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Acupuncture and moxibustion have been used to help relieve the effects of mental and emotional ailments for a very long time. We are currently facing challenging times for our mental health due to unforeseen events and isolation. Chinese medicine and acupuncture may offer you support during these times. Now in modern times, there is research supporting its benefits in the field of neuropsychiatry in the areas of anxiety and depression.  Anxiety. Acupuncture could be beneficial for patients who can be resistant to conventional approaches (5). The research quality in this area has evolved in modern times, with more recent and better-elaborated research methods showing positive benefits with promising results (5,6). A recent review of the research literature concluded that both acupuncture and electro-acupuncture have valuable scientific evidence supporting their use for anxiety as it can yield positive outcomes with fewer side effects than conventional treatment (7). In addition, auricular acupuncture can induce a relaxation effect for those who suffer anxiety (9) and in those undergoing pre-operative anxiety (10), with some authors proposing autonomic nervous system regulation as a possible effect mechanism (2). Depression. In a single-blind randomised trial using the Hamilton Depression Rating Score (HMAD), researchers concluded that both acupuncture and moxibustion showed similar and positive benefits (3). Positive improvements were also seen in the efficacy score in a Score Symptoms Checklist 90 (4) The Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R) is a self-report screening measure of general psychiatric symptomatology. Furthermore, HMAD scoring revealed that women seemed to have better beneficial outcomes than males (3). Even further, the induced positive effects against distress seemed to last even as long as 3 months after treatment (2). Depression-related insomnia. Acupuncture may increase the level of melatonin and reduce anxiety, as seen under improvements in fatigue and depression scores (8). A systemic review revealed that both acupuncture and western medicine possessed the same statistical level in improving HMAD scores and that the combination of both therapies gives the most benefits (1,8). Available Treatments If you would like more information about possible treatment applications, you can contact me through the contacts section on this website or by email at: enquiries@oscarmoreno.com.au  References:
 Hello everyone,
I would like to introduce to you our new creation that puts together the ancient East and the modern West together. TMC Integrative Herbal Pain Cream This cream integrates both ancient Eastern and modern Western medicine by mixing the resin Myrrh and the herb Corydalis with diclofenac (Voltaren). Myrrh and Corydalis are two of the major herbs and substances used in ancient eastern medicine for the treatment of pain for thousands of years The cream base is composed of high-grade Lipoderm ®. This cream is a highly absorbable transdermal solution that can deliver the ingredients thoroughly and deep into the area with pain. These creams are made at the COMO Compounding Pharmacy, which is based in Melbourne, Australia; by a highly qualified team of pharmacists and lab technicians. This ensures that all manufacturing requirements within Australia are well followed. If you would like to have more information or if you want to purchase a cream, please send me your details to the following email address or over the contact section of this website and I will contact you back. Please note that these creams are not available just off the shelf. email contact: enquiries@oscarmoreno.com.au Este es un video donde se muestran masajes que pueden ser utilizados para la fiebre y pueden ser aplicados con facilidad. También incluye la introducción a esta serie de videos que se va a basar en como se podría dar apoyo a distintos síntomas que pueden ocurrir durante enfermedades infecciosas respiratorias. Esta serie de videos esta dedicada a toda la gente de habla hispana que pudiera necesitar ayuda para sus familias y seres cercanos durante esta pandemia. También quiero aclarar que estos videos no son substitutos para atención medica moderna y que cualquier persona que pudiera considerarse con síntomas de infecciones respiratorias tiene que consultar con su medico lo más pronto posible.  Amigos y pacientes de habla Hispana,
