Tea is by far the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is enjoyed in many forms. Regardless of the form or type of tea, 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 are similar and both contain antioxidants and other valuable nutrients, some of which are diminished during the fermentation process involved in making black teas. For example, white and green tea support increased bone density, lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and protection from free radicals as well as many common bacteria and viruses. And some studies indicate that white and green tea protect against some forms of cancer.

Another important nutrient in tea, particularly in green and white tea, is Theanine, a psycho-active amino acid. It’s Theanine which produces the natural ‘high’ of tea, often experienced as a feeling of calmness together with increased mental clarity and alertness. Theanine content is highest in young, tender buds and leaves and diminishes as the tea leaves mature.

It is believed that Theanine protects nerve cells, increasing their longevity. It is linked to increased production of GABA and dopamine in the brain, as well as increased alpha waves. All of these factors are associated with increased calmness and the sense of well being. As a result, Theanine is considered a natural remedy for depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, Japanese studies link consumption of L-theanine with enhanced immune system function and reduced blood pressure.

Theanine will dissolve in water temperatures above 120 degrees F. Caffeine and the more bitter tannins of tea tend to dissolve at higher temperatures. If the water temperature is above 170 degrees, the bitter tannins and caffeine will overcome the Theanine, masking both the taste and the beneficial calming effect. So, the secret of getting the natural ‘high’, along with a sweeter and less bitter taste, is to brew your tea with cooler water, ideally between 150 and 170 degrees F.

Silver Needle White Tea

Silver Needle white tea is a variety of young, tender tea leaves picked only during certain days of early spring. When the Silver Needle tea is brewed correctly, it will yield a golden liquor with a subtle, sweet and savory flavor that will make you salivate. The savory flavor is the taste of Theanine, which can be appreciated through proper brewing and correct water temperature, ideally 160 degrees F .

Brewing Instructions for Silver Needle White Tea:

Place a rounded tablespoon of Silver Needle leaves in a 12 oz cup, using a brewing strainer.

Prepare freshly drawn filtered water to the correct temperature of 170 degrees. It’s best to use a thermometer to gauge water temperature. But also, you can approximate correct temperature as follows: Bring the water to near boiling, the point when the water surface just begins to stir. Then turn off the kettle and let the water stand for about half a minute. Then pour 10 oz of water into an empty, room temperature, ceramic cup. Let this water stand for one minute. Then pour this cooled water into the cup containing the Silver Needle tea leaves.

Cover the cup and let the leaves steep for 15 – 20 minutes. If the initial water temperature is not over 170 degrees, the tea will not develop bitterness. You can use the same leaves to make a second and even third infusion.

Japanese Green Teas

If you like a stronger tasting tea, I recommend fine Japanese green teas, such as high quality Sencha or Gyokuro. As with Silver Needle, these teas are picked in the spring when the leaves are young and are rich in many nutrients, including Theanine.

Both Gyokuro and high quality Sencha are delicate teas and can easily be over brewed. To bring out the Theanine, without too many of the bitter tannins, the water should not be hotter than 160 degrees F for Sencha and 140 degrees F for Gyokuro. Follow these instructions to yield a beautiful green liquor that has a fresh, sweet and savory flavor. As with Silver Needle, both Gyokuro and high quality Sencha produce a feeling of calmness along with acute mental clarity.

Brewing Instructions for Gyokuro Green Tea:

Place a level teaspoon of Gyokuro leaves in a brewing strainer.

Prepare freshly drawn filtered water to the correct temperature of 140 degrees. It’s best to use a thermometer to gauge water temperature. But also, you can approximate correct temperature as follows: Bring the water to near boiling, the point when the water surface just begins to stir. Then turn off the kettle and let the water stand for one minute. Then pour 8 oz of water into an empty, room temperature, ceramic cup. Let the water stand for 20 seconds. Then pour this cooled water into second, room temperature cup. Again, let let the water stand for 20 seconds. Then pour this cooler water into the cup containing the Gyokuro tea.

