In addition to cancer and heart disease, stroke is the third leading cause of death. About 1 / 4 of all stroke victims die as a direct result of stroke or its complications. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than two million Americans suffer from long-term disability after a stroke, which costs our society billions of dollars a year.
I. Introduction
1. What is medicine?
Conventional medicine is also known to Western medicine. It is a system ofmedical approaches, in which doctors and other health professionals such as nurses, medical technician, specialists and therapists who use drugs, etc., radiation, medical devices or surgical procedures to treat the symptoms of illnesses and diseases. Most of the time there is a treatment for symptoms are the same for all individuals.
2. What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine is also known as TCM. It is derived from the philosophy of Taoism. The theory considersthat life and activity of every human being have a reciprocal relationship with the environment at all levels. Important components of the theory include those of Yin and Yang, the five elements of the human body's meridian channels and the Zang Fu organ theory. He treats every individual as a unique entity and there is no one treatment for all, even with the same symptoms.
3. Definition of stroke in a conventional medical perspective
Stroke is a condition of the circulation of blood in the senseblocking any part of the body so that oxygen is not delivered to the brain, which die off in some cells in the brain or a blood vessel in the brain rupture, so that the cells are removed from the brain of oxygen in the blood, they die and never come go back.
4. Definition of stroke patients in traditional Chinese medicine
A stroke is a condition defined fallen out of balance the internal organs, resulting in an overwhelming of wind, fire, phlegm and stagnation. Since these negativeInfluences of wind evils arise, it disturbs the balance of the body. In ancient China, these types of illnesses as "Zhongfeng were called, and in English it means" wind stroke. " According to the theory of Chinese medicine, stroke not only leads to brain damage, but affects the meridians and the number of Zang-Fu organs.
5. What is a raw food?
Raw food is a kind of food products that are not processed at least 75% of the daily diet and need, even food or food that are not definedHeated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 ° C, including fresh fruits and vegetables, raw meat.
II Types of stroke
A. In a conventional medical perspective
1. Bleeding
It is a condition in which the artery bursts and bleeds into brain tissue, leading to an interruption of oxygen supply of cells in some parts of the brain. If there is no oxygen to feed the cells, the cells die off.
2. Embolus
This is the condition caused by a blood clot, whichdeveloped because of damage to body tissues and migrate to other parts of the body, it blocks the carotid arteries or the arteries elsewhere in the body, leading to causes in the small vessels of the brain that disrupts the oxygen supply to certain regions of the brain clot cells in this region to extinction.
B. In a traditional Chinese medicine perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory shall be divided into two main categories of stroke:
1. Is reinforcing type (from a general deficiency)caused by the collapse of Yang
Yin can be very excessive in a state with the collapse of Yang that the rise of the extreme cold syndrome, which stops the blood flow or permit the effect that only a little blood flow to the nervous system by heart blood stagnation, which the evil "wind" to block the channels that are necessary to nourish the cells in the central system.
Depending on the severity:
a) In mild cases
Only channels are damaged, which causes only localized strokeParalysis of the extremities and the deviation of the eyes and mouth, without loss of consciousness and without coma.
b) In severe cases,
In severe cases, large channels or meridians are damaged. The stroke caused by a generalized paralysis, loss of consciousness, coma, and sometimes instant death.
2. Tense type is caused by the collapse of yin
Depending on the severity:
a) In mild cases, only the channels are corrupted. The stroke causes only local paralysis of the limbs andDeviation of the eyes and mouth, without loss of consciousness and without coma.
b) In severe cases,
In severe cases, large channels or meridians are damaged, the stroke causes generalized paralysis with loss of consciousness, coma, and sometimes instant death.
III. Causes of stroke
A. In a conventional medical perspective
Major causes of stroke are:
1. Poor nutrition
Diets high in saturated and trans fats cause bad cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels in theBrain, blocking oxygen supply to the cells and thus increases the risk of stroke. Also poor diet leads to high blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood into the body. High blood pressure causes hardening of the blood vessels in the brain and too thin, so that the risk of stroke.
2. Smoking
Smoking does not only have devastating effects on the health of smokers but also for anyone who breathes toxic fumes it second hand. Cigarettes contain a high degreeCadmium cause the blood to the activity of the cells, which blocks blood flow in blood clots and damage to the blood vessels in the brain.
3. Too much to drink
Moderate drinking is good for the heart, but excessive alcohol consumption can handle increased levels of some fats in the blood and the set up in the arteries and blood vessels in the brain, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke.
4. Diabetes
People with diabetes tend to have developed heart disease or stroke to oneearlier than other people. Diabetes with unhealthy diet causes high blood sugar levels that damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease and stroke, the most common causes of death among people with diabetes.
5. Obesity – a body mass index of 30 or higher
Study shows that even after adjusting for other stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, heart disease, moderate alcohol consumption, physical andActivity, obesity is still associated with a greatest risk of stroke in men and women.
6. Use of the pill
Birth control pills contain estrogen and one of two other hormones, lynestrenol or norethisterone that increase the risk of blood clots, which lead to ischemic stroke especially in woman who smoke and who are older than 35 years.
B. In a traditional Chinese medicine perspective
TCM realized a stroke occurs and causes bodily harm, which are complicated andcan sometimes more than 10 years before the eye. There are 6 external and internal factors that have been identified:
Major causes of stroke are:
1. The 6 external factors
a) Hypo functioning
Hypo functions as a state in which your internal system to stop responding to the chain reaction function defined by each institution. It may be corrupted due to internal or external factors through the institutions.
b) hyper-functioning
About worksdefined as a condition to respond, some of which of the organs in your body over to the chain reaction through the production function essences more than necessary. You can be injured due to internal or external factors by drugs or organs.
c) Poor diet
i) Milk
TCM classifies milk as harmful to the digestion, because it creates moisture and mucus. It disrupts the flow of energy throughout the body and leads to stagnation.
ii), greasy or friedFood
Fatty or fried foods have excessive yang in nature. The overwhelming reception of these foods not only causes fat accumulated in the stomach, but it also contributes to the production of mucus. When combined with mucus and stagnant liver heat, it produces fire, leading to obstruction of the flow of qi in the chest.
iii) Refined sugar
Refined sugar is considered to be cold and wet in TCM, overwhelming host of refined sugar weakens the spleen, which slows digestion and lowers theImmune system.
iv) Alcohol
Prolonged alcohol consumption damages the liver, which relates to a breakdown of liver qi and blood, the other institutions, essentially distribution.
v) irregular eating habits
vi) processed ingredients
Processed components are defined as foods that something be changed or removed. Adding raise them in our diet can be the cold, narrow, decency and moisture so that the Qi flow sluggish and slowing of the stomach and spleenFood intake.
vii) Cold food and drinks
Cold foods and drinks cause the body to drop the temperature and reduce the blood flow. It can cause heart disease, if work is an existence of high blood pressure the heart must be harder.
d) Emotional disorders
Emotional disorders decreases the heart and the liver function in the bloodstream and the blood. Since the liver is the main organ for the smooth flow of qi throughout the body,emotional disorder gradually suppresses the flow of qi. Over a longer period, causing qi and blood stagnation, leading to abnormal blood circulation and increases the risk of stroke.
e) Packaging
Aging is a natural and biological process. No one can stop him, but we can do it by attention to the food we eat and the prevention of any activity that delay the process. In TCM, as we age,
i) The spleen and stomach no longer functions normally in the digestion andTransport of energy to our bodies, leading to nutrient deficiency in the diet of other organs.
ii) kidney and liver
Deficiency of kidney and liver damage caused by aging of Yin and Yang imbalance that affects the function of blood and qi.
iii) Heart
Heart-Yang deficiency causes fluid to build the heart, leading to spontaneous sweating.
Heart-Qi deficiency and blood deficiency causes weakness of yang qi that disrupts the bloodTraffic.
iv, etc.)
As we age, our body works like an old car, it will never be like when it was new, no matter how much money we spend, they work to maintain.
f) Excessive sexual activity
TCM believes that a healthy, moderate amount of sex supports a good flow of qi and excessive sexual activity depletes the qi, blood and kidney Jing (essence).
2.The 6 internal factors
a) Yin and Qi deficiency
Yin stands for the humidification and cooling the body organs and is responsibleFunctions. The typical American diet depleted yin of the body and generates heat caused by a lack of humidification and cooling functions that are necessary to maintain a healthy balance.
