Chat #71~Chat #80

Chat #71

At a Set Time, Comb, Wash and Move Bowels,

Through the Four Seasons Take Care of Yourself,

Move by Following a Pattern

In the last chapter, we discussed the biological clock health method of diet and sleep rhythm, now we will continue with related questions.

As for raising the quality of sleep, there is still one health protection detail to attend to and that is soaking feet before bed. Chinese folklore says; ‘Before sleep wash your feet, eat well and supplement with medicine.’ I have changed ‘wash your feet’ to ‘soak your feet’, emphasizing the health protection significance of ‘soak’. The easiest soaking method is to use warm water, paying attention to the temperature raised as hot as can be comfortably tolerated for 10-15 minutes. Those with high blood pressure, can add 2 ounces of yellow wine into the water, and a half ounce of table salt. Those with bloody noses, can add 2 ounces of yellow wine to the water. Those with bony spurs on the foot can add 2 ounces of wine and 2 ounces of rice vinegar. Chinese medicine considers that of the body’s fourteen channel vessels, in the qi Channel there are eight vessels, and there are over ten lengths of channel vessels which all pass through the feet and moreover, these are related to internal organs. Because of this, soaking the feet helps provide the whole body with a health protective function, and is an effective sleep aid.

       (3) Exercise needs a rhythm, life details are important.

We talked many times about the protective health benefits of exercise and here we will look at it from the perspective of the biological clock. The body’s movement and stillness are all in accordance with a set rhythm. A set time for exercise can help strengthen the body’s physiological rhythm. Moreover, before and after exercise, the internal body biological rhythm will most certainly go through changes and these changes, if they occur each day at the same time, will form a set movement which encourages all the functional activities of the body to become regulated and rhythmic. Therefore, according to one’s own body condition, set a time for exercise and follow it without deviation and over time it will cause all the body functions to be sequenced.

There are still other life details which can produce health protective benefits when a rhythm is added and these should not be overlooked. For example, Chinese medicine considers the head as ‘The meeting point of all yang’, which is to say that the yang qi of the entire body converges on the head and because of this, health protection for the head is very important. A very simple method is to comb hair three times a day for about 5 minutes each time, combing through the qi and blood on the head, with the function of massaging the vital points.

Teeth, called the ‘extra bones’, indicate that teeth are part of the bone structure and the kidney governs the bones. Therefore, the protection of the teeth helps provide a kidney protection function. One simple method is to rinse the mouth at a set time every day, each time for about 2 minutes. If you are able to add some salt to make diluted salt water, then according to the five flavor theory, saltiness enters the kidney and will be even more effective in protecting the kidneys. If at the same time you accompany this by knocking on the teeth for one minute, the results will be even more impressive.

‘The viscera takes free passage as supplementation’, which means that the six viscera; stomach, small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder, bladder, uterus, if they regularly maintain unobstructed movement are the equivalent of taking supplementary medicine. How does one maintain a free, unobstructed movement of the six viscera? The easiest method is to cultivate a habit of moving the bowels at a set time, maintaining unobstructed bowels. This helps in expelling accumulated toxins from inside the body. Please note that the goal is to establish a gastro-intestinal movement rhythm in accordance with time. At first, there may not be desire to defecate, but after waiting a while, one can establish the goal of an established rhythm.

(2) Four Season Health Method

This is what Chinese medicine calls ‘Four Season Life Nourishing Method’, which corresponds the body’s activity rhythm as it passes through the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. This can lead everyone to achieve excellent health protection results. Here I would like to remind everyone that in places like California where in the majority of locales the seasons of spring and autumn are not clearly distinguished, you can take the essential points for reference and combine them to fit an actual climate and its changes.

Spring: The Chinese medical Classic Huang Di Nei Jing, The Internal Classic of the Yellow Emperor, summarizes the special characteristics of spring climate as: ‘Spring, three months, a time of effusion and display, heaven and earth are both birthing, the ten thousand things are flourishing.’ This means that during spring, the climate turns warm, the cold which brought ice and snow melts away, yang qi is ascending, the ten thousand things are reviving, newness sprouts forth, vitality and abundance blossom joyfully. The principle of the body nurturing spring’s spirit is: ‘Give birth and don’t kill, be together don’t take by force, appreciate and don’t punish.’ This is to say, nurture the qi of spring, be full of vitality. Don’t be solitary, melancholy and depressed because doing so will choke the yang qi of the body. Let the ambition of the mind be big and broad, be magnanimous, don’t fight; give abundant rewards and don’t punish. In this way, there will be union with family and friends. Go on a spring outing, visit the willows, gaze at the flowers and appreciate the scenery, melt into union with nature. The body constitution must be healthy and emotions relaxed, isn’t this also happiness?

The nurturing principle of everyday life in spring is: ‘Sleep late, rise early, take grand steps in the yard, with tousled hair and loose belt allow the spirit to form.’ [from Huang Di Nei Jing] The meaning of this is that when spring comes, one should sleep late and rise early, let hair hang down, let clothing and belt be loose and relaxed, allow the body to take a comfortable and open posture, stroll in the yard among flowers and grasses, follow the intent of spring’s rising yang qi which emits forth an ordered comfort.

The regulating principle of diet in spring is: ‘Liver governs spring...If the liver has bitterness then quickly eat sweet to refresh...If the liver wants to disperse, then quickly eat acrid to disperse, use acrid to supplement, and sour to drain it.’ [from Huang Di Nei Jing] This paragraph says that liver function is like the emergence of spring, therefore liver qi and spring q are interlinked. The function of the body’s organs in spring is vigorous. Therefore, spring protects the liver, not only does it only have intent for the liver, but for the whole body as well.

Speaking from the point of view of the five food flavors, acrid and sweet things both belong to the yang food category, therefore they aid in development. Acrid and spicy things, actually do not provide supplementation, however from the correspondence of liver function characteristics and the special aspects of spring climate, this helps the body’s yang qi rise up, and isn’t this equal to supplementary medicine? Therefore it is said, ‘Use acrid to supplement’, this is indeed what Chinese medicine calls dialectical thinking. At the same time, sour enters the liver, and sour by nature has contracting characteristics. If you think about it, when the yang qi of spring ascends forward, causing the liver qi to be vigorous, can you use sour type foods to contract and restrain it? If it is used, this is the same as reducing the yang qi and liver qi, therefore it is said: ‘Sour drains it’.

The season of summer in the Huang Di Nei Jing, summarizes its special characteristics as: ‘Summer, three months, considered as flourishing and blooming, the qi of heaven and earth exchange, the ten thousand things thrive and are substantial.’ This is to say that during summer, the yang of the sky descends, the earth is hot and steamy, and they interchange leading to a climate that is blazing hot. The ten thousand things flourish and the hundred flowers are all displayed. The principle nurturing the body according to the summer spirit is: ‘Cause intent to be without anger, cause brilliant flowers to flourish, cause qi to discharge.’ This is to say that the qi of summer is blazing hot, and people need to be attentive to avoid angry thoughts. When the heat of the sky combines with the heat in the body, this certainly will be injurious to the body. At the same time, take the initiative in work and studies, follow the fire’s heat and gloriously achieve great things ‘causing the brilliant flowers to flourish.’ In this way, although the sky is hot, the heart is like ice, it is serene and naturally at peace. The principle nurturing everyday life in summer is: ‘Sleep late, rise early, hold no grudge against the sun.’ [from Huang Di Nei Jing]. The meaning is that during summer, one should sleep late and get up early, don’t despise summer’s long days of heat in the sky, moreover eliminate mistakes which will injure health such as; sleeping with an electric fan blowing day and night, overusing air conditioning for long periods of time, cooling off in the shade or soaking in water for too long, etc.

The nurturing principle of diet in the summer is to eat more acrid-warm, and less bitter-cold foods, controlling coolness. The heart-fire during the season of summer is effulgent, restraining lung-metal, the flavor of bitterness can also help the heart and control the lung. Therefore, the famous ancient Chinese herbalist Sun Simiao said: ‘Summer has 72 days, hold back on bitter, add acrid and in so doing nourish the lung qi.’ It is common knowledge that acrid enters the lungs and that eating acrid foods will nourish the lung qi i so as to avoid restriction by the heart-fire. At the same time, when the weather is hot, we perspire a great deal and feel thirsty but be careful not to eat too many cold foods which will damage the gastro-intestinal system.

We have mentioned before that according to the Five Elements in Chinese medicine, the four seasons are divided into five. The summer season is divided into two parts, one part is called Long Summer. The special characteristic of long summer is that the moisture in the air is very concentrated, there is much rain and the body is easily affected by the humid air with the occurrence of gastro-intestinal inflammation, joint inflammation and heat stroke. Because of this, during overcast, rainy weather be attentive to dryness and wetness and eat foods which disinhibit water, for instance; reed rhizome, seeds of Job’s tears, hyacinth bean, agastache, eupatorium, etc.

The season of Autumn: From Huang Di Nei Jing sums up the special characteristics of autumn weather as follows: ‘Autumn, three months, contains calmness. When the heavenly qi has urgency, the earth qi brightens.’ This is to say that during autumn, the ten thousand things ripen, it is the season of harvest, representing the qi of the yin earth gradually clarifying, when differences between day and night temperature increases. Nourishing the spirit of the body in autumn, the principle is: ‘Allow intent to be serene, thus delaying the punishment of autumn; draw in the spirit, causing autumn’s qi to reach equilibrium; with no deviation from intent, allow the lung qi to clear. This response to autumn qi is the path of nourishing by drawing in.’ This means that as the autumn weather turns cool, the flowers and trees wither, grasses wilt and leaves fall, the emotions are often unstable, and the scene arouses feelings of depression, desolation, loneliness at twilight, leading to melancholy and unhappiness. Because of this, pay extra attention to maintaining emotional stability so as to avoid the ‘punishment’ brought on by autumn. In managing affairs, drawing in and contracting is best so as to allow equilibrium to be maintained between one’s mood and autumn. Even more important is to not push for success, but rather to maintain the clarity and serenity of lung qi. The logic behind taking care of oneself in autumn is called: ‘Nourish by contracting.’

The principle of regulating daily life in autumn is: ‘Autumn, three months, early to bed, early to rise, get up with the chickens.’ This is to say that in autumn, sleep early so as to ‘nourish contraction’, rise early to follow the unfolding of yang qi, causing the lung qi to pass without obstruction. The ancients used the regular movements of the chickens as an analogy for the human body. Of course in modern times, especially life in cities, this is difficult to imagine. However, as long as we understand the intent of the ancients, it is enough.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to deepen your understanding one step further, please read on to the next chapter.

Chat #72

Spring and Summer Nourish Yang,

Autumn and Winter Nourish Yin,

Spring cover, Autumn chill have an inner Logic

In the last chapter, we discussed the four season health maintenance method for spring, summer and autumn. Now we will continue with related questions.

Autumn climate is especially dry, the air humidity is low, the water component of the skin evaporates quickly, and because of this, the body easily emerges with dry skin, dry mouth and throat, as well as dry stool, etc. The health method pays attention to avoidance of excessive perspiration which will injure the body’s fluids. Elderly people should bathe less frequently and when bathing should promptly use moisturizing pharmaceuticals to avoid excessively dry skin which can trigger skin pruritus. In addition, Chinese folklore has an expression for good health: ‘White dew, no body exposure.’ This means that deep into autumn when the climate turns cold and dry, one should be careful to wear additional clothing to ward off the cold and not crave for coolness which can lead to illness.

From the perspective of diet, acrid flavor enters the lungs and in autumn lung qi is originally flourishing and it is not appropriate to further strengthen it. Therefore in autumn, reduce acrid flavors to calm the lung qi. From another perspective, sour flavor enters the liver and among the Five Elements, metal restrains wood and the lung restrains the liver, therefore in autumn, eating an abundance of sour foods will help the lung qi, preventing the lung metal from becoming excessive and injuring the liver. Because of this, in autumn or in dry climate conditions, the dietary principle is: ‘Reduce acrid, increase sour for more moisture.’ What then does increase moisture mean? Because dryness prevails in autumn, the lung qi is also dry, so eating many foods enriched with moisture nourishes yin and moistens dryness. Supplement the lung by creating liquids with items like dairy products, honey, sugar cane, pear, lily, silver needle, etc. In addition, China has another health proverb: ‘Autumn squashes damage the belly.’ This means that since autumn is dry and cold, eating many squashes can chill and injure the gastro-intestinal tract. Another example is being cautious when eating pears.

