By Alexander Berks L. Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist
Practitioner of Chinese Medicine

http://www.elixir.net/RRFiles/RR_reprints040.html

Article by Elixir Herbalists - reprinted
from The Vitalist E-Newsletter, June 1999
(Articles from various publications and news services)

TCM & The Summer Secrets of Radiant Health:

"Our own health cycles along with the rhythm of the seasons. Summer is a time for cooling soothing tonics."

[Vitalist]: What are all those letters after your name?

[Alex]: It means I have been ordained by state of California and the
national licensing organization to be knowledgeable in Acupuncture, Chinese
herbal medicine and related modalities. To sit for the California licensing
exam requires 4 years of schooling from an accredited Oriental medicine
College. L.Ac.=Licensed Acupuncturist from the State of California to
practice Chinese Medicine. Dipl Ac.=National Licensing to practice
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in 48 states other than California.
M.H.=Certified Herbalist

[Vitalist]: What herbs do you recommend for the heat of summer?

[Alex]: The peaking fire of summer is a time of activity and vitality. For
people on regular herbal programs, it is a good time to stop taking the more
stimulating ginseng varieties and switch to American Ginseng. American
Ginseng. It is understood in Chinese Medicine to moisten the Lungs, generate
fluids and benefit Qi. It is also one of the very special adaptogenic
tonics. Its neutral to cool properties makes it beneficial for the summer
season. It is also ideal for people who cannot take the hotter Korean and
Chinese Ginsengs. American Ginseng will not raise Blood pressure.

[Vitalist]: What is an Adaptogen?

[Alex]: An herb that helps brings the body into a state of harmony with its
environment by inducing, chemical, cellular and systemic balance. These
herbal gems - like ginseng - are being touted as longevity and rejuvenation
panaceas. The truth is that Western Medicine does not have a theoretical
foundation to explore depletion of life force and that these herbs have been
shown to tonify and optimize the organ systems.

[Vitalist]: What are some other herbal gems would you recommend for summer?

[Alex]: For anyone who is need of building up their system it is best to
start when one is healthy as is usually the case in summer when the earth
and human energy is strong. Any tonic formula that strengthens the essence,
nourishes the Qi and regulates the heart is appropriate, depending on what
needs attention. Even though it is somewhat foreign to people who are used
to going to the doctor when there is not a problem, it is best to treat a
problem before it arrives. This is the best form of medicine. Just as it is
better to cut the grass while it is still short

.[Vitalist]: What about herbs for the skin?
[Alex]: Schizandra is another adaptogenic super tonic that is widely used to
benefit and beautify skin and to protect it from the damaging effects of sun
and wind. Due to Schizandra's astringent quality, the skin tends to hold its
moisture and become full and beautiful. One hundred days of consistent usage
will cause the skin to glow. And that is not all that you get with this gem.
Schizandra is used for its ability to detoxify the liver and it is also a
heart sedative and a brain tonic. Like other adaptogens, Schizandra protects
the body from extreme and chronic stress by nourishing the adrenal glands.
Formulated with other supportive herbs, such as in Elixir's Radiant Hair &
Skin Tonic, the effectiveness is further enhanced. This particular formula
combines Schizandra and other blood tonic herbs to benefit the hair as well.

[Vitalist]: 100 days? That seems like a long time to find out if something
is working?

[Alex]: Consider it a period of changing metabolic patterns. Chinese
Medicine refers to this as balancing yin and yang. Just as it takes time to
notice results from an exercise program, or a diet, the same is true with
taking tonic herbs. You are re-establishing a more efficient balance for
your organ systems to flourish. This is also about how long it takes for new
habits of optimal performance to be ingrained in the body and for promoting
cellular regeneration.

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