Note: Neither this page nor any other on this site is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
In integrative medicine, licensed acupuncturists and herbalists often have to downplay their extensive knowledge, skills, and abilities. In contrast, mainstream medicine sometimes relies on industry-biased language over scientific evidence. This page aims to help you understand common chronic conditions better. Mainstream providers often rely heavily on labs and images, which may not be sufficient for a differential diagnosis—hence why you may have landed on this site.
Common Traits in Chronic Conditions
1. History of Gut Problems
Almost all chronic condition patients I encounter have a history of digestive issues or poor gut health. The digestive system is expansive—about the size of a tennis court—and is crucial for processing everything from the outside environment, food, and information. The gut is intimately connected to the brain, which is why we sometimes talk about “gut feelings.” The health of our microbiome, which contains about 70% of our immune system, is essential for overall health.
2. Excess Pathological Fluids
Chronic condition patients often exhibit excess pathological fluids, which can be thin, thick, or condensed. While inflammation is the most familiar type, not all excess fluids are inflammatory; some are neutral or cold. These fluids can get stuck in the body due to underlying deficiencies. Imagine a sickly houseplant where water drains out without absorbing due to dry and mineral-deficient soil, leaving some water lodged around the roots, becoming toxic and negatively impacting the plant. Similarly, in the body, these fluids can cause blockages and toxicity if not addressed properly.
3. Deficient Vital Fluids
Most chronic condition patients are also fluid deficient. While water is critical, it doesn’t hydrate on its own—it acts as a solvent and conducts electricity. Nerves, which conduct electricity, can be impeded by pathological fluids, and vice versa. Mainstream medicine has only recently started considering dryness as a significant factor, often referring to systemic fluid deficiency as “systemic Sjogren’s.”
Steps to Evaluate Chronic Conditions
Evaluating Gut Health
- Mucosal Barrier: A thick mucus layer that traps particles, bacteria, and viruses. Heartburn might indicate an issue here, often due to a lack of stomach acid. A shot of diluted apple cider vinegar before meals can help. Long-term medication use for heartburn can deplete stomach acid, leading to bacterial overload and secondary issues like ear pain from bacterial migration.
- Tight Junctions: These allow nutrients in while keeping pathogens and toxins out. Weak junctions can lead to leaky gut syndrome, causing immune responses, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and systemic inflammation.
- Healthy Microbes: A diverse microbiome is essential for gut health. Microbes are inherited from mothers and can carry memories that affect generations. Maintaining a healthy living environment supports the microbiome.
- Inflammation-Free Gut: Chronic gut inflammation can stem from or extend beyond the gut itself, affecting overall health.
Managing Excess Pathological Fluids
Inflammation, dampness, phlegm, cysts, and tumors can combine with heat, cold, dryness, and wind to create health challenges. These pathological fluids can cause blockages, painful obstruction, and prevent proper nourishment of bones, muscles, tendons, and tissues. Factors contributing to excess fluids include environment, diet, lifestyle, medication, and trauma.
Addressing Fluid Deficiency
Many people experience some degree of dryness, which has led to the rise of IV therapy solutions in medical facilities and IV bars. Addressing fluid deficiencies involves ensuring proper hydration and supporting the body’s ability to conduct electrical signals through the nervous system.
Understanding and managing these aspects can significantly impact the treatment and management of chronic conditions.