Yi-Po Anthony Wu, MD, M.P.H.
Medical Director and founder of PCMC

• Western medical training at National Taiwan University, Worcester City Hospital, University of Massachusetts Medical Center
• Masters degree in Public Health, University of Hawaii
• Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
• Acupuncture training in Taiwan and at New York University
• Director of Pacific Pain Clinic 1988-93
• Director of Pacific Complementary Medicine Center since 1999
  

Last November when I lectured at Delta College on the subject of herbs and health, a lady in the audience asked me about Ma Huang and weight control. Ma Huang is a very effective Chinese herb, but it is not the right herb to use for the purpose of weight control. Her question leads to my concern about the misinformation and misuse of herbs. It must be remembered that herbs, too, can produce undesireable reactions and side effects if misused or abused.

The public has been inundated daily in popular literature by information about health products, including vitamins and herbs. Almost every day at my office, patients ask about the use of certain herbs. Upon examination, I found that even though certain herbal products are labeled as arthritis, breathing or digestive aids, the ingredients are not appropriate. Accurate information and proper use of herbs has become very important for the American population, 70% of which uses herbs. The FDA has tried to set up guidelines for health products, but unfortunately, it has not helped consumers obtain the right product information.

Herbs have been used in China for health and healinng for thousands of years. In traditional Chinese medicinal terms, each herb has its own unique characterisitics and a proper function. For example, Ma Huang is used to release excessive wind or heat from our body through perspiration. It is also beneficial for fever, asthma and allergies. The scientific name for Ma Huang is Ephedra Sinica. One of the ingredients is ephedrine, which causes rapid heart rate and exhaustion. Several fatal overdoses of Ma Huang have been reported in this country.

Ma Huang is never sold over the counter at PCMC Herb Center. Our weight control tea, Bonjenmi, does not have Ma Huang as an ingredient. Our licensed acupuncturists and herbalists, however may prescribe Ma Huang for respiratory conditions in herbal formulas.

At PCMC, we have always placed a priority on effectiveness and safety of our treatment. Each acupuncturist-herbalist has at his/her disposal more than three hundred kinds of Chinese bulk herbs to combine in herbal formulas. All our practitioners are familiar with the dosage and indications of herbs and take great care when combining herbal remedies with Western medicine. For example, Ginko Biloba and St. John's Wort should not be mixed with aspirin or other blood thinners unless they are done under the supervision of a physician. The PCMC staff hopes that our patients and friends in the community will learn to use herbal products properly through our educational effort. Please join us at our Spring Health Seminars. We welcome your input and participation.

 In Peace & Health,

          Yi-Po Anthony Wu, MD

Literally, Wu Wei means "without doing, causing, or making." But practically speaking, it means without meddlesome, combative, or egotistical effort. It seems rather significant that the character Wei developed from the symbols for a clawing hand and a monkey, since the term Wu Wei means no going against the nature of things; no clever tampe6ng; no Monkeying Around.

The efficiency of Wu Wei is like that of water flowing over and around the rocks in its path - not the mechanical, straight-line approach that usually ends up short-circuiting natural laws, but one that evolves from an inner sensitivity to the natural rhythm of things.

TOPIC OF THE DAY -
Flu, Allergies, and Asthma

There are two types of flu, seasonal flu and persistent flu. Seasonal flu is usually self-limited. A person with a cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc. without bacteria infection, will usually recover in seven to ten days. In young children or the elderly, recovery may be slower and complications may occur. Since most flu is from a virus, not bacteria, antibiotics are not necessary.

There are some natural ways to relieve seasonal flu symptoms. Increase Your fluid intake, eat chicken soup, drink hot tea with lemon and honey, take vitamin C 1500 to 3000 milligrams per day for three days, vitamin E 800 milligrams a day for two days or other antioxidants. Some Chinese herbal formulas will also help reduce the flu symptoms. The herbs can be used for steam treatment or for drinking as a tea.

Traditional Chinese medicine considers flu to be of two types, cold type and hot type, depending on the symptoms. You treat the cold type with hot herbs and the hot type with cold herbs. (Please refer to the February issue of our Herb Bulletin.)

For a persistent flu, the cause needs to be looked into further. Whether it is from constant exposure to pollution or from a weak immune system. Aperson should avoid exposure to allergens or irritants and enhance their immune system. Besides Chinese herbal formulas and antioxidants, it is advisable to take echinacea, goldenseal, reishi mushroom, and astragalus. These should be taken, at the most, for a six week period with a break of two weeks before using again. Herbs are generally safe if used properly. Excessive use of echinacea may result in liver problems. If the flu persists or is recurrent through out the year, it is advisable to consult a physician.

Allergies and bronchial asthma have been on the rise in this country for the last two decades. To combat this, new potent drugs have been developed. These include imniune altering drugs, such as antihistamines and leukotrim receptor antagonist, and immune suppressants, mainly steroids. These medications are quite effective in acute cases, but with long term use they produce serious side effects.

Acupuncture Facial Points

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on improving lung condition, removing obstruction of energy flow, and restoring qi balance. With acupuncture and herbal treatment the lung meridian is used quite often. If the patient suffers from allergies, face points will be added. If asthma has exhausted the body's energy, the channels of other organs, such as the spleen, liver, or kidney, will be stimulated. There are over one hundred herbs for asthma.

Some remedies will reduce spasms and others improve the energy flow of the lung. For allergy, you may try our Allergy Formula I or Formula 11 from PCMC Herb Center, respectively for the cold-type or the hot-type (see next page). For bronchial asthma, it is advised that you see a physician or other health care providers for treatment. A properly guided complementary approach incorporating medication, acupuncture, herbs, and stress management will reduce complication and enhance the effects of asthma treatment.

Acupuncture Treatment Conference IV
Together We Can
Promote Treatment That Works

Special Focus: Youth and Family
8 :30 a.m. to 4-.30 p.m,, Friday, April 9,1999
Heritage Square
UARE 640 N. San Joaquin St., Stockton, CA 95202

The tragic impact of substance abuse on our families, social service systems, schools, criminal justice systems and our economy needs our attention in new ways. Ways that work!!

Over 30 organizations, public and private, are contributing in important ways to Acupuncture Treatment Conference IV.

Creating a healthy community lies in raising our awareness of what works, providing information and education and building partnerships that offer successful treatment and recovery opportunities to all who need it.

While the ancient science of acupuncture is the cornerstone of the treatment program and of the conference, other essential modalities will be shared as well.

Panels include Health Strategies for Women, Children & Families, Youth Services, Acupuncture In Recovery (with acupuncture demonstration), Integrative Treatment Strategies, and Drug Court/Criminal Justice, Treatment for tobacco & alcohol addiction will also be discussed. As in previous years, PCMC participates actively in the planning of the conference. Our medical director, YI-PO Anthony Wu, M.D. is co-chair with George Feicht, San Joaquin County Alcohol &, Drug Administrator. For further information you may call PCMC at (209) 464-4800. The conference registrar is Robert Cole: (209) 468-9607.