Winter season: Huang Di’s Inner Classic summarizes the special points concerning winter climate: ‘Winter, 3 months, closed and concealed, water frozen, earth broken.’ This is to say that during winter, the climate is cold, water congeals into ice, the earth freezes until it cracks, the condition of the ten thousand things is in a closed and concealed state. In winter, the body’s regulating spirit is the principle: ‘Don’t agitate yang...cause the mind to be hidden and concealed. If the self has intent, then it will be satisfied.’ This is to say, following the climate of winter, cultivate serenity and hold on to it as essential. Take the fruits of one’s labor and treasure them, avoiding any emotional irritation, especially fear, shock and annoyance. Secure the heart’s intent and nourish the essence, gathering vigorously. In other words, when the inner world of the heart is serene, only then can the body’s yang qi be close and concealed, and the yin essence is then able to collect and accumulate. Only in this way can a good preparation be made for the coming year’s spring radiance to ascend and emit forth.

The regulating principle of everyday life in winter is: ‘Sleep early, get up late, wait for sunlight...sleeves cold, then warm, don’t drain the skin allowing the qi to promptly be taken by force. This winter season’s power, nourish concealment as the Way.’ [from Huang Di’s Inner Classic] This means that during winter, one should sleep early and not get up until there is sunlight, thereby having adequate time to nourish and protect the body’s yang qi Be careful to dress warmly when going outside and maintain warmth inside your living space, avoiding the encroachment of a cold qi. However, be exceptionally vigilant to notice if the room temperature is too high, since this will cause the skin pores to expand, the yang qi then cannot be concealed and the cold air can easily invade causing the body’s yang qi to suffer a great injury: ‘Causing the qi to be taken by force’. In addition, Chinese medicine has the saying: ‘Movement breeds yang’. Nourishing yang doesn’t mean that your feet don’t go out the door, but rather movement induces the production of yang. Therefore the Chinese folklore for health protection says: ‘ In winter move around, fewer troubles from illness; In winter relax a bit, drink another bowl of herbal medicine.’ ‘In summer practice three concealments, in winter practice thirty nine’.

Winter’s ‘Nourish Concealment’, actually incorporates two aspects; nourishing yang and nourishing essence. In nourishing essence, most important is to emphasize preserving health in relation to sexual activity. There is a saying: ‘Spring once, summer twice, autumn three times, winter none.’ Therefore in winter or on very cold days, restrain from sexual activity. If a man engages in sexual activity, he will not reach ejaculation, so the best method is to protect the yin essence.

The dietary principle of winter is primarily to protect the kidney essence. The kidney governs salty flavor and in winter, the kidney qi is flourishing. Too much salt will give too much help to the kidney qi. According to the Five Elements, kidney belongs to water, the heart belongs to fire. Water can restrain fire and bitter foods enter the heart. Eating more bitter foods can strengthen the heart, preventing the kidney water encroachment. Because of this, the principle of eating winter foods is ‘Reduce salt, increase bitterness.’

Those who have been to Beijing, probably know there are two kinds of specialty foods, one is Beijing roasted duck, one is lamb boiled in a chafing pot. This kind of lamb is primarily eaten in winter. Lamb has a hot nature, and adding a hot stove and hot soup, it can warm up the body, producing yang and ward off cold. Moreover, when eating lamb in a chafing pot, it must be accompanied by many vegetables, adding yin liquids, which can prevent excessive production of yang.

Chinese folklore has a common saying: ‘In winter, add supplements.’ The lamb chafing pot is actually an example of this winter supplementation. For example, food items that have a hot nature, lamb, chicken, small birds, etc. are appropriate for those who have vacuous yang; beef marrow, toad oil, etc., are appropriate for those with both vacuous yin and yang; duck meat and goose meat are appropriate for those with a vacuous yin. Please coordinate usage based on the previously mentioned list on the nature of all kinds of vegetables and fruits. In addition, a famous, ancient book entitled Qian Jin Yi Fang promotes medicinal wine: ‘In winter take two to three doses of medicinal wine, at the beginning of spring then stop. Use this method throughout one’s life in this way, then the hundred illnesses will not emerge.’ Please note that ‘two or three doses’ means one dose of medicine soaked in one measure of wine, with one measure being about 500ml., usually soaked for at least two weeks. Each morning, take a dose of about 30ml., to strengthen yang, nourish essence, quicken the blood, and unobstruct the vessels. Below I have provided an alcoholic prescription often used in clinical practice for strengthening yang and nourishing essence. It is provided for your reference.

Prescription for strengthening yang and nourishing essence: Eucommia bark, 10 grams, homalomera rhizome, 10 grams, morinda root, 10 grams, fleshy stem of cynomorium, 10 grams, raw, sun dried white root ginseng, 30 grams, American ginseng root, 30 grams, snake gallbladder, 2, pilose antler, 6 grams, Chinese yam, 30 grams, cortex of tree peony root, 30 grams, water plantain rhizome 15grams, sclerotium of tuckahoe, 30 grams, raw and cooked Chinese foxglove root, each 10 grams, red peony root, 30 grams, licorice root, 30 grams, white wine about 1000ml. Wash the herbs, place in a porcelain, earthenware jar, pour in the white wine, seal with wax and place in a shady, cool place [or bury beneath tree shade in soil]. Leave it there for about a month. Drink each morning, an adult male dose of 10-30ml., an adult woman dose, 5-10ml. Take each year from December to February.

Please note that in general, winter supplements are not suitable for children, since they can trigger excessively fast growth, even to the extent of reaching sexual maturity early.

There are two other points related to the four season health method which expand its health protection meaning: ‘Spring and summer nourish yang, autumn and winter nourish yin,’ and ‘spring cover, autumn chill.’ What does ‘Spring and summer nourish yang, autumn and winter nourish yin,’ mean? This phrase has its origins in the Huang Di Inner Classic. If we think about it, during the seasons spring and summer, the yang qi of the natural world is rising vapor, the vitality of the ten thousand things is exuberant, the yang qi of the body follows suit in its outward expression of prosperity. Spring and summer nourish yang, and the heat which follows adequately protects the nourishment of the body’s yang qi. During the seasons of autumn and winter, the yin qi of the natural world is present everywhere, the ten thousand things contract and conceal, the body’s yang qi follows in contracting and concealing within. Autumn and winter nourish yin, in that they must follow coolness sufficient to protect the nourishment of the body’s yin essence. In that case, how can we reach our goal?

       After grasping an understanding of the four season health method, we can comprehensively grasp the concepts of spring and summer nourishing yang, autumn and winter nourishing yin. Many times in lecture, I have regularly used ginseng and Western ginseng as an example. Here, once again I will share my knowledge on this subject with everyone.

Some people might think: winter is cold now, I’ll eat some ginseng; summer is warm now, I’ll eat some Western ginseng. This is a one sided perspective. Ginseng, also called Korean ginseng, Jilin ginseng, and according to the four qi belongs to hot nature. Western ginseng, also called American ginseng, according to the four qi, belongs to cold nature. Therefore, the main function of ginseng is to supplement the original yang, and Western ginseng’s most important function is to greatly supplement the original yin. During spring and summer, the natural world is covered with flourishing yang, and the body is also situated in a state of flourishing yang. However, this is only an external phenomenon. When the sky is hot, the body becomes hot, necessarily inducing perspiration which causes the yang qi to drain out and become vacuous; at this time oftentimes people want to eat many fruits to relieve the qi of the summer heat. Too many cold natured foods, will necessarily injure the gastro-intestinal tract’s yang qi. At this time, eating Western ginseng is the same as adding a piece of ice, injuring the yang qi even more. Therefore, when yang is flourishing, on the contrary, one must be clever and use some hot natured ginseng to prevent damage to the yang qi and in doing so, give another meaning to the concept of nourishing yang. During Autumn and winter, the natural world is covered with flourishing yin, the body is situated in a state of yin abundance. However, this is also an external phenomenon. The weather is cold and people are cold necessitating the addition of heavy clothing and overcoats. Since there is almost no perspiration at all, this leads the yang qi in the body to not disperse but rather accumulate producing internal heat. At this time if you use ginseng, it is the same as adding a fire to the body. Therefore, one should be clever in using some cold natured Western ginseng, to prevent internal heat and injurious fluids. This gives another meaning to the concept of nourishing yin.

What then is the meaning of ‘spring cover, autumn chill?’ In early spring, as we come out of winter, the winter yin cold is in the process of dissipating, therefore one should take precautions to maintain appropriate warm clothing so as to avoid spring’s cold which injures yang as the weather turns warm. In early autumn, as summer recedes, the summer heat is also in the process of abating, therefore as the weather turns cool, one should still be attentive not to overdress, avoiding the autumn chill which injures yang. In other words, as spring turns into summer, and as autumn turns to winter, the body must go through an appropriate transition.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to deeper your understanding one step further, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #73

Seashore, Level Rivers and High Plains

Protecting Health According to the Land has its Profound Truth

In the last chapter, we discussed Chinese medicine’s mechanism and method of ‘Spring and summer cultivate yang. Autumn and winter cultivate yin.’ Through chapters 69-72, we talked about health protection in accordance with time as an environmental prevention against cancer. Other environmental cancer prevention methods include doing things in accordance with the earth and with human life. Now we will look at the question of health protection in accordance with the earth.

2. Health protection method in accordance with the earth makes full use of the resources of the great earth, living in accordance with the natural geographic conditions where one lives and travels, to implement good health.

Living in the San Francisco bay area, we belong to the island seashore region, with an ocean climate. Therefore, I’ll start our discussion from here. We know that the sun penetrates to a much deeper degree into the ocean water than on land. Not only does this increase heat and warmth of the ocean water’s surface, but also causes relatively deep layers of ocean water to add heat and become warm. Water is a flowing body, taking thermal heat from one place to another. Because of this, the ocean water has a thermal heat capacity that is much greater than that of land. In receiving the same amount of thermal energy from the sun, during daytime and summer time, the ocean water’s rising temperature is somewhat slower than that of the earth. At night time and in winter, the speed with which the ocean water becomes cold is somewhat slower than that on land. With the ocean’s regulating function, the island seashore climate changes are very moderate compared to inland areas. Classic ocean climates, on a yearly average warm less than 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, during the summer season the island seashore areas are warm with a cool breeze whereas the inland areas have high heat temperatures. Likewise in winter, the island seashore maintains a comfortable warm climate and the inland areas have cold, gusty winds.

       Even more favorable on the island seashore climate are the ocean land winds which blow a cool, ocean breeze blows from the ocean onto the seashore bringing fresh, clean air in daytime. The quantity of iodine in this kind of air is 40 times more than that of inland areas and can supplement the body’s needs, as well as killing bacteria. In addition sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and ozone quantities are relatively high; in the late evening the wind turns direction and blows out onto the surface of the ocean, sending away pollutants. These kinds of changes are most evident in summer.

Sunshine on the ocean’s broad expanse is plentiful. Even in the rainy season, the sunshine ratio is still about 50 percent. From low elevations, the atmospheric layer is relatively thick, with water content in the air relatively high causing the sun’s ultraviolet rays which reach land to only 1-2 percent radiation, whereas inland high plateau areas are as strong as 1/6-1/2.5.

       The island seashore possesses a broad coastline, soft soil, bright sunlight, azure blue sky, soaring seabirds, rhythmic waves all of which have a positive influence on a person’s mentality and physiology. One can make the most of these favorable conditions to bathe in the air, in the sunshine, in the ocean water, and heal in the sand, etc. I will introduce details on this method later on.

However, climactic changes can occur on the island seashore climates and some locations have typhoons and tidal waves, etc which have a negative impact on human health. Speaking of the San Francisco bay area, many pollen ailments, rheumatism, skin diseases, etc. are related to the environmental climate. In addition, eating large quantities of seafood, especially kelp and sea vegetable, etc. which are high in iodine, remain high risk food choices.

There is also research indicating that there are harmful environmental factors which lead to commonly seen nasopharyngeal carcinoma for Chinese people living in southern China’s coastal areas, for example, Guangdong, Hainan, Fujian, Hong Kong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, as well as southeast Asian coastal areas and some islands, such as Thailand, The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. The first generation of Chinese male immigrants to the U.S. from Guangdong, had thirty times higher death ratio than local people. The second generation of males born in the U.S. who would die from this illness had a ratio fifteen times higher than local people. Through analysis it was found that areas with a high occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma had small quantities of nickel in the rice they produced as well as in their drinking water. These quantities were clearly higher than low occurrence areas. Aside from this, their rice contained lower quantities of molybdenum than low occurrence areas. Their drinking water also contained lead in amounts higher than the low occurrence areas. Research clearly presents documentation that there is a relationship between nickel and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Now let’s look at the special characteristics of plateau basin geography. Geographers call a broad, low flat area that is under 200 meters above sea level; a level plain. The four sides of the terrain are high, the central portion is low and leveled, and the land structure called a basin. The plateau basin, in general is in the temperate zone areas in many places. Winter is cold, summer is hot and the four seasons are clearly distinguished, rainfall is plentiful, the earth is fertile and the rivers and lakes are well developed. Especially worthy of mention are the plentiful mineral water sources. Drinking mineral water and bathing in it are both beneficial to health. In our diet to prevent cancer and maintain health, we have talked about mineral water and a specialized introduction to bathing in it will follow below.