Let the tea steep for about 90 seconds. Remove the brewing strainer and let the tea stand until cool enough to drink. You can use the same leaves to make a second infusion.

Both of these teas are delicate, particularly the Gyokuro green tea. Excessive water temperature or over brewing will produce a bitter flavor with excessive caffeine, which will diminish the experience of deep calmness and profound clarity of a properly brewed cup of tea.

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

Many people don’t realize that when you put something on your skin, a significant amount is absorbed and makes its way into the bloodstream. As a general rule, if you’re not willing to put something in your mouth, then you shouldn’t put it on your skin. Below is a list of toxic chemicals typically used in shampoos and cosmetics. It would be best to avoid contact with products that contain these chemicals.

Parabens – mimic estrogen and are potentially carcinogenic

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS or SLES) – potentially carcenogenic

Diethanolamine or DEA – blocks nutrient choline which is vital to brain health and development

Acrylamide – linked to breast tumors

Phenol Carbolic Acid – associated with a number of dangerous toxic reactions

Dioxane – potentially carcenogenic

Toluene – linked to anemia, liver and kidney damage

Household cleaners are another source of toxic chemicals that can cause health problems, particularly for people who are sensitive. As a substitute for commercial cleaning products, try this simple formula: 3 qts hot water + 3/4 cup of inexpensive white vinegar + 1/4 cup ammonia. It works great. Or choose from a number of non-toxic products available at natural food stores.

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

We’ve all heard the saying that there is no cure for the common cold.  But the fact is, there are cures for colds and flu, which you can do at home with hot water and some very common items from your kitchen spice rack.  Most people laugh when I say this but it’s true and I have proven it on myself and my clients on numerous occasions.  But there is one small catch…you must apply these remedies within the first 2 – 3 hours of the onset of symptoms.  Once the virus has become established in the body, there is no effective cure for the common cold…you’ll have to let it run it’s course which takes a week to 10 days.

The best cure for cold and flu is prevention.  And the number one best prevention is to wash your hands frequently…especially during cold and flu season.  Every time you have been out in public, wash your hands with soap and water.  Make it a habit to do this five or more times a day.  It’s a fact that many viruses are picked up on the hands and transmitted into our bodies by scratching our face or touching one of our mucous membranes.

Once you begin to feel that first hint of a symptom, you have to act.  For some people, it’s a sore throat…for others, it’s tightness in the back of the neck, sneezing, a runny nose or a tightening in the chest.  However a cold hits you, stop what you are doing and follow the procedures outlined below.  If you can do this within the first few hours, there is a very good chance that you can stop the virus in its tracks.

My favorite cold remedy is Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) which is orange in color and one of the main spices in curry powder.  Among other important medicinal properties, Turmeric is a powerful natural antibiotic and antiviral.  Whereas pharmaceutical antibiotics tend to kill microbes indiscriminately, Turmeric kills only the foreign invaders and actually encourages the growth of friendly bacteria in the body.  Turmeric is a mildly warming herb.  It stimulates the formation of new blood and tissue and assists in the digestion of protein.  Turmeric is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce muscular or skeletal pain anywhere in the body.

At the first sign of cold or flu, it is invaluable to begin one of more of the following home remedies:

1)    If you are feeling a sore throat – Gargle with 1/2 cup hot (comfortably hot) water, 1/3 teaspoon salt and 1/3 teaspoon Turmeric.  It is important to do this 5 times a day and especially before bed.  Try to get the salt and Turmeric water as far back into your throat as possible. Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 20 minutes after doing this treatment.

2)    If you are feeling a stiff neck or headache – Take hot bath with one cup apple cider vinegar in the bath water.  While in the bath, drink a cup of fresh ginger tea.  The bath should be hot enough to produce a sweat within 10 minutes or so.  Remain in the hot water for 20 minutes and then get out, bundle up in warm robe and get under a comforter to spend more time sweating.  The point of this exercise is to sweat as much as possible.  You may get up after 90 minutes, but keep as warm as possible for the rest of the day.

