We’ve all heard the figurative term that something is a pain in the neck, but the reality of neck pain can cause sleepless nights, limited range of motion, and make your life miserable in general. There are a number of causes of neck pain, including trauma, turning and reaching at the same time, drafts, and bad ergonomics.

The most common cause of neck pain, however, is stress. Most people who are under a lot of stress will tell you that they carry that stress in their neck. This has been the case since caveman times, when our furry ancestors raised the hackles on their neck in threatening situations. While a cranky boss, looming deadline, or a failing relationship isn’t the same as the threat of being eaten, your body still reacts in the same way, resulting in a tight, stiff neck.

In Chinese medicine, your stiff neck is a classic case of stagnation. The tightness in your upper back and neck create a slowdown in the circulation (stagnation) of blood and energy in the area. In addition, as that area becomes tight, it can move upward causing headaches, tooth grinding, and jaw pain; or move downward and cause back pain and tightness.

The antidote to neck pain in Chinese medicine is acupuncture, which works on two levels. It can help relieve the pain and tightness in your neck, and it can also help relieve stress.

You should check with your Western doc if your neck pain is accompanied by confusion, fever, or drowsiness. Also, if your neck pain radiates into your arms or hands, or if you feel numbness or tingling, it may be the sign of disk involvement and should also be checked out.

Some things you can do on your own to relieve neck pain include:

-Get some heat on it. Take a warm shower, use a heating pad, warm rice bag, or a towel soaked in hot water. By putting heat on your neck, you are increasing the circulation, loosening tight muscles, and enhancing your range of motion.

-Increase your flexibility. After you have warmed up your stiff neck, move your head up and down as if you were nodding yes. Then slowly move your head from side to side as if you were saying no. Tilt your head, moving your ear toward your shoulder on each side. These stretches will help increase your range of motion, but remember, don’t do anything that is intensely painful.

-Sleep on it. Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This helps you maintain the natural curvature of your spine, and will help you avoid sleeping on your side, which can aggravate a stiff neck.

-Hold the phone. Keep the phone off of your shoulder. If you’re on the phone a lot at work, get a headset or hold the phone with your hand.

-Take a break. If you’re on your computer all day, make sure you take regular breaks to get up, stretch, and walk around.

-Eyes forward. Make sure that your work station is ergonomically correct. This means that you shouldn’t have to look sideways to see your computer screen, look downward all day long, or be sitting in an uncomfortable position.

-Stay away from drafts. Cold air blowing on your neck can be an underlying cause of a stiff neck. Avoid sleeping in a draft, and be sure to wear a scarf on cool, cold and windy days.

-Get some acupuncture. In most cases, your stiff neck will be gone in a few days. However, acupuncture can be extremely helpful in speeding up the healing process.

You’ve got what feels like a three-alarm fire under your ribcage or at the top of your chest.  Maybe you just overindulged in a gourmet meal or knocked down a chili dog with the works.  You belch; maybe drink a little water, but the fire burns on.  That after-dinner hell you’re experiencing is most likely heartburn.

What causes heartburn is actually a muscle in your lower esophagus falling down on the job.  That muscle, your esophageal sphincter, usually opens to let food you’ve eaten pass to your stomach, then closes to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing back upward. However, in the case of heartburn, or esophageal reflux, the sphincter hasn’t closed properly, allowing the contents of your stomach to irritate your esophagus causing that burning sensation.

There are a number of causes of heartburn, including eating the wrong foods, stress, overeating, and obesity.  In addition, the esophageal sphincter tends to get weaker with age, so just being on the wrong side of 40 can make you more prone to episodes of heartburn.

In Chinese medicine, heartburn is frequently caused by damage from emotions (stress and anger!), erratic or unhealthy eating or drinking, and overall depletion due to aging.  In most cases, a Chinese diagnosis of a Liver/Spleen disharmony will be evident. 

The Liver is the organ system that is responsible for the smooth and uninhibited movement of everything in your body.  However, the Liver system is that which is most damaged by anger, stress, and unfulfilled desires.  Damage to the Liver causes stagnation, and almost always overflows and affects digestion; in this case causing heartburn.

The good news, however, is that there are a number of things you can do to naturally quench the fires of heartburn.  Also good news is that the irritation and damage to our esophagus can heal within a month or two, once the symptoms have subsided.

Some natural suggestions to help cool down heartburn include:

-Determine which foods are likely to cause heartburn and eliminate them from your diet.  Some common offenders include onions (especially raw), coffee, spicy meals, alcohol, citrus fruits and strawberries, mint, chocolate, and fried or fatty foods.

-Eat smaller meals so your esophageal sphincter doesn’t have to work overtime.

-Respect the laws of gravity and sit up for a couple of hours after eating.

-If your heartburn symptoms seem to be worse at night, try sleeping with your head elevated.  You can do this by placing the head of your bed on blocks that are four to six inches high.

-Try 1/8 of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a few tablespoons of water to quickly neutralize stomach acid.

It is also important to know when to check with your M.D.  If you have heartburn symptoms daily, suffer from a lot of belching or bloating, or if symptoms seem to be worse when your stomach is empty, get it checked out by your doc.  Also, if you have what feels like heartburn accompanied by difficulty or pain swallowing, chest pain or pain radiating to the neck and/or shoulder, vomiting, bloody or black stools, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, get to your doctor right away.  Your symptoms may be more than simple heartburn and need to be evaluated by a doctor.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you are no stranger to the wide range of symptoms: red, swollen, itchy eyes, a chronically runny or stuffed up nose, itchy ears, a scratchy throat, or that feeling of your head being full of cotton. You may have symptoms for a few weeks in the spring or fall, or suffer for the entire summer. Whatever your particular pattern, seasonal allergies have the potential to make you miserable. The following are some tips to help minimize symptoms during your allergy season:

 -Use a Neti Pot. It’s looks like a small teapot and is used to cleanse the sinuses. Neti Pots can be found at most drug stores or natural food stores. Instructions should be included with the pot. (Mix ½ tsp of sea salt in warm water pour half water into one nostril and let it run out the other, repeat on the other side.)

 -Wash your face freqently and shower in the evening to wash off the pollen on your skin and hair that has accumulated during the day.

 -Change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors.

 -Try supplementing with quercetin and/or grape seed extract. Both are found in red wine, but in supplement form may control the release of symptom-causing histamines.

 -Eat spicy foods. They thin the mucous and can help clear nasal passages.

 -If you suffer from fall allergies, your symptoms may be aggravated by eating melon, bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, chamomile, and supplements containing echinacea. Experiment and avoid those foods that make your symptoms worse.

 -Keep your house and car windows closed during the height of your allergy season. Use air conditioning, but don’t let it blow directly on your face.

 -Wash your hands after you have played with or pet any animals that have been outside. Keep outdoor pets off the furniture. Their fur acts like a pollen magnet.

 -Wear a paper filter mask (found at drug stores) when you are mowing the lawn.

 -Try acupuncture. In a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture reduced symptoms in all 26 patients participating the the study—without side effects.

by Lynn Jaffee, L.Ac.

If this cool fall weather has you thinking of palm trees, sunny beaches, and moving south, you’re not alone!  Everyone feels the effects of fall in one way or another.  However, for some, the move from the bright days of summer to the cool winter weather brings with it a form of depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

People who suffer from SAD feel fine during the warmer months, but suffer from symptoms such as depression, fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and lethargy during the late fall and winter.  Over ten million people in the United States suffer from SAD, two-thirds of which are women.  The cause of SAD is unknown, but it is thought by western doctors to be related to a drop in melatonin levels in the brain caused by decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter.  Currently, SAD is treated through the use of light therapy, and in some cases, antidepressants.

From a Chinese medical framework, SAD is related to an imbalance between Yin and Yang.  The theory of Yin and Yang was developed thousands of years ago to describe the relationship between opposing forces in nature.  Yang describes that which is bright, active, moving, warm and transforming.  In contrast, Yin describes those things which are cool, dark, still, and nourishing.  This time of year the seasons are changing from summer, which is a bright and warm Yang time of the year to the colder, darker, and more nourishing Yin winter months.

