Veggie Garden Chore Chart

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Veggie Garden Chore Chart

Okay, just so you know, I am NOT all about chores. It appears, though, that my creativity currently IS all about making chore charts. Frankly, though, I really think it's just for lack of direction. With the Fourth of July over and fall not here yet, August is just a really dry month (no pun intended) for creative focus. But fall will be here soon, and school starts in just a couple of weeks, so it won't be long now before the creative juices will be gathering with intention. In the meantime, another chore chart...

... and this one is a wonderful little vegetable garden!

I had so much fun putting this together! It was one of my most difficult (having to draw out and digitize all the designs) but also one of the most rewarding. Even if my son doesn't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, I had such a great time that I won't even care. Plus, I think this would make a great activity by itself, without the related chores. Follow along and I think you'll agree.

The first thing I did was draw out a variety of vegetables and digitize them for my embroidery machine. Having learned previously from my Ice Cream Chore Chart, I opted to use a printed cotton for the background color and stitch the shape of the vegetable.

I backed the designs with a stiff white fabric, gluing the outline on the sides and top of the design, but leaving the bottom and center loose. When it was dry, I trimmed the designs to within about 1/8" of the stitching. I still need to apply some anti-fray to the edges.

Next, I opened the bottom ...

... and inserted a popsicle stick, gluing it in place.

I made a pumpkin, watermelon, radishes and beets, ...

... asparagus, turnips, carrots, and tomatoes, ...

... lettuce, cellery, and corn. I still need to do eggplant, onions, and yellow squash, and maybe some mushrooms, broccoli and cauliflower. The variety in shape and color makes the finished product really bright and cheery.

The next step was to prepare the garden. There are any number of ways to do this, and if you put one together, I would love to see yours (I'll even feature a link-up!) I wanted mine for the wall, but it could also be done in a desktop version. I had originally planned on having it be just fabric, but I was shocked at the way the popsicle sticks snagged into the fabric, even though they felt perfectly smooth to the touch . I even tried sanding mine without any real success. Perhaps it would help if they were varnished. Anyway, keep that in mind if you give this a try.

First, I grabbed a cereal box from the recycle bin. I used a ruler to draw parallel lines at an angle on both sides.

Then I cut the sides and continued through the ends. When finished, I was left with two equal 4-sided "trays" that sat at an angle.

I flipped the box over and drew parallel lines inside about 2 inches apart. These lines represent the "rows" of the garden.

Next, I used a razor knife to cut slits out of the row. I made the slits about 1/4" wide, in varying lengths and varying positions to account for the fact that my veggies are different sizes and shapes. The slits needed to be wide enough to fit the popsicle sticks loosely, without being too wide such that the veggie would slip through.

I repeated this with all the rows. It's not important that this step look neat, as it won't be visible on the finished product. It's more important to focus on the size and alignment. I experimented a bit with the finished veggies to get the correct size and placement.

Next, I placed the second half of the cereal box inside the first one, matching the angle of the first box. I left a 1/2-inch gap between the two boxes and glued it in place. I didn't put any spacers between the two box parts, but would probably suggest it if your little one might be a little rough with the finished product.

The gap allows room for the popsicle sticks to fit through, while keeping them from flipping forward from the weight of the veggie, plus it gives the garden a 3-dimensional effect.

Hopefully you can tell from the pictures what this finished step should look like.

Next, I began covering the cardboard with various brown fabrics. I started at the top, wrapping the fabric around the top and sides, and stopping at the slits for the first row. This won't show on the finished product, and it's important to keep the slits clear.

The next step was to align another piece of fabric. I tried to just fold it over and glue it in place, but I found the fabric tended to crumple when I inserted the popsicle sticks. I addressed this problem by adding a strip of cardboard and folding the fabric over the cardboard before adding it to the garden.

I positioned the folded edge covering the slits, gluing the fabric in place just below the slits. (Be sure not to glue the fabric above the slits, or it will cut off the access.) Effectively, there's about 1/2" of "loose" fabric at the top, but it's supported by the piece of cardboard placed into the fold, and stabilized by gluing the fabric around the sides of the box. Then I trimmed the bottom of the fabric before the next row of slits.

