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I am working with two patients for obesity who are by all objective

measures (weight loss, blood work, energy levels, triglycerides, etc.)

doing well on the Atkins diet. Both are spleen qi and kidney xu- the

woman more kidney and the man more spleen, both with dampness. Both

are older, significantly (70lbs+) overweight, insulin resistant,

stressed, sedentary, deep weak thin pulses and pale puffy scalloped

tongues.

 

The Atkins diet, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is a very low

carbohydrate diet consisting of approximately 40 grams (3-5 cups) of

leafy green vegetables, with protein and (good) fat to taste and lots

of water to keep kidneys function healthy. Virtually no grains and

occasional low carb fruit. The initial 2 week induction phase only

has 20 grams of carbohydrates. The diet has recently been evaluated

by outside university studies and like many others is being

rehabilitated after having been condemned.

 

I am struggling to conceptualize the diet and who it works for in

terms of Chinese medicine. The people I know well who have lost

significant amounts of weight on high carbohydrate vegetarian diets

have been more wind and fire types, but then my sample size is

small. As an earth/metal type I've never been able to lose weight

long term on anything but a low carbohydrate diet, in fact bloating

and gaining weight on a macrobiotic-type diet.

 

Given that this wasn't a significant problem (and the diet not a real

possibility) in classical times, I've been coming up short on

references. Most of the journal articles I've come across are short

on etiology and long on auricular points.

 

I did see Bob's article on obesity on the Blue Poppy site which gives

several etiologies for obesity. Liu Zicheng et. al.'s auricular

articles speaks of seven types of obesity (Stomach fire, Spleen and

Lung qi xu, hyperactivity of Liver Yang, Damp blockage of Stomach and

Spleen, consumption of Yin Fluid, Heart and Spleen xu, and Spleen and

Kidney Qi Xu, elsewhere described as Postpartum, although that isn't

the only cause.) None of the articles addresses low carbohydrate

diets at all.

 

Anyone want to try?

 

Karen Vaughan

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, " creationsgarden " <

creationsgarden@j...> wrote:

> I am working with two patients for obesity who are by all objective

> measures (weight loss, blood work, energy levels, triglycerides, etc.)

> doing well on the Atkins diet. Both are spleen qi and kidney xu- the

> woman more kidney and the man more spleen, both with dampness. Both

> are older, significantly (70lbs+) overweight, insulin resistant,

> stressed, sedentary, deep weak thin pulses and pale puffy scalloped

> tongues.

 

Karen

 

Sorry it has taken me so long to get to this, but it has been a busy

week. I too am vey interested in the documented effects of high

protein diets. they do seem to work for many people, especially those

who have failed on high carb diets. Several things come to my mind.

One is that these diets result in the body producing very little

insulin. When insulin is low, growth hormone tends to be high and this

encourage weight loss. Eating a lot of protein results in fat being

replaced by muscle, so the benefit is good. If one also exercises,

this benfit is increased manyfold. Eating at least some carbs will

prevent ketosis, one of the problems found in bodybuilders who eat only

protein in huge amounts with no carbs at all. Add to this the

epidemiological evidence that certain peoples have thrived on such

diets (eskimos, for example). So we need to be careful to put all our

eggs in the asian style diet basket. this is merely one model of

eating healthy that may have as much to do with genetics and a cultural

bias (and/or economic necessity) favoring low calorie intake. when

this subject was last discussed on this list, someone forwarded the

okinawa centenarian study to the list to prove the indisputable value

of high carb diet. However, the results of this study ignore two

important points:

 

1. the genetic homogenity of the okinawans, which is quite distinct

fromthat of europeans

 

2. the well documented okinanwan practice of only eating till one is

80% full.

 

the fact is that many of the people who we look to for dietary

inspiration have one major thing in common. for most of history,

econnomic necessity has resulted in these peoples eating fairly low

calorie diets. so total calories seems to be the common factor in many

" healthy " diets. A high protein diet can be very nutrient dense with

only moderate calories. the same amount of calories from high quality

organic beef provides far more b vitamins, zinc, iron and EFA's thanthe

same calories in grain form.

>

> The Atkins diet, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is a very low

> carbohydrate diet consisting of approximately 40 grams (3-5 cups) of

> leafy green vegetables, with protein and (good) fat to taste and lots

> of water to keep kidneys function healthy. Virtually no grains and

> occasional low carb fruit. The initial 2 week induction phase only

> has 20 grams of carbohydrates. The diet has recently been evaluated

> by outside university studies and like many others is being

> rehabilitated after having been condemned.

