Anemia

//Western Diagnosis// decrease in number of RBC’s or Hgb content

Etiology
a. acute or chronic a. iron deficiency - other iron metabolism disorders b. renal disease c. endocrine disease - pituitary, thyroid d. nutrient deficiencies - B12, folic acid, copper, vit. C a. immunologic disorders b. hypersplenism c. trauma d. infection e. metabolic disorders - enzyme and membrane deficiencies f. hemoglobinopathies
 * blood loss**
 * deficient erythropoiesis**
 * hemolysis**

Signs & Symptoms
1. from tissue hypoxia - CV and pulm compensatory responses to the hypoxia 2. weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, irritability 3. vertigo, HA, tinnitus, spots before eyes 4. amenorrhea, loss of libido 5. heart failure, shock 6. koiloncyhia - spooning of fingernails 7. thin, brittle fingernails 8. burning, red tongue 9. angular stomatitis

Laboratory
1. CBC 2. iron panel with serum ferritin

Treatment
1. must find cause of anemia if possible - iron deficiency - can use iron citrate, floridex, blackstrap molasses, burdock (both better tolerated & less toxic than commonly used iron sources) **============================================================** =Due To Metabolic Dysfunction= IBIS:

Definition:
Reduction in red cell mass from decreased RBCs and/or hemoglobin.

Etiology:
There are many factors affecting RBC production:

• hypochromic microcytic anemias » iron deficiency anemia » atransferrinemic anemia (iron transport deficiency) » iron utilization anemia (sideroblastic anemia) » iron reutilization anemia (anemia of chronic disease)

• normochromic normocytic anemia » hypoproliferative anemia » anemia of renal disease » anemia of endocrine failure (myxedema and hypopituitarism) » anemia of protein depletion » hypoplastic (aplastic) anemia » myelophthisic anemia

• macrocytic anemia » anemia from B12 deficiency » anemia from folic acid deficiency » anemia from copper deficiency » anemia from ascorbic acid deficiency

Somatic Therapies:
• qigong • tai qi chuan

Nutrition:
therapeutic foods: • foods high in Zinc, Vitamin E, Selenium and Vitamin C • high protein diet

» Sickle cell anemia: • yams, cold water fish: salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines

» Folate-deficiency anemia: • Eat foods with high folate: Liver, asparagus, dried beans, brewers yeast, spinach, wheat bran, dark green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread. Since heat destabilizes folate, it is good to eat foods as raw as possible. (Marz, p. 328, 1997)

» Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia: • Eat foods with Vitamin B12: animal foods or brewers yeast.

» Vitamin B6-responsive anemia: • Eat foods with Vitamin B6: whole grain cereals and breads, vegetables, meats, and liver.

avoid: • oils, butter, coffee, caffeine

Botanicals
• Ceanothus americanus: hemolytic anemia; treats spleen (Felter and Lloyd, p. 473) • Chamaelirium luteum (Helonias): pernicious anemia (Bastyr) • Hydrastis canadensis: pernicious anemia (Bastyr) • Urtica urens: pernicious anemia (Bastyr) • Rumex crispus (Anderson Geller)

Chinese Formulae
• Dang Gui Su (Tang Kui Su) (patent): to increase RBC count. (Zhu, p. 252) • Ginseng and Longan C. (Gui Pi Tang); Ge Jie Da Bu Wan (patent); Ganoderma 18 (patent): with leukemia. (Ginseng and Longan C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 425; Yeung, p. 112; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 244; Bensky and Barolet, p. 255; Ge Jie: Zhu, p. 266; Ganoderma: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 16) • Tang Kuei Four C. (Si Wu Tang): Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) (Hsu, 1980, p. 433; Yeung, p. 220; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 327; Bensky and Barolet, p. 248) • Minor Cinnamon and Peony C. (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang): Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): pernicious anemia (Hsu, 1980, p. 291; Yeung, p. 259; Bensky and Barolet, p. 222) • Ginseng and Astragalus (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) (available as patent): Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency): pernicious anemia (Hsu, 1980, p. 255; Yeung, p. 51; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 186; Bensky and Barolet, p. 241; patent: Fratkin, p. 171) • Four Major Herbs C. (Si Jun Zi Tang): with stomach cancer. (Hsu, 1980, p. 264; Yeung, p. 214; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 103; Bensky and Barolet, p. 236) • Ginseng and Tang Kuei 10 C. (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang): with uterine cancer or tuberculosis. (Hsu, 1980, p. 262; Yeung, p. 209; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 107; Bensky and Barolet, p. 260)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Liver Xu (Deficiency); Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)

