How to Fix Hyperpigmentation; Internal & External Treatment Part II

This is a continuation of a previous post.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is another key to preventing and treating hyperpigmentation. Use a mineral sunscreen with an spf 30. The mineral sunscreen should contain both zinc oxide (protects against UVAs) and titanium dioxide (protects against UVBs) to provide broad spectrum protection. When using mineral sunscreens and not exposed to water or the elements, one application will last you all day.

Chemical sunscreens have a number of issues. They are inflammatory and carcinogenenic, which increases hyperpigmentation. They are also unstable. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin or evaporate, which is why they need to be reapplied every 2 hours. This also why you can get burned even with a very high spf. To make sure your sunscreen is chemical-free check the “active ingredients.” It should only say zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Procedures

There are a variety of procedures that treat hyperpigmentation. These can be done in a series or alternated.

Cosmetic Acupuncture – This includes face and body acupuncture along with moxa, gua sha, and internal and topical herbs in some cases. Cosmetic acupuncture focuses on resolving the internal cause of hyperpigmentation. For faster results it is often paired with one of the following topical treatments.
Ultrasound – Ultrasonic waves break up melanin clusters deep in the epidermal and dermal layers and facilitate their excretion by the lymphatic system. This is a non-abrasive treatment, there is no discomfort or down-time, and there are added benefits of plumping and firming of the skin.
Endermolift – A mechanized lymphatic drainage treatment that facilitates the excretion of excess melanin by the lymphatic system. It also increases the microcirculation. Endermolift is a relaxing treatment, is non-abrasive, there is no down-time, and there are added benefits of plumping and firming of the skin.
Microdermabrasion – A classic treatment to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote faster cell turnover. Microderm utilizes crystals and is like gently sandblasting the skin. At Cinnabar, we use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) crystals which are non-toxic and can be safely used around the mouth, eyes, and nose. Microderm feels scratchy, like a cat is licking your face. There is no down-time, however treatments should be spaced 2-8 weeks apart depending on your skin type and spf 30 should be worn at all times. Exfoliation is best used sparingly, like a detox.
Peels – There are many types of peels (salicylic, lactic, retinol, Vit C, etc.) that come in various concentrations. Light peels can be added to other treatments and have no down-time. Heavier peels that go deep into the epidermis will have some down-time (2-7 days). Peels that go down to the dermis must be performed under supervision by a physician and require significant down-time (up to a month). There is greater risk of scarring and pre-aging the skin with frequent peels or peels that go to deeply. Lighter peels can be spaced similarly to microderm, every 2-8 weeks depending on your skin type.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:40+00:00November 18th, 2013|Acupuncture, Beauty|Comments Off

Conscious Ejaculation; a Key to Men’s Vitality

Ancient Daoists advocated limiting the frequency of ejaculation to increase vitality and longevity. They would often give a mathematical formula such as the famous one by Sun Simiao:

“A man may attain health and longevity if he practices an ejaculation frequency of twice monthly or 24 times a year. If at the same time he pays careful attention to proper diet and exercise he will have a long healthy life.”

This did not limit the frequency of intercourse or orgasm. Rather Daoists learned to control their ejaculation and were able to reach orgasm without ejaculating. As with everything, there is a too little and too much. Modern interpretations can get us into trouble, as our society seems to gravitate towards extremes. For example, men who are too zealous with limiting ejaculation will overheat and develop mental and emotional disturbances.

Ejaculation frequency becomes important when vitality (as seen in immunity, fertility, or energy levels) is low or after the age of 40, when men’s Jing starts to decline. Often this means limiting ejaculation to once every 7-14 days. Men will know they need to limit ejaculation when they do not feel revived or feel disconnected from their lover after sex.

Modern Research Appears to Support These Practices

Testosterone levels in men can be seen as a physical indicator of the health of Yang Qi, as the health of the sperm can be used to assess the state of the Jing. This gives us a way of translating ancient Daoist practices into modern scientific understanding, even though the concepts of Yang Qi and Jing encompass more than just testosterone levels and the health of the sperm respectively. Daoist (and TCM) theory states that aging occurs when the Jing declines. (Our Jing includes both our Yin and Yang Qi, however men usually require more Yang tonification and women more Yin tonification.)

