TCM formulas for stroke and Bell Palsy recovery

TYPHONIUM RHIZOME

Also known as Typhonium Rhizome or Rhizoma Typhonii, it refers to the tuber of Du Jiao Lian (Typhonium giganteum Engl.), which is a perennial plant of the family Araceae.This herb is collected during Autumn, fibrous roots and skin off, washed clean, fumigated with sulphur, and dried in the sun.

Zhi Fu Zi refers to Prepared Aconite Root, which is the lateral root of rhizome of Chinese monkshood. It is acrid, sweet and hot in nature. Thanks for its excellent functions on restoring devastated yang, assisting yang to supplement fire, and dispersing cold to stop pain, it is hailed as The king of Warming Herbs. But Fu Zi (Aconite Root) is considered poisonous and need to be used with extreme care. It should be avoided for pregnant women and those of hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency group. In addition, it contradicts to Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit), Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb), Bai Lian (Radix Ampelopsis Japonicae), and Bai Ji (Bletilla Rhizome).

WHAT'S TYPHONIUM RHIZOME USED FOR? 
It is acrid, sweet and hot in nature. Please also note that it is poisonous. It involves with channels of stomach and liver. It is capable of expelling wind-phlegm, arresting convulsion, relieving toxicity, dissipating nodules, and stopping pain. Regular uses and indications include stroke, Bell's Palsy, tetanus, Migraine, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatic Arthritis, spasm, crewels, and snake bite, etc. Regular dosage is from 3 to 6 grams in decoction, and 0.5 to 1 grams in powder.

NATURAL BEAUTY EFFECT 
Besides above-mentioned main functions, this herb is able to remove melanoma. This method is very simple to follow too. Grinding into powder, mix with honey, plaster on a paper and then mask them on your face before sleeping. Combining with the appropriate sun block in the daytime, the result will be better. "Ben Cao Jing Shu" ever said that it is dry and ascending in nature, which makes it positive among so many wind herbs. Ascending is the nature of wind. Combined with its dispersing and acrid nature for clearing damp, its medicinal momentum reaches the top and covers all conditions on face.

FORMULAS FOR STROKE AND BELL'S PALSY RECOVERY  
From the TCM point of view, the causes of stroke lies in long-term Qi-blood deficiency and yin yang imbalance in heart, liver and kidney, which blocks the normal circulation of Qi and blood. Due to lacking of moistening and nourishing, the liver-yang rise suddenly and sharply, which makes for the occurring of wind. Thus blood rampages through the channels along with reversed flow of Qi, phlegm, and fire.

Bai Fu Zi is hardly limited only for stroke and Bell's Palsy recovery. Actually it is widely used in the treatments of Zhong Feng, which refers to stoke and patterns hit by wind pathogen. When stroke and Bell's Palsy are involves, it is wind that is the main culprit from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). So, to cure similar diseases, expelling wind would be the immediate task to be deal with.
Modern pharmacological research reveals that this herb can be used as calcium channel blockers, bradycardic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Clinically it is widely used for treating Epilepsy, cerebral thrombosis, and unknown migraines. One of representative formula to treat stroke and sequelae is Zhong Feng Hui Chun Wan, which is a Chinese patent medicine. Main symptoms and signs are insensible feeling of hands and skins, Facial Paralysis (Bell's Palsy), babble, slobbering, and Hemiplegia.
Herbs used in Zhong Feng Hui Chun Wan include Dang Gui (Dong Quai), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root), Hong Hua (Safflower Flower), Tao Ren (Peach Seed), Ji Xue Teng (Millettia Vine), Tu Bie Chong (Wingless Cockroach), Jiang Can (Silkworm), Dan Shen (Red Sage Root), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit), Ren Dong Teng (Honeysuckle Stem), Di Long (Earthworm), Chong Wei Zi (Semen leonuri), Chuan Niu Xi (Szechuan Achyranthes Root), Quan Xie (Scorpion), Wu Gong (Centipede), Shen Jin Cao (Clubmoss), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root), Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Stem), and Jin Qian Bai Hua Se (Agkistrodon).

Tailor-Made At Oriental Acupuncture Clinic, our registered TCM practitioner will customize your diagnosis based on syndrome differentiation and customize prescriptions to meet specific needs of your condition.

Quality Guarantee We use only natural medicines Certified by GMP, recognized by Health Canada and most NPN numbers. We guarantee our TCM product of unsurpassed quality. Natural and Pure with no addition of other material, western medicine nor usage of r-Ray to kill bacteria.

6 TCM Treatment Principles and Tips for Stress-related Conditions

Stress is an inevitable part of life. In TCM, stress affects the free flow of Qi within the body, resulting in stagnation, excessive internal Heat and poor Blood circulation. Excessive and prolonged stress may impede the delicate balance in our body and trigger severe health problems.

The most common manifestations of stress include sleeping disorders, anxiety disorders, headaches, fatigue, indigestion, restlessness, hypertension, acne, poor or excessive appetite, decrease in sexual ability, and a desire for sweets and dessert. In some cases, long-term stress can also lead to weight loss or weight gain problems.

Stress & Digestive Health

 Stress tends to impede the flow of Qi, which would affect the Spleen's functions. Consequently, the transformation and transportation of digested food will be affected, and this will lead to an accumulation of internal dampness. In time, problems such as weight gain may develop.

Stress & Shoulder Tension

 Shoulder tension is caused by factors ranging from continuous mechanical strain, a lack of exercise, improper posture while working or sleeping, and emotional stress.

