Tag: herbalism

Relieving Anxiety with Traditional Chinese Medicine

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These marks are from cupping and guasha. Inflammation is the muscles is relieved as it is dredged out toward the surface. The marks go away, and symptoms of pain and anxiety often follow.

🔥❣️This patient was dealing with a general feeling of anxiety, shortness of breath and brain fog. Acupuncture was done at key points to address dampness, strengthen the spleen, reduce heart heat and soothe liver Qi. After that, some tuina, cupping and guasha were applied along the Taiyang & shaoyang meridians of the back to clear heat and unbind the chest. As you can see, the scapular muscles (especially on the right) needed some attention!

☯️💧Anxiety is not always contingent on our emotional circumstances. Sometimes it is due to physical conditions affecting the viscera, such as the heart. For example? Drinking too much coffee or alcohol can inflame the blood, which can then irritate the Shen (aka the mind/spirit). By working with the physiological aspects of the body, and extracting the heat, the mind and spirit can be positively altered and anxiety can be relieved. It’s a win – win situation for muscle health and mental health! 😁

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine, where mugwort is lit on fire, then used to heat up acupuncture points. Mugwort is an herb also known as Ai Ye or Artemisia Vulgaris. Mugwort contains essential oils rich in Thujone, a chemical that acts antagonistically to GABA receptors in the body—when taken internally. Studies on Moxibustion indicate that it is capable of treating a wide range of diseases.

Ling Shu, Guan Neng states that when acupuncture does not work, moxibustion does. 

Moxibustion has both direct (skin contact) and indirect (no skin contact) methods. Moxibustion can also be used to warm up acupuncture needles, by securing it to the needle’s handle—a technique called kyutoshin, in Japanese tradition.

Moxibustion involves fire and smoke, but there are smokeless alternatives for people with sensitives noses or asthma. It is a very relaxing therapy, and can help relieve pain, warms the muscles and meridians, and can help invigorate the body with Yang qi.

Some practitioners can teach patients how to safely use moxibustion on themselves. This is often done for cases of a breech baby, where the mother is asked to use moxa as a daily therapy to turn the baby naturally.

Moxa sticks consist of Mugwort which has been fleeced and packaged into sticks. The fleeced mugwort can also be used in a loose form, which can be packed into cones or balls, then burnt upon sliced ginger or aconite (among other barriers). The heat produced by the burning mugwort penetrates deep into the muscular tissues. Moxibustion’s heat can help facilitate the relaxation of contracted muscles and sinews, dredging the meridians, expelling cold, and invigorating the Yang qi of the body.

Indirect moxibustion is used commonly, as there’s very little chance of scarring or burning, when operated properly. A stick of Moxa is lit, and a practitioner warms points with the small ember produced by the burning herbs. Points on the feet, ankle and knees can be warmed with indirect moxibustion to relieve conditions like arthritis. This style can be safely used both in and outside of the clinic.

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🌿🔥Here I am using Moxibustion to warm the lumbar region/ the Du meridian—particularly at a point called Mingmen (DU-4). Did you know that a number of classical texts say Moxa is contraindicated here for persons under 20 years old? That rule seems to change extensively, as the technique does wonders for chronic pain associated with aging and acute strains. . 👨🏻‍⚕️👨🏻‍⚕️Kogure and Hisamitsu, two researchers from Japan, found that Moxa applied at this point significantly reduced Interleukin-6, a major inflammatory factor related to arthritis and many autoimmune disease, such as diabetes. The results were very promising for moxibustion’s use as a treatment for a wide range of disorders. Let me know if you’d like to try it. I think you’ll approve. ✨ . . #moxibustion #painrelief #lumbar #lowerbackpain #acupuncture #holistichealth #atx #austintexas #atxfitness #traditionalchinesemedicine #yoga #qigong #atxblogger #chronicpain #healyourself #healing #atxhealth #atxbusiness #herbalist #ilovemyjob #guasha #cupping #marketing #research #bodywork #mugwort #moxa #fire #🔥 #arthritis

