Cancer. It's a diagnosis that no one want to hear. It can leave you feeling frightened, uncertain, and powerless. But if you or loved one is facing cancer, it's important to have hope. In many cases, cancer can be cured, especially when it's detected early. There are more treatments available now than ever before to cure cancer or slow it from spreading, relieve its symptoms, and help you live a healthier life.
It's also important to know that you have options in addition to standard medical therapies. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(OM) have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can safely be used to naturally support your body and mind as you undergo conventional cancer treatments.

Understanding treatments and their side effect Cancer is an overall term for a group of disease that occur when cells begin to reproduce abnormally, eventually damaging or killing healthy tissue. Most cancers are named according to where they begin in the body, and there are more than 100 different types. The most common are breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Your treatment plan will be based on many factors, including the type and stage (how far it has spread) of the cancer and your overall health. While cancer treatments have proven to be effective, they do have serious side effects to take into account. The most common treatment include:

Surgery: Performed to remove the cancer if possible. Surgery may be used alone or along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy.

Chemotherapy: The use of medication to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy generally lasts from 3 to 9 months, and can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, hair loss, early menopause, and hot flushes.

Radiation therapy: The use of high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Side effects generally include fatigue, hair loss, and skin darkening at the site of the treatment.

Biological therapy: This treatment works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Side effects depend on the specific type of therapy, but they can include rashes or swelling, flu like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix.

How Acupuncture and OM can help Acupuncture and OM have been used for thousands of years to maintain health and relieve symptoms. Practitioners work to treat imbalances in the body's Qi, or Vital energy, by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints.

Since acupuncture has few side effects, it can be safely used as a complement to conventional cancer treatment. In fact, in many cancer cases it's recommended as a way to soothe and reduce side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has been found to be effective in relieving:

* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Fatigue
* Post-surgical pain
Acupuncture and OM can also help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety, which can greatly improve your quality of life during this challenging time.

In addition to acupuncture, your practitioner may also provide massage, acupressure, nutritional counseling, or an exercise program designed to help you stay as health as possible. He/she may also recommend herbal medicines or vitamin supplements.
Remember to always communicate with your health care providers about these and any other medications you take in order to avoid any drug interactions.

Treating the person, not just the disease Acupuncture practitioners take a holistic, or whole body, approach to cancer care. This means that not only will your symptoms be considered, but also your lifestyle, emotional state, and overall health. Your whole being will be taken into account, not just the cancer. When you work with your practitioner to improve your health and relieve your side effects, you are not only helping yourself get the most from conventional treatments, you're taking back the control of your own life and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you will be on your way toward a healthier, happier, pain-free life.

Lupus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Crohn's disease... You may have heard of these conditions, but do you know what they have in common? They are all types of autoimmune disease and they are all lifelong conditions.

Approximately 50 million Americans are living with an autoimmune disease. If you are facing one of these conditions, you know how crucial it is to have a treatment plan in plan in place to help you manage your symptoms and live the healthiest, most active life possible.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be powerful allies when living with an autoimmune disease.
They can help:
 * Strengthen your immune system
 * Relieve painful symptoms
 * Reduce your stress
 * Support your overall health

Perhaps most importantly, practitioner will focus on YOU as an individual. Your care will be tailored to your specific needs and symptoms, so you won't ever receive a "one-size-fits-all" treatment.

When the immune response goes wrong
To understand autoimmune disease, we must first understand how the immune system works. The immune system generally acts as the body's protection against foreign substances and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system is working properly, it can tell the difference between the body's own tissues and outside organisms.
In the case of an autoimmune disease, the immune system stops being able to differentiate the good from the bad and begins to attack the body's own sells, tissues, and organs. This immune response cause harmful inflammation that eventually leads to an autoimmune condition. There are about 80 recognized autoimmune disease, and several other conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia that are currently believed to have an autoimmune component.

Autoimmune conditions are often difficult to diagnose and treat because their symptoms and progression can vary from person to person. These conditions may either affect many organs or target one specific part of the body. The symptoms can be persistent, get progressively worse, or go into remission with occasional flare ups, and can range from being mild to so severe that they become disabling.

The exact causes of autoimmune disease are unknown, but since many conditions run in families, it is believed there is a genetic relationship. Because women are at a much higher risk for many autoimmune diseases, practitioners think hormones may play a role.

Treatments generally rely upon a variety of medications, which can help to relieve symptoms, but can also come with unwanted side effects.

