Sensitivity to scents causes concern

September 6, 2004

In a message dated 9/6/2004 6:17:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

attiliodalberto writes:

Many experts believe that

fragrance-sensitivity could become as big and as divisive an issue as

smoking is in the workplace. Many doctors are now attributing a growing

range of complaints to the condition - Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

syndrome, a catch-all term that includes the sensitivity to manufactured

fragrances.

I personally have problems with this. The more chemicals that are in the

air, I.e. on public transport, the worse it is. About time, the healthcare

industry noted this problem. But what can we TCM practitioners do about it,

what's the syndrome categorisation? I have always had a weak lung and I may

point this towards the problem, but what do others think?

Kind regards

Attilio

I also agree this problem is going to be a huge problem as time goes on.

I don't see it as a chemical problem as much as a personal imbalance

problem. This doesn't mean I think we should throw a bunch of chemicals into

the

environment via perfumes and pollution. (Personally, I think many perfumes

are pollution, but that is just me.)

As a person deals with their genetics, food intolerance's, inflammation

and a sympathetic nervous system that is stressed, their body will respond

negatively to more and more chemicals, food and emotions. It doesn't take long

for many people to start to react to perfumes. It is just a little farther down

the inflamation/stress road.

How do I see this in CM? Several forms of deficiency and different forms

of heat.

In WM, look for Adrenal stress, hypothyroid, anemia, low digestive

juices, and a hyper sympathetic nervous system.

Of course this is a general over view. I had the eye wall of Frances

skirt my house. 8-10hrs of Hurricane force winds. It took a toll after a

while.

Lot's to do.

All the best,

Chris

IMHO,

Chris

September 6, 2004

Hi Atillio,

> But what can we TCM practitioners do about it,

> what's the syndrome categorisation? I have always had a weak lung

and I may

> point this towards the problem, but what do others think?

I have learned that the body is remarkably adaptable and resilient as

long as it gets a frequent " oil change " . That is, the " pipes " in the

body have to be kept open and clean.

How to keep open: Frequent movement (not exercise) and self-massage.

Both aspects are part of good healthy living throughout the world -

not just China. People, both practitioners and client/patients should

teach themselves how to maintain their own bodies on a daily basis.

Every day I go outdoors and move my muscles, joints, blood, air and

energy qi.

How to keep clean: Fresh air that helps replenish the supply of

internal qi, small amounts of food that will not overtax the internal

transformation systems, conservation of our internal jing. Of course,

it is not possible to breathe fresh air directly in a polluted

environment. This is where good " breathing practice " , e.g. yoga pranic

breathing, qigong breathing really helps. The alternative is to go to

places where there is fresh air, something that is becoming less and

less available overtime and humans continue to " consume " much, much

more than we need to survive. :-)

Anyways, human bodies are designed to clean themselves out as long as

things are free and clear (no obstructions) and we are not

overclogging them. Simple enough but that requires people to reverse

the desire to stuff their bodies with more than they can handle.

:-) " Desire to overconsume " seems to be a very unique human trait among

all living species.

Regards,

Rich

September 6, 2004

Chemical, perfume and smoke sensitivity is often associated with

candida overgrowth. It is no surprise that these types of symptoms

are becoming more common - the " twentieth century lifestyle " is

considered ideal for encouraging candida overgrowth, and we are seeing

more and more cases of candida overgrowth. As folks eat refined

foods, take antibiotics and hormone based drugs and live under

stressful conditions, candida has the opportunity to take over.

Candida is a type of parasitic yeast like fungus. It naturally

inhabits the intestines, genital tract, mouth, esophagus and throat.

Its growth is kept in check by our immune system and by the helpful

bacterial flora normally present in our bodies. Under certain

circumstances, candida can multiply and cause an infection known as

candidiasis. Candida is an opportunistic organism. When an

ecological change takes place in the body's internal environment,

helpful bacteria tend to be decreased and the immune system response

becomes depressed. This allows the fungus to spread and colonize the

body.

A variety of things encourage yeast growth by disrupting the body's

natural defensive immune response.

· First and foremost is antibiotic consumption; this includes both

taking a prescription and eating meats laden with antibiotics.

Antibiotics are indiscriminate assassins. They not only kill invading

pathogenic bacteria but also the healthy bacterial flora in the

intestines that normally keep the candida population in check.

