Meridian Health Bytes

Meridian Tips @ at the HeartHealth Forum

2011-07-12T23:40:00.003+08:00

Article of the Month

2009-02-16T14:43:00.001+08:00

Enhancing sexual health

EVERYONE experiences low sexual drive and other sexual problems at some point in their lives.

This may be due to illnesses, surgery, injury, fatigue and stress. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are at higher risk of developing sexual problems. These conditions may affect blood flow to the sexual organs and nerve functions. Ageing may also affect sexual health in women as many complain of vaginal dryness and lack of libido especially after menopause.

Those who are younger may experience sexual problems due to stress and fatigue. A heavy workload and long hours may affect a person's behaviour and mood towards sex. Other problems faced by younger people involve finances, poor health and relationship with others.

Balancing your life is important to ensure a healthy sex life and ultimately, a healthy relationship with your partner. Healthy eating and regular exercises are advised. It is not as easy to put this into practice but it may help your health overall, including sexual health.

Many people opt for vitamin Bs to sustain energy levels and to cope in times of stress. Others go for herbal remedies. A combination of herbs such as horny goat weed, ginkgo, ginseng, withania, muira puama, puncture vine and damiana may be of benefit.

Withania and ginseng are adaptogens which help one cope with stress. In addition, ginseng increases the nitric oxide level, helpful for erectile dysfunction. Ginkgo has been traditionally used to promote blood flow. The herb relaxes the artery walls, allowing more blood flow to the penis. Horny goat weed has testosterone-like effects, stimulating sexual desire and sensory nerves.

Damiana stimulates the natural desire for sex. Muira Puama increases libido and helps in hormone production. It also helps to maintain an erection. Puncture vine raises the amount of luteinising hormone, leading to increased testosterone levels in men.

A combination of these herbs increases the production of the hormones dopamine and serotonin by the pituitary gland. The adrenal gland produces lower amounts of cortisol and higher DHEA. This leads to higher stamina and energy levels. In addition, these herbs are able to relax muscles, thus improving blood flow.

According to Dr Ismail Tamby, an andrologist or specialist in sexual and reproductive health medicine who conducted a study on 50 people from all walks of life using these herbs, all of them had positive effects not only in sexual health, but also in physical and mental health.

"The participants saw changes in their body, improved health, better immune system and higher energy levels. This is what this food supplement does. It adapts to improve function and processes and gives a lot of benefits," said Dr Tamby.

This article was first published in The New Straits Times on Dec 24, 2007.

Why do accpressure massage?

2009-02-16T14:29:00.005+08:00

Acupressure primarily affects the body as a whole. It can be used to treat a large range of health problems, but it is particularly effective for headaches, tension, depression and fatigue, as well as neck and back problems. As a preventive therapy there is a good chance that some illnesses will be caught very early as a result of acupressure treatment. Taking a look at the key effects of acupressure gives insight into how acupressure works and what the benefits of acupressure are:

Activating Qi and blood (increasing its activity)
Regulating Qi and blood (dispersing stagnation and guiding counter flow)
Dredging the channels (removing external pathogens like Cold and Damp)
Reduce muscle tension
Improve blood circulation
Improve lymph movement
Increase mobility and range of motion of joints
Stimulate or smooth nervous system Enhance skin condition
Relief of acute and chronic pain
Reduce swelling

Case Study: Acupressure for protruding Discs - Acupressure were performed on 82 patients diagnosed with protruding lumbar discs to activate Qi and blood and alleviate pain. Most patients experienced improved curvature of the spinal column, increased range of motion and decreased back pain after being massaged. (Source: Journal of TCM, June 2002; 22(2); 126-127)

For the best results, it is always a good idea to receive a combined treatment of acupressure together with acupuncture therapy, and/or Chinese herbal medicine if necessary.

