I would like to start with a quote from Sun Si Miao. He was a famous physician from the Tang dynasty. Often referred as the medicine king and revered by doctors, Taoists and Buddhists.
“First, modify the patient’s diet and lifestyle and only then, if these do not effect a cure, treat with medicinals and acupuncture”
Most of my patients come to the office in Mamaroneck to receive acupuncture or Chinese medicine treatment. Many of my patients also take herbal medicine. I often combine acupuncture, massage, moxibustion with herbs for treatment. There are times when I get a referral from patients at distance. Either their friends or family members have had success with acupuncture and herbal medicine and they want to receive treatment as well. I have worked with patients remotely as far as San Francisco. We do a herbal consultation over the phone and I ship them their herbs. We also take a deep dive into diet and lifestyle as well. I really enjoy doing remote consultations for herbal medicine and lifestyle. I really get to see how the herbs, diet and lifestyle changes are working on their own. I did a remote consultation a few months ago and while the patient was waiting for her herbs to arrive she sent me the email below. Prior to speaking with me she was passing loose stool 4-5 times a night. She would wake with nausea and had some other health concerns. The only change she has made to her lifestyle was avoiding cold, raw foods and she started to drink hot water as her main beverage during the day. Without taking herbal medicine or having one single acupuncture session she is already seeing big changes in her health. I am so happy for her. She is another example of how a simple simple adjustment can bring about drastic change. I am sure she will stick with it since she saw how big the change was. I hope you can be inspired by her example.
Below is an email I received from the patient:
I am shocked at how much of a difference drinking warm water and making sure my food is heated has helped!! I honestly didn’t realize how often I go to eat unheated food. I think it’s a habit I started when I became a mom. Your needs come last and next thing you know, all of your food is cold and you don’t bother to take the time to reheat!I admittedly haven’t been doing great at eliminating all of the foods to avoid, so I can only imagine things are going to continue to improve as I continue to be more mindful of my diet too!My bowel movements are returning to normal for the first time in a couple years. I still haven’t been sleeping super well, but no more multiple bouts of diarrhea at 4/5am. I’ve even had a regular movement during the day.
Remember you are in charge of your own health. I am only here to help.