3)    If you are sneezing – Nasal douche with 1 cup warm tea made with ½ teaspoon of Golden Seal (Hydrastis Canadensis) and ¼ teaspoon salt.  If you don’t know how to do a nasal douche, you can find instructions on the internet or contact your health care professional.

4)    In general for cold or flu – Take Turmeric capsules – 500mg, 3 times a day. Also, avoid all dairy products until you have completely recovered. Dairy products increase the production of mucus and will exacerbate the symptoms of cold and flu in most cases.

5) Zinc - At the first sign of a cold, take zinc supplements, either as throat lozenges or in capsule form, up to 30mg, twice per day, while symptoms persist.

6) Vitamin D3 – Make sure you are getting 2000 units of Vitamin D. This vitamin is important for many systems in the body, including a healthy immune system.

7)    Take caution in the use of antibiotics – Unless you have a serious (possibly life threatening) infection, pharmaceutical antibiotics can actually do more harm than good.  And in most cases of a viral infection, antibiotics will not help the condition at all. If you’re in reasonably good health, it’s better to help your body to defend itself.

Because these recommendations are simple, many people don’t take them seriously.  They either apply them half-heartedly or not at all.  But I cannot overstate how potent these remedies can be in the first few hours of the onset of symptoms.  Cold and flu viruses are actually very fragile in small numbers and can be wiped out quickly.  In particular the ingestion of Turmeric and the Turmeric gargle are very powerful ways to eliminate viruses before they have a chance to get established.

Precautionary Note: If you are pregnant, have had stroke, hypertension, cardio-vascular disease or some other serious health condition, it is important to consult with your professional health care provider before trying these home remedies.

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

Often my patients ask for advice to lose weight.  Although acupuncture and herbal medicine can be supportive, I tell my patients to pay more attention to their eating and lifestyle habits during the rest of the week.  The following recommendations aren’t magic, but if followed, they are very effective.

1. If our digestion is poor, we have to eat more in order to feel satisfied.  Here are a few tips to improve digestion and reduce food intake, without going hungry. If followed, these simple rules can improve ones health and well being dramatically.

a.  Eat slowly and chew your food well.  This simple rule will greatly enhance your sense of fullness and satisfaction.

b.  Stop eating before you are completely full.  There is a 15-minute lag between the time we eat something and the time the brain registers the sensation of fullness.

c. Try to eat your main meal in the middle of the day and when you are genuinely hungry and can better burn the calories.

2. In the brain, the hunger signal and the thirst signal can easily get crossed.  As a result, when we feel hungry, our bodies are often crying out for water and not food.  So, staying well hydrated is an important key for appetite control.  The next time you have a hunger attack, try drinking one or two glasses of lukewarm water.  After about 15 minutes, you may find that your hunger has disappeared completely.

3. When it comes to exercise, there are two important factors to weight loss: muscle tone and walking.  If we can build up our muscle mass, we will burn considerably more calories in our normal daily activity.  For three days a week, do 30 minutes of weight training, under the guidance of a professional trainer to start with.  During the other four days of the week, begin a walking program, gradually working up to 2 or 3 miles per day.  If you have a health concern, it is important to discuss exercise with your doctor in order to design a program that is best suited for you.

4. Soothing the mind and the emotions will often reduce our craving for food. Nothing is more effective than deep breathing in order to increase the body’s energy and release blocked emotions.  Try to be more aware of your breathing all during the day and take extra deep breaths as often as possible.

5. If you follow the above recommendations, you may eat what you want, in moderation.  Except, you should strictly avoid junk foods, fried foods, butter, margarine and pork.  Also, avoid alcohol or at least reduce to one glass of wine each day, with your main meal.

Final Note: Above all, relax and try to be happy with your body type.  Very few of us are meant to look like fashion models, even though the advertising media would like us to believe otherwise.  Strive for moderation in all things.  If we maintain good health, we will very likely achieve the correct weight for our unique body type.

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

Dietary fats play a crucial role in our health and longevity. And yet, there is perhaps no other health topic more clouded in confusion and misinformation.