Esta es una traducción de un blog que escribí previamente en Inglés. Mi propósito es poder hacer llegar esta información a gente de habla hispana. Por favor pásenlo a sus amigos y familiares como una ayuda posible y fácil de hacer en casa durante esta pandemia. Por causa de la pandemia del COVID19, estamos pasando a través de un periodo dentro de nuestra casa la mayoría del tiempo, mientras que esperamos que acaben estos tiempos difíciles. Debido esto, he escrito una receta de un remedio de yerbas y especias caseras que a lo mejor puede asistir al sistema inmune y tener una aplicación antiviral. Yo tomo este remedio todos los días en mi casa y lo quiero compartir con ustedes. He puesto información acerca de las posibles reacciones con medicamentos y de investigación científica respecto a este remedio en este blog. POR FAVOR LÉANLO POR COMPLETO ANTES DE CONSUMIR ESTE REMEDIO DE YERBAS. LIMITACIÓN DE RESPONSABILIDAD: Esto no es una cura para el COVID19 ya que todavía no hay pruebas de una. Tampoco esta probado como un preventivo para COVID19. SI USTED ESTA ENFERMO CON SÍNTOMAS DE RESFRIADO O GRIPA, POR FAVOR CONSULTE A SU MÉDICO DE FORMA INMEDIATA. El remedio casero: Este remedio casero se basa en yerbas y especias que se pueden comprar en un supermercado. ADVERTENCIA: No consuma las versiones de aceites esenciales de estas substancias sin consultar a un profesional en la materia. Dosis diaria para adultos (por persona): Anís 10g Canela 5g Jengibre 5g Ajo Un diente Dosis diaria para niños arriba de 5 años (por niño): Anís 4g Canela 2g Jengibre 2g Ajo Un tercio de diente Método de preparación: Ponga los ingredientes en una olla excepto el ajo. Añada dos tazas de agua y caliente hasta que empiece a hervir. Después déjela hervir en fuego lento por 45 minutos. Añada el ajo triturado al final cuando apague el fuego. Tome una taza tibia en la mañana y una en la tarde. Puede mezclar con miel y limón para mejor sabor. Si síntomas de gripa o resfriado ocurren: (Una ves mas, esto no es una cura probada para coronavirus y tiene que consultar a su médico si esto ocurre). Dosis diaria para adultos (por persona): Anís 12g Canela 6g Jengibre 6g Ajo Un diente y medio Dosis diaria para niños arriba de 5 años (por niño): Anís 6g Canela 4g Jengibre 4g Ajo Un diente Método de preparación: Ponga los ingredientes en una olla excepto el ajo. Añada tres tazas de agua y caliente hasta que empiece a hervir. Después déjela hervir en fuego lento por 45 minutos. Añada el ajo triturado al final cuando apague el fuego. Tome una taza tibia en la mañana y una en la tarde y una en la noche. Puede mezclar con miel y limón para mejor sabor. CONTRAINDICACIONES: NO CONSUMIR AL MISMO TIEMPO QUE MEDICAMENTOS DE RECETA. TOME AL MENOS 2 HORAS DESPUÉS DE MEDICAMENTOS DE RECETAS Y LEA LA INFORMACIÓN QUE SIGUE ACERCA DE INTERACCIONES CON MEDICAMENTOS Si usted toma anticoagulantes (Coumadin), antihipertensivos, paracetamol, metmorfina, o flagil, por favor lea la sección de interacciones con medicamentos. Dosis especial para gente en medicamentos de receta. Dosis se basa en medidas standard de consumo normal (como comida). Adultos: Si toma adelgazadores de sangre, anticoagulantes o antihipertensivos, reduzca el anís a 6g, la canela y el jengibre a 3g y el ajo a medio diente. Divida esta dosis en dos tazas por día. Niños arriba de 5 años: Si toman adelgazadores de sangre, anticoagulantes o antihipertensivos, reduzca el anís a 2.5g, el jengibre y la canela a 1g y el ajo a un cuarto de diente. Divida esta dosis en dos tazas por día. INTERACCIONES YERBAS-MEDICAMENTOS (ES IMPORTANTE LEERLO): -El ajo puede hacer mas fuerte el efecto de medicamentos anticoagulantes como Warfarin (Coumadin) y antihipertensivos (24,27) y puede ser peligros. También puede afectar la velocidad en que otros medicamentos son metabolizados (27). -El anís puede reducir la cantidad de acetaminofeno (paracetamol) disponible en la sangre (28). -El jengibre puede hacer mas fuerte el efecto anticoagulante y antiplaquetario de medicamentos como Warfarin (Coumadin) (30) que puede ser peligroso. También puede interactuar con medicamentos antiinflamatorios y para la presión sanguínea (30). También ha interactuado con Metronidazol (Flagil) (29) en estudios con conejos. -La canela puede empeorar el daño al hígado causado por medicamentos con tal efecto (31,32). También puede afectar la absorción de Metformina en estudios con ratones donde ha afectado el metabolismo de la glucosa (31,32). Adicionalmente, la canela puede incrementar los efectos de drogas anticoagulantes como Warfarin (Coumadin) (33). También, no debe de ser consumida por aquellos con daño en el hígado (9). INVESTIGACION MODERNA: La medicina de yerbas que promueven el sistema inmune y tratan enfermedades virales ha sido usada en la medicina China por mucho tiempo (19,20). La información siguiente puede ayudar a explicar la posible aplicación de las yerbas en este remedio. Anís: La investigación muestra potencial antiviral (2,5,6,7,8), antimicrobial (1,2), antiherpetico (5,8) y antiparasitico (2). Hay evidencia que apunta a efectos broncodilatadores y expectorantes (6), y posible beneficio contra infecciones de garganta e influenza (2,6). Además, es uno de los precursores principales para la fabricación del medicamento antiviral Tamiflu (2,4,6,7). Canela: Hay evidencia que demuestra propiedades antivirales (10,11,12) y antimicrobiales que pueden ayudar en infecciones del tracto respiratorio (2,9,10,13,14), que posiblemente ayuden contra las infecciones de los virus de influenza (10,11,12). También ha demostrado efectos antiherpeticos (10) y actividad inmunoregulatoria (11). Jengibre: Ha demostrado propiedades antivirales (16,18,19,20), antimicrobiales (2,15,18,20), antiherpeticas (5) y efectos inmunoregulatorios (15). Tiene efectos positivos contra los virus de influenza y asiste durante infecciones del tracto respiratorio (3,15,16), aparte de poder ayudar en los síntomas de falta de aliento y jadeo en casos de asma (17). El jengibre fresco es el mejor para efectos en el sistema respiratorio (18). Ajo: La investigación revela efectos antivirales (2,3,22,23,24), antiherpeticos (23), antimicrobiales (2,22,23,24,26) y antiparasiticos (2,22,23,24). También hay evidencia de efectos contra bacteria (26) y viruses de influenza (23,24) relacionados a infecciones respiratorias y a neumonía viral (23). Además, posee actividad inmunomodulatoria al incrementar el potencial inmune y al mismo tiempo reducir la hiperinmunidad en algunas reacciones alérgicas (21,22,24,25). Referencias:
 Hello patients and friends,
Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, we are going through a period where we are becoming homebound while waiting for these challenging times to come to an end. Due to this, I have put together some info for a home-made remedy which might be able to help regulate our immune system and which could have an antiviral application. I personally take this while at home and I wanted to share it with you. At the bottom there is information available into possible drug-herb interactions and modern research for each herb. PLEASE HAVE A THOROUGH READ OF THIS ARTICLE BEFORE CONSUMPTION OF THIS HOME REMEDY DISCLAIMER: This is not a cure for COVID19 as there are no proven ones existing at the moment. Also, this is not a proven or accepted preventative for it. IF YOU BECOME SICK WITH FLU OR COLD LIKE SYMPTOMS, YOU NEED TO CONTACT YOUR GP STRAIGHT AWAY BY CALLING THEIR CLINIC The Home Remedy: This home-remedy is based on herbs that can be accessed at the common supermarket. WARNING: Don't use an essential oil version of this herbs without proper professional advice. Daily dose for adults (per person): Star Anise 10g Cinnamon 5g Ginger 5g Garlic One clove Daily dose for children above 5yo (per children): Star Anise 4g Cinnamon 2g Ginger 2g Garlic 1/3 of a garlic clove Method: Place ingredients together in a pot except for the garlic. Add 2 cups of water and bring it to the boil. Then simmer for 45 minutes. Crush the garlic into the mixture at the end. Drink one warm cup morning and one warm cup in the evening. Can add manuka honey and lemon to add better taste. If cold and flu symptoms take place: (Once again, this is not a cure for coronavirus and you need to contact your GP/doctor straight away by calling them.) Adults: Star Anise 12g Cinnamon 6g Ginger 6g Garlic One 1/2 clove Children above 5yo (per children): Star Anise 6g Cinnamon 4g Ginger 4g Garlic 1 garlic clove Method: Place ingredients together in a pot except for the garlic. Add 3 cups of water and bring it to the boil. Then simmer for 45 minutes. Crush the garlic into the mixture at the end. Drink one warm cup morning and one warm cup in the afternoon and one warm cup in the evening. Can add manuka honey and lemon to add better taste. CONTRAINDICATIONS: DO NOT TAKE TOGETHER WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. TAKE AT LEAST 2 HRS AWAY AFTER PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AND READ INFO BELOW ABOUT DRUG-HERB INTERACTIONS If taking prescription medications, particularly anticoagulants (warfarin), antihypertensives, paracetamol, metformin, flagil; please red the drug-herb interaction guide below. Specialised dose for those on prescription drugs. Amounts are based in food level consumption: Adults: If taking blood thinners or anti-hypertensive drugs, reduce ginger to 3g, star anise to 6g, cinnamon to 3g and garlic 1/2 garlic clove. Divide this dose into two cups to take two doses per day. Children: If taking blood thinners or anti-hypertensive drugs, reduce ginger to 1g, star anise to 2.5g, cinnamon to 1g and garlic to 1/4 of a garlic clove. Divide this dose into two cups to take two doses per day. DRUG-HERB INTERACTIONS (IMPORTANT TO READ): -Garlic can accentuate the effect of anticoagulants and hypertensive medications(24, 27) which can be dangerous. It can also affect the rate on which other drugs are metabolised (27). -Star anise can reduce the amount of acetaminophen (paracetamol) actively available in the blood (28). -Ginger can enhance the effect of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (30) which can be dangerous. It can also interact with anti-inflammatory drugs and blood pressure medications (30) and has been found to interact with Metronidazole (Flagil) (29) in studies with rabbits. -Cinnamon can accentuate the liver damage caused by medications that can cause such effect (31, 32). Cinnamon can also interact with Metformin absorption in rat models with adverse consequences for glucose metabolism. (31, 32). In addition, Cinnamon can accentuate the effect of anticoagulant drugs with the possibility of dangerous consequences (33). Finally, it should not be taken by those with liver damage (9). MODERN RESEARCH: Herbs for immune regulation function with antiviral and antibacterial effects for respiratory infections have been used in Chinese medicine for a long time (19,20). The following is some information that might be useful to explain the possible application