I repeated this until the whole box was covered with mixed brown fabric, wrapping the last piece around the sides and bottom so that the cardboard is completely covered.

The popsicle stick is used for labeling the chore. I used a label maker, but you could also just write directly on the popsicle stick. Alternatively, if you put scotch tape on the popsicle stick, you can write on the scotch tape and just peel it off when you want to change it.

This idea would also be a great tool for other various learning activities, such as colors (the color of the veggie,) numbers (count the veggies,) or even the name of the veggie (reading and spelling.) And the garden theme helps kids to understand that food doesn't just magically appear at the grocery store. It's even a fun imagination activity without having any lesson at all.

I arranged the veggies into the garden by slipping the popsicle stick between the folds, through a slit in the row.

Next, I decided it needed a little picket fence. I cut down some square craft sticks and glued them together to make the fence.

I glued the fence to the bottom of the garden.

As a side note, you can also make it so that the veggies are inserted into the side too, you just need to plan for it (I glued my fabric down tightly so I couldn't.)

Then I made a little sign to hang on the fence, identifying it as Jake's garden.

I had a couple of mini tools in my massive pile of junk inventory, and even though I thought they were cute, I opted out and left the fence with just the sign

And that's my version! Isn't it cute?! I just love it!

Wouldn't it be cute with a couple of blackbirds?

Or maybe a scarecrow?

I'm going to start out the day with all the fruits and veggies in a jar or cup. Then as my son does a chore or service, he'll "plant" the veggie in his garden. As the day goes on, he'll be able to see the "fruit of his labor." Then at the end of the day, he can "harvest" his crop (pull the veggies from the garden,) bring it to market (to mom,) and sell it at the current market rate (get paid his allowance.)

If you try this tute, I would LOVE to see your version! It would be great to have a list of link-ups so others could benefit from your efforts. So let me know!

And while you're visiting, be sure to stop by and enter my give-away for a Custom Family Photo Block.

Antidepressants - Serotonin - Afternoon Lulls

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http://www.serotoninpowerdiet.com/about_book.php

Hot Flushes, Antidepressants, and Weight Monday, March 17, 2008, 04:39 PM - AntidepressantsThe woman sitting next to me in the concert hall was fanning herself vigorously with her program. It was not hot in the hall; indeed most people had on sweaters or jackets as the hall was drafty and it was very cold outside. 

"Hot flushes?" I asked knowingly. "Yes," she replied, "and they never seem to end. Plus I never get a good night's sleep. I must wake up every hour hot and sweaty. And then the next day I am so tired, I eat all the time just to stay awake. My doctor suggested I go on antidepressants. He said they might help." At this point the lights dimmed so I said nothing. I wondered if she realized that the therapy for her hot flushes might bring with it another set of problems: weight gain.

Just about all the antidepressants available today have the potential to make people gain weight. The amounts range from 10 to upwards of 30 pounds or more. The reason for the weight gain is that these drugs seem to take away a sense of satisfaction after food is consumed. Patients report food cravings, needing to eat larger portions than before they went on the medications, and a loss of satisfaction and satiety. Added to this drug- induced overeating is the effect of menopause itself. Many women start to struggle with their weight as they go into menopause and complain that it is harder for them to lose pounds than when they were younger. As my seatmate was already overweight, the addition of even 10 more pounds would be unwelcome and might even have an impact on her health. So how could going on antidepressants to relieve her hot flushes be a good idea? 

On the other hand, awakening at night due to frequent hot flushes is unpleasant and leads to daytime fatigue. Disrupted sleep is a well-known trigger for overeating and weight gain. So it was possible that my seatmate was gaining weight because she slept so badly. Was her choice between taking an antidepressant so her hot flushes would go away, she would be able to sleep but might gain weight or not take anything, have her sleep disrupted, and then eat too much because she was so tired?