Looking at the distribution of cancer, the high rate of liver cancer is primarily spread from the equator to warm temperate zone areas. Asia’s pacific coastal area has one of the highest occurrences of liver cancer. China’s liver cancer is markedly spread over the plateau regions. According to research, liver cancer’s high occurrence is in many low depression terrains, where the water source does not flow through and pollutants and dangerous substances easily accumulate, creating water pollution. At the same time, areas close to rivers, if the climate is warm and moist, can easily grow aflatoxin mold bacteria, causing grain and other food products to easily mold. Over a long period of time, eating foods that have encountered aflatoxin pollutants can lead to liver cancer. In addition, findings reveal that some of the inhabitants with a high occurrence of liver cancer enjoy eating salted fish, salted meats and salted vegetables. In the process of preparing these foods, oftentimes they need to use nitrites as a preservative and as a color agent. Nitrites can form nitrosamines within food and are extremely dangerous and carcinogenic.

Now let’s briefly discuss the question of high plateaus and high mountains. In geographical terms, areas there are higher than five hundred meters, with a top section fairly level, few undulations, and with a relatively broad surface area are called a high plain. Generally, high mountains and high plains have similar climate conditions. When I attended Qing Hai University Medical School, which sits at the bottom of China’s Qing Hai province. It belongs to the Qing/Tibetan high plateau with an elevation between 3000 to 5000 meters and a surface area of 2,300,000 square kilometers. It is the world’s largest and highest high plain called ‘World Layered Ridge.’

The sun rays are a main source of light and warmth on earth and are a reason for climate change. The amount of sun rays received by the earth increases depending on the height above sea level. Because of this, high plateaus and high mountains have strong sun rays and long duration of sunlight, with thin air, reduced moisture and dust, and reduced air absorption of ultraviolet rays with each a hundred meters above sea level increasing ultraviolet ray strength by 13%. We previously discussed that appropriate amounts of ultraviolet rays have functional benefits in reducing inflammation and stopping pain, encouraging surface healing, killing germs and detoxifying, etc., however, excessive amounts of ultraviolet rays can trigger skin and whole body injury.

Speaking of thin air, we know that the atmospheric mass is denser the closer you are to sea level, and vice versa, the higher the elevation, the thinner it is. Air is a composite gas, with the primary components of nitrogen and oxygen, with nitrogen occupying 78%, oxygen at 21%, as well as others such as; carbon dioxide and ozone, etc.

The air circumference weight of the earth is 5120 hundred million tons, with each square meter receiving atmospheric weight called atmospheric pressure. The higher the elevation above sea level, the thinner the air, the lower the atmospheric pressure. At the same time, in terms of the importance of oxygen for the body, the amount contained in the air depends on its position vis a vis sea level; the higher the elevation, the more reduced it is. Because of this, high plains and high mountains have thin air, the atmospheric pressure is low, the amount of oxygen in the air is low, and an environment lacking oxygen can lead to insufficient oxygen for the body.

For each thousand meters of elevation, the atmospheric temperature lowers 6.2 degrees Celsius. Because of this, mountain temperatures are lower than level plains, and high mountain elevations have lower temperatures than lower mountain elevations. Temperatures on the high plains and high mountains are even lower. Since the sun shines for long periods of time as well as for other reasons, the water evaporation is fast, and the climate is dry. An elevation of five thousand meters is the outer limit for human habitation. An elevation of three thousand meters is an altitude considered to have medical significance. This is because exceeding an altitude of 3000 meters, with all kinds of intense climate and geographical changes can exceed the human body’s physiological adaptation capability, leading to pathological changes related to the high plains and mountains.

       The above analysis seems to indicate that the geographical environment of the high plains and mountains is not very beneficial. In fact, this is not the case. There is a Chinese proverb: ‘A region with water and earth can nourish a region of man.’ At one time I lived on China’s high plains of Qing Hai, and people there have many ways to adapt to their environment.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to move one more step ahead, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #74

Forest Bath and Sun Bath

Ocean Water Bath and Cold Water Bath

In the last chapter, we discussed the influence of climate and geographical environments on the human body such as; island seashore, level basin, high plain, and mountain areas. Now we will continue with related questions.

       Qing Hai Province is a place of ethnic diversity. Walking down the main street of the provincial capital, Xi Ning’s great boulevards, there are clearly many different types of ethnic dress and skin color. During the bitter cold, animal skin clothing is the best defense against the cold. People enjoy eating beef, cheese, butter and other animal food products. For instance, roasted whole lamb, hand pulled lamb meat, etc. which all have very distinct ethnic flavors. Xin Jiang’s large platter yellow earth chicken, high plain lamb meat soaked in steamed bread, are also specialty food products which are very high in calories. Since the high plain areas have few vegetables, especially the pastoral regions, people there enjoy drinking strong alcohol. The unique geographical environment and special dietary customs, in addition to the spacious environment with few contacts with the outside world, result in a people who are outspoken, expressive, rugged, straightforward, warm and honest.

If you ask me what was memorable about college life, without the slightest hesitation I would say the one month during my second year when I picked herbs. There is a primitive forest in Qing Hai, thickly wooded, with chirping birds, fragrant flowers, fresh, clean air, and its own distinctive spirit. Our group was made up of young college students, treading one meter deep into the piles of forest leaves, when unexpectedly we encountered a tiny village with warm-hearted local villagers welcoming us and singing mountain songs. In the course of a month, we felt our hearts open, invigorated with a relaxed spirit and ease of mind. This scene and these feeling became unforgettable. Only later did I find out that this place was outside the borders of China, called ‘Sen Lin Yu’, ‘Forest Bath.’

The introduction below for health maintenance and nourishment utilizes natural environmental resources to implement all kinds of bathing therapy techniques.

Forest Bathing: Forest bathing necessitates implementation in a forested area. In that case, would any forest be good or would the high plateau forest be preferable? In general, the forest floor surface temperature is lower than the bare, open earth by 10-20% C. The atmospheric temperature in the forest is about 2% lower than the bare, open earth. The larger the surface area of the forest, the greater the effect of the lower temperature. As introduced above, for every thousand meters above sea level, the atmospheric temperature on average decreases by 6.2 % Celsius. Therefore, an altitude between one and two thousand meters above sea level, whether it be on the low or high plateau, or mountain forest areas are all an ideal environment for forest bathing.

The method of forest bathing begins with a stroll in the forest, taking a light jog, gazing at scenery, climbing mountains, etc. on a once or twice a month basis. From the point of view of efficacy, the forest not only has cool and comfortable temperatures, but moreover the vast quantity of plant photosynthesis fills the air with abundant oxygen. The large, green leaves can obstruct, filter and absorb dust and injurious gas, causing the air to be fresh, and the quantity of negative ions and ozone to be high. For example, pine, cypress and camphor trees, etc., can disperse a strong anti-bacterial effect through their aromatics which are able to kill many kinds of germs in the air. Some of these plant aromatics also possess a calming effect on the spirit, etc. It has been shown that people who bathe in the forest, have a decreased skin temperature of 1-2% C., and a reduced heartbeat by four to eight times a minute. Therefore, forest bathing is appropriate for recovery from heart disease, high blood pressure, weak nerves, including cancer and many kinds of chronic illnesses. Moreover, the beneficial effect of beautiful scenery, comfortable climate, serene environment all give a feeling of returning to nature, eliminating nervousness and fatigue, regulating the body’s potential and extending longevity.

Before engaging in forest bathing, first and foremost is selection of a safe place, making every effort to go with family or a small group of people. Not long ago, it was reported that someone was exercising in the forested area of Santa Barbara, California and was attacked by a wild animal.

Sun Bathing; this is the scientific term for basking in sunlight. The sun rays shining down on earth contain 1% mid-length ultra-violet rays [wave length of 290-400 nanometers.] 40% of visible rays [ wave length 400-760 nanometers], 59% infrared rays, [ wave length above 760 nanometers.] The strength of sun radiation follows the seasons, moreover at different times of the day, cyclical changes occur. At the same time, height above sea level increases intensity. The higher above sea level, the greater the atmospheric penetration. Therefore, engaging in sun bathing between one to two thousand meters, on the low or high plains and mountain environments, one can feel a relatively strong effect from sun rays.

       Times for sun bathing are: summer mornings between 8-10a.m., and afternoons between 3-6p.m. In spring, mornings between 10-12p.m. In winter, since the temperature goes as low as 20%C., it is not appropriate for sun bathing. From this perspective, the San Francisco Bay Area is appropriate for sun bathing year round with the exception of cloudy and rainy days.

What then are the benefits of sun bathing? We already know that the components of sun rays are ultra-violet rays, infrared rays and visible rays. Firstly, ultraviolet rays help absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and this prevents rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly. Secondly, it kills germs and reduces inflammation, encouraging tissue renewal, increasing immune power of organisms, aiding the healing of wounds, promoting kidney glandular cortex function as well as desensitizing and stopping pain. Therefore, it can be used in the prevention and treatment of many kinds of skin diseases. Infrared rays primarily have a warming effect, causing the skin temperature to rise, the blood vessels to expand, blood circulation to increase, the metabolism to gain speed as well as reducing inflammation and suppressing pain. Visible rays have a definitive stimulating effect on nerve endings.

In general, a simple method can be used for health protective sun bathing. Each time, begin by basking in fresh air for five to 10 minutes, then direct sun exposure, first limbs, then the whole body, making sure to change position for even exposure to sunlight. Before starting to sun bathe, rub on sun block to protect the skin, use a straw hat, dark sunglasses, etc., to protect the head and eyes. Having an empty or full stomach, or a feeling of exhaustion are not appropriate times for strong sun bathing. If using sunlight as a treatment for illness, it is necessary to quantify scientifically the amount of sunlight and work out an appropriate method. Implementation should be guided by a professional.

       Ocean water bathing: Ocean water conducts thermal energy over thirty times more than air. Therefore, people feel comfortable in air which is 20% C., but water at the same temperature feels piercing cold. Temperature is the first and primary concern for ocean bathing. The greater the ocean water temperature and body temperature, the stronger the stimulation to an organism. Because of this, regular ocean water bathing can raise the body’s adaptability to cold and warm temperature changes, thus strengthening the body constitution and increasing immunity from colds. This is one aspect. Another aspect is that the ocean water has special chemical effects. The ocean water itself is a kind of mineral water abundant in all kinds of chemical components. The ocean water contains large quantities of inorganic salt types, about 35%. The other parts are organic compounds, soluble gases, and many kinds of trace elements. By adhering to the skin, they have an effect and some can even pass through the skin into the body for an even greater effect. The third aspect includes buoyancy, calm pressure, wave pounding power, and other mechanical functions which can also produce an effect on the body.

The World Health Organization stipulates that the standard of concentration for clean air ions is 1000-1500 milliliter, with seashore ions often averaging above 2500 milliliters. Because of this, it has the effect of ridding the body of fatigue and promoting the metabolism. Another observation shows that when enjoying and resting at the seashore, systolic blood pressure lowers down 1-2 kPa, and the microcirculation system of the body also improves.

There are two methods for ocean bathing, one is swimming in the water as appropriate for a strong body constitution. The other is to soak in the water, either submerging half the body in the water, standing or sitting in shallow water, etc. as appropriate for a relatively weak body constitution. At the beginning, soak for 3-5 minutes, gradually extending to no longer than 20 minutes.

Make sure to select an appropriate climate and temperature. Before ocean bathing, one should warm up the body, enter the shallow water and rinse the body with water that has a comfortable temperature. Be careful to not get sunburned. During ocean bathing, an empty or full stomach is not appropriate. Medical conditions that are inappropriate for ocean bathing include: Extremely weakness, high blood pressure, cardio-cerebral blood vessel illness, cirrhosis of the liver, nephritis, menstruation, all kinds of psychosis, etc. People with these conditions should seek out the guidance of a physician.

Cold water bathing: Organisms have a three stage response to cold water bathing. The first is that after the skin becomes cold, the skin blood vessels quickly contract with blood flow going into deep layers of the internal organs. This causes the skin color turns white, generates a feeling of cold, a light degree of trembling, a slower heart beat, and a higher blood pressure for a short time, etc. In general, this is sustained for several minutes. During the second stage, the external blood vessels begin to expand, the blood flow from the internal organs returns to the skin and reddens it, a feeling of warmth is generated along with a sense of well-being, and a return to normal blood pressure occurs. Usually, this takes 10-30 minutes.

Dear Reader, if you’d like obtain more information, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #75

Mineral Springs and Steam Bath for Health

Chinese Herbal Soup Bath Relieves Illness

In the last chapter, we discussed making full use of natural resources to implement the forest bath, sun bath, ocean bath and cold water bath, etc. Below we will continue with related questions.

The third stage response to cold water bathing is; peripheral blood vessels once again contract, the emergence of purple lips, the body trembles from cold, the skin has goose bumps. Please note that the third stage is not beneficial to the body, therefore finish the cold water bath before this response occurs in the third stage.

From the first stage when the blood vessels contract and then the second stage when the blood vessels expand, the blood vessels of the entire body engage in ‘blood vessel gymnastics’, and because of this the primary function of the cold water bath is to increase the function of the blood vessel circulatory system. At the same time, it can promote a regulating effect on the nervous system, strengthen breathing function, raise the body’s capacity to resist cold, and strengthen gastro-intestinal peristalsis.

Cold water bathing must first address the issue of water temperature. In general, water temperature below 25 degrees C. falls into the category of cold water bathing. There are many methods such as face washing, feet bathing, body rubbing, rinsing, soaking and swimming, etc. One should begin gradually step by step. Start bathing during the summer and then maintain it throughout the four seasons without being negligent. These activities are not appropriate for menstruating or pregnant women.

Mineral spring bath: Utilizes the plentiful minerals which gush up from below the earth in spring water, and is called a mineral bath. The difference between mineral water and fresh water is the difference in mineralization. The total mineral quantity, if less than one gram is considered fresh water, if more than one gram is considered to be mineral water. According to the temperature of the mineral water, they can be divided into cold springs, [below 25 degrees C.], slightly warm springs, [below 25-33 degrees C.], warm springs, [34-37 degrees C.], hot springs, [38-42 degrees C.], and very hot springs, [above 43 degrees].

The different quantities of mineral content mineral springs can be divided as; radon, carbonic acid, hydrogen sulfide, iron, iodine, bromine, arsenic, silicic acid, bicarbonates, sulfates, sodium chloride and fresh spring water, etc. They each have their own suitability in responding to symptoms, so please develop an understanding before deciding on mineral baths.

Steam bath: Otherwise known as sauna, is popular world-wide. It is even slowly being brought in for home use. Steam bath is divided into three types; wet heat, dry heat and herbal bath.

The temperature of the wet heat steam bath is a room with a temperature between 40-50% C. with humidity reaching as high as 100%. The so-called Russian bath and Japanese bath both fit into this category. Dry heat steam bath temperature is between 70-80 % C., with relative low humidity, about 20%. The so-called Finnish bath and Roman bath fit into this category.

       When the body is in high humidity or nearly saturated humidity, the effect produced by heat and humidity is a relative deficiency of oxygen which causes various reactions: a warm body, an increase in pulse, breathing, cardiac output, pulmonary ventilation quantity, and a speed up of blood flow, expansion of skin blood vessels, rise of blood pressure for a short time and  then drop to low.

       Conditions of dry heat with higher temperatures and low humidity will cause large quantities of perspiration, increase of an organism’s metabolic rate, raise up the oxygenating process, and increase breathing and pulse.

Whether wet or dry heat, they both strengthen substance metabolic process, causing increased metabolism of sugar, protein and fat as well as lowering blood sugar. When perspiring in large quantities, sodium chloride, other products of metabolism and waste material follow along in large quantity expulsion which is beneficial to the reflux absorption of fluids between tissues. At the same time, it also activates the sex glands. One research finding points out that after a steam bath, the white blood cell’s engulfing function is clearly elevated, therefore it is considered to have the function of strengthening the body’s defenses and reducing inflammation. There is a definite and positive impact toward stimulating the spirit, eliminating fatigue, losing weight, repairing injured tissue, etc.

Method for steam bath: Before bathing, it is best to drink a beverage with sugar or salt, then bathe and dry off. When entering the steam room, either lie down or sit, making constant position changes for even exposure to heat. The average time for wet steam is 7-15 minutes, dry heat, averaging 17 minutes. Afterwards, to lower the heat, you can rinse off in water 14-20 % C., or soak for 2-3 minutes. According to your body constitution, you can also wash with warm water or dry naturally in the air to lower your body temperature. After lowering your temperature, rest for 10 minutes and then re-enter the steam room. Doing this you will raise and lower your temperature two to five times. If the body constitution is weak, then do not repeat. After bathing, rest 10-20 minutes and replenish with some nourishing food. In general, use of the steam room is appropriate once or twice a week. If you are planning to use both wet and dry heat, then begin with wet heat and switch to dry.

Steam bath is suitable for health protection, weight reduction, cosmetic beautification, reducing fatigue, as well as joint inflammation of a wind-damp nature, nerve weakness, chronic waist or upper leg pain and soft tissue injury. Elderly people with a weak body who have any of the following health problems cannot use a steam bath: serious cardio-cerebral blood vessel illness, pernicious anemia, late stage of malignant tumors, acute inflammation and contagious diseases.

Damp heat steam bath uses steaming water and herbal steam bath uses dried herbs which are cooked in the steaming water. Therefore, they both go though the same physical steaming process. Because herbal steam contains herbal particles, when bathing they can open passage for the skin, inhalation and exhalation of the respiratory pathway, attaining a preventive effect from illness. In addition, another method is dry steam which uses herbal water sprinkled on stones to produce steam. However, this is not as effective as the damp heat steam method using herbs. Currently, steam baskets equipped for use in steam baths for home convenience are being sold commercially.

       Now I will introduce a clinically used herbal prescription for the steam bath: Atractylodes rhizome, sweetflag rhizome, agastache, eupatorium, costus root, angelica root, heartwood of sandalwood, mugwort leaf, chrysanthemum flower, honeysuckle flower, tangerine peel, each 15 grams. Boil in water for 10 minutes, then add grains of paradise fruit, round cardamom fruit, 6 grams each [crushed]. This is suitable for health protection and maintenance, for weight reduction, cosmetic beautification and also is effective in the prevention of colds.

Some readers may think that although the steam method is good, it still requires going to a specialty shop or requires special preparation and would like to know whether there is a simpler method that would be easier to use. The answer is, yes. Below I will introduce an even simpler and easier to use therapy method - the herbal bath. The difference between the herbal bath and the herbal steam bath is that the herbal bath directly uses natural materials placed in the water which do not need to be converted into steam.

Herbal bath: Take the boiled Chinese herb decoction, infusion, solution or powder, etc., and add them into the bath basin, face basin or foot basin, etc., and submerge either the whole body or part of the body into the herbs. This type of method has been used for over three thousand years, as early as in the palaces of the Zhou Dynasty. Later on, it was transmitted to the common folk during the Song Dynasty in cosmopolitan areas which saw the emergence of specialty fragrant baths provided by the ‘aromatic water companies’. To this day, the common people of China follow tradition on the popular Spring Festival Day and use the soup of Five Aromatics [ orchid fragrance, heartwood of sandalwood, frankincense fragrance, white orchid fragrance, and costus root] to bathe, making the whole body fragrant and stimulating the spirit.

Once the herbs have passed through the water, they can directly penetrate the skin and respiratory passage way, entering the body and quickly take effect. This can be used for health protection and maintenance, shielding the skin, beautifying appearance as well as performing a therapeutic function for skin ailments, joint inflammation, hemorrhoids, and female vaginitis. Clinically used herbs for bathing will be introduced below.

The bathing prescription for skin protection and beautification is the same as the herbal steam bath formula introduced above. It is suitable for a whole body herbal bath.

Water bath prescription for skin diseases: Amur cork-tree bark, 15g., baical skullcap root, 30g., coptis rhizome, 6g., atractylodes rhizome, 10g., cortex of Chinese dittany root and broom cypress each 30 g., sophora root and cnidium seeds each 15g. Boil all in water for 30 minutes and during the last 2 minutes add 5 g. each; fruit of the Szechuan pepper and alum [in the form of alumen praeparatum]. Depending on skin fatigue and condition, the whole body can be submerged in the bath for 15-20 minutes, then  rinsed with clear water, not pat dried but allowing the natural air to dry. Bathe each evening for five days consecutively as a course of therapy. Those with skin damage in only one area can use a sink basin to directly use water with herbs that have been first smoked and then soaked. The other methods follow accordingly. This is suitable for allergy, eczematosis, urticaria, neurodermatitis and cutaneous pruritus, etc. If the skin is extremely itchy, add thirty grams of silkworm feces to the herbal prescription or use two hundred grams of silkworm feces directly when decocting the soup.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to deepen your knowledge even further, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #76

In Accordance with Each Person,

An Appropriate Defense Against Body Decline,

Before becoming Sick, First Prompt Prevention

In the last chapter, we discussed the health benefits of mineral baths, steam baths and herbal baths. Now we will continue with related questions.

Joint Inflammation bath prescription: 15 grams each of : Notopterygium root, pubescent angelica root, ledebouriella root, aristolochia root, sweetgum fruit, Chinese clematis root, Tou Gu Cao [chill bone grass], Japanese teasel root, drynaria rhizome, acanthopanax root bark, Szechuan lovage root, 6 grams of Szechuan peppercorns, 200ml. of yellow wine. Boil for 30 minutes, warmly bathe the wounded part every day for 10 days as a course of therapy. With the exception of; wind-damp natured joint inflammation, old injuries with sequela, damaged soft tissue, injuries caused by a fall or beating, this prescription can be used.

Hemorrhoids: Locust root, 50 g., Boil into soup, warmly bathe sitting in the decoction. To be used for red, inflamed or bleeding hemorrhoids.

       Vaginitis: 15 grams each of: Cnidium seeds, sophora root, stemona root, dandelion, Yedeon’s violet, amur cork-tree bark. 6 grams each of alum and Szechuan peppercorns. Boil in water, first warmly bathe and then sit in the decoction. Use for all kinds of vaginitis that causes itchiness.

       Dear Reader, we have already talked about health methods for environmental protection against cancer in accordance with time and place. Now we come to the last question, the health method which accords the individual.

       Health method in accordance with the individual depends on differences of gender, age, body constitution, etc. in selecting suitable health prevention steps. Therefore, these differences will determine the selection of different health protection methods. Please review the content of chapters 34 and 35. In those chapters, we detailed the special characteristics of physiological changes in the growth stages for women and men from the point of view of Chinese medicine from which we can set up a health prevention plan. For example, for women: ‘5-7, Yang Ming pulse is weak, face begins to wither, beginning of decline.’ For men: ‘5-8, kidney qi weakens, beginning of withering teeth’. This is to say that women at 5-7, 35 years old, begin to have weakening changes of the gastro-intestinal channel, [the so-called “Yang Ming”]; and men at 5-8, 40 years old, begin to have weakening changes of the kidney channel. Said another way, women at 35 years old need to begin taking steps toward selecting health protection, to fight off weakness and aging and most important among them is protecting the functions of the gastro-intestinal channel.

       What is the gastro-intestinal channel? We know that the human body has fourteen channel vessel systems and each one has its own circulatory path called a ‘channel network’. In the stomach channel, one very important point for women is open passage through the mammary glands, passing through the nipples. Because of this, protection of the stomach channel flow helps the breast function flow freely. In the large intestine channel circulation, with regard to oncology, a very important point is that it circulates to the greater supraclavicular, moreover enters the thoracic cavity and lungs. We know that a key indication of malignant change is swelling in the greater supraclavicular lymph nodes. Intestinal cancer metastasis to the lungs, from the analysis of Chinese medicine, is related to the circulation of the large intestinal channel network. Please note that using this theory can potentially make a pre-emptive judgment and sever the road to malignant change.

Following the same logic, men at forty years old need to begin taking steps for health protection against decline and old age. The kidney channel network is connected to the heel of the foot, the spine, bladder, liver, lungs, heart, root of tongue, and other places in the process of circulation. Health protection for the kidney not only is beneficial to the kidney organ itself, but also has a direct impact on the tissue organs along the kidney channel circulation route. Looking at the theory of spleen-stomach as an acquired root and kidney as a congenital root, protecting the spleen- stomach and kidney organs are an even greater defense against decline and aging, and are two important links in health protection.