Meridian Channels

2009-02-16T14:04:00.001+08:00

There are 14 main Meridians, and these correspond to the 14 main organs in the body, such as the Liver, Heart, Stomach, Kidneys, Spleen, and so on. These Meridians are bilateral - there is an identical pair on each side of the body. Some are more Yin meridians, with functions more to do with storing the vital essences of the body. There are the Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Heart, Lungs, and Pericardium. The other six are more Yang Meridians, with function more to do with transportation of fluids and flood. These are the Bladder, Gallbladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and the Triple Warmer (a mechanism which regulates the overall body temperature and the Upper, Middle and Lower parts of the body). There are also tow extra meridians. One of which runs up the front center line of the body - Conception Vessel, and one of which runs up the spine - the Governor Vessel.

For instance, the Liver Meridian runs from the big toe, up the inside of the leg, through the genitals, and then deep into the Liver organ itself. There can be problems along the course of the meridian, and there is also a sphere of influence which each organ has within the body. The Liver controls the free flow of Qi generally in the body, including the evenness of emotions, digestion, and menstruation. It also store the blood, rules circulation in the tendons, has the major influence on the eyes, and manifests in the nails. It is therefore possible to see how diseases in these areas of the body may be treated via the Liver Meridian.

In illness, different meridians exhibit different tendencies of disharmony - for instance, the Spleen has a tendency to deficiency causing Damp. This creates symptoms such as diarrhea or lassitude (tiredness). The Liver; on the other hand, has tendency toward rising Yang, creating red sore eyes, migraines, and high blood pressure

Concept of Meridian

2009-02-12T15:57:00.003+08:00

Meridians aid in the flow of blood and qi, and nourish the body, integrating our viscera and limbs into a balanced and systematic whole

Meridians are like rivers, the water that flows through is like our blood which contains nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells. The water (blood) is being push through the system by current (Qi). Along the river system there are dams, these dams are like our accupressure points. When these dams are blocked, the water can't flow through well. And water in the lakes become stagnant and living things inside starts to die. The lake is like our organs, without fresh supply of blood, the cells inside starts to deteriots and illness starts to form

Thus by applying Meridian Massage, we are stimulating our accupressure points to ensure there are no blockages, and blood and qi circulates well in our body system.

Headaches, Colds and Backaches--Most Common Health Complaints

2008-08-06T13:44:00.001+08:00

Would you rely on synthetic drugs or use a natural remedy? Use natural remedy to cure the root of the problem instead of removing the sympton

Mid-Life Crisis

2008-01-30T15:39:00.000+08:00

The “mid-life crisis” that affects men in their 40’s and 50’s has never been well understood in medical terms. We now know that men go through hormonal changes in their middle years, just like women do. It’s been termed “andropause”, and it can be just as debilitating and emotionally challenging as menopause can be for women.
Men and women have the same sex hormones in their bodies, just in different proportions. Men have a predominance of testosterone, while their estrogen levels are supposed to be much lower than those of women.

Testosterone is commonly regarded as a “sex hormone”, but it’s a “total body hormone” affecting every cell in the body. As men age, their hormone levels change and this causes a range of effects in the body, including:
• loss of muscle mass
• weight gain especially around the abdomen
• decreased libido and sexual function
• depression

Hormone changes in men are also associated with a range of significant degenerative diseases, including:
• heart disease
• stroke
• diabetes
• arthritis
• osteoporosis
• hypertension

There are several changes in the hormones that contribute to andropause. One is a reduction in free testosterone. But low testosterone is just part of the picture. Research shows that as men age, they convert more of their testosterone to estrogens.

A regimen of natural hormones and specific nutrient and herb supplementation can be prescribed to help boost the free testosterone levels, decrease the excess estrogens, and protect the prostate gland.

The many benefits of herb therapy for men include increased feeling of well-being, increased libido and greater sexual performance and satisfaction, increased strength and stamina and greater muscle mass, and weight loss (especially around the abdomen). There are also longer term benefits such as protection against cardiovascular disease and neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s.
Andropause is not just a psychological phenomenon – it’s a very real physiological change involving the hormones that keep men young and healthy! It is possible to assess hormone levels and develop anti-aging regimens for men as well as women. It’s never too late for a happier, healthier, more satisfying life.

Talk! Don’t be Shy!

