With the most recent changes in the weather many people have the propensity to develop the common cold or flu.  Sudden fluctuations in temperature can contribute to the possibility of catching a cold or flu. Yin Qiao Chieh Tu Pien, an herbal formula known widely as Yin Qiao (pronounced yin chee-ow), is renowned in Chinese Medicine not for curing colds but, for preventing them and keeping them from manifesting as a full blown episode characterized by cough, itchy throat, watery eyes, mild fever, and runny nose. If you have the nature to develop sinus infections and respiratory infections in conjunction with the onset of a cold, Yin Qiao may inhibit complications. Yin Qiao can also be taken as a preventative when exposure to conditions is imminent.

Taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, Yin Qiao has been known to entirely alleviate cold symptoms. This is one formula I always have on hand (at home and at work) and it’s kept my children from missing school on more than one occasion. For young children, tablets can be crushed and mixed with food.

“Pick up a bottle of Yin Qiao today! You never know when you’ll need it.”

Preventive measures when the weather becomes cold:

Cover up. Your body becomes stressed and you risk compromising the integrity of your immune system whenever you go outside improperly dressed. The Chinese say that pathogenic cold enters the body from the back of the neck and shoulders. Keep these areas covered well. A hat is a sensible additional measure.

From a Chinese Medicine point of view “cold” can also invade the body from the feet or any other part of the body directly exposed to cold temperatures. This holds true for coming in contact with cold surfaces. This type of cold invasion is characterized by roving aches and pains that are worse when it’s cold. So wear those bunny slippers or socks… Just cover up!

Drink warm liquids. Your body uses energy that takes away from your body’s defenses to warm cold drinks to body temperature.

Get enough sleep. Poor sleep lowers your immune system.

Eat sensibly. Don’t overeat when it’s cold. Digestion of large meals taxes your body when the weather is cold. Try some of those soups and stews your grandmother always made.

“Osteoporosis” is the medical term used to describe reduced bone density and degeneration of bone microstructure. Osteoporosis does not necessarily exhibit specific symptoms but renders the body at a much higher risk of bone fractures due to poor bone structure. 

Simply put, osteoporosis is the result of an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. In the body, bone undergoes a constant turnover in which osteoclast cells remove its mineralized matrix and osteoblast cells deposit new bone. As we age, bone resorption can become more dominant over bone formation and lead to bone loss.

Chinese Medicine Explanation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bones are governed by the Kidneys, a primary source of essence of life and of the Yin and Yang energies. Thus, a strong Kidney function provides ample nutrients that promote the formation of strong bones. When the Kidney function is weakened bone loss occurs faster than bone formation. Prolonged or severe Kidney weakness is the cause for osteoporosis.

What your prescribed medications do?

There are two types of osteoporosis drugs. The majority are Biphosphonate drugs, like Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva.

These drugs work by inhibiting natural healing processes.

Ordinarily, osteoclasts are supposed to resorb old, infirm bone and osteoblasts deposit new bone in a continuous process. So when you take these medications, your bones may not lose density, but they will be composed of a higher amount of old, poor quality bone cells which makes them brittle and weak over time. Spontaneous fractures of the hip and jaw are common  results because the bones are no longer properly nourished.

Biphosphonate drugs do not increase bone density. These drugs actually create weak bones. Do your own research! You’ll find this is true.

One drug called Forteo was developed that worked not by turning off the creation of osteoclasts so that bone cells weren’t resorbed into the body, but worked by increasing the activity of the osteoblasts to lay down more bone. Test results proved it causes bone cancer in rats but it was still approved for short term use in humans.

Some prescription drugs block the absorption of calcium into the bones leading to osteoporosis. Prednisone and other steroids do this. They are commonly used to treat autoimmune, asthma, and inflammatory diseases.

The anti-coagulant Warfarin, also known as Coumadin, works by inhibiting vitamin K production. It is often prescribed for reducing high blood pressure, to keep blood flowing where there are obstructions of the arteries. One role of vitamin K is to take calcium in the blood and to direct it to the bones. When vitamin K is turned off, less than adequate calcium may be directed to build healthy bone.