A 2003 study recorded that abstinence for 7 days raised the subjects’ serum testosterone levels to 154.7% of baseline. The study also noted minimal fluctuations in serum testosterone levels from the 2nd to 5th day of abstinence. Studies support a direct correlation with testosterone levels in men and signs of vitality such a 2013 study suggesting a link between low testosterone levels and dementia in older men.

The Consciousness Part

This information is not new, and there are many resources on the mechanics of ejaculation control in both the Daoist and Tantric traditions. What is too often missing is the ethics part; how you increase your vitality and what you do with it. I believe that men not only have to develop themselves physically in regards to sex, but also need to work to raise the consciousness of their sexuality.

Much of male sexual conditioning is predatory and unconscious in nature. There is a consciousness raising process that must occur prior to developing sexual techniques whereby we become aware of our connection and social responsibility. When men are exposed to these principles without this awareness it is easy for them to develop sophisticated tools in the same old context; as a means to gaining power, only they now have the power to do more harm.

The pitfall is in increasing Yang in the body in an unbalanced way. Our Kidney Yang provides our determination and drive. Our Kidney Yin gives us our sense of oneness and spiritual connection to the world around us. When the two are balanced and strong, we naturally become instruments of great service. If our Kidney Yang becomes excessive it leads to tyranny. We become self-centered, arrogant, ruthless. We live by the motto “the strong eat the weak.” Ultimately this leads to self-destruction, but only after incurring a great deal of negative karma.

An example of misguided sexual cultivation is sexual vampirism, whereby individuals are not content to conserve their own energy and steal the sexual energy from others. This was acceptable, and still is in certain circles. Short-term this can increase energy, as well as ego. Long-term you get a heap of bad karma and a big step backwards in your spiritual evolution.

Conscious ejaculation greatly surpasses the benefits of ejaculation control. Limiting ejaculation increases short-term physical vitality. Conscious sexual cultivation has the ability to transform a man’s life and that of the people around him.

Ways to Infuse Consciousness into Sexual Cultivation:

Practice in the context of a spiritual goal.
Hold the intention of giving and receiving fully during sexual interactions.
Always honor your lover.
During ejaculation, imagine you are giving healing, empowering energy to your lover or to a particular goal.
When abstaining from ejaculation, imagine giving heart energy to your lover or to a particular goal. Use it as an opportunity to increase connection.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:40+00:00November 18th, 2013|Men's Health, Sexual Cultivation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Uncategorized|Comments Off

How to Fix Hyperpigmentation; Internal & External Treatment Part I

Hyperpigmentation is the technical term for what many people call dark spots, freckles, liver spots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. Melasma (cholasma), or pregnancy mask, and linea nigra are forms of hyperpigmentation.

Biomedical Cause

Hyperpigmentation is the result of 2 things: 1) the excess production of melanin and 2) the body’s inefficiency to break up the melanin clusters and eliminate them. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes that gives the skin color. Darker skin tones have higher concentrations of melanocytes. Melanocytes are activated by UV light or topical irritants and procedures to produce melanin. This means the major causes of excess melanin production are sun (or tanning bed) exposure and topical serums or procedures that cause an inflammatory response. Inflammation caused by hormonal imbalances or acne are also a major trigger for excess melanin production. Persons of Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin descent have a greater tendency towards hyperpigmentation.

Melanocytes are located between the epidermis and dermis. Clusters of excess melanin can be located deep in the skin and cannot simply be exfoliated off, though exfoliation can stimulate more rapid cell turnover. Rather the microcirculation and lymphatic system must be efficient enough to break up the clusters and move them out of the skin, into the blood stream to be eliminated. Impaired microcirculation and lymphatic system will also cause rough, tough, uneven skin texture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cause

My personal experience is that most cases of hyperpigmentation are a Liver imbalance: Blood deficiency, Qi and Blood stagnation, and sometimes Heat. The Liver in TCM terms is intimately tied to hormonal cycles and becomes vulnerable during menses, postpartum, and menopause. This is why improper care during menstruation, postpartum, and menopause can lead to hyperpigmentation.