The second question of health protection, in accordance with the individual, is prevention and treatment of chronic disease. In Chapter 36, we discussed the so-called pathological changes of chronic disease which actually include two categories; one with symptoms and one without. They both have the potential of accumulating over a period of time and changing into cancer. Because of this, they must be taken seriously and cured down to the root early on. How do we quickly root out a chronic illness? In many cases, chronic illness is an extension of acute illness, formed from delayed treatment, misdiagnosis or lack of treatment, etc. Grasping hold of this link to its full extent can avoid the development of chronic illness. For example, in the case of a cough from a cold, the cold could basically be cleared up and yet a cough lingers on. Getting a shot or taking medicine may not necessarily have a therapeutic effect. Some people just get irritated by it, others quickly dismiss it. The result can be a continuous cough for up to three months. From the medical point of view, this belongs to the category of chronic cough and can change into chronic bronchitis. Once chronic bronchitis is formed, then it is not so easy to get rid of it. Perhaps now it is cured, but as soon as the weather and seasons change, once again a cold occurs and it returns. Repeating this cycle year after year, it becomes very difficult to cure and then down the road it can possibly turn into pulmonary emphysema or pulmonary heart disease even reaching to the extent of lung cancer.

I previously introduced the topic of my doctoral thesis concerning the protophase of the pathological process of stomach cancer and the use of Chinese medicine for cure and therapy. Many gastropathic patients answered my question: ‘How long have you had this illness?’ with an answer of: ‘About ten or so years’, or ‘About twenty or so years’, to as much as ‘thirty or so years’. At the earliest point of superficial stomach inflammation, or stomach and duodenum ulcers, having repeatedly passed through over ten years to as much as twenty or thirty years, gastro-intestinal tract cancer can occur.

Many times in public lecture, I emphasized the point that under any circumstances, as soon as there is the first sign of illness, then immediately take corrective action for prevention and cure. For example, if today’s weather has turned cold, there is a drizzle of rain you feel chilled from having been underdressed, then as soon as you get home, whether or not you have caught a cold, immediately take steps to avoid its development into a full blown cold. Some people might say, since I’m not a doctor I don’t know how to avoid catching a cold. Don’t worry, many folk remedies and food therapies can attain this goal. For example, boil some raw ginger, and drink it as soup. If you have prepared some Chinese medicine, an even easier method might be to take, for example, woad root in a diluted dose, cold medicine in a diluted dose, yin qiao detox tablets, etc., with a small dose achieving an even more effective result.

Another illustration of the point is when someone regularly has gastro-intestinal illness, eats some seafood and then upon returning home starts to feel a bit out of sorts with recurrent stomach rumbling and thinks: ‘I wonder if today I’ll have a gastro-intestinal flare up again?’ Please be advised that when these kinds of thoughts and premonition arise, one should immediately devise a way to avoid and prevent it. Chinese herbal medicine is one of the best methods for prevention. For instance, some bao he tablets, xiang sha stomach maintenance tablets, agastache zheng qi tablets, whichever is suitable, can be selected to achieve a preventive effect. In this case, some readers may ask that according to what has been said, if one has regular bouts of diarrhea, angina pectoris or recurring migraines, etc. that as soon as one has a first sign of recurrence or even a premonition of a recurrence, should one immediately take corrective, preventive action for cure and therapy? The answer is, yes, this is how it should be.

There are others who ask: “How can I evaluate which method I should use?, for instance, in the case of Chinese medicine, how do I implement a course of prevention? The answer is: “first soak some herbs, no special amount is required, and the simplest method is to use whatever you are used to or what has been effective in controlling the development of your illness, whether it be Chinese or Western medicine and use it as a preventive and therapy.” However, by all means follow according to one’s own circumstances and also discuss the issues with either a Western or Chinese doctor. In this way, one’s grasp of the situation will be stronger. Looking again at Chinese herbal medicine, I wholeheartedly recommend it as a preventive method. Since Chinese herbs, in general, have a gentle nature, few toxic side effects, with therapeutic efficacy that can be clearly seen, they are excellent products for the prevention of illness. Of course, in selecting and buying Chinese medicine, one should pick brands with a good reputation to avoid buying fake products and fake medicine.

Oftentimes, middle-aged and older people in Taiwan have a kind of fear about Chinese medicine because in the past, illegal Chinese medicine or illegal components have hormones and other Western medicine additives which have endangered people’s health. Up until the present day it is still; ‘one day bitten by a snake, ten years a fear of straw rope’. This type of thinking has influenced the next generation. Of course, speaking scientifically, adding knowledge of herb selection and utilizing Chinese herbs to help the body will then completely eradicate the fear and seems to enhance health even more.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to take your knowledge one step deeper, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #77

Folk Medicine has its Own Special Cancer Preventions

Conso-anti-cancer Therapies have Many Methods

In the last chapter we discussed health methods tailored to the individual, including gender, age and chronic illness as well as the selection of appropriate, preventive steps. We know that among the conso-anti-cancer preventive methods, there are four main strategies to prevent illness before it strikes; the emotional health method, the dietary health method, the lifestyle health method and the environmental health method.

In addition, transmitted throughout the world from each country and each locale, there are some native, folk therapies which are also worthy of investigation. The term ‘folk’ is a relative concept. From the Chinese perspective, both Chinese and Western medicine are considered to be standard medical systems. Folk, ‘earth’ therapy methods which have been transmitted down cannot be considered part of the standard Chinese medicine therapy system, nor could they be considered part of the Western medical system. These therapies are looked upon as folk remedies. From the American perspective, only acupuncture, as representative of Chinese medicine, has achieved legal recognition in most states, however mostly it is still placed outside the standard medical therapy systems of Western medicine, and referred to as alternative medicine. Actually, it also belongs to the folk medicine tradition.

Folk remedies, also called folk medicine should not be taken lightly. There is a Chinese proverb which expresses this point very vividly; ‘A folk prescription infuriates the famous doctor’. That is to say, sometimes standard medicine, even at a big name hospital, in the hands of a masterful doctor is powerless in the face of illness and yet a folk method and prescription is able to cure an illness. This is probably something you have heard about before. It is because of this that conso-therapy has never been contemptuous nor biased against folk remedies and on the contrary, tries to devise a way to collect all kinds of folk therapy methods, and add to it some scientific organization and refinement. In China, folk medicine outside the realm of Chinese medicine, is called ethnic medicine. China has 56 ethnicities, each one proliferating over a long period of time, from generation to generation, whether many or few, they devised some special curative methods. Among them, the Tibetans, Mongols, Uigurs, Dai people, etc., all have unique diagnosis and treatment systems, therefore they are given the appellation of Tibetan medicine, Mongol medicine, Uigur medicine and Dai medicine, etc. While I was in Beijing, I put a great deal of effort into researching folk medicine, moreover I directed the compilation of the publication: The Link of Traditional Medicines of the World, which has as its goal using Chinese folk medicine as well as that of all other ethnicities and countries throughout the world; organizing them, collecting them and forming a unified, scientific system. At that time, over a thousand Chinese and Western famous scholars participated in cooperatively tackling this task. Starting from January 1, 1995 at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, the start of this work was declared to begin. Up to the present, one third of the project has been completed. In the conso-therapy method that I have invented, the main body of components of anti-cancer herbal medicine contain the positive results of my research on the Dai people’s medical science.

Here I will continue to discuss the conso-therapy methods. Chapter 40 already mentioned that conso-therapy includes two types. one is conso-health-maintenance method, the other is conso-anti-cancer method. The former is used for health protection, preventing illness and guarding against the occurrence of cancer. The latter implements a recovery from cancer. Both methods in concrete terms are oftentimes intertwined in implementation. In discussion of preventive medicine, there are three levels and all three are focused on prevention. In other words, level one is prevention before disease occurs, level two is guarding against pathological changes, level three is preventing recurrence after recovery.

       Whether we look from the perspective of prevention containing cure or cure containing prevention, the conso-health-maintenance method is centered on the prevention of disease before it occurs and the prevention of pathological changes. The content of conso-anti-cancer therapy is geared toward preventing pathological changes after disease has occurred. Recovery and prevention of recurrence belong to the collective task of conso-health-maintenance and conso-anti-cancer therapy. Having reached this point, I will conclude our discussion of conso-health-maintenance therapy, and in the remaining twenty three chapters of this book, I will devote attention exclusively to conso-anti-cancer methods.

Conso-anti-cancer methods are used after the occurrence of cancer when an optimum grouping method of Chinese medicinal herbs is selected to add resistance. Speaking concretely, conso-anti-cancer therapy is appropriate under the following circumstances:

       Regulating the body before and after surgery: Those stricken with cancer, if discovered in an early stage, have an external appearance of the body which seems unaffected by illness, but in fact, after days and months of accumulation, the cancer has already created a latent erosion. Before surgery, patients can take definitive steps to regulate the body, adding strength before facing a surgical procedure. After surgery, whether the damage to the body’s qi and blood be small or large, definitive steps can be taken to progressively regulate the body which is absolutely necessary to promote post-operative recuperation. Regulating the body, before, during and after chemo-therapy, reduces toxic side-effects, and promotes recuperative healing. If we speak of the difference between surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, then surgery raises a big knife to hack off the head of cancer; radiation uses a cannon to bombard the cancer site. Surgery and radiation have set goals. Chemotherapy, from the beginning, means enduring a machine gun, with a fierce sweeping beam aimed at the body. As these atoms hit to and fro, can you guess what will happen? These atoms moving back and forth not only hit the confirmed cancer site, but moreover hit the unconfirmed possible latent metastasis site, extending all the way to normal cells, a point of view referred to as; ‘ Better to have mistakenly killed a thousand, than to leave one left behind’. The result is that the cancer cells have been hit on target and the body’s normal cells have also suffered heavy casualties. Looking again at the structure of the chemotherapy ‘atoms’, most important is the incomparable power of chemical component which is extremely toxic to the body, and as the Chinese expression goes; ‘use poison to attack poison’, which is to say using the ‘poison’ of chemotherapy to attack the ‘poison’ of cancer. However, if the chemical poison exceeds the degree that the body can tolerate, then it will necessarily create even greater injury to the body.   Conso-therapy methods target the toxic reaction to chemotherapy, designing a step by step protocol to be used before, during and after chemotherapy which can reduce or eliminate the side-effects of chemotherapy, protect the normal cells, decrease injury to the lowest amount, improving the body constitution and raising immune power. As a result, from the beginning of chemo-therapy, it can have the effect of; ‘Protecting precious cargo, by escorting with another vessel’. Moreover, it has an important recuperative effect on the body after chemo-therapy, from beginning to end.

       Before, during and after radiation therapy, conso-therapy regulates the body by reducing side effects, promoting recuperation. Although the side effects of radiation therapy are not as obvious as those of chemotherapy, however from the use of a ‘cannon’, emitting high energy radioactive rays, bombarding the cancer site at the same time it creates definitive injury to the body’s normal tissue and functional activities. In this regard, conso-therapy also sets up a protocol of steps to be taken through all the stages; before, during and after radiation therapy.

       After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, selection of proper steps to prevent malignant recurrence or metastasis can be taken. We know that in spite of doing surgery, chemo-therapy and radiation therapy, followed by several years of hormone therapy, still many cases of recurrence and metastasis can emerge. The reason is that in spite of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there is still the possibility of a small quantity of ‘fish escaping through the net’, with hidden cancer cells, waiting to create a terrifying event. Everyone knows that medical methods are like military methods. Recall that in the modern Chinese novel Lin Hai Xue Yuan, entrenched in the area around Nai Tou Mountain and Wei Hu Mountain, remnant opposition forces knew that; ‘Using large troop formation to encircle, enter and stamp out, is the same as using a fist to hit a jumping flea’. Therefore, they sent out a small unit to investigate, pursue and apprehend. The choice selection of Chinese herbal material used in conso-therapy, with regards to the destruction of cancer cells, definitely cannot match the strength of chemo-therapy’s ‘large troop formation’, however, concerning those foot soldiers who slipped through the net, this ‘small unit’ is more than ample.

       Some survivors, having suffered through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy still now are unable to control the illness, and have lost confidence in these strategies. They are no longer willing to receive these treatments and have turned toward alternative medicine for curative methods. There are also those who due to advanced age or an extremely weak constitution would have difficulty or are unable to have surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Under these circumstances, conso-therapy methods is then able to offer definitive assistance. For those who have been told their illness is terminal or those whose lives have little time left, conso-therapy methods, oftentimes are able, under the greatest of limitations, to still be able to raise the patient’s basic quality of life, and extend the patient’s survival to a miraculous point.