Factoid: Warfarin was originally marketed in the early 1950’s as a pesticide to kill rats.  

What does Chinese Medicine do?

Strengthening the Kidney function is considered to be the main principle in TCM to treat osteoporosis. As a result of enhanced Kidney function, the process of continuous bone nourishment can occur naturally and reverse osteoporosis. Although it has yet to be proven by modern biomedical studies, Chinese herbal formulas that follow the principle have shown satisfactory results in stopping bone loss and increasing bone mass in clinical studies in China. (I encourage you to find this information on your own if you’re interested.) The reason I have not provided specific information because there are many variables to these studies (different formulas, different ingredients, different dosages, unique individual variances).

Ultimately, there’s no single, most effective Chinese herbal therapy. There are many different herbal formulas available comprised of multiple herbs with specific functions tailored to individual needs. Addressing the “root” of the problem (Kidneys) is the key to reversing osteoporosis and therapy can be approached different angles with the same goal in mind.

Sacred Healing Tree

12402 Toepperwein Road

Live Oak, Texas 78233

(512) 351-0021

Thursday, July 28, 2011

 The Thirty-Seventh Annual TAAP State   Conference on Addiction Studies
The Age of Recovery:  Let the Sunshine In!
 

Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade

Carol Letner from A New Level of Wellness in Austin joined me at this event to demonstrate Magnetic Auricular Therapy for Addiction to professionals interested in alternative methods of addressing the health issues specifically associated with addiction.

Where auricular acupuncture uses needles, Auricular Magnet Therapy uses tiny magnets to stimulate acupuncture points in the ear. The Auricular Magnet Therapy for Addiction calls for the use of six points specifically chosen for historical clinical effectiveness in balancing key areas associated with addiction.

It takes less time than acupuncture. It’s safer. It’s painless.  Magnets can be retained for several days at a time. Points can be self stimulated as needed. The administration of this therapy can be easily learned.

The Auricular Magnet Therapyfor Addiction

 Magnet Therapy for Addiction

• Six designated points in the outer ear
  • Shenmen
  • Sympathetic
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Point Zero
• Points are effective regardless of diagnosis
• Protocol is not modified or added to

 The Magnets

• Single use
• Sterile
• 24k Gold plated
• Painless application
• Removable at home
• Proper application takes only a few minutes. No need to sit for a long period until professionally removed (like with needles).

 Types of Addictions Treated

• Smoking
• Drinking
• Drugs
• Overeating
• Gambling

Is Auricular Magnet Therapy a cure?

• Desire to quit and willingness accept help
• Works best as an adjunct therapy
  • Counseling
  • Education
  • Family involvement
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Support group

 Other Effects

• Improved program participation and retention
• Reductions in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other withdrawal symptoms
• Reduced need for pharmaceuticals
• Very low cost
• Safe without negative side effects
• Gives a general sense of well-being and stability

The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves.

–Eric Hoffer

Eric Hoffer (July 25, 1902 – May 21, 1983) was an American social writer and philosopher. He produced ten books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in February 1983. Hoffer was among the first to recognize the central importance of  self-esteem to psychological well-being.

I often get asked how Asian Bodywork Therapy and Chinese Medicine can help a condition that surgery has been recommended for. Bunions and hernias are two common examples. Today I’ll discuss bunions from a Chinese Medicine point of view.

Many people struggle to make associations between the foundations of Chinese Medicine and Western medical principles as they have come to be understood. The easiest read on the subject is Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold. Chinese Medicine originated thousands of years ago. No x-rays. No blood tests. It’s “Duh!” simplistic in theory, but it works.

Chinese Medicine Cause of Bunions 

From a Chinese Medicine point of view my definition of a bunion is as follows:

A “bunion” is a localized area of pain, swelling, redness on the foot directly resulting from the combination of: a deviation of the big toe (or any toe) possibly involving other structural deformities of the foot due to a weakness of muscle and connective tissue caused by a deficiency related to the Spleen organ and wearing improperly fitting shoes.

