Chinese medicine links acne to excessive heat in the body, which may originate in the exterior (the skin) or in deeper parts of the body. In both cases, a combination of Chinese herbs Ge Gen and Sheng Ma are frequently used to help with acne.

As one of the world’s most common skin conditions, acne affects up to 90 percent of adolescents and is common well into middle age. A lot of research has been dedicated to understanding acne and how to treat it, but for most patients, finding an effective treatment option means months of trial and error.

Many of these patients turn to effective alternatives like Chinese medicinal herbs to improve their results.

Acne Causes and Complications: A Western Medical Perspective

Western medicine has proposed several theories as to what causes acne, including:

Researchers are still studying the root causes behind acne, as there is still much to learn. However, for the majority of patients there are likely several factors at work. This is one of the reasons why acne is considered an individualized disorder, as there isn’t a single explanation for every case.

Complications of acne include hyperpigmentation and scarring. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark spots on the skin and is typically the result of injury or inflammation – such as the inflammation resulting from acne. It can take months for hyperpigmentation to clear up on its own.

Scarring (which occurs in about 20 percent of people with acne) lasts even longer. Acne scars are classified as atrophic (depression), hypertrophic (raised) or keloid scars. In each case, scarring may fade somewhat over several months, but most scarring is permanent to an extent.

Western treatments for acne may consist of behavioral changes, topical medications, or oral medications. Some examples of behavioral changes include:

Common topical medications for acne include:

Common oral medications for acne include:

There isn’t a single optimal treatment for every patient. It may take several tries and a combination of therapies to achieve results. The condition’s severity will also dictate treatment – for example, severe cases of acne typically require a round of antibiotics before other therapies can be used.

Chinese medicine has a different perspective on acne. In Chinese medicine, there is a strong link between skin disorders and heat. When a practitioner examines a patient for the first time, one of their goals is to determine whether their patient has a hot or cold disposition. In other words, are they predisposed to feeling hot or cold? Practitioners strive for a balance in their patients, as excess (or insufficient) heat can cause health problems, and acne is one example.

In most acne cases, heat is a factor at some level. The question is – what level?

In Chinese medicine, disorders may be classified using the concept of the Four Levels. They include the Wei, Qi, Ying and Xue levels. You can think of each as a different layer that may be affected by pathogens or disease – including heat. Depending on which level is affected by disease, the patient’s symptom profile will be different.

In some cases, heat in the Ying and Xue levels may cause acne, but our practice finds that it’s more common for patients to have excess heat in the Wei level. If this is the case, the objective is to clear heat from the Wei level and restore balance.

Chinese medicine uses a combination of therapies to render results. For acne, specifically, herbal formulations are a frontline option – and the best formulations are those that release heat from the body.

Ge Gen and Sheng Ma is a proven herbal combination for acne, and this formulation has been used by practitioners for more than 1,000 years. It’s effective in an array of medical conditions, as Ge Gen and Sheng Ma work together to release heat that’s “trapped” in the body.

Ge Gen is a cool herb that targets heat trapped in the muscles. In addition to clearing heat, Ge Gen is also used in patients with flu-like or viral illness symptoms – conditions that often present simultaneously with heat in the muscle layer.

Sheng Ma also releases excessive heat, but it targets the superficial (or exterior) layers of the body, which is the skin.

Together, these herbs can fight pathogens and redirect heat that may be affecting the skin. This can relieve acne and other conditions that affect the body’s exterior.

In fact, Ge Gen and Sheng Ma were used for centuries to treat measles, though practitioners have since turned to other more effective methods. However, Ge Gen and Sheng Ma are still relied on to restore balance in the body’s superficial layers, helping with acne.

Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, each unique to the patient. As such, most patients need a unique blend of treatments to address their acne.

A combination of western and Chinese therapies can provide optimal results for many, so it’s recommended that patients work with a practitioner who is also board certified in western medicine. These physicians can provide the most effective therapies from both a western and Chinese medicine perspective, including herbal therapies like Ge Gen and Sheng Ma.

