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This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to:

The theory of yin and yang is the most fundamental concept of traditional Chinese medicine. One of the major beliefs of TCM is that all things in the universe are either yin or yang. However, there are no absolutes: nothing is ever all yin or all yang, but a balance between the two forces. When day changes into night, for instance, it is an example of a yang object changing into a yin object; when winter turns into spring; it is considered a changing from yin to yang. These forces are opposite and yet complementary, and share an interdependent relationship - without yin, there would be no yang, and without yang, no yin.

According to yin and yang theory, each organ in the body has an element of yin and yang within it. Some organs, such as the liver, are predominantly yang; others, such as the kidneys, are yin. Even though an organ may be predominantly yin or yang in nature, the balance of yin and yang is maintained throughout the body, because the sum total of yin and yang will be in balance.

Yang is generally associated with items or concepts that are bright, warm, and in motion. Yin is generally associated with objects or ideas that are dark, still and cold. Any given frame of reference can be divided into opposite factors, i.e. a yin side and a yang side. For instance, a human body can be divided into exterior and interior sections; the temperature can be divided into hot or cold; time can be divided into day or night; animals can divided into hot-blooded or cold-blooded, and so on.

In traditional Chinese medicine, illness is believed to be caused by an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. In an excess of yin, the yang qi would be damaged, leading to the development of a cold disease. Excess of yang will likewise damage yin qi and lead to a heat disease being developed. Basic treatment of these diseases is aimed at replenishing depleted yin or yang, and it is through this process that the balance of yin and yang is re-established. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners attempt to determine the exact nature of the imbalance, then correct it through a variety of approaches, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, exercise, and changes in diet and lifestyle. As the balance is restored in the body, so is the person's health.

If you would like to learn more about yin and yang theory, make sure to speak with a licensed acupuncturist. For more information, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com.

American ginseng is a small plant native to the forests of the northern and central United States. Plant stems grow from a main root, which is light beige or brown in color; each stem contains palm-shaped leaves with greenish-white flowers and red berries.

American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which stimulate the immune system and fight fatigue and stress. The type and percentage of ginsenosides in American ginseng is somewhat different than Asian ginseng. American ginseng appears to be superior for gastrointestinal problems and is commonly used in the U.S. to improve athletic and mental performance. Other studies are examining its use in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune suppression, aging and depression.

The recommended dose of American ginseng is 1-2 grams of fresh root; 0.6-2 grams of dried root; or 200-600ml of a liquid extract daily. Patients using ginseng to improve mental or physical performance should take doses in cycles of 15-20 days, followed by a two-week break.

American ginseng can be found at many Asian markets and grocery stores. Dried and peeled ginseng is available in powder, capsule or extract form.

American ginseng is considered safe (when used in recommended doses). The American Herbal Products Association has given American ginseng a class 2D rating, indicating a possible risk for patients with hypertension. It may increase the effects of caffeine, antipsychotics, blood pressure drugs or steroidal medications. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking American ginseng or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

References

Bahrke M, Morgan P. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng. Sports Medicine 1994;18:229-248.
Li J, et al. Panax quinquefolium saponins protects low density lipoproteins from oxidation. Life Sci 1999;64:53-62.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Answer: Many urinary symptoms can be treated with acupuncture. You would need an examination to find out if your total symptoms are something that acupuncture can help with. Usually, seven to ten treatments represent a reasonable trial.

Question #2: I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Is there any kind of acupuncture treatment available?

Answer: Yes. Not all cases of sleep apnea are diagnosed the same in Chinese medicine, so you would need to have an examination for an evaluation of your particular circumstances. Most patients can find some relief with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicines. Some acupuncturists also offer instructions in breathing and physical exercises. These are also helpful for some patients.