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Direct Moxibustion is when a small amount of mugwort fleece is burned directly upon the flesh, until there is a feeling of contact with the herb’s heat. Non-scarring Moxa can be performed on patients that are too deficient or unfit for scarring Moxa. Scarring Moxibustion uses a rice sized piece of Moxa fleece and is burnt down just enough to contact the flesh. This activates a powerful immune response that can strengthen the body’s yang and Wei Qi. This form of moxibustion is safely done in a clinic by a licensed acupuncturist. In addition to direct loose moxa, there are stick-on options, like Tsubo-Kyo Ibuki Moxa (see video below).

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☯️lately, I’ve been trying lots of different Moxa products from @lhasa_oms to treat my arm. These are “Tsubo-kyu Stick-On Ibuki Moxa” by Ito Co.🔥🔥 I was very surprised at how hot these got! The smoke from the mugwort even leaves a bit of oil/ residue on the skin. The heat lasts a few minutes and radiates a few inches beyond the point of origin. . I prefer them to the DongBang minimoxa, because they smell better and securely adhere to skin . I will definitely order more, but maybe a milder version for people who are sensitive to heat. The only downside is they are slightly pricey. Doing kyutoshin warm needle technique will do the same thing without the price tag—so save them for hard to treat places. 😅 . . let me know if you want to try it in your next session~ . . #acupuncture #guasha #cupping #tuina #bodywork #massage #musclehealth #medicine #therapy #atx #texasbusiness #mentalhealth #holistichealing #peace #anxiety #anxietyrelief #moxibustion #atxfitness #energyhealing #joy #qi #reiki #relax #rejuvenate #healthylifestyle #nutrition #coffee #alcohol #chinesemedicine #serenity

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Moxibustion with moxa leaf can get into the channels and cure hundreds of diseases. Its function is great. The drug properties of moxa leaves (raw) are that they turn warmer after being processed, become moxa wool (processed), which are suitable for moxibustion, and the older the better. The ancients chose moxa as moxibustion material for it is easy to collect and more for its drug properties, and long-term clinical practices have proved that.

Research has shown positive results concerning the pain relieving and therapeutic effects of moxibustion.

  • Moxibustion can lead to vasoconstriction at the burning point while vasodilatation around the point and increase peripheral arterial blood flow and microvascular permeability
  • Another thermal effect of moxibustion is to induce heat shock proteins (HSPs) in local tissues. HSPs are a class of functionally related proteins involved in the folding and unfolding of other proteins.

Biochemical research has elucidated many active components of mugwort, the herb used in moxibustion.

  • These chemicals potentiate therapeutic functions beyond the thermal function of moxibustion.
  • The ingredients of moxa always change according to the place and season of production.

The ingredients of moxa are complicated; more than 60 kinds of components had been identified [33]. The volatile oils of moxa include 1,8-Cineole, alkenes (alpha-thujene, pinene, sabinene, etc.), camphor, borneol, and little aldehydes, ketones, phenols, alkanes, and benzene series compounds. Heptatriacontane (C37H76) plays an important role in combustion [34]. The moxa also has tannins, flavonoids, sterols, polysaccharides, trace elements, and other ingredients.

Dark Chocolate: A Tonic for Qi & Blood

When a patient has symptoms of a pale tongue, low energy, pallor, fatigue and muscular weakness, I tend to suspect a deficiency of qi and blood. My favorite food-medicine for less severe qi & blood deficiencies is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is high in iron, fats, fiber and xanthines like caffeine and theobromine. High quality dark chocolates with 70%+ cocoa solids are ideal. This percentage guarantees that you’ll get a significant amount of dense mineral nutrition. I believe that the iron and fats of dark chocolate are good for building blood, while the xanthines help to move blood and increase energy. The fiber itself is good for the  regulating the intestinal system, improving bowel movements and any stasis in the middle jiao. When the intestines are clean, there are less toxins proliferating in the colon. This reduces autoimmune activity, improving energy reserves.

