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TCM'S Ancient Solution for Better Bone Health By Steve HathawayThe U.S. Surgeon General has issued his first warning about the serious decline of bone health: 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, while another 34 million are at risk for developing osteoporosis. In addition, by 2020, half of all American citizens older than 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis if no immediate action is taken. These are the words of Dr. Richard H. Carmona, Surgeon General of the United States, released in his October 2004 report, "Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General." http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/bonehealth/. The Surgeon General's declaration follows a report issued by the Mayo Clinic in December 2003 about the statistically significant increase of bone fractures in children and adolescents, the postulated causes being poor calcium intake and lack of physical activity. ("Incidence of childhood distal forearm fractures over 30 years: a population-based study, Endocrine Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester , Minn. ) Poor bone health is a serious heath problem, and the problem is worsening as the modern-day diet changes and people live longer. Bone fractures, caused by poor bone health, have costly repercussions, rippling from the patients themselves out to their families, communities, and society. Inconvenience is the most minor of the difficulties. Broken bones caused by osteoporosis often create a downward spiral in quality of life and physical health, possibly leading to costly medical fees, welfare support, unproductive "down time" and even premature death. Finding effective solutions to prevent and treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases has become a high priority and a serious endeavor in the medical world. The World Health Organization declared the first 10 years of the 20th century to be "The Bone and Joint Decade," recognizing that bone health is of global concern and deserving of international focus. For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has been used for bone fractures, herniated disks, necrosis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. According to TCM, the secret for optimum bone health lies in the functioning of the kidneys and the blood. TCM teaches that the kidneys are closely related to the growth, development, strength and regeneration of the bones, and that the physiological and pathological mechanism of the bones is dominated by the functions of the kidneys. The ancient TCM theory: "The kidneys are in charge of the bones," is derived from The Yellow Emperor's internal classic text and states that the essence stored in the kidneys could grow and transform the marrow, and the marrow can nourish and invigorate the skeleton. The theory continues that the kidneys therefore dominate the bones and the growth of marrow and promote the generation of the vital essence (qi), the energy believed to be responsible for health and vitality in traditional Chinese medicine. TCM theory concerning blood states that the stagnancy of qi, and blood stasis are the core of orthopedic diseases. Promoting blood circulation to remove the stasis and produce new bone is the most important measure for preventing and treating osteoporosis. If blood circulation is not promoted, stasis is not removed, and new bones would not grow. The dysfunction of the movement of qi and blood could lead to the occurrence of disease and produce the pathological changes of blood coagulation, stasis and the occurrence of various orthopedic diseases. The Chinese Traditional Medicine Institute (CTMI) in China has formally recommended an ancient formula from the Yunnan Province of China to the World Health Organization for use in supporting strong and healthy bones and for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases worldwide, as a representative of Chinese herbal medicine. The ancient formula, known as OSTEOKING, has been tested extensively for the past 12 years at the top hospitals and major traditional Chinese medicine research institutes in China . Research conducted at the Traditional Medicine Research Institute in Huaxi , China , showed the formula contains rich amino acids plus more than ten essential elements, all of which are indispensable for the repair of bones. In addition, the study indicated the formula could enlarge blood vessels, lower peripheral resistance and strengthen blood circulation all over the body. Some elements work through receptors of the smooth muscle to block the inward flow of calcium and to block the loss of calcium from within the cell. Therefore the blood and oxygen supplies to the injured tissue cells were improved, which was beneficial to the nutrition of the bone tissue and the increase of bone amount. Other studies showed that OSTEOKING was researched on a wide range of problems including necrosis, herniated discs, osteoporosis and speedy fracture union of both fresh and old fractures. Through use of this herbal remedy, the kidney, liver, and spleen are strengthened, circulation is increased and new bone cell growth is stimulated. For information on additional clinical trials or any questions and comments regarding this article, contact: Steve Hathaway, Nature's Healing Solutions, Inc., Phone: (641) 472-2781; Web Site: www.osteoking.com ; Email: steve@osteoking.com
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