Internal Solutions

Practicing Menstrual Renewal, Postpartum Recovery, and proper menopausal care are critical to treating and preventing hyperpigmentation. These practices ensure hormonal balance and promote optimal microcirculation and lymphatic functioning.

In addition to Chinese herbal formulas, I recommend taking 1 capsule of Avogen daily. Avogen is a compound isolated from avocados that affects the cellular matrix, making the skin structure softer, increasing microcirculation, and greatly speeds up the process of cell waste removal (including excess melanin).

Topical Actives

Since hyperpigmentation can be caused by inflammatory topicals, avoiding inflammation is the #1 priority. Eliminate sulphate cleansers. Absolutely no benzoyl peroxide or hydroquinone. These 2 ingredients are often marketed as treatments for hyperpigmentation, but are so inflammatory they worsen it longterm. Acids are helpful when used occasionally (once a month or so) to stimulate cell turnover. Acids used regularly in cleansers, moisturizers, etc. will cause inflammation and exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

I recommend 302 Professional Skincare products because they are natural, corrective, and calming to the skin. Specifically I like to put patients on a regimen on 302 Drops 3x a week, Lightening Drops 3x a week, and Clarity once a week. 302 Drops contain the same active ingredient as Avogen. It softens the skin and increases cell microcirculation. Lightening Drops contains a stable form of Vitamin C (THDCA). Vitamin C brightens the skin and increases the skins’ ability to resist and repair sun damage. Clarity contains powerful retinoid (Vitamin A) which weeds out defective skin cells and is a key topical in lightening, acne-clearing, and anti-aging regimens. Retinoids must be used sparingly as they will cause irritation, dryness, and flaking when used in excess.

Post continued here

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:40+00:00November 17th, 2013|Beauty, Chinese Herbs|Comments Off

Women’s 7 Year Cycles of Jing

From the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon:

a girl age 7. The Kidney energy becomes abundant, her baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones, and the hair grows.
女子七岁。肾气盛，齿更发长； (7岁)
2 x 7, The dew of Heaven arrives (menstruation), the Ren channel begins to flow, the Chong channel is flourishing, the periods come regularly, and she can conceive.
二七, 而天癸至，任脉通，太冲脉盛，月事以时下，故有子；(14岁)
3 x 7, Kidney Essence peaks, the wisdom teeth come out, and growth is at its utmost.
三七，肾气平均，故真牙生而长极； (21岁)
4 x 7, Tendons and bones become strong, the hair grows longest, and the body is strong and flourishing.
四七，筋骨坚，发长极，身体盛壮； (28岁)
5 x 7, The Yang-ming channels begin to weaken, the complexion starts to wither, and the hair begins to fall.
五七，阳明脉衰，面始焦，发始堕； (35岁)
6 x 7, The three Yang channels are weak, the face darkens, and the hair begins to turn gray.
六七，三阳脉衰于上，面皆焦，发始白； (42岁)
7 x 7 , The Ren channel is empty, the Chong channel depleted, the dew of Heaven dries up, the Earth Passage (uterus) is not open, so weakness and infertility set in.
七七，任脉虚，太冲脉衰少，天癸竭，地道不通，故形坏而无子也。 (49岁)

What This Means in Practical Terms

The Jing Cycles serve as a guide for how we can care for ourselves to extend our vitality. They describe a general trend. Some individuals are born with a strong constitution and can get away with misbehaving longer, while others must always exercise caution with their health. The natural peak of vitality for most women is between the ages of 21-35. Before age 21 the body is vulnerable because it has not reached full maturity. Protective measures should be taken, particularly in early childhood, to strengthen digestion and immunity. After age 35, surplus vitality begins to wane, the sex hormones begin to drop, and rejuvenative measures should be employed.

The care of girls prior to age 7 is the same as for boys under age 8 that I describe in 7 Times a Woman. Into adulthood, the diet and lifestyle recommendations are similar to men, and vary more based on individual imbalances (disease pattern differentiation). Where maintaining vitality diverges from men is in the area of procreation.