A 100 gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains (1):

  • 11 grams of fiber.
  • 67% of the RDA for Iron.
  • 58% of the RDA for Magnesium.
  • 89% of the RDA for Copper.
  • 98% of the RDA for Manganese.
  • It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.

—https://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/

Qi relates to the fundamental energy we are born with and the caloric energy that we generate as we consume & metabolize food, as well as the oxygen we breathe. Blood is the fluid of the heart, and is responsible for nourishing & moistening the muscles, tendons and other body tissues. There is a saying that “blood is the mother of qi.” This could be likened to the fact that blood relies on iron, which is needed for oxygen transfer throughout the body. Symptoms of hypoxia can arise in anemic persons, as the lack of iron could inhibit qi from reaching the distal extremities. Qi moves blood, so if there is a lack of one, it feeds into the pathos of the other.

Iron helps red blood cells deliver oxygen from the lungs to cells all over the body. Once the oxygen is delivered, iron then helps red blood cells carry carbon dioxide waste back to the lungs to be exhaled. Iron also plays a role in many important chemical reactions in the body.

—http://www.medicinenet.com/iron-page2/supplements-vitamins.htm

If blood isn’t moving, then that means the erythrocytes (red blood cells) are sitting around with lots of carbon dioxide… Perhaps this leads to inflammation, pain and autoimmune reactions in tissues, from muscles to bones. I believe Qi gong, tuina, reiki, acupuncture and herbal therapies could really benefit the person who is fatigued due to blood disorders like this. The vibrational, energetic and manual therapies can help to move the blood, and the herbal and nutritional therapies could restore the person’s qi and blood.

Cacao beans (an herb nonetheless).

So, choose any dark chocolate you like, and let your blood cells rejoice.

5 Awesome Apps for Acupuncturists, Bodyworkers & Herbalists

For each patient there are many dimensions and parameters to consider as a holistic healer. On the one hand, L.Acs, Dipl. OMs and ABTs are taught  ancient diagnostic philosophies for identifying syndrome patterns (yin/ yang deficiency, liver qi stagnation, spleen qi deficiency, etc.). By scrutinizing the patient’s tongue and pulse, acupuncturists are afforded a plethora of biological information that can direct herbal prescriptions and enhance acupuncture protocols, without even vocalizing or subjecting a patient to inquiry. Yet, as we integrate Eastern and Western medicine, it becomes necessary to have the ability to easily read laboratory tests, remember point locations, herbal indications, and so on. It is a lot to ask of one human’s brain!

Thankfully we have our handy phones and tablets. The following apps have been absolutely pivotal to maintaining a good understanding of all the variables affecting my patient. Enjoy~

1. A Manual of Acupuncture

This is an amazing app that is essential for any acupuncturist or student of acupuncture. It is clean and well organized. The diagrams are very informative, and if you’re a fan of the book, then you’ll be pleased with the digitization.  The video examples are extremely informative, too. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.

Download here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-manual-of-acupuncture/id472969769?mt=8

 

2. Eastland Herb – Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Formulas & Strategies. By Dan Bensky et al.

This app is a fantastic addition to any TCM herbalist’s arsenal. Every digital entry of the herbal specimens mirror the physical book’s information, but it is organized in such a way that makes it easily searchable, and about 20 lbs lighter! If you enjoy high quality reference material, with well integrated knowledge of both herbal singles and the popular formulae that use them, this is a great app for you. My favorite part about the literature is the well researched history of each herbs

Download here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eastland-herb-chinese-herbal/id737380894?mt=8

 

3. AnatomyMapp

One of my favorite books for bodywork and tuina is The Trail Guide to the Body. It is incredibly informative, full of fantastic tips for understanding the body’s anatomy in a biological and holistic sense. The author worked diligently to illustrate the body in very organized segments, from the head to the toes. The muscle groups, their functions, nerve connections, insertion and origins are detailed scrupulously investigated and detailed. This app is similar to the Deadman app, as it streamlines a lot of data and makes it accessible in a clinical setting. I highly recommend it.

