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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by whitmore on May 31, 2010, at 9:26:03
Hola Hombre!
Here's the list: Chronic insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep, waking with panic--all helped by low dose hydrocortisone at night. Very weak tissues resulting in foot, back, gyno problems and extreme flexibility. Memory issues(always). Light/sound sensitive. Sensitivity to pain, both emotional and physical. Low body temperature with large fluctuations. Without HC, very dry irritated skin--goes away with HC. Unusually strong reflexes. On the plus side, always athletic, physically strong(using exercise to raise cortisol?).
Posted by Lao Tzu on May 31, 2010, at 13:24:22
In reply to Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol, posted by whitmore on May 31, 2010, at 9:26:03
I just read something interesting that Licorice root raises cortisol levels and boosts adrenal function. It also helps raise low blood pressure and may be good for hypoglycemia and hormonal problems in women. I've tried licorice root recently in fact. It said the recommended dosage is 500mg twice per day. I also read elsewhere that licorice root should not be taken long-term like some other herbs. I'll try and find out how long it should be taken, and then go off it. You have to be careful with it because of the effects it has on blood pressure.
Posted by Hombre on May 31, 2010, at 18:39:52
In reply to Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol, posted by whitmore on May 31, 2010, at 9:26:03
Hi Whitmore,
Thanks for going into more detail. I am having trouble getting a clear picture of the combination of weak tissues, strong reflexes and physical strength. Does that mean that you have no problem with strength in terms of movement and exercise, but your soft tissues (ligaments/tendons) are prone to injury?
Also, if you don't mind can you please say a little more about how the gyno problems are related to weak tissues? I know there is a hormone called something like "relaxin" that does just that, relaxes tissues. Women release it when pregnant and giving birth in order for the pelvis to to have some give. It can make women prone to injury, however.
Thanks.
Hombre
Posted by whitmore on June 2, 2010, at 22:10:59
In reply to Re: Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol » whitmore, posted by Hombre on May 31, 2010, at 18:39:52
Yes, strong muscles, aerobic ability(testosterone?), but prone to twisted ankles, fallen arches and pelvic floor prolapse(lack of cortisol?). These things don't particularly bother me--depression, anhedonia and insomnia are what I really want to deal with, but the physical symptoms may well provide clues to some fundamental imbalances. It's incredible what a difference to my mood that cortisol makes--no more horrible dark thoughts, or anhedonia--even the insomnia improves. Sadly, the therapy, even at normal replacement doses has severe drawbacks, so would like to find something safer/more mainstream to accomplish the same thing. If I can't then I'll have some serious decisions to make.
Posted by Hombre on June 4, 2010, at 7:12:02
In reply to Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol, posted by whitmore on May 31, 2010, at 9:26:03
Whitmore,
Let me share with you some things I'm finding that may be relevant to your condition. I am merely an amateur and your best course of action is to seek out a traditional Chinese medical doctor if you choose to go this route. Quotes are taken from "Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine" by Michael Tierra, founder of the Planetary Herbals line of herbal formulas. I have no association with Dr. Tierra or his products. I am just using his text as a reference.
The Kidneys in TCM represent Water. "In the body, the water element is that which circulates, lubricates, sustains and deeply nourishes. This includes the Blood, lymph and the flowing aspect of Qi in the form of bioelectrical nervous energy, as well as the fluidity of the endocrine system, all internal secretions, perspiration, tears, saliva, sexual secretions, lactation, and the lubrication of the Lungs and all other mucus membranes of the body, and the moisture required for proper elimination from the Large Intestine and the Bladder. The fluid aspect of the Water Element is also responsible for maintaining lubrication, agility, suppleness and softness of the joints, muscles and skin."
* We hit endocrine, joint and skin issues.
"In TCM, the Kidneys, as the Yin Organ of Water, embody all of its aspects, including the regulation of the endocrine system. Obviously this goes beyond the role of the Kidneys per se and includes the small pea-like glands attached to them called the Adrenal glands. These regulate most of the endocrine functions, especially the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, through their secretion of Yang-stimulating adrenaline-type hormones and Yin-nourishing, cooling anti-inflammatory cortical hormones."
* Bingo.
"Symptoms of Water imbalances include urinary diseases, edema, lower back and joint pains."
"Climate: Cold.
