Some Vegetables Which Prevent & Treat Cold & Flu

日本鍼灸院

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Some Vegetables, No 2

Vegetables Which Prevent & Treat Cold & Flu

Periillae (Zi Su Ye in Chinese, Shi-soh in Japanese)

Highly aromatic herbal leaf disperses cold and nasal congestion, reduces nausea and vomiting. Full of vitamins and minerals: carotene, vitamin C, B1, B2, calcium, potassium, iron, perilla aldehyde. There are purple and green perillas: purple one contains slightly less carotene.

A sushi chef may make give you a perilla wrapped sushi (especially good with squid). Fresh one, you can place a leaf at the bottom of tea cup and pour hot water and drink as tea. You can also dry the leaves and make it as tea. Sprinkle chopped perilla in a salad.

Green Onion

November and December are the best months for green onions. Cold weather adds sweetness and softness to the onion (comes March, they become hardened).

How To Select:

White part of the onion should have luster and the separation of the part to the green part is clear and distinct. If you press on it, you should sense certain hardness, and upon picking up, it should have a weight. (Unfortunately, green onions we see in supermarket are not the quality we would want. I suggest trying Asian markets to see if they have fresh ones).

Power of Green Onion:

In the white part, it contain large amount of allicin (garlic has it). Allicin helps absorb vitamin B1 and helps reduce fatigue. It is antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic. Green onion also contains large amount of vitamin C and calcium and keeps the blood vessel and the bone healthy. (other vitamins: vitamin K, carotene).

Cooking:

Do not overcook. When cooked with meat or fish, it neutralizes the smell. When catching cold or fatigued, I suggest that you make miso soup with a large amount of chopped green onions (Soup will control sweating, reduce the aversion to cold and headache)

Lotus Root

Power of Lotus Root

Full of vitamin C, B1 and B2. Contains potassium, iron, copper, tannin (antioxidant, good for stopping cough), and fiber. It has mucin, which turns to glucuronic acid to eliminate toxic substances (also good for people with high blood pressure and diabetes). The root has starch, unusual for vegetable, and vitamin C is in the starch, so the break up of the C is minimum. This combination will give you energy and warmth to the body.

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC ã2010

How To Prevent Cold & Flu This Season

 

How To Prevent Catching Cold & Flu This Season

I have not gotten sick for more than ten years now and I write what I do to prevent getting sick this fall and winter seasons.

 

1]  Start preparing in the month of September.  Preparing in October when people around you are getting sick is too late.  In October, people start catching cold when an influx of visitors from the East Coast with sickness come to Arizona.

a)  Stop drinking alcohol.  Alcohol weakens the liver and the immune system.  If you drink, be careful a day after.  Drink lots of water, supplement with vitamin C.

b)  Start wearing socks.  No more sandals or flops.  We catch cold from the foot.  If you feel slight cold air in your feet one day, then you must know a pathogen is coming into your body.  Keep your feet warm.

c)  We also catch cold from the back of the neck.  If you feel slight cold as on the foot, then a pathogen is entering your body system.  Keep the back of the neck warm.

d)  Remember, earlier the detection is faster your recovery (once, I felt I was catching cold, and I gave a shiatsu/acupressure treatment on one point, and I literally felt the pathogen getting away from my body.  It took only three seconds.).

e)  Eat well and drink lots of fluid.  Sleep extra hours.  Winter is not the time to stay awake late at night.

f)  Be careful when you transit one environment to another:  for example, getting up from warm bed to cool morning air; getting out of  hot shower or from pool, etc.

g)  Avoid large gatherings.  If someone blows his breathe to your face, I can almost guarantee that you will get sick.  Also, avoid smoking and toxic environment.  

 

2]  Become aware how the body is responding:  slight headache you almost disregard in other time but be careful in fall and winter; slight sensation of chill; slight cough or dry mouth;  heavy sensation in the head; slight bodyache or fatigue, runny nose, etc.

a)  If you feel slight headache with slight bodyache, then, you must assume a pathogen is entering your body.

b)  If you start to feel slight cold sensation or movements of air in the neck or feet, you must assume you are getting sick.

c)  If one of your family member is getting sick, you must assume that you are vulnerable, too. 

d)  If you can prevent sickness above the diaphragm, you will recover faster:  coughing or/and sneezing stage.  However, once a pathogen passes through the diaphragm, then it is too late:  stomachache or diarrhea.  Recover will take lot longer and symptoms more severe.

 

3]  How to prevent.

a)  Immediately, start drinking lots of water.  Supplement with vitamin C and Bs.  Rest.  Do not stay up.  You must sleep well.  Wear warmer clothes.  Once you recover from slight headache and other symptoms, you will know that you have an immune system already build up for the season (in my opinion, you do not need a flu shot if you can recover from cold/flu symptoms as early as possible).  

b)  Double or triple the amount of green leafy vegetables.  Eat well and make sure your digestive system is well functioning.  If you have a diarrhea, you need to straighten the situation ASAP.   

c)  Sleep well.  Add extra hours for sleep.  

d)  Be strong mentally.  You can fight off disease like cold/flu at an early stage by your will alone (tell yourself you can beat it).

e)  Remember, once a pathogen passes through the diaphragm, it is too late:  stomachache, diarrhea, fever, etc.  In this case, you must take medicine and other remedies, and go see a doctor.