In the early 1950′s, scientists found that plaque (the substance which clogs the arteries and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke) is partially composed of cholesterol. Based on this discovery, they assumed a direct relationship between the amount of cholesterol in our diet and the formation of plaque in the arteries. Since that time, a number of studies have cast serious doubt on this conclusion. We now know that the build-up of plaque in the arteries is a much more complex process, involving inflammation as well as a number of dietary and hereditary factors. But most important, it is now apparent that the most dangerous dietary factor is not cholesterol, as once believed, but trans-fatty acids or trans fat.

Trans fat is formed when vegetable oils are hydrogenated (hardened) into margarine or shortening. Trans fat is in most fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers. Other processed foods also contain trans fat, often labeled as shortening, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil. Trans fat is associated with increased blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. Trans fat is a major contributor to the formation of plaque in the arteries and the resulting increase in heart disease, stroke and a number of other serious degenerative diseases.

Another related dietary problem is an unhealthy ratio of essential fatty acids. Both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our health. The ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 in our diet is from 1/1 to 2/1. Essential fatty acid ratios in this range are found in native populations whose dietary fat comes from legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, fish and animal sources. However, the typical American diet, with large amounts of polyunsaturated fats, has a ratio of 20/1, or even higher.

Omega-3 oils include a group of chemical nutrients which help to thin the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, protect against heart attack and stroke, regulate the immune system and nourish the brain, just to name a few of their remarkable health benefits. Omega-3 is particularly important in early brain development and learning ability in children. In Europe, Omega-3 supplements are replacing conventional anti-depressant therapy for mild to moderate depression and ADHD. By increasing our intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, we can enjoy many long-term health benefits.

The subject of dietary fats is complex and includes more bio-chemistry than most people want to know. As a simple rule, keep in mind that monosaturated oils, like virgin olive oil, is the preferred dietary staple, supplemented with fish and seed oils to provide a healthy ratio of essential fatty acids. The following guidelines are suitable for most (*) people to insure the right kinds and amounts of dietary fats.

1) 2 grams of combined Omega-3 from high grade fish or krill oil, per day. For most brands of fish oil, this represents 1 to 2 teaspoons or 5 to 10 capsules per day. Nordic Naturals or Carlson’s are both excellent brands.

2) Avoid trans fats, fried foods or foods that contain margarine, hydrogenated oils or shortening. For baking or high heat cooking, it would be better to use butter or virgin coconut oil.

3) For meat consumption, favor deep ocean fin fish and organically raised chicken.

4) Use organic virgin olive oil for cooking or to garnish bread, vegetables and salads.

5) Unless you are overweight or have high cholesterol, a small amount of butter, ghee or virgin coconut oil is fine. For many people, 1/2 teaspoon of these fats every day is a valuable and welcomed addition to the diet.

6) 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, at least 5 times per week.  If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, begin slowly and work up to 20 minutes gradually over several weeks.

* Precautions: Fish oil has natural blood thinning factors. If you are pregnant, currently taking blood thinning medication, have diabetes or a bleeding disorder, consult with your health care professional before adding fish oil to your diet.

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

Americans consume more calcium supplements than any other people on earth.  And if that’s not enough, additional calcium is added to our cereals, our fruit juices, our crackers, our antacids and many other processed foods.  Yet, ironically, the U.S. ranks among the nations with the highest incidence of osteoporosis; a painful and debilitating disease marked by calcium loss and bone deterioration.  Are we missing something?

About 40 years ago, doctors began routinely prescribing calcium to many men and almost all women over the age of 40 in order to prevent or stop the progression of osteoporosis.  The conventional wisdom was that bone loss is due to calcium deficiency.  Yet, after 40 years, it is evident that taking calcium alone does not prevent or even slow the progression of osteoporosis.

Magnesium is actually the key to the body’s proper assimilation and use of calcium.  Magnesium helps to regulate calcium in the body and allows the body to use calcium as needed.  If we consume too much calcium and without enough magnesium to balance it, the excess calcium is not utilized correctly and actually may become toxic, causing many painful conditions in the body.