Qi flows around your body in a series of meridians. Yin deficiency leads to heat and disrupts flow of Qi in the series of meridian energy channels, which not only causes a lack of blood circulation, but also increases the risk of a rebellion Wind attack on the body's organs andTissue.
b) Liver-Fire and Heart-Fire
Prolonged deficiency of Qi is weakened by the Lung-Qi, leading to heart qi deficiency leads to a stagnation of qi, thus the risk of heart-fire.
Liver-Fire, caused by an accumulated over-consumption of coffee, alcohol, sugar and hormones in the blood, leading to liver qi stagnation, leading to liver fire.
c) wind evils
Wind is often associated with heat, it causes "wind heat" due to excessive heat symptoms as a result of the heart,Liver or kidney qi imbalances, which cause internal injuries, such as wind fainting, weakness, nervous twitching, blurred vision, etc.
d) Stagnant Qi-Flow
Energy can not move freely due to excessive heat, so that the heart and liver fire, which contributes to major health problems.
e) Blood stasis
Blood stagnation is usually accompanied with stagnation of Qi in Qi circulation is necessary. Stagnation of qi, the blood can not move freely, resulting in an over-worked heartleading to hypertension.
f) accumulation of mucus
Mucus is a fire warming the internal moisture, which impedes the flow of qi and disturbs the ascent and descent of qi of the Zang-Fu organs causes.
IV symptoms of stroke
A. In conventional medicine
Here are some symptoms of stroke:
1. Sudden trouble standing
Sudden trouble standing is an early symptom of stroke as a result of the circulation of blood and oxygen to suddenly be caused by the degradation leadsNarrowing of the arteries and high blood pressure.
2. Dizziness and loss of balance
The brain coordinates information from the eyes, to the inner ear, and maintain the body's sense of balance. When cells are damaged the part of the brain as a result of depleted oxygen, it becomes dizziness and loss of balance.
3. Sudden confusion
A sudden onset of confusion, that something is potentially wrong with the brain. Almost all conditions affecting the brain, arebe life threatening. It could by a tumor or low levels of oxygen in the cells of the cerebral cortex in your brain that are caused by your ability to think with your usual speed or clarity concerns. It could also be caused by lowered blood sugar levels, as in the case of diabetes.
4. Difficulty speaking and understanding
Difficulty speaking and understanding occurs when brain cells die in the area of Broca, Wernicke and angle ayrus begin in the left hemisphere area, asit ceases, the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.
5. Sudden severe headache
Headache is a condition of pain in the head, neck or upper back pain can sometimes be interpreted as a headache. One of the most common symptoms, local pain and can be for many people, but sudden severe headaches may be caused by an early symptom of heart disease, as we noted in previous articles often by bursting a vessel or the brain of oxygen deficiency in some partsof the brain.
6. Sudden problems seeing
This may be an early sign of stroke when the oxygen in the blood supply to the part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into cells, the control of the vision area of the cortex in the brain.
B. In the traditional Chinese medicine
The syndrome is caused by the above factors
1. Bleeding
The bleeding is caused by heat and drought caused by yin deficiency andLiver-Heat in the rupture of small blood vessels in the body.
2. Little or no severe headache
Headache in this case by the lack of blood, liver and heart of the inability to cause blood to move freely, resulting in an obstruction of blood flow to the central nervous system.
3. Nausea / vomiting
This is caused to the stomach and spleen inability food by an overwhelming amount of heat in the body to digest, too.
4. Stiff neck
A stiff neck is caused by aSlowing of the circulation (stagnation) of blood and energy in the neck area due to stagnation of qi and blood, as we have in the causes of stroke.
5. Slight loss of mental abilities for a short time
Caused by an insufficient blood supply to the central nervous system in a very short time to heat, the wind slowly attacks the nervous system cells.
6. Paralysis on one part of the body
In this case, it is a mild case of stroke.
7. LegCramps during the quiet location
It is not enough of blood and the blood is caused by blocked a rising trend of wind-heat.
8. Constipation
Caused by dry of fluids in the body as a result of kidney yin and spleen qi deficiency.
9. Rapid pulse
The heart has to work harder, which creates a tension in the blood vessel by blood deficiency and blood heat.
10. And so on.
V. Diagnosis
A. In a conventional medical perspective
If you are fromthe above symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Here are some diagnostics:
1. Computed
A special x-ray test called a CT scan of the brain to test bleeding or masses within the brain. It can be completed within a few minutes.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The use of magnetic waves as X-rays of the brain image. It creates a much more detailed images than CT and shall take more than an hour.