2007-12-04T17:06:00.000+08:00

Sex drive needn’t take a nose dive during menopause. It can be treated but only if women throw away their inhibition and communicate the problem early.

Menopause – the “M” word that marks the end of fertility – is a enopause – the “M” word that marks the end of fertility – is a natural event that women hate to hear and talk about. It happens when ovaries stop releasing eggs and the production of sex hormones (namely estrogen and progesterone) decreases.

This is also a period when sex drive decreases, affecting a woman’s relationship with her husband. Other symptoms that can make a woman’s life insufferable during menopause include hot flushes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood swings.

Suffer in silence

Sex for peri- and post-menopause women is a taboo subject and many women are too shy to discuss the topic with their spouse or doctor.

There is really no need to suffer in silence as sex is an important aspect of a woman’s relationship – regardless of age. So, women shouldn’t think they’re alone with the problem.

Most physicians attribute poor libido to decrease in female sex hormones, compounded by negative changes in mood and poor wellbeing after menopause. Another reason is the decline in androgens or testosterone. Testosterone affects a person’s
vitality and is related to a woman’s sexual wellbeing, sexual interest and responsiveness. Androgen levels start to decline over the 10 years before menopause when women are in their 40s.

Merdians to take care

The Bladder Meridian is where our vital energy is stored for times of need. This is our ability to hold on to ideas, to stay with things to retain vital chi itself. If we are tired it is good to look at the Bladder meridian.

The Kidney Meridian is the centre of our will and determination. This part of us is like water ; when roused nothing can get in our way, when quiet can still erode a mighty mountain. When unwell we don't have the will to do anything.

Herbal Essential Oils to use in Meridian Massage:

- Dang Gui (Angelica)
- Juniper
- Chuan Xiong
- Szechuan Lovage Rhizome

For exact accupressure points knowledge, register for the earliest workshop at www.essentiallymeridian.com M101 for Everyone

TCM for the Treatment of Women’s Issues

2007-11-16T12:00:00.002+08:00

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), which uses acupuncture, acupressure and herbal remedies, is very successful in treating gynecological issues that women face monthly. Weather you suffer from hormone imbalances, PMS, painful menstruation, endometriosis or infertility…acupuncture can help. Eastern medicine seeks to restore health by treating the entire body - not just addressing the symptoms - bringing the body back to a state of health and vitality. Studies have proven that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is effective in treating women’s health issues.
The theory of acupuncture dates back thousands of years and is based on the balance of energy flow throughout the body. There is a negative impact if a blockage or imbalance occurs.

Like a river, if debris accumulates, water is prevented or limited to flow down stream. In order for optimal health and wellness the energy must flow freely. To promote this flow of energy, point combinations are stimulated with Acupressure masssages according to problems you are experiencing.

The smallest imbalance in the endocrine system can alter the way the body produces hormones. Many menstrual irregularities arise from a disturbance in hormone levels…whether you have missed your period for months, are bleeding heavily every two weeks, experience excessive mood swings or have extreme pain related to your cycle.
Health is restored by stimulating your own natural production of hormones.

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder that affects 40 million women each year. Of the 150 symptoms related to PMS, many commonly experienced are: mood swings, depression, headaches, acne, bloating and intense cravings. Shifts in the hormone levels are associated with increased estrogen in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and the cause of PMS. If there is a vitamin deficiency, emotional/physical stress and a poor diet, symptoms are thought to be worse.

Acupressure point massage combinations assist in the release of hormones thereby regulating the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms will decline as hormonal balance is achieved with regular cycles.

Painful menstruation, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a main cause of women being unable to participate in work and social activities. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by stress and anxiety, strong uterine contractions and lack of exercise is attributed to most painful menstrual cycles. Endometriosis, which is secondary dysmenorrhea, is now thought to be accountable for some of the cases of painful menstruation.

Acupressure massage is an alternative way to treat infertility problems and is also complimentary to western fertility treatments. Infertility is thought to be caused by an imbalance of energy and blood flow affecting the acupuncture meridian systems. TCM is beneficial because it can provide an effective, natural and safe approach to treatments for infertility.