Fortunately, antidepressant-associated weight gain does not have to be inevitable. Although research studies have not yet identified why these drugs cause overeating, studies that my colleagues and I conducted have shown that there is an easy and natural way to stop it. The same brain chemical on which the antidepressants work, serotonin, is involved in appetite control. Unfortunately, the antidepressants do not make serotonin work harder at controlling eating. If they did, everyone on these drugs would never have to worry about eating too much. That is the bad news. The good news is that everyone can make serotonin work harder at preventing overeating simply by choosing the right foods to eat. 

Serotonin is produced only when carbohydrates are eaten. Complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, cereal, crackers, tortillas, cornbread and simple sugar all activate a process in the body that leads to more serotonin in the brain. (Fructose, the sugar in fruit is the only exception.) When protein is eaten either by itself or with carbohydrate (a chicken sandwich for example) the protein part of the meal prevents serotonin from production. When new serotonin is made, it functions to put a brake on eating. 

Even though the antidepressants would give my seatmate feel a persistent need to eat, regardless of how much food she consumed, she can prevent this from happening by eating a small amount of carbohydrate before starting a meal. A cup of low-fat cereal, 4 or 5 small graham cracker squares, a low-fat granola bar or two fat-free meringue cookies will boost serotonin levels and spoil her appetite. And if she finds herself nibbling all evening, she ought to eat a dinner of only carbohydrate and vegetables. That way the increased serotonin in her brain will prevent her from snacking until she goes to sleep. 

Intermission came and we both stayed seated. After a few minutes, I reached into my bag and offered her some cherry Twizzlers, my all-time favorite carbohydrate snack. "Before you start on your antidepressants," I said to her, "there is something you ought to know."

"Well," she said, after I gave her my carbohydrate 'serotonin boosting suggestions,' if getting rid of hot flushes means snacking on carbohydrates, menopause may not be so bad after all."   









The Serotonin Power DietThe easiest way to lose weight is to use your brain.Here's why: The brain contains the switch that turns your appetite on and off.Serotonin, called the satiety or satisfaction chemical, is the brain chemical that turns off your eating. To lose weight you have to know how to activate the "off button'" before you either overeat or chose foods that are not on your diet. Our book will show you how to boost serotonin to stop overeating, to quiet food cravings, and to experience feelings of satisfaction and comfort.You don't need to take medication or herbs or special supplements to boost serotonin. All you need to do is follow the simple meal and snack plan in The Serotonin Power Diet and your brain will produce more serotonin. And within hours of following the food plan, you will find yourself feeling full, even after eating diet-size portions of meals. Your cravings will disappear. And for an added bonus, your mood will be better. You'll get this extra benefit because serotonin is also the "good mood" brain chemical.Nature gave us a simple way to control our eating and balance our mood just by eating the right foods. During our years of research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, we discovered the connection between eating, emotions and serotonin. By using your brain's natural chemistry, you can:

• Turn off appetite by triggering more serotonin before meals
• Stop the universal carbohydrate craving in the late afternoon by triggering more serotonin before the cravings begin
• Prevent emotional overeating by triggering serotonin during those stressful times
• End the overeating that comes with the use of antidepressants by making the brain produce more serotonin
  

You will find out all about this in our book, The Serotonin Power Diet.

See what our readers have to say!Read excerpts from the book!Here are a couple of corrections to the first edition (hardcover).

Opposing view?:::
Your noontime meal can also lead you into an afternoon tailspin. Bonnie J. Spring, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, has shown in studies that a high-carbohydrate/low-protein lunch can produce an afternoon drop in energy and alertness by elevating the brain's levels of serotonin, a substance that makes us sleepy.

Chinese Herbal Aphrodisiacs

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For centuries the Chinese have associated vibrant health and longevity with both abundant kidney Qi and strong libido. In Chinese medicine your kidney Qi and Essence direct your sexual development and keep your libido healthy; improving the health of your kidneys often means increasing the health of your libido. Some of the most expensive and sought-after kidney-supportive Chinese herbal formulas have become known as aphrodisiacs; they enhance sex drive and performance because they build kidney yin, kidney yang, and kidney Essence.