 

studies are indeed supporting the short term gains on this diet, as in

blood work and weight loss. However, the jury is still out on the long

term effects of such reduced vegetable consumption. It reamins ot be

seenif cancer rates are higher inthoseon atkins diet. personally, I

think many of the same results can be acquired with a much higher

vegetable intake. Leafy grains aare very low carb and cuase almost no

insulin production, either, so I think Atkins has went overbaord inthis

regard. Fact is I have seen many people do just as well onthe zone

diet or paleolithic prescription. all these diets have in common is

the restriction of high glycemic carbs like grains. I think this is a

much saner approach with all the benefits of the atkins, but none of

the potential risks.

>

> I am struggling to conceptualize the diet and who it works for in

> terms of Chinese medicine. The people I know well who have lost

> significant amounts of weight on high carbohydrate vegetarian diets

> have been more wind and fire types, but then my sample size is

> small. As an earth/metal type I've never been able to lose weight

> long term on anything but a low carbohydrate diet, in fact bloating

> and gaining weight on a macrobiotic-type diet.

 

this is of interest to me, as well. if you are familiar with blood

type diets. type O is recommended a low carb, high protein diet for

health rather than weight loss reasons. I wonder if anyone has seen

any correlation between blood type and CM constitutions. type O is

common amongst northern europeans, while type AB is more common in the

mediterranean regions. AB is recommended a higher carb,lower protein

diet. since blood type is linked to genetics, perhaps there is some

rationale here. Different genotypes evolved to eat different diets.

As we know, mediterranean diet has historically been high carb, while

northern europe was high protein through much of history. So it might

make sense that northern europeans do better on a different diet than

asians or mediterraneans. Can we say that northrn europe has more

earth/water types and asia more wind/fire? Well, northern europeans

are certainly larger than asians. so perhaps. evidence from

archaeology suggests that those who ate the so-called paleolithic diet

were very healthy.

 

>

> I did see Bob's article on obesity on the Blue Poppy site which gives

> several etiologies for obesity. Liu Zicheng et. al.'s auricular

> articles speaks of seven types of obesity (Stomach fire, Spleen and

> Lung qi xu, hyperactivity of Liver Yang, Damp blockage of Stomach and

> Spleen, consumption of Yin Fluid, Heart and Spleen xu, and Spleen and

> Kidney Qi Xu, elsewhere described as Postpartum, although that isn't

> the only cause.) None of the articles addresses low carbohydrate

> diets at all.

 

 

well, asians don't eat low carb diets, so that is not surprising. As

for TCM pattern and correct diet, something from ayurveda seems to

conflict with your assessment of what type goes with what diet.

Ayurveda recommends low protein diets to kapha types and higher protein

diets to vata types. I think earth/water is much like kapha and wood/

fire more like vata/pitta. So this doesn't jibe well. And of

course,all the diets still center around grains. As for textual

references, I believe Bob Flaws new book on diabetes will have some

discussion of this issue (due out this spring).

 

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Hi Karen,

 

I'm sending this as a go-between. I forwarded

your post to a macrobiotic fellow student.

She was unable to reply to the incomplete

address.

 

Here's what she had to say:

 

From 20 years on macrobiotic diet, my experience is that gas/bloating

is due

to specific factors that are not a direct result of the high carbs:

 

 

1. not chewing well enough (at least 50 X mouthful)

2. combining fruit/fruitjuice with grains/flour/beans in desserts

3. overeating, esp grain or beans

4. not soaking grain, beans

5. eating too much variety in one meal

6. not including the fermented pickles necessary for digestion of the

complex carbs

 

 

I'm fascinated by your other considerations re body type, OM

diagnosis, and

type of diet/herbs, but don't have enough conclusions at this time to

respond. Am busy finishing my MS in OM.

 

 

--jf

 

 

 

in fact bloating

> and gaining weight on a macrobiotic-type diet.

>

>

> Anyone want to try?

>

> Karen Vaughan

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, " 1 " <@i...> wrote:

 

I have been on this list for some time but never introduced myself.

Most of what is discussed in this forum is well beyond my level and

therefore I have just been " sitting in the back of the class " hoping

to learn. I am studying Chinese Herbalism and Dietary therapy via

correspondence with a particular interest in Dietary Therapy. I find

this thread fascinating and will contribute the small bit I can.

