Question

Last year I was diagnosed with prostatitis. The specialist doctor I saw tried me on several prescription medicines but I was still having pain. I did my own research and started taking some vitamins like saw palmetto and a few other vitamins. When I went back to see this “specialist” and I mentioned that I was taking vitamins, he told me that I was wasting my money. Now I am in pain again so I would like to try some Chinese herbs. Can you give me some advice? One site mentioned that I should have my testosterone level checked?

Answer

Herbal medicine, whether western or Chinese, takes time to work (as long as up to 4 months). It is not immediate because the herbs work to resolve the underlying condition that are resulting in the inflammation of the prostate.

Also, diet plays a role too – if your diet is high in fat and low in fresh vegetables and fruit, or very high in red meats, you will not get results with herbs without also adjusting the diet.  Exercise is also important as this helps to increase circulation to the prostate to promote healing. Walking 30 minutes each day or doing gentle exercise such as qi gong or tai chi are ideal.

So many clients think they can just take herbs but not adjust lifestyle, but one needs to address all factors that impact the prostate to see results.

You did not mention your PSA levels.  If you haven’t already seen a specialist (not just a general practitioner), that would be wise and get your PSA levels checked along with testosterone.

Also, you do not mention if there are any other health issues. The existence of other health issues determines greatly what specific formulation of herbs will work best for you.

Three formulas that I have used in my practice are Prostate Blend by Gaia Brand and the others are Wu Ling San Pian or Qian Lie Shu Wan by Active Herb or Plum Flower (two brands certified free of heavy metals, sulfites and other toxins).

As I always caution, many Chinese herbs on the market contain harmful ingredients, so unless you see G.M.P. certified on the bottle, it may be tainted product and could harm your health.

Also, I do not recommend trying to self-treat with herbs as often that is ineffective and may create additional health concerns especially if you are taking other medications.  Please consult with a locally trained herbalist for guidance or you may contact me for a distance consultation.

Determining which formulation is appropriate for you can only be determined by an herbalist who conducts a more thorough review of all your health issues and manifestations and other substances you may be taking into the body.

Keep in mind that for prostate conditions, a special formulation is necessary, as using one single herb by itself (like saw palmetto) is not effective – so yes, just taking saw palmetto is not the best use of your health budget. Good luck with your healing journey.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

How big a part do cosmetics play in the fight against cancer. Isn’t sunscreen as bad for you as getting too much sun. Is there a natural sunscreen?

Answer

Sunscreens play a significant role in reducing various skin cancers.   Yet, in recent years, the safety of chemicals used in sun block protections has been questioned.  For example, in March of 2008, the Centers for Disease Control in the United States released a report that suggested that oxybenzone, one of the primary sun block ingredients, may be linked to allergies, hormonal disruptions and other health challenges.

A non-profit consumer advocate group, Environmental Working Group, recently conducted reviews of common sunscreen products for safety and effectiveness.  A copy of their reviews can be found here:

• EWG Cosmetics Database – Sunscreens

However, a study was also released in 2008 that looked at the way human skin absorbs insoluble nanoparticles, the microscopic particles that are found in certain sunscreen chemicals. That study showed that there is little absorption via the skin of these particles, so while certain chemicals may be toxic–if the formulations are created to produce nanoparticle sized molecules, they may not be as toxic as the CDC report suggests.

For more information on the research about sunscreens see these links:

• Cosmetics Database – contains information about which cosmetics are safe to use and which are possibly (and definitely) not
• L’Oréal research paper on the safety sunscreens

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I have a prostate cancer PSA 21 and have replaced dairy products with coconut milk and cream, even baked custard and butter replacement. What are the good components of coconut milk and cream and are they suitable for someone with prostate cancer?

Answer

Coconut has certain properties that some people claim are antioxidants or anti-carcinogenic but coconut and its products (cream and milk) are considered damp in Chinese medicine, and damp products are not recommended for cancer recovery.

