The Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a sexual health issue that can negatively impact all areas of your wellbeing. According to recent projections from the American Cancer Society, of the 232,090 new cases to be diagnosed, about 30,350 men will die from prostate cancer. This is why it’s so important to get tested early and often, and find the right treatment.

 

According to Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Mao Shing Ni, PhD, who has diplomas in Chinese Herbology and Anti-Ageing Wellness, ‘If you are a man over the age of 40 and prostate cancer runs in your family, it is extremely advisable to monitor your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. A PSA blood test measures the level of a protein released by prostate cells. Recent experts state that if a PSA level is 2.5 or higher, it reveals the possibility of prostate growth (hyperplasia), but it does not always mean that cancer is present. Since PSA levels may fluctuate with infection and lab errors, usually more than one test over a period of time is done to confirm your PSA level. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and ultrasound are other ways to evaluate the prostate. However, only biopsies can truly determine whether the growth in the prostate is benign or malignant.’

 

So what exactly is your prostate, and why does it become more likely to be damaged as you age? ‘The prostate gland lies at the base of the bladder surrounding the urethra (urinary tract from bladder to penis),’ Dr. Mao explains. ‘During ejaculation, the prostate secretes a fluid that combines with the seminal fluid in order to prevent infection in the urethra while protecting and invigorating sperm. Due to the ageing process, the prostate naturally enlarges as hormones change and weaken after the age of 40. The swelling of the prostate puts pressure against the bladder and urethra, thereby affecting the smooth flow of urine. Abnormal patterns of urination such as higher frequency at night, burning sensation, difficulty, blockage and dribbling are common symptoms and signs of prostate enlargement.’

 

But why are we asking a Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist about prostate cancer? Dr. Mao notes, ‘TCM associates hyperplasia of the prostate with damp heat and kidney deficiency. After the age of 40, one’s vital energy in the kidney system decreases, resulting in the disturbance of sex hormones. This process also decreases one’s sexual energy, which affects the function of the prostate and the circulation in this region. Throughout the ages, in order to compensate for the decline of prostate function, men in China have used regular acupuncture treatments to improve the circulation and energy in the prostate.’

 

Dr. Mao continues, ‘To enhance the effect of acupuncture, they have also used Chinese herbs such as Poly Goni He Shou Wu, in traditional, custom herbal formulas to replenish the kidney essence. In fact, at Tao of Wellness, we have had many successful cases of normalising elevated PSA levels in patients with prostate conditions. Kidney essence nurtures the prostate. As the prostate is revitalised, it is now capable of self-regulating toward normal functioning and maintaining a balance of growth and non-growth. This is the balancing property of Chinese medicine.’

 

Dr. Mao adds, ‘TCM nutrition encourages men to eat more nuts, seeds, pumpkin, mushroom and berries to help nourish their prostate. Managing stress, regular exercise and massaging the prostate are also vital to help maintain prostate health. Besides Chinese and western herbs such as saw palmetto, there are many delicious foods that you can eat to help maintain a healthy prostate. Regular consumption of foods that contain lycopene (a prostate protective antioxidant) is highly recommended.’

Categories: Chinese medicine, dr mao, kidney essence, nbsp dr, prostate, prostate cancer, psa level, psa levels, traditional chinese, traditional chinese medicine, treatment

How to Incorporate Weight Loss Habits into Your Lifestyle

Do you know why you fail to lose weight? It’s not from a lack of effort or motivation; rather, it’s because you don’t have weight wellness habits ingrained into your lifestyle. Weight loss isn’t something you do for a few weeks and then reap the benefits forever; you have to make little everyday changes that will last you your whole life, and enhance your overall wellbeing. With this in mind, we spoke to Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Mao Shing Ni, PhD, who has diplomas in Chinese Herbology and Anti-Ageing Wellness, to get his take on lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight.

 

1. Don’t Try to Be Perfect: According to Dr. Mao, ‘Better weight begins in our mind. We need to strive to feel good as opposed to calculating inches. Feeling good means being able to have the vitality to accomplish things and perform activities without feeling over exhausted.’

 

2. Eat More Vegetables: ‘You already know that veggies are very good for you,’ Dr. Mao points out. ‘They contain fibre, are low-calorie and have enzymes that can help you digest that T-bone steak from last night. What you may not know is that many veggies actually contain ingredients that regulate hormone functions and have anti-ageing and anti-cancer effects. There various kinds of vegetables which means you don’t have to settle with one kind. Try salads (make sure your veggies are not swimming in a pool of dressing). Try cooking veggies in with a wok and add a little low sodium soy sauce.’

 

3. Don’t Overdo it With the Wheat: Dr. Mao notes, ‘There is more to grains than wheat. Try rice, barley, couscous or beans. While grains are very nutritious and an important part of our diet, cutting down to a small amount and eating them moderately can be helpful. Eating more grains during the day and less at the night can also be helpful in how we digest them.’

 

4. Eat Out in a Smart Way: ‘You know the standard dinner at a typical restaurant,’ says Dr. Mao. ‘It begins with an appetizer, then salad, an entrée, dessert, and coffee. We garble all this food down with wine or cocktails. It is amazing to me that we don’t get heartburn more often. Visualize what you are going to eat before you begin. Order only what you are going to consume. Do not leave food on the table you do not intend to eat. We tend to be food addicts and eat everything in sight. Learn to say no.’

 

5. Eat Regular Meals: Dr. Mao explains, ‘If you eat on time and regularly, you won’t be famished and therefore you will have less desire to overeat. Do not skip breakfast and lunch. If you do, this is a sure recipe for a whale-sized dinner. Eat dinner between 6-8pm and not later. Our energy declines rapidly at night. At this time our digestive system is not as strong and won’t digest the foods as well.’

 

6. Fit Exercise Into Your Day: ‘A formalised exercise programme is ideal but not necessary,’ says Dr. Mao. ‘Instead of thinking “exercise”, we should be thinking “physical activity”. Some of us have high levels of physical activity in our occupation in which counts towards exercise. The problem comes when we have a sedentary job and sit for long hours during the day. We need to utilise our break time, lunch time, before and after work to invigorate ourselves. This might be to intentionally park far away from work and walk to and from the office, or take the stairs, or bike to work. Try to engage in more physical work during the weekends such as gardening, walking, hiking, running, etc.’

Categories: anti ageing, dr mao, Eating Out, exercise, Lose weight, nbsp, physical activity, time, vegetables, weight, Weight Loss, Wheat