 

>> if you are familiar with blood type diets. type O is recommended

a low carb, high protein diet for health rather than weight loss

reasons. I wonder if anyone has seen any correlation between blood

type and CM constitutions.>>

 

I can only speak for myself, but I have type O blood and am a strong

Vata constitution. This would directly conflict with the above in

that Vatas need carbohydrates in higher proportions than the other

two body types. Years ago due to candidiasis I was put on the Atkins

diet. I lost weight that I could not afford to lose very quickly.

It served me well short term to get the condition under control, but

long term would have been very detrimental. Thus, following a Vata

diet has improved my health, whereas following a blood type O diet

was detrimental.

 

I am of Irish/German descent.

 

>> As for TCM pattern and correct diet, something from ayurveda seems

to conflict with your assessment of what type goes with what diet.

Ayurveda recommends low protein diets to kapha types and higher

protein diets to vata types.>>

 

<< I think earth/water is much like kapha and wood/fire more like

vata/pitta. So this doesn't jibe well.>>

 

I think the confusion might lie in the different types of protein.

Vatas need more protein primarily due to the fact that they will

become deficient more readily than the other two types. Vatas also

need the highest amount of grain due to the light dry nature of the

body type. Kaphas need less protein because they come from

the " strongest stock " ; yet, because Kapha is inherently damp in

nature, they do well with the least amount of grain.

 

Therefore Vatas do best with more protein from meat sources and more

grain. Kaphas do better with less grain but more vegetable protein,

particularly in the form of beans due to their diuretic nature.

Vegetable protein is lower in protein than meat sources (Kaphas need

lower protein). Pittas would fall somewhere in between.

 

It's a pleasure to make everyone's acquaintance.

 

Lynn Durst

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Lynn,

 

I'm hampered in trying to understand your post

by being unfamiliar with the terms you're using.

Can you either define them or tell me where

I can find the defintions of vata, kapha, and

pitta?

 

Thanks,

 

Ken

 

, " gdurst1774 " <GDurst1774@a...> wrote:

> , " 1 " <@i...> wrote:

>

> I have been on this list for some time but never introduced myself.

> Most of what is discussed in this forum is well beyond my level and

> therefore I have just been " sitting in the back of the class "

hoping

> to learn. I am studying Chinese Herbalism and Dietary therapy via

> correspondence with a particular interest in Dietary Therapy. I

find

> this thread fascinating and will contribute the small bit I can.

>

> >> if you are familiar with blood type diets. type O is

recommended

> a low carb, high protein diet for health rather than weight loss

> reasons. I wonder if anyone has seen any correlation between blood

> type and CM constitutions.>>

>

> I can only speak for myself, but I have type O blood and am a

strong

> Vata constitution. This would directly conflict with the above in

> that Vatas need carbohydrates in higher proportions than the other

> two body types. Years ago due to candidiasis I was put on the

Atkins

> diet. I lost weight that I could not afford to lose very quickly.

> It served me well short term to get the condition under control,

but

> long term would have been very detrimental. Thus, following a Vata

> diet has improved my health, whereas following a blood type O diet

> was detrimental.

>

> I am of Irish/German descent.

>

> >> As for TCM pattern and correct diet, something from ayurveda

seems

> to conflict with your assessment of what type goes with what diet.

> Ayurveda recommends low protein diets to kapha types and higher

> protein diets to vata types.>>

>

> << I think earth/water is much like kapha and wood/fire more like

> vata/pitta. So this doesn't jibe well.>>

>

> I think the confusion might lie in the different types of protein.

> Vatas need more protein primarily due to the fact that they will

> become deficient more readily than the other two types. Vatas also

> need the highest amount of grain due to the light dry nature of the

> body type. Kaphas need less protein because they come from

> the " strongest stock " ; yet, because Kapha is inherently damp in

> nature, they do well with the least amount of grain.

>

> Therefore Vatas do best with more protein from meat sources and

more

> grain. Kaphas do better with less grain but more vegetable

protein,

> particularly in the form of beans due to their diuretic nature.

> Vegetable protein is lower in protein than meat sources (Kaphas

need

> lower protein). Pittas would fall somewhere in between.

>

> It's a pleasure to make everyone's acquaintance.

>

> Lynn Durst

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, " dragon90405 " <yulong@m...> wrote:

 

> I'm hampered in trying to understand your post

> by being unfamiliar with the terms you're using.

> Can you either define them or tell me where

> I can find the defintions of vata, kapha, and

> pitta?

