts, a retreat from the noise and a way to train yourself and your reactions. If you are curious about how we can help, feel free to make an appointment or book a complimentary consultation.  Book An Appointment

Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies: A Comprehensive Review

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with herbal remedies playing a central role in its practice. From ginseng to licorice root, Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to promote health, treat ailments, and restore balance to the body. In recent years, interest in the efficacy and safety of these traditional remedies has surged, prompting extensive research and scrutiny. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal remedies in this comprehensive review.   Safety of Chinese Herbal Remedies: Separating Fact from Fiction One of the most common concerns surrounding Chinese herbal medicine is the safety of its remedies. While some individuals may harbor reservations or misconceptions, it’s essential to approach the topic with an open mind and a discerning eye. Numerous studies have investigated the safety profile of Chinese herbs, revealing promising findings. Overall, Chinese herbal remedies are generally safe when prescribed and administered by qualified practitioners trained in TCM. Adverse reactions are rare, with most side effects being mild and transient. However, it’s crucial to source herbs from reputable suppliers and adhere to recommended dosages to minimize the risk of adverse effects.   Effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine: Unveiling the Healing Potential Beyond safety considerations, the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine is a subject of considerable interest and debate. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of various Chinese herbal remedies for a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to digestive disorders. Results from these studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine can offer significant therapeutic benefits, either as standalone treatments or in conjunction with conventional medicine. For example, herbal formulations containing herbs like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and may alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gastritis.   Benefits of Chinese Herbs: Tapping into Nature’s Pharmacy The benefits of Chinese herbs extend far beyond symptom relief—they encompass a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses the root causes of illness. Unlike conventional medications that often target specific symptoms, Chinese herbal remedies aim to restore harmony and balance to the body as a whole. Chinese herbs are prized for their ability to regulate bodily functions, strengthen the immune system, and support vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart. Additionally, many Chinese herbs exhibit adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and maintain optimal physiological functioning in the face of adversity.   Herbal Treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Preserving Ancient Wisdom As herbal treatments continue to gain recognition in mainstream healthcare, it’s essential to acknowledge their integral role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, herbal formulations are carefully crafted based on individual constitution, presenting symptoms, and underlying imbalances. TCM practitioners employ an all-encompassing approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering not only physical symptoms but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. By addressing imbalances within the body’s energy system, known as Qi, Chinese herbal medicine seeks to restore harmony and promote overall well-being.   In conclusion, the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal remedies are subjects of ongoing research and exploration. While further studies are warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimal applications, existing evidence suggests that Chinese herbs hold promise as valuable therapeutic agents in the quest for health and longevity. At Tao to Wellness, we honor the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine while embracing modern scientific advancements to provide comprehensive care and personalized treatment solutions. Contact us today to experience the transformative benefits of Chinese herbal medicine and embark on a journey to optimal health and vitality. Your path to wellness starts here.