Traditional Chinese Medicine

[RobinN]

Chinese medicine is highly respected around the world because of its long, successful history. For hundreds of years, certain herbs have been used, and have proven to be safe. Chinese medicine concentrates on balancing the entire body, even if the disorder is one of the brain, such as epilepsy. Western medicine is seen by some Chinese medical professionals to concentrate too heavily on the one part of the body that is believed to be causing the problem. For example, anti-seizure medications that are used to control seizures work to make neurons in the brain either more or less excitable, depending on the patient. They have an effect on the entire nervous system; however, the rest of the body is not treated to balance out this change. In addition, many medications result in unwanted side effects that need to be attended to. Epilepsy Toronto interviewed Dr. Fred Hui regarding Chinese medicine in the summer of 2000. Dr. Fred Hui, a graduate of the University of Toronto, integrates both Chinese and Western medicine together. In addition to Western medications he believes in three principles for improved control. These include:

1. Decreasing Irritability in the area of the brain from which the problem is originating - this includes becoming aware of the different stimulants around us that excite our brain. There are certain substances that can affect our seizure threshold such as excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar. We should be aware of the negative substances that prevent our bodies from reaching a healthy balance, such as smoking. Other considerations should also be taken into account such as sounds and sights that could disturb the internal balance and trigger a seizure. Dr. Hui recommends meditation as a form of relaxation or as a way to "reset" the body.
2. Nourishing the Brain
- nourishing the brain includes supplying the brain with materials that will maintain its healthy state or improve it. Dr. Hui mentions certain oils such as Fish Oil and Flax seed Oil that are found in health food stores. He says that since the brain is 99% an oil, it needs certain oils such as Vitamin E to improve its healthy state. He also advises to cut down on starches and to eat plenty of green vegetables. Some studies have also shown that a lack of certain vitamins and minerals may contribute to seizures as they affect the rates at which the body's fuels are burned. These fuels, in turn, excite the brain in different ways. Dr. Hui recommends mega-vitamins that have high levels of vitamins C and E, Calcium, Magnesium and all of the B vitamins.
3. Balancing the Rest of the Body
- balance is important to your body's internal system or "internal clock". Cutting down on things that make you excitable is recommended, as are appropriate sleep patterns (i.e., sleeping at night when it is dark, rather than in the day). During the daytime, getting as much light as possible is important because it helps to reset the internal clock, and to recharge your body's energy systems. Dr. Hui also recommends that fibre and fluids be a part of the daily diet so that you keep the "traffic going and flowing." Some Chinese traditional medicine states that seizures are caused by an excess of congested energy in the top of the head. Blockages in the bowels also block the circular flow of energy through the body. Therefore, fibres and fluids help to clean the intestines, unblock the energy flow and to keep the brain calm. Another important factor in balancing the body includes hormone balances. For example, it is believed that estrogen can kindle a seizure, whereas progesterone tends to decrease seizures. Lastly, stress can increase the likelihood of having a seizure. Therefore, methods of relaxation such as meditation and yoga are also recommended.

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[LuvMyTwins]

It's nice to see that some doctors are using approaches that will complement the issue, not complicate it. Great article.---LMT

[RobinN]

Rebecca's therapist told me a story about her migraine headaches. She went to conventional doctors without changes. Tried many medications to stop them.

A friend recommended to yer a Chinese doctor and she reluctantly made an appointment. He said there was a problem in her mouth. He detected through muscle testing and such that she had an infection in her mouth. She went back to her dentist and he found a cracked filling and quite a lot of infection under the filling. While the dental work was being done, he also found that she had had a root canal in that tooth and they pulled out a piece of a file that had broken off during that procedure. Incredible story.

Her migraines are going away.

I think dental work needs to be looked at when there are neurological issues. It could possibly be the cause of some symptoms.