For some people, the abundance of Yin during the winter becomes overwhelming, giving way to the hallmark symptoms of SAD.  Lethargy, fatigue, and lack of motivation all reflect Yin characteristics.  Like a frozen river, this lack of movement ultimately creates stagnation which manifests as depression and feelings of sadness.

While there is no magic bullet for SAD, incorporating some Yang activities into your life can help.  Remember, Yang is warm, bright, and active.  Try to get outside during the middle of the day if possible, especially on sunny days.  While you may not feel motivated, taking a walk, going to the gym, or cross country skiing are all good ways to stir up the warmth and activity of Yang.  Also, activitiy in the form of change–trying something new–is a way to boost Yang.  Choose activities that warm not only your body, but your heart as well.  Time with friends or a special family event are both moving and warming activities.

Needless to say, Chinese medicine can offer some relief for SAD, too.  Acupuncture, combined with heat therapy and some Yang fortifying foods and/or herbs can be an effective way to get through the winter.

by Shelley Conn

A year and a half ago I had never heard of Myositis. But then John came into my life. John is an upbeat older gentleman who has been diagnosed with a condition called Myositis. I’m an acupuncturist, and John called my office because he had fallen several times without warning. He wanted to know if acupuncture could help him.

Myositis, or Inflammatory Myopathy is swelling, inflammation, and deterioration of the muscles . It’s a rare condition, affecting only 5-10 people out of every million. This disease causes swelling and loss of muscle tissue. The causes is unknown, but it is thought to be autoimmune in nature. This means that the body’s immune system is misdirected and attacks its own normal healthy tissues. The overactive immune cells target the muscles.

There are four different types of Myositis:

-Dermatomyositis (DM)

-Inclusion-Body Myositis (IBM)

-Juvenile forms of Myositis (JM)

-Polymositis (PM)

The differences between these manifestations are related either to age of onset or the parts of the body that are affected. In general signs and symptoms of Myositis include:

-Muscle weakness, sometimes with muscle pain

-General tiredness and fatigue

-Trouble climbing stairs, standing from a seated position, or reaching upward

-Difficulty swallowing

-Falling

Myositis is diagnosed through blood testing, muscle and skin biopsy, and MRI. Currently there is no cure for Myositis, but it can be controlled with medications, such as Prednisone, and immunosuppressants, such as Methotrexate and Azathioprine. Vitamins and supplements that may be helpful for people suffering from Myositis include Coenzyme Q10, Creatine, Fish Oil, Ginger, Glucosamine, antioxidant vitamins (C, A, E, and D), Calcium and Potassium. Physical therapy and exercise programs are also an important part of treatment for Myositis.

When John asked me if acupuncture could help him, I was unsure, but told him I was willing to give it a try. I treated him several times over the course of many months. Prior to the acupuncture treatments, John was falling about twice a month. He explained that his leg muscles unexpectedly gave out, and he would fall without warning, often hitting is head. After I began working with John, he began falling less frequently, sometimes going for a couple of months in between falls. I have found by working with John, that acupuncture is not a cure for Myositis, but it can help dramatically with the symptoms of this condition.

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for a variety of conditions, either as an adjunct to standard Western treatments or on its own. According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works because we humans have a natural flow of energy throughout our body. Actually, we know that every cell in our body produces this energy; the Chinese simply believe that it flows through a series of pathways. When that energy becomes blocked in one or more of the pathways, the energy becomes like a dam in a river. There is too much pressure on one side of the dam, and a restriction of flow on the other. This “energy dam” in the body can produce a variety of symptoms; one of the most common being pain.

By inserting very fine, sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on your body, an acupuncturist can break up these blockages that restrict the flow of energy. By stimulating these points, the energy can move smoothly, enabling your body to heal itself.

Beyond acupuncture, treatment for Myositis might include electro-stimulation, heat, and Chinese body work called Tui Na. With John I used a combination of acupuncture, electro-stimulation and heat. I look forward to helping John continue to manage his symptoms and keep from falling.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What are respiratory allergies?