 

These are Ayurvedic terms to distinguish body types. Ayurveda has

three (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as opposed to TCM's five (Fire, Earth,

Metal, Water, Wood). As Todd mentioned previously:

 

<< " I think earth/water is much like kapha and wood/fire more like

vata/pitta " >>

 

Vata is cold, dry and light in nature. Pitta is hot, oily and moist

in nature. Kapha is cold, damp and heavy in nature. Thus Kapha seems

as though it would most closely correspond to an Earth/Water type in

TCM. Pitta most closely corresponds to a Fire type, although it also

displays aspects of Earth and Wood to varying degrees as well. I

have been taught that Vata most closely relates to Yin Deficiency in

TCM . This body type could be the most debatable as to how it relates

to TCM types, but it seems to most frequently translate into a combo

of Metal/Wood/Fire, depending on the individual. Vata also most

typically displays weakness in Earth and Water.

 

Vata is movement, Pitta is heat and Kapha is substance.

 

It is my understanding that TCM evolved from Ayurveda. The terms are

different but the basic principles the same. Therefore I have found

it extremely helpful (if not imperative) to gain a full working

knowledge of Ayurveda, before attempting to work with diet from a TCM

perspective. It has much to offer.

 

Lynn

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I don't think this is historically accurate. Both systems developed

independently, as did Greco-Arabic medicine, but obviously there are

aspects in common. Ayurvedic influences were visible in Chinese

medicine in Sun Zi-miao's time, such as Nagarjuna's opthomology text in

the 4th century, C.E., but this does not validate origin claims, as the

Mawangdui manuscripts are very original in scope and over 3000 years old.

 

 

On Thursday, January 31, 2002, at 11:17 AM, gdurst1774 wrote:

 

> It is my understanding that TCM evolved from Ayurveda.  The terms are

> different but the basic principles the same. Therefore I have found

> it extremely helpful (if not imperative) to gain a full working

> knowledge of Ayurveda, before attempting to work with diet from a TCM

> perspective.  It has much to offer.

>

> Lynn

>

>

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Lynn,

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

>

> It is my understanding that TCM evolved from Ayurveda. The terms

are

> different but the basic principles the same. Therefore I have found

> it extremely helpful (if not imperative) to gain a full working

> knowledge of Ayurveda, before attempting to work with diet from a

TCM

> perspective. It has much to offer.

 

Can you say where this understanding

stems from? I'm not very familiar with

the history of ayurvedic medicine.

Do you have some details about this

supposed evolution?

 

Ken

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, " dragon90405 " <yulong@m...> wrote:

> Lynn,

> Can you say where this understanding

> stems from? I'm not very familiar with

> the history of ayurvedic medicine.

> Do you have some details about this

> supposed evolution?

 

Well it appears as though I am wrong about this from 's

previous post. It's very likely that I may have misunderstood

something that I read in the course I am taking ... or I suspect the

course was speaking very generally, simply encouraging the basic

understanding of Ayurvedic principles. Ayurvedic principles were

outlined prior to the introduction of TCM principles. We have also

been encouraged to utilize both, depending on the needs of the

individual.

 

Understanding Ayurveda has helped me to treat " the whole " more easily

in regards to diet. Without full understanding of the constitutional

element, I found myself more likely to " symptom chase " . Working with

the two systems at once, narrows the field, allowing for a more

accurate and reliable response. I have much to learn and I am by no

means proficient! Yet, thus far it has proven to be a very promising

approach.

 

In corresponding with some of the other students, I found that many

seemed more confused by this approach. Thus, as with everything ...

it would not be helpful to everyone. I find that I have the most

success if I determine Ayurvedic constitution first, determine which

aspects may be related to imbalance, choose diet according to

Ayurvedic principles and then ... fine tune utilizing TCM. The three

Ayurvedic body types are basically condensed versions of TCM's five.

 

Lynn

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Well Lynn, I'd have to agree that Adamo's blood type diet doesn't

seem to work on me, although his theories are interesting. It's

probably far more complicated than he makes out. If I were to follow

his Type A grain-based diet I'd bloat and gain weight. I test out as

a Kapha/pitta type-and the low carb diet works. In TCM terms I am

more Earth/Metal, K-Sp Qi xu with dampness That means that a low

carb diet puts me at odds with what I generally read as TCM dietary

advice.

 

But maybe not. If Fire isn't sufficiently controlling dampness,

maybe more meats are needed. (Does anyone know where I can get a 5

elements food chart? I've misplaced my notes from Annemarie Colbin's

class a decade or so ago.)