Back pain is an extremely common musculoskeletal condition, affecting close to 10 percent of people globally. There are dozens of potential causes behind back pain, ranging from simple ligament or tendon strains, to fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and spinal deformities.

For many people experiencing intermittent back pain, the condition can be limiting and reduce quality of life. There are treatment options, but it can be difficult to identify which treatment to use with a patient, given the number of potential causes. Chinese medicine offers an effective alternative, though, in the form of beneficial botanicals like Du Zhong and Xu Duan.

In western medicine, the goal is to isolate the cause of back pain – which could be a muscle, a ligament or a disc. It’s common for physicians to find no clear cause at all, even after imaging the patient.

Chinese medicine practitioners take a different approach to understanding back pain. In Chinese medicine, disease conditions can arise from weakness in an organ, and this connection may not be obvious. Over centuries of study, though, practitioners have identified the complex, interconnected nature of the body. And in the case of back pain, a common problem is weakness in the kidneys.

The kidneys govern lower body and lower extremity health in Chinese medicine, so if there are deficiencies in the kidneys, this can manifest as back pain. If a kidney problem is expected, there are additional health markers that practitioners can use to assess the kidneys. This includes the color of urine, how often the patient urinates and body temperature.

Houston practitioners frequently rely on herbal formulations to treat back pain, and a popular combination is Du Zhong (Eucommia plant) and Xu Duan (Teasel plant). These herbs both target the kidneys, but they influence them on different levels. Du Zhong restores the kidney Qi while Xu Duan enters the kidney channel and promotes movement in the blood. In effect, the kidneys’ essential energy is restored while circulation is improved through the organ. If kidney deficiencies are behind back pain, this herbal combination can address the underlying cause.

Oligospermia is the medical term for a low sperm count. It’s typically identified during a fertility screening – specifically, by analyzing the patient’s sperm sample. The threshold for oligospermia is 15 million sperm per milliliter of sample. Any count under this number qualifies for diagnosis.

Treating low sperm count can be a challenge, as there are numerous potential causes. However, in Chinese medicine fortifying the kidneys is the focus of treatment. One way Houston practitioners help fortify the kidneys is with beneficial herbs like Yi Zhi Ren.

In western medicine, there are a large number of factors associated with oligospermia. It could be due to a medical condition or disease, such as varicocele, tubule defects, tumors, hormonal imbalances, chromosomal defects, celiac disease, and infections. Previous surgeries, certain medications and drug/alcohol use are all linked to low sperm count as well. Environmental toxins and stress are also risk factors. Given the number of potential causes, it can be difficult to treat oligospermia, though some causes can be reversed. Varicocele is the most common reversible form of the condition.

Chinese medicine considers sperm quality and testicular health to be closely tied to kidney health. Practitioners assert that the body is an interconnected network of organ systems. If one system declines in performance, it can adversely affect other organs.

In Chinese medicine, poor kidney health can damage sperm quality and quantity. As such, practitioners will consider any potential kidney-related symptoms when treating low sperm count.

In Chinese medicine, Houston practitioners resolve many medical conditions by identifying which organs are experiencing dysfunction and fortifying them. In practice, this means tonifying or balancing the kidney’s essential life energies – the kidney yin, yang, and Qi.

Yi Zhi Ren (black cardamom) is an herb used to tonify the kidney yang and essence, both of which are essential for good sperm health and function. It’s been used in this way for centuries and remains a popular option for modern practitioners in an effort to help those with oligospermia.

Most ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that develop on the surface of the ovaries. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are functional cysts, meaning they develop as a result of the menstrual cycle. There are other cysts unrelated to menstrual cycles, including ovarian cancer, but they are comparatively rare.

In most women, functional ovarian cysts produce minimal, if any, symptoms. However, some may experience complications from these cysts, including significant abdominal pain, potential internal bleeding, and even fertility problems.

There are treatments available for those suffering with ovarian cysts, including Chinese medicinal herbs like San Leng.