The following conditions treated with acupuncture and herbs have increased the potential fertility in women: stress reduction, hormone regulation to produce more follicles, increased blood flow to the uterus, better quality eggs by improved function of the ovaries and regulating the menstrual cycle.

. TCM can balance, strengthen and benefit your overall health and support your chances of becoming pregnant.

. Acupuncture and accupressure is recognized as an effective treatment for menstrual irregularities, pain, PMS, fertility, emotional problems, reproductive problems by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). TCM has the ability to treat many disorders women experience monthly without the side effects of conventional medicine.

Meridian Health - gaining importance in today's living

2007-10-15T12:56:00.000+08:00

Going back to natural therapy is getting known in today's living and lifestyle. Even the media is highlighting some of the techniques. Readers interested to learn these DIY techniques, can visit DIY Meridian Therapy website

Men & Sex: Can they really do it?

2007-10-09T01:47:00.001+08:00

Singapore is topping the charts again!! According to the Asia Medical Conference on Erectile Dysfunction state that 1 out of 2 Singaporean men suffers from erectile dysfunction (impotency). Shocking to most people 70 -80% of impotency is closely related to diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, high fat contents and obesity. Lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, late nights and lack of exercise are also the contributing factors.

What exactly is impotency? It doesn’t just mean being able to erect. 1 out of 10 sexual intercourse is unable to have an erection or the erection is not hard enough, and also the ability to sustain until the end of the sexual intercourse.

Do you know of anyone who is 100% satisfied with his sex life? Do you know that it is now getting very common especially in developed countries like Singapore but dont let it put you down cos it is that common now. Erectile dysfunction is thought as an omen for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases, we recommend that you summon to courage to seek medical help. Help can also be in the natural way. Abide by the notion that prevention is better than cure.

What are some of the natural way of prevention...Our modern lifestyles are constantly bombarded by stress and other factors giving rise to poor stamina and decreased sex drive. For these modern generation males who lead a busy lifestyles, herbs essential oils that contains szechuan lovage rhizome, juniper are known to rekindle the romantic sparks between couples and paving the way to blissful love.

Szechuan Lovage Rhizome is mild with a hot taste, in Chinese medicine it is commonly used to facilitate flow of blood and qi, harmonise the meridians and strengthen the physique. When circulation of qi and blood is improved, fatigue can be eliminated, stamina will be restored and your body will feel refreshed and revitalised. Other usages include:

1) Enhance Stamina

Men usually feels exhausted from work and this usually affects other aspects of their lives.

Apply the essential oil at the back of the waist; there are specific acupressure points around the area, along the kidney meridian. Direct applications on meridian points like sanyingjiao, and yongquan

"San Yin Jiao"

2) Eliminated Body Aches

Carrying heavy objects may result in body aches. Experience the obvious reduction of body aches and improved productivity by applying the essential oil on the specific bladder and kidney meridians and the acupressure points like Sanyinjiao and Yongquan

All these massages are simple and easy to do; you just to know the how to locate these points and the right herbs to use.

Male Hormone Imbalance

2007-10-03T13:07:00.000+08:00

The “mid-life crisis” that affects men in their 40’s and 50’s has never been well understood in medical terms. We now know that men go through hormonal changes in their middle years, just like women do. It’s been termed “andropause”, and it can be just as debilitating and emotionally challenging as menopause can be for women.

Men and women have the same sex hormones in their bodies, just in different proportions. Men have a predominance of testosterone, while their estrogen levels are supposed to be much lower than those of women.

Testosterone is commonly regarded as a “sex hormone”, but it’s a “total body hormone” affecting every cell in the body. As men age, their hormone levels change and this causes a range of effects in the body, including:

• loss of muscle mass
• weight gain especially around the abdomen
• decreased libido and sexual function
• depression

Hormone changes in men are also associated with a range of significant degenerative diseases, including:

• heart disease
• stroke
• diabetes
• arthritis
• osteoporosis
• hypertension

There are several changes in the hormones that contribute to andropause. One is a reduction in free testosterone. But low testosterone is just part of the picture. Research shows that as men age, they convert more of their testosterone to estrogens. In fact, it is the increase in estrogens that is thought to be responsible for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), which is extremely common.