In these types of situations as well as others, all of them can consider using the conso-therapy method. In the fight against cancer, what then are the differences between conso-therapy methods and other Chinese and alternative medicine methods? Below are the special characteristics of the conso-therapy method:

At present, the conso-therapy method takes Chinese medical methods and other ethnic medicine methods of peoples throughout the world which have specialized in curative strategies for fighting cancer and blends them together into one system, one complete set of anti-cancer theories and methods.

       The inventors of conso-therapy methods, research and popularize the Chinese medicine anti-cancer curative methods, using scientific rigor and diligence.

Conso-therapy methods are put to direct clinical use and do not make advertisements or sell products. From the inventor extending to all levels of patient needs, they stand on the front line of clinical experience for the sake of providing the cancer patient with a high standard of service.       Dear Reader, if you’d like to go deepen your knowledge further, then please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #78

Conso-Anti-Cancer Therapies; 8 Main Consolidations

Conso-#1, The First Consolidation

In the last chapter, we discussed six aspects of applicability in the conso-anti-cancer method, as well as three of the four special features. Below, we will continue the analysis.

       Conso-therapy methods seek practical, clinically effective curative methods. Therefore, in concrete application, the methods are taken as a group and utilized simultaneously. Again, according to the actual condition of the patient, they are divided into ACT, BCT, PCT therapy methods, etc. Among them, ACT is suitable for patients using conso-methods for medical treatment which is organized for diagnosis and treatment. BCT is suitable for patients doing therapy at home on their own. PCT is suitable for cancer patients in recovery.

The special features above are focussed on conso-anti-cancer methods. Keep in mind that conso-therapy includes two main categories; conso-health-maintenance methods and conso-anti-cancer methods. The special feature of conso-health-maintenance method is its applicability to people of all ages with all kinds of physical conditions for the prevention of cancer and the protection of health. The conso-anti-cancer method at present uses ‘8 Consolidations’ or 8 types of treatment divided into; Conso-#1 therapy, conso-recuperative broth therapy, conso-acupuncture therapy, conso-moxibustion therapy, conso-salve therapy, conso-diet therapy, conso-vital point therapy, conso-heart therapy. Among them, the core section is Conso-#1 therapy method. I will divide them up as they are introduced below.

Conso-#1 is the first key consolidation; and it is the name of our product which actually takes the key ingredients of Chinese medicine and formulates them into one product. It has three goals.

Firstly, the patient has convenience in taking and using the medicine. Since traditional Chinese medicine is given in doses of broth, this requires boiling and preparing at home, a somewhat bothersome task. We have changed to pill form, medical capsules, powdered doses, ointment doses, etc. Taking and using the medicine is now very convenient.

Secondly, there are many Chinese medicines, especially anti-cancer ones which oftentimes are extremely bitter, making them hard to ingest. If they are put into a broth, the patient will have a difficult time taking it and maintaining use over a long period of time. Conso-#1 therapy method takes this type of Chinese medicine and puts all of it into a patented formula. This allows the patient not to feel an antipathy towards Chinese medicine when taking recuperative health broth,.

Thirdly, in addition there are some types of rare herbs in Chinese medicine which are placed in the finished product. Ordinarily, when they are put in broth doses, they require expending a great deal of effort on the part of the doctor and patient.

The special feature of Conso-#1, otherwise known as Jewel Pill for Tumor Removal, is that it is a therapy method applicable for all patients. This product, based on conso-therapy theories, distills the essential anti-cancer Chinese herbs with broad spectrum application. How then does Conso-#1 target treatment for different kinds of cancer? For example, in the case of lung cancer, how is the fire power of Conso-#1 able to concentrate in the lungs?

      Dear Reader, you have already considered the fact that Chinese medicine has an extraordinary power; inducing channel medicine. What exactly is it? We know that the body has fourteen channel vessels and eight special channels. These channels are dispersed with regularity throughout the entire body, moreover they pass either directly or indirectly into the internal organs. In order for medicines to effectively reach a certain specialized place, the ancient Chinese pharmacists ingeniously invented induction channel medicine, which is to say that a specialized induction medicine is added to cause it to be able to fully reach a particular location and achieve medicinal efficacy. Conso-therapy methods use this theory and have engaged in deep research to discover Conso-#1 which has a way of reaching every organ in the body.

Let’s take a closer look. Conso-#301 induces medicine into the liver, gallbladder and pancreas; Conso-#302 induces medicine into the mammary glands; Conso-#303 induces medicine into the lungs; Conso-#304 induces medicine into the stomach; Conso-#305 induces medicine into the prostate gland and bladder; Conso-#306 induces medicine into the nose and throat; Conso-#307 induces medicine into the thyroid; Conso-#308 induces medicine into the large intestines; Conso-#309 induces medicine into the uterus and ovaries; Conso-#310 induces medicine into the kidney and bones; Conso-#311 induces medicine into the blood; Conso-#312 induces medicine into the lymph glands; Conso-#313 induces medicine into connective tissue, etc.

       Conso-#1 therapy can still follow even after radiation and chemotherapy are finished when significant symptoms occur. There are specially designed products for instance; those for insomnia and anxiety which use Conso-#316; ulcers and rising heat uses Conso-#317; numbness in hands and feet uses Conso-#318, nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite uses Conso-#319, constipation uses Conso-#320, diarrhea uses Conso-#321, etc.

       We know that conso-therapy incorporates the content of both health maintenance protection for all people, and conso-anti-cancer method which is appropriate for cancer patients. Those products introduced above are all anti-cancer products, what then are the representative products for the conso-health maintenance method?

Some representative products for conso-health method are: Conso-life-nurturing-companion, which includes conso-potential stimulating products A and B. A can stimulate the body’s creation of material potential, strengthening the nourishment of the blood, replenishing body fluids and stamina during chemo-therapy and is effective in regulating blood cells; either red, white or platelets. B can initiate the body’s creation of functional potential, strengthening and benefiting qi, supplementing stamina and body fluids. Speaking from the perspective of Chinese medical theory, the body’s life activity’s functional basis is qi, and its material basis is blood. When qi and blood are replete, then the body is naturally healthy.

Having read up to now, some readers will not only ask about these products from the conso-therapy methods, but also whether the component grouping aspect has a theory to guide direction. The answer is a definitive, yes.

Please review chapters 38-43 where I gave an introduction to cancer pathology. In sum, it includes eight pathological links; qi stagnation, blood stasis, water obstruction, thermo-toxins, qi vacuity, yang vacuity, yin vacuity and blood vacuity.

Here I would like to say that in targeting the eight main pathological links to cancer, the principle of treatment and cure is; targeting qi stagnation by rectifying qi; targeting blood stasis by quickening the blood and transforming the stasis; targeting the water obstruction by disinhibiting water and transforming phlegm; targeting thermo-toxins by clearing out heat and resolving toxins; targeting qi vacuity by supplementing qi; targeting yang vacuity by supplementing yang; targeting yin vacuity by supplementing yin; targeting blood vacuity by supplementing the blood.

In chapter # 43, we discussed qi stagnation, blood stasis, water obstruction and thermo-toxins which are categorized as pathological outcomes, and are called Noxious qi of the body. These noxious qi, congested in the body are referred to as ‘noxious repletions’. Moreover, qi, yang, yin and blood are the material foundation and necessary functional activities of the body. We can summarize by saying that if the ‘correct qi’ of the body that we often speak of encounters vacuous damage, then this is ‘correction of vacuity’.

As for noxious qi, of course it must be removed in its entirety. As for correct qi, it must be carefully protected and replenished. Therefore, rectifying qi, quickening the blood, disinhibiting water, detoxifying, all are part of ‘eliminating perversity’; replenishing qi, yang, yin and blood are all part of ‘supporting what is correct’, combined together they ‘support what is correct and dispel what is perverse.’ This same concept is suitable for many different types of disease forms, treating and curing all kinds of illnesses.

Therefore, the principle of conso-anti-cancer therapy method, is clearly based on the theory above. Conso-#1’s treatment series formula is guided by this theory with a combined dispensation of medicine. I will illustrate below the principle of Conso-#1’s series prescription of the eight major groupings for dispensing medicine and the basic types of Chinese herbal products.

                            Number One: Rectifying qi in fighting cancer

Tangerine Peel: This is several year old orange peel. Its flavor is acrid and bitter. Its nature is warm, and it is categorized in the spleen and lung channel. It is effective in rectifying qi, fortifying the spleen, and whether in dryness or dampness, it transforms phlegm. It contains volatile oil, orange peel glycoside, nobiletin, vitamins B1 and C, etc. Experiments show that the orange peel glycoside has the effect of vitamin P, is able to lower capillary permeability, prevent micro blood vessels from bleeding, is able to use; antagonistic histamines and lysolecithin, to lead to increased blood vessel permeability. It is also able to strengthen fibrinolysis, against blood embolus formation. Moreover, it has a disinhibiting effect on the gall bladder. In addition, small quantities boiled in water can increase the heart’s contractibility, causing the cardiac output to increase. Large doses can restrain the heart.

Costus Root: Acrid flavor, bitter, warm nature, categorized under the stomach, large intestine, gall bladder, Triple Burner channel. It is effective in moving qi and stopping pain. It contains volatile oils and alkali. Experiments show the costus root can be a stimulant to the gastro-intestinal tract or restrain it. It is effective in both directions. It promotes digestive fluid secretions, relaxes the wind pipe smooth muscle, disinhibits water, promotes fibrinolysis and has the function of inhibiting typhoid bacillus, bacillus dysenteriae, large intestine bacillus and many types of fungi, etc.

Finger Citrus Fruit: Acrid flavor, bitter, warm nature, categorized under the liver, spleen, stomach and lung channels. Effective in soothing the liver, dispelling depression, rectifying qi, harmonizing the center, in both dryness and dampness transforming phlegm. It contains lemon oil element and small quantities of diosmin and orange peel glycoside. Experiments show the finger citrus alcoholic extract clearly has a restraining function toward intestinal tract smooth muscle, and toward the twelve fingered enterospasm it clearly demonstrates the resolution of muscular spasms, etc.

Immature fruit of the bitter orange: The young fruit of either the sour or sweet orange. Bitter flavor, acrid, slightly cold nature, categorized under the spleen, stomach and large intestine channel. It is effective in breaking qi to eliminate glomus, transform phlegm and disperse accumulation. Experiments show that the sour orange fruit peel contains volatile oils, orange peel glycoside, N-Methyltramine, Synephrine, etc. For dogs with gastric fistula or intestinal fistula, a dose of bitter orange decocted as liquid causes the gastro-intestinal rhythm to increase. For the uterus, it has a stimulating effect. Moreover, it is able to have the effect of increasing coronary, brain, and kidney blood flow capacity, reducing brain and kidney blood vessel resistance, increasing and strengthening the heart, etc. In general when stir-fried, its properties are relatively mild. If it is necessary to add warmth to the nature of the herb, then the husk can be used, which is the sour orange fruit when it is almost ripe.[ with pulp removed.]

Other commonly used Chinese herbs for rectification of qi are; thyme stem, nutgrass rhizome, lindera root and magnolia bark.

Dear Readers, if you’d like to take your knowledge one step further, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat #79

Quickening Blood, Transforming Phlegm to Fight Cancer

Disinhibit Water, Transform Phlegm are also Advantageous

In the last chapter, we began a discussion of Conso #1’s therapy method, a series prescription based on the eight major grouping principle for identification of appropriate medicine based on Chinese herb types. Number One: For the rectification of qi are; tangerine peel, costus root, finger citron fruit and immature fruit of the bitter orange. Now we will turn to quickening of blood for fighting cancer.

                     Number Two: Quickening blood to fight cancer:

Using quickening blood and transforming phlegm to fight cancer. From Chinese medical clinical experience, in general, women who are pregnant should abstain from using blood quickening and phlegm transforming products. In addition, those who have a tendency to bleed, for instance those whose bleeding is not caused by blood stasis, should not use these medicines or use them very carefully.

