What is Anxiety Reflux?Anxiety reflux — also known as stress-induced acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worsened by anxiety — is a condition where emotional stress triggers or intensifies acid reflux symptoms. Common signs include heartburn, chest tightness, throat discomfort, and indigestion. While conventional medicine focuses on acid suppression, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views anxiety reflux as the result…
Liver Cirrhosis (End-Stage)
End-Stage Liver Cirrhosis: A TCM PerspectiveEnd-stage liver cirrhosis is a severe condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, leading to compromised liver function. In Western medicine, treatment focuses on managing complications and supporting the remaining liver function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), liver cirrhosis is often linked to Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, Damp-Heat accumulation, and Kidney essence…
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood, leading to abnormal production of white blood cells. While Western medicine focuses on chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or bone marrow transplants, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary or alternative approach that supports the body’s strength, immunity, and recovery. Understanding Leukemia in TCM Terms In TCM, leukemia is seen…
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, especially after the age of 50. While modern medicine often focuses on surgery, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective — aiming to restore the body’s internal balance, strengthen the immune system, and support natural healing. Understanding Prostate Cancer in TCM Terms In TCM,…
Tarsal
Pain or numbness near the ankle and upper foot could point to a tarsal issue—a condition many dismiss until it affects their mobility. Whether it’s tarsal tunnel syndrome, tarsal joint inflammation, ligament strain, or nerve entrapment, it can make walking unbearable and reduce quality of life. What Is the Tarsal Region and Why Does It Hurt? The tarsal bones are…
Brain Thrombosis
Brain thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) blocks an artery in the brain, stopping blood and oxygen from reaching vital brain cells. This can lead to a type of ischemic stroke, often resulting in symptoms like sudden paralysis, slurred speech, or even loss of consciousness. From TCM Perspective: Not Just a Clot In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), brain thrombosis…
Cerebral Circulation
When your brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood, everything starts to suffer — your memory, your focus, your speech, and even your ability to move. This is what we call cerebral circulation problems — a hidden danger that’s often underestimated. What Happens When Brain Blood Flow Drops? In Western medicine, cerebral circulation problems may be caused by: Symptoms may include:…
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is often called the brain’s “movement center,” controlling balance, coordination, fine motor skills, and posture. But damage to this small brain region — whether from stroke, tumor, injury, or neurodegeneration — can lead to life-altering symptoms. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the cerebellum’s function is linked to the Kidney, Liver, and Brain’s meridian system. When Qi (energy) and…
Speech Disorders
Struggling to speak… or watching your child struggle to say a single word — it’s one of the most heartbreaking challenges a family can face.Whether it’s caused by developmental delay, stroke, brain injury, or neurodisorders like autism, speech loss is not just a physical issue. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), speech is deeply tied to the flow of Qi, blood,…
Limbic System
The limbic system is a group of interconnected structures in the brain responsible for: It includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and other deep brain structures. When the Limbic System Is Dysregulated A disturbed limbic system can cause: It is often involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury, chronic stress, and mental-emotional imbalance. TCM View of the Limbic System Though not…
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized powerhouse located at the base of the brain. Often called the “master gland,” it controls the release of many hormones that regulate: Damage, tumors (like pituitary adenomas), or dysfunction of the pituitary can cause hormonal chaos throughout the body. Symptoms of Pituitary Gland Imbalance: How TCM Understands the Pituitary Gland In Traditional Chinese Medicine…
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is a small, seahorse-shaped structure buried deep within the brain. It is essential for: It’s especially vulnerable to damage from stress, trauma, aging, Alzheimer’s, long COVID, brain injuries, and chronic anxiety. Signs of Hippocampal Dysfunction: How TCM Understands the Hippocampus Although the hippocampus is not mentioned in classical TCM texts, its functions closely align with: TCM views memory…
Thalamus
The thalamus is a small but vital structure located deep in the brain’s center. Its job? Acting like a relay station, it processes and sends signals between the body and the brain. The thalamus is crucial for: When the thalamus is damaged — due to stroke, trauma, infection, or neurodegenerative disease — signals get confused, delayed, or shut down. Symptoms…
Amygdala
The amygdala is a small almond-shaped structure deep in the brain. It plays a central role in: When the amygdala is overactive or imbalanced, it contributes to: Amygdala and TCM Perspective Although the amygdala isn’t mentioned directly in classical TCM texts, its function aligns with multiple organ systems: TCM Interpretations: When these organs are weakened or out of balance, emotional…
Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a condition where the body or part of the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen. It can be: Common Symptoms of Hypoxia: If oxygen levels stay low for too long, it can lead to brain damage, organ failure, or death. Hypoxia from a TCM Perspective In Traditional Chinese Medicine, oxygen is not separated from the flow of Qi (vital…
Tectum of the Brain
The tectum is a part of the midbrain located in the brainstem. It plays a major role in: Damage to the tectum may not cause paralysis, but it can affect vision, hearing, coordination, and neurodevelopment, especially in children. Symptoms Linked to Tectum Dysfunction: How TCM Understands the Tectum’s Role In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the tectum’s function is related to: TCM…
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off oxygen supply and causing brain cells to die. It’s the most common type of stroke, accounting for around 87% of all stroke cases. Common Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke: Immediate medical attention is crucial during the first few hours of a stroke,…
Infarct
Infarct is a condition where part of the body’s tissue dies due to lack of blood flow and oxygen. The most common type is brain infarct, also known as ischemic stroke. This happens when blood clots or blocked vessels stop oxygen from reaching the brain. Common Symptoms: An infarct can happen in the heart, brain, or other organs—but stroke (brain…
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a medical condition in which the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows into the muscular walls of the uterus. This can cause a range of symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), adenomyosis is understood as a disorder of the uterus and is often classified as a type…
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as lack of focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on ADD, which can help individuals suffering from this condition to manage their symptoms effectively. TCM views ADD as a disorder that arises due to…