Study Findings

The study, published in BMJ Open, analyzed data from Taiwan’s Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients Database. It included 23,226 RA patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2010, with 12,266 receiving an average of 10 acupuncture treatments over three years. Results showed a 43% reduced risk of stroke among those who underwent acupuncture. Of the more than 900 participants who experienced a stroke, 341 were from the acupuncture group.

Acupuncture and RA

Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific body points to relieve pain. The NIH explains that it inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes anti-inflammatory factors, potentially reducing cardiovascular risks linked to RA. In addition to pain relief from RA, acupuncture can also treat other types of pain, mood disorders, nausea, and fibromyalgia.

Implications and Expert Opinions

Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist, highlighted the link between chronic RA inflammation and increased cardiovascular disease risk. He explained that RA’s chronic inflammation extends beyond the joints, affecting blood vessels and promoting atherosclerosis, leading to narrowed arteries and increased susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Tadwalkar found the study’s findings intriguing, suggesting acupuncture could have a broader health impact for RA patients.

“These results warrant further study to investigate whether acupuncture may be beneficial for reducing stroke in a wider population,” said Dr. Chen.

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What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ancient practices are considered to be beneficial even in the modern era to achieve better health care outcomes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to the health care system that’s comprised of Eight Branches (Acupuncture, Asian Bodywork, Guasha, Cupping, Moxibustion, Nutrition, Self-healing/Yangsheng, and Herbology) (Xu et al., 2019).In the past, most of the medicines that were used to cure an ailment were based on herbal remedies and even today several of the best-known medicines are made up of plant or plant-based material. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “A full 40 percent of the drugs behind the pharmacist’s counter in the Western world are derived from plants that people have used for centuries, including the top 20 best selling prescription drugs in the United States today.For example, […] licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been an ingredient in cough drops for more than 3,500 years. The species native to the United States, Glycyrrhiza lepidota, has a broad range from western Ontario to Washington, south to Texas, Mexico and Missouri. Eastward, there are scattered populations. The leaves and roots have been used for treating sores on the backs of horses, toothaches, and fever in children, sore throats and cough” (USDA, 2022).

Tu Youyou’s Success Story

Tu Youyou was China’s First Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine despite having no medical degree, no doctorate, and no overseas experience. She is affectionately coined as the “three noes” winner. The scientist, Tu Youyou, told the World Health Organization about artemisia in 1982, but it was decades before the plant which had been used for centuries in Chinese remedies was accepted by Western medicine.One active compound in “wormwood” qinghao, artemsinin, which appeared to battle malaria-friendly parasites was previously studied by others but abandoned because they were not able to extract the compound successfully. Tu Youyou studied ancient Chinese texts and applied them to modern scientific practices. She even first tested her medicine on herself to ensure it was safe. This discovery greatly contributed to saving millions of people who suffered from malaria. Tu Youyou was awarded a noble prize in medicine and physiology in 2015 for this discovery (Su & Miller, 2015).A recounting of her discovery from her Nobel Prize Lecture:

“I reviewed the traditional Chinese literature again when our research stalled, following numerous failures. In reading 肘后备急方 written by 葛洪 (Ge Hong’s A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies, the East Jin Dynasty, around 317–420 A.D.), I further pondered the sentence 青蒿一握, 以水二升渍, 绞取 汁, 尽服之 (A handful of Qinghao immersed in two liters of water, wring out the juice and drink it all) which recommended cold Qinghao for alleviating malaria symptoms.

Most herbs were typically boiled in water and made into decoction before taken by the patients. This unique way of using Qinghao suddenly gave me the idea that heating might need to be avoided during extraction, in order to preserve the herb’s activity. I subsequently redesigned the experiments by extracting the leaves and stems of Qinghao separately at a low temperature using water, ethanol and ethyl ether”.

The earliest mentioning of Qinghao’s application as an herbal medicine was found on the silk manuscripts entitled 五十二病方 (Prescriptions for Fify-two Kinds of Disease) unearthed from the third Han Tomb at Mawangdui. Its medical application was also recorded in 神农本草经 (Sheng Nong’s Herbal Classic), 补遗 雷公炮制便览 (Bu Yi Lei Gong Pao Zhi) and 本草纲目 (Compendium of Materia Medica) etc.

Recently, the values of TCM have been appreciated excessively. Thousands of TCM-based formulas and herbs have been practiced historically and are known to serve as a “treasure house for modern drug development” (Xu et al., 2019). Traditional Chinese medicine is also known to be cost-effective and has fewer side effects and it provides a unique practical and theoretical approach to diagnose as well as treat the disease. Learning these ancient practices can surely help provide a much needed modern integrated approach to medicine.