A regimen of natural hormones and specific nutrient and herb supplementation can be prescribed to help boost the free testosterone levels, decrease the excess estrogens, and protect the prostate gland.

The many benefits of herb therapy for men include increased feeling of well-being, increased libido and greater sexual performance and satisfaction, increased strength and stamina and greater muscle mass, and weight loss (especially around the abdomen). There are also longer term benefits such as protection against cardiovascular disease and neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s.

Andropause is not just a psychological phenomenon – it’s a very real physiological change involving the hormones that keep men young and healthy! It is possible to assess hormone levels and develop anti-aging regimens for men as well as women. It’s never too late for a happier, healthier, more satisfying life.

Rate and share the answer in comment

2007-10-03T02:48:00.000+08:00

Rate yourself as follows: describes me strongly(A),somewhat(B),or very little(C)

DESIRE STATEMENT SELF RATING

CURIOSITY
I have a thirst for knowledge

ACCEPTANCE
I have a hard time coping with criticism

ORDER
It upsets me when things are out of place

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical fitness is important to me

HONOR
I am a highly principled and loyal person

POWER
I often seek leadership roles

INDEPENDENCE
Self reliance is essential to my happiness

SOCIAL CONTACT
I am known as a fun loving person

FAMILY
My children comes first

STATUS
I am impressed by people who own expensive things

IDEALISM
Compared with most people, I am very concern withsocial causes

VENGEANCE
It is very important to me to get even with those who insult or offend me

ROMANCE
Compared with my peers, I spend much more time pursuing of having sex

EATING
I love to eat and often fantasize about food

SAVING
I hate throwing things away

TRANQUILITY
It scares me when my heart beat rapidly

Quality of Life and Happiness

2007-10-03T01:51:00.000+08:00

What does it take to really make you happy?

Do you know that some people can be happy while in pain and unhappy while experiencing pleasure? To understand this, two kinds of happiness must be distinguished: feel-good and value-based. Feel-good happiness is sensation-based pleasure. When we joke around or have sex, we experience feel-good happiness. Since feel-good happiness is ruled by the law of diminishing returns, the kicks get harder to come by. This type of happiness rarely lasts longer than a few hours at a time.

Value-based happiness is a sense that our lives have meaning and fulfill some larger purpose. It represents a spiritual source of satisfaction, stemming from our deeper purpose and values. We experience value-based happiness when we satisfy any of the basic desires---the more desires we satisfy, the more value-based happiness we experience. Since this form of happiness is not ruled by the law of diminishing returns, there is no limit to how meaningful our lives can be.

These basic desires make us individuals.Although everybody embraces these desires, individuals prioritize them differently… one do not have to satisfy all the desires, only the five or six most important to you.

Most people turn to relationships, careers, family, leisure and spirituality to satisfy their most important desires.

Since we have the potential to satisfy our basic desires through relationships, we can find greater happiness by finding new relationships or by improving the ones we already have. After looking at these basic desires and estimating the five or six most important to you, do the same for your partner, or have your partner take the quiz.

If you have a high desire for acceptance, for example, you need work that exposes you to little evaluation and potential criticism. If you have a high desire for order, you need work that involves minimal ambiguity and exposes you to few changes. If you are a curious person, you need a job that makes you think.

Everyone deserve a satisfying sex life

2007-10-01T01:57:00.000+08:00

Before jumping into conclusion, do take sometime to ponder..

This subject is a subject where most of us were curious to know since our younger days and at the same time shy to talk about it. Especially in Asian culture, it is a taboo subject to talk about in the family. Parents often wonder at which age and how should they introduce sex education to their next generation. In fact, seriously speaking, sex plays an important role in our life, it contributes to the population, entertainment to your marriage life and in case you are not aware, the underlying reasons when marriage break down is usually connected to the sex life too.

If i may be philosophical, it spans across moral, ethical, theological, spiritual aspects of life.