How acupuncture can help Acupuncture and OM take a holistic, or whole body approach to healing based on the concept of Qi, the vital energy. Energy flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body's organs, protect us from illness and keep us healthy. When the body's natural flow becomes diminished or blocked, disease can result.

The goal of treatment is to find and treat the underlying imbalances that are affecting the body. By addressing the root cause(s) of the disease, acupuncture can help your body regain balance and help improve your overall health. Acupuncture and OM can also help reduce inflammation, soothe uncomfortable symptoms, relieve side effects from medication, and increase your energy levels.

During treatment, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the body in order to unblock any obstruction and allow energy and blood to flow freely. Your practitioner may also help improve your nutrition, reduce your stress, or start you on an exercise program.

In addition, your practitioner may recommend herbal remedies and supplements designed to support your health and boost your immune system. It is important to communicate with all of your health providers in order to maximize your healing potential.

Acupuncture and OM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. By incorporating these powerful tools into your treatment program, you are making the decision to support and nourish your body and take control of your autoimmune condition.

Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world's population, an estimated 200-400 million people world wide, with higher numbers among women than men. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal/bowel troubles.

How acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help According to the theories of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, an imbalance in the flow of Qi can create symptoms and signs that reflect a Western diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Qi is the vital energy that animates and supports the functions of the body. It flows through specific pathways, called meridians, and provides nourishment for the entire body. When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body, there is health and pain-free living. When Qi becomes 'blocked," or the supply is inadequate, apin, stiffness and other symptoms related to fibromyalgia can appear.

What does an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where Qi has become blocked , and/or why the amount of Qi within the body has changed. He or she will then develop a treatment plan tailored to address the meridian pathways that are out of balance. The goal of this plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause and underlying imbalances.

What is out-of-balance? The body constantly strives to maintain a healthy balance of Qi traveling through the meridian pathways. When the flow of Qi has been disrupted, or the supply of Qi has changed, the body becomes unbalanced and meridians cannot properly nourish the body. This is when signs and symptoms appear.
Most cases of fibromyalgia fit into the Oriental diagnosis of a Liver, Spleen, and/or Hear disharmony. This does not mean that these organs have a problem, it means that the functions of these organ/meridian pathways, according to Oriental medical diagnosis, are out of balance.

Liver The functions related to the Liver organ, according to Oriental medicine, are to control the smooth flow of blood, Qi, and emotions and to nourish the tendons. When the Live meridian becomes blocked there will be an inadequate supply of blood and Qi flowing throughout the body. The tendons and muscles will not be properly nourished, leading to stiffness and pain. Other symptoms of a blocked Liver are depression, anger, anxiety, and insomnia. A Liver imbalance may be caused by improper diet, stress, deep, unexpressed anger, drugs and alcohol.

Spleen The Oriental function of the Spleen is to transform the food that we ingest into Qi and blood. The health of the Spleen is affected by diet, ver-concentration, and worry. An unbalanced Spleen can result in fatigue, digestive troubles, muscle stiffness and pain.

Heart When there is an insufficient amount of Qi and blood produced by the Spleen, the Heart organ will be affected. The role of the Heart is to pump blood throughout the body. It is also generate enough blood to nourish the Heart, the Heart Qi does not have enough control to properly house the Spirit. Symptoms can include anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, and emotional unrest.

A study conducted in 2010, suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life for fibromyalgia patients. Not only can Acupuncture treat the pain and discomfort, but it can also address the underlying problems that have caused the imbalance.

In other research, subjects who received acupuncture experienced an overall improvement in fatigue, anxiety and the hypersensitivity associated with fibromyalgia.

​Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe alternative in the effective treatment of fibromyalgia. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal formuals, dietary recommendations and calming exercise can also help promote balance and health.

 Do you experience tingling in your hand or fingers? Pain that radiates from your wrist to your shoulder? Maybe even difficulty holding small objects? If so, you could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS), an uncomfortable and sometimes disabling condition that affects up to five million Americans.

The good news is that lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms, and there are many treatments available to help. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can effectively treat CTS without side effects or harmful medications.

What is CTS? The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve which innervates the hand as well as tendons that control the fingers. This nerve controls sensation and muscle movements in the hand. If the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed from swelling or injury, the nerve is compressed and impinged. This can cause numbness, pain and severe weakness in the hands.