Download here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/anatomymapp/id510119487?mt=8

4. LabGear

LabGear is an app that makes the effective herbalist much more powerful and ensures a greater level of security and care for the patient. As we all know, herbs are filled with biochemicals that are often used as the basis for prescription medicine and pharmaceuticals. When herbs and drugs are combined, many interactions can occur, and without proper administration, the health of a patient can be affected. With LabGear, an herbalist can easily read and understand the CBCs, hormone panels, liver panels and so on. Combined with Eastland herb’s app, and its biochemical information,  you’ll be ensuring a better practice for both you and your clients.

 

Download here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/labgear-medical-lab-tests/id350942163?mt=8

5. Essential Anatomy 5

While BodyMapp and A Manual of Acupuncture offer excellent 2-dimensional resources for point location, Essential Anatomy 5 presents a 3-dimensional perspective, which affords both practitioner and patient the ability to perceive what tissues, vascularization, tendons, nerves are being pierced of manipulated. When a patient can literally see the pathway of nerves, lymph and blood, it becomes easier to explain concepts of Qi Stagnation, Blood stagnation and how pain along particular meridians manifests. Moreso, it enhances our understanding of a body’s holistic interconnectivity. A great addition to your app arsenal.

Download here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/essential-anatomy-5/id596684220?mt=8

 

I hope these apps help you as much as they have helped me in my practice. I will continue to search and document useful tools for your knowledge. It takes a lot of resources to maintain the overwhelming about of medical data that exists presently. By expanding our toolkit, we ensure the best for our patients.

 

 

 

What does it mean to be AOBTA-C.P.?

The letters behind my name stand for American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia, and C.P. means Certified Practitioner.

“The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia is a national not-for-profit professional membership association of the practitioners, instructors, and schools/programs of the various Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) Forms.

The AOBTA® was formed in 1989 when a number of associations and representatives of the various Asian Bodywork Therapy professions decided to unite into a single organization.” — About AOBTA

To become a Professional member who can acquire certification from this reputable organization, one must complete a 500 hour curriculum of the following :

160 Hours Asian Bodywork Technique and Practice
100 Hours Traditional Chinese Medical Theory
70 Hours Observed Clinical Practice
100 Hours Western Anatomy & Physiology
70 Hours Other: Must include first aid, CPR, business, legal & ethics courses.  May include Tai Chi, Qigong, massage, etc.)

For comparison, Naturalhealers.com expresses that “a common requirement for states with massage licensing criteria is the need for 500 to 600 hours of training.” Take confidence that this AOBTA-C.P. got a graduate level experience to achieve a similarly rigorous certification.

I got my training and education in Tuina from AOMA, Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. The amazing Dr. Fan works there as a Tuina specialist and teacher. I learned from him, and conducted my clinical internship with him. I continue to study alongside many TCM practitioners as an Acupuncturist intern, too. Soon I will also offer that modality, but I urge you to try tuina, guasha, cupping, medical qi gong and tai chi.

 

 

Enkephalin, the Acupuncturist’s Opioid

Have you ever heard of an endogenous opioid peptide? It certainly is a mouthful. I had no clue what it was until I was first introduced to the term Enkephalin in an anatomy audiobook from Audible. The lecturer was listing off advances in peptide research. Then I read about enkephalin in Kiiko Matsumoto & Steven Birch’s book Reflections on the Sea. They mentioned that notable studies were correlating an increase of enkephalin with patients receiving acupuncture treatments. I found this to be so fascinating that I wanted to know more distinctly what enkephalin looks like and how it operates.