Longterm Vitality Means Conserving Jing

We pass on the best of ourselves to our offspring through the genetic material via the egg and sperm. The egg and sperm can be viewed as a physical manifestation of our Jing. Our bodies do not differentiate between when we actually want to produce a child or not, so there will be some Jing loss for every menstruation (or gestation) and ejaculation. For this reason women must take extra care of themselves during menses and during the first month postpartum, to recuperate the loss. Men must learn to limit ejaculation based on their levels of vitality. Both men and women need to practice rejuvenation and boost their hormone levels during menopause and andropause, when sex hormones decline.

Young women should learn how to read their periods and practice Menstrual Recovery. This will balance imbalances before they progress to disease. Women must further practice Postpartum Recovery during the first month postpartum to fully recover their bodies and strengthen their baby’s vitality in the process. Women should begin taking tonic herbs and practicing rejuvenation at age 35. During perimenopause women should balance any symptoms that arise. By correcting imbalances along the way, women can improve their health in the next phase of their life.

For a synopsis of menstrual, postpartum, and menopausal care please see article The 3 Golden Opportunities. For details on care during the 7 year cycles, how to read your menstruation, and menstrual, postpartum, and menopausal care, please see the book 7 Times a Woman.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00November 16th, 2013|Uncategorized|Comments Off

Men’s 8 Year Cycles of Jing

For those who were wondering, here are the men’s Jing (vitaliy) Cycles:

From the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon

8 (1×8)- A man’s Kidney energy is prosperous, his hair develops and his teeth emerge at the age of eight.

丈夫八岁，肾气实，发长齿更；

16 (2×8)- His Kidney energy grows and is filled with vital energy, and he is able to let his sperm out at the age of 16.

二八，肾气盛，天癸至，精气溢写，阴阳和，故能有子；

24 (3×8)- His Kidney energy is developed, his extremities are strong, and all of his teeth are developed by the age of 24.

三八，肾气平均，筋骨劲强，故真牙生而长极；

32 (4×8)- His body has developed to its best condition, and his extremities and muscles are very strong at the age of 32.

四八，筋骨隆盛，肌肉满壮；

40 (5×8)- His Kidney energy begins to decline, his hair falls out and his teeth begin to whither at the age of 40.

五八，肾气衰，发堕齿槁；

48 (6×8)- His Kidney energy declines more, the yang energy of the entire body declines, his complexion becomes withered and his hair turns white at the age of 48.

六八，阳气衰竭于上，面焦，发鬓颁白；

56 (7×8)- His Liver energy declines as a result of Kidney deficiency; the tendons become rigid and fail to be nimble at the age of 56.

七八，肝气衰，筋不能动，天癸竭，精少，肾藏衰，形体皆极；

64 (8×8)- His essence and vital energy is weak, as are his bones and tendons. His teeth fall out and his body becomes decrepit at the age of 64.

八八，则齿发去。

What This Means in Practical Terms

The Jing Cycles serve as a guide for how we can care for ourselves to extend our vitality. They describe a general trend. Some individuals are born with a strong constitution and can get away with misbehaving longer, while others must always exercise caution with their health. The natural peak of vitality for most men is between the ages of 24-40. Before age 24 the body is vulnerable because it has not reached full maturity. Protective measures should be taken, particularly in early childhood, to strengthen digestion and immunity. After age 40, surplus vitality begins to wane, the sex hormones begin to drop, and rejuvenative measures should be employed.

The care of boys prior to age 8 is the same as for girls under age 7 that I describe in 7 Times a Woman. Into adulthood, the diet and lifestyle recommendations are similar to women, and vary more based on individual imbalances (disease pattern differentiation). Where maintaining vitality diverges from women is in the area of procreation.