 

And what do people think about generating heat?

 

Karen Vaughan

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, " creationsgarden "

<creationsgarden@j...> wrote:

 

> But maybe not. If Fire isn't sufficiently controlling dampness,

> maybe more meats are needed.

> And what do people think about generating heat?

 

White meat chicken and turkey are fine but all other meats could pose

problems. Dark meat poultry contains too much fat (generates heat)

and red meats generate heat ...

 

Beef is dampening due to it's correspondence with the Earth Element.

Too much Damp will inevitably transform into heat.

 

Pork tones the Yin and would be too cooling.

 

Fish is fine occasionally, preferably lake fish. Ocean fish is salty

which will in turn supplement Yin, not what you would want to do in

this case. Tuna and Salmon are fatty and will also generate Heat and

Damp.

 

Thus Kapha/Pittas need to have a high proportion of their protein in

the form of beans and legumes. The diuretic nature of these foods

helps to distribute the moisture and eliminate excess. Yellow split

peas are great. Since they are yellow ... they more strongly tonify

the Spleen. Aduki's are very good too. They treat Damp-Heat, yet

still have a neutral rather than cool nature and directly nourish the

Heart. Toning the Heart .... tonifies the Spleen. Most all beans

are fine with the exception of red lentils and mung beans.

 

Kapha/Pittas do well with lots of cooked vegetables, but go easy on

root vegetables. They tone Earth, but due to their correspondence

with the Earth element, they also create Damp. Spices need to be

restricted to mild neutral energied ones like cumin, coriander,

fennel, dill.

 

Grains are really tough with this body type. Grains in the form of

dry cereals, even though not as nutritious as whole grain, are better

because of the light and dry nature. Heavy, cooked cereals will pose

problems. Barley is good in moderation, but it is cooling and needs

to be used cautiously. Basmati rice is fine in moderation. Wild rice

can be good. Dry oats good. Think " light and dry " .

 

The biggest problem with grains that I have seen with this body type

is that all of the grains (other than barley) that are good for Kapha

(rye, corn, quinoa etc) .... aggravate Pitta. Thus one just

exchanges one problem for another.

 

Dietary treatment is more successful if one concentrates on clearing

Damp as primary, rather than attempting to tone. One can't tone

efficiently when Damp is present.

 

Lynn

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And what do people think about generating heat?

 

Karen Vaughan

 

 

Karen, obesity and weight management are pretty difficult issues, as you

have stated. In terms of heat, if one simplifies the types of heat into

metabolic heat and pathological heat, we know that even if pathological heat

is present there can easily be a lack of metabolic heat. Which means, in

terms of TCM, yang xu and damp heat and or liver yang excess etc can

co-exist. The question is whether increasing kidney yang in someone that

has GB/Liv damp heat will add flame to the fire or not. I have tested this

dicotomy on myself and others and, as a very general statement, find that Ki

and Sp -yang tonics flame the fire more in those with severe stasis and heat

than those with dampness and heat. Although, it greatly depends on the

severity of the pathological heat and its pathogenesis. I'd be interested

to know what others have found. In terms of weight loss products, most of

them have appetite suppresants, almost all of which are stimulants, like ma

huang. The " increasing metabolism " concept, of weight loss stimulants seems

to be targeted at increasing the metabolic rate (nervous system) rather than

improving the metabolism of nutrients. I believe that the reason people

gain the weight back is just that reason, they have not improved the

metabolism of nutrients. The hormone leptin is quite interesting in its

relationship to weight management. It has been shown to influence what the

body does with nutrients in the blood, i.e. whether to burn them up for

energy or convert them and store them as triglycerides. Leptin also appears

to regulate the rate at which stored nutrients, i.e. triglycerides, are

broken and used as fuel for energy production. If leptin keeps taking

potential energy in the blood and storing it, and not breaking down what is

stored, then you get hungry a lot just to keep the Random Access nutrients

available. I have been experimenting with ways to regulate the activity of

leptin with herbs in order to improve the metabolism of nutrients for the

sake of weight management. The jury is still out, although I will just

mention that my findings do not in any way contradict what you would likely

choose to do based on traditional concepts of CM. But I do believe that

stimulating the metabolic rate, whether it is with heat inducing herbs,

white crosses, cocaine, cigarettes, or coffee, in the end, will deplete the

body's ability to produce its own heat, and that the proper utilization of

stored energy (fat) and the effective use of recently consumed nutrients is

really a key target for long term success. Which usually comes back to Sp

yang, Ki yang, and relaxing the liver.