» illustrative combinations: • UB-38/43 and St-36; Lu-9 and Sp-5 for anemia (Mann, p. 118) • UB-17, GV-14, UB-21, Sp-10 and St-36 for anemia (Shanghai, p. 204) • LI-11, Sp-6 and Sp-10: nourish Liver to strengthen Spleen and manufacture Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 9) • St-36, Ht-7 and Sp-6: strengthen the Spleen; regulate the circulation of Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and calm the Shen (Flaws, 1989, p. 87) • St-36 and Sp-6: regulate the Spleen and Stomach; nourish the Xue (Blood); descend Rebellious Qi; cultivate the growing source of Qi and Xue (Blood); treat Xu (Deficiency) Cold conditions of the Spleen and Stomach; and ease the Mind (Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36, Sp-6 and UB-20: invigorate the Spleen and benefit the Root of Post-Natal Qi and Xue (Blood) (Flaws, 1989, p. 70; Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36, CV-12 and Sp-6: tonify the Spleen; regulate the Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and treat Spleen Xu (Deficiency) syndrome (Flaws, 1989, p. 87; Finkelstein, p. 20) • UB-17, UB-18 and UB-20 (+ and/or D): tonify Xue (Blood) • si hua: UB-17 and UB-19 (+): "four flowers"; nourish Xue (Blood)

Homeopathy
• Calcarea carbonica: since childhood, esp. girls; disposed to obesity, catarrh and diarrhea with great weakness; swelling of abdomen, vertigo and palpitation on going upstairs • Cinchona: loss of fluids, sight; fainting and ringing in ears; sour belching • Ferrum metallicum: appearance of bloatedness followed by paleness of face and puffiness of extremities; easily exhausted; vomiting after a meal • Kali carbonicum: weak heart, sweats; backache esp. with female complaints • Natrum muriaticum: patient eats well yet remains emaciated and pale; throbbing headache, dyspnea, esp. going upstairs; much palpitation; fluttering and intermittent action of heart • Pulsatilla: similar to ferr-m., for antidoting previous dose of iron; patient chilly • Secale cornutum: progressive anemia with pale, bloodless, jaundiced color • Valerian: hysteria and extreme nervousness

Subtle Support
• notes: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F#, G, G#

• chords: dominant 7th, diminished 7th, A Major, A# Major, C Major, G Major, G# Major (Gimbel, p. 116)

cardiovascular: • The Barcarole • The Blue Danube • Chopin's A minor Waltz • Tango music • Humoresque • Cui's Orientale • Song of India • Donna e Mobile • Oley Speak's Sylvia (Heline, p. 18)

Mind/Body
• lack of joy; fear of life; "yes-but" attitude; feeling not good enough. (Hay, 1984, p. 151) • Anemia involves a refusal to take in the ration of life-energy (prana). Illness is used as an alibi for passivity. (Dethlefsen, p. 196)

Chinese psychophysiology: • Heart ~ Xin rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels; directs the circulation, and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality. » Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy. » Heart Xu (Deficiency) signs include sadness; absence of laughter; depression; fear; anxiety; shortness of breath (Seem, p. 28); cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; inability to speak; memory failure; nocturnal emissions; and restless sleep. » The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.

• Spleen ~ Pi transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood) and holds it in the vessels; and relates to the ability toassimilate, stabilize, and feel balanced and centered. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; easy bruising; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise, overexposure to external Dampness, and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen.