Longterm Vitality Means Conserving Jing

We pass on the best of ourselves to our offspring through the genetic material via the egg and sperm. Our egg and sperm can be viewed as a physical manifestation of our Jing. Our bodies do not differentiate between when we actually want to produce a child or not, so there will be some Jing loss for every menstruation (or gestation) and ejaculation. For this reason women must take extra care of themselves during menses and during the first month postpartum, to recuperate the loss. Men must learn to limit ejaculation based on their levels of vitality. Both men and women need to practice rejuvenation and boost their hormone levels during menopause and andropause, when sex hormones decline.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00November 9th, 2013|Men's Health, Sexual Cultivation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Uncategorized|Comments Off

What if God is Also a Mother?

What if God is more than a Father? What if God is also a Mother? Then She would give us unexpected gifts, and cover us when we slept, and finish projects we were unable to complete. She would bring us the concept of grace; intervening on our behalf. Mothers do not care if we are deserving, or if is possible. They only care that we are at peace.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00November 6th, 2013|Spirituality, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Yin, Yang, and the Generation of Cycles

from http://www.sacredlotus.com/theory/yinyang.cfm

“In the beginning was Yin and Yang which gave birth to the 5 Elements, which in turn gave birth to the 10,000 things” – Dao de Jing (Tao te Ching)

I consider myself lucky now that I had a health crisis as a young teen. It pushed me towards Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and understanding the cyclical nature of life at an early age. In the modern West we have come to believe life is this linear downhill ride; beginning with vitality and ending with decrepitude and death. The Daoist philosophy is that life is a compilation of smaller and bigger cycles. Like waves, they are predictable and can carry us high if we know how to time our actions. If we do not, we get pummeled. These cycles occur on a daily, monthly, yearly, and 7 year (for women) or 8 year (for men) cycles. To increase our health we learn to adapt our behavior to work with the natural cycles rather than against them.

Cycles have their origin in Yin and Yang theory. According to this theory, Yin and Yang interact in 4 ways:

Stand in Opposition. Yin and Yang represent opposites. A wave crest is Yang while a wave trough is Yin. Spring and summer are Yang times of year, while fall and winter are Yin. Yang is hot, extroverted, and excess. While Yin is cold, introverted, and deficient.
Are Inter-dependent. Yin and Yang cannot exist without each other. Without day there would be no night. Without an interior there would be no exterior.
Are Inter-consuming. Yin and Yang consume one another. When we are hot (Yang) we sweat, depleting body fluids (Yin).
Are Inter-transforming. Yin and Yang change into one another. Night turns into day.

Examples of adapting our behavior to the cycles:

Daily cycles: Sleep from 10pm to 6am. Save greatest activity for morning and early afternoon.
Monthly (menstrual) cycles: Rest during menses. Save greatest activity between ovulation and menses.
Yearly cycles: Eat more cooling foods during spring and summer. Eat warming foods during Fall and Winter.
7 Year cycles: Begin preparing for menopause at age 35.

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00November 5th, 2013|Traditional Chinese Medicine|Comments Off

Dry Needling with Acupuncture Needles is just Acupuncture

There is much astir in the acupuncture community of late, as there should be, over acupuncture being practiced by unlicensed therapists under the term “dry needling”. Dry needling involves using an empty hypodermic needle to pierce the skin or muscle at the site of a trigger point to interrupt the pain cycle. The technique evolved out of trigger point therapy. Recently physical therapists have begun to use acupuncture needles in dry needling. This is otherwise known as acupuncture needling of ASHI points, which has been practiced for thousands of years and is clearly outside their scope of practice.

This is a clear disregard for the value of acupuncturists. We have dedicated 4-6 years of study. We have worked to educate the public about a sophisticated health system. Now that we have finally received validation, we face having our pactice stolen by practitioners with insufficient training.

Despite the emotions this brings up for those of us who have dedicated our lives to this practice, we need to focus on the simple illegality of the situation; these physical therapists are practicing acupuncture without a license and what is needed is some sort of legal action to protect our license. If there were estheticians performing surgery, or even doing chiropractic adjustments, I doubt they would get away with it for long.

Another question we need to ask is why are physical therapists able to perform acupuncture and get compensated by insurance companies at far better rates? With the increased medical coverage, we need to demand compensation at a superior rate.

There is a benefit in all this if it unites us a profession and moves us to action.