All muscles  including the muscles that hold the bones of the foot in place weaken due to the inability of the Spleen to properly nourish the muscles. Arches fall and the toes begin to “spread out”. As the toes  spread out they become “molded” by the shoes. The resulting lack of circulation and irritation in the local area results in a bunion. The described deformity of the foot can occur over such a long period of time that it is not noticable until it is causing frequent pain. At that point, it is most important to wear properly fitting shoes.

A function of the Spleen in Chinese Medicine is to nourish the muscle and tissues that “hold things up and in place”. In these terms, it means that the Spleen is responsible for preventing the weakness of muscle and tissues that cause typically result in hernias, hemorrhoids, prolapsed uterus or bladder, rectal prolapse and varicose veins. So, if you have bunions you may have an imbalance that can cause other problems. Some of the symptoms might include extreme sleepiness after meals, heaviness and lethargy, easy bruising, loose stools, gassy and bloated feeling after eating, other digestive problems.

Often Spleen Qi deficiency is seen in combination with an imbalance specifically related to a deficiency of the Kidneys. So, it is not uncommon for bunions to accompany kidney stones or diabetes.

 Qi & Blood

First, for the purposes of this discussion, “Qi”, pronounced “chee”, refers to the “vital energy” in all living things. In a healthy body Qi flows harmoniously and influences the smooth and even distribution of Blood. Obstructions to the flow of either are seen as a cause of illness.

Secondly, “Blood” spelled with a capital “B”, is the closest and most commonly used word to describe all of the liquids of the body in Chinese Medicine. The capitalized term is meant to distinguish between the blood of the circulatory system and all other vital fluids.

Human beings have an ideal operating temperature. If the body is too cold the movement of Qi and Blood will be sluggish. If the body is too hot in areas Qi and Blood will congeal causing disruptions to proper flow. The therapeutic measure of “moving Qi and Blood” in the area of the bunion and in the affected organs simultaneously removes blockages, dissipates heat accumulations, and restores healthy bodily functions. Similarly,circulating coolant in your car’s cooling system keeps the entire engine running properly at an ideal temperature. When the coolant in your car is not circulating properly or is of insufficient quantity, other parts of the engine overheat causing the oil to congeal and burn creating friction and even more heat eventually resulting in engine failure. Conversely, when an engine is cold not all components are functioning at their peak. The same thing happens physiologically to people.  

Yin and Yang

Chinese Medicine dictates that there is a law governing opposing forces that exists in every aspect of nature. This concept is referred to as Yin and Yang. “Yin” could be described as dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting and weak. “Yang” is said to represent bright, active, upward, hot, expansive and strong. That being said, the type of deficiency leading to bunions creates an excess elsewhere in the body and can manifest as either a Yin or Yang condition with Yin or Yang symptoms.

As a result of Spleen Qi deficiency, Blood cannot circulate properly to the extremities and provide nourishment to muscles and tendons. We can look at the emerging symptoms in terms of Yin and Yang or, deficiency and excess.

A Yin aspect can be seen as lack of proper nourishment leads to weakness in the muscles and tendons of the foot and may present as pronation, fallen arches or plantar fasciitis. This weakness in the muscles and tendons of the foot can lead to a variety of foot deformities including those responsible for the formation of bunions.

An Yang type set of symptoms (acute redness, localized heat, swelling, pain) could be characterized in Western medical terms as gout. Limited circulation of Blood allows mineral deposits to accumulate in the lower extremities the same way that silt settles to a river bottom. Over time deposits of calcium and other minerals can become hard causing sharp pain and limiting movement of joints.

My Personal Therapeutic Recommendations for Bunions

This combination of therapies is what I recommend because I’ve tried other ways and this is what I’ve found to be the most effective… so far.  

Moxa. Moxa in stick form is applied to the Spleen meridian of both feet and ankles for at least 30 minutes paying extra attention to an acupuncture point known as Spleen 3. What is moxa?  Google “moxibustion”.  Moxa is one of the best therapies for bunions. Its warming action “activates” the affected channel, in this case the Spleen channel, by initiating the movement of stagnant Blood and Qi away from the area allowing fresh Qi and Blood to revitalize the internal organ.