When stress builds up and the Liver-Qi flow is impeded, the shoulder muscles will tighten and become rigid. Tension in the shoulders leads to shoulder pain, neck pain and even headaches.

General Treatment Principles and Tips for Stress-related Conditions

 TCM is effective in relieving stress through acupuncture, herbal medicine and/or massage therapy. It is important to note that treatments must be customised according to each unique body constitution.

• Ensure the free flow of Liver-Qi

In TCM, the Liver helps to regulate our emotions. When the flow of Liver-Qi is interrupted, emotional disturbances such as depression, frustration, anger, mood swings may occur. Thus, it is important to ensure the smooth flow of Liver-Qi in the treatment of stress-related conditions.

For decades, TCM physicians have been prescribing Xiao Yao San (逍遥散), which is believed to have stress-relieving properties. The prescription comprises Hare’s Ear Root (Chaihu, 柴胡), Chinese Angelica (Danggui, 当归), Peppermint (Bohe, 薄荷), White Atractylodes (Baizhu, 白术) and Poria (Fuling, 茯苓).

Common herbs that promote the flow of Qi include Perilla Stem (Zisugeng 紫苏梗), Hawthorne Berry (Shanzha, 山楂), Lingzhi (灵芝), Cnidium (Chuanxiong, 川芎), Turmeric Root (Yujin, 郁金), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi, 陈皮) and Prepared Fleeceflower Root (Zhishouwu, 制首乌).

Tonics that contain Eucommia Bark (Duzhong, 杜仲), Glossy Privet Fruit (Nvzhenzi, 女贞子), Eclipta (Mohanlian, 墨旱莲), Black Sesame (Heizhima, 黑芝麻) and Himalayan Teasel Root (Xuduan, 续断) are useful for invigorating the Liver.

Acupuncture treatments may aid in re-energising our body circulation, particularly in the circulation of stagnant Liver-Qi.

• Eliminate internal Heat or fire

Late nights and irregular eating habits can put us under intense stress. The untreated stagnation of Liver-Qi will generate internal fire, which may travel upwards to the head region and disturb our sleeping process, suppress our appetite, or cause other disharmonies.

In these cases, treatments usually focus on clearing our internal fire to restore balance. Tian Wang Bu Xin Wan (天王补心丸) is one of the ancient prescriptions that can supplement the Yin and remove internal fire to relieve stress. Herbs such as Foxglove Root (Shengdi, 生地), Asparagus Root (Tiandong, 天冬), Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi, 五味子), Chinese Gentian (Longdancao, 龙胆草), Salvia Root (Danshen, 丹参), Figwort Root (Xuanshen, 玄参) and Anemarrhena (Zhimu, 知母) help in clearing internal fire.

• Calm the Mind (Shen)

When the Mind is relaxed, the body will return to its harmonious state.

Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for stress. It helps by calming the Mind and relaxing the muscles.

Chinese herbs that also help to calm the Mind are Biota Seed (Baiziren, 柏子仁), Poria (Fuling, 茯苓), Oyster Shell (Muli, 牡蛎), Thinleaf Milkwort Root (Yuanzhi, 远志), Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi, 五味子), American Ginseng (HuaQishen, 花旗参), Longan Fruit (Longyanrou, 龙眼肉) and Lily Bulb (Baihe, 百合).

• Nourish the Heart

In Huang Di Nei Jing (The Emperor's Inner Canon), the Heart is said to be the master of Zang-fu organs, the ruler of the Mind or spirit (Shen) and the seat of consciousness and intelligence. The health of the Heart affects the Shen and can in turn lead to emotional disturbances such as anxiety, insomnia and palpitations. Therefore, it is important to maintain Heart health to sustain emotional balance.

Biota Seeds is one of the Chinese herbs that nourishes the Heart. It is commonly used to treat insomnia accompanied by fidgetiness and palpitations, night sweating, as well as constipation. Other herbs that benefit the Heart’s functions include Longan Fruit (Longyanrou, 龙眼肉), Lotus Seeds (Lianzi, 莲子), Lotus Root (Lianou, 莲藕), Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi, 五味子), Tortoise Carapace and Plastron (Guijia, 龟甲).

Heart Tonifying Soup (Yang Xin Tang, 养心汤) and Suan Zao Ren Tang (酸枣仁汤) are tonic soups that nourish the Heart, soothe the nerves and calm the Mind.

Acupuncture and massages on the head and foot may help to enhance the Heart’s functions too.

• Replenish the Blood to the Heart

Various ingredients can be added into our daily diet to replenish the Blood to the Heart, such as Lotus Seeds (Lianzi, 莲子), Lotus Root (Lianou, 莲藕), Lily Bulbs (Baihe, 百合), Longan Fruits (Longyanrou, 龙眼肉), Red Dates (Hongzhao, 红枣), Codonopsis Root (Dangshen, 党参), Chinese Angelica (Danggui, 当归) and Poria (Fuling, 茯苓).

• Exercise to improve Qi and Blood circulation

Exercise helps to unblock the flow of Qi and Blood, and minimise the effects of stress on our mind and body. Tai Chi, yoga, and other forms of exercise that focus on breathing and meditation also help to move Qi. These exercises also help in calming the Mind and promoting relaxation.

Find out why acupuncture is a great choice for anxiety and depression 

Looking for reputable and experienced acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, feel free to call Oriental Acupuncture clinic at 416-800-3988 or book an appointment online.