Turmeric tuber: Has an acrid, bitter flavor, cold nature, and belongs to the liver, gall bladder and heart channel. It is effective in quickening the blood and transforming stasis, moving qi, stopping pain, resolving depression, cooling the blood, disinhibiting the gall bladder and abating jaundice. Among the products of Chinese medicinal science, it is termed ‘The qi medicine in the blood’, which is to say that its chief function is to quicken the blood and transform phlegm while at the same time it is also able to regulate qi. In a famous Qing Dynasty work entitled Yi Zong Jin Jian, there is a well-known prescription called; Upside Down Wood and Gold Powder. The prescription is a combination of costus root, turmeric tuber and if qi is stagnated, then costus root is doubled; if blood is in stasis, then turmeric tuber is doubled. It contains volatile oil, turmeric rhizome element, starch and fatty oil, etc. Experiments show the turmeric rhizome element has a protective effect on an injured liver, clearly expanding the mesentary micrangium and arterioveins of the mice, influencing immune function and having an anti-inflammatory effect. It also reduces hyperlipodemia, prevents the formation of plaque in the coronary artery membranes, promoting biliation and bile excretion and controls microorganisms in the gallbladder.

Turmeric Rhizome: Has an acrid, bitter flavor, a warm nature, belongs to the liver and spleen channel, is effective in quickening the blood, moving qi, opening channels and stopping pain. Please note that the production of turmeric rhizome is in China’s Sichuan and Fujian provinces. Turmeric tuber’s rhizome is primarily produced in Zhejiang, referred to as ‘Slice of turmeric rhizome’ and its efficacy is the same as turmeric rhizome. It’s treatment and cure of shoulder and back pain is outstanding. Experimental research concludes that turmeric rhizome and turmeric tuber are similar.

Frankincense, Myrrh: According to Chinese medicinal science, these two medicinal herbs have similar efficacy, or they can mutually promote each other and be used together.This is called ‘paired medicines’ and Frankincense and myrrh are commonly used in combination. Frankincense is acrid and bitter, with a warm nature and belongs to the liver, spleen, heart channel; Myrrh is bitter and acrid with a calm nature and belongs to the heart, liver, spleen channel. Both of them are effective in quickening the blood, stopping pain, reducing inflammation and restoring vitality. The difference between them is that frankincense tends to move qi, and myrrh tends to transform phlegm. Both contain equal amounts of resin and volatile oil, etc. Experiments show that frankincense has analgesic function, and myrrh can control pathogenic fungi to varying degrees. It can also lower blood lipids and prevent the formation of arterial plaque, etc.

Flying squirrel feces, cattail pollen: This is another set of paired medicines. In terms of Chinese medicine, there isn’t anyone who hasn’t heard of the prescription, ‘Can’t Stop Laughing Powder’. This medicine is used to treat and cure all blood stasis pain. After the patient takes it, oftentimes the immediate outcome is for relief from the pain for a short time and when it subsides, the patient suddenly laughs in relief, thus the origin of its name. Several years ago, I returned to Beijing and saw a movie entitled Mei Shi Tou Zhe Le. Just as in the movie when the patient’s pain is resolved, some people will feel some secret happiness, and isn’t this also the same state of mind as ‘Can’t Stop Laughing Powder’? The composition of ‘Can’t Stop Laughing Powder’ is actually very simple; flying squirrel feces and cattail pollen. Flying squirrel feces has a bitter flavor, is salty, sweet, with a warm nature and belongs to the liver channel; cattail pollen has a sweet flavor, a calm nature, and belongs to the liver and heart channel. The efficacy of flying squirrel feces is to quicken the blood, stop pain, transform phlegm and stop bleeding; cattail pollen transforms stasis, stops bleeding and disinhibits water. What then is the main difference between them? There is one. Please note that in books on Chinese medicinal studies, flying squirrel feces is categorized as a type which quickens blood and transforms stasis, whereas cattail pollen is categorized as a type that stops bleeding. In general, when cattail pollen is used to stop bleeding, it needs to be stir fried; for quickening the blood, it is used raw. Flying squirrel feces is used either heated with vinegar or stir fried. Cattail pollen contains flavone, palmitic acid, isorhamnetin element, sitosterol, phenol, etc. Flying squirrel feces contains urea, uric acid, vitamin A and a large quantity of resin. Experiments show that cattail pollen promotes blood coagulation, changes the component of blood-lipids, improves microcirculation, has a controlling effect on immunity, however large quantities can increase macro phagocyte’s phagocytose function, etc. Flying squirrel feces is able to moderate and resolve smooth muscle spasms, etc. In addition, Chinese medicine has a saying; ‘Ginseng fears flying squirrel feces’, which is to say when you use ginseng, the two herb natures conflict and one should avoid using flying squirrel feces at the same time so as to avoid reducing the efficacy power of the ginseng or inducing side effects. However, the exception in        Chinese medicine manuals is if the blood stasis has been going on for a long time, or in a clear case where a patient has a tumor and exhibits qi vacuity, then both herbs can be used simultaneously.

Salvia Root: Bitter flavor, slightly cold nature, belongs to the heart and liver channel, effective at quickening the blood, regulating the channel, cooling the blood, dispersing carbuncle, calming the spirit. It contains fat-soluble non-quinone component as salvia root ketone, etc,; water soluble nature component, as protocatechualdehyde, protocatechuic acid, salvia root element, vitamin E, etc. Experiments show that it can dilate coronary blood vessels, improve heart function. dilate peripheral blood vessels, improve microcirculation, control or reduce response of degeneration, necrosis and inflammation of liver cells, promote liver cell regeneration, is anti-fibrosis, increases immunity and is anti-tumor, etc.

Safflower Flower: Acrid flavor, warm nature, belongs to heart and liver channel, effective in quickening blood and opening the channels, dispels stasis and stops pain. Contains safflower flavin, carthamin, carthamone, neocarthamin and safflower oil, etc. Experiments show that safflower flower restrains blood platelet accumulation and increase in fibrinolytic function, moreover increases coronary volume of blood flow, improves myocardial ischemia, stimulates the heart, stimulating the uterus and lowers blood lipids, etc. With the same type of function and with greater strength is the Tibetan saffron, also called the foreign safflower, produced in China’s Tibetan region. Tibetan saffron at the same time has the function of cooling the blood and resolving toxins. However, Tibetan saffron’s price is very costly.

Bur-reed rhizome, zedoary rhizome: These are also paired herbs, possessing great strength to break blood, move qi, is effective in dispersing accumulation and stopping pain. Bur-reed rhizome has an acrid, bitter flavor, has a calm nature; Zedoary rhizome has an acrid, bitter flavor and a warm nature. Both of them when processed with vinegar can increase the effectiveness of stopping pain. Bur-reed rhizome contains volatile oil, etc. Experiments show that bur-reed rhizome can open passage, decreasing blood platelet numbers, restrain blood platelet function, restrain internal and external blood coagulation, promote fibrinolytic function activity, etc., has a restraining effect on formation of thrombus on the outside of the body; is able to strengthen contractibility for extracorporeal intestine of a rabbit, increasing tonicity. Zedoary rhizome contains volatile oil, among them most important is zedoary rhizome ketone, zedoary rhizome alkene, turmeric rhizome element, etc. In addition, from zedoary rhizome volatile oil, zedoary rhizome alcohol and zedoary rhizome paired ketones can be separated out, effective components which have an anti-cancer function. In addition to their direct effect, they can also cause specific immune function to increase and resulting in effective immune protection. The turmeric rhizome element is effective at controlling blood platelet accumulation, fight blood thrombus formation and stimulating digestive tract smooth muscle. Zedoary rhizome volatile oil is able to restrain the growth of many kinds of pathogens.

Notoginseng root: Sweet flavor, slightly bitter, warm nature, efficacy is in transforming stasis, stopping bleeding, quickening the blood and stabilizing pain. It’s special characteristic capability is to both stop bleeding as well as quicken the blood. From this comes the phrase: ‘Stop bleeding and dislodge stasis’, an outstanding curative effect which is the main component in Yunnan Bai Yao. Chinese folklore still transmits a custom of using the notoginseng to enrich and supplement with research showing that in fact it does improve the function of the blood vessels, increase the strength of the body constitution, and has the effect of dissipating and eliminating fatigue, etc. It contains notoginseng glycoside, flavone glycoside, quercetin, etc. Experiments show that the component for stopping bleeding activity in notoginseng, is undoubtedly effective, is able to decurtate the blood coagulation time of rabbits. It clearly is an anti-coagulant, controlling the accumulation of blood platelets, promoting fibronolytic function, moreover causing all of the blood viscosity to fall, increase the cardiac muscle’s oxygen consumption and cardiac output, promoting the formation of collateral circulation of the infarction areas, strengthening the kidney, protecting the liver, with anti-aging and anti-tumor properties, etc.

Other Chinese herbs often used for quickening the blood are: Achyranthes root, Extremitas Radicis Angelicae Sinensis, vaccaria seeds and wingless cockroach. etc.

Number Three: Disinhibiting water to fight Ccancer

Disinhibiting water, transforming phlegm are used to reach the goal of fighting cancer. Transforming phlegm is appropriate in all stages of tumor; disinhibiting water is appropriate for use when the tumor is hydrothorax, has ascitic fluid, has extremity edema, etc. Below, a list of herbs belonging to transforming phlegm category will be introduced; pinellia rhizome, tendrilled fritillaria bulb, tabasheer or siliceous secretions of bamboo, apricot seed or kernel.

Those herbs belonging to the disinhibiting water category to be introduced are; sclerotium of tuckahoe, seeds of Job’s tears and plantago seeds.

1.Pinellia rhizome: Acrid flavor, warm nature, has toxicity, is effective in dry or damp transformation of phlegm, subjugates counter flow, stops vomiting, disperses dyspepsia, dissipates a bind. Externally it is used to dissipate swelling and to stop pain. Ordinarily, it is not used raw, it goes through a blast-fry process and is then called processed pinellia rhizome. Processed pinellia rhizome is divided into; Jiang Pinellia, Fa Pinellia, Zhu Li Pinellia, Pinellia Qu. Jiang Pinellia excels at subjugating counter flow and stops vomiting, Fa Pinellia excels at transformation of dry or damp phlegm, Zhu Li Pinellia causes the pharmaceutical nature to change from warm to cool and is used to clear out and transform hot phlegm, Pinellia Qu is used to transform phlegm and digest food. For external use, it dissipates swelling and stops pain primarily using raw pinellia rhizome. Pinellia rhizome contains β-ssitosterol and glucoside, many kinds of amino acids, saponin, pungent natured alcohols, choline, lovorotataory ephedrine and volatile oil, etc. Experiments show that it clearly has the function of resolving toxins, eliminating broncospasms, reducing bronchial secretions, controlling vomiting from the central pivot, etc. Pinellia rhizome cannot be taken simultaneously with radix aconti type herbs.

       Tendrilled fritillaria bulb: Depending on main production areas, tendrilled fritillaria bulb is divided into Chuan fritillaria bulb, [ chiefly produced in Sichuan], Zhe fritillaria bulb, [chiefly produced in Zhejiang, and Xiang fritillaria bulb which is produced in the Xiang Mountain area]. Chuan fritillaria bulb has a bitter, sweet flavor, a slightly cold nature, belongs to the lung and heart channel; Zhe fritillaria bulb has a bitter flavor, a cold nature and belongs to the lung and heart channel. Both of them can clear out heat and transform phlegm however the Chuan fritillaria bulb is able to moisten the lungs in transforming phlegm, it also has the power to dissipate the channel in dispersing inflammation; Zhe fritillaria bulb is also inclined toward effectively dispersing binds and eliminating inflammation. Chuan fritillaria bulb contains many kinds of alkaloids, for instance Chuan tendrilled fritillaria bulb alkali, Qing tendrilled fritillaria bulb alkali, Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don alkali, sonpeimine, etc. Bulb of Thunberg Fritillary contains peimine, peiminine, verticine etc. Experiments show that both the alkaloid and non-alkaloid part of the tendrilled fritillaria bulb are equally effective in settling a cough, eliminating phlegm, resolving tetany, moreover is effective against ulcers. Zhe verticine also has central pivot control, with a sedative and analgesic function. Tendrilled fritillaria bulb cannot be used simultaneously with radix aconti type herbs.

Other commonly used Chinese herbs for transforming phlegm are; purple perilla fruit, Pulvis Arisaemae cum Felle Bovis, Gleditsia sinensis, pumice, clam shell, trichosanthes fruit, bamboo shavings, etc. Other commonly used Chinese herbs for disinhibiting water are:

water plantain rhizome, akebia caulis, rice paper pith, fish-poison yam rhizome, aerial parts of fringed pink [d. superbus] or Chinese pink [d. chinesis] dianthus, knotweed, Spora Lygodii Japonici, etc.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to go one step further in deepening your knowledge, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.