There are several causes of CTS, but the main culprit is repetitive flexion and extension of the tendons in the hands and wrist, especially when performed for long periods, leading to Repetitive Stress Injury(RSI). Symptoms usually start with dull wrist pain that gradually worsens. Other symptoms may include:

- Loss of feeling the fingers
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the fingers or hand
- Pain extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers
-  Weakness in the hands and difficulty holding objects

How Can Acupuncture Help Typically, treatment for CTS is based on how severe the symptoms are, and may include immobilizing the wrist and hand, using anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and surgery in the severe cases. Acupuncture and OM can safely be used in conjunction with Western treatments to relieve CTS symptoms.

Studies suggest that acupuncture can both reduce swelling of soft tissue and stimulate production of cortisol, a hormone that reduces inflammation. Since CTS is caused by the swelling of the soft tissue that leads to inflammation of the carpal tunnel, acupuncture can be effective in treating CTS. In addition to improving your CTS, treatment may also improve other symptoms often associated with this condition such as headaches, neck pain, and shoulder stiffness. More importantly, acupuncture and OM can help relieve the emotional stress of living with this painful condition.

Your practitioner will create a unique, personalized treatment plan designed to address your body's imbalances. During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupoints along the meridians in order to support and strengthen your body and eliminate pain.

Your practitioner may also recommend herbal remedies, vitamin supplements, massage, and stretching as part of your treatment.

Acupuncture and OM offer a safe, pain-free, natural way to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. With proper care, you can recover from CTS. As you continue with treatment, you may even find your overall health and well being improve along with your symptoms.

Tui Na is a traditional Chineses massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension, and inflammation. It is also used to heal injuries. Dr. Lee uses his own oil and external herb formula for maximizing the effect of Tui Na session. You can experience instant pain release and energy move from Tui Na session.

Cupping is designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. It lift up tissues and stimulate strong circulation and help to take out toxin from inside out.
You can experience bruising in first time. It is sign of your bad blood circulation, but it will get better in second session.

Moxibustion (=moxa) is a treatment that uses a herb called mugwort. It is burned on the handle of  a needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. The process "warms" acupuncture points accelerating the healing process. Moxibustion is used for chronic pain condition, while acupuncture needle is used for acute pain condition.

Heat Therapy is an autoimmune health care method that warms up the body using heat through physical stimulation which in turn helps blood circulation to prevent diseases and illnesses. It transfers the wastes to the blood and lymph vessels and increases white blood cells to boost immune system

 Allergies, seasonal or year round, are an ongoing problem for many individuals. Seasonal allergies typically affect people during a particular season or time of year. They are also referred to as outdoor allergies and are generally triggered by tree, grass and weed pollen or outdoor mold spores. Year round allergies also known as indoor allergies are typically brought on by animal dander, dust mites, mold spores or insect allergens. There are also food allergies, which occur as a result of eating a culprit food, and can also create physical and/or emotional symptoms such as body hives, swelling, itching or redness of the skin, depression and/or moodiness.

​No matter what kind of allergy you suffer from, environmental of food related, acupuncture can provide needed relief. While medications(over-the-counter) often come with unwanted side-effects, acupuncture does not. This makes acupuncture an appealing option for people looking for a new way to combat their allergies.

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, foods that don't agree with your body, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Over time, if imbalances remain with the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi. According to the theories of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.

What is Wei Qi? The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, e remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen. People who have a Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

What will an acupuncture do? An acupuncturist will conduct a through exam, taking a complete health history. He will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.

Acupuncture treatments are combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage(tuina), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the health and functioning of your body's systems.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.

Seasonal allergy tips:
1. Flush your nose with a Neti pot.
2. Add spicy foods and omega-3's to your diet.
3. Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering.
4. Put on a dusk mask when your are doing yard or house work.
5. Do not hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they will gather dust, mold and pollen.
6. Come in for an acupuncture tune-up.

If you suffer from food allergies:
1. See an allergist and get tested for a proper diagnosis of a food allergy.
2. Avoid the foods that cause your reaction.
3. Peanuts, the proteins in cow's milk, shellfish, tree nuts, fish eggs, gluten, wheat and soy are the most common food allergens.
4. It is possible to outgrow some food allergies.
5. Ask about ingredients at restaurants or when eating food prepared by another person.
6. Read food labels carefully.

* Constitution consultation can give you definite and clear answer for your food allergy.  