Allergies are essentially an immune response to airborne particles that normally don’t cause the body any trouble. These particles can be anything from plant pollens to animal dander, dust, mold, or even insects and their feces. For most people inhaling these particles don’t cause a problem. For people with allergies, their bodies react as though they were being invaded by pathogens. The result is runny nose, eye irritation, sneezing, headaches, and in some people, asthma.

How are Respiratory Allergies treated differently in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in modern medicine?

Within the framework of modern medicine, respiratory allergies are treated through a combination of anti-histamines and decongestants. These drugs have changed over the years, and their side effects have decreased, many people don’t want to take these drugs long term. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, respiratory allergies are considered an indicator that an underlying imbalance exists. Treatment is focused on correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just treating the outward symptoms.

What exactly is out of balance?

Any of the factors may cause an imbalance, including poor diet, stress, weak constitution, or environmental toxins and pollutants. These stressors on the body can affect the functions of the organ systems and weaken the body’s Wei Qi. The concept of Wei Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine is similar to the function of the immune system. Wei Qi encompasses the exterior of the body and works to protect the body from outside pathogens that can cause illnesses like the common cold, flu, and allergies. When Wei Qi is weakened, the body becomes more susceptible to foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and more importantly to things like pollen, animal dander, mold, dust, etc.

In addition, some people who suffer from respiratory Allergies may exhibit a pattern of Spleen weakness. When the Spleen is weak, the body is unable to adequately transform food and drink into the proper nutrients that the body needs. When the food we eat isn’t properly transformed, dampness and phlegm tend to accumulate, ultimately affecting the function of the lung.

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Respiratory Allergies?

A practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine will take a complete health history and develop a treatment plan based on your specific symptoms, constitution, and history. The goals of your treatment plan will be to alleviate symptoms and correct the source of the problem, the underlying imbalance. Your practitioner may use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address respiratory allergies.

By: Lynn Jaffe

Fourteen-year old Nathan came to me with trouble sleeping. He was a healthy, active young man, who had trouble getting to sleep at night, and many nights was awake for hours. He tried sleeping on the floor to “get comfortable”, and rearranging his bedcovers in a variety of ways, none of which helped him sleep. Nathan had trouble getting up in the morning because he was starting his day exhausted from the lack of adequate sleep.

The incidence of insomnia is far-reaching. It can be an annoyance for most people at one time or another. For many, however, it’s a chronic problem that leaves its sufferers exhausted, irritable, and unable to handle the physical and emotional stresses of everyday life.

Sleeplessness comes in many forms. For people with mild insomnia, dropping off to sleep may be a problem. Many sufferers are able to fall asleep, but wake during the night and spend the early morning hours wide-awake. In the extreme, people who are plagued by severe insomnia may be sleepless all night long.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is considered to be a disharmony between Yin and Yang, in which the Yang of daytime is unable to enter, or change into, the Yin of the evening and nighttime hours.

The principles of Yin and Yang can best be understood through the Chinese characters for each. The character for Yang was originally a pictograph representing the sunny side of the hill. It contains the radicals for mound, the sun above the horizon, and rays of light shining down from the sun. In contrast, the character for Yin contains the radicals for mound and the presence of clouds, indicating the shady side of the hill.

These characters tell us a lot about the nature of Yin and Yang. The sunny side of the hill, Yang, is warmer and brighter than the shady side, Yin, which is cooler, darker and moister. Yang represents fire, is active, and moves upward and outward. Yin represents water, is calm, and moves down and inward. Most important to this discussion of sleep, however, is that Yang represents the bright and active daytime hours, and Yin represents the quieter, darker nighttime hours.

During the day, Yang energy is strong, keeping us awake and alert and giving us the energy to conduct the activities necessary for each day. As the day moves into evening, the Yang energy begins to decline and turn inward, allowing us to relax and slow down. To be able to sleep, the Yang energy of the day must completely enter into the Yin aspect of the evening and nighttime hours. Therefore, normal sleep requires that the Yin and Yang energy of the body be in balance. Insomnia occurs when this balance is lost.

