Tag Archives: kidney

Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Removal and Chinese Medicine

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A Website Visitor Asks:

Can Kidney Yang Tonic help with  hypothyroidism, after the thyroid has been removed?

That is an interesting question. In Chinese medicine, the “Kidney” is an energetic organ system relating to various functions, and the energetic channel that acupuncturists utilize and is also part of the system. Hypothyroidism is typically related to the Kidney Yang Deficiency in TCM, and if you have indications of Kidney Deficiency, than the tonics will be of benefit. Note that one indication, such as hypothyroidism, is not enough to make a diagnosis of Kidney Deficiency; you would have several that begin to form a pattern. Take care when utilizing a Kidney Yang tonic such as our Ancestor Treasure formula. What we typically do in clinic in this situation is utilize Yin Valley and Ancestor Treasurer formulas together. Please peruse the Yin/Yang article to understand how to balance Yin and Yang in the body, and why it is important.

Severe Hot Flashes and Stress | How long before I feel some relief?

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A Customer Inquired:

Previously, this customer filled out an online evaluation.

Thank you for your response.  I have read about the herbs you are  suggesting on your website.  I do have one question will they help  with stress reduction and hot flashes.  The hot flashes I have are getting unbearable.    I break out in a sweat and go so hot I can’t stand it, then I get chilled because of the sweating.  I get them  about every 15 minutes. I have a hard time sleeping because they will  wake me up. Most of my weight is around my stomach and is due to stress – burning  the candle for some many years at both ends.

Realizing how severe your hot flashes and stressed you are, you will want to begin with Peaceful Warrior formula, Enlightened Emperor formula, and Yin Valley formula to begin with for around 3-4 months before utilizing any Qi tonics, as Qi tonics are Yang in nature; you can send a new evaluation and let me know of progress. thanks!

I received the herbs today.  I have another question.  Will this help with the feeling of rage and hopelessness I feel inside?  If not, would it be safe to take with an anti-depressant if that is what the doctor recommends?  I yelled at someone at work today which I don’t do.  I am usually calm, but feel really bad and never thought it could be due to menopause and hormone fluctuations.

That is exactly what they should do! If you read the Liver Qi Stagnation article, you will understand further. The peaceful warrior drains Liver Fire and begins to pacify the Liver energy.

Thanks so much for the quick reply.  How long before I feel some relief?  Will it take 3-4 months as you indicated?

Draining fire is relatively fast, so you may see some “chill-out” effects in the first week. You cannot take Peaceful Warrior more than for 3 months and will then want to go to Free and Easy Wanderer (the herbs are cold, and prolonged use will damage Spleen Qi). The 3-4 months is the time when I would anticipate the hot flashes starting to ease up both in intensity and frequency.

Inflammation of Kidneys, Prostate and Herbs Safe to Use

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I still have some kidney issues and take your yin valley occasionally.  We have communicated  several times before and I have thanked you, my GFR varies but mostly is ok. I do have constant kidney pain, not stones. I now have chronic inflammation of various areas of my body, including kidneys the most recent is inflammation of my prostate.  I just had a scope.  What do you recommend for my urinary tract and prostate that will not hurt my kidneys…

As always, you want to run supplements by your local health care professional. Your concern is well founded, as most of the western herbs used for the urinary and kidneys are quite diuretic and can cause more stress on the kidneys. The Yin Valley formula is supporting in its actions rather than stimulating, so it seems a good fit. You would want to read the tonic herb article and our faq’s page to better understand that this formula is not something that can be taken occasionally with any great effect. Saw Palmetto berry is something we often utilize in clinic for the prostate inflammation and can be purchased inexpensively at any local health food store.

Yin Yang Theory Chinese Medicine – Can you be just Kidney Yang Deficient?

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A website visitor asks:

If I’m mostly Kidney Yang deficient and taking Ancestral Treasure formula , should I also take Kidney Yin deficient herbs such as Yin Valley formula to balance the Yin/Yang? I don’t seem to have any of the symptoms listed on the Yin deficient list except constipation. I always feel cold and never sweat and it seems like Yin deficiency causes people to be hot and sweat a lot.