TAKE ACTION:

In Massachusetts

Current state of Affairs: from this article

there are several states across the nation that are in the middle of legal battles over whether the Board of Physical therapy has the authority to presume Dry Needling already in the scope of practice. North Carolina, Maryland, and Oregon courts have issued temporary injunctions. Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, and South Carolina are in the beginning stages of legal action on this issue. Currently, South Carolina requires the any discipline practicing Acupuncture must meet all of the academic and clinic requirements set forth by the NCCAOM. At this time, no Physical Therapist has within its scope of practice the ability to insert a needle into the skin for therapeutic purposes.

For more information on the subject:

Lessons From Illinois

Dry Needling

Scope and Standards

Arizona School of Acupuncture

Council of Colleges

Dry Needling is Acupuncture

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00November 2nd, 2013|Acupuncture, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Diet, Exercise and Delaying Menopause

Cindy Joseph, 61, proof you can look hot at any age

A 1999 Japanese study showed that high intake of green and yellow vegetables was associated with delayed onset of menopause. This same study showed that high levels of exercise (defined as 8-10 hours a week) was associated with earlier menopause. Total fat as well as saturated fat, which comes largely from animals, not statistically relevant to the timing of menopause. Smoking was confirmed as being linked to early menopause.

It is interesting to look at this from a TCM perspective. Early menopause may sound like a good idea (as long as you are not trying to conceive). It means you do not have to worry about PMS, losing Blood, or getting pregnant. However, it is also an indicator of loss of vitality and a depletion in hormone production, meaning premature aging.

Premature menopause, or Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), is defined as menopause that occurs prior to age 40. The average age of an American woman going through menopause is 51, with the normal range being 42-58. As menopause is triggered by a depletion of Yin (and Jing), premature menopause would indicate more substantial Yin (and Jing) deficiency. In order to keep ourselves young and delay menopause, we want to nourish our Yin and protect our Jing.

Going back to the study, let’s look first at the intake of green and yellow vegetables being linked to later menopausal age. Eating more green and yellow vegetables*** ensures higher levels of many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. These vegetables would also have a cooling and moistening action on the body. Not only would a higher intake of green and yellow vegetables help to delay the onset of menopause, it would also alleviate menopausal symptoms (which are hot and dry in nature). That vegetables are good for us is hardly surprising news. The findings on exercise, however, run contradictory to what we are told.

We run on the assumption that because people are increasingly getting fat and lazy, the more we exercise the better off we will be. This is not the case. What we should strive for is balance. Too much exercise can cause its own set of problems including premature menopause. In Western terms, rigorous exercise decreases estrogen levels. Lean, muscular, sinewy physiques are associated with higher testosterone levels. In TCM terms, rigorous exercise is Yang in nature. It makes us more pumped, aggressive, and raises our temperature. If we overdo it, cardio, long distance running, and hot room yoga deplete Qi and Yin (and eventually Jing), while lifting weights deplete Qi and Yang (and eventually Jing).

I believe that the amount of exercise necessary to cause hormonal imbalance varies from woman to woman. It depends on her genetics and lifestyle. However, it very important for all women to balance exercise with rest and Yin activities, such as meditation, qigong, Yin or restorative yoga, sitting in contemplation, gardening, being in nature, daydreaming, and gentle breathing exercises (not kundalini).

Another reason why I think exercise is associated with premature menopause and aging is that most women who exercise do not stop during menses. During menses the body naturally becomes more Qi and Blood deficient. Exercising during this time taxes the body additionally and makes it harder to recover. Over time this will weaken a woman’s body and deplete Blood which eventually leads to Yin deficiency.Thus, I believe if we listen to our bodies and avoid overtraining, practice Yin activities regularly, and do not exercise during menses, we can avoid the negative impact of exercise on our hormone levels.

Smoking was already known to decrease estrogen levels and to be linked with premature menopause. In TCM terms, in depletes Yin and introduces pathological Heat into the body.

*** Some yellow (orange) vegetables: pumpkin, butternut squash, yam, and carrot. Examples of green vegetables: broccoli, spinach, green beans, kale, asparagus, arugula, celery, and brussel sprouts.