Chat # 80

The Source of Cancer Spreading is Thermo-Toxins

Resolving Toxins in Fighting Cancer is the Core

In the last chapter, we discussed the regulation of qi, quickening of blood, disinhibiting water in fighting cancer. Now we will continue to talk about disinhibiting water to fight cancer with Chinese herbal medicine.

Tabasheer; the liquid secretion from the green skin of bamboo stalk after drying it out in chunky pieces, cutting and breaking the bamboo pipe, scooping out the insides to use raw, grind into powder and infuse in water as medicine. Sweet flavor, cold nature, belongs to heart and liver channel, effective at clearing heat and transforming phlegm, clearing the heart and settling a fright. Contains mannitol, stearic acid, hypocrellin A, and B element, silica, etc. Experimental research shows that hypocrellin A is clearly effective in settling pain and fighting inflammation.

Apricot Seed; divided into bitter apricot seed or sweet apricot seed. The bitter apricot seed is primarily produced in China’s northern region, so it is called the Northern Apricot Seed; the sweet apricot seed is primarily produced in the southern region, so it is also called the Southern Apricot Seed. The bitter apricot seed has a bitter flavor, a slightly warm nature, has a small amount of toxin, belongs to the lung and large intestine channel; the sweet apricot seed has a sweet flavor, a calm nature, and belongs to the lung channel. The bitter apricot seed is effective in stopping a cough and calming panting; moistening the intestines and bowel cleansing; the sweet apricot seed primarily moistens the lungs and stops coughing. Bitter apricot seed contains amygdalin, fatty oil, protein, all kinds of free amino acids, etc. Experimental research has shown that after the amygdalin has decomposed, it produces a small quantity of hydrocyanic acid, etc., which is able to control coughing from the core, and effectively settling a cough and calming panting. Bitter apricot seed oil is effective in controlling roundworm, hookworm, typhoid bacillus, bacillus paratyphosus, moreover has a lubricating effect on bowel cleansing. Please note that an adult dosage of approximately 60 grams can cause lethal poisoning. A safe dosage is 3-10 grams.

Sclerotium of tuckahoe; sweet flavor, bland, calm nature, belongs to the heart, spleen, kidney channel, is effective in disinhibiting water, excreting dampness, fortifying the spleen and calming the spirit. It contains pachyman, pachymic acid, protein, fat, lecithin, choline, histamine, ergo-sterol, etc. Experimental research has shown that sclerotium of tuckahoe has a disinhibiting water effect, can increase the expulsion of potassium, sodium, chlorine in urine, etc., is able to calm and lower blood sugar. A famous Beijing snack from a Qing Dynasty palace is called ‘Tuckahoe Bread’ which when eaten is effective at fortifying the spleen and stomach.

Seeds of Job’s tears; also called Yi Mi. Sweet flavor, bland, slightly cold nature, belongs to spleen, stomach, lung channel, when used raw, is effective at disinhibiting water, excreting dampness, clearing heat, expelling pus. When stir fried, it is used to fortify the spleen and stop diarrhea. It can be put in Chinese herbal medicine or eaten in stewed congee. We have previously discussed that a cause of obesity comes from ‘Vacuous spleen, phlegm dampness’. Seeds of Job’s tears, since it has disinhibiting water properties and doubly functions as a fortification of the spleen, is the first food item choice for losing weight. Most importantly, seeds of Job’s tears contains seeds of Job’s tears oil and coixenolide, fatty oil, amino acid, etc. Experiments have shown that seeds of Job’s tears is effective in decoction toward control of cancer cells. Seeds of Job’s tears oil is able to reduce or lower striated muscle contracture, it can stimulate the uterus, and its fatty oil is able to lower serum calcium, blood sugar, moreover it can resolve heat, be used as a sedative and as an analgesic.

Plantago Seeds; sweet flavor, cold nature, belongs to kidney, liver and lung channel, is effective at disinhibiting urine, opening a dribble, excreting dampness, stopping diarrhea, clearing the liver, brightening the eye, clearing the lung and transforming phelgm. This original product can be decocted into soup and substituted for tea, and can lower blood pressure. It contains a large quantity of phlegm, succinic acid, plantago seed enol, adenine, choline, plantago seed alkali, fatty oil, vitamins A and B, etc. Experiments show that its disinhibiting water effect is very evident, moreover it is effective at opening passage and promoting respiratory tract mucous membrane secretions, diluting sputum and dispelling phlegm. Moreover, it can control many kinds of bacilli and staphylococcus, etc. In addition, the seeds come from the mature plantago seed plant, and all the grasses of the plantago is the plantago grass whose efficacy, aside from being the same as the plantago seeds, is even more effective and powerful at clearing heat and resolving toxins. Taken as an internal dose, or fresh grass pounded to pulp and spread on externally, can cure thermo-toxin abscess.

Number Four: Resolving toxins to fight cancer

Utlizing the clearing heat method to resolve toxins achieves the goal of fighting cancer. We have already analyzed that in the pathology of cancer, there is the theory that says ‘The place where the glomus is hard, certainly has Hidden Yang.’ Hidden Yang is latent thermo toxin, it is a key reason for the spread of cancer. Controlling the spread and metastasis of cancer necessarily means clearing heat and resolving toxins.

Heydyotis; grass based plant, slightly bitter flavor, sweet, cold nature, belongs to the stomach, large and small intestine channel, is effective at clearing heat, resolving toxins, disinhibiting dampness, opening dribble. It contains olea alkali, β-sitosterol, para-position coumaric acid, flavonone glycosides, and heydyotis element, etc. Experimental research shows that it is effective in controlling many kinds of tumors, moreover has a sedative, analgesic and sleep inducing effect. It is able to stimulate mononuclear-macrophage, promote formation of antibodies, strengthen the white blood cell phagocytic function as well as have an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, experiments also show that is has a protective effect on the liver and disinhibits the gallbladder. It can control spermatogenic capability. Dosage used is 15-60 grams.

Bulb of Chinese Tulip; is the plant Cremastra, Rolfe in dried, pseudo bulb, previously also called Mao Ci Gu, later on called Bing Qiu Zi. It has a sweet flavor, slightly acrid, cold nature, has a small amount of toxin, belongs to the liver, stomach channel, is effective at clearing heat and resolving toxins, dispersing carbuncle, dissipating binds. It contains colchicine, similar to vinblastine which similarly has anti-tumor function, moreover it has a sedative effect, has a sleep inducing effect, stops coughing, calms panting, stops pain, etc. Taking large quantities over a long period of time can induce an adverse reaction in the gastro-intestinal tract, with many occurrences of nerve inflammation and reduction of white blood cells, etc. In general, dosage ranges from 3-6 grams, however if the bulb of Chinese tulip is produced in Yunnan’s Li Jiang area, dosage should be 0.6-0.9 grams.

Indigo Pulverata Levis is made up from autumn leaves of Isatis tinctoria, Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Brem., Liaolan, I. indigotica Fort., etc., which have gone through processing to combine their pigments together. The flavor is salty, cold nature and is effective at clearing heat, resolving toxins, cooling the blood, dissipating macules, clearing the liver and draining fire, settling a fright. It contains indigo blue and indirubin. Indirubin is an effective cancer fighting element, had a medium strength restraint on animal transplanted tumors. Indigo blue has a liver protecting effect. Indigo Pulverata Levis decoction has an anti-bacterial effect on staphylococcus aureus, anthrax bacillus, shigella shigae, vibrio cholerae, etc. Internal dosage is from 1.5 to 3 grams. Since Indigo Pulverata Levis doesn’t dissolve easily in water, therefore it is often made into powder and infused with water or taken in pill form. For a fire nature with swelling toxins, as in the case of acute parotitis or shingles, etc., it can be applied externally.

Chinese lobelia; grass based plant, sweet flavor, bland, cold nature, belongs to heart, small intestine and lung channel, is effective at clearing heat, resolving toxins, disinhibiting water, dispersing swelling. It contains Chinese lobelia alkali, lobelanine, hydrogenate Chinese lobelia alkali, and other alkaloids, in addition to flavones, inulin, succinic acid. Animal experiments show that external use of Hela cells monolayer cell culture results verifies that it contains an anti-cancer component. Experiments on mice show that tumors of 3T in young mouse flesh has a restraining effect. In addition, it disinhibits water, stimulates breathing, and has a disinhibiting gallbladder effect. Dosage used is 10-15 grams for the dry product, 30-60 grams for the fresh product. In general, the fresh product is pounded to a pulp and applied externally.

Patrinia; yellow flowered patrinia, white flowered patrinia, whole grass with root. Its flavor is acrid, bitter, slightly cold, belongs to the stomach, large intestine, liver channel. It is effective at clearing heat, resolving toxins, dispersing a welling-abscess, expelling pus, dispelling stasis and stopping pain. The yellow flower patrinia primarily contains oleanolic acid, hederagenin, β-Sitosterol, volatile oil, shengwuling, rouzhi, etc. Experiments show that yellow flower patrinia is clearly effective in controlling external cancer cells or transplanted tumor cells. With electronic microscope, its repressive tumor function system can be observed with a direct, obliterating effect. At the same time, it elevates white blood cells, increases immunity, promotes regeneration of liver cells and prevents liver cells from degeneration. It has an anti-viral, sedative effect, etc. In addition, it inhibits staphylococcus aureus, bacillus dysenteriae, typhoid bacillus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacillus coli, etc. Used in large quantities, it can induce temporary reduction of white blood cells, dizziness and nausea. The white flower patrinia primarily contains volatile oil, sinigrin, Morroniside, loganin, villoside. Taken internally the dosage is 6-15 grams.

Woad root; The root of the woad plant, or Malan rhizhome or root. Its flavor is bitter, cold nature, belongs to the heart, stomach channel, is effective at clearing heat and resolving toxins, cooling blood, disinhibiting the pharynx. Woad root primarily contains indigo blue, indirubin, β-Sitosterol, palmitic acid, Uridine, hypoxanthine, Tryptantrin, Daucosterol, etc., Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Brem. contains indigo blue, β-Sitosterol, anthraquinone, triterpenes, etc. Experiments show that indirubin is an effective anti-cancer component, having a medium grade strength effect in inhibiting animal transplanted tumor. Indigo blue has protective function for the liver. Woad root has an inhibiting effect on many kinds of gram-positive bacterium, as well as on viruses. Moreover, it increases immune function and has a definitive inhibiting effect towards ADP induction of blood platelet accumulation. Dosage quantity ranges from 10-15 grams.

Glabrous greenbrier rhizome; grass based plant, sweet flavor, bland, calm nature, belongs to the liver, stomach channel, is effective in resolving toxins and eliminating dampness, opening and disinhibiting joints. It contains astilbin, Isoengelitin, Daucosterol, succinic acid, volatile oils, Tannic acid, b-Sitosterol, a and b linoleic acid, many sugars and starch. Experiments show that it is effective at inhibiting the growth of liver cancer in young mice, clearly shrinking aflatoxin B1, which resulted in pre-cancerous pathological change in adult mice, selectively controlling cell immune response. It is also able to resolve mercury poisoning, clearly antagonistic to gossypol toxins, etc. Dosage quantity ranges from 15-60 grams.

Houttuynia; grass based plant, acrid flavor, slightly cold nature, is effective at clearing heat and resolving toxins, dispersing a welling-abscess, expelling pus, disinhibiting urine, opening dribble. It contains houttuynin xing cao element (http://baike.baidu.com/view/265242.htm), myrcene, houttuynia cordata alkali, quercitrin, hyperin, potassiumichloride, etc. Experiments show that bacteriophage method used externally points out that houttuynia has an anti-bacteriophage effect, expressing its anti-cancer activity. Houttuynia element has an inhibiting effect on all of the following; staphylococcus aureus, diplococcus pneumoniae, jia xing streptococcicosis, influenza bacillus, catarrh coccus, typhoid bacillus, tuberculin bacillus, etc. It is able to increase and strengthen the white blood cell’s phagocytic capability, raising an organism’s immune power.The quercetin element and sylvite it contains is able to expand the renal artery, increase the renal artery’s volume of blood flow, and because of this has a comparatively strong disinhibiting urine function. Aside from this, it is analgesic, hemostatic and antitussive. Internal dosage quantity ranges from 15-30 grams.

Other Chinese herbs often used for clearing heat and resolving toxins include; honeysuckle flower, forsythia fruit, zao ti, calvacin, taraxacum, sophora root, green chiretta, yedeon’s violet.

Dear Reader, if you’d like to go one step further in your understanding, please read on to the analysis in the next chapter.