 

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC   copyright 2010

日本鍼灸院, Japanese Acupuncture: Cancer

日本鍼灸院

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Cancer: How To Prevent and How To Cope

I lost my aunt to liver cancer in July. Since I lost my mother to lung cancer, it is time for me to write about cancer.

First Defense:

Change blood to alkaline. Stop drinking alcohol and change your diet.

How:

1) Start eating lot of dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, and spinach. If you have cancer and cannot eat much, blend them together (you may drop some supplements), and drink the juice.

2) Eat seaweeds. Seaweeds cleanse blood and are anti-cancer (have fucoidan). You may buy a box of seaweed pills; triple the dosage if you have cancer.

3) You must stop drinking all types of alcohol. I do not know anyone who has beaten cancer while drinking. When comes to cancer, it is all about the liver. You must not weaken the functions of liver, or you will face the consequence.

(Also be aware, many drugs will weaken the liver. You must consult your doctor if prescribed drugs you take are really beneficial to your conditions). Stop eating all junk foods, spicy greasy foods, especially fried.

4) Cleanse the colon and do the liver detox. Do colonic once a month or after a severe diarrhea. Do the liver detox at the same time once in a while. In my opinion, the liver detox should be no longer than 14 days. An important part many of us forget is to strengthen the liver after a detox program. This is crucial because any liver detox will weaken the liver slightly. Eat green leafy vegetables and take Vit B supplements as soon as you are done with detox. Avoid stimulants such as hot spices, coffee, fried foods, strong drugs, etc.

5) Reduce stress. You must reduce stress. If you are in a stressful situation, you must question your priority. For example, if you think you are getting sicker having a job that you do not enjoy, then quit. It is not worth dying for. Find a direction in life and search for peace.

Second Defense:

Do not deny. If your heart* tells you that you need to change, you must act (surprisingly, so many people do not act and do nothing until too late). Have a support system. You should have someone in your peer group to talk to. You should seek answers from a doctor or an alternative practitioner. Once you have cancer, your family members will suffer as much as you do. You should have a support group to go through a difficult time. Have a strong mental mind. Do not be afraid. Many cancers with early detections are treatable. If you tell yourself that you are healthy and devoid of malignant cells, your subconscious has no other way but to make you healthy. There is always hope. (*"heart": note that I did not write "brain." Brain always lies to us. Here, you must "feel" rather than "think.")

Some Vegetables, No 2: for cancer

1) Seaweeds (sea vegetables)

SAD (Standard American Diet) lacks the mineral intake from the sea. All seaweeds contain iodine (good for thyroid) and fucoidan (anti-cancer). They cleanse blood.

2) Mushrooms

Reduce cholesterol, inhibit tumor growth, increase the immune function.

3) Ginseng

Antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic. Ginseng is a strong herb, and I must caution you for overdose. Also, do not take with green tea.

4) Cauliflower & Broccoli

Contains isothiocyanate which helps the liver to detoxify carcinogenic substances.

5) Any green leafy vegetables are recommended.

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC copyright 2010

July 2010 Special

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC

600 N. 4^th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

480-246-0624

July 2010 Special

Get rid of hot flashes, night sweat, and the menopausal syndrome. I now have a special Chinese herb formula which is already proven to be effective. For hot flashes, it may stop it in one or two days. For high blood pressure, it maybe reduced to a normal range in a month. I am including my hormonal balancing treatment with this herb formula. See below.

Chinese herb formula: $28 plus tax (9.3 %: AZ resident), free shipping.

Hormonal balance treatment: $85, including the Chinese herb formula (this price applies also to a first time patient, 30% off). Prepayment necessary.

Supply is limited (you may wait for a week for the Chinese formula).

Offer ends on July 31, 2010

Call: 480-246-0624

Some Vegetable, No. 1: Japan Acupuncture/日本鍼灸/Phoenix, Arizona

日本鍼灸院

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Just A Caution

I recently bought a bottle of cranberry juice because it read "Zero Sugar Added." After drinking it, I thought it was unusually sweet and I felt somewhat weird. I reread the label and at the bottle's corner it was written in smaller letters "Sweetened with Splenda." Be aware and read the label carefully. The brand name I picked up was Langers.

Some Vegetables, No 1

Carrots:

Full of potassium (helps proper function of muscles and nerves; reduces the risk of high blood pressure), and beta-carotene (enhances the immune function; reduces free radicals). Leaves have full of vitamin C and calcium. Try to cook them.

How to select carrots and preserve:

Try to buy carrots with top leaves. If leaves are cut off, then, look at the base of the carrot's neck. If it is blackish, has some cracks (de-hydrated and hard) or too big or fat compare to the rest, choose an another.

Carrots are very weak against humidity and high temperature. Wipe moist with paper towel.

Put in plastic bag and refrigerate. Leftover should be wrapped.

Tips for cooking:

Soak carrot pieces in slightly salty water for a few minutes before cooking; they will retain the bright color of red (also detoxifying).

Tomatoes:

Full of vitamin C, lycopene (caratenoid and antioxidant) and beta-carotene. When cooked, they increase the sweetness. Although vitamin C is destroyed by cooking, the lycopene absorption rate and concentration increase. Pectin in tomatoes softens fats in meat and fish. Tomatoes are also compatible with vegetables, beans, and eggs.

How to pick tomatoes and preserve:

The form should be round. If it looks pointy or square-ish, it may contain a hollow space within. Skin and color should have brightness. You can freeze them. If you worry about pesticides, the skin of frozen tomatoes can be peeled easily (soak in cold water for a few minuets before peeling).

Asparagus:

Full of vitamin C, E, B, beta-carotene, and aspartic acid (type of amino acid which reduces fatigue).

How to select asparagus and preserve:

It is hard to find fresh asparagus in the market. When you find, smell them. They should have strong aroma. If you find purple asparagus, buy them. They contain more polyphenol (antioxidant) and taste sweeter (turn to green when cooked). The stem should have a soft luster on the surface. Cut out at the base of spear should be round in shape. The top (crown) part should be tight and not open. Asparagus looses its sweetness only one day after harvest. If they are fresh, eat them sooner. When you buy fresh ones, cut the bottoms about 1/8 of an inch. If water droplets come out, wipe lightly, then pray water mist, wrap with newspaper, then wrap once more with plastic before refrigeration.

Cabbages:

Full of vitamin C (antioxidant, cofactor in the synthesis of collagen), vitamin K (helps blood clotting and bone loss), and vitamin U (helps gastric disorders).

How to select cabbages and preserve:

When you pick it up, it should not feel too heavy in your hand (late harvest, over-grown, tastes bitter: however, winter cabbage tends to be heavier than spring cabbage). Top leaf and two or three layers below should be fresh green, have luster, and the layers should be tight. If cabbage is whitish, it is stored too long after harvest (most cabbages in supermarket). They are less tasty. Turn cabbage upside down. Look at the core of its stem. The size of the core should not be any more than an inch and a quarter big. If larger, it is overgrown and less tasty. Wrap and bag to store in refrigerator. Cabbage is famous for pickling such as sauerkraut for preservation.

Tips on usage:

Peel outer layer by layer for cooking rather than cut in half and chop (cabbage starts rotting from cut surfaces and loose vitamin C).

Snow Peas:

Full of beta-carotene, vitamin C (3 times more than tomato): also contains vitamin B1 and B2 , fiber, and minerals (potassium, calcium). Pea itself contains protein, vitamin B1, and lysine (essential amino acid that helps to reduce cholesterol, to form collagen, bones, and connective tissues).

How to select snow peas and preserve:

Do not go for the darkest green color. The green should be fresh and shiny looking. Snow pea has a hair (or shall I say, a tail) at the tip. This should be white and not sagging or droopy. Spray mist water, wrap with paper, place in plastic bag for refrigeration.

Continues to the next issue.

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC copyright 2010

Most Advised On Diet & Life Style: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona, 日本鍼灸院

日本鍼灸院

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Most Advised on Diet and Life Style

1: Cut down on intake of cheeses. I know most of us love cheese but it is phlegm, and the phlegm is very hard to get rid from the body system. Ancient Chinese attributed phlegm as a cause of thousand weird diseases. Once cheese is ingested and heated by the body heat, it congeals and creates stagnation. Stagnation is the cause of diseases. Europeans eat cheeses everyday, but their products are more natural and less processed. Stay away from American cheeses that are highly processed.

One thing for sure, if you eat large amount of processed cheese every single day, you will get a heart attack. Loosing weight would be difficult when eating cheese. Avoid junk and fast foods. Choose goat or feta cheeses over others if you crave.

2: Increase intake of foods from the sea. Standard American Diet (SAD) lacks nutrients and minerals from the sea. We came from the sea and our blood plasma has the similar ionic composition as seawater. Unless you live in the remotest places from the sea, it is wise to consider benefits from the sea. Not many people like seaweeds (vegetables of the sea), and I advise to buy seaweed pills from health food stores. Seaweeds contain iodine that helps to balance the thyroid function and fucoidan that is anti-cancer (Japanese studies).

Seaweeds cleanse the blood, eliminate heavy metals, and detoxify the body. A suggestion for a cancer patient is to take, along with green leaf vegetable diet, highly concentrated seaweeds pills daily.

3: Reduce the stress level. Stress causes the blood to become acidic almost

immediately. Bacteria thrive on the acidic environment. With acidic blood, you are prone to fatigue and diseases. It also causes calcium deposits in the body; the most notable is the stenosis of heart valves. There are too many factors I can discuss regarding stress and I cannot possibly write here. Study yourself.

Do something immediately when stressed. If you start feeling queasiness in the stomach, it is too late. Take a deep breathe, concentrate on how you are breathing, try to change the frame of mind by paying attention to the light of the day, smell of things, greenness of trees and plants, beauty of flowers, etc. Try to change negative adjectives to

positives: i.e., anger to excitement, sadness to joy.

Walking and light exercises are good (increase dopamine). Read the section below to know what supplements to take.

4: Adrenal exhaustion and sympathetic dominance. Are you jumpy when you hear a sudden loud noise? Do you often have scary dreams? Are you living in a stressful environment? Are you depressed or feeling anxiety with fatigue? Do you think you do not know how to relax? Do you hide fear (or past issues) behind busy life style and do not know how to address the real issue behind it? If so, you may have either or both the adrenal exhaustion and the sympathetic dominant nervous system. A sympathetic dominant person is easy to detect (adrenal exhaustion is easily understood by symptoms). Usually, the person’s right neck, just below the earlobe (the sternocleidomastoid muscle), is fatter or bigger than the left. If you cannot relax your head and neck, mostly likely it is fear based. If you cannot relax the elbows, it may relate to childhood issues.

Stay away from sugar and processed foods as much as possible. No spicy and greasy foods and alcohol. Cut down on coffee or tea that has high caffeine content (i.e., early grey). Drink tea that is soothing (i.e., chamomile). Learn meditation and abdominal breathing techniques. Receive a re-birthing or other guidance. If you are in stressful environment, get out ASAP: it is not worth risking your health. Resolve stressful issues quickly and move on. Take a break. Get a massage or an acupuncture.

Recommended supplements: Vit B6/B12 (sublingual), Tyrosine, Taurine, CoQ-10, fish oil, magnesium and zinc (and other multi-minerals). There are more. Seek professional opinion.

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC ã2010

Life Style To Control High Blood Pressure: Japanese Acupuncture, LLC, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Life Style To Control High Blood Pressure

5 Must Dos

1) Reduce salt intake

2) Avoid overeating, reduce weight

3) Exercise

4) Stop smoking and excessive alcohol intake

5) Reduce stress

1) Reduction of Salt

Use sour, aroma, and tastiness. Sour foods would stimulate digestion, increase absorption of important minerals (calcium for example), slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood stream. Aromatic condiments reduce the desire and needs to have salt in meals. Emphasize on tastiness of foods. Fresh foods are always tasty and do not need to add salt or other condiments. Think of the way to increase tastiness without salt in cooking. For example, steaming does not require oil or salt and foods smell good; broiling reduces the fat in meats and brings out aroma in vegetables (mushrooms for example).

2) Avoid Overeating

Watch BMI (Body Mass Index). If you are overweight (over 25), have a goal to reduce weight gradually (I would not recommend a fast reduction). Take time and be patient. Aim for the reduction. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and fish with less salt. Avoid snacks and impulsive eating.

3) Exercise

Walk for 30 min each day, or at least walk 30 min three times a week. Light cardio is recommended. Stretching and de-stress: do light yoga for example.

4) Stop Smoking & Drink Less Alcohol

If you are a smoker, try to quit as soon as possible. Seek help and increase your determination to quit. NOTHING is good about smoking. Sip instead of drink alcohol. Try to cut down the intake. Common sense here is: everything in moderation.

5) Reduce Stress

Stressful environment and thinking patterns are detrimental to the health of the body. Our blood turns to acidic when stressed, causing many complications including faster heart beats. Cannot really reduce high blood pressure when you are stressed.

Other Factors To Consider

Be watchful of temperature change. For example, when you get up from warm bed in the morning to go to bathroom. When taking shower, keep the bathroom warm especially in wintertime. Be watchful of sitting and standing up. Do not get up quickly and abruptly. If you are constipated, you need to do something to have a normal bowel movement back. I recommend Chinese herb formula, colonic, or liver/colon cleansing kit.

Try to include seaweeds in your diet. All seaweeds not only have anti-cancer agent (fucoidan), they cleanse the blood and reduce blood pressure. Eat mushrooms. They have amino acid which reduces cholesterol. You can soak Shitake mushrooms (hydrated) in a jar of honey for little over a week, and drink the honey with tea. Other foods recommended are crabs and shrimps, asparagus, banana, black sesame, and yams (there are many others).

Emergency

When you are having an acute symptom of high blood pressure such as severe dizziness, headache, nausea, nosebleed, and blurred vision, call 911. In Asia, pricking the apex of the ear (fold the ear with fingers forward, the apex is at the top of the ear where folded) and letting a droplet of blood out is known to reduce the blood pressure (do not try this when you are alone and always have someone supervising you).

Y. Frank Aoi/Japan Acupuncture 2010

Japanese Acupuncture Newsletter, Arizona, 日本鍼灸, アリゾナ

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

About Diabetes

Age Ten and Under:

Encourage children not to overeat and to perform moderate exercises. From early age on, create a good habit forming life style, especially with children who are at risk of genetically inheriting the disease.

Age Between Ten and Twenty:

The lack of insulin will increase the blood sugar level, but the bottom line is that it depends on: 1) the amount of food intake and 2) the quality and the type of food you eat. Popular among the age group are fast foods. They contain high levels of fat and sugar that tax the pancreas. Young people are often stressed from studies, tend to stay late at night, and lead an irregular life style. These factors add to the causes of diabetes. Often diabetic symptoms are unnoticed due to its benign and harmless nature. It maybe already at a dangerous level once you notice it.

Age Between Thirty and Forty:

Diabetes is on the rise. 23 million Americans now have the disease and may double the rate in the near future. Early detection is important, but symptoms are often overlooked. However, one sign that is easy to recognize is obesity. When you start to gain weight, have a blood and urine test done. Reassess diet and exercise. Try to reduce weight. On the other hand, bear in mind, if you loose weight rapidly for no reasons, it maybe the symptom of diabetes. Major symptoms of diabetes are (multiple symptom may occur at the same time: the diabetic syndrome): frequent urination, great thirst, extreme hunger, unexplainable weight loss, unusual fatigue, peripheral neuropathy such as tingling and numbness of hand and feet.

Age Fifty and Older:

The rate of diabetic diagnosis increases at this age level. It is because diabetes is due to a cumulation of life style habits. Eat dinner at early night hours and less. Eat more fibrous foods. Move the body and do some light exercises during the day time.

What To Do When Diagnosed:

Type I Diabetes: seek professional medical help. Consult with a dietician. Concurrent acupuncture and insulin treatments along with a proper diet can lead to a normal, healthy, and happy life.

Type II Diabetes: focus on changing diet and some habits. Increase exercises. Loose weight. Get a blood test regularly. Receive acupuncture treatments.

Note: absolutely avoid all kinds of cheeses.

copyright 2009/Japanese Acupuncture

How To Take Water: Japanese Acupuncture, LLC, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Are You Drinking Water Properly?
Age Ten and Under:
Children demand water more than adults. It is a very natural desire since their cells are multiplying fast. Parents must be vigilant on dehydration. Sometime, on hot summer day, a baby may have fever due to lack of water. Giving enough water may reduce the symptom. Avoid giving them sweet or soda water. Plain water or soothing tea would do better.
Age Between Ten and Twenty:
Drinking lots of water after hard exercise is not so good for the body. Water goes to the blood vessels and the heart is stressed by the process. Proper drinking habit is to drink a cup of water in interval. This way, you are not stressing the stomach and the heart. One reminder: if you hesitate to drink water when thirsty, the blood viscosity becomes thicker and causes to fatigue faster.
Age Between Thirty and Forty:
Required drinking water per day is about 0.7 gallon, of which we supply 1.2 quart of water by drinking. But the amount is not enough when we sweat a lot after exercise. You might want to supplement with sports drinks for minerals lost. I recommend, however, to dilute the drink in half. It is easier on the body. Try to think about creating or concocting your own personal drink according to your body needs.
Age Fifty and Older:
If you weigh 110 lb, your body contains about 8 gallons of water. As we age, the neurological signal for thirst is weakened, and before we realize, the blood looses the viscosity and is hardened. Especially dangerous time is while we are at sleep. Before bed, drink some water. Place a glass of water at bedside and drink it whenever you wake up during the night. Drink water soon after waking.
copyright 2009/Japanese Acupuncture

Aging and the Blood Vessels: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, Arizona, 日本鍼灸: 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Aging and the Blood Vessels

As we age, the artery and the capillary walls thicken and become stiffer, less flexible. The change makes the blood pressure higher and taxes the heart. Furthermore, the volumes of red blood and white blood cells are reduced, and we become more prone to fatigue and infection. Some common problems are: angina, arrhythmia, anemia, and arteriosclerosis.

The blood vessel synthesizes molecules to keep the layers of blood vessel elastic and to maintain the normal blood flow. Two major components are nitric acid and prostacyclin. Nitric acid causes the muscle of the blood vessel to relax and dilate, allowing more blood to flow therefore reducing the blood pressure. Prostacyclin prevents formation of the platelet and dilates the blood vessel.

Factors Which Reduce Nitric Acid and Prostacyclin

High blood pressure. Diabetes. Obesity. Smoking. Etc.

Diet and Exercise

DHA and EPA reduce cholesterol and keep the health of the blood vessels. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid or omega-3 fatty acid) reduces triglyceride and cholesterol. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid or omega-3 fatty acid) inhibits the formation of the blood platelet.

Fishes such as mackerel and salmon are good sources of DHA and EPA. Water-soluble (helps decrease blood cholesterol levels) fibrous foods such are seaweeds, tofu, and soybeans are helpful in reducing LDL and plaques. Water-insoluble (makes softer stools) fibrous foods such as burdock root and mushrooms are helpful in easing the digestive absorption, preventing an acute rise of the blood sugar level.

Foods which are rich in magnesium such as bananas, tomatoes, carrots, nuts, and clams help to reduce the tension of the blood vessels and keep them elastic. Potassium (bananas and green-yellow vegetables) reduces the sodium and the oxidative stress.

Eat balanced meals, take less salt, and don't forget to drink enough water in a day. Eat slowly and chew well. Keep up with light exercises. If you are smoker, you must stop smoking (acupuncture is known to be effective if you are willing to commit). Have enough sleep and de-stress.

(About seaweeds: I cannot stress enough the importance of seaweeds in diet. The standard American diet (SAD) totally lacks the element. Our blood plasma is almost similar to the sea content. We need something from the sea everyday. Seaweeds cleanse and oxygenate the blood. They provide with iodine, balance the hormonal level.)