Andrews, Lia. “The ‘Three Golden Opportunities’: Key Times Women Can Improve or Damage their Health.” (The Journal of Chinese Medicine, October 2013, Number 103).

Andrews, Lia. “7 Times a Woman; Ancient Wisdom on Health & Beauty for Every Stage of Your Life.” (Alcyone Press: San Diego, 2013).

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:41+00:00October 23rd, 2013|Second Spring|Comments Off

The Real Deer Antler

Lu Rong, Sliced Deer Antler Tips

Deer antler has enjoyed notoriety as a sports performance enhancer and a male virility tonic (it treats impotence, spermatorrhea, and nocturnal emission), but it has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine for much more. Deer antler, or Lu Rong 鹿茸 (Cornu Cervi), is a powerful Jing tonic. This means it is a general anti-aging tonic, enhances fertility, and strengthens the structural integrity of the body (particularly the bones and ligaments).

Anti-aging in both men and women. As a Jing tonic, deer antler promotes healthy hormone levels, maintains elasticity of the skin and connective tissue, . Because it is also a Yang tonic, it is heating and must be taken in smaller doses and/or balanced with Yin tonics in women (and men who run warm).
Male and female infertility. Deer antler enhances sexual functioning in men and women and rejuvenates the ovaries and testes.
Anemia. Deer antler treats severe anemia as occurs due to blood loss or protracted illness.
Athletes. Deer antler speeds healing of broken bones and joint injuries. It also increases muscle strength and decreases muscle fatigue. (Yang tonics are particularly important in cases of extreme strength or explosive power).
Protection in later years. Deer antler treats and prevents Bi Syndrome (joint aches and pains) and osteoporosis.

Lu Jiao, Mature Horn

Deer antler is an expensive medicinal and its products are divided into grades of potency:

Tips – Lu Rong refers to the soft new antler growth or tips. This is the most hormonally active and thus highest in Jing.
Gelatin – Lu Jiao Jiao is gelatin derived from deer antler. It is weaker than Lu Rong but still very potent. Additionally, it has Blood and Yin astringing properties similar to E Jiao (donkey gelatin) and is ideal for excessive uterine bleeding due to deficiency.
Mature horn – Lu Jiao refers to the hardened established male horn. This is weaker in its action to tonify Jing than the above two, but stronger to move Blood. It is thus appropriate for joint or low back pain and gynecological issues.
Dregs – Lu Jiao Shuang are the dregs left over from processing deer antler gelatin. This is the weakest form of deer antler and safest for long-term use. (Strong tonics tend to be cloying and their continuous use can generate stagnation and heat. For this reason it is usually recommended to cycle tonic use). It also has astringent properties.

Lu Jiao Jiao, Antler Gelatin

Tincture form is often the most economical method of administration. It can also be powdered and taken as a tea or in capsule form. Deer antler is a product that can be humanely extracted from the animal without injuring it. It is important to research your source.

For more, see John Chen. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. (Art of Medicine Press, Inc: City of Industry, 2001).

By andrews|2019-03-26T14:29:42+00:00October 22nd, 2013|Chinese Herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine|Comments Off

andrews

About andrews

How to Fix Hyperpigmentation; Internal & External Treatment Part II

Sun Protection

Procedures

Conscious Ejaculation; a Key to Men’s Vitality

Modern Research Appears to Support These Practices

The Consciousness Part

How to Fix Hyperpigmentation; Internal & External Treatment Part I

Biomedical Cause

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Cause

Internal Solutions

Topical Actives

Women’s 7 Year Cycles of Jing

From the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon:

What This Means in Practical Terms

Longterm Vitality Means Conserving Jing

Men’s 8 Year Cycles of Jing

From the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon

What This Means in Practical Terms

Longterm Vitality Means Conserving Jing

What if God is Also a Mother?

Yin, Yang, and the Generation of Cycles

Dry Needling with Acupuncture Needles is just Acupuncture

Diet, Exercise and Delaying Menopause

The Real Deer Antler

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