Asian Bodywork Therapy. In combination with other therapies, expert manual manipulation serves to restore proper circulation and placement of the toes while improving flexibility and range of motion. Certain techniques can be employed to separate muscle fibers to permit nourishing fluids to permeate areas where blood flow has become restricted due to poor circulation. Cumulative deposits of minerals which may impede movement and cause sharp pain can be located easily, gently disintegrated and reincorporated into the circulatory system and properly eliminated with the help of recommended adjunct therapies. Amount of daily water intake is increased as part of a regimen to assist in removing this “waste” material from the body. 

An effective therapy session takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

Topical herbs. I recommend application of one of my specially made liniments (#7) to strongly move Qi and Blood to reduce pain and inflammation.  My liniment works immediately to alleviate pain and prolonged and proper use has profound healing effects for all injuries.  Other formulas are mentioned in many articles. They do not work nearly as well.

Diet and Internal herbs. Occasionally, I will recommend a few dietary changes. I can help isolate which foods may be contributing to a problem in individual cases, and determine foods that will benefit recovery. Cold foods, raw foods and processed sugar are BAD for the Spleen. Additionally, I may recommend Chinese herbs as a supplement to one’s diet to reinforce the benefits of other therapeutic methods. I provide these supplements in pill form because they are the most convenient to take.  

Orthotics

What I’ve seen used the most are cushions of various kinds and a myriad of “splinting” devices and arch supports to temporarily make the situation less painful. These devices certainly help lessen pain between Asian Bodywork Therapy sessions and contribute to the long term therapeutic effect.

A foot specialist can determine if other deformities are prevalent and provide appropriate advice. For assistance in orthotic selection I recommend you see my friend Michael Tinch at the Foot Pain Relief Store. The address is 12406 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak, Texas 78233. His phone number is (210) 655-3668. His office resides right next to mine so, in one visit with me or Mike you can find out everything you need to know about how best to address your particular foot care needs.

“What Else Can I Do?”

1.)    Drink more water- the best quality water available. Water is essential in cleansing waste material from the body. If you don’t drink enough water waste material has a tendency to accumulate in the body. Eight 8oz. glasses per day is a good general guideline.

2.)    Wear properly fitting shoes. Have your feet properly measured if it hasn’t been done recently. Children’s feet should be measured frequently to prevent future foot problems. Arch supports can help prevent the falling of arches that can progress to form bunions.

3.)    Be proactive about taking care of your feet. Inspect your feet on a regular basis especially if you’re predisposed to foot problems. Immediately address any abnormalities.

Don’t wait until you have something that looks like this!

4.)    Don’t ever put ice on bunions. The application of ice to an injury directly opposes the natural healing process. Ice impedes circulation which prevents healing. Ask me about my #7 Liniment.

“Does Chinese Medicine therapy completely cure bunions?”

The theory behind the therapy is sound and I’ve seen significant relief in as little as one session. After the first two sessions at Sacred Healing Tree and advice on home care, many people are so relieved they feel that ongoing sessions are not necessary and surgery can be avoided. Even if complicated by arthritis or other complaints, Chinese Medicine is a viable alternative to surgery for bunions.

I incorporate Medical Qigong therapy into Sacred Healing Tree Therapy. Sacred Healing Tree has a unique from of Qigong associated with it that I have developed over the years. I get questions about Medical Qigong frequently enough to have written this article years ago. I think it is still relevant.

If you have any questions, do some independent research or feel free to contact me. Good reading!

What is Medical Qigong?

Medical Qigong is the oldest of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It provides the energetic foundation from which acupuncture, herbal therapy, and Chinese massage therapy emerged. Medical Qigong employs specific methods to purge, tonify and otherwise balance the body’s energy, or Qi for therapeutic benefit. In Chinese Medicine, where there is energetic imbalance within the body, illness will develop.  Effective Medical Qigong therapy relies on a practitioner’s ability to detect imbalances of Qi and correct them by directing Qi with the mind, the hands, or perhaps a ritual object, without necessarily touching the body.  Qigong exercises are often prescribed to clients to further enhance the healing process. Qigong exercises combine breathing techniques, movement, creative visualization and intent to improve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is Qi?