So, as a practitioner of Chinese medicine, I would suggest that you eat other foods that are antioxidants that are not quite so damp such as:

• teas with made with Chinese herbs
• decaf green teas
• perhaps also increasing natural antioxidants found in foods such as berries, cabbage and turnips

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I am going to have plastic surgery on my nose in three weeks time. Is there any Chinese medicine I can take so that I will not bruise too much?

Answer

I do not recommend taking the Chinese herbs the help resolve bruising prior to surgery as they can prevent blood from properly clotting.

After surgery, barring no health issues or other medical conditions, there are formulas that can help the bruising clear faster. These herbs invigorate the qi and blood and resolve stagnation.

Popular formulas include Die Da Wan and are available by certified practitioner of Chinese medicine. As always, check to be sure that any Chinese herb formulas are certified free of heavy metals, additives and other toxins. Also, check with your medical physician before taking any herbs to make sure there are no conflicts with your medications or other health concerns.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

I am 37 year old female and taking an iron supplement for severe anaemia. My iron levels was up last month but not to normal. I ordered a yellow dock extract to try, but I am concerned about dosage, especially with a lot of my symptoms coming back (restless leg syndrome, heart palpitations and low energy).

I had an heterotopic pregnancy with my first pregnancy, which required a large blood transfusion. I have  been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by my chiropractor. I take many daily supplements and probiotics, but I do not take any conventional medications, as I am a believer of holistic medicines. Can you help with any of my questions?

Answer

In the Chinese medicine system the liver and spleen are important factors in the development of anaemia, fibromyalgia and low energy. Both of these organs along with the kidneys can become deficient in energy especially after the the type of birthing experience you describe which often results in poor blood or anaemia.

Low energy (the type associated with fibromyalgia) often has a root in the spleen, but the kidney and liver must also be strengthened. Unfortunately it is rare to find one herb that addresses all of those issues, so formulas are much preferable to higher dosages of a single herb. For example, yellow dock resonates with the liver but does not resonate as well with the spleen or kidneys.

Zhi Shi Ping Wei Wan is a popular spleen tonic that also contains a combination of herbs that builds the blood while eliminating what is known as dampness in Chinese medicine, a primary factor in fibromyalgia. In combination with Ren Shen Shou Wu Wan, a tonic for both kidney and liver and also a blood builder, you can address root issues of the anaemia, fibromyalgia and low energy.

Of course, this is a general recommendation. A consultation with an herbalist is recommended to determine if these herbs would be the most appropriate for your individual constitution and also to determine the optimal dosage for your body. Please feel free to email Kay for such a consultation.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.

Question

My mother has a lack of haemoglobin in her blood. Can you please tell me what should she take in meals or drinks to help her replace it?

Answer

Low haemoglobin can result in anaemia and may have its roots in many factors including iron deficiency, as well as vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Instead of treating symptoms without knowing the cause, I would suggest screening for anaemia and nutritional deficiencies and also rule out organ disease, such as imbalances with either the liver, kidneys or spleen, which can cause low haemoglobin, anaemia and also iron deficiency.

For example, many elders with diabetes have compromised kidneys resulting in low haemoglobin which often manifests as anaemia and iron deficiency. In this case, while supplements can help, it still doesn’t help the root cause which lies with the kidneys. Certain types of liver illness can also cause low haemoglobin and anaemia.

Research at Tufts University have shown that older adults might have too much iron in their bodies. So iron supplements are only appropriate if the person has been tested to see if there is truly a deficiency of iron.

The Chinese medicine approach would build the blood with custom tonics that include dang gui, di huang, bai zhu, kidney tonics such as xu duan, rou con rong, fu ling, spleen tonics such as gu ya, shan zha and liver tonics such as go qi zhi (goji berries).

Depending on her medical health and what medications she might be taking, she might be a good candidate to use pre-made herb tablets from Plum Flower or Guan Ci Tang (or other brands certified to be free of heavy metals or impurities) such as Gui Pi Wan or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, which are classical formulas for anaemia, low haemoglobin and low iron. Always consult a qualified herbalist to ensure that your mother receives the proper chinese medicine approach for her particular situation.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using herbs in your healing process.

Contact

Contact Kay Hutchinson, CAMQ, CAMT at Aiki Healing today for a consultation for a custom herbal formulation.