A few facts about enkephalin / endogenous opioids:

  • It is a pentapeptide. This means it has five amino acids (Tyr, Gly, Gly, Phe, Met).
  • It is an opioid peptide. These are short chains of amino acids that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. The activation of these receptors inspire the similar responses as an opiate like morphine would.
  • “Brain opioid peptide systems are known to play an important role in motivation, emotion, attachment behaviour, the response to stress and pain, and the control of food intake.”—Wiki
  • Its “brother & sister” peptides are endorphins and dynorphins. Pain and our mood do seem to wax and wane together, don’t they?

Picture of enkephalin structure below

Biochemistry has done a great job of exploring the mechanisms of these endogenous peptides, but I wondered more about how acupuncture could elicit or provoke the release of enkephalin. I scavenged research such as the following articles / books:

Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases: A Neurobiological View 

This book compiled many different research experiments and compared the literature & statistics. It seemed like the actual points, depth of insertion and intensity of manipulation were not scrutinized exceptionally. They had methodologies that compared chemical profiles of animals, before & after acupuncture. I found the following excerpt to be very informative:

“It has been well documented that opioid receptors play a crucial role in many of the effects induced by manual acupuncture/ EA. The simplest and strongest evidence is that many of the acupuncture effects can be eliminated or attenuated by the opioid receptor antagonists.” — Xie et al. 1985, 1989; Zhao et al. 2002; Tian et al. 2008a, 2008b.

Substances like Naloxone are opioid receptor antagonists. This substance blocks the effects of opioids by shielding or de-activating the receptor. Naloxone is widely used as a remedy for opioid overdosing, and is being sold over the counter in many states now to combat the drug epidemic in America.

Check out the similarities between Enkephalin and Morphine

Morphine itself also comes from older medicinal traditions, namely Herbalism. The herb Ying Su Ke (Poppy husk) has been used within the Chinese herbal pharmacopeia for a long time. The actual opium war was not due to Ying su Ke, but rather British imports and imperialist trading habits that inundated China with strong opium (though it was nothing compared to modern pharmaceutic productions). That caused all sorts of trouble, and I wager we’re seeing history repeat itself presently in the context of America’s opioid crisis. Acupuncture could be the key to positive change in the healthcare of our country, by circumventing the need for chemicals to relieve patients of their suffering.

Acupuncture is widely used in drug detoxification and for suppression of symptoms of addiction. Associations like NADA—National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, certify healthcare providers of all realms to perform an auricular protocol that was developed for meth and heroin addicts. It might be anticipated that the activation and proliferation of endogenous opioids helps to level out the body’s cravings for chemical stimuli. I am starting to see how acupuncture can be good for both pain relief, as well as reducing stress of those recovering from addiction and withdrawal.

Unfortunately, it seems if a person is taking Naloxone while receiving acupuncture, the pain relief effects are greatly diminished. Enkephalin relies on the availability of opioid receptors, though one might wonder if the body still accumulates the peptides, and if they can be absorbed after Naloxone is excreted. The following research on mice could help explain:

Electroacupuncture in awake mice produced analgesia to noxious heat stimuli causing a 54% increase in latency to squeak. Subcutaneous naloxone completely abolished this acupuncture analgesia implicating endorphin. Naloxone injections in control mice caused a 17% hyperalgesia suggesting that “normal” mice also release endorphin. These results imply that endorphin is released at a low basal rate in “normal” mice, and at a much higher rate during acupuncture.

—Naloxone blockade of acupuncture analgesia: Endorphin implicated
Bruce Pomeranz, Daryl Chiu

There is a ton of research regarding this subject, and it is very promising to see biochemistry helping to bridge the gap of efficacy and understanding within the realm of Acupuncture. And, in spite of Naloxone, I believe there are many other vectors and mechanisms of acupuncture that can relieve pain and improve bodily function (check out this article to learn more about that). So, even those with Naloxone prescriptions could find it beneficial to some degree, especially if they are seeking to diminish all chemical consumption.

Enkephalin is definitely a key player in understanding acupuncture and, really, the way pain works in response to stress and other deleterious effects of living on this planet. I will continue to explore how peptides, neurotransmitters and other chemicals promote amelioration in the body. Stay tuned, and maybe schedule an appointment so we can get some enkephalin brewing in your body!

