Traditional Chinese Medicine for Back Pain and Digestion

I have serious back pain and have written several articles inspired by my desire to eliminate this pain without surgery and drugs. However, when you reach a certain age a lifetime of assaults (falls, diseases, surgeries, emotional upheavals) creates a web of dysfunction and pain as thick as a jungle! (Is my denied frustration apparent?) 

Recently, I also had a gallbladder attack, which adds insult to injury. Especially since I vomited on the floor and on my favorite shoes. It was just too much…to be nauseous, to have severe back pain and to have to wash the floor! I was so livid, frustrated, and angry!

Do all of these disparate life events fit together? How can I maintain my logical, reasoned, balanced thinking? Actually all of these problems do fit into a pattern. It was my research on the gallbladder that led me to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What I realized as I read is that my back pain follows the Qi energy meridian for the gallbladder. 

I believe the body knows how to heal itself so I have tied to be respectful of my whole self, Mind, Body and Spirit, to enhance healing. I try to be positive about my successes but I’m not where I want to be. I don’t want to describe my pain and quality of life because I am sure there are people in the world far worse off than I. I think about them and judge myself as weak and self-indulgent. This thinking is not useful---one cannot heal under a cloud of self-criticism. 

I postulate that this tendency to emotional self-punishment and feelings of unworthiness contributes to my pain. But logically knowing and understanding these truths has not eliminated the pain. I believe in essential truth---thoughts are energy. My next step is to work with my pain at the essential energy level. I have started working with a Dr. Mo, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner who graduated from Shanghai University.

Although, I had tried acupuncture before, I decided to work with someone who embodies TMC in my mind. I want to take full advantage of the power of belief. It is the power of belief that creates miracles and makes placebo medications work.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an integrated system in which acupuncture is a key modality for curing disease and disorders of the body. In TCM the body is seen as a delicate balance of opposing and yet inseparable forces--yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Qi (sometimes spelled chi) is the life-process or flow of energy that sustains living beings, which flows through out all life. The acupuncture meridians are the pathways along that the qi follows.

These meridians have been studied with modern technological methods and have been shown to exist and to possess a bioelectric function similar to peripheral nerves but are separate, unique pathways. The 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians travel up, down and around the body. The 12 main meridians are referred to as Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Heater, Gall Bladder and Liver.

These meridians are named after the organs or systems that that they influence. The human body is a highly complex electrical circuit, which must be kept in good working order to function effectively. The Qi energy moves in cycles from one meridian to the next every two hours. If the circuit breaks down the result is illness. 

In TCM health is achieved by maintaining a balanced state in the body. Disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang, which leads to blockage in the flow of Qi energy along the meridian pathways.

It is essential for Qi, like blood needs to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner for the health of mind and body. There are acupuncture points along the meridians. These points allow entry into the acupuncture meridians and are gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease body’s vital energy and blood to correct body imbalances. Acupuncture utilizes thin needles to activate these energy gateways.

Emma Suttie, D.Ac, tells us that organs are categorized as either Yin or Yang in TMC. Yin organs produce, transform, regulate and store the body’s fundamental substances: Qi, Blood and body fluids. Typically Yin organs are not empty cavities. They have a function and include the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys. Yang organs are empty cavities that have a connection to the outside of the body and are mainly responsible for digestion and the transmitting of nutrients to the body. Yang organs include the Gallbladder, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Bladder and San Jiao (Triple Burner).

There is not one western scientific theory that can collectively explain all of the physiological effects of Acupuncture. Acupuncture has a variety of therapeutic effects on the body and the therapeutic action varies based on the nature of the pathology. It seems that acupuncture primarily produces its effects through the nervous system. For example regulation of the nervous system activates pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. 

Research indicates that acupuncture alters brain chemistry through the release of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones. These brain chemicals affect the central nervous system functions related to sensation, immune reactions, and the processes that regulate blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

In TCM the gallbladder is a Yang organ while the Liver, it’s organ partner, is Yin. Not only does the gallbladder store and excretes bile, it governs decision-making and planning, controls the sinews, and effects dreams. At a deep emotional level, the gallbladder is responsible for passion for life, inspiration, action and assertiveness. If we experience a gallbladder imbalance, we may have difficulty being assertive, making decisions or following through. We may lack a sense of passion, feel timid, or feel uninspired. When the gallbladder is balanced, its energy flows freely, and we are happy, healthy, assertive and passionate.

The gallbladder is the only Yang organ that does not have direct contact with food and drink, or a direct connection to the outside of the body. The gallbladder receives bile from the Liver and stores it until needed in the digestive process. In TCM gallbladder is regulated by the energy of the Liver, or Liver Qi when it releases bile. If the relationship between gallbladder and liver is impaired, digestion is adversely effected. Problems like vomiting, regurgitation, belching and hiccups are symptoms of rebellious Stomach Qi.