Most women with ovarian cysts will not experience noticeable symptoms, but those that do may note the following:

Risk factors include age (ovarian cysts are more common in premenopausal women), pregnancy, and medical conditions that affect hormones like endometriosis.

Although most ovarian cysts resolve on their own, they can cause serious complications in some patients. Large cysts may push on the ovaries and twist them – a condition known as ovarian torsion. This can cause severe pain. Cyst ruptures are also possible, resulting in internal bleeding and pain.

In some women ovarian cysts can interfere with the reproductive organs enough to interrupt fertility.

Chinese medicine practitioners consider most ovarian cysts (and other growths) to be the result of obstruction. Specifically, obstruction due to poor blood or Qi flow. Boosting both is the Houston practitioner’s goal.

San Leng (bulrush root) is a popular herb used for ovarian cysts, as it’s effective at fortifying the liver and spleen – both of which are closely tied to women’s reproductivity in Chinese medicine. The liver is responsible for maintaining blood quality while the spleen handles the Qi. By boosting liver and spleen function, San Leng is ideal for breaking up blood stasis and improving Qi flow. Over time, this will reduce the risk of developing cysts, as well as the size of any cysts that do form. Contact your Houston practitioner today to see how they can help.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs on the inside of the knee, responsible for connecting the tibial and femur. It provides lateral stability when the knee joint is in motion, so when MCL injuries occur, it can compromise the knee’s ability to function.

MCL injuries are common in contact sports, where any impact that drives the knee inward can result in a strain or tear. Depending on the injury’s severity, an MCL tear can sideline an athlete or anyone else for months before full strength is restored.

There are treatment options – western and eastern – that can help restore knee function and prevent future MCL injuries by supporting better overall health.

MCL tears frequently produce a “pop” that you may hear when the injury occurs. The patient will certainly feel the pop, and it’s common for ongoing pain (moderate to severe) to emerge shortly after the injury. The knee may also be tender. Knee instability is also common in MCL injuries, and with severe injuries, it may be impossible to walk.

MCL grade 1 and 2 tears are incomplete tears that can typically be managed with rest, medication, bracing and physical therapy. Grade 3 tears are considered full tears and may require surgery if there is additional knee damage, such as an avulsion fracture.

Chinese medicine practitioners link ligament health to liver and kidney function. In Chinese medicine, the body is represented as an interconnected system, with organs influencing the function of distal bodily structure. According to practitioners, the kidneys and liver play an important role in musculoskeletal health, including ligament and MCL health.

If an athlete deals with regular musculoskeletal injuries, a Chinese medicine practitioner will likely ascribe part of the problem to organ weakness. In the case of MCL injuries, it’s the liver and kidneys that need support.

One way that Chinese medicine experts boost liver and kidney health is through herbal therapies. Xu Duan is a classic herb for this purpose and translates to “reconnect what is broken” – a reference to the musculoskeletal system. It works by strengthening the liver and kidneys’ essential life energies – Yang energy in this case – and by improving circulation. Both western and eastern physicians recognize that improved blood flow can also improve healing, and Xu Duan is a proven circulatory aid.

As with all Chinese herbal formulations, it’s critical that patients consult with an experienced Houston practitioner before taking the herb. Proper dosing is essential to maximizing efficacy while minimizing any risks.

Whiplash is the result of rapid, violent acceleration and deceleration of the head, causing the neck to flex like a whip. This forceful motion can injure nerves, ligaments, muscles, and bones located in the neck, causing a variety of symptoms that can linger long term.

Most people recover from whiplash with time and conservative treatment, but not everyone. Some people experience symptoms that last for months, or longer. Chinese medicinal herbs can offer an effective alternative treatment for patients with the condition.

Whiplash is often the result of a rear-end vehicle accident, but any high-impact contact can cause it. Contact sports and physical abuse are two examples.

Symptoms of a whiplash injury may take several days to develop. If symptoms do emerge, they may include the following:

Some of these symptoms are rare, but they can be long lasting.