Cold specifically taxes the reserves of the TCM Kidney-Adrenals; thus they respond adversely to cold foods and fluids and cold drafts, particularly directly on the lower back where the kidneys reside.""Flavor: Salty
Salt is necessary to retain sufficient fluid to support and maintain all the functions associated with Water...A relatively small increase or decrease of the Water Element can put a severe stress on all homeostatic mechanisms. A sufficient amount of unrefined salt that naturally occurs with a variety of essential trace minerals is necessary to maintain proper Fluid balance. TCM recommends that herbal tonics for the Kidney-Adrenals be taken with a pinch of salt that helps potentize and carry the effects of the herbs into the Kidneys.""Inner Resource: Will (Zhi)
An individual who lacks personal motivation or will power has a Water imbalance in the form of Kidney-Adrenal Deficiency. Water is the deep reserve that gives power to all activities and processes. In most cases, individuals who lack motivation and will power have Kidney Yang Deficiency...unrefined sugar in all forms, including alcohol, saps will power and establishes the basis for all physical and mental addictions.It is becoming commonly understood that marijuana, an anti-motivational drug, diminishes our will and drive. From the TCM perspective, it is never appropriate to sedate or weaken the Kidney-Adrenals, which is exactly what marijuana does. The associated fear and insecurity that sometimes accompanies marijuana use further points to its debilitating effects on those whose Kidney Qi is already low."
"...the Balanced Water type would manifest a high level of self awareness and confidence with a sense that they are acting from a place of deep strength and inner reserves. When emotional or physical stress does occur, the flowing nature of their highly developed Water Element seems to not leave any lasting scars. Further, because of the power of their perfected Will, they are able to manifest a high degree of stamina and endurance when challenged."
* Wouldn't we all like to be like that.
"Yin Deficient Water Type
Water Yin Deficiency appears as a kind of auto-consumption, but in fact it is the very Essence that is unrestrainedly leaking out. Thus, there are symptoms of night sweats, insomnia, nervousness, anxiousness, irritability, thin or emaciated appearance, frequent urination and inflammatory conditions that are more localized in the extremities, such as a Yin Deficient sore throat or genito-urinary inflammation...With the inability to contain and restrain the Self, there is a kind of over-sensitivity, hollowness and inappropriateness to the Water Yin Deficient personality. The problem is that while there are many fitful and empty jabs at self expression, the Water Yin Deficient type lacks the stamina, endurance and, above all, inner focus to see things through to completion."
* Recommended foods:
moist, demulcent, solid, substantial and coolinge.g. pork, okra, malva(?), ghee
Herbs: Chinese schizandra berries (Wu Wei Zi) and cornus, or dogwood berries (Shan Zhu Yu). "One could think of a powerful tonic astringent, such as schizandra, as an herb that cements the aura of the personality and helps the body to contain its energy."
Primary Formulas:
- Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Rehmannia Combination (Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan) and Rehmannia Six Combination (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan). Google these names to find inexpensive Chinese patent formulas you can take as pills.Yang Deficient Water Type
-Symptoms include: coldness, timidity, fatigue and frequent urination. "An inability to exercise and/or a lack of exercise are primary aggravating factors with Yang Deficient Water types.""In general there is a diminished ability to maintain one's self both in terms of the normal use of the joints of the body as well as the ability to engage in creative projects. The Yang Deficient Water type seems unable to mobilize their resources and whatever energy they may have, either in their own maintenance and defense or the prerequisite attention, care and protection of others."
"Sometimes this withdrawal fro life appears as physical detachment, but there is no wisdom in renouncing that which one is unable to attain. As a result, Yang Deficient types are particularly susceptible to delusion based on falsely upheld spiritual values, a kind of 'sour grapes' attitude that allows for a particular form of arrogant self-righteousness which occurs in some forms of Yin Deficiency as well. At this stage, both the Yin and Yang Deficient personality is nearly lost to further enlightenment except through some awakening. Depending on how one uses the opportunity, physical crisis may either plunge one into utter despair or it can lead to a greater depth of letting go and serving the Soul's preeminent need to evolve into higher knowledge and truth."
Major Formulas for Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Rehmannia Eight Combination (Ba Wei Di Huang Wan a.k.a. Golden Cabinet [forget the word] Kidney
Pill (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan)- Replenishing the Yang Decoction (You Gui Wan) [literally replenish right (Yang) kidney. Don't get confused with Zuo Gui Wan, replenish the left (Yin) kidney.
Take it all with a generous grain of salt (ha, ha) and feel free to do some more research on your own. If you got the Chinese medicine route, either find a qualified practitioner or be cautious using patent formulas. Take them on an empty stomach and give them several weeks or even months to slowly reestablish balance in your body. Discontinue if adverse symptoms occur.To me it seems like you have the Yin Deficiency type, and the formula, Rehmannia Six (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan) is a famous tonic for people that are burnt out and need to replenish their Yin reserves.
Best of luck to you.
Posted by janejane on June 8, 2010, at 14:42:43
In reply to Re: Supps. that raise ACTH/cortisol, posted by Lao Tzu on May 31, 2010, at 13:24:22
> I just read something interesting that Licorice root raises cortisol levels and boosts adrenal function. It also helps raise low blood pressure and may be good for hypoglycemia and hormonal problems in women. I've tried licorice root recently in fact. It said the recommended dosage is 500mg twice per day. I also read elsewhere that licorice root should not be taken long-term like some other herbs. I'll try and find out how long it should be taken, and then go off it. You have to be careful with it because of the effects it has on blood pressure.
I believe it also lowers testosterone.
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