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than one in three Americans, but most people may not even know they have it. Since hypertension can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening health problems, its very important to learn all you can and take action to lower your risk.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offer a safe, natural, and pain-free ways to keep your blood pressure in check.

What is hypertension? Blood pressure is the actual force of blood pressing against your artery walls. Getting your blood pressure tested is a quick, simple process. It's measured in two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure is at or above 140 mm Hg, and/or your diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mm Hg.
Often called "the silent killer," hypertension doesn't usually cause symptoms until it gets severe enough to lead to major health problems such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and metabolic disorders. It has also been linked to dementia and cognitive impairment.

What cause hypertension? More than 90% of cases of high blood pressure are known as "essential hypertension," on the other hand, is caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease or certain medications.
The risk factors for essential hypertension include age(the risk is higher after age 35), race(African Americans are at higher risk), and a family history of the condition. While you can't control those factors, there are many you can control, including:

* Being overweight
* Being stressed
* Consuming too much salt
* Drinking heavily
* Not excersing
* Using tobacco

How can acupuncture and OM help? Fortunately, there are many ways to lower your blood pressure. Typical Western treatments includes controlling your risk factors and taking medication if needed. By incorporating acupuncture and OM into your treatment plan, you can treat your hypertension and improve your overall health and well-being in other, complementary ways.

Acupuncture and OM practitioners take a holistic, or"whole body," approach for the treatment of hypertension, and take into account inharmonious conditions of the whole system that can involve the function of the liver, kidneys, digestive system and heart.

Treatment is based upon the concept of Qi, the vital energy that flows through pathwas called meridians, providing nourishment of all of the body's organs and protecting it from illness. When the flow of Qi becomes diminished or blocked, disease and illness result.

The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying imbalance(s) affecting the flow of Qi, leading to the elevated to blood pressure and various symptoms. By addressing the root cause(s) of your high blood pressure, OM can help your body regain its natural balance. In doing so, you'll also be strengthening your health and reducing the risk of future health conditions.

Acupuncture and OM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. Studies have found that a special form of acupuncture called electro-acupuncture, which uses electrical stimulation, may be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. By working together with your practitioner, you'll be on your way to successfully treating your hypertension and improving your health, for today and the days ahead. In addition to healthy eating and regular exercise, consistent acupuncture treatment should be considered for the greatest long term results.

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. Caring for a chronic condition such as asthma can sometimes be frustrating, but it's important to remember that it can be controlled. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be powerful allies in the management of asthma, and they work well in conjunction with other types of treatment.

The facts about asthma  Asthma is an inflammatory disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Some people have long periods without symptoms, while others may always experience difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks occur when something triggers the inflammation of the respiratory system. Flare ups can be severe-sometimes even life threatening.
Asthma attacks are generally caused by one or more triggers, including:
● A cold, flu, bronchitis, or sinus infection
● Allergens including dust mites, tree and grass pollen, mold, and animal dander
● Irritants that include tobacco smoke, strong fragrances, and air pollution
● Certain foods and food additives
● Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
● Strenuous exercise
● Changes in weather
● Strong emotions such as anxiety, stress, grief and anger
Generally, the available approach of asthma treatment is to try and prevent attacks. This is usually done with regular use of anti-inflammatory medications, inhaled steroids and leukotriene inhibitors. Once an asthma attack is underway, quick-acting medications like corticosteroids may be able to relieve it. Most of these medications can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches muscle tremors, and insomnia. However, many people have found that acupuncture treatment may help reduce asthma attacks, improve lung function and even lower the amount of medication needed.

Asthma according to ancient principles In Oriental Medicine, asthma is known as "Xiao Chuan," which means "wheezing" and "shortness of breath." It is caused by a variety of factors that involve an imbalance with Wei Qi, and an imbalance with one or more of the organ systems, generally the Lungs, Spleen or Kidney.

An acupuncturist will take a holistic, or whole-body approach in order to determine what areas of the body are affected and out of balance and contributing to the attacks.

Since acupuncture and Oriental Medicine take into account your overall well-being, your practitioner may also address other issues that may be contributing to your asthma, such as exercise, diet and stress. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and pain-free approach to many conditions, and you my find that your overall health improves along with your asthma symptoms.

