Traditional Chinese
Medicine and the Athlete

Returning to their Roots

By Nico

© All Rights Reserved

Several years back I wrote a article for Inside Kung fu Magazine, regarding Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Athlete, it was well received, over the years many customers have asked me to put it on the website, so I went to the wayback machine found the article and am posting it in its entirety. Unlike my Dit Da Jow article, this is more of a article on theory and can be confusing at first, but if you read it a few times you will get a good grasp of it.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is being used more and more by athletes today!

 

For health and nutrition, more and more people today are returning to their
roots. I mean the real roots of nature,”Chinese Herbs”. For thousands
of years the Chinese knew the value of herbs for nutrition, health, and fitness.
Only recently have most of us taken Chinese Herbal Medicine, seriously. Just
recently, the Chinese Woman’s track team shattered nine world records and people
were asking, “How did they do it ?” “Was it heavy doses of
Steroids, Vitamins or Amino acids ?” No, they were taking Cordyceps,
Schizandra, Ginseng , Huang Qi, and Ganoderma, just to mention a few. With the
proper herbs and a stringent training regimen world records were broken. Does
that mean that you should run to the nearest Chinese Herbal store and start
taking them? No, but a slow walk there might be a good idea, as you find out
exactly what your body needs. Just lumping herbs together and hoping they work
is like winning the 40 million dollar lottery; you need a lot of luck. To
better understand how Chinese herbs can work for you, let me cover a few basic
principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is based on several
theories such as the body’s Yin and Yang , Meridian Channels and Collaterals,
the Five Element Theory and the Zang Fu theory. Below is a brief explanation of
each.

 

Yin and Yang

We have all heard of yin and yang the opposing forces of nature, or, as
sometimes called, opposites. Light and dark, hard and soft, male and female,
positive and negative, are all examples of yin and yang. As an athlete or
someone who is concerned about reaching top physical condition, understanding
how yin and yang relates to the body’s balance is very important (but not easy).
You must first determine, using the principles of yin and yang, which one is
most deficient in the body and use the proper combination of herbs to balance
yin and yang. Let me try to explain. As the body goes through its normal
functional activities, which are considered yang, and you consume nutrient
substances, yin, this results in the lessening of yin to the increase of yang.
As the metabolism of nutrient substances (yin) exhausts the functional energy
(yang), this, to a certain extent, is understood as a lessening of yang to the
increase of yin.(“No one said this is easy to understand”) Under
normal conditions there is a constant balance between yin and yang. Under
abnormal conditions, when there is an excess or deficiency in either yin or
yang, sickness, tiredness, and illness can occur. Meridian Channels and
Collaterals According to TCM we have our own super highways built into our
body. These super highways are called Meridian Channels and Collaterals, a
series of connected passages which run throughout our body. There are 12 regular
channels, the eight extra channels, the fifteen collaterals, the 12 divergent
channels and the regions of the 12 channels. These superhighways carry Ch’i (QI)
and blood to the Zang-Fu organs, of which there are 11(5 Zang,6 Fu). This helps
regulate their functions and nourish yin and yang. Pathogenic factors can enter
the collaterals and when they become full these factors enter the channels,
after they become full, they reside in the Zang-Fu organs. This is how illness
manifests itself. Keeping our channels and collaterals open is the key to good
health and energy.

 

The Five Elements

 

The Five Element Theory proposes that wood, water, metal, fire, and earth
establish a relationship between the physiology and pathology of the human body
and the natural environment. Here are some brief aspects of each. Wood involves
the aspects of germination, extension, softness and harmony. Fire involves
heating and flaring.Earth involves the aspects of growing, nourishing, and
changing. Metal is associated with cleaning up, killing, strength, and firmness.
Water is associated with cold, moisture, and downward flowing. Each of these
elements is in constant movement and change; they are also intertwined and have
close relationships When one is affected, it affects another and they all have
mutual generation. Wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates
metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood. Each element has mutual
subjugation (defeats the other): wood subjugates earth, metal subjugates wood,
etc.

 

Zang-Fu Theory

 

The Zang-Fu theory explains the mutual relationships and pathological and
physiological changes between the Zang organs and the Fu organs. There are five
Zang organs and six Fu organs. The five Zang organs are the heart, lung, spleen,
liver, and kidney’s. The six Fu organs are the gall bladder, stomach, small
intestine, large intestine, urinary bladder, and the sanjiao, which are the
three areas of the body cavity(upper, middle, and lower). The five Zang organs
store up essential Ch’i and regulate its outflow, while the six Fu organs
transform and transport substances without storing them.

 

Keeping Balance

 

Since our body is an organic whole, it is also a unified entity within
nature, therefore changes in the environment may affect it. That’s why taking
vitamins and supplements alone does not help balance our body’s Yin and Yang;
but taking them along with natural herbs can, and will, help us reach our peak
physical condition. For over two thousand years Chinese Herbalists knew the
value of taking multiple herbs or formulas as primary therapy compared to the
West where herbal cures were based on individual herbs and rarely included any
cures involving combinations of herbs. Scientific studies show that formulas are
more effective in the treatment of illness.

When you exercise often, you use up plenty of yang energy, and you deplete your ch’i. To keep your yin and yang in balance and increase your ch’i one must use herbs classified as Tonics. Tonics
nourish, tonify and replenish the deficiency of ch’i and yang weakness. Yang tonics fortify the body’s resistance and are believed to do the following,adjustment of adrenal function, nourish and strengthen, adjustment of energy metabolism, promotion of sugar metabolism and synthesis, promotion of growth, and increase resistance to diseases. Ch’i tonics help the functions of the
organs and increase physical strength and of course to, correct ch’i weakness.

Now here is the kicker and the reason I mentioned that you walk not run to your local herb shop. You would think all I have to do is take yang and ch’i tonics and I’m all set. but this is not so. As you deplete your yang and ch’i, you are also slowly burning up your yin. This creates an imbalance which could lead to a weakness in your physical condition, or possible illness. The key to taking herbs is maintaining the body’s balance and rhythm which also incorporates proper diet, exercise and mental discipline. It is very important that you combine the proper combination of herbs as well as the right dosage to maintain yin and yang balance and to fortify ch’i energy.

I’m sure you’re wondering how you will know what herbs to take. Naturally, it is best to visit a practitioner of herbal medicine, especially if you are trying to treat a specific illness.
But if you work out extensively and are in good health, you are not an ordinary person and must supplement your daily diet with herbs that tonify and build up your ch’i energy. After you start taking herbs you will probably notice a big change in your energy levels and stamina or, as you become stronger, you may feel nothing is happening. This is a natural occurrence. When the body is weak and out of balance and you receive good nutrition, the effects are generally noticeable, and as you are in better health and balance, the herbs become more of a supplement to good health and balance and are less noticeable.

Here are some herbs to look for along with their actions, that help build up ch’i and help balance yin and yang.

 

Ch’i Tonics

 

Huang Qi

 

(Astragali Membranaces) known as the yellow leader, it is one of the most
important tonic herbs. Huanq Qi supplements ch’i, increases yang and follows the
lung and spleen meridians. It also tonifies the lungs and is used for frequent
colds and shortness of breath. When combined with ginseng, it helps general
weakness and fatigue.

 

He Shou Wu

 

(Polygoni Multiflora Radix) also known as Fo-Ti, was named after a man who
at 58 years old, was in poor health and was never able to father a child. It was
suggested by a monk that he eat this herb and legend has it that, besides
fathering several children, his hair turned from grey to black and his body
became more youthful. This herb nourishes yin and helps tonify the kidneys and
liver and follows the liver and kidney meridians. Experiments have shown it
reduces cholesterol levels and raises serum glucose levels.

 

Ren Shen

 

(Ginseng Radix) is probably the most familiar of the herbs mentioned and one
of the best. Ginseng helps replenish and supplement ch’i and also supplements
the lung yin. Since ginseng is a tonifier, it acts on the pituitary and
stimulates the adrenal gland. Ginseng stimulates the central nervous system and
acts against fatigue and tension. Ginseng follows the lung and spleen meridians.

 

Gan Cao

 

(Glycyrrhizae Radix) is better known as licorice. Gan Cao supplements the
entire 12 channels. Gan Cao replenishes ch’i, clears heat, removes toxins, and
also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Shan Yao

 

(Dioscoreae Radix) enters the kidney, lung, and spleen channels, because it
is neither hot nor cold, and it moistens. It benefits both yin and yang of the
kidneys and lungs. It tonifies the lung ch’i and enhances the lung yin.

 

Yin Tonics

 

Kuei Pan

 

(Testudinis Plastrum) comes from tortoise shells, and enters the kidney,
heart and liver meridians. This nourishes yin and subdues yang. It has been
known to strengthen tendons and muscles. It is also good for kidney yin
deficiency, such as soreness of lower back, and weakness in legs.
Sang-Ji-Sheng (Ramulas Sangjisheng) follows the liver and kidney meridians,
helps supplement the liver and kidneys and removes wind dampness. This herb also
has been known to strengthen muscles and tendons, and temporarily lowers blood
pressure.

 

Tian-Men-Dong

 

(Asparagi Tuber Cochinchinensis) is the dried stem of asparagus lucidus. It
travels on the lung and kidney meridian highway and since it is a yin tonic, it
nourishes yin. It has an antibacterial effect and cleanses lung fire.

 

Yang Tonics

 

Dong-Chong-Xia Cao

 

(Cordyceps) enters the lung and kidney meridians and supplements the lung
and kidneys. It is a sexual and respiratory tonic that increases immunity. It
restrains the activity of the heart and intestinal tract, and helps reduce pain
in the loins and knees.

 

Du-Zhong

 

(Eucommia) travels on the liver and kidney meridians and supplements their
yang. This herb has been known to strengthen muscles and bones and is used when
there is loin and knee pain. When decocted it possesses good blood pressure
lowering effects. Hu-Lu-Pa (Trigonelle Semen) better known as fenugreek, this
herb enters the kidney meridian and warms the kidney yang. Fenugreek has been
used by diabetics with great results because of it’s hypoglycemic properties.

 

Sudorifics

 

Ma-Huang

 

(Ephedra Herba) also known as Ephedra, has become very popular lately due
to it’s effect on the central nervous system and it’s ability to give you energy
and open up the lungs. It travels in the lung and bladder meridians and helps
regulate water metabolism and induces diaphoresis (sweating) Ma Huang, if taken
in proper amounts and with the right combination of other herbs, can be helpful.
Since it has hypertensive activity, it constricts blood vessels and increases
blood pressure, therefore, if you have high blood pressure or other health
related problems, consult a doctor before taking.
Please note, since the writing of this article Ma Huang is now illegal for the most part in the USA. There are some Chinese Herbal formulas that contain the herb that are legal due to its history of use in TCM.

 

Gui-Zhi

 

(Cinnamomi Ramulus) known as cinnamon, travels in the heart, lung and
urinary bladder meridians. Gui Zhi induces sweating, helps promote the flow of
all channels and removes obstruction of ch’i, while reinforcing yang.

 

Anti-Rhuematics

 

Hu-Gu

 

(Tigris Os) is the dried bone of a tiger. It travels in the liver and
kidney meridians, and is known to strengthen tendons and muscles and control
pain. It also has an analgesic effect and reduces swelling and arthritis
conditions.
Please note, it now illegal to sell Hu Gu because of the endangerment to Tigers, who are slowly becoming extinct. It is illegal to kill Tigers for the profit of their body parts, which is called poaching, unfortunately it is still practiced around the world today.

 

Lu-Ti-Cao

 

(Pyrola Herba) known as Pyrola, travels in the liver and kidney meridians.
It helps supplement kidney yang, removes wind dampness and strengthens muscles
and tendons. Interestingly, the juice from the raw herb treats toxic insect
bites and open wounds.

 

Wei-Ling- Xian

 

(Clematidis Radix) known as Clemitas, has a very strong nature and travels
in the bladder meridian. Clematis removes wind dampness, promotes flow in all
meridians and helps control pain. It is used extensively for rheumatism pain in
the loins and knees. It also has a very good anti-sprain action.

 

The Herbs of the 21st Century?

 

A herb that is becoming very popular and has a strong history is the
legendary Chinese mushroom called Ling Zhi (Lucid Ganoderma) , better known as
the Reishi Mushroom. This mushroom has some unique healing qualities, such as
being a heart tonic, providing a relief from allergies, lowering of blood
pressure, and the increased production of white blood cells. It has been
reported to be an anti-aging herb due to it’s high content of antioxidants which
destroy free radicals, a leading cause of aging and health problems. For the
athlete, it supposedly supplies energy and strengthens tendons and bones. More
research is being done on this herb for a host of other health problems. Note Maitake should also be noted as a very powerful mushroom, more on that in a different article.
Another herb is Gou Teng also called Uncaria Hooks, this amazing herb is being used for
lowering Blood Pressure, Liver heat and spasms. A similar herb found in Peru is
Uncaria Tomentosa also called Cat’s Claw. This herb has so many chemical
properties that it is to much to list. Some of the illness’s being treated with
Cat’s Claw is any and all digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease,
Diverticulitis, Leaky Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Gastritis. Etc. It is also has
some of the strongest Immuno-Stimulating properties of any herb and is being
used in the treatment of AIDS. The list goes on this amazing herb.

 

The Basic Theories

 

The above mentioned herbs are just a tiny sampling of what is available.
there are over a thousand different herbs with different classifications and
properties as well as the different actions they take. TCM believes that all
herbs have some of the following properties, the four essences, five flavors and
four direction of action. The four essences mean cold, hot, warm and cool, which
are the therapeutic effects of the herbs. The five flavors, pungent, sweet,
sour, bitter, and salty, all have their own therapeutic action. for example,
sweet herbs tonify and harmonize, sour herbs contract and stop discharges, salty
herbs soften hard masses and relieve constipation. The four directions are
ascending, descending, floating, and sinking. Ascending and floating refer to
herbs that have an upward and outward effect and are used to activate yang.
Descending and sinking refer to herbs that have a downward and inner effect and
are used to activate yin. I have just described a brief and super condensed
version of TCM The purpose is to show that just taking herbs without knowing
what they can do or how they can affect you, can cause a setback in your
training or in reaching your peak condition. Herbs taken properly will be a
tremendous asset to your health and well being. So remember to, find the right
formula for your needs. If you are tired all the time you might need a formula
that is a yang tonic with a little bit of yin properties. if you are a bundle of
energy and going all the time, then you might need a yin tonic with a small
amount of yang, so you don’t burn yourself out. If you are not sure what you
need, find a competent herbalist to help you.

 

How Do I Take Them?

 

There are also many formulas on the market that build yin and yang and are
great ch’i tonics. They can be purchased in pill form and also as an extract.
Some herbs can be purchased fresh, and you can make a decoction and drink it as
a tea. Depending on the herb, approximately 30 grams for a dry herb and 75 grams
for fresh herbs, simmered ( approx 1 hour) from 750ml of water to 500 ml is the
one of several ways to make a decoction. One half cup three times a day is a
standard dosage. It is best to use a glass or enamel pot since metal pots can
leach impurities into your decoction. For the utmost in health benefit, use
distilled water and not tap water, since tap water has impurities, bacteria,
chlorine and possibly, lead. No sense bringing these guys along for a ride on
our super highway. Some herbs are just good for decoction and are not to be
eaten and other herbs make a great addition to soups and should be eaten. Ask
the expert, your herbalist, if you can eat the herbs you purchased. The
introduction of Chinese herbs in your training regimen can be a great asset. So
train hard, balance your body with the proper herbs, and then tell everybody to
look out ! Good Luck !