In ancient China, the organs were never removed this belief is continued in TCM today. For the patient is with gallbladder problems, the TCM practitioner explores dietary options, herbs, acupuncture, and possibly cleanses. Surgery is considered a last resort. 
Suttie explains there are two of the things that affect the gallbladder the most, diet and other is stress. In TCM each organ is associated with an emotion and the liver/gallbladder’s emotion is anger. In TCM philosophy having an healthy emotional life is as important to our health as eating well, getting enough sleep and keeping your Qi strong (immune system) so you are able to fight off pathogens. 

Anger affects the liver/gallbladder in two ways: 1. If you repress anger, hold it in and never express it, this imbalance will hurt the liver/gallbladder and lead to disease. 2. Unusual levels of life stress (a traumatic event, death, an illness, breakup of a relationship, work stress), and/or unhealthy eating (lots of greasy, fatty, rich or spicy foods). 

Eventually, the Liver/Gallbladder will become impaired and these stresses may cause an excess of anger, which will manifest symptoms like red face and eyes, irritability, angry outbursts, ringing in the ears, and migraines. 

So, how do you keep your Gallbladder healthy and happy?

1.Avoid Greasy, Fatty, Rich or Spicy Foods---keep intake of these foods to a minimum and not overload your Gallbladder. Sharp abdominal pains after eating these types of foods indicate to Gallbladder stones and other problems.

2. Express Emotions Freely---any stagnation or blockage causes disease and pain so it is important to have a healthy emotional life express what you are feeling instead of letting it build up. Emotions specific to Gallbladder are anger, frustration, and resentment, etc. Depression, which is considered anger turned inward, also points to a gallbladder imbalance.

3. Eat Foods Grown Locally and in Season---this is the way we are designed to eat. Our digestive systems evolved to digest the foods that people ate when we left our nomadic roots and start farming. Historically, people only ate local foods that were in season. Within the TCM philosophy we are overloading our digestion with too many kinds of foods at all times of the year.

4. Exercise. Keep Moving---because the gallbladder meridian runs bilaterally along the sides of the body, any exercise that stimulates the sides of the body helps the flow of Qi and helps remove any blockages in the gallbladder organ and meridian. Side stretches are ideal. Movement is an essential aspect of keeping Qi flowing.

5. Be Kind to Your Gallbladder in the Spring---spring is the season related to the gallbladder, and liver. It is important to give the gallbladder and liver a rest from caffeine, alcohol and other intoxicants during this time. You may cleanse these organs by drinking lots of water and eating fresh greens.

6. Know What Time It Is---in TCM every organ has 2 hours out of every 12 where it’s Qi is at a peak and gallbladder energy is most abundant between 11pm-1am. At this time refrain from drinking alcohol or other intoxicants and rest the body as much as possible during these two hours.

Foods that are beneficial to the Gallbladder:
Broccoli
Rocket
Beetroot
Oranges
Jasmine tea
Green tea
Radishes
Basil
Garlic
Cayenne (this may seem contradictory, but Cayenne is very moving for Qi. Just remember, moderation!)
Dill
Chive
Cardamom
Lemon
Dandelion root
Licorice root
Cumquat
Grapefruit
Kale
Carrot
Celery
Peppermint tea
Chrysanthemum tea
Tea with orange peel

Foods to avoid: Deep fried food, Alcohol, Spicy foods (moderation is important!), Foods that are considered “Hot” in TCM are lamb, beef, and curry.

https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/acupuncture/healing-the-gallbladder-with-traditional-chinese-medicine/

http://www.howdoesacupuncturework.com/category/traditional-chinese-medicine/

Stomach Pain and Gallbladder

Generally the gallbladder doesn't cause too many problems or give us much concern. But it can be a scary experience if you pass a larger gallstone. The pain may be intense enough to make a person faint. Passing a gallstone typically occurs within an hour of eating a meal.

A large gallstone that blocks a duct in your digestive track is experienced as a sudden, increasing pain in your right upper abdomen. Pain may be felt in the center of the abdomen, or as traveling into the back under the shoulder blades and into the right shoulder. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours. In extreme cases, you may experience a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, as well as a high fever.

Most gallstones are extremely tiny, and are passed from the body without notice. They are pebble-like deposits of bile, or cholesterol, which formed in the gallbladder as part of the digestion process. However, if you develop a really large gallstone, which causes extreme pain as it passes through the body, you need to seek medical help immediately.

If the gallstone is blocking a bile duct, the size of the stone will dictate if surgery is needed to remove it from your body. Another option a physician may use is to dissolve the gallstone with oral medication.

There are several gallbladder conditions that have similar symptoms. The different types of gallbladder problems have common symptoms and start with pain in the upper abdominal area, either in the upper right or middle.

Common symptoms of Gallbladder Conditions:

Severe abdominal pain

Pain that may extend beneath the right shoulder blade or to the back

Pain that worsens after eating a meal, particularly fatty or greasy foods

Pain that feels dull, sharp, or crampy

Pain that increases when you breathe in deeply

Chest pain

Heartburn, indigestion, and excessive gas

A feeling of fullness in the abdomen

Vomiting, nausea, fever

Shaking with chills

Tenderness in the abdomen, particularly the right upper quadrant

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Stools of an unusual color (often lighter, like clay)

A medical diagnosis by a physician will identify whether you have a temporary case of gallstones, or if you have developed gallbladder disease. The correct diagnosis gives you the information needed to decide between alternative treatments or allopathic treatments.