Magnesium is responsible for over 350 biochemical reactions, all necessary for proper health.  Magnesium plays a vital role in digestion, energy production, muscle contraction and relaxation, bone formation and cell division.  In addition, magnesium is a key nutrient in the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, the adrenals, and the entire nervous system.

Most cal/mag supplements contain a ratio of 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium.  The logic behind this ratio is based on the relative amounts of these nutrients used in the body every day.  But research shows that most people over 30 actually need the reverse ratio. Typically, the body holds onto calcium and either stores it or recycles it again and again.  But magnesium is either used up or excreted and must be replenished on a daily basis.  So, even though our daily need for calcium is greater, we are much more likely to become deficient in magnesium.

If you suffer from two or more of the following symptoms, you may have a magnesium deficiency:

- insomnia or restless sleep

- muscle tension or spasms

- muscle cramps

- constipation

- headaches

- heart palpitations

- PMS

- calcification of tissues or joints

- nervousness or irritability

I recommend magnesium citrate or malate as the preferred forms. Or magnesium in the form of an amino acid chelate. If you believe you might be deficient in magnesium, I suggest taking magnesium alone (without calcium) for several  months.  Some manufacturers are now producing these minerals together in a ratio of 1 to 1 which I recommend for the longer term.  And remember, if you are taking these minerals in the above forms,  you may not need to take as much because you’re absorbing more.  The body can only absorb a small amount of these minerals at one time. So, if you plan to take more than 100 mg of magnesium, it’s best to take two or more small doses per day than a large dose all at once. For most people, a modest supplementation in the 200 mg range of magnesium will help to maintain adequate levels, and more important, the correct balance of these important minerals.

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

About 20 years ago I learned a breathing exercise called Sudarshan Kriya from the Art of Living program. There are many forms of breathing exercises available thorough different schools of yoga and Qi Gong. I can recommend the Art of Living program without hesitation. It only takes about 15 minutes a day to do the breathing and another 15 minutes for the meditation practice which is an optional addition.

A number of scientific studies have been conducted over the last 20 years which proves that meditation and Sudarshan Kriya benefit the physiology on many levels. In particular, these practices have proven to help in the treatment of hypertension and significantly reduce symptoms of headache, stress, anxiety and depression.

If you live in Portland, the Art of Living contact information is:

Janardhan at janardhan.lavakumar@gmail.com -  ph: 503-560-3521

Raghu at rchadive@gmail.com  -  ph: 503-816-7894)

Portland Web Site: http://us.artofliving.org/portland

If you live outside of Portland, go to:  http://us.artofliving.org

While I’m a great believer in acupuncture and shiatsu to treat specific conditions. I also try to encourage my clients to manage their own health through proper diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. The Art of Living program is a program I can recommend for overall health maintenance and longevity.

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general heading for Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Both of these disorders are inflammatory conditions of the large intestine which can be debilitating and, if left unchecked, can lead to serious and even life threatening complications.

An estimated 2,000,000 Americans suffer from IBD.  Conventional medicine views IBD as idiopathic (of unknown cause) and treatments include steroid anti-inflammatory or immune suppressant medications.  Side effects from these medications are severe and often dangerous over the long term.  Surgery is the next option if drug treatment is not effective in controlling symptoms.  Unfortunately, surgery does not always result in a cure and subsequent surgery may be needed, thus compromising the patient’s health and quality of life.

Many patients and doctors are unaware of alternative approaches which have been successful in reducing symptoms and even bringing IBD into complete remission for many patients.  But it’s important to emphasize that no one approach works for everyone.  Finding an effective approach takes patience and perseverance.  In this article, I would like to mention several alternative approaches to IBD which are currently available and can be very effective.