 Qi or Chi, (pronounced “chee”), does not translate well into one English word. Qi is a concept. Chinese philosophy does not distinguish between matter and energy, but Qi is considered matter on the verge of becoming energy, or energy at the point of materializing into matter. Herein lies the concept of Yin and Yang. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, it is often referred to as the “energy” present in the Meridians and the organs of the body. It is the fundamental life force or energy that is found in all living things and is formed from the interaction of Yin and Yang energies.

Qi serves 5 main functions in the human body. Some sources describe the functions slightly differently but I think all basic functions are included here:

1.        Nourish growth and development
2.        Warm and maintain appropriate temperature
3.        Defend against external pathogens
4.        Control blood and vital fluids
5.        Transform Yin and Yang; transform blood and vital fluids

How is Qigong different from “Medical” Qigong?

There are many facets to Qigong and every practitioner has his or her own style and traditions. The absolute most concise differentiations are as follows:

Qigong is a self-help modality, much like tai chi. Qigong exercises combine breathing techniques, movement, and visualization to improve physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual well-being.  

Medical Qigong involves the balancing of a person’s Qi to alleviate illness and restore health by a person trained and experienced in feeling and moving Qi. Medical Qigong involves the balancing of a person’s Qi to alleviate illness and restore health by a person trained and experienced in feeling and moving Qi.

Who can benefit from Medical Qigong?

In Chinese Medicine, any illness is caused by an imbalance of Qi in the body. Western medicine does not ascribe to this concept, making many diseases difficult or impossible to diagnose or cure. Medical Qigong therapy has been used successfully, often in addition to other therapies, to safely and painlessly addressdifficult or chronic conditions as well as aid in preventive care. This form of therapy can help alleviate most ailments and, at the hands of a seasoned professional Qigong practitioner, has the intrinsic ability to adress psychologically and emotionally rooted diseases.

In other words, anyone can benefit from Medical Qigong therapy.

Medical Qigong may be used for some of these most common ailments: high blood pressure, mihgraines, fibromyalgia, insomnia, cysts and tumors, stress disorders and stroke. 

I’ve heard of Qigong massage. Is it different from Tuina or other forms of Asian Bodywork?

Qigong “massage” is not a form of manual manipulation per se. It is a term ascribed to a particular technique exclusive to the practice of Medical Qigong.  Therefore, it is not the same as Tuina, Shiatsu or any other form of Asian Bodywork Therapy. When Qigong massage is performed, the practitioner’s hands lightly skim the surface of a client’s body. The light skimming action is used to dredge Qi from the channels and eliminate pathogens. It is not unusual for a highly trained practitioner to combine therapy methods. 

A Medical Qigong practitioner is going to “move my Qi” to make me feel better. What is that experience like? 

 I always recommend that clients lie down in a comfortable position. The more relaxed a person is the easier it is to achieve the desired results. After an assessment is made by the practitioner the session begins. Some clients may actually feel nothing in early sessions especially those with conditions of deficient Qi.  Some common sensations may be best described as areas of numbness or tingling, changes in temperature, sensations of heaviness or lightness. The sensation of stagnant or disease causing Qi prior to therapy manifests as a dull ache or pain.  The gentle movement of Qi will often induce a deep sense of relaxation, to the point of falling asleep. It is not unusual for someone to momentarily and involuntarily twitch as channels become unblocked and flow more freely with Qi. I think that 30 minutes per session will usually provide adequate relief for most complaints. 

How do I choose a qualified Medical Qigong practitioner? 

First, you’ll have to find a practitioner. Finding a practitioner may prove difficult via conventional avenues.  You may start your search on the internet, of course, or your local acupuncture school.                                                

No regulatory body operates to accurately assess a practitioner’s qualifications or competency, largely because of the esoteric nature of this healing modality and the difficulty presented by attempting to quantify results of an energetic therapy. Various certifications are awarded through schools that teach Medical Qigong, however, no licensure or certification is required to practice.Because Medical Qigong remains unregulated in the United States, skill level cannot be ascertained by obtaining individual certification or professional licensure information.

Since no conveniently available assessments exist to ensure significant health benefits from any Medical Qigong practitioner, I have listed a few things I find most important when choosing one.

1.)     There is no substitute for intuition. By this statement, I am referring to the intuition of both client and practitioner. 

As a client, ask yourself,”Does this person feel right for me? Is he or she confident and compassionate? Smiling? Do I feel comfortable with the presence and demeanor of this person?”  A spring in the step and a twinkle in the eye are clues to a healthy constitution; essential for guiding Qi. Does this describe your practitioner?  There’s no problem with trying a number of practitioners. Every individual is unique, so a practitioner who would appeal to one person might not necessarily appeal to another.                                                                                             

As far as practitioner intuition, not all practitioners have the same skill level, education and training. Some people are “naturally” more sensitive to Qi and it’s movement and can detect very subtle changes and may be able to tell you what symptoms you may be experiencing even before inquiring. For others, intuition must be developed with time and closely supervised training.

2.)   Good communication skills. There’s nothing more aggravating than a health care professional that doesn’t understand what you need help with. Good listening and observation skills are a must and valuable aids in diagnosis. Mastery of the art of subtle observation leads to keen intuitive skills.

3.)    It is important for Medical Qigong practitioners to have knowledge of all four branches of Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, medical qigong therapy, and Chinese bodywork therapy) and knowledge of Western medicine, in order to understand the relative strengths and limitations of various therapies and be able to select the most effective and appropriate treatment modality for each client. This knowledge will enable the practitioner to make appropriate referrals for additional treatment or medical assessment.

4.)   Of course, check references whatever they may be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. An experienced practitioner won’t have any problem answering questions and should be able to provide thorough explanations. Some good questions:

“How long have you been practicing Medical Qigong?”

“Where did you receive your training?”

“What certificates or credentials do you hold?”

Most commonly, control, sensitivity, and experience making assessments are developed with practice over a long period of time. Some, truly gifted individuals are the exception.

5.)   If you’ve had a Medical Qigong therapy session before, ask yourself if the last session you had was beneficial to your physical, spiritual, or emotional health. Did you feel good about it? Did it meet or exceed your expectations? Would you seek treatment from the same practitioner or refer friends and family to him or her?

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, 
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?” ~ Dr. Seuss

Now, Dr. Seuss isn’t a sports medicine physician but if you ever find yourself sitting with an ice pack on an injury you should be asking yourself, “Why, WHY?”.

“Ice restricts blood flow, impeding the natural healing process, prolonging recovery and increasing the likelihood of recurring injury.”     

When a sprain, strain, or contusion is incurred soft tissues are damaged, blood from the ruptured capillaries leaks out under the skin and pools, causing the area to swell and form a red or purplish mark that can be sore and tender to touch. After an injury, blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells are damaged. The cells around the injury increase their metabolism in an effort to provide more oxygen. When all of the oxygen is used up, the cells die. Blood cells and fluid seep into spaces around the muscle, resulting in swelling and bruising as dead cells accumulate.

This is common medical knowledge.

When ice is applied to an injury…

Ice reduces swelling by lowering the temperature of the damaged tissue through heat exchange causing local blood vessels to constrict. Metabolism slows reducing the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients to the affected area. Constricted blood vessels and slowed metabolism cause blood and fluids accumulate and stagnate in the area contributing to localized pain. Ice numbs nerve endings limiting the transfer of impulses to the brain that register as pain.

When explained in this way, does the application of ice to an injury sound like it helps or hinders? Well then, what are the options?

For over 25 years I have successfully employed Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies to quickly restore strength, mobility, speed, flexibility and confidence to injured athletes. From a Chinese Medicine point of view, the smooth and continuous flow of Qi and “vital fluids” must be maintained in order to heal quickly and remain healthy.  The following is my personal regimen to ensure a speedy and complete recovery from any sprain, strain or contusion. Originally, I was trying to come up with an acronym (like R.I.C.E.), so that the procedures could be easily memorized but, the steps already make common sense. Memorization is a no substitute for sensibility.

