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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:14
For me, the weather has an effect on mood in the form of high temperature and humidity. High humidity can affect energy levels, thereby altering one's perception of mood. I'm bipolar, so maybe bipolars are more sensitive to this phenomenon. Therefore, taking the right supplements that balance mood with energy is prudent. How daunting a task it is, however! Has anybody here actually felt more depressed in the summer, as opposed to winter depression? I think energy levels are intimately related to perception of mood, but I'm sure many scientists would ignore the connection. What do you think? Any low energy bipolars or depressives out there that experience low energy and low mood in the Summer as opposed to the Winter months?
Posted by Lao Tzu on May 25, 2010, at 13:02:06
In reply to Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:14
I don't know which has more of an effect on mood, temperature or humidity. For instance, today is 80 degrees where I am at now, but the humidity is 59%. My energy levels seem okay, a little less than say, a 60 degree day. So I am not quite sure of the connection. I was also thinking that perhaps, some people experience low mood in the Spring/Summer due to a high pollen count in the air, which would affect histamine levels, like people with seasonal allergies. Fluctuating histamine levels could possibly have an effect on mood. Still, I don't know how valid the connection is. I do know that before I was on Risperdal, I had more allergic reactions and felt more depressed in the Summer. Whether this is due to histamine, or temperature, or possibly a low magnesium/calcium balance I can't say for sure. Maybe it is due to a combination of factors. I can say that after balancing my magnesium/calcium ratio the depression is less severe even in the hot summer months when my energy levels are not all they could be. So I believe temperature and humidity may be variables, but there are other variables as well and you can't definitely conclude that temperature and humidity are the main cause for low mood, but may make it worse if you have an intolerance to heat and tend to have a depression marked by low energy.
Posted by sigismund on May 25, 2010, at 15:15:37
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on May 25, 2010, at 13:02:06
>I don't know which has more of an effect on mood, temperature or humidity
For me, definitely humidity. I feel drained and tired from it. Dry heat is fine.
Posted by Lao Tzu on May 26, 2010, at 14:28:04
In reply to Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:14
Now, I don't know if temperature is really a variable in affecting mood. It was 89 degrees here, and I felt okay because I've been taking supplements that lower my histamine levels. My energy levels were okay today. Maybe I was worrying about nothing. You think?
Posted by Hombre on May 27, 2010, at 0:50:22
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on May 26, 2010, at 14:28:04
Heavy sweating could lead to loss of minerals and electrolytes. I think I developed a mineral deficiency from sweating and not replenishing minerals.
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 11, 2010, at 10:07:27
In reply to Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:14
To this day, I still believe that temperature plays a part in mood. On hot days, I feel more lethargic and so the depression is worse. On cold days, I feel a little more energetic and so the depression is not as bad. Perhaps it has a lot to do with being bipolar and being very sensitive to seasonal changes. I'm sure not everybody has this experience, but I certainly do.
Posted by Hombre on June 12, 2010, at 5:12:06
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on June 11, 2010, at 10:07:27
It certainly makes sense that your environment will affect your mood. Your mood is a reflection of your internal environment as well.
There are 6 "pernicious evils" according to Chinese medicine: wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness and fire.
An existing damp condition (weak digestion) + heat can lead to damp heat with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, cold sweat, rheumatic pains and bloating. Internal dampness usually arises as a consequence of excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cold fruits, ice cold beverages, junk food, greasy, fried food and sweets. These can damage the pancreas, spleen and adrenal glands. (mostly taken from Daniel Reid's "A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs". Unfortunately the herbs and formulas are not organized by their actions so I cannot jump to the relevant sections.
Damp heat is when heat causes the dampness to thicken, causing "phlegm" which can rise and cause foggy headedness. I know it sounds too simplistic and is largely a metaphor, but again we take advantage of many years of observation as to how these conditions come about and how they are treated.
Dampness caused by weak digestion is pretty common and takes a while to get rid of since it requires careful diet and herbs that help dry out the body without causing excess heat. The modern diet is no friend to a sensitive digestive system.
I don't have my reference in front of me but I will try to look up some single herbs that can be used to help with the underlying dampness. In the meantime, maybe you can moderate the above mentioned foods and drinks and try to get as much rest as possible. The kidneys are also involved with the body's water balance, obviously, and getting them (and their associated systems) back up to speed will also help with overall energy.
I suffer from dampness and get bloated a lot after eating or drinking too much. I will then feel fatigued, weak, and slow in thought and action. Herbal attention to the kidneys has helped me to eliminate some of the excess water, but it is a constant battle as I am congenitally weak in the spleen and kidneys. The meds I take also seem to encourage weight gain, edema, hypo-endocrine function. My depression tends to feature overthinking, worrying, lack of will and energy, qualities associated with the spleen and kidneys. The spleen is so important because it is how we transform food and water into the vital energy the rest of our body needs to function.
