(Episode 19) Beyond Breast Health: Thermography as a Tool for Self-Healing

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?

Our guest today is Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren, a licensed acupuncturist who received her Ph.D. from the American University of Complementary Medicine and studied extensively with 88th generation Daoist Priest Dr. Jeffrey Yuen. Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren is an accomplished researcher, author and teacher. She currently practices natural medicine in Los Gatos, California. 


What is Thermography? 

Thermography is used as an early detection tool that uses heat sensors to image blood flow in body tissues. Originally used by biologists to detect life forms under land or sea, the technology was later modified for clinical settings.

Though thermography can be used to scan the entire body, its usefulness is often attributed to monitoring breast tissue irregularities and possibly detecting early signs of breast cancer. Among other things, thermography has also been shown to detect early signs of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In essence, thermography detects anomalies in the body that shouldn’t be present. 

Although thermography is a great tool, it’s not a replacement for mammograms. As a less invasive alternative, thermography offers a safer option to monitor and track irregularities in breast tissues over time. If for instance, thermography results are showing irregularities a mammogram may become necessary to corroborate thermography findings. 


Chinese Medicine & inflammation

Since thermography essentially detects inflammation, it can also serve as a powerful tool from the Chinese medicine perspective.

According to Chinese Medicine, inflammation or heat often stem from the Stomach & Liver organ systems, both of which run through the breasts. Since the Stomach is part of the gastrointestinal system, it’s important to be conscious to cultivate a low inflammatory diet.

Thermography can offer guidance as a preventative tool in detecting inflammation in these regions. This is especially true for the liver since inflammation on the breast can also be a warning signal that the liver is congested.

Although thermography can help detect inflammation in the body, naturally healing the inflammation requires patience and understanding of the underlying causes. As a next step, it’s important to find the tools and resources necessary in order to address the inflammation. Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren works with her patients to develop herbal formulas and dietary changes known to help reduce inflammation and help the body heal. 

As a holistic medicine practitioner, Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren emphasizes on the importance of treating the human body as an extension of nature. For this reason, it’s very important to address the entire human being and their emotional and physiological stressors in order to bring about healing and harmony in the body. 


Tips to reduce inflammation

  1. Lymphatic massage occasionally in order to increase blood flow in your breast tissues. 

  2. Increase movement — shake, move or jump in order to increase circulation. 

  3. See an acupuncture practitioner in order to address underlying causes of inflammation. 


References

Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren’s website: truechi.com (thermography offered once per quarter) 

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?

Loved this episode?

Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!

Thank you!

(Episode 15) How Resistance to Change Can Cause Illness: 3 Ways to Temper Wind & Protect Your Health

by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — where are you resisting change that could be creating Wind in your life?

The only constant in life is change and yet change is something we all at times resist, however inadvertently. In Chinese Medicine, this resistance is said to create Wind in our life. More broadly, Wind sets the foundation for what is referred to as the “100 Diseases” or the root of most health problems. 

Before delving into the pathogenic factors of Wind, it’s important to define Wind. How is Wind defined from the Chinese Medicine perspective? In nature we observe wind shake trees and rattle leaves. In the same way, Wind causes disruption in our body—leading to tremors, shaking and dizziness, among other things. Associated with Spring and the Wood element organ of Liver, Wind disruption often takes form as nerve irritability. 

Wind related symptoms become more apparent during important changes in our lives. It’s the resistance we experience to the change as we become uncomfortable or uneasy. 

Seasonal change from the very Yin state of Winter to the active Yang season of Spring also introduces discomfort if we don’t adjust well to the shift in seasons. 

Since Spring naturally brings a lot of Wind, we also witness some common health problems during this time. As a Yang and active phenomenon, Wind can cause allergies, itching and dryness. Other conditions like sciatica and pinched nerves are also common problems associated with Wind. Extreme state of Wind can exhibit paralysis or even stroke.

 Because disruptions caused by Wind are so widespread, it’s crucial to temper and remedy Wind.

3 tips to Help Temper Wind & Protect Yourself from Dis-ease

  1. Become more aware of your circumstances and how you’re handling life situations. Are you resisting or becoming frustrated in your life? These are important questions to ask in order to increase your awareness. This awareness can help you let go of the urge to control every aspect of your life and become more accepting of experiences with simplicity so as not to allow mental, physical or emotional discomfort. 

  2. Temper and manage your emotions in order to avoid extreme aggression. Dietary changes like avoiding coffee, alcohol and other stimulants can help cool down your nervous system as well. 

  3. Manage stress. If there are aspects of your life that are causing great stress, learn to deal with them if they’re within your control—such as leaving a stressful job or relationship. For stressful situations out of your control, gather and look for tools to help you feel at ease. This is especially important to control your cortisol level as too much cortisol in the system can lead to development of Wind symptoms that can disrupt your health.

    Acupuncture is also a great tool that’s beneficial in inducing a calming effect on the mind and the nervous system. To learn more about acupuncture, click here.

Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — where are you resisting change that could be creating Wind in your life?

Loved this episode?

Please subscribe and consider rating & reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts. Five star reviews help us reach & support more listeners like you. You can also follow us on Spotify to be the first to hear about new & bonus episodes!

Thank you!