Dietary Approaches

An alternative approach which is rapidly gaining attention is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (S. C. Diet), developed by Elaine Gottschall, Ph.D.  The S. C. Diet is a strict grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free meal plan, based on the theory that poor digestion of carbohydrates is the single greatest causative factor in IBD.  While there is no universal agreement on exactly how the S. C. Diet works, the fact that it does work is reflected in a growing body of evidence.  Most patients who stay on the diet for a year or longer, are able to maintain complete or partial remission without medication.  And many are eventually able to include a wider range of carbohydrates into their diets.  Information about the S. C. Diet is available at www.scdiet.org.

Another dietary approach comes out of research into the inflammatory response itself.  Many nutritional researchers have found that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA in particular) and low in saturated fats and Omega-6 fatty acids, will help to establish a biochemical environment within the body which actually protects against inflammation.  This discovery is just beginning to play an important role in the treatment of IBD as well as other inflammatory diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP)

Another alternative approach to IBD comes in the form of highly concentrated Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharides (AMP) from the inner gel of the Aloe plant – Aloe Vera.  Drs. John Pitmann and Ivan Danhof have published research about AMP and it’s powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties.  In addition, it has no known side effects at effective dosage levels. Based on this research, some companies have developed highly concentrated, freeze dried forms of AMP and the response among IBD sufferers is very enthusiastic.  In order to be effective, AMP must be highly concentrated (1000 to 1) and pharmaceutical grade.  Ordinary Aloe Vera juice or gel will not provide sufficient concentrations of AMP to be effective.  Additional information about AMP may be obtained from Serovera at http://www.serovera.com

Combined Modality Approach

Alternative health practitioners will frequently combine two or more modalities in the treatment of IBD.  In my own practice, I have found that regular acupuncture treatments to help regulate the immune system, combined with an individually tailored diet and supplemented with AMP and Omega-3 oils, will often produce good results over a period of 8 to 12 weeks.  Although I want to emphasize that no one approach works for everyone, a combined approach like this seems to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of IBD for many patients.

Summary

One of the sad facts about IBD is that patients are often left on their own to find effective alternatives.  But doctors are not entirely wrong in counseling against unproven therapies.  For every successful alternative approach to IBD, there are dozens which claim to “cure” IBD but, in fact, are worthless or misleading.  It is only through the continued efforts of the alternative medicine community that patients who suffer from long term, chronic disorders, such as IBD, can become informed about alternatives that are safe and can be effective.

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

There is so much written these days about food…which foods are good for us…which foods are bad.  And then, the ones that we thought were good for us turn out to be bad, and vice versa.  There are so many contradictions…it’s all very confusing.  Wouldn’t it be great if there were a system of selecting foods that made some sense?

Well fortunately, there are two excellent systems.  And guess what?  They’re over 2000 years old!  The dietary medical systems of ancient China and India are very similar and not only appeal to our common sense but provide deep insight into the subtle mysteries of the human body.

According to both of these ancient medical systems, foods are not labeled as “good” or “bad”.  On the contrary, any food can be good or bad, depending on who’s eating it.  We’ve all had this experience in our everyday life. Two people go out for dinner at an Indian Restaurant and have the spicy Lamb Vindaloo. One of them sleeps like a baby all night and the other is tossing and turning with heartburn.   The next week the same two friends decide to splurge on a triple ice cream sundae.  The one with heartburn the week before, sleeps soundly and wakes up feeling fine.  But the one who had no problem with the spicy Lamb, sleeps poorly and wakes up with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Let’s apply some of our own common sense with the ancient wisdom of the East and see if we can solve some of the current contradictions in nutrition. For example, what about a raw foods? Are they good for us or not?  Well, again, the question we need to ask is, “Who’s eating them?”  For someone with a strong digestion and plenty of internal heat, a raw foods diet is fine.  Likewise, if someone is heavy or has accumulated toxins from the environment or improper diet, raw foods could be helpful for a period of time. But for people who are cold, thin and deficient in their constitution or who are weak from a recent or chronic illness, raw foods will only aggravate their condition.

What about fats?  Are they good for us or not? Again, let’s first look at the person who is eating.  If a person has high cholesterol or tends to be over weight, it is common knowledge that fats need to be reduced or avoided until the condition improves.  But if a person is thin, and has normal or low cholesterol, fats, and especially the right kind of fats are very important to restore or maintain good health.

