Stress

An old and very experienced Chinese Master Herbalist once observed, "Stress is the main cause of almost all disease." Over the years, after observing thousands of patients, I have come to the same conclusion. Stress is both a killer and destroyer of the quality of life.

In Chinese Medicine, a harmonious mind and body is considered essential for a fruitful and happy life. Easier said than done, especially in this day and age where everything moves so quickly that there is hardly any time to assimilate one's daily life experiences. Fast food and imbalanced diets weaken the body and contribute to mental and emotional stress.

Even Western medicine has acknowledged the connection between stress and illness (such as heart attacks). In other words, sustained mental and emotional stress can eventually affect our bodies in various ways and none of them are beneficial. Of course it is up to each individual to find ways to experience a fulfilling life. When we are young and the future seems so far away, habits are created that often undermine one's health later in life. The ideal solution is to develop the wisdom to see this early on and adopt a more healthy lifestyle.

However, even under the best of conditions stress will still appear, affecting our mental balance and possibly, as mentioned above, our physical health. If one can identify the conditions that are causing the stress there is a real possibility of reducing its destructive effects by using some skillful means to counter its effects. Many techniques are now available to us to help reduce stress, for example: Tai Chi, Yoga, and exercise in general. The idea behind many of these disciplines is to keep the energy open and flowing to all parts of the body through specific movements combined with a focused and relaxed mind. When done regularly, they produce wonderful results. Meditation is the premier stress reduction technique. To be effective, it also needs to be done on a regular basis.

But what about those times where situations are more stressful then we anticipated. Or we underestimated a commitment and find that we are becoming overwhelmed by it. Inevitably we will become involved in some type of short term stress-producing situation. The question is not will it happen, but what is the best way to handle it when it happens. In Chinese Medicine, sustained stress disturbs what is called the Shen (or spirit). The Shen resides in the physical body in the area of the heart. When it is disturbed, it cannot settle and results in mental unease or even mental dysfunction. Because it resides in the heart area, the flow of Chi to that area also becomes affected. Eventually, the heart may be affected and become diseased.

There is another pattern of disharmony that results from stress, called Liver Qi congestion. This term refers to a blockage of the smooth flow of Qi (energy) to various parts of the body. The emotions connected to this disharmony are anger and frustration. If this condition is not corrected in a reasonable time it actually interferes with the supply of nutrition and Qi to one or more of the organs. Eventually disease develops. Cancer is a common result of long term Liver Qi congestion. When we are stressed, areas of our body tighten. This constricts the flow of blood and Chi, increases the potential for weakness, and leads to disease. While the term uses the word Liver, it may or may not involve the actual Liver organ.

An excess of any emotion can produce an illness in a corresponding part of the body. For example: sustained sadness may weaken the lungs, excess anger can cause chest pains or even blocked arteries, and too much worry and constant thinking can interfere with the digestive system and weaken the stomach or colon. There are many cases of people with a serious illness who were able to radically changed his or her life style (including reducing stress) and the symptoms of their disease disappeared. This healing process is well documented, even with life threatening conditions such as Cancer.

Herbal medicine has a long tradition of addressing these types of health issues. There are many herbs which are used to reduce the effects of stress on our body and relax the mind. While they are not a substitute for making lifestyle changes, they can reduce the negative effects accumulated or for the moment take one away from the experience of being excessively locked into an emotion. (fear, anger, worry). There are certain herbs well known for their effects on calming the emotions and relieving stress. The Tai Botanicals Formula "Calm and Clear" contains some of the most studied and clinically effective herbs for stress reduction known.

For example:
Kava Kava: Considered a very effective Nervine (Treats stress, anxiety, insomnia). This herb, grown in the South Pacific has recently become extremely popular to treat insomnia and stress. While it can be taken by itself, it is recommended to included other herbs with it to reduce potential side effects (it is a heating herb) or increase its healing abilities.

Gota Kola: This is a popular herb used commonly in the Ayurvedic system of healing. It is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and a wide range of nervous system disorders. Rather than tranquilize, it promotes calm and mental clarity.

Acorus Rhizome/Shi Chang Pu: This herb can be used when there are symptoms of anxiety, Liver Qi congestion, blockages in consciousness, and unclear thinking.

Lemon Balm: This is another popular Nervine herb to add to formulas for stress and anxiety. It soothes the nerves without sedating. It is used for Insomnia, depression, anxiety. It is also useful in conditions where there are GI disturbances (gas, bloating, indigestion) due to stress.

Take a look at the rest of the formula. You can find out about any of the herbs in the formula, by clicking on the herb you want to know more about. This will bring you to a window which gives you a detailed explanation of the herb.

May you keep well and healthy,
Kenneth Morris L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.