References:

Cheung, F. (2011). TCM: Made in China. Nature, 480(7378), S82–S83. Su, X.-Z., & Miller, L. H. (2015). The discovery of artemisinin and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Springer.

Xu, H.-Y., Zhang, Y.-Q., Liu, Z.-M., Chen, T., Lv, C.-Y., Tang, S.-H., Zhang, X.-B., Zhang, W., Li, Z.-Y., & Zhou, R.-R. (2019). ETCM: An encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine. Nucleic Acids Research, 47(D1), D976–D982. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/medicinal/index.shtml

USDA. Medicinal Botany. (2022). Retrieved 6 January 2022

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Function of the Chinese Organ Body Clock

If someone were following the Chinese clock this is what an ideal day would look like:

• 3 am – 5 am is associated with the Lung – this is a time when we are usually sleeping and when our breathing should be soft and natural. Note: If you’re out of balance or experencing grief than this may be a time you wake up.
• 5 am – 7 am is the time of the large intestine – this time is ideal for any bowel movements to allow the body to cleanse and release toxins. It’s also a great time to drink warm water to replenish your body after a night’s sleep and aid in detoxification. Be sure to do gentle exercises during this time such as going on a walk or taking a shower to help with stagnation in the morning.
• 7 am – 9 am is the time of the stomach – This is the most important meal of the day and the best time to eat nourishing foods to help give you energy for the day.
• 9 am – 11 am is the time of the spleen – during this time your spleen is busy transforming your food into usable energy. This is a time that you are able to focus mentally, which for most is when school or work begins. This can also be the time where you perform activities that take most of your energy.
• 11 am – 1 pm is the time of the heart – be sure to refresh yourself by eating a light lunch or having a warm cup of tea. This duration of the day is great to get together and socialize or even take a nap!
• 1 pm – 3 pm is the time of the small intestine – your body is bust processing your second meal and abosrbing nutrients. During this hour, it’s great to communicate with family and friends or even take on meetings at work.
• 3 pm – 5 pm is the time of the bladder – if you’re big on snacking this is your time to help with the detoxification process. Salty snacks, water, or tea is great during this time. It’s also when metabolic waste moves into the kidney filtration system.
• 5 pm – 7 pm is the time of the kidneys – this is a time when we begin to wind down for the night. It’s a perfect time to have supper, go for a walk or do a gentle stretch. This is a time to replenish vital energy.
• 7 pm – 9 pm is the time of circulation when nutrients are carried around the body – this is a perfect time to relax and read, focus on self-care or spend time with loved ones.
• 9 pm – 11 pm is the time of the endocrine system – during this time, enzymes are replenished and the body comes back to homeostasis. It’s recommended to go to bed around this time
• 11 pm – 1 am is the time of the gall bladder – this is the time your body should be asleep as regeneration and healing happen.
• 1 am – 3 am is the time of the liver – this is when toxins are released from the body, fresh is made and it’s a time for deep sleep and dreaming.

Following a consistent daily routine and getting enough sleep can help to improve energy levels, focus, and overall well-being. Aligning your body’s natural rhythms with your daily schedule may also help to improve productivity and reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, paying attention to your body’s natural rhythms can help you to better understand your own needs and habits, which can be a valuable tool for self-improvement. Overall, living according to the Chinese body clock can be a simple but effective way to promote better health and well-being and can enhance your acupuncture experience!

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Summer and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Summer symbolizes openness and abundant growth. This season brings vibrant flavours, colours, and textures of ripe fruits and vegetables. According to TCM, summer embodies yang energy, marked by growth, lightness, outward activity, and creativity. This is why we feel a natural urge to be outdoors and engage with the environment.

Summer Wellness Tips

Stay Hydrated:

Hydration is crucial during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water and reduce caffeine intake to avoid dehydration, which can cause muscle cramps, dry skin, and electrolyte imbalances. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, adjusting for your body size and activity level. Monitor your hydration by checking your urine color; light yellow indicates good hydration, while bright yellow suggests you need more water.

Embrace Warm Foods:

Consuming warm foods and drinks, like teas, soups, and pungent dishes, helps your body release heat through perspiration, naturally cooling you down. Bitter-tasting foods, associated with the fire element in TCM, also have a cooling effect. Incorporate fresh teas with elderflower, mint, lemon, calendula, lavender, and yarrow. Avoid very cold foods and drinks, which can trap heat and harm your digestion.

Eat Light and Fresh:

Opt for lighter meals with seasonal produce from local farmers’ markets. Foods like cucumbers, lemons, mung beans, barley, sprouts, lettuce, radishes, celery, arugula, and fresh ginger help your body stay cool. Enjoy a variety of brightly colored summer fruits and vegetables, and cook with minimal oils, preferably steaming or simmering. Grow fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, sage, chives, parsley, and dill for added freshness.

Connect with Nature Through Food:

Summer is a time to deepen our connection with nature. Nourishing foods such as well-cooked whole grains like oats, sweet rice, and quinoa help ground us during this fiery season. Don’t discard rice water, which is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for digestion, energy, and healthy skin and hair.

Choose Healthy Proteins:

Opt for lighter proteins during summer. Enjoy lean fish, poultry, or organic steaks at barbecues to help manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For diverse options, grill salmon, lean grass-fed beef, turkey burgers, chicken breast, shrimp, sweetcorn, eggplant, mushroom, and tofu.

Pack Healthy Snacks:

Stay on track with healthy eating by bringing nutritious snacks to picnics, hikes, or beach outings. Great options include Greek yogurt, vegetable chips, reduced-fat string cheese, nut butters, hummus with pita chips, fresh or dried fruits, and nuts or seeds.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities:

Summer is perfect for outdoor fun with family and friends. Engage in activities like swimming, hiking, biking, or simply spending time in nature. These activities boost mental health, improve sleep quality, and combat obesity, reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and skin issues.

Be Sun-Smart:

Protect yourself from harmful UV rays while enjoying the sun. Instead of solely relying on sunscreen, consume foods rich in good fats (like Omega-3s from leafy vegetables and fish) and antioxidants (such as berries and dark chocolate) to help protect your skin from within. Ensure you get enough Vitamin D as well.

Cool Off with TCM:

Hot days can increase irritability and restlessness. TCM offers ways to balance your body, reducing heat-induced discomfort. Acupressure can dispel heat and ease irritability, while acupuncture unblocks energy channels for better Qi and blood flow. Mung bean tea can alleviate symptoms of dehydration, headaches, and bloating.

Keep Your Environment Cool:

Adapt to the summer heat by staying cool indoors during peak temperatures. Use natural bamboo curtains, air coolers, and fans to ventilate your space. Cooling techniques like placing your feet in cold water can effectively reduce body temperature.

By integrating these TCM-inspired tips into your summer routine, you can stay healthy, happy, and harmonized with the season.

Need some help? Our student clinic is open for treatments as low as $30! Treatments include Eastern bodywork, acupuncture, fire cupping, herbal consults, and more. Book with our student clinic at https://eightbranches.janeapp.com/

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Implementing technology into your business can enhance efficiency in your daily routines. Research has shown that digital tools can help make operations more manageable, saving time, staying organized, and optimizing cash flow that comes into the business. One way to achieve this is by implementing an Electronical Medical Record (EMR) System.

This technology is particularly valuable for those who find themselves overwhelmed by the dual responsibilities of patient care and business management. By automating routine tasks such as patient communication, payment collection, and appointment scheduling, EMRs allow healthcare providers to devote more of their valuable time to what truly matters: treating patients and enhancing the quality of care delivered.

At Eight Branches, we teach our students to practice using these EMR systems. This has helped our students tremendously in managing patient files and overseeing practice operations. EMR’s have helped automate repetitive tasks and have taught students how to alleviate administrative burdens that can eventually help them to be more empowered in giving focus to the patients.

How are Eight Branches students using EMR systems?

Students have learned how to use the software for booking patients for future treatments. The app enables a month-by-month view of the students schedules and allows them to see their daily patient treatments for the day. The app has also taught the students how to process payments, adding all patient transactions under one roof. This is a great learning lesson for Eight Branches students as it has taught them how to manage payments easily for when they want to start their own practice!

Integrating an EMR system at Eight Branches has been a great learning curve and we’ve seen how valuable it has been in teaching our students the importance of modernizing your practice. Preparing them towards not only their clinical skills but also their knowledge in business operations is a step forward in evolving our students as future business owners! That’s why at Eight Branches, we place such a strong focus on business development and preparing our students with real world skills. If you’d like to know more about how Eight Branches is adapting to technology in our teachings or you’re interested in one of our programs, be sure to click here to book a meeting with one of our representatives.

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