Tea is by far the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is enjoyed by people in every country. Regardless of the variety, all tea is an infusion made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis.

Green teas are subject to a variety of processing methods, which may include steaming, pan roasting and rolling. Black and Oolong teas are further processed through fermentation. By contrast, the term “white tea” refers to tea leaves in their raw, natural state. After picking, the leaves are simply arranged and allowed to dry, without processing. White and green teas both contain antioxidants and other valuable nutrients, some of which are diminished during the fermentation process involved in making black teas.

Another important nutrient in tea, particularly in green and white tea, is L-theanine, an amino acid which produces a feeling of calmness together with increased mental clarity and alertness. Theanine content is highest in young, tender leaves and diminishes as the tea leaves mature.

Most people who make green or white tea for the first time, mistakenly use boiling water. But high temperature (above 176 degrees, 80 C) brings out more of the tannins and caffeine which produce a bitter taste and diminish the calming effect of Theanine. So, the secret of getting the health benefits of green or white tea, along with a sweeter taste and a calm mood, is to brew your tea with cooler water, ideally between 150 and 170 degrees. (For detailed instructions for proper brewing, see article titled, The Healthy ‘High” of Green and White Tea)

Here are a few of the reasons why green and white tea are valuable for your health.

Antioxidants – The antioxidants in green and white tea are 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more than vitamin E. This helps to protect cells from damage linked to cancer, as well as aging.

Heart Health – Green and white tea reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also improve the ratio of good vs. bad cholesterol. And if a heart attack does occur, drinking green or white tea will help speed the recovery and repair of heart cells.

Weight Loss – Green tea promotes weight loss. Four cups a day can help you burn 70 to 150 extra calories per day. That’s 7 to 15 pounds in a year. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it’s unlikely you’ll be overweight.

Joint Health – Green tea has a beneficial effect on several types of arthritis by helping to block the enzyme that destroys cartilage.

Bone Health – Because of their high fluoride content, green and white teas help to maintain bone density.

Glucose Metabolism – Green and white tea help reduce diabetes by improving lipid and glucose metabolisms. Also, polyphenols and polysaccharides in tea help to lower blood sugar levels.

Brain Function – Green and white tea help to boost memory and slow the decline of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a contributing factor in Alzheimer’s. In addition, the antioxidants and the L-theanine  in green and white tea can prevent cell damage in the brain and increase dopamine production. Both of these factors can protect against Parkinson’s disease, or help to reduce symptoms for those who have it.

Immune Function – The polyphenols and flavenoids in green and white tea help boost the immune system and increasing resistance to viruses and infections. Likewise, the EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) found in tea reduce allergies. From this perspective, green and white tea help to balance both overactive and under-active immune systems. In addition, scientists in Japan have found that EGCG in green and white tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells.

Lung Health – The theophylline in green tea relaxes the muscles which support the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of asthma.

Oral Health – Green and white tea reduce bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to many dental diseases as well as bad breath.

Mental Health – L-theanine, an amino acid in green and white tea, produces a calming effect which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805

As a practitioner of acupuncture and shiatsu in Portland, I frequently see clients who are suffering from some form of arthritis. Arthritis is a syndrome which describes a number of different diseases affecting the joints of the body.   Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis affecting over 20 million people in the U.S.  Osteoarthritis usually involves the weight bearing joints and results from the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage.  Rheumatoid arthritis can come on more suddenly and can affect any of the joints of the body.  While the exact cause is unknown, the conventional medical view is that a malfunction of the immune system is at the root of many forms of arthritis.

From the perspective of ancient medicine of India and China, arthritis is considered an invasion from an outside pathogen or internal toxicity. In our modern society, the most common cause is diet and poor digestion.  There is an old saying that applies in this regard; “Food which is not digested becomes poison.”  Among the patients that I routinely see, food allergies, food intolerance and poor digestion play a significant role in joint disease.

Acupuncture and shiatsu, combined with herbal therapy, can definitely help to reduce pain and swelling, strengthen the digestion and assist the body to overcome outside pathogens.  But in most cases, the key to effective treatment is exercise and proper diet.

Below is a general guideline which I find to be helpful for most types of arthritis.  If these suggestions do not help, I suggest that you visit a specialist and consider a long term cleansing diet with short intervals of fasting.  But I want to emphasize that fasting and elimination diets should be done under the supervision of a trained professional.

General Guidelines for Arthritis

1) Keep weight in proper range for height and frame.

2) Avoid foods that cause inflammation for many people with arthritis. The most common problem foods are:

• sugar
• salt
• red meat
• dairy products
• wheat flour
• nightshade vegetables: eggplant, red peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes
• tobacco
• hydrogenated fats, i.e., margarine, shortening, most baked goods, etc.

Experiment by eliminating one of these foods at a time, for 14 days, to find out if any are a problem for you.

3) Exercise – Exercise daily for at least 20 minutes.  If exercise is not part of your daily routine, begin slowly and be careful to not over do it.  If vigorous exercise feels good to you, then favor bicycling, jogging, or other aerobic exercises.  Best to alternate with exercises that move all the joints of the body.  Bicycling, rowing and swimming are excellent “non-impact” exercises.

4) Avoid steroids and try to minimize use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication.

5) Drink plenty of luke warm or room temperature water between meals.  Body weight divided by 2.5 = ounces of pure water per day.  Try to drink water mostly between meals and not with meals.  Avoid cold drinks.

6) Important Supplements:

- Multi Vitamin – any one a day type is fine or as you preference dictates

- Vitamin C – 500 mg. twice per day with largest protein meal, if well tolerated

- Vitamin E – 400 I.U. per day

- Glucosamine Sulfate. Best product is Syn-Flex liquid at  www.activexamerica.com

- MSM crystals – Start with ¼ teaspoon and gradually work up to ½ teaspoon, one to two times per day

- Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil – 1 teaspoon or 5 capsules, 2 times per day. Order at 1-800-662-2544 or www.nordicnaturals.com

- Helpful herbs: Boswellia, Turmeric (Meriva) and Ginger. See your herbalist or your health care professional for specific compounds containing these herbs.

* Caution: If you are pregnant, currently taking blood thinning medication, have diabetes or a bleeding disorder, consult with your health care professional before taking fish oil supplements.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have questions about acupuncture and shiatsu, or if you have a specific health concern, please contact me at:

Bart Walton, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Portland, Oregon
503/939-5805