The Heart also plays an important role in our ability to sleep. In Chinese medicine, the Heart houses the spirit, which includes all thought processes, memory, emotions and the ability to sleep. During the night, the spirit also moves into the Yin, and people become calmer, quieter, and fall asleep. When the spirit is unable to move into the Yin, or when the spirit moves into Yin but is unable to quietly stay there all night, insomnia occurs.

For insomnia to occur, the spirit must be disturbed in some way. There are a variety of imbalances that may cause a disruption of the spirit, including heat, deficiency, or stagnation. The causes of these imbalances are often related to lifestyle, which means that there are changes that we can make on our own to sleep better. Common causes of insomnia in Traditional Chinese Medicine include emotions, diet, overwork, and a weak constitution.

Heat in the body is a common factor in insomnia. Heat is by nature Yang energy, which is active. Too much heat, or excess Yang, disturbs the Heart and spirit, making it difficult for Yang to transform into Yin at the end of the day, causing restlessness and irritability.

There are a number of patterns, or conditions, in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can cause heat. Excess heat from an external factor, such as a fever or the flu is one form. However, an occasional fever or an attack of the flu is short-lived, and not sufficient to cause chronic insomnia. Only when heat resides in the body long-term, will it ultimately disturb the Heart and spirit enough to interfere with sleep.

Heat may arise out of a deficiency of Yin energy. Remember, Yin is cool, moist and nourishing. When Yin is in short supply in the body, Yang becomes exuberant, causing heat and restlessness, disturbing the spirit and disrupting sleep. A classic example of this pattern is during menopause, when deficient heat in the form of hot flashes and night sweats accompany sleeplessness.

There are other substances in the body that can become deficient enough to cause insomnia. Qi (pronounced chee), described as life energy, or the transformative energy in all things, can become depleted. Blood is another substance that when deficient can cause insomnia. In Chinese medicine, Blood is considered the substance that nourishes the body and maintains muscle mass and fat. When Qi and/or Blood become depleted, the spirit is undernourished and unable to easily move into Yin and stay there during the entire night. Typically, a person suffering from insomnia due to deficiency may fall asleep easily, but wake during the night or have vivid, disturbing dreams.

Stagnation, especially of Qi, can also be responsible for insomnia. This type of insomnia is commonly associated with emotions. Qi normally moves smoothly throughout the body. However, strong emotions, especially anger, anxiety or depression, can impair the flow of Qi and cause it to stagnate. This stagnation over time turns into heat, disturbing the Heart and spirit, and causing insomnia. Frequently, people who can’t sleep because their “mind is running” all night are suffering from Qi stagnation.

The treatment of insomnia using Traditional Chinese Medicine might involve acupuncture, herbs, Tui Na (Chinese bodywork), and possibly diet therapy. If you suffer from insomnia, however, there are some changes you can make that may help you get a good night’s sleep.

-During the evening hours, try to move from Yang to Yin activities. For example, save exercise, studying, or physical work for earlier in the day. During the evening, quieter activities, such as reading and relaxing will help you move into Yin energy more easily.

-Wait a few hours after a large meal before you try to sleep. Eating too much food before bedtime can stagnate and interfere with your sleep.

-If you have trouble sleeping, avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine for several hours before bedtime. Very spicy or heavy, greasy foods, if eaten regularly, may also cause insomnia.

-If emotions are causing sleeplessness, try visualizing yourself in a favorite, calming place, or systematically relax the muscles in each part of your body.

Keeping these principles in mind in working with Nathan, I learned that he was instant messaging with his friends until he went to bed at about 11:00. Also, he had some issues that were causing him anxiety. I treated Nathan twice with acupuncture and herbs and advised him to begin winding down for bed an hour or two earlier. This meant turning off the computer and reading before turning out his lights. After two treatments, Nathan reported that he was able to get to sleep, and stay asleep all night.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What exactly is Insomnia?