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry skin and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down.

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; produces the Marrow; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; relates particularly to congenital conditions because it carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; and displays the effects of chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); hearing loss; fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).

=Due To Nutritional Deficiency/Blood Loss=

IBIS:

Definition:
Reduction in red cell mass from decreased RBCs and/or hemoglobin.

Etiology:
A discussion follows of the anemias that are caused by blood loss and by deficient iron, B12, folic acid, copper and vitamin C.

blood loss (acute post-hemorrhagic anemia): although sudden loss of a third of the blood volume can be fatal, as much as two-thirds of the blood may be slowly lost over 24 hours without death occurring. Symptoms follow a sudden decrease in the blood volume due to compensatory hemodilution, as well as a diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

iron deficiency (chronic post-hemorrhagic anemia): this is the most common type of anemia. Hemorrhage must be ruled out in any adult presenting with iron deficiency anemia. Pregnancy causes anemia in women, as does prolonged heavy menses. In men, slow gastrointestinal bleeding is the primary cause for anemia.

The stages of iron deficiency anemia are: 1: iron depletion from body stores 2: decreased plasma iron levels, with increased transferrin 3: anemia with RBCs and indices which appear normal 4: microcytosis, then hypochromia 5: signs and symptoms of anemia

vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia): absorption of vitamin B12 occurs in the terminal ileum and requires the presence of gastric HCl and intrinsic factor. B12 is stored in the liver in sufficient quantities to sustain an individual for 3-5 years on a B12-deficient diet. The anemia typically develops insidiously as the liver stores are diminished. Vegans have greater risk for B12 deficiency since most significant sources of B12 are in animal products.

folic acid deficiency: most folic acid anemia is due to poor dietary intake. Liver stores are good for only 2-4 months of a deficient intake. Absorption of folic acid is decreased by alcohol, intestinal malabsorption diseases, oral contraceptives, and anticonvulsants.

copper deficiency: this is most often seen in infants and children. In adults it may be associated with sprue, nephrotic syndrome or kwashiorkor.

vitamin C deficiency: this is often associated with anemia. It is normally hypochromic but may be normocytic, microcytic, or macrocytic. When it is macrocytic, further investigation may reveal concurrent folic acid deficiency.

Somatic Therapies:
• qigong • tai qi chuan

Nutrition:
therapeutic foods: » Iron-deficiency anemia: • Increase dietary sources of Iron If Fe stores are depleted then absorption is: 35% if from heme sources (animal) 8% if from non-heme sources (grains and vegetable source) If Fe stores are repleted then absorption is: 15% if from heme sources 3% if from non heme sources (Marz, 326, 1997.) Note: Iron in the heme form is better absorbed but there is another factor referred to as MPF (Meat, Poultry and Fish) that also seems to enhance absorption of iron. • Beets, green vegetables, black cherries, bee pollen, sun chlorella, apricots, blackberries, apples, currants, egg, kelp, lettuce, prunes, greenbeans, spinach, huckleberries, tahini, lentils, peach, molasses, mustard greens, nettles, mulberries, parsley, liver, watercress; see also the "Iron" topic in Materia Medica for iron content of a wide range of foods. • Foods rich in Iron, folic acid, B12, Chromium and Vitamin C

» Folate-deficiency anemia: • Eat foods with high folate: Liver, asparagus, dried beans, brewers yeast, spinach, wheat bran, dark green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread. Since heat destabilizes folate, it is good to eat foods as raw as possible. (Marz, 328, 1997.) • Folate: Increase dietary intake

» B12-deficiency anemia: • Eat foods with B12: animal foods or brewers yeast.