Many also enhance immunity, energy, and stamina, giving them a profound impact on your overall healthand longevity. According to Anne Marie Colbin, author of Food and Healing, "An aphrodisiac is a substance that will expand and relax someone who is sexually too tight, or contract and strengthen someone who is too spacey and scattered." A number of Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs have both of these properties; they contain compounds that can stimulate as well as sedate your nervous system.

This may sound surprising, but because of their dual actions Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs are legendary. The Chinese have invested a few thousand years of research in perfecting herbal formulas for preserving sexual vitality. However, it is sometimes difficult for Westerners to understand that these formulas are meant to be used within the context of boosting every aspect of your health. In the age of Viagra, it cannot be emphasized enough that taking a single drug or herbal formula does not make you sexually potent. Great health and vitality are what give you sexual vigor.

The health of your libido is not measured by just how much and how often you want to engage in sexual activity; it is much more than that. A women’s libido requires having energy and vitality, but also feeling relaxed and loving. Men tend to take herbal aphrodisiacs to build kidney yang energy for short bursts of sexual satisfaction, but women need to take them over a long period of time to build both kidney yin and kidney yang energy. Building only your kidney yang energy will ultimately exhaust your kidney yin and kidney Essence. By strengthening your kidney yin, kidney yang, and kidney Essence, herbal aphrodisiacs can fortify your sexual vitality by gently strengthening the health of your entire body.

The following are some of the best Chinese herbs with aphrodisiac properties. You can find them in many Chinese herbal formulas traditionally given to enhance libido and sexual performance, and in those prescribed for women who are infertile or menopausal. (Chinese herbal formulas are mixtures of herbs that have specific effects when combined together.) Here, these herbs are recommended primarily for their ability to enhance your kidney Qi and kidney Essence. Taking increased amounts of these herbs is not always beneficial; too much may have the opposite effect. For instance, if you take an excessive amount of an herb that strengthens your kidney yang when you are lacking kidney yin can create an imbalance in your Qi and result in a lack of libido. For best results, consult with your practitioner of Chinese medicine.

• Chinese ginseng is a powerful herb for strengthening your Qi and helping your body adapt to stress. It is used as a sexual tonic because of its modulating effects on your nervous system. If you are lethargic it can give you sexual energy, and if you are tense it can help you relax. Chinese ginseng contains compounds that may have effects on your body resembling those of certain sex and adrenal hormones. It does not act as an immediate sexual stimulant, but when taken long-term it can enhance your sexual vitality. It is usually used in combination with other herbal aphrodisiacs to increase sexual potency, kidney yang, and kidney Essence. In postmenopausal women ginseng can prevent atrophy of the vulvar and vaginal tissues. As a single herb, the recommended dose of ginseng is 200 milligrams taken two to three times a day. Chinese ginseng should not be taken by women with a deficiency of kidney yin because it can be too warming. 
• Rehmannia is superb for nourishing your kidney yin and kidney Essence. In Chinese medicine, this herb is said to be "food for your kidneys," very rejuvenating, and with the potential to increase your longevity. Rehmannia is usually used in combination with other herbs to build Blood, and strengthen yin and Qi. As a women's herb, it can enhance your sexuality and draw Qi and energy into your reproductive organs. You will benefit most from the prepared form of rehmannia that has been soaked in wine, steamed, and sun-dried (this form of rehmannia should not be used if you have diarrhea). Rehmannia is seldom prescribed as a single herb. One of the most popular Chinese herbal formulas containing rehmannia, along with other herbs for building kidney yin and kidney Essence, is Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills; the usual dose is eight pellets three times a day, depending on the type of product purchased.  
• Epimedium is considered to be the most powerful vegetarian sexual tonic in Chinese medicine, although surprisingly little is known of it in the West. For women, it is best used in combination with herbs like rehmannia, which strengthen or tonify yin, because epimedium has strong kidney yang-building effects. It may possess male hormone-like actions and is believed to work by stimulating your nervous system, especially the nerves in your genitalia. This herb has also been found to decrease high blood pressure, but it will not affect blood pressure that is too low. In addition, epimedium has powerful immunity-boosting and immunity-regulating effects. In Chinese medicine, it is also used for promoting heath and longevity. Epimedium should not be used regularly by women who have an overactive sex drive, a high fever, or symptoms of kidney yin deficiency such as hot flashes, insomnia, or anxiety. It is best used in a Chinese herbal formula. 
• Cordyceps is one of the shining stars among Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs. It builds your sexual energy over time by enhancing your kidney yang and replenishing your kidney yin. Because of its dual nature, expansive yet contractive, cordyceps is a perfect sexual tonic for women. It also has immunity-enhancing properties. In China, cordyceps is highly valued. Fortunately, it has become more readily available as a result of modern cultivation techniques. The recommended dose of cordyceps as a single herb is 500 milligrams two to three times a day. Refrain from using cordyceps if you have a fever.