What are some of my techniques?

What are some of my techniques?

TUI NA

Tui na  is an ancient technique defined by strong and precise pressuring & manipulation of specific tissues and points, which regulate the harmonious flow of qi in every body.  Combining knowledge of modern anatomy with Traditional Chinese Medicine, careful stimulation of specific acupuncture meridians are assessed and focused upon throughout the treatment. The entire body typically achieves complete relaxation, as the individuated treatment relieves aches, soothes nerves, and promotes detoxification in the brain, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys and liver.  It provides great relief to overworked muscles and sore joints.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha is a powerful technique for releasing wind-bi from the muscles, purging inflammation and moving stagnant qi from sore spots like the shoulders and neck. The muscles in our body can build up and retain inflammatory substances that perpetuate chronic irritation. Gua Sha breaks apart the densely knotted muscular tissue and vents the blood, promoting relief while dispersing excessive body heat. Oil and a metal / horn tool are used to dredge the microfibers of muscle, which provoke a colorful response from the skin. The marks typically remain for no longer than one month.

CUPPING

Cupping uses glass or plastic cups to create vacuums on the flesh. This pressure helps draw out stagnant blood from muscles, which can build up due to tension and poor posture. Regulating the flow of blood and qi through cupping can improve energy, motivate circulation and reduce pain. The result often looks like a crimson moon has been stamped onto the skin. Marks typically disappear within one month or sooner.

CAIN Healing Arts

Hello! My name is Jacob Cain McRae, and CAIN Healing Arts is my attempt to inspire self-healing and rejuvenation in the world. I am currently in graduate school for Integrated Medicine, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. I never imagined pursuing a career in this discipline, as I was an English major who worked primarily administrative jobs. Yet I was called toward healing, because my life was riddled with a lot of trauma, especially from childhood. The older I get, the more distinctly I comprehend how these issues are knotted together, and by working with them holistically, a greater transformation of the body, mind and soul can occur.

I offer bodywork therapies and methods that helped me heal from both physical and spiritual injury, including: Tui na (Chinese Medical Massage), Cupping, Gua Sha (Scraping), Medical Qi Gong, Reiki, and Chakra Flow Yoga. My passion lies with herbs, and I seek to help people understand how to use them safely. Please enjoy my blog!

Stay tuned for more posts about healing, from a perspective that bridges the mystic with the scientific. Also if you’re in the Austin area and you’re looking for a healer, buy some time by visiting my booking site. I’ll gladly do a phone consultation or e-mail, as well, so feel free to contact me! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday Medicine: Chocolate

Everyday medicines are things we use on a daily basis to help our bodies manage stress and recover from day to day wear and tear. Diseases have been treated for eons through nutrition, so they are also often born from nutritional deficiencies. One sort of deficiency could be anemia. Anemia has many different forms, from macrocytic to microcytic, and it is typically defined by iron deficiency or absorption issues. Iron is a very important mineral that helps maintain oxygen levels in the blood, which nourishes the distal tissues. When there isn’t enough oxygen to support cellular function, hypoxia tends to manifest. The lack of oxygen can be the underlying reason for pain, fatigue, even disease.

An “everyday medicine” that could help with these issues is dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is very high in iron, as well as xanthines. These nutrients can help the body build better, denser blood, and increase energy by stimulating neurotransmitter behaviors (xanthines include chemicals like caffeine). Additionally, those dark chocolates which are processed minimally are high in fiber. This can help the body to purge accumulations in the GI tract, thus improving the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Feeling fatigued? Bite into a bar of chocolate! I recommend taking chocolate around 12PM, the time when the heart’s energy is . The bitter flavor of dark chocolate can help to clear out heat, while tonifying the “yin” of the heart blood. The heaviness of the iron can be very sedative to the mind, and even help with anxiety. This is a reason why chocolate is so coveted by emotional persons.