“The use of ice for treatment of sports injuries is contradictory

to the natural healing process! Forget the acronym RICE!”

Initial Evaluation

The first step in managing any injury is obtaining an accurate and immediate initial assessment. Part of obtaining an accurate assessment is understanding the nature of the injury — what happened and how. Was the injury from an impact, a fall? Was the injured area twisted, pulled or hyperextended? The severity of a sports injury increases cause for concern and the need for immediate first-aid. Conduct a visual examination. Check for any unusual deformity. Is it painful to move? Is it painful to touch? Ask if there numbness; this may be especially important if the symptom persists. Next, palpate the area of injury and look at the anatomy, checking for discontinuity in key sections of the muscle to make sure the muscle is continuous. Slowly and carefully check for movement and stability.

If there is any question about the severity of any injury seek medical assistance immediately. If you really feel there is something wrong and you’re not sure what, don’t wait to get medical attention!  

Topical Application

The immediate treatment of any significant soft tissue injury is vital. Proper care and immediate treatment can significantly decrease recovery time and the possibility of complications! 

Apply San Huang  San liberally to the affected area and wrap with roll gauze or cover with adhesive gauze pad to keep the paste in place. Leave wrap in place for 12 to 24 hours depending on severity. Do not wrap tightly!

San Huang San is an ancient Chinese topical preparation that mildly invigorates blood thus, reducing swelling at the site of an acute sprain, strain or contusion. The actions of this herbal combination accelerate the natural healing process. Variations of the formula often have other herbs added to move blood and reduce pain. A finely prepared rendering of this formula is marketed as Herbal Ice. It can be purchased in pre-mixed form ready for immediate use at modernherbshop.com formerly shopsuigetsu.com. I have used the product from Modern Herb Shop myself and  confidently recommend it.

Warning! This preparation often works so well that there may be no signs of swelling, bruising, or pain shortly after application. The application of San Huang San is a first aid measure only, not a cure! The injury still needs time to heal. The application of San Huang San is one step towards decreasing the length of time it takes to heal.

Elevation

Elevation can play a minor role in the movement of blood away from the injured area and lessen swelling. This can be done at any time.

Rest

Rest for the first 24 hours. Avoid the inclination to continue to run, walk or continue normal activity! It takes TIME to heal. Movement should be kept to a comfortable minimum. If there is still mild pain and swelling 24 hours after the injury, reapply San Huang San and wrap gently with gauze for another 12 to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the wrap is not for the purpose of compression, just to hold the San Huang San paste in place. If the injury is properly assessed and San Huang San  applied immediately, swelling should be entirely subsided with little or no pain after 48 hours. In the rare case that the skin should become irritated discontinue use and switch to massage/hot bath* in place of San Huang San. (See “Other Alternatives”.)

Test

After the San Huang San has been applied for a maximum of 48 hours, wash off the San Huang San with warm water. Test the injured area.  Begin by gently pressing around the affected area. Does it hurt? There should be little or no pain. Slowly and gently check movement and range of motion. Next, check to see if injured area will support normal weight. If the injury passes these tests, it would be most advantageous to begin a massage or Asian bodywork regimen.   

If there are any questions as to the severity of the injury at this point, consult a doctor or experienced health care professional!

Asian Bodywork Therapy

Begin a daily bodywork regimen as soon as possible after the first 24 hours.  If the resources are not immediately available to permit the application of topical herbs and the injury is not severe, gentle bodywork should commence immediately. 

Manual manipulation will ensure proper circulation at deeper levels, retention of range of motion and flexibility, limit complications and speed up the healing process. Restoring and maintaining healthy bloodflow  will help mend tissues, eliminate scarring and the formation of adhesions, reducing the possibility of chronic injury to the area. It is important that the bodywork or massage not be strictly localized but should include the connecting muscles and tissues keeping in mind that the idea is to accellerate the flow of Qi and vital fluids. Mild stretching should be included in this part of the recovery process. There are certain liniments that I use during this stage but they are not absolutely necessary in all cases. It is highly desirable to have an experienced professional perform your bodywork. An expert can easily locate and focus on areas that require attention.