Below are some of the more common TCM diagnosis that your acupuncturist may discover and treat.
● Invasion of Wind
● Phlegm Damp
● Lung weakness
● Kidney weakness
● Spleen weakness
● Liver imbalance 
● Liver Heat
● Wei Qi deficiency

Constitution medicine and herb for asthma In constitution medicine, asthma comes from the constitution have weak metal energy. There are bunch of good food and life style for strengthening weak metal energy. If we combine with herbal formula, the asthma is easy to treat in constitution medicine.  

Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from influenza, or "the flu" virus. Unfortunately, most of us get the flu at least once in our lifetime. The associated signs and symptoms are all-too-common: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes.

Colds are much less severe than the flu and cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and headaches. Though it may make you feel lousy, getting a cold is not always a bad thing. Instead, it's a sign that the body's resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already compromised, a cold could further weaken your body, leaving you open to a more serious illness.

The flu, you and Chinese medicine Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the duration of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by re-balancing the body's systems, regulating the body's healing energies and enhancing the immune system.

Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere-in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink-according to Chinese medical theory, they do not cause disease. Illness occurs when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to a cold or the flu.

What in the world is Wei Qi? One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi. The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. It functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When it is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders.

Throughout our lives, a variety of factor affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened. Our Wei Qi become depleted, and we get sick. By the time we notice the symptoms of our illness, the body's self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems have already been affected.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help re-balance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body's organs and meridian systems become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, natural and effective ways to support the body's self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs.

Traditional Herbal Medicine and flu In ancient time, flu was one of life-threatening disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) is a complex disorder in which the intestines lose their ability to efficiently move their contents. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Less common symptom may include headaches, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Symptoms may be triggered by stress, diet, emotional factors, hormone levels and medications.

Let's Talk Acupuncture Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can offer a safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to address IBS. The holistic healthcare system looks at the body differently than Western medicine. According to Tradition Asian Medicine, the body is like a garden that must be cultivated and maintained in order to grow strong and remain healthy. Good health happens when all the organs and meridian systems are balanced and working together.

How does your garden grow? According to Oriental Medical theories, there are several possible cases for IBS.

One of these is an imbalance of the spleen. The spleen is the organ in the charge of digestion and assimilation of foods and liquids. One of the main functions of the spleen is to aid in the production of spleen Qi. Spleen Qi is the energy that provides power and nourishment for the entire body.

Another function of the spleen is to produce blood from the food it breaks down and to convert it into usable energy to power your body. If your spleen isn't properly cared for the body's energy levels will not be supported an illness may occur.

The spleen is easily affected and weakened by poor eating habits and diet, antibiotics, excessive worry, or weak constitution. When a weakened spleen cannot metabolize or process food efficiently, "dampness" appears in the body. Dampness occur when rotting, undigested food sits in the gut, causing a variety of symptoms. If dampness "rises" to your head, you may experience headaches, a "foggy" feeling and an inability to concrete. Over time, dampness can lead to bloating, fullness and loose stools.

Another possible scenario is an imbalance in the liver. According to Oriental medicine, the liver is associated with emotional health. Stress and anger directly influence the function of your liver.

Alcohol, drugs and medications, or poor diet further compromise its function. When this happens, your liver energy overflows, in a figurative sense, and attacks the spleen. If your spleen is already weakened, it can be easily overcome. The result can be stressed-induced IBS.

If your liver is compromised, you may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation, as well as bloating, gas, headaches, and dull pain. In this case, your liver may be the root of the problem, and your spleen the secondary problem.

An imbalance in kidney yang could also cause IBS symptoms. Kidney yang is energy that provides warmth for your body. This energy warms up your spleen to aid in the digestion and breakdown of food. If your kidney energies are compromised, you may experience early morning diarrhea and possibly bladder incontinence, cold limbs, weak knees and a sore back.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can create a clear picture of the root imbalance(s) that lead to IBS symptoms. When you meet with your practitioner, he or she will determine what organ and meridian systems are contributing to your IBS. They may also suggest adjunct therapies such as herbs, dietary changes, breathing techniques and exercise in order to maximize your healing.

8 constitution and IBS
In 8 constitution medicine, IBS is communication problems between liver and Lung (Gallbladder and Large intestine). There are no definite prescription for the condition because everyone's body types are different. For example, treatment for someone has a strong liver and weak large intestine is tonify lung and large intestine by eating high protein food and root vegetable. If there is a patients who has weak liver and strong lung, his solution for IBS is gluten free vegetarian diet.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can provide a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address IBS. Especially 8 constitution medicine can get rid of original root of the condition.