3. MRA(Magnetic resonance angiography)
It is used to see blood vessels without tubes or injections.
4. Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)
It is used to detect the area has stopped the anomaly minutes after the blood flow to a part of the brain.
5. Computed tomography with angiography
By injecting dye into a vein in the arm, it produces an image of the blood vessels in the brain that gives your doctor with information of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations,and any abnormalities in the brain of blood flow in this area.
6. Conventional Angiography:
A long tube with a catheter injected dye is inserted into an artery (the bar). The conventional angriogram provides some of the detailed images of the blood vessel anatomy.
7. Carotid Doppler ultrasound
A carotid Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves method to screen for narrowing and decreased blood flow in the carotid artery.
8. Heart Tests
A microphoneDevice is placed on the chest or put the esophagus, see the heart chambers. It is similar to a normal electrocardiogram (ECG), but the electrode stickers remain on the chest for 24 hours or more for the identification of a faulty heart rhythm.
9. Blood
A blood test is used to for a possible infection, anemia, renal function and electrolyte abnormalities.
B. In the traditional Chinese medicine
In TCM, the stroke is caused by a number of problems. The diagnosis isalways followed by the following methods:
1. Asking
Your lifestyle will be covered by a series of questions.
2. Observing
Their appearance is closely monitored, including the face, eyes, tongue, etc.
3. Smelling
Your breath, your body.
4. Listening
Her voice, the choice of words, volume of your voice, the sound of breath, etc.
5. Feeling
The pulse is read, you will be measured.
The combination of all informationfrom above, your TCM practitioner will determine what the causes for your problem? and treat them accordingly by the restoration of disharmonization in your body. Most people assume, is probably a stroke, diagnosis and kidney and spleen deficiency, leading to deficiencies of qi, blood and yin was exaggerated to the overwhelming of wind, phlegm, fire, and stagnation, including liver-yang and increases attack Qi stagnation, blood, mucus, combined with fire, liver-wind or windMeridians.
VI. What is a typical American diet
Below are the top 10 food groups contributing to energy intake in the U.S. population according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
NHANES 1999-2000 NHANES III (1988-94)
Rank, Food Group,% of total energy, Cumulative% of total energy,
Rank, Food Group,% of total energy, Cumulative% of total energy consumption
1 sweets, desserts, 12.3 12.3 1 sweets, desserts 12.4 12.4
2 beef, pork10.1 22.3 2 beef, pork 10.7 23.1
3 bread, biscuits, crackers 8.7 31.0 3 bread, pastries, biscuits 10.7 33.9
4 Mixed dishes 8.2 39.2 4 Mixed dishes 7.8 41.6
5 Dairy 7.3 46.5 5 Vegetables 7.3 48.9
6-alcoholic beverages 7.1 53.6 6 Dairy 7.2 56.2
7 Edible vegetables 6.5 60.1 7-alcoholic beverages 6.0 62.2
8 chicken, fish 5.765.8 8 chicken, fish 5.7 67.8
9 Alcoholic beverages 4.4 70.2 9 Alcoholic beverages 4.5 72.3
10 Fruit juice 3.9 74.2 10 Fats and oils 4.0 76.3
A. In the conventional medical perspective
1. Too many calories
We have either eaten too many calories and foods high in calories, "which to obesity and promote all kinds of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease and stroke.
2. Too much saturated fat and transfat
While unsaturated fats, it is considered as it increases both LDL and HDL, trans fats increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers levels of good cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, which accumulate in the arteries that the blood the transport block, and increasing the Plague build on the arterial wall, thus raising the risk of rupture of the small ship.
3. Sugar and Sweetener
Sugar and sweetener in our blood quickly thatincreases the risk of fluctuation of insulin. Extension of time to eat, causes hormone imbalance and cause damages to the receptors and pancreatic function in the regulation of blood sugar.
4. Drinks and alcohol
Drinks containing high levels of sugar and artificial ingredients that have been demonstrated in insulin regulation of pancreatic damage and affect our bodies in hormone secretion. In addition to causes of alcohol damages the nervous and circulatory system, but also damage to theLiver, causing immune dysfunction and the reduction of the liver in the synthesis of carbohydrates and fat and protein metabolism.
5. Low fruit and vegetable
Vegetables and fruits contain high amounts of nutrients that are necessary for the support of our body daily work. Deficiency causes wide range of health disorders.
6. Low essential nutrient
We eat too much junk food, not only winning major cause, but also to nutritional deficiencies.
B. In the Chinese medicine perspective
1. Alsomuch saturated and trans fatty acids on
a) oil and fatty foods after their entry into the stomach, dividing it into 2 parts, the food is absorbed qi flows upward and from the spleen and the food material is digested by the stomach and absorbs the essence of the spleen. Cause too much saturated and trans fatty acids energy overflow and excess energy (Yang) are deposited in the waist area, which affect weight gain and Qi.
b) Saturated fats and trans fatty acids are yang pathogens and hot in nature,Extend the period to include these types of foods causes excessive Yang in the body and gastric disease resulting in a domino effect, which disharmonization in the body ecosystem. It can cause stroke, depending on where comes the bad wind?
2. Refined products, artificial ingredients, and cold drinks
Refined products, artificial ingredients, and cold drinks are cold, yin and pathogens in nature. Since the body is dried up due to excessive yang, cold foods cause a heat buildup in the body,the development of wind energy, the lethal factor in stroke and other types of diseases.
VII As the typical American diet increases the risk of stroke
A. In the conventional medical perspective
Since cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream up, interferes with blood circulation, the heart work harder, leading to high blood pressure, if there is no disruption of the blood, causing the blood is blocked somewhere in the body, the breaking of the small vesselthe brain that blocks the transport of oxygen in brain cells, the cells die off.
B. In the Chinese medicine perspective
Too much saturated fat, trans fat, beverages, alcohol, sugar and sweeteners
In traditional Chinese medicine, spleen, an organ responsible for digestion and energy, too much fat and trans fatty acids result in excess energy deposited in the waist area, leading to abnormal weight gain. Since fat and trans fatty acids are considered extreme yang pathogensextend and hot in nature, it is the TIME to eat yin deficiency and cause dry heat, leading to thirst, fullness, bloating and pain, constipation or hemorrhoids, etc.
Extend Excessive intake of hot food over periods of time affect the balance of the spleen and stomach, and design relates to Meridian in the regulation of yin and yang energy within the body and then penetrating the meridian. Since the body can no longer adapt, with the combinationYang excessive cold and moist (cold drinks, refined products and artificial ingredients), this leads to the development of wind, so that the stroke.
In some cases, strokes are caused by the deficiency of Liver Yin due to drought in the blood, as the heat the wind to move upwards, that the affected meridians and hampers openings, leading to a stagnation of qi and blood fof what a stroke .
In short, extend the time capture of hot and cold meals can dis-harmonize our bodies, like our bodiesno long, excessive development of yin or yang, that in turn impedes the flow of qi in the meridians and causes blood stagnation in the Zang-Fu organs adapt, depending diagnosed, what? organ damage and what was the most?, it causes strokes, heart disease or other.
VII as raw vegetables, reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
A. In the conventional medical perspective
1. Nutrients and enzymes
Raw foods contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals as a cookFoods because heat causes the loss of nutrients, and destroys enzymes.
2. Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides —
Raw food contains high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids that the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and reduces triglycerides and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL), lowering the risk of cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream.
3. Lower blood pressure
Since the blood vessels clear until now, our hearts are not necessarily more difficult toTo pump blood, which adversely affect the risk of high blood pressure and the rupture of small blood veins in the body.
4. Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides
Raw foods contain high levels of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids that reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides and the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), lowering the risk of cholesterol buildup in the bloodstream.
5. And so on.
B. In the traditional Chinese medicine
Since rawYin is regarded as a pathogen and cool in nature (TCM has never recommended the use of raw foods for people with yin-yang deficiency or excessive treatment), introduction of cool food is in fact one of the treatment. As the amount of raw food continuously reduced due to excessive Yang typical American diet, it takes the risk of development of wind, ie the risk of stroke decreased. Believe it or not, will one day raw food to bring the body back (balance of Yin and Yang, harmonize, it can be along). I believe that the time you have to do without the intake of raw food and it is through more balancing diet.
VII Final words
2 different ideologies, 2 different gauges and 2 different approaches and a destination (as make us healthier).