for each of these herbs. Star Anise: Research has shown antiviral (2,5,6,7,8), antimicrobial (1,2), antiherpetic (5,8) and antiparasitic potential (2). There is some evidence pointing at bronchodilator, expectorant (6) and possible benefit to throat infections and influenza (2,6). In addition, star anise is one of the main precursors for the production of the antiviral drug Tamiflu (2,4,6,7). Cinnamon: Evidence reveals antiviral (10,11,12) and antimicrobial properties which can benefit respiratory tract infections (2,9,10,13,14) with possible assistance against influenza virus (10,11,12). It also shows antiherpetic properties (10) and has shown some immunoregulatory activity (11). Ginger: It has displayed antiviral (16,18,19,20), antimicrobial (2,15,18,20), antiherpetic (5), and immune regulating properties (15). It can have positive effects against Influenza viruses and assistance during respiratory tract infections (15,16), as well as the possibility of alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing in asthma (17). Finally, fresh ginger is better for respiratory applications (18). Garlic: Research has shown antiviral (2,3,22,23,24), antiherpetic (23), antimicrobial (2,22,23,24,26), and antiparasitic effects (2,22,23,24). It can show potential activity against bacteria (26) and influenza viruses (23,24) in respiratory tract infections and viral pneumonia (23). It also possesses immunomodulatory activity by increasing immunity but decreasing hyper immunity in some allergic reactions (21,22,24,25). References:
 Dear patients and friends, I would like to announce that during the COVID19 pandemic I will be providing telehealth appointments to abide by our current lockdown requirements. I will be offering 15-minute consults for herbal medicine and supplements prescriptions. During this time, I will be providing information on how to self-care at home to support one's immune system to stay as strong as possible during this home-bound time; as well as simple strategies that might be useful to help combat infections if you are sick at home. Wind, cold and immunity. Since ancient times in China, ancient doctors advised to stay away from the cold wind and to protect oneself properly during cold temperature periods to avoid catching "colds". Our current challenge during this pandemic is that we are heading into winter in the southern hemisphere. Some evidence suggests that cold weather can diminish the immune response and allows for a quicker proliferation of the viruses that can create the common cold (1,2,3,4) and possibly increase the propensity for pneumonia (4). A recent study of some immune responses against COVID19 showed that the body creates a vigorous response involving many complex stages in some recovered cases (5) An article by Science Daily helps clarify that this immunity role is essential to survive pandemics such as this one and the lack of proper response possibly occurs in those who unfortunately died (6). Thus, in light of this I would like to give you this advice: -Keep warm at all times by covering properly, especially if being out in the open. Try to wear a scarf and cover your head if necessary -Avoid cold drinks and foods at cold temperature, especially if you are in a cold place. Aim to drink more warm herbal teas and warm soups -If you become cold for any reason, try to warm up as soon as you can -If you are caught in the cold rain, have a hot shower as soon as you get home and try to stay indoors afterwards -Overall, keep warm Let's all do our effort in staying warm to avoid overstraining our immune system and please look after each other during these challenging times. References:
Image Credits: Ben Sprengler. Taken from Flickr  Dear friends,
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are going through very challenging times worldwide which will surely deliver a great deal of suffering for most of us. This is a time when we need to find hope and strength within ourselves to make it to the next stage. As such, I wanted to share with you some food for the soul and recommend you one of the greatest written works about mankind and our search for ourselves: "Man's Search for Meaning" By Dr Viktor E. Frankl. This book is the work of the Psychiatric Dr Viktor E. Frankl while he was a Jewish prisoner in different concentration camps during WW2. The main message he evokes is that as humans, we can find life meaning through our pain and suffering by making evident the importance of establishing one's purpose in this life. Dr Frankl's work is still incredibly relevant in today's society and it might help all of us find a better meaning to ourselves and our society during this current pandemic, as well as help us utilise our current misfortunes as a source of personal strength. You can find the book in its written form or in audiobook form. You can actually find the audiobook version free to listen in YouTube. If a man found the key to the meaning of life during one of the worse hardships that modern mankind has ever seen, then his message is one to be taken with the utmost thoughtfulness, especially during times likes this one. Thank you Dr Frankl. 
Dear patients and friends, I am currently offering short consults for herbal prescriptions for immune system support. There is some evidence that certain Chinese herbs may support immune-strengthening and immune-regulating effects such as Astragalus and Andrographis (1,2,3,4,5,6,7), and that might help with an anti-viral response such as Isatis (8,9,10,11,12). Please contact me through the Contacts section or call my practices directly to arrange for a 15-minute appointment. Please do not come to the clinic if you are currently feeling cold/flu-like symptoms. A phone or video appointment can be arranged instead. IMPORTANT NOTE: We are currently experiencing a Coronavirus pandemic and there is currently no cure for this illness, only symptomatic treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, tiredness, cough, shortness of breath; or other flu/cold-like symptoms you must contact your GP immediately, preferably by a phone call rather than a personal visit. You can also call the Coronavirus Information Helpline at 1800 020 080. These are some online resources placed by the Australian Government that can give you more information regarding action and prevention: www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov#treatment References:
Image Credit: Cara Faus. Taken from Flickr  Chinese Medicine and Lyme Disease Lyme Disease (LD) affects people in many parts of the world including Europe, Asia and North America (9). In the US alone, a positive diagnosis is now more common than previously thought (1). Infections can be both acute and chronic. The existence of Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD) remains a topic of controversy (10). If you think you might be suffering from acute symptoms of flu-like illness or arthritic type after a recent tick bite, please consult immediately with your GP or you can contact me to point you towards one my Integrative GP colleagues. Disclosure: Currently, the Australian Government does not accept the existence of Borrellia within the endemic tick population, neither does the existence of CLD (2). There is some evidence that might support the existence of CLD due to the atypical and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and local inflammation in Lyme neuroborreliosis (7,8). However, the purpose of this blog is not to defend the existence of CLD. Rather, it aims at reaching and offering support for those who might suffer Lyme-like illness chronically or have been properly diagnosed with Lyme disease. Lyme Disease. LD or Lyme-like illness can have very detrimental effects on a person's physical, mental and emotional well being (6). Chronic fatigue, severe depression, exhausting unresponsive pain, auto-immune type illnesses, affected relationships, strong mental fogginess, amongst many other insidious symptoms can be present in Lyme disease (3,6,10); and are some of the most common presentations that I have seen over 7 years working with Lyme disease and Lyme-like illness. From my experience, two aspects need to be addressed with someone with suspected LD or Lyme-like Illness: One is to target the pathogens that can cause Lyme (Borrelia and Co-infections). The other involves the resolution of the chronic immune and inflammatory dysfunctions caused by the illness, which can be shared with other illnesses such as auto-immune diseases and other chronic infections. Value of Chinese Medicine. Currently, many patients worldwide take Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to manage their symptoms (6). Not every patient that shows these symptoms will have Lyme but they might not be well regardless. Chinese medicine can still provide support in these circumstances as the diagnostic and treatment framework of the practice can identify other possible circumstances within a Chinese medicine theoretical framework. Numerous similar presentations have been identified for at least 2000 years with the presentations and treatments recorded over time (4, 5). The severe symptoms such as CFS, general debility and significant unresponsive pain can occur when an infection/s occur at different systems/organs and as such, they can be termed Multiple Systemic Infectious Disease Syndrome (MSIDS) (3). In essence, it means that different parts of ourselves may carry a chronic infection, and the variety of multiple affected locations can make it very hard to manage as different approaches need to be delivered simultaneously. Chinese medicine is a completely holistic system (possibly the oldest one in existence) and it's designed to delivered multiple approaches for different organs/systems at the same time. Additionally, it can also aim towards direct targets such as delivering a substance to destroy a microorganism. In modern times, it is widely used for many ailments worldwide and forms part of the main health system in China, including the Infectious Diseases Area. Please contact me through the Contact section if you would like more information about my work with Lyme disease. References:
Image Credit: Predi from Flickr |
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