· The second cause is hormone therapy. Hormones are involved in

regulation of the immune system, and the use of hormones such as birth

control and corticosteroids tends to change hormonal balance causing a

weakening of immune response allowing the yeast to overgrow.

· Third, environmental chemicals like tobacco, lead, mercury,

petrochemicals and many others also overwhelm and depress the immune

system, opening the way for candida overgrowth.

· Fourth, stress is known to depress the immune system again allowing

candida infestation.

· Fifth, our twentieth century diet which is rich in simple sugars and

limited in complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is very good

for yeasts and not so good for humans. Nutritional deficiencies

weaken our immune system while sugars like those found in processed

food are super food for yeasts. In addition, many foods are

contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins that will colonize our

gastrointestinal tracts.

· Lastly, diabetes, hypoglycemia and other metabolic diseases can be

triggers for candida proliferation.

Once there is overgrowth, yeasts begin to build molecules that

resemble hormone molecules. These molecules interfere in the

regulation of the immune system and insure the survival of the yeast.

This changes the entire endocrine system causing a variety of

symptoms like fatigue, PMS and endometriosis. Such symptoms cause more

stress which interferes with the immune system and furthers endocrine

imbalance which increases symptoms and on and on in a vicious cycle.

Candida produces a large number of biologically active substances

called mycotoxins. These toxins are secreted to serve the fungi by

protecting it from viruses and humans. These toxins can get into the

human blood stream and produce fatigue, memory loss, fogginess,

depression, mood swings, headaches, nausea, numbness, etc… Many

symptoms thought to be caused by hypoglycemia are often a result of

mycotoxins. When yeast overgrows, the amount of toxins released can

overburden the immune system. As yeast and yeast toxins weaken the

immune system, there is an increased incidence of viral, bacterial and

fungal infections. Western medicine addresses these with antibiotics;

thus engaging yet another vicious cycle. Immune suppression,

anitbiotic use, yeast growth, immune suppression and so on.

Research shows that yeast infections can decrease the host's number of

natural suppressor cells. A yeast infection can reduce the natural

suppressor cells by about 15%. These white blood cells are

responsible for preventing our immune system from attacking our own

tissue – as occurs in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid

arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimotos thyroiditis and lupus.

Therefore, candida overgrowth should be considered in searching for

the root cause of autoimmune disorders.

New research indicates that high cholesterol may be associated with

fungal infection. The liver produces cholesterol to protect the body

from mycotoxins. Cholesterol reduces the toxicity of mycotoxins by

helping bind or chelate them. Studies show that antifungal therapies

actually reduce cholesterol and that all the cholesterol reducing

drugs - statins - are also antifungal. A normal cholesterol level

does not indicate a lack of fungal infection, but a high level may

indicate candida infestation.

Candida infection often leads to " leaky gut " . When candida takes

over, often the permeability of the intestines is altered, thus

allowing molecules to pass out of the intestines and into the gut.

This condition leads to food sensitivites and digestive disturbances.

The most troublesome aspect of this syndrome is the diagnosis. Candida

lives in everybody; therefore, its presence in a lab test is not

abnormal. The recommended alternative is diagnosis based on history,

trial therapy and a high index of suspicion.

The most important aspect of treatment is diet. The diet must be

changed. Foods which encourage fungal growth must be avoided. These

foods are high in sugar like fruit, fruit juice, fermented foods,

alcohol, cheese, bread, animal products including dairy, nuts, and any

refined foods. Yeast laden foods like peanuts, mushrooms, meats and

left overs should be avoided. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals

which support the immune system and an increase in fiber intake will

reduce the impact of mycotoxins. Lastly, a probiotic supplement will

help return the gut's flora to balance - I like a product called

primal defence.

Daily life should promote a healthy body and a strong immune system.

Exercise, relaxation and stress management are key factors in healthy

immune response. Avoid antibiotics and birth control. Tobacco should

be eliminated as tobacco products are infested with yeasts and other

fungi. In addition, steps should be taken to reduce contact with

environmental molds.

In addition to cleaning up the body's internal environment, the yeast

overgrowth must be eliminated. Western medicine has a class of drugs

to kill the yeasts called nystatins.

Chinese medicine can address the problem through herbs. Both Golden

Flower and Health Concerns offer patent herb products which address

systemic candidiasis. It has also been sugested that formulas which

address Li Dong-yuan's yin fire are possible solutions. These products

coupled with a restricted diet will lead to improved health in almost

all cases; however, one should expect to continue treatment for up to

nine months.