 

 

Stephen Morrissey OMD

Botanica BioScience Corp

P.O. Box 1477

Ojai, CA 93024

Ph: 805-646-6062

Fx: 805-646-3026

email: stephen

web: www.botanica-bioscience.com

 

 

 

 

Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare

practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing

in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services,

including board approved online continuing education.

 

 

 

 

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, " " <zrosenbe@s...> wrote:

> I don't think this is historically accurate. Both systems developed

> independently, as did Greco-Arabic medicine, but obviously there are

> aspects in common. Ayurvedic influences were visible in Chinese

> medicine in Sun Zi-miao's time, such as Nagarjuna's opthomology text in

> the 4th century, C.E., but this does not validate origin claims,

 

Ayurveda has accounts of a point system called marmas,many of which

correspond to acupoints. the ayurveda system definitely predates the

neijing and ma wang dui texts. however, there is no evidence that

chinese acupuncture evolved from this system. this claim has been made

by ayurveda proponents, but there is no archaeology or written texts

available to substantiate this. However, it is also true that the

culture of India was more advanced regarding medicine, technology and

writing than the chinese at an earlier point in history. I believe the

culture we think of as chinese (han) is probably no more than 3000

years old, while vedic culture is about 5000 years old. there is also

some evidence form ayurvedic texts that are much older than the shen

nong ben cao that india was already describing herbs via taste and

temp. And even more interesting, the categories of herbs were more

delineated in ancient India at an earlier period of history. I think

the influence of buddhist monks from india in the 4th century onwards

may have played a significant role in the evolution of chinese

herbology from a pragmatic empirical science (as described by unschuld)

into one based upon herb categories and pattern differentiation. TCM

as a pattern based form of herbology only came to fruition in the

jinyuan dynasties in the middle ages. ayurveda had been practicing

pattern based herbology for at least the previous 1500 years. we know

there was much communication between these two cultures, so while I

wouldn't say TCM evolved from ayurveda, I suspect ayurveda inspired

chinese physicians to develop their own system of pattern based

herbology using their own native concepts (yinyang, five phase,

channels, etc.)

 

as the

> Mawangdui manuscripts are very original in scope and over 3000 years old.

 

these texts were in a tomb dated at 167 BC, a little more than 2000

years old

 

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, " creationsgarden " <

creationsgarden@j...> wrote:

> Well Lynn, I'd have to agree that Adamo's blood type diet doesn't

> seem to work on me, although his theories are interesting.

 

quite interesting, indeed, but I also have not found them to correlate

well with either TCM, ayurveda or empirical clinical observations.

Interestingly, since I am susceptible to placebo effects, I found

myself reacting to foods that were wrong for my blood type when I was

enamored of D'adamo and now have no such reactions since my fascination

has subsided. the jury is definitely still out on this and till I know

better, I will put my faith in time tested ideas, not the latest

science.

 

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I have a friend, naturopath/acupuncturist, that works with James D'Adamo. James is Peter D'Adamo's father, and started the blood type diet. It is more involved than what they put out for mass consumption in the books, Peter's books. People also fall into sub-types and they use D'Adamo's system of iridology, which is supposed to further individualize treatments. In the end, besides dietary counseling they give people tons of supplements, or herbs, colonics, foot soaks, chiropractic, acupuncture etc.. So following the diet alone may not be enough to bring you into balance by their reckoning.

 

********************************************Sean P. Doherty, M.Sc., M.S., L.Ac., D.N.B.A.O.Nashua Natural Medicine76 Northeastern Blvd., Unit 36ANashua, NH 03062ph(603) 579-0956fax(603) 579-0957Healthcare for the whole family...Naturally!www.nashuanaturalmedicine.com

 

1 Saturday, February 02, 2002 5:24 PM Subject: Re: Conceptualizing the Atkins Diet, "creationsgarden" <creationsgarden@j...> wrote:> Well Lynn, I'd have to agree that Adamo's blood type diet doesn't > seem to work on me, although his theories are interesting. quite interesting, indeed, but I also have not found them to correlate well with either TCM, ayurveda or empirical clinical observations. Interestingly, since I am susceptible to placebo effects, I found myself reacting to foods that were wrong for my blood type when I was enamored of D'adamo and now have no such reactions since my fascination has subsided. the jury is definitely still out on this and till I know better, I will put my faith in time tested ideas, not the latest science.ToddChinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education.

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I agree that Ayurvedic medicine has outlined a comprehensive approach to

dietetics that allows one to teach a coherent approach to people, even

though the English language material on diagnosis by the tridoshas is

somewhat simplified. The only English text I am aware of that has the

full complexity of the medicine is Dr. Vasant Lad's book on pulse

diagnosis.

 

One of the reasons you are attracted to the Ayurvedic approach to diet

is because little has been translated from Chinese on dietetics,

certainly not enough to teach a coherent approach. From my

observations, teachers of Ayurveda are generally more careful about

their own practice of proper diet, and tend to emphasize it more with

their patients that TCM practitioners do.

 

 

On Friday, February 1, 2002, at 05:05 AM, gdurst1774 wrote:

 

>

>

> Well it appears as though I am wrong about this from 's

> previous post.  It's very likely that I may have misunderstood

> something that I read in the course I am taking ... or I suspect the

> course was speaking very generally, simply encouraging the basic

> understanding of Ayurvedic principles. Ayurvedic principles were

> outlined prior to the introduction of TCM principles.  We have also

> been encouraged to utilize both, depending on the needs of the

> individual.

>

> Understanding Ayurveda has helped me to treat " the whole " more easily

> in regards to diet.  Without full understanding of the constitutional

> element, I found myself more likely to " symptom chase " .  Working with

> the two systems at once, narrows the field, allowing for a more

> accurate and reliable response.  I have much to learn and I am by no

> means proficient! Yet, thus far it has proven to be a very promising

> approach.

>

> In corresponding with some of the other students, I found that many

> seemed more confused by this approach. Thus, as with everything ...

> it would not be helpful to everyone. I find that I have the most

> success if I determine Ayurvedic constitution first, determine which

> aspects may be related to imbalance, choose diet according to

> Ayurvedic principles and then ... fine tune utilizing TCM.  The three

> Ayurvedic body types are basically condensed versions of TCM's five.

>

> Lynn 

>

>

>

 

>

>

> Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed

> healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate

> academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety

> of professional services, including board approved online continuing

> education.

>

>

>

>

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Origins in medicine are hard to trace, especially several thousand years

ago, and are open to speculation. Often we hear claims in different

cultures that may be patriotic, but questionable. Tibetan physicians I

have spoken with claim that acupuncture came from Tibet and was passed

on to China, although the evidence clearly is to the contrary.

 

Undoubtedly Ayurvedic medicine influenced Chinese medicine. . . was

there a reciprocal influence? Hard to say. Tibetan medicine we know

was an interesting hybrid of Ayurvedic, Chinese and Greco-Arabic

medicine. I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th

century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly

descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the ark landed

there.

 

Yes, you are correct on the dating of the Mawangdui manuscripts.

I'll be more careful next time.

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, February 2, 2002, at 02:19 PM, 1 wrote:

 

> Ayurveda has accounts of a point system called marmas,many of which

> correspond to acupoints.  the ayurveda system definitely predates the

> neijing and ma wang dui texts.  however, there is no evidence that

> chinese acupuncture evolved from this system.  this claim has been made

> by ayurveda proponents, but there is no archaeology or written texts

> available to substantiate this.  However, it is also true that the

> culture of India was more advanced regarding medicine, technology and

> writing than the chinese at an earlier point in history.  I believe the

> culture we think of as chinese (han) is probably no more than 3000

> years old, while vedic culture is about 5000 years old.  there is also

> some evidence form ayurvedic texts that are much older than the shen

> nong ben cao that india was already describing herbs via taste and

> temp.  And even more interesting, the categories of herbs were more

> delineated in ancient India at an earlier period of history.  I think

> the influence of buddhist monks from india in the 4th century onwards

> may have played a significant role in the evolution of chinese

> herbology from a pragmatic empirical science (as described by unschuld)

> into one based upon herb categories and pattern differentiation.  TCM

> as a pattern based form of herbology only came to fruition in the

> jinyuan dynasties in the middle ages.  ayurveda had been practicing

> pattern based herbology for at least the previous 1500 years.  we know

> there was much communication between these two cultures, so while I

> wouldn't say TCM evolved from ayurveda, I suspect ayurveda inspired

> chinese physicians to develop their own system of pattern based

> herbology using their own native concepts (yinyang, five phase,

> channels, etc.) 

>

> as the

> > Mawangdui manuscripts are very original in scope and over 3000 years

> old.