Osteoporosis: Fosamax vs Chinese Herb Formula: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona, 日本鍼灸: 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Osteoporosis and Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva (bisphosphonate drugs)

Side effects of bisphosphanate drugs are: ulceration of esophagus, gastric and duodenum, and osteoporosis of the jaw. FDA has reported that the drugs may carry an increased risk for esophageal cancer.

Acupuncture & Chinese Herb Formula

Acupuncture is effective in increasing bone formation. In Oriental Medicine, the bone and the bone marrow formations are related to the kidneys. Chinese herb formula, Ba Wei Di Huang Wan is good for controlling the process of bone resorption. The formula is also good for diabetes, any kidney ailment, sore lower back and knee pain, and even for alzheimer (Honso studies), etc.

Endometriosis, Infertility, & GYN Problems: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, Arizona, 日本鍼灸: 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Endometriosis, Infertility, & GYN Problems

Cause of endometriosis is not yet known and is the subject of much studies. Unfortunately, there is no cure by western medicine. NSAIDs, steroids, and hormone therapy are available. Many women with infertility have endometriosis.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herb Formula

Acupuncture is very effective in treating endometriosis and other GYN problems. From the oriental medicine point of view, a hysterectomy is unnecessary due to the effectiveness of acupuncture and supplemental Chinese herbs. Chinese herb formula named, Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Tangkuei (angelica sinensis) and Peony Powder), is famous and effective for endometriosis, infertility, and most of GYN problems.

High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Reduction: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, Arizona, 日本鍼灸: 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Reduction Drugs vs Chinese Herb Formula

Propanolol, acebutolol, and metoprolol are beta blocker drugs. Although they are important drugs for the heart, they have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dyspnea, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, depression, sexual dysfunction, etc.

Lipitor, zocor, pravacol, and mevacor (lovastatin) which are all statin drugs have serious side effects such as rhabdomyolysis (rapid break down of skeletal muslces which may lead to acute kidney failure). The effect is increased if taken together with erythromycin (antibiotic).

Acupuncture & Chinese Herb

Acupuncture is an effective mean to reduce high blood pressure. Luckily,

there are many herbs which reduce blood pressure and cholesterol level. They are hawthorn berries, wolf berries, reishi (mushroom), red rice yeast, etc. These herbs do not interfere with beta blockers and do not reduce its effectiveness.

Arthritis: Enbrel vs Chinese Herb Formuala: Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona

Japanese Acupuncture, Arizona, 日本鍼灸: 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Arthritis: Enbrel vs Chinese Herb Formula

Arthritis medicines such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and Cimzia, all have some serious side effects such as histoplasmosis (disease caused by the fungus) due to their immunosuppressant capability. These drugs carry a warning label of the risk of serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death.

Chinese herb such as dried ginger, altractylodes, hoelen, and angelica have the essence to improve or balance the immune system without suppressing it. If used with aconite (detoxified herb), they reduce inflammation faster. Aconite also warms the body and increases the metabolism to strengthen the body.

Japanese Acupuncture (Phoenix, Arizona): Anti-Aging Diet

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Japanese Acupuncture: Anti-Aging Diet

Secret Is From The Childhood
When you look at why and how Okinawans live longer, their daily life in eating certain foods such as yams, fruits, and some teas, and having a certain attitude toward life are culturally ingrained. It starts from childhood. When such cultural difference is compared with Americans, it is overwhelmingly clear why they live longer. Americans are fed with cheese products and other junk foods with lots of sugar and salt from early age on. Fast food restaurants have inundated us with high calorie foods. Problem is compounded due to our infatuation with drugs. If food does not kill us, drug will. Certainly, Americans are at the cross road of change. Something must change culturally, for any method of dieting would not work when our bodies are sick and out of balance.

Secret Is The Kidney*
In Oriental Medicine, it is considered that the Kidney controls the life cycle and therefore the longevity. It controls not only the urinary function but also promotes the growth of bones and bone marrows and is the source of sexual energy. It activates our pubescence and controls the sexual maturity and power. Aging is the decline of the Kidney energy and function. Ancient Chinese always emphasized on the Ming Men power which resides in the Kidney. Ming Men literally means the Gate of Life*. If we can control the Kidney energy like some Qi Gong masters are able to, we master such power over our body.

Stomach And Digestion
Not many people can live longer when having chronic digestive problems. Western science has been discovering that there might be a second brain in the intestinal track since any emotional trauma would affect the digestive system immediately. We know that the digestion is closely related to the autonomic nervous system. The imbalance in the system could cause alternating diarrhea and constipation. The weak system decreases the nutrient absorption rate, so that it lowers the metabolism. The digestive system is therefore essential to the longevity.

*Kidney: the organ functions in Oriental Medicine are somewhat different than western medical science, therefore, all organs are capitalized for the distinction.

Diet

As we age, nerve cells that control the muscles in GI tracks will gradually die off and cause constipation. Fibrous food, at least 30 grams/day, is recommended, along with fruits, vegetable, and some beans.

Skin is controlled by the Lung and helped by the good digestive system. It is similar to the lining of digestive tracks. Good digestion is therefore essential for fine complexion and smooth skin. If, for example, there is heat in the stomach, we may have acne breakups or red rashes. The Lung controls the skin. If the Lung is weak, we may have dry and flaky skin. Beta carotene from leafy greens and other sources, fish skin and Omega-3, and enzymes from natto (fermented soy beans) may prevent aging of the skin.

Eyes belong to the Liver. For healthy eyes, taking vitamin C and E, lutein, and omega-3 may not enough in some cases. In Oriental Medicine, any problem with the eyes resides in the Liver. Strengthening the Liver is primary protocol. Exposure to UV light and any surgery of the eyes including cataract (more UV goes through) will eventually hurt the Liver. Taking vitamin Bs and eating carrots are recommended.

Bones belong to the Kidney. During the menopause, decease in estrogen would accelerate the bone loss leading to osteoporosis. Standard like fish, calcium, vitamin D and even K, are recommended. Chinese herbs and seaweeds, however, are far more superior in maintaining the health of the Kidney.

In Oriental Medicine, some practitioners believe that the heart itself does not ever go bad (Heart Yang Qi Deficiency, for example, would be death), but the weak peripheral, namely the Pericardium (the sack protecting the heart) is mainly the cause of the dysfunction. For any heart problem, my recommendation is to reduce the stress. Stress would cause the blood to become acidic, and the acidic blood is more likely to deposit calcium in the heart valves and would not reduce the cholesterol level. Stress will cause the adrenal system to be imbalanced. If you are stressed out, stop and think if your behavior is worth risking your health.

For the heart condition, take Tyrosine* to increase dopamine and may want to take Taurine and CoQ-10, too. Both are good for the heart muscles. Take mineral water or angstrom silver to make the blood more alkaline and detoxify.
For the reduction of cholesterol, I believe Hawthorn berries are the best. Take pill form of the berry for two months and see if cholesterol is reduced in half.

Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, chicken, and olive oil to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. I agree that a half or a glass of red wine (red only) is good for the heart if you sip. Sip the wine and enjoy a meal by taking time. It is essential to slow things down. Take time, walk, don't run. Change your attitude to more positive.

*Tyrosine & Taurine: sometimes they are spelled as L-Tyrosine and L-Taurine.

Attitudes Toward Diet:
1) Eat foods rich in protein but with lower calories; such as fish, tofu or other soy products, green leaves, seaweed, mushrooms, nuts, etc.
2) Making sure to eat proteins with main dish. Aging is all about loss of protein from our bones, hair, and skin.

3) Three meals a day at regular time frame. In the morning, breakfast should be considered a supplement for the day. Lunch should be a power charge for the afternoon. Dinner should be to eliminate fatigue for the day. Remember the autonomic nervous system has a close relationship with the digestive system. Irregular eating habits will affect the system, and the irregularity will create many problems especially at the old age.
4) Eat vegetables with different colors. Do not stick with favorites. Mix all colors; red, green, white, black, and yellow. Mix tastes; sweet, bitter, flagrant, and sour.
5) Take a beak. If any frustration happens during the day, change a perspective and relax.

Sample Diet
Breakfast: roll bread with jam, boiled egg, slices of kiwi, sautéed asparagus and tomatoes, and tea.
Not enough breakfast: cinnamon roll and coffee, or green juice with yogurt*.

Lunch: mushroom with chicken, spaghetti with graded daikon sautéed with either soy source or olive oil.
Tea Time: tea with lemon and apples

Dinner: broiled fish, sautéed shredded carrots and gobo (burdock root), some seaweed salad or boiled spinach, miso soup, and brown or semi-brown rice*.

*Yogurt: yogurt is cold in nature. Not recommended when you have diarrhea or having very weak digestion, especially in the morning when the body is trying to warm up.

Drinks:
Pumpkin tea: cook 5 oz of pumpkin, teaspoonful of matcha (powdered green tea), 1 ½ cup of milk, large spoonful of honey, mix all together in blender, then place in a pot, heat, but stop just before the boiling point. Drink as tea.

Apple and ginger tea: 2 cups of apple juice, small amount of graded ginger, large spoonful of corn starch. Place apple juice and corn starch in a pot simmer with weak heat, stir. When it is melted with consistency, stop heating. Pour to a teacup, place ginger, add sugar if you like.

Plum wine with lemonade: 3 large spoonful of plum wine, 3 large spoonful of lemon juice, 2 large spoonful of honey, one or two circular slices of lemon. Place plum wine, lemon juice, and honey in a teacup. Pour hot water and mix. Place a lemon slice.

My Recommendation On Foods And Chinese Herbs
On top of the list is brown rice or semi-brown rice (hatsuka-mai). Brown rice is known to have over 70 anti-oxidants and is full of vitamin B. Next is seaweed: something always lack in American diet. You can buy a package of seaweed for about $3 in Asian food store. Seaweed is a blood cleanser. Since it has iodine, it balances the thyroid and hormones. It detoxifies the body from heavy metals, radioactive elements, free radicals, and toxins. It boosts the immune system.
Third is cultural: natto (fermented soy beans). Most Americans do not like it because of its smell. However, natto is full of vitamin B-12 and enzymes and is well known in Japan for health benefits, weight loss, and beautiful skin. You can eat it with rice, salad, raw tuna sashimi, seaweed, etc.

I highly recommend Ba Wei Di Huang Wan for Chinese herb. Anyone over 50 years old should take one. It strengthens the Kidney. It is very good for diabetes, urination and GYN problems, increase of libido, and overall health of the kidneys.

© 2008 Dr. Y. Frank Aoi/Japanese Acupuncture 480-246-0624

Japanese Acupuncture, Phoenix, Arizona: Aesthetic-Skin Tone

Japanese Acupuncture, LLC (480) 246-0624:

600 N. 4th Street, Unit 147, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Japanese Acupuncture: Aesthetic – skin tone May,
2008

Disclaimer:
I am not a certified dietitian. Everything I write on
my webpage and blogs is simply a suggestion. If you
require medical help, you need to consult with a
proper professional. If you are an alcoholic, a drug
abuser, a heavy smoker, have diabetes, hypertension,
or heart problems, or any other health issue, consult
your physicians first.

Point of view expressed in the diet section is
strictly based on Oriental Medicine and my Japanese
cultural background. If any question, please write to
me at japanacupuncture@yahoo.com.

Facial Skin Tone
As for my own way of Oriental Medicine thinking, any
aesthetic beauty must come from within, not from
outside in. Our personal beauty within as well as
facial beauty must come from inside ourselves. Since
our skin is similar to the intestinal linings, if we
have good digestive system the skin is nourished and
has good tone. Having a good digestive system is
imperative, and consequently, having diarrhea,
constipation, or any intestinal problem will have a
negative effect. Additionally, since our emotions
affect the digestion almost immediately, maintenance
of healthy mental attitude is equally important.

There are numerous causes of skin problems. Heat in
the intestines or in the stomach is one of them. The
heat may be caused by the stagnation within the body
or eating hot and spicy foods. For example, many
people have allergic reaction to certain foods, and
the skin may break up with rashes. Rash is a form of
heat, so is a certain type of arthritis (heat caused
by stagnation).

Skin dryness comes mainly from the weak functions of
the Lung and the Kidney. Lung weakness is easy to
explain. Dry weather affects the lung and the skin.
Anyone who lives in Arizona like I do, feels the
effect everyday. Often times, an asthma patient has
dry skin. In Oriental Medicine, the skin gets dry due
to the Kidney weakness as we age. Kidney is the Water
Element and controls water. Its energetic is upward
to the Lung. When the Kidney function gets weaker, it
does not nourish the Lung with moist needed. Since
Kidney also controls the bone marrow, it also dries it
up, causing osteoporosis. We call the symptom the
Kidney Dryness.

For facial beauty and general good skin tone require
the followings.
1) Keep the digestive system in balance and maintain
high nutrient absorption rate
2) Reduce stress and keep emotions under control,
think positively
and happily
3) Drink enough water, nourish fluids, maintain good
interstitial exchange
4) Maintain good respiratory system and kidney
functions

Diet
1) Needs proteins
When we lack proteins in our diet, we have tendency to
have dry skin, loose elasticity, causing wrinkles.

Eat, meet, fish, liver, egg, milk, and soy products

2) Use plant base oil for cooking
Plant base oil contains linoleic acid that balances
the secretion of sebum (oily substance – lipids)

3) Eat green/yellow vegetables, nuts, and liver
They contain many vitamis and minerals the skin needs

4) Cook and eat foods which are rich in chondroitin
sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is commonly found in the skin, the
cartilage, and brain cells

Cook chicken bones and skin for soup

Recipe
Kelp and Honey (for beautiful hair or hair loss)
Kelp: 60g, Honey: 2 cups, Vinegar and Japanese Sake:
one large tablespoonful
Wash kelp (not too much washing, for it may wash out
nutrients over the kelp)

Drain water, cut in stripes
Marinate it with sake and vinegar, and leave for an
hour
Place them in honey in a jar
Wait for a week
Use honey any way you wish: can eat kelp

Wheat Congee (for smooth skin)
Wheat: ½ cup, Any kind of soup base: 2 cups, Salt,
Soy Sauce, and Pine Nuts: small amount

Soak wheat for half-day in 2-cup water
Drain water
Add two cups of soup, and cook wheat until soft
Add small out of salt and soy sauce.
Add some pine nuts

Peach Juice (for blood circulation and whiter skin)
Peach: one, Plum Wine: three large tablespoonful,
Lemon Juice: small amount

Peal the skin of peach, take out a seed
Blend peach, plum wine, and lemon juice all together

Tofu, Enoki Mushroom, and Kaiso (seaweed) Salad (for
blood circulation, reduce constipation, prevent rough
skin tone)
Tofu: 1/3 of a pack, Enoki Mushroom: ½ of package,
Kaso (seaweed): 50g (hydrated), Sesame Oil: one large
tablespoonful, Vinegar and Soy Sauce: one small
spoonful each, Honey, Salt, and Pepper: small amount

Cut the bottom (the root part) of Enoki off
Cut tofu in pieces
Arrange ingredients nicely
Pour mixture of sauce made out of vinegar, soy sauce,
honey, salt, and pepper.
Mix them well

© 2008 Dr. Y. Frank Aoi/Japanese Acupuncture