» B6-responsive anemia: • Eat foods with B6: whole grain cereals and breads, vegetables, meats, and liver.

fresh juices: • blackberry and parsley • grape and parsley • blackberry • black cherry • parsley • dandelion • tomato and desiccated liver • oatstraw or tea • carrot, beet, and celery (Walker, 121.) • carrot and fennel (Walker, 121.) • carrot, asparagus, and lettuce (Walker, 121.) • carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, 121.) • carrot (Walker, 121.) • carrot, celery, parsley, and spinach (Walker, 121.) • spinach (Walker, 121.) • red grape and black currant (Airola, 37.)

specific recommendations: • red meat • chicken • foods rich in Iron and Vitamin A

specific remedies: • take 250 g soybean sprouts, 15 g Chinese dates, and 250 g pork bones. Add water and simmer for several hours, add salt to taste. Eat three times daily. (Chao-liang, Qing-rong, Bao-zhen, p. 72)

avoid: • Avoid coffee, black teas and EDTA additives; any of these when consumed with meals can each reduce iron absorption by up to half. (Marz, 326, 1997; Mehta SW, et al. Nutr Res 1992;12:209-222; Morck TA, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:416-420.) • Avoid eating foods rich in Iron with dairy or with caffeine-containing foods due to decreased absorption (Shefi)

Botanicals
• Cinchona spp. (toxic): patient is weak, pale; when a tonic effect is indicated after exhaustive bleeding (Felter and Lloyd, p. 552, Felter, p. 303) • Crataegus oxyacantha: marked anemia associated with heart irregularity (Felter, p. 326) • Gentiana lutea: increases ability to assimilate food (Felter and Lloyd, p. 925) • Leonurus cardiaca: (heart remedy) anemic nervousness and insomnia; with Senecio aureus (toxic) or Mitchella repens (Priest and Priest, p. 91) • Medicago sativa: nutritive (Anderson Geller) • Rumex crispus: as a bitter, the root theorized to aid the absorption of iron; of iron salts (Priest and Priest, p. 74, NCNM Botanicals) • Strophanthus hispidus: chronic persistent anemia, anemia with feeble imperfect heart action (Ellingwood, p. 221) • Strychnos nux vomica (toxic): atony of the gastrointestinal tract (Felter and Lloyd, p. 1316)

Chinese Formulae
• Tang Kuei and Ginseng 8 C. (Ba Zhen Tang); Yang Rong Wan (patent); Ganoderma 18 (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) and Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): sallow complexion, palpitations, anorexia, easily fatigued (Tang Kuei and Ginseng 8 C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 248; Yeung, p. 33; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 107; Bensky and Barolet, p. 259; Yang Rong Wan: Zhu, p. 268; Fratkin, p. 222; Ganoderma: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 16) • Millettia 9 (patent); Dang Gu Su (patent); Dang Gui Pian (patent): to increase RBC count. (Millettia: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 51; Dang Gui Pian: Zhu, p. 279; Fratkin, p. 177; Dang Gui Su: Zhu, p. 252.) • Ginseng and Tang Kuei 10 C. (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang); Tai Pan Tang Yi Pian (patent); Restorative Tablets (patent): severe anemia (post surgical) (Ginseng and Tang Kuei 10 C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 262; Yeung, p. 209; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 107; Bensky and Barolet, p. 260; Tai Pan Tang Yi Pian: Zhu, p. 265; Fratkin, p. 182.; Restorative: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 24) • Tang Kuei Four C. (Si Wu Tang): Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): dizziness, blurred vision, irregular menses, menorrhagia (Hsu, 1980, p. 433; Yeung, p. 220; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 327; Bensky and Barolet, p. 248) • Fu Ke Ba Zhen Wan (Women's Precious Pills) (patent): for blood loss due to gynecological problems. (Zhu, p. 277) • Coptis and Rhubarb C. (Xie Xin Tang): Due to upper body bleeding, epistaxis, hematemesis. (Hsu, 1980, p. 190; Yeung, p. 265; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 151; Bensky and Barolet, p. 79) • Tang Kuei and Gelatin C. (Jiao Ai Tang); Gui Pi Wan (Kwei Be Wan) (patent): Due to lower body bleeding, menstrual bleeding, hemorrhoids. (Tang Kuei and Gelatin: Hsu, 1980, p. 576; Yeung, p. 137; Bensky and Barolet, p. 345; Gui Pi Wan: Zhu, p. 274) • Coptis and Scute C. (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang); Gui Pi Wan (Kwei Be Wan) (patent): Due to gastric ulcer, in strong patient. (Coptis and Scute C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 175; Yeung, p. 124; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 295; Bensky and Barolet, p. 78; Gui Pi Wan: Zhu, p. 274) • Ginseng and Ginger C. (Li Zhong Wan): Due to gastric ulcer, in weak patient. (Hsu, 1980, p. 295; Yeung, p. 144; Bensky and Barolet, p. 219) • Saussurea and Cardamon C. (Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang); Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (patent); Ganoderma 18 (patent): Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency) (Saussurea and Cardamon C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 234; Yeung p.253; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 187; Bensky and Barolet, p. 238; Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan: Zhu, p. 272; Ganoderma: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 16)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Liver Xu (Deficiency); Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency)