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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July 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 6] To Your Health is brought to you by:

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to: www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php In this issue of To Your Health: The ABCs of TCM: Yin and Yang Theory Herb of the Month: American Ginseng Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum *The ABCs of TCM: Yin and Yang Theory* The theory of yin and yang is the most fundamental concept of traditional Chinese medicine. One of the major beliefs of TCM is that all things in the universe are either yin or yang. However, there are no absolutes: nothing is ever all yin or all yang, but a balance between the two forces. When day changes into night, for instance, it is an example of a yang object changing into a yin object; when winter turns into spring; it is considered a changing from yin to yang. These forces are opposite and yet complementary, and share an interdependent relationship - without yin, there would be no yang, and without yang, no yin. According to yin and yang theory, each organ in the body has an element of yin and yang within it. Some organs, such as the liver, are predominantly yang; others, such as the kidneys, are yin. Even though an organ may be predominantly yin or yang in nature, the balance of yin and yang is maintained throughout the body, because the sum total of yin and yang will be in balance. Yang is generally associated with items or concepts that are bright, warm, and in motion. Yin is generally associated with objects or ideas that are dark, still and cold. Any given frame of reference can be divided into opposite factors, i.e. a yin side and a yang side. For instance, a human body can be divided into exterior and interior sections; the temperature can be divided into hot or cold; time can be divided into day or night; animals can divided into hot-blooded or cold-blooded, and so on. In traditional Chinese medicine, illness is believed to be caused by an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. In an excess of yin, the yang qi would be damaged, leading to the development of a cold disease. Excess of yang will likewise damage yin qi and lead to a heat disease being developed. Basic treatment of these diseases is aimed at replenishing depleted yin or yang, and it is through this process that the balance of yin and yang is re-established. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners attempt to determine the exact nature of the imbalance, then correct it through a variety of approaches, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, exercise, and changes in diet and lifestyle. As the balance is restored in the body, so is the person's health. If you would like to learn more about yin and yang theory, make sure to speak with a licensed acupuncturist. For more information, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com. Herb of the Month: American Ginseng American ginseng is a small plant native to the forests of the northern and central United States. Plant stems grow from a main root, which is light beige or brown in color; each stem contains palm-shaped leaves with greenish-white flowers and red berries. American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which stimulate the immune system and fight fatigue and stress. The type and percentage of ginsenosides in American ginseng is somewhat different than Asian ginseng. American ginseng appears to be superior for gastrointestinal problems and is commonly used in the U.S. to improve athletic and mental performance. Other studies are examining its use in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune suppression, aging and depression. The recommended dose of American ginseng is 1-2 grams of fresh root; 0.6-2 grams of dried root; or 200-600ml of a liquid extract daily. Patients using ginseng to improve mental or physical performance should take doses in cycles of 15-20 days, followed by a two-week break. American ginseng can be found at many Asian markets and grocery stores. Dried and peeled ginseng is available in powder, capsule or extract form. American ginseng is considered safe (when used in recommended doses). The American Herbal Products Association has given American ginseng a class 2D rating, indicating a possible risk for patients with hypertension. It may increase the effects of caffeine, antipsychotics, blood pressure drugs or steroidal medications. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking American ginseng or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral. References Bahrke M, Morgan P. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng. Sports Medicine 1994;18:229-248. Li J, et al. Panax quinquefolium saponins protects low density lipoproteins from oxidation. Life Sci 1999;64:53-62. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996. Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions: Question #1: Can acupuncture help paruresis, or shy-bladder syndrome? Answer: Many urinary symptoms can be treated with acupuncture. You would need an examination to find out if your total symptoms are something that acupuncture can help with. Usually, seven to ten treatments represent a reasonable trial. Question #2: I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Is there any kind of acupuncture treatment available? Answer: Yes. Not all cases of sleep apnea are diagnosed the same in Chinese medicine, so you would need to have an examination for an evaluation of your particular circumstances. Most patients can find some relief with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicines. Some acupuncturists also offer instructions in breathing and physical exercises. These are also helpful for some patients. Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask. Unsubscribe Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php. Update your e-mail address To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here. If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.