Attilio, I am not suggesting that you suffer from candida overgrowth

but am suggesting that we will see an increase in chemical

sensitivities as more and more folks become overcolonized.

regards,

Rebecca

September 6, 2004

In a message dated 9/6/2004 10:34:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

rebeccarmt writes:

Once there is overgrowth, yeasts begin to build molecules that

resemble hormone molecules. These molecules interfere in the

regulation of the immune system and insure the survival of the yeast.

This changes the entire endocrine system causing a variety of

symptoms like fatigue, PMS and endometriosis. Such symptoms cause more

stress which interferes with the immune system and furthers endocrine

imbalance which increases symptoms and on and on in a vicious cycle.

Great Post.

I am interested in this part as I have never heard of hormone like

molecules being produced by candida before.

Could you explain a little more about his please?

Thanks,

Chris

September 6, 2004

> I personally have problems with this. The more

> chemicals that are in the air, I.e. on public

> transport, the worse it is. About time, the

> healthcare industry noted this problem. But

> what can we TCM practitioners do about it,

> what's the syndrome categorisation? I have

> always had a weak lung and I may

> point this towards the problem, but what do

> others think?

Hi Attilio,

I don't view sensitivity to odours as a problem.

I wish my eyesight, hearing, and sense of taste were as good as my

sense of smell.

In ABT school they mentioned diagnosis by smell.

I thought " finally! I've found my people. " , but then they bombarded

us with incense.

Appearently diagnosis by smell was only a theory for my teachers.

I live on a very busy street in Chicago. Buses pass my house every 5

minutes. Trucks rattle my windows constantly.

I have electric air purifiers and bags of zeolite chrystals that I

scatter through out the house. I run ionizers in rooms while I'm not

in them, especially in my treatment room (off the kitchen).

I am very cautious about bringing products that might " out gas " into

my house.

Natural odours like from plants and food (natural foods;-) have never

been a problem.

Part of asking clients not to wear scents to the session includes

getting them to eventually use unscented laundry detergent and

personal soaps. My hopes is that they gradually branch the quest

for moderate purity out to the rest of their life.

I think people who aren't sensitive to toxic fumes in the air to be

the ones at a disadvantage.

If water tastes vulgar do we enjoy drinking it?

Penel

September 6, 2004

While living in santa fe, nm, which was home to more environmental

illness than I've ever seen before, there were a number of health

care practitioners that would have signs at the front door stating it

is an aroma free workplace. It was a big issue there. Someone I knew

commented that they see a correlation with having an excess metal

condition - namely, the person is the type that has to control

everything in their life. The allergies & sensitivities play in to

this because they force the person to have to control every aspect of

their environment. Until their attittudes change their allergies

won't either. I've seen this pattern in a couple of people but not

enough to make any generalization about it.

I don't think the reactions people experience necessarily have to be

limited to toxic chemicals though. Any pleasant smell that is allowed

to become overbearing becomes unpleasant. Personally, I can't stand

to be around essential oils, not because of an allergy but because

they're so incredibly intense.

And taking this a step further, alot of people now are sensitive to

alot of things - physically and emotionally. Some people's nervous

systems seem to be wired for sensitivity more than others (being a

deer vs. a bear). This seems to be happening as more people become

more self aware. The cause behind this I believe to be a water

deficiency. This is because one of the most effective ways to

compensate for this is to do activities which calm a person down and

isolate them for a while until they return to a balanced state - like

qigong, meditation, etc. These are essentially ways to nourish the

water element. I think this could also be related to a san jiao

disharmony as well, essentially an imbalance with their relationship

to the world.

--brian

September 6, 2004

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the tips on cleaning my self out. But are you saying that my

reaction to these chemicals is because I have too much of something inside.

I rather think its a over-sensitive reaction that's brought on by a weakened

Lung. I noted that for people with allergies, Blood letting is used on the

noticeable Blood points such as Xihai and Geshu plus others. Also Lung

points are used to strengthen and tonify the Lung aswell as reduce Wind. How

does this fit in with your theory of cleaning out the pipe-work. Please

explain more.

Kind regards

Attilio

Rich [rfinkelstein]

06 September 2004 14:01

Chinese Medicine

Re: Sensitivity to scents causes concern