What about alcohol?  Is a glass of wine good for us or not?  Well, traditionally, wine is warming in quality.  If we already have a lot of internal heat, alcohol will only serve to create an imbalance or aggravate an existing imbalance.  But if we have a larger frame and an even internal temperature, a little wine can aid the digestion and enhance our health.

As a general rule, people who have fair skin, thin hair, ruddy complexion or athletic build tend to have plenty of internal heat and need to be more careful about inflammation.  For these individuals, it is recommended that they avoid hot spicy foods such as garlic and cayenne and maintain adequate intake of fluids and Omega-3 fatty acids.  A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and some dairy is ideal.  Fried foods and alcohol are not a good idea for these people.

People who have a thin frame, are frequently cold, have dry skin and a nervous disposition need more warmth and moisture.  These individuals will do better with a warm diet of well cooked foods, heavier protein and more fats.  A vegan diet or raw foods can make this person very uncomfortable and aggravate their imbalance. Likewise, coffee and alcohol can be too stimulating for this person’s sensitive nervous system.

People who have large frames or who naturally gain weight easily and have a slow and even disposition and oily skin, also have an abundance of moisture and  tend to accumulate dampness and mucous easily.  These individuals do well on a fresh juice or a raw foods diet and respond well to more stimulation in their diet with warm spices like ginger, cayenne and garlic, all in moderate amounts.  A moderate amount of alcohol and coffee are well tolerated by a person in this category.

What about exercise.  Is it good?  And if so, how come some people can easily add it to their daily routine and others can’t seem to get going? In general, it is important to move the body and stretch the muscles every day.  In doing so, we help the circulation of energy and fluids and assist the body in the elimination of toxins and waste.  Yet it is important to moderate our exercise in order to fit our body type and any particular imbalance that may exist.  For example, if a person has a large build or feels cold most of the time, vigorous daily exercise with ample perspiration is usually beneficial.  Bicycling, jogging or any other aerobic exercise program is appropriate.  But if a person has a thin build or feels warm most of the time, heavy perspiration may deplete body fluids that are already deficient.  In this case, light exercises such as walking, swimming, Qi Gong or Tai Qi are more appropriate.  Likewise, if we have a serious health condition, it is important to exercise carefully and not over do it.

There are hundreds of choices we make every day about what to eat, how to exercise, how to respond to our environment, etc.  Unfortunately, it is impossible to design a formula that will fit everyone because, we are all unique and have different needs.  What is important is that we get to know our own bodies and what works for us.  The general principle in the ancient medicine of China and India is that “like increases like”.  In other words, foods or activities that share the same qualities of a particular imbalance will increase or aggravate that imbalance.  Likewise, foods or activities having the opposite qualities will help to restore balance.

From this perspective, it is important for us to get to know some basic facts about ourselves.  Do we feel warm most of the time or cold?  Do we tend to gain weight easily or do we tend to be thin? Is our skin moist and oily or dry.  Do we feel calm and even tempered most of the time or are we easily excited and have trouble turning off our minds.  If we are warm and have a strong digestion, favor foods that feel cooling to our system.  If we are dry, favor foods that are moist and contain essential fats.  If we tend to gain weight easily, favor foods that are light and stimulating (spicy).  If we are mentally nervous, favor foods that are heavy and more grounding.

It may take some time to develop an understanding of our unique body type.  And a lot of trial and error is a natural part of the process.  But if we can learn about our body and choose foods and activities that actually support our health and happiness, the benefits will be enormous and life long.

If you are interested in the idea of food as medicine, and want to learn more, here are some excellent books to hang out with:

Staying Healthy with the Seasons, Elson Haas, M.D., Ten Speed Press

Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford; North Atlantic Books

The TAO of Healthy Eating, Bob Flaws, Blue Poppy Press

Perfect Health, Deepak Chopra, M.D., Harmony BooksEating for

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