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The integration of Eastern medicine is beginning to permeate our Western culture and for good reason. Research about our world and the universe in which we live is proving the ancients were correct. Dr. Vladimir Poponin, a quantum biologist demonstrated that photon particles isolated in an empty container acted in a random manner but when subject to DNA it lined up with the structure of the DNA. This is one example we are one living being, so closely knit that all life affects each other. As the philosopher Chuang Tzu wrote in the second century BC, “Heaven, Earth, and I are living together, and all things and I form an inseparable unity.” From this perspective, in order to achieve radiant health and a balanced endocrine system we must look to balance yin and yang. In traditional Chinese culture yin and yang are described as the fundamental interactions of opposites. Yin is described as night and yang as day, female is yin and male is yang, passive is yin and active is yang. Defined in medical terms Yin represents the fundamental components of the body, this includes blood, enzymes, mucus, and hormones. Yang represents our energy, the nervous system, immune system and the regulation of core temperature. These are the components of our human ecosystem, which also includes our organs, blood vessels, nervous system, muscle, bone and skin. When our bodies can maintain homeostasis or balance of yin and yang, it has the ability to maintain its biochemistry within specific ranges by adjusting to the demands placed upon it by internal and external circumstances.
This applies to hormonal issues such as infertility, PMS, menopause and thyroid issues to name a few. With the rising rate of thyroid related symptoms and couples going through infertility there is a need for preventative measures and long term care. Acupuncture and Herbal medicine can offer an alternate approach to resolving hormonal imbalances. Some common symptoms to look out for when the hormonal scale is tipping are breast tenderness, bloating, cold hands and feet, frequent sighing, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, low back pain, restless sleep, feeling hot at night, night sweats, and emotional fluctuations. Try keeping a log of symptom changes or common recurring symptoms that can help to clue you in on the possible cause(s) of your imbalance. Remember symptoms are signs that help us get to our destination. Here is a list of some general advice we give our patients that come in to address hormonal issues:
1. Decrease or avoid processed sugar, alcohol, caffeine, starch, and dairy.
2. Eat cooked foods and learn to graze, eating smaller meals through out the day.
3. Limit cold and raw foods/drinks as they have a tendency to utilize more energy to metabolize and cold natured foods are damaging to the digestive system.
4. Introduce probiotics and digestive enzymes into your daily regiment via supplementation or fermented foods.
5. Avoid BPA (bisphenol-A- synthetic estrogen) and pthalates, filter your water and check pH (good range is around 7.2 and higher)
6. Go organic and non-GMO, better to be safe in this regard.
7. Your liver plays a vital role in the metabolism of hormones so take good care of it. Supply it with phyto-nutrients from broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, etc. You can also supplement with milk thistle, dandelion root, or burdock to help cleanse the liver.
8. Keep a positive mood, and regulate extremes in emotions. Anger injures the liver, worry and pensiveness injures the digestive system. Take up qigong, taiji, yoga and meditation.
Take your time to visit a holistic physician such as an acupuncturist or herbalist. These individuals are trained to recognize these imbalances even before they begin. They can help you on the path to a happy and healthy life.
Dr. Nick Kusturic DOM, Lic. AP graduated from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine and holds a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is Board Certified in both Acupuncture and herbal medicine. Dr. Kusturic trains in Henan Province, China every 2 years. He is a qigong and Taiji instructor with 30 years of experience and a 2 time gold medalist at the International Taiji Competition in Jiaozhou, China. He is also the co-owner and founder of DU20 Holistic Oasis in Delray Beach, Florida.