I hope that helps for now. I will try to get back to you with herb suggestions.
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 13, 2010, at 14:49:28
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Hombre on June 12, 2010, at 5:12:06
Yes, I seem to have symptoms of weight gain, endocrine problems, and fatigue and lethargy, and I do feel bloated, especially after meals. I have a lot of fat in the abdominal area, and my digestion is one of high acid and slight nausea at times. I'm going to get a test done that measures how quickly your food moves from the stomach into the intestines. It may be a motility issue. So far, the cinnamon and ginger are very helpful for a few different symptoms. The cinnamon increases my appetite, which I really need, but I don't need the extra weight. Still, I have to eat so I'm not worried so much about the weight issue. The nausea is unexplained, but may be related to the acid reflux. The cinnamon really helps with that as well as does the ginger. I enjoy reading your posts because of the knowledge you possess. It's all very intriguing, and I guess most westerners don't pay it any mind because it sounds strange, not at all like our type of medicine and diagnosing illnesses. I'm still cautious about mixing a bunch of herbs I know nothing about, but I am keeping an open mind thanks to you. Keep posting. It is interesting to read. I think my biggest problem is the initial stages of digestion, probably involving the stomach, spleen, pancreas, bile flow. I believe my kidney function is normal. My bowels are functioning normally, no constipation or diahrrea. Eating habits could be better, but I try to limit my intake of sugar and bad fats. I crave mostly protein, not carbohydrates. I'm taking calcium and magnesium and that seems to be good for your entire body, perhaps even your digestive system. I tried Licorice lately, and I just don't like the way it makes me feel. Any experience you might have on individual herbs would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your help.
Posted by Hombre on June 14, 2010, at 2:54:44
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on June 13, 2010, at 14:49:28
A very fundamental formula in Chinese medicine is called "Si Jun Zi Tang" which means Four Gentlemen Decoction. These days we can get it as teapills, or "Wan", so the name becomes "Si Jun Zi Wan". As expected, it contains 4 very well known herbs for tonifying Qi and the spleen:
(http://www.chineseherbsdirect.com/four-gentlemen-teapills-si-jun-zi-tang-wan-p-122.html)
Codonopsis pilosula root, Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome-fried, Poria cocos fungus, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root. - Dang shen, Chao bai zhu, Fu ling, Gan cao.
Contraindicated for conditions due to excess. Contraindicated during the early stages of acute illness such as cold and flu, or during an acute infection.
This formula is the basis for many other formulas that involve tonifying Qi and the spleen. For example, another well known formula is "Liu Jun Zi Tang" or Six Gentlemen Decoction. As you may have guessed, it contains 6 herbs. Two herbs have been added to Si Jun Zi Tang to transform dampness, expel phlegm (TCM phlegm), and to help the stomach Qi to descend (probably aid motility):Codonopsis pilosula root, Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome, Poria cocos fungus, Citrus reticulata peel, Pinellia ternata rhizome, Ziziphus jujuba fruit, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, Zingiber officinale rhizome-fresh. - Dang shen, Bai zhu, Fu ling, Chen pi, Ban xia, Da zao, Gan cao, Sheng jiang.
Here's a nice little analysis of Si Jun Zi Tang:(http://www.plumdragonjow.com/sijun.html)
An In Depth Analysis of the Qi Tonic Si Jun Zi tang (Four Gentlemans Decoction)
Si Jun Zi Tang is one of 2 classical tonic formulas that are among the most popular classical base formulas in existence, and mark a great starting place for academic study and growth in understanding formula strategies. The formula can be used as is, or modified in a number of ways for variying actions and purposes; many of the common modifications of Si Jun Zi Tang transform it into a myriad of other commonly seen classical formulas that treat similar but different issues.
Below are the ingredients for Si Jun Zi Tang and a set of common measurements for each herb. These measurements are not to be strictly adhered to and will vary depending on the source. Most sources will cite a range. We have chosen to omit absolute measurements and speak in terms of ratios:
* Ren Shen (Ginseng) 3 parts
* Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 3 parts
* Fu Ling (Poria) 3 parts
* Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-friend Licorice) 2 partsThe first herb, Ren Shen, is a strong qi tonic. As the chief herb in the formula, Ginseng strongly tonifies yuan qi, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and helps with yang deficiency to benefit the kidneys. Ginseng is used for serious or generalized weakness, fatigue, weak labored breathing, and a number of other symptoms that point to a significant degree of fatigue or lack of energy in the body. Ginseng is also an herb that becomes more useful as one ages--individuals below about 30 years of age will receive little to no benefit from the use of Ginseng, primarily because of its ability to tonify yuan qi. Ren Shen (especially the red steamed version) is very warming and works at a deep level in the body, and can complicate problems when there is excess heat, high blood pressure, or similar types of excess patterns. Used properly however, can be a powerful herb for use during serious athletic training. Often times, Ren Shen is substituted with Dang Shen, Codonopsis Root. We will discuss this substitution below.
Bai Zhu, the white form of Atractylodes Rhizome is a strong spleen tonic that supplements qi and combats both problems with digestion (from its associaation with the spleen) as well as issues with fatigue, poor apetitie, shortness of breath, and weakenss. Bai Zhu also strengthens the wei qi that corresponds in part to the bodys immune system and enhances its ability to fight off external pathogens. Lastly, Bai Zhu dries excess dampness, primarily from spleen malfunction. The White Atractylodes is a warm, drying herb that helps to tonify, move, and circulate. Many tonic herbs are sweet and cloying, but Bai Zhu also has a degree of movement to it. In patterns of excess dampness, one can see the manifestations of edema, and a weak, weighed-down type of feeling. Bai Zhu helps combat this by entering the Spleen and Stomach meridian to strengthen and tonify while also moving and transforming dampness to "lift" the body out of its perceived weighed-down feeling.
Fu Ling (Poria) is a white crusty fungus that grows on trees--it is essentially a mushroom. It is not surprising from its pourous look and feel that Fu Ling excels at draining dampness and reducing associated swelling to break up states of phlegm (a highly congealed form of dampness). Fu Ling, along with the other herbs discussed, is a qi tonic used in some cases to combat dizziness, and carries some of the benefits that other types of muhroom-like fungi boast. Fu Ling has a neutral property to it, giving it a versatility to be used in cooling or warming formulas. Additionally, Fu Ling can also be an important herb to aid in drying up and pushing out waste that is produced where blood or other fluids have pooled under the skin due to injury.
Zhi Gan Cao is the honey-fried Licorice root. Zhi Gan Cao is a Qi tonic, most specifically Spleen Qi. While Zhi gan Cao is a Qi tonic at its core, it also servers other functions. One for which it has notable mention is this roots ability to "harmonize" the function of other herbs in the formula. Harmonize here means that it helps the other herbs work in concert, have a smoother effect rather than a harsh peak and dropoff; it may in certain cases also reduce side-effects of strong herbs or mitigate the toxicity of toxic herbs. Zhi Gan Cao also has the ability to reduce inflammation in certain cases, and can alleviate pain and spasm. However, because of its dampening, tonic nature, those who tend towards edema should use Licorice root carefully.
From the above descriptions, we find that Su Jun Zi Tang as a whole has a fairly moderate, but well thought out group of herbs that focus on tonifying/strengthening the spleen and in small part, kidney yang, which in turn allows the body to more eficiently produce energy and eliminate dampness, leading to a less weighted down feeling, more free feeling in te limbns, and a more energetic feeling in the body. Consuming this formula occasionally when you are healthy can help tonify, resolve residual dampness, and maintain well functioning energy production.
There are a few well-studied modifications to the Four Gentlemans recipe above. These modifications follow below:
When an individual has a pronounced tendency towards a damp, weighted feeling, possibly poor apetite, edema and stagnation in the body, the recipe can be modified. We want something that can help increase circulation to resolve the dampness, to clear the stagnation. Here, tonification has become less important, and resolving the excess has become more important.
Treated Ban Xia, or Pinellia Rhizome, is an herb used to resolve dampness. Its warm, drying nature gives it a great ability to break dampness and dry phlegm and congealed fluids.
Chen Pi is aged citrus peel. Classified as an herbs that regulates Qi, it helps to circulate in the middle portion of the body. This allows it to aid other herbs in the formula in breaking up dampness, allowing the body to regain fluidity in motion for normal unimpeded operation. Chen Pi is also a drying herb, and works with Ban Xia to dry residual dampness and phlegm.Combining the above 2 herbs creates the classical formula, Six Gentleman, or Liu Jun Zi Tang. Liu Jun Zi Tang, while still a Qi tonic at its core, addresses a slightly more clearing aspect that is necessary for those who have dampness, or may tend towards dampness easily when using Si Jun Zi Tang.
---While one can consider the use of individual herbs, formulas are interesting because some herbs help other herbs (harmonize, e.g. licorice) and others help to sort of take the edge off other herbs. Formulas should be considered as entities themselves, not just the sum of parts. One may even judiciously combine formulas even if there is some overlap, but as usual caution is advised. But really, herbs are pretty mild and the use of tonic herb formulas can greatly improve chronic conditions.
This is the end of the thread.
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