Hi,

Yin/Yang theory is a bit tricky, and it sounds like you may have read the related article on our website that explains, in this situation, a Yin tonic supports the “substance” of the body. You will likely be able to tolerate the AT by itself for a time, but as you heal the Yin Deficiency will likely show itself as Deficient Heat signs develop. This is why we sell the two formulas separately, as every individual will have different levels of Yin and Yang deficiency, and the formulas can be adjusted as needed. Yin is a relative term that has to be used in reference to something Yang. It could be cold to hot (so you are correct), or substance to activity.

Kind Regards,
Catherine

Endometriosis with Sharp Pain and Chinese Medicine

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Ageless Herbs customer fill out an online evaluation noting that endometriosis and sharp pelvic pain are her main complaints.

Additional Indications-

Relating to Spleen Qi Deficiency and Internal Dampness:

  • Cold Feet & Hands
  • Sweet cravings
  • Body feels cold
  • Low energy
  • Over thinking-worry
  • Heavy feeling in body
  • Trouble waking in morning
  • BM formed like balls

Relating to Liver imbalances:

Relating to Kidney Deficiency:

Hi,

You have the classic imbalances we often see with endometriosisof Liver Qi Stagnation, and Spleen Qi Deficiency with Internal Dampness developing. Additionally, you have indications of Kidney Yin Deficiency with the afternoon sweats. The sharp pain in your abdomen would point to Blood Stagnation, also common in endometriosis. Pain is your main indication, but Chinese medicine best works to bring the body back in to balance, thus normalize organ functions and allowing for prolonged relief and true wellness. I would suggest that you consider Stasis in the Lower Palace, Free and Easy Wanderer, Restore the Middle Way formulas. They can be used together.  Yin Valley formula should also be considered for the Kidney Yin Deficiency.

How Long Does it Take to Reverse Hair Loss with Chinese Herbs?

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Customer writes:

 hello I’ve just ordered my second bottle of Return to Spring formula and I was wondering how long it takes to grow your hair back. My hairline is receding but it looks like little hair is starting to grow.

There is information located on the  Hair loss article relating specifically to this. If some hair is starting to come back after just 6 weeks or so, that is a good sign that you are dealing with hair loss due to Kidney Deficiency and that this is the correct product; most people do not see new hair growth for a few months. You should be thinking at least 6 months to a year, but I have no idea what your specific situation is or the level of your deficiency.

Kind Regards,
Catherine Browne, LAc, MH, DiplAc

Chinese Herbs for Hair loss and Hypothyroidism

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Website Visitor Inquires:

I have a serious hair loss problem since the last 10 years. I had been hypo thyroid since last 13 years. I have very scanty hair especially in the front and cover it up with concelers.I had tried tropical solutions and vitamins, but did not see much improvement. Want your recommendation on Chinese herbs/medication that would help me to
regrow hair and stop hair loss.

Hi,

I have had a lot of positive feedback from customers and patients over the years in regards to the benefits of Return to Spring formula and hair loss. It is important to first understand how they work, and that you have realistic expectations of tonic herbs.
http://www.agelessherbs.com/chineseherbsfor/hypothyroidismhyperthyroidism.html

First, hair loss and premature graying is generally attributed to Kidney Deficiency in Chinese medicine, but there are countless other possibilities for your hair loss. Hypothyroidism is also often attributed to Kidney Deficiency, so there is a good chance that this is the reason for your hair loss.
http://www.agelessherbs.com/hairlossremedy.html

Instead of viewing Chinese herbs as some type of potion that will magically re-grow your hair, realize that you are restoring Kidney (TCM)  health, and therefore your hair will grow normally. Restoring Kidney health in Chinese medicine takes time and you will not likely see improvement in one or two months. A lot of people start seeing some improvement in 3 months, but it will take many more months to benefit from the full potential of the herbs.