Western medicine takes a measured approach to treating whiplash. Pain management, exercise and physical therapy are usually the first and last line of treatment for whiplash. Pain may be addressed with rest, heat/cold application, over the counter or prescription pain medication, or lidocaine injections near the injury site.

Some patients don’t attain the relief they’re looking for through western treatments alone. For these patients, Chinese herbs like Du Huo and Qiang Huo may help. Both are used to treat a painful “obstruction” – either a blood-related or Qi-related obstruction. In either case, an obstruction represents a malfunction in how the body’s energies are communicated through organs and tissues. There are numerous pathologies in Chinese medicine that can give rise to an obstruction, including wind, dampness, or cold.

Du Huo (notopterygium root) and Qiang Huo (Angelica root) work in tandem to resolve these pathologies. Both are warm herbs that enter the bladder channel and disperse the wind, cold and dampness often associated with musculoskeletal pain. As the bladder channel runs up to the back of the neck, accessing this channel with the right herbs can target the source of the whiplash injury and deliver restorative herbal compounds where they’re needed most. Have a conversation with your Licensed Houston practitioner today to understand the ways they can be of assistance.

Urinary urgency is characterized by a sudden urge to urinate, along with potential incontinence and a need to urinate more frequently. Nighttime urgency (nocturia) is also common, so the condition can be disruptive around the clock.

Symptoms vary in intensity from person to person, but there are treatment options that can support better quality of life. This includes western and Chinese modalities such as herbal formulations.

Western and Chinese medicine have differing perspectives on the condition.

Western physicians ascribe the condition to overactive bladder muscles. These muscles are responsible for pushing urine out of the bladder, and in people with urinary urgency, the muscles contract involuntarily, even when there’s little urine in the bladder.

Risk factors of urinary urgency include:

Chinese medicine takes a different approach to the condition. Houston Practitioners consider the body’s organs to be interdependent on each other and not compartmentalized. As such, weakness in one organ can cause dysfunction in another seemingly distant organ.

This is the case in many people with urinary urgency and overactive bladder. Specifically, it is weakness in the lungs giving rise to bladder dysfunction. Keep in mind that the lungs, like the bladder, are responsible for water metabolization, so the organs are more closely linked than they may seem.

In our Houston practice, we find that heat in the lungs is a common cause of urinary urgency. This could be due to the area’s climate or higher prevalence of airborne pollutants.

For many patients, a combination of western and eastern modalities can be more effective than either approach alone. For Chinese medicine practitioners, frontline treatment for urinary urgency includes beneficial botanicals. Di Gui Pi (wolfberry root and bark) and Sang Bai Pi (mulberry root and bark) are a commonly prescribed pair of herbs used for this purpose.

Both are considered cold herbs, known for their heat draining (or “clearing”) properties. When used in conjunction, Di Gui Pi and Sang Bai Pi can support better lung function, and we find that many patients report better lung performance after taking the herbs. By strengthening the lungs in this way, bladder health and function is also supported, helping offset urinary urgency and similar bladder issues. Have a conversation with your Licensed Houston practitioner today to understand the ways they can be of assistance.

Hiccups aren’t what most people would consider a medical concern, but persistent hiccups can be a major source of distress and frustration in those who experience them. Both western and Chinese medicine offer their own perspective on the condition, as well as treatment concepts that patients can adopt. Here, we’ll contrast the two perspectives and introduce the treatment modalities that Chinese medicine prescribes.

Western medicine is still working out the underlying mechanisms that drive hiccups. Currently, Houston physicians believe they’re caused by diaphragm irritation of some kind, but exactly where that irritation comes from is unknown. If a patient’s hiccups are severe enough to warrant treatment, western physicians will do so by prescribing anticonvulsants or tranquilizers.

Chinese medicine takes a different approach. Although hiccups can result from one of several causes in Chinese medicine, a common approach is to look for an imbalance of cold and warmth in the stomach and spleen. These two organs are closely linked in Chinese medicine, and the function of one can influence how the other one performs.