Gallstones (cholelithiasis). This condition occurs when small stones, or sometimes larger ones, develop inside the gallbladder and cause pain known as biliary colic. However, 90 percent of people with gallstones will have no symptoms.

Biliary colic is a severe episodes of pain caused by gallstone blockage of the cystic duct. The gallbladder contracts against the blockage, causing spasmodic (or sometimes constant) severe pain. Biliary colic usually last only an hour or two and may infrequently or years apart.

Inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis) is caused by gallstones, excessive alcohol use, infections, or even tumors that cause bile buildup. However, the most common cause of is gallstones. Gallstone irritation may cause the gallbladder walls to become swollen and painful. Inflammation episode may last for several hours, or even a few days. The sluggish, inflamed gallbladder may be invaded by intestinal bacteria, and becomes infected. When a gallbladder actually ruptures, this is a surgical emergency. Cholecystitis always requires medical attention, particularly if fever is present.

Dysfunctional gallbladder or chronic gallbladder disease. The gallbladder becomes rigid and scarred repeated episodes of inflammation and gallstones. Symptoms are constant and include abdominal fullness, indigestion, increased gas, and chronic diarrhea after meals throughout the day.

Lifestyle, Diet and Home Remedies

• Eliminate fatty and greasy foods in your diet---foods high in cholesterol can result in the accumulation cholesterol in your bile that could result in more gallstones.

• Avoid fatty beef or pork--- stick to lean meats and consume plenty of fish, turkey and poultry.

• Avoid peppers and chili peppers -- spicy foods can lead to increased gallbladder attacks and intense pain.

• Avoid condiments such as mayonnaise and using excessive.

• Avoid junk foods (chips, cookies and cakes) and high-fat diary products, such as ice cream.

• Increase Vitamin C intake---helps in breaking down cholesterol accumulation in your body, which breaks down stones to allow them to easily pass through your stool.

• Increase water intake per day will help in passing gallstones--try to drink at least one glass of water every hour.

• Eat foods rich in fiber---which helps regulates bowel movement.

• One should eat a healthy diet, lose weight slowly (not abruptly), and maintain the healthy weight.

• Application of hot pack (caster oil pack) in the upper abdominal area can relieve the pain.

• Administer a warm water enema to eliminate fecal accumulations for those constipated patients.

• Doing physical exercises are needed to facilitate peristalsis.

Inflamed Gallbladder Diet

• Drink beet, carrot, lemon, grape, grapefruit, and pear juices.

• Eat moderate amounts of cooked vegetables and add more slightly raw cooked veggies.

• Avoid eating the following: fats, eggs, meat, spices, pickles, coffee, sugary products, and fried, greasy, processed foods.

• Eat frequent small meals rather than having 3 larger meals a day.

Consult your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations before beginning an herbal regimen. Certain herbs may help gallbladder disease, gallstones or other stressors on your gallbladder. Some herbs also improve liver function.

Herbs used for gallbladder conditions:

Milk Thistle

According to the University of Michigan Health System, milk thistle in capsule or tablet form may help to prevent gallstones. A study found that taking 420 mg of the silymarin contained in milk thistle helps decrease the cholesterol levels in bile, which helps prevent gallstones from forming. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 80 mg to 160 mg of standardized milk thistle seed extract two to three times daily for liver and gallbladder support

Coffee

Coffee helps prevent gallbladder disease. Two large studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, June 1999, showed men who consumed the most caffeinated coffee (more than four cups per day) had the lowest risk of gallbladder disease. In a separate study published in December 2002 in Gastroenterology, researchers found caffeinated coffee protects against gallbladder disease.

Peppermint

According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, peppermint oil may help to dissolve gallstones. Preliminary studies have found that taking peppermint or other essential plant oils helps dissolve gallstones over the course of several months            

Artichoke

The University of Maryland Medical Center has found taking an extract from the globe artichoke leaves may support the gallbladder and liver. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports the artichoke leaf may help gallbladder contraction, which pushes out the gallstones. Take 250 mg to 500 mg two to three times per day of standardized globe artichoke extract to support gallbladder function,

Turmeric

Turmeric is also used in Germany for gallbladder pain according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center take 300 mg three times daily of standardized turmeric extract to support your liver and gallbladder.

Dandelion

The University of Michigan Health System says dandelion helps to treat gallstone related gallbladder pain. Dandelion root contains bitter compounds that stimulate bile production in the gallbladder and helps the body in processing fats.

Warning: certain herbs that help expel gallstones may be risky because the gallstones could lodge in the bile ducts and rupture.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/134236-natural-herbs-gallbladder/

http://www.webdiagnosis.com/symptoms-of-passing-gallstones#ixzz3HxHqwSo2

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/cholecystitis-overview

http://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/

http://www.gallbladderpainsymptoms.org/passing-gallstones-symptoms.html

http://www.gallbladderpainsymptoms.org/passing-gallstones-symptoms.html