Finding Relief with Traditional East Asian Medicine
In the complex landscape of healthcare, certain conditions often leave patients feeling underserved by conventional medicine. Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) steps in to bridge these gaps, offering a holistic and integrative approach to some of the most persistent health challenges.
TEAM offers holistic solutions for conditions like chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, and anxiety—areas where conventional treatments often fall short.
If you are already receiving conventional medical care, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a choice between one or the other. Traditional East Asian Medicine can seamlessly integrate into your existing healthcare regimen, enhancing your overall well-being and addressing health challenges more comprehensively. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or seeking preventive care, Traditional East Asian Medicine’s diverse modalities can work alongside conventional treatments to optimize your health outcomes.
Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are conditions that often perplex conventional medicine, which may focus on managing symptoms like pain and fatigue without addressing the underlying systemic imbalances. Patients frequently find themselves cycling through medications with limited relief.
Traditional East Asian Medicine approaches these conditions by viewing the body as an interconnected system, aiming to restore balance and energy flow.
Acupuncture is used to stimulate specific points on the body, enhancing energy circulation and reducing pain. Herbal medicine is a key component, with formulations tailored to boost energy and support the immune system. Additionally, practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong are recommended to gently increase physical activity, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation, contributing to overall vitality and well-being.
There is more and more research being conducted that demonstrates the benefits of Traditional East Asian Medicine methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
In one randomized, controlled clinical study [1], patients with fibromyalgia practiced qigong for one hour, twice per week for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group, those practicing Qigong showed significant improvement in functioning, relief of pain, improved energy and better sleep.
In another randomized controlled trial, acupuncture showed to be effective in pain relief [2] and in another study of women who had symptoms of fibromyalgia for more than 10 years, they the group that received acupuncture showed significant improvement in pain and fatigue [3].
Hormone Imbalances
Hormone imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are often treated with hormone therapies or medications that may not address individual variations and can have side effects. It also may not be the preferred treatment especially for those seeking more natural solutions.
Traditional East Asian Medicine offers a personalized approach to hormone health, tailoring treatments to each individual’s unique constitution.
Herbal medicine plays a crucial role, with formulations designed to support hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. In a study that compared the use of Chinese herbal medicine granules for the treatment of menopausal symptoms compared to a placebo, the women receiving the herbal medicine showed significant relief from their vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and nightsweats) [4].
Acupuncture is also employed to regulate the endocrine system and improve overall hormonal function. Dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications are integrated into the treatment plan, emphasizing foods that support hormonal health and stress reduction techniques to enhance overall well-being.
Qigong can also be a very powerful self-care tool to help with symptoms of hormone imbalance. In a study conducted with menopausal women who underwent a 12 week Qigong program showed significant improvements for sleep quality, anxiety and depression [5].
Anxiety and Depression
While conventional medicine often relies on pharmaceuticals to manage anxiety and depression, these treatments may not fully address the underlying causes or the mind-body-spirit connection essential for holistic healing.
Traditional East Asian Medicine excels in integrating therapies that address both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health. Acupuncture is used to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Herbal formulations are crafted to harmonize the body’s systems and support emotional balance, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness practices, including meditation and breathing exercises; Tai Chi and Qigong are incorporated to enhance emotional resilience and support long-term mental health.
There is a large amount of research on mind-body therapies demonstrating how these practices elicit the relaxation response, with more studies growing to provide evidence for what the ancients have known for thousands of years, that these therapies work to help with improving mood, energy, and overall quality of life.
What is even more exciting is the evidence that shows that activating the relaxation response through mind-body practices has shown to positively affect the way our genes are expressed. In other words, it has the power to positively affect our DNA! [6]. This means that there is scientific evidence to show the power of mind-body practices to awaken our body’s healing mechanism to prevent and treat disease.
Find Relief
By bridging the gaps left by conventional medicine, Traditional East Asian Medicine offers a comprehensive path to relief and healing for those facing chronic fatigue, hormone imbalances, and mental health challenges. With its holistic, patient-centered approach, TEAM not only addresses symptoms but also empowers individuals to achieve lasting wellness by treating the root causes of their conditions.
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Cited Research Studies:
- Jiao, Juan et al. “Ba-Duan-Jin alleviates pain and fibromyalgia-related symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia: results of a randomised controlled trial.” Clinical and experimental rheumatology vol. 37,6 (2019): 953-962.
- Vas, Jorge et al. “Acupuncture for fibromyalgia in primary care: a randomised controlled trial.” Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society vol. 34,4 (2016): 257-66. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2015-010950
- Mist, Scott D, and Kim Dupree Jones. “Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Women with Fibromyalgia: Group Acupuncture with Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis-Based Point Selection.” Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) vol. 19,9 (2018): 1862-1871. doi:10.1093/pm/pnx322
- Fu, Shu-fei et al. “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Chinese herbal medicine granules for the treatment of menopausal symptoms by stages.” Menopause (New York, N.Y.) vol. 23,3 (2016): 311-23. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000534
- Carcelén-Fraile, María Del Carmen et al. “Qigong for mental health and sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 101,39 (2022): e30897. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000030897
- Dusek, Jeffery A et al. “Genomic counter-stress changes induced by the relaxation response.” PloS one vol. 3,7 e2576. 2 Jul. 2008, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002576
Ⓒ Melissa Roxas, Little Sage Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine