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Why the Lotus Seminars? “What I appreciate the most is the breadth of experience Dr. Chen shared in reference to each of the formula -
some of the uses and combinations are new to me and will be helpful in my clinical practice.” L.C. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
CASE STUDY ON GI HARMONYThe following was a patient's letter addressed to a practitioner in which we would like to share with you on the successful use of GI Harmony, an herbal formula researched a while back by the NIH for digestive disorders. We thought it would be helpful and interesting for you to know how well herbs can work.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
DOSAGE Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily with warm water. Dosage can be increased up to 8 to 10 capsules three times daily in acute cases until symptoms subside. For maximum effectiveness, take the herbs on an empty stomach. INGREDIENTS
FORMULA EXPLANATION According to traditional Chinese medicine, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition caused by Spleen qi deficiency and Liver qi stagnation. Symptoms associated with IBS are closely related to stress. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stool, mucus in the stool, pain, incomplete evacuation and bloating are all results of Liver overacting on the Spleen and Stomach. Similarly, many other bowel disorders exhibit similar signs and symptoms described above. GI Harmony focuses on tonifying the Spleen, spreading the Liver qi to relieve bloating and pain, reducing inflammation in the intestines by dispelling damp-heat and harmonizing the Stomach. Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Ling (Poria), and Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis) tonify the Spleen and dispel dampness. Dampness in the body is manifested by presence of mucus in the stool. Dampness in the intestines also causes feelings of incomplete evacuation. The above herbs are used to strengthen Spleen qi and avoid the conditions characterized by Wood overacting on the Earth element. Huo Xiang (Herba Agastache), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) are used to stop diarrhea. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), Bo He (Herba Menthae), and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) are qi-regulating herbs used to relieve bloating, pain, gas and stress. Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) and Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis) nourish blood to soften the Liver and relieve cramps. To reduce the inflammation in the intestines, heat-clearing herbs, such as Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis), and Qin Pi (Cortex Fraxini), are used. Yin Chen Hao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) also increases the production of bile to help digestion. Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis) also dispels water through urination to consolidate stool. Pao Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Preparatum) and Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) are used to harmonize the middle jiao. Finally, Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) enters the Stomach and the Spleen channels to stop diarrhea, eliminate pus, and relieve pain. GI Harmony is a comprehensive formula that addresses many aspects of irritable bowel syndrome and other bowel disorders. GI Harmony treats the cause of the disorder by tonifying the Spleen and spreading Liver qi stagnation. Furthermore, GI Harmony treats the symptoms by relieving bloating and flatulence, regulating bowel movement, and alleviating abdominal pain.CAUTIONS
ACUPUNCTURE POINTS Traditional Points
Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan
NUTRITION
The Tao of Nutrition by Ni and McNease
LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS
CLINICAL NOTES
MODERN RESEARCH Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a motility disorder involving the entire gastrointestinal tract causing varying degrees of abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea and abdominal bloating. In addition, patients often notice a change in the pattern of bowel movement, mucus in the stool, and sensation of incomplete evacuation after defecation. Though the exact cause is unknown, it has been found that emotional factors, diet, drugs, or hormones often precipitate or aggravate the condition. Optimal treatment, therefore, must focus on alleviating the gastrointestinal symptoms and eliminating the factors that trigger the bowel irritation. Since the bowel irritation may be associated with intake of certain foods and/or drugs, herbs are added to detoxify the offending substances. Administration of Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) showed marked protective effect against irritation of the gastrointestinal tract as caused by aspirin and non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs. (i) In addition, glycyrrhizin, one of the main constituents of Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), has a remarkable detoxifying effect to treat various kinds of poisonings, including but not limited to drug poisoning (chloral hydrate, urethane, cocaine, picrotoxin, caffeine, pilocarpine, nicotine, barbiturates, mercury and lead), food poisoning (tetrodotoxin, snake, and mushrooms), and others (enterotoxin, herbicides, pesticides). (ii) Finally, Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) is also effective for treatment of food poisoning. (iii) Because irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized by alternation of diarrhea and constipation, Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) is one of the most important herbs in treatment. Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) is well known for its regulating and dual effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It treats diarrhea at low doses and constipation at high doses. With this dual effect, it is the ideal herb for cases where there is alternation of diarrhea and constipation. (iv) Many other herbs in GI Harmony have a marked effects to influence the gastrointestinal tract. Herbs that treat diarrhea include Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis), Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) and Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis). In one study, 320 infants with diarrhea were treated with an herbal powder containing Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) three times daily before meals with good results. (v) In another study, 63 out of 69 infants with diarrhea showed complete recovery within 1 to 2 days following treatment using an herbal decoction containing 30 grams of Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis) and a small amount of sugar. (vi) Furthermore, in a clinical study, 93 infants with diarrhea were treated with Fu Ling (Poria) with good symptomatic relief and a shortened duration of diarrhea. (vii) In addition to diarrhea, many herbs in GI Harmony are also effective for treating dysentery, such as Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis), Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri), and Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis). (viii),(ix) Specifically with Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri), 40 patients with chronic bacterial dysentery were treated twice daily for 7 days with marked results in all patients. (x) Lastly, the use of Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) is associated with excellent clinical results in treating over 1,000 patients with bacterial dysentery. The treatments showed marked effectiveness, short duration of treatment, and low incidence of side effects. (xi) In short, GI Harmony contains many herbs with well-documented results to treat diarrhea. Many of the herbs in GI Harmony have a general regulatory effect on the gastrointestinal tract. For example, Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) has marked preventative and treatment effects on peptic ulcers. It increases gastric emptying time, decreases severity of ulceration, and increases the amount of prostaglandin in the stomach. (xii) Deoxyschizandrin, one ingredient of Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), inhibits the secretion of gastric acid in rats, and has shown beneficial effects in treatment of gastric ulcer. (xii) Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) has an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal system, leading to decreased secretion of gastric acid. (xiv) Many components of Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) have shown protective and treatment effect in peptic ulcer. The mechanisms of action include inhibition of gastric acid secretion, binding and deactivation of gastric acid, and promotion of recovery from ulceration. (xv) Many herbs in GI Harmony have an antispasmodic effect to alleviate pain and relieve spasms and cramps of the intestines. Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) has an inhibitory influence on smooth muscle to stop spasms and cramps of the intestines. (xvi) In one clinical trial, 241 out of 254 patients (94.8%) with intestinal spasms showed a significant improvement after receiving 10 to 15 mL of extract of Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) three times daily for 3 to 6 days. (xvii) Furthermore, various components of Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) have demonstrated a marked muscle-relaxant effect to treat muscle spasms and cramps. (xviii) ,(xix) Lastly, there are many herbs in GI Harmony that provide symptomatic relief for irritable bowel syndrome. For example, use of Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) was associated with decreased incidence of intestinal bloating. (xx) Administration of Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) was 100% effective in 29 patients in reducing flatulence due to indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, gastric nervosa, and post-surgical complications. (xxi) Lastly, an herbal formula composed of 80% Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) was effective in treating 100 patients with inflammatory bowel condition, such as acute gastroenteritis or enteritis. (xxii) In summary, GI Harmony contains herbs with marked effectiveness to address causes and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. GI Harmony neutralizes the irritation caused by toxic and offending agents (such as drugs and chemicals), regulates the bowel movement, and relieves pain and distention. PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Western Medical Approach: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a motility disorder that affects the entire gastrointestinal tract. This disorder has no known anatomic cause. Therefore, most drug treatments focus on relieving symptoms. Anticholinergic drugs [such as Pro-Banthine (Propantheline)], tranquilizers [such as Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)], and sedatives [such as phenobarbital] are frequently given to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and to calm the patients. Those with depression are treated with antidepressants, and ones with diarrhea are treated with antidiarrheals. While this discussion of drug treatment is an over simplification, it nonetheless illustrates that these drugs only treat symptoms, and not the cause, of irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, though they offer short-term effectiveness, symptoms often flare up again once the drugs are discontinued. Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach: Use of acupuncture and herbs is effective to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, including but not limited to irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, mucous colitis, nervous bowel, irritable colon, and spastic colon. Not only do they control the symptoms, they often change the underlying constitution of the body to achieve long-term results. In fact, most patients remain symptom free for at least several months after the herbs are discontinued. Summation: It is important to remember that stress and diet are two main factors that trigger irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to considering drugs or herbal treatment, it is important to follow the guidelines described above, and make diet and lifestyle changes. Only then will treatment successfully ensure short- and long-term effectiveness, and minimize frequency and severity of irritable bowel syndrome. CASE STUDIES P.Q., a 42-year-old female, presented with acid reflux and a 20-year history of irritable bowel syndrome. She had been on Xanax (Alprazolam), Nexium (Esomeprazole) and other western medications. After only four days of taking GI Harmony at four capsules, three times daily, the patient saw improvement. She is now successfully off all western medications. The doctor commented that this formula is a “miracle in a bottle.” H.C., Stephens City, Virginia G.M., a 42-year-old female, presented with pain in the lower jiao, extreme fatigue, constipation, depression, poor concentration, pain with diarrhea, palpitations and night sweats. The Western diagnosis was chronic fatigue syndrome [as the doctors couldn’t find anything specifically wrong]; the TCM diagnosis was yin deficiency with deficiency heat. After taking Balance (Heat), GI Harmony and Gentle Lax (Deficient), the patient reported little to no night sweats within three weeks. Her bowels normalized, and the GI tract pain was much better. She stated that she felt she could now smile and face the day. M.C., Sarasota, Florida This article was taken out of the Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine. To order a copy, click here. REFERENCES
ABOUT THE AUTHORSJohn K. Chen, L.Ac., Pharm.D., O.M.D., Ph.D.Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine. He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM. Dr. Chen’s most recent published work is Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which he was lead author. Richard Tan, O.M.D., L.Ac.Dr. Richard Tan is a leading authority in acupuncture, herbs, feng shui and qi cultivation. His skills represent the culmination of years of study in the disciplines of Zang-Fu, Five Element and Channel Theory. Dr. Tan authored Twelve and Twelve in Acupuncture, Twenty-Four More in Acupuncture and Dr. Tan’s Strategy of Twelve Magical Points, among others. Alex Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D.Dr. Alex Chen is a master of herbs, qi gong and tui-na. He has given numerous seminars and has taught at South Baylo University, Yuin University and Royal University of America. His love for Oriental Medicine is evident through his life-long devotion to the profession, and reflected by the passion and dedication he embodies, and the inspiration he provides to his children to pursue the same career path. Maoshing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D., Dipl.Ch., Dipl.AbaapDr. Mao is a Licensed Acupuncturist, a Diplomat of Chinese Herbology and a Diplomat in Anti-Aging. He is currently in general practice with special interest in immune, hormonal and aging related conditions. He was awarded the Outstanding Acupuncturist of the Year Award in 1987. Dr. Mao along with Dr. Dao, his brother, and father founded Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Santa Monica, California. He is currently director and a professor of Chinese medicine at Yo San University. Dr. Mao is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the AOM ALLIANCE, American Society of Acupuncturist, the American Association of Acupuncturist & Oriental Medicine and National Certification Commission for Acupuncturist & Oriental Medicine Diplomat in Chinese Herbology. Cathy McNease, B.S., M.H.Cathy is the co-author of 101 Vegetarian Delights and The Tao of Nutrition. She has received degrees with honors from Western Michigan University and Emerson College of Herbology. She holds a National Diploma in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM) and is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. Ms. McNease is currently clinic director and a professor of nutrition and herbology at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in Southern California. To learn more from these authors, following are the classes they have with Lotus Institute this year. All classes are approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM. CLASSES BY THE AUTHORSAlex Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D.Mix and Match 30 Formulas for Clinical Success
Practical Qi Gong for Optimal Health
John K. Chen, L.Ac., Pharm.D., O.M.D., Ph.D.Meet the Masters: The Classic Formulas They Crafted and Their Contemporary Connections
Richard Tan, O.M.D., L.Ac.
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