Broward Directory Blog

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By: Dr. Marji Lee Pearson

Asthma affects approximately 17 million Americans every year. The conventional treatment options offered are limited to steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. While these medications can be effective in relieving the symptoms of asthma, the side effects of continuous long-term treatment can be severe. It is best to treat the underlying cause of the asthma, not just the symptom. There are numerous natural strategies to consider for chronic asthma that can offer effective treatment without any of unwanted the side effects.

Here is a list of nutritional supplements, essential oils and herbal formulas to consider to treat asthma:
Supplements

Quercetin:
Recognized as one of the superior flavonoids because of its marked antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is known for its ability to stabilize mast cells and help control allergies. If the asthma is directly related to allergic reactions, then quercetin is an excellent supplement to try.

Grape Seed extract: A strong antioxidant that reduces inflammation and breaks the chronic pattern of allergy-induced asthma.

Cod liver oil: High in essential fatty acids, cod liver oil reduces inflammation, promotes healthy circulation, and is generally strengthening for immunity.

MSM: MSM is an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment and in the human body. Sulfur is necessary for the structure of every cell in the body. Hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants all depend on it. Because the body utilizes and expends it on a daily basis, sulfur must be continually replenished for optimal nutrition and health. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts immunity and is helpful for allergies.

Chinese herbs

Ding chuan tang: The most widely used herbal formula for asthma; ding chuan tang can be applied to all kinds of asthma. In particular, if the asthma is exacerbated by the onset of a cold, this formula works well.

Jade Windscreen: A Chinese herbal formula (yu ping feng san) that can be combined with one of the above formulas to add another support in strengthening immunity and boosting lung function.

Acupuncture

Practiced for over 2,500 years in various cultures throughout Asia, acupuncture has enjoyed a long history of treating internal medical conditions. Acupuncture can be very effective in the treatment of asthma. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and balance the major organs that are contributing to one’s symptoms. In Chinese medicine, asthma can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, diet, allergies, Candida infection and constitutional weakness. All of these factors are related to different internal organs that are causing the lungs to constrict. Acupuncture theory involves combining the patient’s symptoms with pulse and tongue diagnosis to get a clear picture of the body’s inner workings. Acupoints are used on the corresponding meridians that will balance any energetic or functional disharmonies.

Diet

The main strategy for asthma sufferers is to avoid foods that provoke inflammation in the body. At the top of this list is the whole class of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Any food that converts into sugar very quickly in the body is going to cause inflammation. Many asthma patients report a marked improvement in their symptoms simply by taking this step.

In Chinese medicine, the lungs share a close relationship with the large intestine. Intestinal toxicity can cause a whole slew of internal problems, including asthma and allergies. If there is a history of constipation, then a cleansing approach is useful to detoxify the colon, which will indirectly benefit the lungs. A high fiber diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables is the key. Flax seed, prune, pear, ripe banana, and herbs such as rhubarb root are helpful colon cleansers.

Essential Oils for Asthma

Conifers oils such as Balsam Fir, Grand fir, Black Spruce, Dwarf pine are strengthening and stimulating to the lungs. Frankincense and rosemary are also good choices as all these oils will help stimulate the immune system if they are therapeutic medicinal grade essential oils.

Oils can be used in a warm to hot bath, massage oil, steam inhalation or just diffusing for 10 minutes or so at a time.

To schedule a free consultation, ask questions or schedule an appointment call Dr. Marji Lee Pearson at 786.385.8629. Download my free e-book and sign up for an informative monthly newsletter at http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com

Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com

Health

By Dr. Marji Lee Pearson

I have compiled a list of natural treatments to help you treat Endometriosis or uterine fibroids. This is a partial list to get you started in the right direction.  Chinese Medicine has been known for treating woman’s issues and having great results.  If you have any questions about what you read or would like to make an appointment please call 786.385.8629.

For more information please visit my website at www.asianhealingarts-center.com.

What to Avoid

• Foods that have been treated with hormones
• Refined and hydrogenated oils
• All animal products (unless organic as animal products are treated with hormones)
• Dairy products
• Peanuts

Foods to have in your diet

• Walnuts
• Lemons
• Dark green vegetables
• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Soy products
• Fish
• Beets
• Sprouts
• Broccoli

Oils to have in your diet

• Flax seed
• Pumpkin seed
• Linseed
• Fish oil
• Evening primrose oil

Vitamins

• B,C,E
• Zinc, beta-carotene and selenium
• Grapeseed extract
• Bilberry extract

Chinese Herbal Supplements

• Dang Gui Angelica
• Tao Ren Persica
• Chai Hu Bupleurum
• Hong Hua

Aromatherapy

• Frankincense Somalia or Oman
• Clary Sage
• Lavender Angustifolia
• Peppermint

If you would like to schedule a free consultation on how Chinese Medicine can help you, please call Dr. Pearson at 786.385.8629. Download my free e-book on “How to Thrive” And sign up for my informative monthly newsletter at www.asianhealingarts-center.com.

Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com

By Dr. Marji Lee Pearson

Gas, bloating and constipation can be a pain in the you know what. Literally!! Here are some ways that you can help yourself and feel better.  If you have more questions please feel free to call or email me.  You will find my information at the end of this article.

Approximately 61 million Americans experience digestive problems on an ongoing basis. This is largely due to the harmful repercussions of the standard American diet on our population coupled with the high level of stress that the average American experiences. Digestive problems range from minor annoyances, such as gas and bloating, to life-threatening illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis, unremitting diarrhea, and various cancers that target digestive organs. Whatever the case, it is always worth being proactive about our digestive health. My goal for writing this article on acupuncture and natural therapies is to get you going in the right direction, not only with your digestion but also with your health in general. Let’s take a look at a few common disorders and what we can do for them.

1. Constipation: The standard American diet can easily lead us to chronic constipation. This diet is low in fiber and antioxidants and high in difficult to digest additives and refined ingredients. Many, many people are constipated and they don’t even know it. They may have regular bowel movements, but they are still not flushing their systems totally, which creates intestinal toxicity. Intestinal cleansing is often a top priority in healing numerous chronic health problems. There are several natural herbal remedies and nutritional supplements that can relieve constipation and heal the underlying imbalances.

• Chinese herbal formulas such as ma zi ren and Wu Ren wan or Five Seeds are gentle laxatives that are not habit forming.
• Aloe Vera juice reduces inflammation and promotes peristalsis (smooth muscle contraction in the bowel).
• Psyllium husk is a high fiber product that alleviates constipation.
• Flax meal and seed are excellent high fiber sources for constipation.
• Therapeutic grade essential oil of Peppermint helps relieve constipation

2. Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous for your health. It is still one of the leading causes of death in the world. Diarrhea is related to spleen weakness or intestinal inflammation. It is always a top treatment priority to heal this condition. Stress and anxiety can trigger regular bouts of diarrhea, as can processed and refined foods. Here are some basic remedies for diarrhea:

• Chinese herbal formulas such as bu zhong yi qi tang ( ginseng and astragalus ), si jun qi tang ( 4 Gentlemen ), liu jun zi tang (6 Gentlemen), and jin gui shen qi tang ( rehmannia 8 ) are helpful for alleviating diarrhea due to deficiency. Tong xie yao feng, Isatis Cooling, and jia wei xiao yao wan are helpful for diarrhea due to heat and inflammation.
• Western herbs such as slippery elm, chamomile, peppermint, and ginger harmonize and soothe the stomach to stop diarrhea.
• Probiotics such as acidophilus are useful as long-term adjuncts in treating diarrhea.
• Therapeutic grade essential oils of ginger and peppermint also harmonize the stomach and relieve diarrhea.

3. Bloating and gas: These symptoms tend to arise from eating too much or too fast, excessive stress, refined foods, coffee and alcohol, and sugar. Aside from slowing down and eating less of these foods, here are a few herbal suggestions:

• Chai hu shu gan wan — the quintessential Chinese formula for the combination of stress and gas.
• Xiao yao wan — Excellent for digestive problems that arise during menses and excessive stress.
• Liu jun zi tang — Strengthens the spleen and takes phlegm out of the gut, which is often related to as and bloating.
• Acidophilus and bifidus — Bloating and gas can be related to candida overgrowth, which is pathological yeast that causes an array of physical and emotional imbalances.

4. Irritable bowel Syndrome: IBS is a common problem that affects millions. Doctors will often diagnose IBS when the patient’s symptoms don’t seem to match up with anything else, so they call it irritable bowel. This disorder is characterized by bowels fluctuating from constipation to diarrhea with intermittent abdominal pain or distention. People with IBS tend to be sensitive to a variety of foods including high fiber foods, refined sugar, wheat, and gluten products. Symptoms can continue indefinitely and can be resistant to conventional treatments. I have treated several patients with IBS, usually with very positive results. Acupuncture theory asserts that IBS typically involves a disharmony between the liver and the spleen. The liver becomes hyperactive due to stress, anger, and frustration, which causes it to weaken the spleen, causing loose bowels and fatigue. Treatment involves relaxing the liver and strengthening the spleen.

• Herbal formulas such as Irritease by K’An Herbals and Isatis Cooling by Health Concerns have proven helpful. In general, I recommend committing to weekly acupuncture and herbal treatment for 6-8 visits, depending upon the severity and duration of your symptoms.
• Acidophilus and bifidus can be helpful, as many people with IBS also have Candida
• Chamomile and peppermint have a soothing effect on the gut and can reduce irritation

Many digestive disorders respond very well to consistent acupuncture, essential oil and herbal treatment. Making dietary changes that restore and detoxify the gut also enhances treatment progress. Digestion is one of the main reference points for gauging one’s overall health. If there are weaknesses or imbalances here, it is likely that one’s overall health is compromised.

If you have any questions or would like to set up an initial appointment please call 786.385.8629.   Download my free e-book on “How to Thrive in a Modern World’ and sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.asianhealingarts-center.com

Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com

By Dr. Marji Lee Pearson

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have enjoyed a rich and extensive history in treating the gamut of female health concerns, from PMS to painful periods to postpartum issues. Menopause is another dimension of female health that can be extremely difficult for women, as hot flashes and night sweats can cause unbearable discomfort. Fortunately, acupuncture and herbs are an excellent option for menopausal women, as they offer safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for these often debilitating symptoms. Acupuncture is considered to be a cooling therapy. The stainless steel needles that are used during treatment are said to disperse Qi. This means that they are unblocking energy that has become blocked or stuck. Many women say that they felt cooler right after the needles were put in.

Chinese herbs and therapeutic essential oils work synergistically with acupuncture to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and get to the root of the problem. I would highly recommend committing to this approach before using hormone therapy, as these natural options are free of side effects. Hormone therapy is quite controversial in terms of its long-term effects. While it has worked wonders for many women in the short-term, when I hear references to increased incidence of ovarian cancer, fibrocystic breasts, and emotional fluctuations, I cannot give it a raving endorsement. Below is a list of several Chinese herbal formulas that are used to treat hot flashes and night sweats:

Zhi bai di huang wan/temper fire: This is probably the most popular Chinese herbal formula for hot flashes. It is considered a kidney yin tonic that clears fire from the kidneys. Other symptoms would be low back pain, scanty dark urine, and low energy. It is safe, gentle, and can work miracles if it matches well with the patient’s constitution.

Jia wei xiao yao wan/free and easy wanderer plus: This formula addresses hot flashes that are due to a liver depressive heat pattern which would include symptoms such as irritability, high stress, red eyes, headaches, and indigestion.

Da bu yin wan: This formula is for a pattern called ’steaming bone syndrome’ in which the hot flashes feel as if they are penetrating into the depths of one’s bones. It is a kidney yin tonic that utilizes herbs that penetrate deep into the body to clear heat.

Tian wan bu xin dan/celestial emperor’s teapill: This formula is for a combination of heart and kidney yin deficiency, which will manifest with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, thirst, and malar flush.

Er xian tang: This formula is for a mixed pattern of kidney yin and yang deficiency. Symptoms include a history of feeling cold with recent onset of hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, and low back pain.

Here are some therapeutic essential oil formulas that are used for menopausal symptoms:

Menopause bath for balance:

• 3 drops Geranium
• 3 drops Cypress
• 4 drops Fennel
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile
• 4 drops Clary Sage
• 5 drops lavender

Fill bathtub with warm to hot water. Get into the water for at least 3 minutes before adding the oils.  Add oils, swish around the tub. Soak for 20 minutes or more with low lights/candles, relaxing music and inhale deeply.

Cooling Spray:

• 8 ounces of distilled water
• 4 drops Peppermint
• 7 drops Rose Geranium
• 8 drops Roman Chamomile
• 7 drops Clary Sage
• 5 drops Cypress

Add the water and essential oils into a spray bottle and shake. Spritz yourself whenever you feel a hot flash coming.  Keep refrigerated if possible.  Shake well before using.

Compress Cooling Blend:

• 1 quart cool to cold water
• 5 drops of Peppermint
• 8 drops of Dark Patchouli
• 15 drops of Lavender
• 14 drops of Clary Sage
• 11 drops of Rose Geranium
• 4 drops of ylang ylang
• 9 drops of Cypress

In a small glass bottle add the oils.  Add 5 drops of the essential oil blend to the water.  Soak a cloth in the water and apply to areas of your body like face, neck, chest or wherever you like to help you cool down the hot flashes.
Hot flashes and night sweats tend to respond very well to treatment with acupuncture and herbs. It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms often have an underlying emotional component that we may also address. Many patients have said things like, ‘I heard that cypress oil is good for hot flashes, but it never worked for me.’ It is important to keep in mind that herbs will only work if they address your specific constitutional needs. These needs are assessed by examining the tongue, palpating the pulse, and matching these findings with one’s symptoms. In this way, a much more specific and accurate diagnosis and treatment is formulated that will more likely optimize the benefits for the patient.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, ask me any questions or book an appointment please feel free to call Dr. Marji Lee Pearson at 786.385.8629.   Go to my website to download your free copy of my e-book “How to Thrive in a Modern World” and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com

By Dr. Marji Lee Pearson

Depression is running rampant through our society.  Approximately 35 million Americans suffer with depression or chronic anxiety.  Many are taking anti-depressant medications. While these medications do offer support for a variety of people some do not respond as well.  A few reasons for this include:

• Side effects that can outweigh the benefits of the medication being used
• Feeling disconnected from themselves on the medication
• Having a belief system that says depression isn’t a biochemical imbalance

Aromatherapy – Essential Oils

Essential Oils can be quite helpful.  Here is a brief list of oils:

• Roman Chamomile
• Lavender
• Citrus oils of Mandarin, Orange, Lime, Bergamot, Tangerine
• Geranium
• Ylang Ylang

Chinese Herbs

There are many Chinese herbal formulas that really work wonders for depression.  Here are a few:

• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
• Gui Pi Tang
• Tian Wan Bu Xin Tang

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that treats the energetic level of the person. It is usually a profoundly relaxing experience that establishes a deep quality of restoration and balance to the central nervous system.  Almost all people feel sleepy, dreamy, altered within the treatment and after.  The feeling stays long after treatment ends and becomes better with continuous treatment.  Many people don’t want to leave after their treatments and just want to curl up and stay in this wonderful feeling of well being.

Nutritional Supplements

I find that the majority of depressed or anxious patients suffer from hypoglycemia. Many of them begin their day drinking coffee and then crash in the afternoon.  It is important to maintain stable blood sugar throughout the day.  To help with this start the day with a high protein breakfast such as whole oats, eggs, turkey bacon. Make sure to have a snack with you and take it every 2 to 3 hours.  Avoid caffeine and coffee or at least cut down your intake.  Avoid allergenic food such as refined sugar, pasteurized dairy, wheat and gluten for 30 days and see what happens.  The depression could significantly improve.  Some nutritional supplements to help depression:

• Fish Oil
• B Vitamin complex

Emotional Issues

Depression means you are holding something inside of yourself. This could be from anger or frustration that you don’t express because of fear, low self-esteem or many other reasons.  I have found that the use of Chinese Medicine, counseling and other holistic modalities work really well in helping to move through the issues and stuck energy.  Something you can do for yourself is to move your body either through walking, running, biking, dancing to name a few.  This also helps move the stuck energy inside your body/mind so you have more energy.

In my clinical practice I have worked with many patients who have lost hope and felt they had run out of options.  Many come to me as a last resort.  Based on my experience working with numerous patients that have suffered from anxiety and chronic depression I can safely say that using the above modalities has helped me in getting to the root cause of the depression and helping my patients move on with their lives.

To schedule a free consultation, ask questions or schedule an appointment call Dr. Marji Lee Pearson at 786.385.8629.  Download my free e-book and sign up for an informative monthly newsletter at www.asianhealingarts-center.com

Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com