» illustrative combinations: • GV-4, GV-14, UB-17, LI-11 and St-36 for iron deficiency anemia (Shanghai, p. 208) • UB-38/43 and St-36; Lu-9 and Sp-5 for anemia (Mann, p. 118) • LI-11, Sp-6 and Sp-10: nourish Liver to strengthen Spleen and manufacture Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 9) • LI-11, Sp-6 and Sp-10: nourish Liver to strengthen Spleen and manufacture Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 9) • St-36, Ht-7 and Sp-6: strengthen the Spleen; regulate the circulation of Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and calm the Shen (Flaws, 1989, p. 87) • St-36 and Sp-6: regulate the Spleen and Stomach; nourish the Xue (Blood); descend Rebellious Qi; cultivate the growing source of Qi and Xue (Blood); treat Xu (Deficiency) Cold conditions of the Spleen and Stomach; and ease the Mind (Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36, Sp-6 and UB-20: invigorate the Spleen and benefit the Root of Post-Natal Qi and Xue (Blood) (Flaws, 1989, p. 70; Finkelstein, p. 19) • St-36, CV-12 and Sp-6: tonify the Spleen; regulate the Qi; control the Xue (Blood); and treat Spleen Xu (Deficiency) syndrome (Flaws, 1989, p. 87; Finkelstein, p. 20) • UB-17, UB-18 and UB-20 (+ and/or D): tonify Xue (Blood) • si hua: UB-17 and UB-19 (+): "four flowers"; nourish Xue (Blood)

Homeopathy
• Arsenicum album: excessive prostration, considerable edema; violent and irregular palpitation; rapid emaciation, irritable stomach • Helonias: prolonged hemorrhage in women; too tired to sleep; strained muscles burn and ache, > when attention is engaged • Picric acid: extreme prostration with heavy, tired feeling all over body; burning pains along spine, < excitement • Phosphorus: puffy eyes

Subtle Support
• notes: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F#, G, G#

• chords: dominant 7th, diminished 7th, A Major, A# Major, C Major, G Major, G# Major (Gimbel, p. 116)

cardiovascular: • The Barcarole • The Blue Danube • Chopin's A minor Waltz • Tango music • Humoresque • Cui's Orientale • Song of India • Donna e Mobile • Oley Speak's Sylvia (Heline, p. 18)

Mind/Body
• lack of joy; fear of life; "yes-but" attitude; feeling not good enough. (Hay, 1984, p. 151) • Anemia involves a refusal to take in the ration of life-energy (prana). Illness is used as an alibi for passivity. (Dethlefsen, p. 196)

Chinese psychophysiology: • Heart ~ Xin rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels; directs the circulation; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality. » Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy. » Heart Xu (Deficiency) signs include sadness; absence of laughter; depression; fear; anxiety; shortness of breath (Seem, p. 28); cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; inability to speak; memory failure; nocturnal emissions; and restless sleep. » The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood) and holds it in the vessels; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel balanced and centered. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence; » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; easy bruising; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise, overexposure to external Dampness, and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen.