Can acupuncture enhance sexual desire and pleasure?

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Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used to strengthen and promote optimal sexual health for centuries. Chinese Emperors took their sexual health quite seriously and would consult with a team of physicians if they experienced any difficulties in the bedroom. While Oriental medicine is well know for improving men’s sexual performance; in fact, there have been medical textbooks devoted to the subject; acupuncture can quickly increase male and female libido and restore sexual desire. 1. How can acupuncture improve a lagging libido?
To understand how acupuncture can improve a lagging libido, you have to know the underlying factor that is causing the problem. Causes of waning sexual interest include emotional issues, post-childbirth, breastfeeding, onset of menopause, drug reactions, stress, weight gain, relationship conflicts, hormonal imbalances and physical responses, such as pain or inability to reach orgasm.
With Chinese medicine, a low libido is seen as an imbalance of Qi (energy) within the organ systems, specifically the Kidney and Heart system. Once the cause of the problem is discovered, specific points are stimulated to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to strengthen both the mind and body to bring you back to prime sexual health. Chinese herbs are chosen that will enhance the treatment by increasing vaginal lubrication, calm the mind and regulate hormone imbalances. Ginseng, for instance, can balance the glandular system, which effects mood and sexual desire. Hormonal precursors, such as Horny Goat Weed, boost natural levels of testosterone to arouse sexual drive and libido. Other herbal extracts combine synergistically to awaken and enhance female sexual pleasure as well as increase orgasmic strength.
2. Are there other benefits for sexual health that can be garnered through acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not only for a lagging libido, it can be used for numerous sexual health conditions for both men and women. Here is a brief list of Sexual Health problems that Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture can help:

• Diminished Libido
• Vaginal Dryness
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Premature Ejaculation
• Low Sperm Count
• Diminished Sperm Motility
• Impotence
• Male Climacteric (men-opause)

3. How does acupuncture compare to conventional medicine to improve sexual health?

One of the most appealing qualities of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk of adverse reaction or side effects. While conventional medicine may treat some symptoms of lowered libido it can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer and have a number of significant side-effects.
Another benefit is that acupuncture treatments work synergistically to treat the whole person. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to assess a persons whole constitution (the health of their whole body) and treat the root (or cause) of a health concern along with a branch (or the symptoms) of a health concern. It is in this way that we are able to treat a person’s whole body and mind, rather than just a symptom.

Can acupuncture enhance a woman's sexual desire and pleasure?

To contact us Click HERE
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used to strengthen and promote optimal sexual health for centuries. Chinese Emperors took their sexual health quite seriously and would consult with a team of physicians if they experienced any difficulties in the bedroom. While Oriental medicine is well know for improving men’s sexual performance; in fact, there have been medical textbooks devoted to the subject; acupuncture can quickly increase female libido and restore sexual desire.
1. How can women use acupuncture to improve a lagging libido?
To understand how acupuncture can improve a lagging libido, you have to know the underlying factor that is causing the problem. Causes of waning sexual interest include emotional issues, post-childbirth, breastfeeding, onset of menopause, drug reactions, stress, weight gain, relationship conflicts, hormonal imbalances and physical responses, such as pain or inability to reach orgasm.
With Chinese medicine, a low libido is seen as an imbalance of Qi (energy) within the organ systems, specifically the Kidney and Heart system. Once the cause of the problem is discovered, specific points are stimulated to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to strengthen both the mind and body to bring you back to prime sexual health. Chinese herbs are chosen that will enhance the treatment by increasing vaginal lubrication, calm the mind and regulate hormone imbalances. Ginseng, for instance, can balance the glandular system, which effects mood and sexual desire. Hormonal precursors, such as Horny Goat Weed, boost natural levels of testosterone to arouse sexual drive and libido. Other herbal extracts combine synergistically to awaken and enhance female sexual pleasure as well as increase orgasmic strength.
2. Are there other benefits for women’s sexual health that can be garnered through acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not only for a lagging libido, it can be used for numerous sexual health conditions for both men and women. Here is a brief list of Sexual Health problems that Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture can help:

• Diminished Libido
• Vaginal Dryness
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Premature Ejaculation
• Low Sperm Count
• Diminished Sperm Motility
• Impotence
• Male Climacteric (men-opause)

3. Why should a woman investigate acupuncture as compared to conventional medicine to improve their sexual health?
One of the most appealing qualities of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk of adverse reaction or side effects. While conventional medicine may treat some symptoms of lowered libido it can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer and have a number of significant side-effects.
Another benefit is that acupuncture treatments work synergistically to treat the whole person. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to assess a persons whole constitution (the health of their whole body) and treat the root (or cause) of a health concern along with a branch (or the symptoms) of a health concern. It is in this way that we are able to treat a person’s whole body and mind, rather than just a symptom.

Pediatric Acupuncture: Healing as a Family

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Treating a child with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies presents its own challenges and rewards. As Oriental medicine specialist Mitch Lehman points out, among the latter is the deep satisfaction of bringing families together to experience the power of childhood healing firsthand.

Some are sick. Some are gravely ill. Some are scared. Some are not only unafraid, but they’re quick to allay the fears of their parents. All are very young, and all come to have their symptoms soothed, or even to be healed.

For Mitch Lehman, L.Ac., treating children with acupuncture and other therapies from the practice of traditional Chinese medicine is more than carrying on a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. It’s a matter of being here now with a very young person who’s in pain.

“I have treated children going through chemotherapy, children with cystic fibrosis, and children battling ADHD and much more,” he says.

“I’ve been with kids who are facing very serious conditions. And what I’ve been part of, in terms of sharing in the experience of healing, has been amazing.”

It’s not that children come to Lehman’s clinic — Select Health of San Diego (www.san-diego-acupuncture.com) — anxious to get started with acupuncture or to taste therapeutic Chinese herbal concoctions. To the contrary, there’s a lot to overcome at first.

Getting Over the Hurdles

After 2,800 hours of school and 7,000 hours of clinical training, Lehman opened his own clinic in 1997 and has been in practice ever since. Today, his practice includes treating autoimmune disease
patients, fertility and gynecology, post-traumatic stress disorder and addictions, and, of course, pediatrics.

“My pediatrics instructor, Alex Tiberi, got his assistants deeply involved in working with children from the start,” Lehman explains. “He would mark the points for e-stim, and we would do the actual work hands-on.”

Pediatric acupuncture doesn’t jump right in with acupuncture needles. Instead, most pediatric patients start with e-stimulation, a process that uses small-voltage electrical stimulation at key acupuncture points. “You can’t start young children off with needles without a lot of preparation,” he says. “With young children, I usually begin with e-stimulation, which doesn’t hurt at all, and can even be kind of pleasant. Of course, e-stim doesn’t work with older children, so I gradually introduce the idea of needles to them — by using them on myself or on their parents, so they can see how we react to them. That gives them something tangible to go with.”

Building Trust

“A big challenge with pediatric patients is the fear of the unknown,” Lehman says. “We all deal with that, even as adults, but for a child it’s even more intense.”

Children and their parents come to Lehman and find what looks like a medical clinic. “They’re a little nervous, because they naturally associate medical clinics with not feeling good, or even pain,” he says. “So I find that I have to develop a rapport with the child, to build a sense of trust through my honesty and by showing the child that I respect his or her opinion and will respond to any needs.”