It is important during every stage to listen to your body. It is crucial not to do any activity that that will cause additional damage to the injured area. Of course you may feel some discomfort, but DO NOT push yourself to the point where you’re feeling sharp pain. Trying to do too much too soon can have drastic negative results.

Be sure to drink extra fluids during your injury recovery. Fluids are necessary to repair and rebuild soft tissue. The extra fluid will help expedite the natural healing process.

Light Use

Everyday activities that do not include training may be resumed when there is no pain, swelling or impediment to range of motion with normal flexibility. Light activity will promote overall blood circulation and expedite the removal of waste products, i.e. dead cellular material, from the injured area. Continue to consume more fluids than normal to facilitate this process.

The strengthening phase may commence once light activity can be easily tolerated. The amount of time it takes to reach each stage towards complete recovery will vary from person to person. Asian Bodywork Therapy or massage should continue to be administered daily.

Strengthening

As tempting as it may seem to jump right back into a sports activity, I do not recommend skipping this step. With proper first-aid and post-injury care the wounded area can be made stronger and more sound than before the injury. A strengthening regimen should include methods appropriate for your sport.

If you continue to have the same type of injuries to tendons and/or ligaments I highly recommend seeking advice from a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All too often I see imbalances related to the Liver and Gall Bladder (meridians) that are the root cause of this type of injury. No Western medical doctor will be able to find any correlation to this statement in their medical books.

Recovery

Return to normal training and participation in sports can ensue after the injury has had sufficient time to heal properly and reconditioning has been accomplished satisfactorily.

You should strive for nothing less than100%  fully restored range of motion, flexibility and strength without any notable impingements. If injury is still apparent, slow down, digress a step or two rather than risk injury.

There’s no true way to do a comparative study to see how much better my methods are than other alternatives. But, I’ll say this. I’ve done hundreds of evaluations over the years. I’ve seen sprains, strains and contusions treated with ice and the exact same injuries treated using my methods. Using my methods, herbs and techniques the time it would typically take to recover from any sprain, strain or contusion can be cut in half.

The length of time it takes to go through this whole process can take as few as 3 days or up to 3 weeks or slightly longer. 

*Other Alternatives

If San Huang San is not available, begin gentle massage immediately and keep the injured area warm any way possible. The ideal way to administer therapy on a zero budget is to massage from beyond the injured area towards the heart in a hot bath.

Technique: Use strokes similar to what you would if you could imagine yourself trying to squeeze toothpaste from a giant tube, squeezing gently from beyond the injured area and pushing towards the heart.

Logic: Massage strokes from beyond the injured area towards the heart increases local circulation, aid venous blood flow and the flow of lymph fluid. Thus, dead cellular material is carried away more efficiently. Drinking plenty of fluids will assist this process.

If you have epsom salts, add 2-3 cups to the bath.  Despite conjecture to the contrary, I have found this useful in reducing aches and pains.

NOTE: Those of you that like it hot may already know that it is much more comfortable to draw a really hot bath if you seat yourself in the bathtub containing moderately hot water, then increase the hot water gradually until the desired temperature is reached. Hot baths may be taken several times daily provided precautions are taken to keep from “catching a cold”. Stay adequately covered so as not to expose yourself to sudden cold or blowing air right after a bath, specifically the back of the neck and feet.

Conclusion

Ice does not promote healing in any way. Application of ice to any injury impedes the natural healing process. Ice can also induce chronic pain because the treated area will not heal properly. There are better alternatives.

Use San Huang San for your sprains, strains and bruises. Save the ice for the beer and hot dogs. Visit your local Asian Bodywork Therapist for help with conditions beyond the scope of this article.  To find a certified Asian Bodywork Therapist in your area check the AOBTA registry at aobta.org.

.

.

Special thanks to the Yvonne, Natalie, Heather and the women of the San Antonio Extreme Heat women’s soccer team.

Open Sundays for appointments! Open Monday thru Thursday until 8 p.m. by appointment.