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry skin and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down.

Integrative Therapies
Anemia is a deficiency or abnormality of the red blood cells. The red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen to the internal organs and muscles. The symptoms of anemia include weakness, paleness, headaches, fatigue, and irritability.

The most common causes are nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of iron and vitamin B12, or folic acid. Anemia can also be caused by blood loss from physical injuries, hemorrhoids, childbirth, menstruation, or a slowly bleeding peptic ulcer. Diseases that destroy or impair the production of the body's red blood cells will also cause anemia.

A blood test should be done to determine the cause of the anemia. Consult a physician immediately if suspected anemia is accompanied by pain, fever, confusion, the presence of a possible tumor, extreme changes in skin coloring, or changes in the urine.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR ANEMIA AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE: 1. Iron – 30 milligrams, 3 times per day. Iron Citrate or Picolinate are the prefered forms since they tend to be gentler on the gastrointestinal system and do not cause constipation. 2. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams, 3 times per day with meals. In addition to its other healing properties, vitamin C also aids in the body's ability to absorb iron. 3. Folic acid – 400 micrograms, 3 times per day. Folic acid should not be used by people with epilepsy, as it may increase seizures. 4. Vitamin B12 – 1,000 micrograms per day.

THE PROPER DIET FOR ANEMIA WILL INCLUDE: 1. Calf liver or liquid extracts of liver - This is one of the best foods for individuals with anemia who may need to consume the equivalent of 1/4 pound of liver per day. If commercial extracts are used, consult the product label. To avoid taking in too much vitamin A, the comsumption of more than 1/4 pound of liver on daily basis is not recommended. 2. In addition to liver, eat liberal amounts of iron-rich foods including molasses, beans, dried fruit, almonds, and shellfish and some meat. 3. Add at least 1 cup per day of cooked leafy green vegetables such as kale, collards, beet greens, and limited amounts of spinach to the diet. 4. Be sure to get enough high-quality protein, making sure to include beans, nuts, and seeds in your diet.

HERBS USED FOR ANEMIA: 1. Gentian Root tea – Taken 3 times per day about 1/2 hour before meals. Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of the herb. The bitter taste can be decreased by adding 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the tea. Or take 1 capsule 3 times a day. 2. Dandelion Root tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract – 30 to 90 drops per day in water. 3. Yellow Dock Root tincture – 25 to 40 drops, 3 times per day. 4. Include the following fresh herbs in the diet as much as possible: Parsley, Nettles, Amaranth greens, and Kelp. Salads containing these herbs are a good way to incorporate them into your diet. 5. Decrease or eliminate your intake of coffee. Many coffee substitutes are currently on the market. Drink those beverages made with roasted Dandelion and Chicory Roots in place of the usual coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or black tea.

HOMEOPATHY: From the following homeopathic remedies, the one that best matches the symptoms is choosen, dissolving 3 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day. • Ferrum metallicum 6C: For anemia in people who were once full-blooded and are now pale and have a tendency to bleed. • Natrum mur. 6C: For women with light menstrual periods that may be often delayed or when anemia is accompanied by weight loss. • Ferrum phos 12C: Taken to improve absorption of iron from food.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with anemia. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.

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Dietary Recommendations
Carrot juice, beet juice (twice a day for 2 months).

Dr. Kirschner's green drink: 1c. unsweetened pineapple juice 1tbsp. alfalfa sprouts 1tbsp. fresh parsley 1 tbsp. fresh spinach 3 unpeeled brown almonds 1/4tsp. bone meal 1/4 tsp. seaweed powder 1tsp. wheat germ. Mix and drink immediately.

Recommended Minerals
-Iron -Copper -Molybdenum

Orthomolecular Treatment
-Betain HCl

Prescription (Hypochromic Anemia)
One Day: Coryllus D1, 50 drops Other day: Tamaris Gallica D1, 50 drops