>

> these texts were in a tomb dated at 167 BC, a little more than 2000

> years old

>

 

>

>

>

 

>

>

> Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed

> healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate

> academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety

> of professional services, including board approved online continuing

> education.

>

>

>

>

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, " " <zrosenbe@s...>

wrote:I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th

> century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly

> descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the ark

landed there.

 

 

Z'ev:

 

Who was left to give it to him?

 

Jim Ramholz

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The angel Raphael (which means angel of healing in Hebrew).

 

 

On Saturday, February 2, 2002, at 11:10 PM, jramholz wrote:

 

> , " " <zrosenbe@s...>

> wrote:I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th

> > century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly

> > descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the ark

> landed there.

>

>

> Z'ev:

>

> Who was left to give it to him?

>

> Jim Ramholz

>

>

 

>

>

> Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed

> healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate

> academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety

> of professional services, including board approved online continuing

> education.

>

>

>

>

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7th> century

>>>Zev how is the author. Also does it say ayurvedic? does it contain treatments?

Alon

 

-

 

Sunday, February 03, 2002 1:29 AM

Re: Re: Conceptualizing the Atkins Diet

The angel Raphael (which means angel of healing in Hebrew).On Saturday, February 2, 2002, at 11:10 PM, jramholz wrote:

, "" <zrosenbe@s...>wrote:I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th> century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly> descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the arklanded there.Z'ev:Who was left to give it to him?Jim Ramholz

Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education.

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The title is Assaph HaRofe, a manuscript translated by Fred Rosner. It

was never officially published, because of the difficulty in figuring

out some of the herbal medicinals from the Babylonian era after the

destruction of the Temple. I have one of the few English copies in

zerox manuscript. It is available in Hebrew, however.

 

I don't remember if it uses the term ayurvedic, I'll look it up, but it

discusses how the medical teachings spread into India, Egypt and

Mesopotamia to become separate medical systems.

 

 

On Sunday, February 3, 2002, at 09:44 AM, Alon Marcus wrote:

 

> 7th

> > century

> >>>Zev how is the author. Also does it say ayurvedic? does it contain

> treatments?

> Alon

>

> -

>

>

> Sunday, February 03, 2002 1:29 AM

> Re: Re: Conceptualizing the Atkins Diet

>

> The angel Raphael (which means angel of healing in Hebrew).

>

>

> On Saturday, February 2, 2002, at 11:10 PM, jramholz wrote:

>

> , " " <zrosenbe@s...>

> wrote:I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th

> > century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly

> > descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the ark

> landed there.

>

>

> Z'ev:

>

> Who was left to give it to him?

>

> Jim Ramholz

>

>

>

>

>

> Chinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed

> healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate

> academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety

> of professional services, including board approved online continuing

> education.

>

>

>

>

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thanks

 

-

 

Sunday, February 03, 2002 1:09 PM

Re: Re: Conceptualizing the Atkins Diet

The title is Assaph HaRofe, a manuscript translated by Fred Rosner. It was never officially published, because of the difficulty in figuring out some of the herbal medicinals from the Babylonian era after the destruction of the Temple. I have one of the few English copies in zerox manuscript. It is available in Hebrew, however.I don't remember if it uses the term ayurvedic, I'll look it up, but it discusses how the medical teachings spread into India, Egypt and Mesopotamia to become separate medical systems.On Sunday, February 3, 2002, at 09:44 AM, Alon Marcus wrote:

7th> century>>>Zev how is the author. Also does it say ayurvedic? does it contain treatments?Alon- Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2002 1:29 AMRe: Re: Conceptualizing the Atkins DietThe angel Raphael (which means angel of healing in Hebrew).On Saturday, February 2, 2002, at 11:10 PM, jramholz wrote:, "" <zrosenbe@s...>wrote:I have an interesting text by a Jewish physician in the 7th> century that claims that Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine jointly> descended from teachings given to Noah on Mt. Ararat when the arklanded there.Z'ev:Who was left to give it to him?Jim RamholzChinese Herbal Medicine, a voluntary organization of licensed healthcare practitioners, matriculated students and postgraduate academics specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine, provides a variety of professional services, including board approved online continuing education.

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, acuman1@a... wrote:

> Stephen;

> Are you perchance coming to Rutgers for the next tox book meeting?

> DAVE

 

I got my biology degree at Rutgers. What meeting do you refer to?

 

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