Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a medical condition that develops when plaque builds up on the inner lining of the coronary arteries. Coronary artery disease is also called arteriosclerosis, from two terms that mean “hardening” (-sclerosis) and “arteries” (arterio-). The American Heart Association estimates that more than 13 million Americans are afflicted with arteriosclerosis. In addition to a variety of treatments available from allopathic physicians, coronary artery disease can be treated by acupuncture, herbal medicines, and other therapies available from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Be Used to Treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes coronary artery disease as being symptomatic of a condition known as heart blood stasis, characterized by sharp pains in the chest, palpitations, an irregular heart rhythm and a darkened tongue. The condition is caused by stagnation of blood in the heart or a deficiency of heart yang, heart blood and/or heart fire. It can be complicated by an accumulation of phlegm, the name given to congealed dampness in the body, which can combine with other conditions to produce lumps and masses. For example, an accumulation of plaque, a sticky, semisolid material consisting of cholesterol, calcium, fatty materials and other substances, as part of arteriosclerosis would be considered phlegm. This condition leads to an insufficient flow of blood and qi, the life energy that circulates through the body,into and through the heart, leading to the symptoms associated with arteriosclerosis.

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Pilates for Fibromyalgia
 
While the true causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, it is thought to be a neurologic disorder. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body and exhaustion. Specific treatments are lacking, and conventional therapy typically involves a combination of several medications with multiple potential side effects. Pilates offers a complementary or alternative approach to relieving some of the most troubling symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Why Use Pilates for Fibromyalgia?

Conventional treatment for fibromyalgia involves multiple medications to treat specific symptoms: analgesics for pain, antidepressants to improve mood, muscle relaxants, and short-term sleep aids. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is the first drug specifically approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia. About half the time it may reduce pain and improve function. However, the side effects are multiple: dizziness, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth, and swelling in the hands and feet. In other words, Pregabalin may aggravate many fibromyalgia symptoms, while helping others. Other medications similarly have both mild and serious side effects that can be concerning.

» Read more at: http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Pilates-for-Fibromyalgia

Using Chinese Herbal Medicines for Menopausal Symptoms

For a woman experiencing menopausal symptoms, such as excessive hot flashes, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner would recommend an herbal formula to balance her body. The most typical pattern seen in menopausal women is Kidney Yin Deficiency, presenting the symptoms of hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, tinnitus, night sweats, and weakness of the lower back and knees. This condition is most commonly treated with the formula Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, which is composed of eight herbs, including Chinese Foxglove and Cornelian Cherry. In a Dutch study, researchers found this combination to be effective in reducing the amount of hot flashes a menopausal woman experienced. The formula has been in use for hundreds of years, and is often taken long-term in middle age and older women during and after menopause.

Kidney essence deficiency often manifests as osteoporosis in menopausal women. Formulas that contain Kidney essence tonics and herbs with high calcium content are often prescribed in these cases. Additional formulas are also used for menopause based upon other symptoms the woman may be experiencing. Visiting a trained Chinese herbalist will allow a specific formula to be made specifically for your symptoms.

» Read more at: http://www.altmd.com/Articles/TCM-for-Menopause

About Immune Deficiency Disorders

Humans have two types of immunity: innate and acquired. Innate immunity is the package of defenses present at birth. Acquired immunity is the result of various exposures, such as colds and childhood diseases, that a person experiences.
An immune deficiency can be temporary or life-long, caused by:

• Genetic or hereditary defects (primary immunodeficiency diseases)
  
• Side effects of medical treatments or drugs (blood transfusions, surgery, chemotherapy)
  
• Viral infections (HIV/AIDS, influenza, measles, mononucleosis)
  
• Malnutrition
  
• Voluntary behaviors (smoking, for example)
  
• Emotional, physical or psychological stress (such as loneliness or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder).
  
  

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Primary Immunodeficiency diseases are caused by hereditary or genetic defects. They can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex. More than 200 primary immunodeficiency diseases are recognized by the World Health Organization, including Severe Combined Immunodeficiency , the absence of both T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte function resulting in high vulnerability to serious infections; Ataxia Telangiectasia , a variable immunodeficiency of T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that affects different organs in the body; and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, involving both T- and B-lymphocytes and blood platelets.

HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and eventually destroys T-cells. The compromised immune system is unable to fend off infections. A person who develops AIDS can develop rare types of cancer and life-threatening unusual infections, as well as common infectious diseases.

» Read more at: http://www.altmd.com/Articles/TCM-for-Immune-Deficiency



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