Houston Practitioners believe that cold foods and drinks are harmful to the stomach, and conditions arising from excess cold in the stomach can also produce vomiting, nausea, and other symptoms. Normally, this is treated with warm herbs. With hiccups, though, a different treatment approach is called for, as they are the result of a back and forth tug-of-war between warm and cold.

To deal with persistent hiccups, Chinese medicine practitioners will typically rely on a combination of beneficial botanicals. A standard herbal formula is Shi Di (persimmon fruit) and Ding Xiang (clove). This herbal formula provides the warming effect that’s typically indicated for cold in the stomach, provided by the clove, but the addition of Shi Di balances out the cold/warm profile and helps direct energy flows from the lungs downward. This helps patients resist the compulsion to hiccup, thereby providing relief.

For the vast majority of people, hiccups and hiccoughs are infrequent and short-lived, but still annoying. For a small number of people, they can develop into something chronic that never completely goes away. This can greatly interfere with daily life and cause distress to the patient.

Western medicine is still grappling with what causes hiccups, but Chinese medicine does offer ideas and treatment options, including herbs like Shi Di.

Western physicians explain hiccups and hiccoughs as the result of diaphragm irritation, which can result in spasms. Research is still ongoing into the exact causes, but Chinese medicine has a different perspective.

Chinese medicine conceptualizes many disease states as a result of weak, unregulated, or disrupted energy flow through the body. Other pathologies may be attributed to “heat,” “wind,” or “dampness,” which describes the nature of the condition’s symptoms and presentation.

For hiccups, Chinese medicine attributes the cause to either yin or yang deficiency in the stomach (poor energy flow), or heat or cold in the stomach. To determine which is behind a particular patient’s hiccups, the patient is examined and their symptoms are considered to make a more precise diagnosis. If yin or yang deficiency is suspected, then energy may not be descending through the stomach like it should, instead reversing and ascending – which can result in nausea and vomiting.

For many people experiencing hiccups, Chinese medicine practitioners recommend herbal formulations that include Shi Di. Shi Di is the persimmon fruit and is a slightly astringent botanical that’s long been used for hiccups. It’s also been used to treat stomach dysfunction in Chinese medicine for centuries. It works by descending the patient’s qi, facilitating energy flows in the right direction. This can calm the organs involved in hiccup and hiccough episodes and reduce their severity. Have a conversation with your Houston practitioner today to understand the ways they can be of assistance.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening episode that’s much like drowning while still breathing air. In people experiencing ARDS, fluid from small blood vessels leaks into the alveoli – the sacs responsible for intaking air and passing it into the bloodstream. This quickly and aggressively damages the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen, resulting in hypoxemia – or dangerously low blood oxygen levels.

ARDS is a medical emergency and has a high mortality rate – it kills many people who experience an episode. Most patients require time in an intensive care unit to recover, and those that do may have lung damage that permanently affects their lung performance.

There are ways to offset the lingering complications from an ARDS attack, including Chinese medicinal herbs.

ARDS itself isn’t an ongoing health condition. Instead, it occurs as a result of injury or infection, so it frequently occurs when someone is already receiving treatment for something else. Some ARDS triggers include:

It’s common for survivors to experience reduced lung performance for months, even years following an ARDS episode. Some have permanent damage, along with other complications, including memory problems, fatigue, and depression.

The immediate goal with ARDS is to stabilize the patient and support respiratory function until the patient can take in enough oxygen on their own. If the patient is able to recover from their acute episode, it will take some time to get back to normal. During this part of patient recovery, a pair of Chinese herbs can help – Dang Shen and Huang Qi.

Dang Shen (Codonopsis root) and Huang Qi (Astragalus root), on their own, can tonify Qi. Together, though, they synergize for effective lung support. Dang Shen and Huang Qi also tonify the spleen Qi, which is particularly important following a draining illness or condition – like ARDS. Have a conversation with your Houston practitioner today to understand the ways they can be of assistance.