Insomnia is the inability to get a full night of sleep. It can be an annoyance for most people at one time or another. For many, however, it’s a chronic problem that leaves its sufferers exhausted, irritable, and unable to handle the physical and emotional stresses of everyday life. An estimated 32 million Americans, or about 1 in 8, suffer from some form of insomnia.

Sleeplessness can come in many forms. For people with mild insomnia, dropping off to sleep may be a problem. Many sufferers are able to fall asleep, but wake during the night and spend the early morning hours wide awake, unable to get back to sleep. In the extreme, people who are plagued by severe insomnia may be sleepless all night long.

Is Insomnia treated differently in Traditional Chinese Medicine than in modern medicine?

Yes, within the framework of modern medicine, insomnia is usually treated through the use of prescription drugs, most often sedatives or tranquilizers. Unfortunately, while these drugs can promote sound sleep, they often produce side effects such as drowsiness, hangover, addictions and withdrawal. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, insomnia is considered an indicator of an underlying imbalance. Treatment is focused on correcting the imbalance, or the source of the problem, not just the outward symptoms.

What is out of balance?

In general, people who suffer from insomnia have a relative excess of Yang energy, which is active, warm and transformative. In contrast, Yin energy is quiet, cool, and nourishing. During the day, Yang energy predominates, keeping us awake and alert and giving us the energy to conduct the activities necessary for each day. As the day moves into evening, the Yang energy begins to decline, allowing us to relax and slow down. To be able to sleep, the Yang energy of the day must transform into the Yin energy of the evening and nighttime hours. In order to sleep well, the Yin and Yang energy of the body must be in balance. Insomnia occurs when Yin and Yang are out of balance.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine Work to Treat Insomnia?

In order to determine the source of the imbalance causing insomnia, a practitioner will begin by taking your complete health history and interview. The practitioner will also look at your tongue and feel your wrist pulse to gain information about your condition. Based on your specific symptoms, constitution, and history, the practitioner will develop a treatment plan for you. The goals of your treatment plan will be to alleviate insomnia and correct the source of the problem, the underlying imbalance. A combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle changes might be used.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. It is also a natural, drug-free, and effective way to address insomnia.

By: Lynn Jaffee

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Spastic Colon or Mucus
Colitis. It is a motility disorder (involving abnormal movement) of the small
and large intestines. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, constipation
and/or diarrhea, often in alternating episodes. IBS may also be accompanied by
other gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, bloating, and nausea.
Symptoms tend to be aggravated by eating, and are frequently relieved after a
bowel movement. An estimated 10-20% of all Americans are affected by symptoms of
IBS, and three times as many women are affected than are men.

What is the cause of IBS?

Currently, the cause of IBS is unknown, however, it is known what does
not cause IBS. IBS is not a structural problem, meaning there is no
anatomical change, nor is it biochemical or infectious in nature. Researchers
are exploring the theory that there are direct links between the brain and the
gut, which would explain why many flare-ups of IBS are affected by emotional
upsets or stress.

How is IBS treated with Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, IBS is considered a disharmony between the
Liver and the Spleen. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of substances
throughout the body. This flow can be upset by emotions or stress, causing
stagnation of Qi (energy) or blood. The Spleen in Traditional Chinese Medicine
is associated with the function of digestion and transforming food into energy
(Qi and Blood). The Spleen can be weakened by a number of factors, including
overeating unhealthy foods, overwork, too much worry, fatigue, and lack of
exercise. When the Spleen is weak and Liver Qi is not moving smoothly, a number
of other conditions can arise that manifest as symptoms of Irritable Bowel
Syndrome.

Practitioners of Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine may use a
variety of modalities to correct a Liver/Spleen disharmony. They may use
acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy and lifestyle changes to facilitate
healing of this condition.

Is Traditional Chinese Medicine effective in treating IBS?

Yes. A number of studies have been conducted on treating IBS with Chinese
medicine, especially in China. These studies have documented that Chinese
medicine is an effective, safe, and drug-free way to treat Irritable Bowel
Syndrome.