Kindly,
Catherine Browne, L.Ac, MH, DiplAc

Kidney Failure Dialysis and Chinese Herbs

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Website visitor asks:

My mother has chronic kidney disease and the doctor wants to do dialysis. They also said she has to much phosphorus in her body which limits her food choices. What vitamins/herbs would be good for her to take and to strengthen her kidney function.

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I have had the opportunity to assist quite a number of patients in clinic who were in kidney failure or approaching kidney failure, and they responded very well to acupuncture.

Supplements are another thing all together in this situation, as you never want to overstress the kidneys when they are failing; the time for herb tonics would be years before this stage when symptoms of imbalance begin to appear. I wish that I could pull some miracle out of my hat for you, but this has gone beyond a self treatment situation. You may be able to find a local licensed acupuncturist who also prescribes herbs who can work together with your mothers prescribing physician to work out a smart plan for her.

Kind Regards,
Catherine

Adrenal Fatigue and Kidney Deficiency

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Website Visitor Asks:

Why is adrenal fatigue called “Kidney Deficiency” in Chinese medicine? I know the adrenals sit atop the kidney’s, but I have had my kidneys tested and they are fine.

Hi,

In Chinese medicine, organ systems encompass a complex functional system rather than just the organs themselves. Practitioners trained in Chinese medicine look for patterns of imbalance to determine the underlying “Root” causes that must be addressed in order to bring the body back in to balance. Within this system, the adrenals are part of the Kidney energetic system.

Moreover, the whole syndrome involved with adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion, points to the depletion of “Essence” that is stored in the Kidneys. Essence is also referred to as “Jing” and is a substance that must be protected and preserved in order to have a prolonged life of good health and wellness. One can have a genetic pre-disposition to an Essence Deficiency, or can burn through the available Essence through poor lifestyle habits; in our culture, the latter is more likely.

Because we are only allowed only a certain amount of Essence at birth, exhausting it can be devastating for our health. This is why those with adrenal fatigue have such a difficult time recovering, often suffering for many years if they do ever fully recover. It is much better to avoid adrenal exhaustion by moderating stress, sleeping well, and eating well, but if you have already been diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion than Kidney Tonic Herbs are one of the best ways to begin to restore your health.

Wishing You Well,

Catherine

Adrenal Fatigue, Infertility and Chinese Herbs

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Visitor writes:

Hi Catherine, I am 42 and have been trying to conceive for 2 years. My cycle is irregular and I have been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Are there any Chinese herbs to help me conceive?

Hi, Yikes; do you really want a toddler running around if you are exhausted? As it turns out, the adrenal fatigue and infertility are directly related according to Chinese medicine, so it is unlikely that you will have a successful pregnancy until you address the exhaustion. Both issues are typically attributed in part to Kidney Deficiency.

The adrenal fatigue is very troubling, as it is an indication of long-standing Kidney imbalances that are not quickly corrected by any measure. It usually takes a lengthy round of Chinese herbs (4-6 months full time) along with regular acupuncture to have lasting effects on this level of Kidney Deficiency.

You likely feel pressured to get pregnant with a short window of opportunity presenting because of your age, and are less likely to take a break from trying to conceive to properly prepare your body for pregnancy. This means you will only be taking the herbs during the first half of your cycle (in case you become pregnant), and it will take about a year for the Kidney energy to be restored; this is a real dilemma, as miscarriages are often attributed to Kidney Deficiency, and a miscarriage will tax your Kidney energy further. You are in a vicious cycle.

It also sounds like you have issues with Liver Qi Stagnation with the irregular periods. This is not uncommon as hormonal balance is typically attributed to a Kidney/Liver association.  Luckily, Liver Qi Stagnation is typically corrected more quickly than long-standing Kidney Deficiency that would result in adrenal fatigue. I would suggest our Woman’s Precious and Free and Easy Wanderer formulas.

I am typically much more optimistic about outcomes using herbs for health conditions, but this is a difficult situation. You will need to correct these imbalances regardless of the possible outcome related to fertility. I would also suggest that you look for a Community Acupuncture Clinic in your area for added support.

Best of Luck,

Catherine

Please comment if you have had experience with Adrenal Fatigue and Infertility: