Dear Friends:

This blog is a little different today.

Today is the 30th anniversary of the day that the disease eventually known as AIDS was reported to the Centers for Disease Control.

Thirty years ago today, June 6, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published a paper identifying a new disease they called Gay Related Immunodeficiency, or GRID. When AIDS was first detected 30 years ago, it was considered a white, gay man’s disease. Hence, the name GRID.

Three decades later, AIDS has claimed more than 30 million deaths worldwide.

Although African-Americans represent only 12.6 percent of the U.S. population, black people disproportionately represent almost half of all new HIV infections and nearly 50 percent of AIDS-related deaths.

Please join me in making a donation to Quan Yin Healing Arts Center, a nonprofit 501c3, and consider walking with us. It will be a fun day in the park as well as walking to support treatment choice for people with HIV/AIDS.

Friends of Quan Yin

Quan Yin Healing Arts Center provides low cost and subsidized services to people with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

Donate Here to Quan Yin

It is especially important for our community to support Quan Yin Healing Arts Center as Quan Yin provides a choice of treatment to people with HIV /AIDS through subsidized care — acupuncture, herbs, Qi Gong, and acupressure — to help people with side effects of HIV medications as well as improve overall quality of life and decrease the number of medications needed for HIV-related illnesses. Also, people who cannot use HIV drugs can get help with acupuncture and herbs.

Thanks for your support!

Yours in Health,

Doc Misha

Misha Ruth Cohen, OMD. L.Ac.

Dear Friends:

This is Part Two of the series Support the Shen in which you will find out more about natural therapies, integrated Chinese medicine and integrative medicine treatments (both self-care and practitioner based) for the psychological, emotional and mental manifestations of having liver disease.

The focus today is on diet and nutrition. Please see the previous blogs on diet and hepatitis.

In addition to following basic guidelines for sound nutrition for people with liver disease, these additional dietary recommendations are from Chinese medicine.

*Eat foods that regulate or move Stagnant Qi and motivate stuck energy: basil, bay leaves, beets, black pepper, cabbage, chicken livers (organic please!), coconut milk, garlic, ginger, kelp, leek, nori, peaches, scallions, rosemary.                                                 Avoid alcohol, fatty foods, food additives, unnecessary medicines, overindulgence in sweets.

*Eat foods that sedate Excess Liver conditions (Chinese diagnosis): beef, chicken livers, celery, kelp, mussels, nori and plums. Avoid coffee in excess, fried foods, excessively spicy foods, heavy red meat, sugar and sweets.

*Eat foods that help ease Xue Deficiency: oysters, sweet rice, liver, chicken broth. Avoid raw fruit and vegetables, cold liquids or ice.

Look for Part Three of Support the Shen soon!

Yours in health,
Doc Misha (aka Misha Ruth Cohen, OMD, L.Ac.)

P.S. * Recipes for a Healthy Liver: Dietary Therapies to Help You Feel Better is a BONUS book you will get when you order my new e-book 7 Key Facts You Must Know To Choose Your Correct Hepatitis C Treatment.

Dear Doc Misha Blog Watchers:

This the beginning of a series on this blog for with liver disease who are experiencing mental, emotional and somatic issues associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Support the Shen – Part One

Today I am going to focus on the psychological and somatic (body)  symptoms that may appear when a person has some type of liver disease. And, give you some acupressure points you can start to use at home.

Anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms are often found in people suffering from hepatitis or liver disease of any type. Also, people undergoing interferon treatment and chemotherapy of various types have discomfort associated with these issues.

In Chinese Medicine, the mind\body\spirit is understood to be one entity. A peaceful mind and spirit are inseparable from the health of the body. As healthy a body as possible is part and parcel of a balanced mind and spirit. Depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders are not singled out as symbols of an embarrassing failure of character, as they too often are in Western cultures. Instead, they are seen as a manifestation of a network of responses that are physical, spiritual and psychological.

In Chinese medicine theory, Shen (loosely translated as Spirit) imbalances are usually caused by internal emotional disharmonies (traumas such as abuse and neglect) and by suppression of emotions (caused by denial and inability to contend with or express feelings).

There are two types of Shen imbalances: Disturbed Shen and Lack of Shen. Disturbed Shen causes forgetfulness, disorientation, memory lapses, insomnia and lackluster eyes. Extreme disharmony is associated with severe psychiatric disorders. Lack of Shen is associated with a flat affect and inability to communicate. Lack of Shen presents the classic, “The lights are on, but no one’s home.”

Insomnia, anxiety,  depression, chronic headaches, digestive disturbances, alcoholism, panic attacks,  schizophrenia and psychosis may all be manifestations of various degrees of Shen imbalance.

Massage and Acupressure to Support the Shen

Self-massage is soothing to the Shen and provides a period of pleasure and relaxation. One example is acupressure massage. Every day you can massage Liver 3, Pericardium 6, SiShenCong–four points on the crown of the head and Yintang, between the eyebrows.

Liver 3 is on the top of the foot in the depression towards the body at the junction of the 1st and 2nd toes. Pericardium 6 is palm side of the forearm, 3 of your fingers width above crease of the wrist, between the wrist/arm tendons.

Probe around the point until you feel tenderness and a slight emanation of energy. Apply a steady, even pressure, press down–don’t stab–and then rock your finger gently around the point. Alternate holding the point steadily for about 10 to 30 seconds, with periods of active massage.

In addition, receiving a professional massage once a week will provide the kind of thorough Shen relaxation on areas that is difficult to do for yourself. You should choose the style of massage that is most soothing to you.

Look for Part Two on Support the Shen. I will continue to give you hints using diet, meditation, exercise, herbs and nutritional supplements.

See you soon!

Yours in health,

Doc Misha (Misha Ruth Cohen, OMS, L.Ac.)

Dear Friends of Doc Misha:

The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program has released a series of DVDs. One video is an interview by Doc Misha with a patient with hepatitis C.

• What are the goals of TCM therapy in a hepatitis C patient?
• What can a patient expect from a TCM practitioner?
• How does Acupuncture help in a person living with HCV?
• How can western medicine be complemented by Chinese medicine for a hepatitis C patient?

Here is a description from the Caring Ambassadors Web site:

Hepatitis C Choices in Care DVD Series

Hepatitis C

Diverse Viewpoints and Choices for Your Hepatitis C Journey
The Caring Ambassadors Program (CAP) would like all persons with hepatitis C to  be are aware of their disease status, and have accurate and sufficient information to make educated management decisions that match their personal medical circumstances and health goals. In a climate wherein even many health care providers lack an adequate knowledge base, chronic hepatitis C patients are often confused about their treatment/management options.

Hepatitis C: Choices in Care DVD Series is here for you.

The DVD is an abbreviated version of the Hepatitis C Choices Book, 4th Edition. This DVD offers those infected with hepatitis C evidence-based information on treatment and disease management options.

As part of the series of DVDs, there are three that feature Doc Misha and Integrative Chinese Medicine for hepatitis C and hepatitis C symptoms. Please take a look at these videos and make them go viral!

Learn more about Chinese medicine treatment for Hepatitis C in my e-book “Doc Misha’s Special Guide: 7 Key Facts You Must Know To Choose Your Correct Hepatitis C Treatment”.

Yours in health,

Doc Misha

Dear Friends:

Here is a video of the Hepatitis C Rally held on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco with the San Francisco Mayor’s Hepatitis C Task Force on May 19th, 2010.

San Francisco Hepatitis C Task Force Rally 2010

San Francisco Hepatitis C Task Force

Slideshow and Photography by Alice Heimsoth
Music By Canned Heat “Lets Work Together”

This is dedicated to the life and work of Randy Allgaier.

I am proud to be a member of this Task Force.

Yours in health,
Doc Misha

Dear Friends:

Today, I am writing to you to tell you about an important document that has just been released by the San Francisco Mayor’s Hepatitis C Task Force.

Hepatitis C Task Force

I am proud to have been appointed to the Task Force by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and participated in 2010 as an active member of the Task Force’s Care & Treatment Committee alongside advocates, physicians and city health workers.

As you know by now from this blog, HCV infection is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States; approximately 4-6 million persons are chronically infected.

What you may not know is that San Francisco has the highest rate of liver cancer in the nation, most of which is attributed to high rates of viral infections hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

In 2009, Mayor Gavin Newsom appointed a diverse group of individuals to form the San Francisco Hepatitis C Task Force and develop recommendations about how to strategically address hepatitis C in the city. In 2010, the Task Force met on a monthly basis to develop a program of recommendations designed to be carried out in the San Francisco public health system.

In addition, the Hepatitis C Task Force committees met monthly to develop draft recommendations in specific topic areas (i.e., Care & Treatment; Prevention, Education, Awareness & Testing; Public Policy; and Research & Surveillance).

At the end of 2010 the Task Force approved its final report. It has now been published and released to the public. Please download your PDF copy at “Recommendations for Strategically Addressing Hepatitis C in San Francisco.”

In 2011, the San Francisco Hepatitis C Task Force will continue to meet as a community group to ensure implementation of its recommendations.

Yours in health,
Doc Misha
Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine

Hi Blog Watchers:

I know this is a blatant request for help but I rarely do it and I wanted to give you an opportunity to participate with my clinic today.

My integrated Chinese medicine clinic in San Francisco, Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, is in the run for Best of the Bay at Vote Number One! We understand that there is no category for integrative medicine, so this is the next best thing and we know many of you are acquainted with our work.

Elisa Angelone, L.Ac. at Chicken Soup

The Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine practitioner team offers complex integrative consultations. We help clients to implement comprehensive treatment and lifestyle programs.
The comprehensive treatment and lifestyle programs are based on principles of Chinese traditional medicine and are integrated with Western therapies. We offer acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition consults, supplements, and therapeutic massage.

Our practitioners work with Western physicians and treatment teams to assist in managing the client’s plan of care. We also provide second opinions and consultations to Chinese medicine practitioners as well as Western medical providers and physicians.

Our specialties include:
*Hepatitis Support
*HIV Wellness
*Cancer Adjunctive Care
*Chinese Medicine Gynecology
*Diabetes Support
*Emotional Wellness

Misha Ruth Cohen, OMD, L.Ac. has more than 35 years experience in the practice of Asian medicine. Nancy Legato, MSTCM, L.Ac. has worked with Misha for 7 years and has deep knowledge of hepatitis, emotional issues and musculoskeletal issues. Elisa Angelone, L.Ac., our mentored practitioner, is a gynecology and fertility specialist. Treatment plans are developed and carried out by all practitioners on the team.

Please vote at Vote Number One!!

1. Plan in advance
Create a plan in advance that you can stick with easily during treatment. This includes all aspects of your life as you can become worn down, spacy and not feel like doing things during interferon treatment. Having a plan that you and your friends and family can follow is very important to successfully getting rid of HCV and becoming cured.
2. Drink plenty of water
It is important to keep your electrolytes balanced and prevent a state of abnormally low levels of blood sodium known as hyponatremia. Dehydration only exaggerates constipation and other intestinal problems. It can also cause mental and body weakness.
3. Rest enough
Sleep 8 hours at night, rest during the day, and take naps as necessary.
4. Support system
Ask your friends and family for help with cooking, cleaning, driving to appointments—be assertive and plan for this in advance.

For more tips, more details on these tips and a full explanation of how to determine if interferon is for you and how to best manage your interferon treatment using integrative Chinese medicine, please go to my Web site and pick up my e-book Optimum Interferon Protocol.

Have a great New Year!

Yours in health,
Doc Misha

Hi Doc Misha Blog Followers:

Every day we hear about Omega-3 fatty acids.
Many of you know that Omega-3′s have health benefits.
But, do you know the best sources for Omega-3 fatty acids?
Well, I would love to share that info with you today.

If you like fish, the best and tastiest source of Omega-3 fatty acids is eating fish. Sardines, herring, and wild Alaskan sockeye salmon are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids with the least toxicity including mercury contamination. Even canned sardines and canned wild salmon, available at stores like Trader Joe’s and in many large markets, are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

An alternative to eating fish is to take fish oil or krill oil. I recommend krill oil due to the fact that Antarctic krill (the staple food of whales) are very small crustaceans (like shrimp) rich in an oil that contains omega-3 fatty acids as well as antioxidant pigments called astaxanthins.

Because of the chemical structure of the oil, the omega fatty acids from krill are considered to be more easily absorbed by than those in fish oil. Also because of the way krill oil is absorbed, you are not burping up fish after you take it (unlike fish oil)

Wikipedia says:

Although omega-3 fatty acids have been known as essential to normal growth and health since the 1930s, awareness of their health benefits has dramatically increased in the past few years.[4] New versions of ethyl esterized omega-3 fatty acids, such as E-EPA and combinations of E-EPA and E-DHA, have drawn attention as highly purified and more effective products than the traditional ones. In the United States, these novel versions are often sold as prescription medications, such as Lovaza. In the European Union, they are available as dietary supplements.

The health benefits of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids — DHA and EPA omega-3 — are the best known. These benefits were discovered in the 1970s by researchers studying the Greenland Inuit Tribe. The Greenland Inuit people consumed large amounts of fat from seafood, but displayed virtually no cardiovascular disease. The high level of Omega-3 fatty acids consumed by the Inuit reduced triglycerides, heart rate, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

You can supplement with Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as eat healthy sustainable seafood. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch for accurate health and ecological info on seafood.

As mentioned previously, krill oil is the most bioavailable form, (more bioavailable version than either Fish Oil or Flax Seeds/Flax Seed Oil) of Omega-3 supplementation, and also has anti-oxidants.

At our clinic we use the Health Concerns practitioner brand, however there are a number of good sources for krill oil.

Yours in health,
Misha Ruth Cohen, OMD, L.Ac.
aka Doc Misha