That means if it hurts, Lehman stops whatever he’s doing and proceeds more gradually. “Trust is something we keep building together,” he says.

Sharp Points

And then there’s that fear of needles. “I have to gauge their nonverbal reactions to the needles, too,” Lehman says. “I’m communicating that what I’m doing is a good thing for the child, so he understands that this really is good for him. And if it gets too intense, I’ll back off with what I’m doing and give him relief.”

One three-year-old Lehman treats has taken to calling the herbal formula Lehman prescribes for him “those yucky tasting herbs.” And they are certainly that, Lehman laughs.

“He’s right,” Lehman says, “but he takes it anyway, and he doesn’t make a big deal out of it.”

Tough Cases

One current case Lehman is working with is that of a 10-year-old boy with Tourette’s syndrome. TCM views Tourette’s as a “tremor-related” disease, as Lehman explains, in the same category with Parkinson’s and other conditions related to the concept of “wind.” “In Western medicine, Parkinson’s and Tourette’s have nothing to do with each other,” Lehman explains. “But TCM views them as being similar, and the treatment is thus similar.”

Tourette’s is a terrible, and often-misunderstood, disorder. Lehman’s patient is at that age when symptoms begin to intensify in most patients, and the prognosis is not good most of the time. Treatment is limited to strong prescription medications that carry harsh side effects. But Lehman and the patient’s family have worked closely together to forestall, at least, the need for medication. “At this point, his symptoms would be getting progressively worse without any treatment,” Lehman says. “But he’s actually stabilized in terms of symptoms.”

Lehman says the young lad isn’t crazy about the idea of needles, but he’s making adjustments as he goes. “Right now, I’ve got him using a couple of ear needles, and his parents are very involved in helping him maintain their use between visits. They are very involved in his care and have really educated themselves on all the nuances of dealing with Tourette’s.”

That gets to the heart of a concept central to TCM and Lehman’s practice. “I work as part of a team with my patients and parents,” he says. “Everyone is crucial to healing in TCM. It’s all interrelated — a part of who we are as family members, neighbors in towns and cities, members of communities, clients and vendors to each other, and so on. Interrelationship is at the heart of TCM. We all have to be doing what we are doing, and doing it in harmony.”

The Youthful Spirit of Healing

That’s what amazes Lehman about his young patients: They are very active in their own healing.

Lehman has even seen that in his sickest patients. “No matter what they are fighting — even kids with cystic fibrosis or cancer — they are still kids, and they want to be kids. I’ve seen even the sickest kids respond to the treatment with this spark of life, this vigor to really live. It is a joy to see that. So even though I can’t necessarily cure a child in a case like that, I can be a part of the effort to restore her energy and zest for living. That’s precious to each of us, whether we’re sick or well.”

Tongue Acupuncture and Autism

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There is an ancient Chinese belief:
One tonifies a disease with similar remedies e.g. kidney of a pig for a kidney problem; and the brain of a pig for a brain disorder etc. Thus, by acupuncturing the tongue, can we improve communication???
It may not sound like the most pleasant therapy, but tongue acupuncture is attracting attention from parents of children with chronic disabilities in Hong Kong and world-wide. It is being studied for treating brain disorders in children, ranging from cerebral palsy to autism to blindness.
Strange enough, and to our surprise, children are more tolerant of this painful and yet seemingly painless technique, especially for the autistic. One just wonders whether it is the purism of heart or the relative higher pain threshold of these beautiful yet lonely children that paved their way for forever improvement.
Autism or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined, lifelong disorder of the brain. Although it is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, its cause is still a mystery, and no cure is currently available. Autism is characterized by deficits in language, social communication and cognition. The basis of the disorder may be neurochemical (serotonin or dopamine neuronal dysfunction), neurobiological (genetic basis), or neuropsychological (dysfunction of complex information processing or theory of mind). Children with autism usually have secondary problems in behavior including aggression, irritability, stereotypies, hyperactivity, negativism, volatile emotions, temper tantrums, short attention span and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Direct and indirect evidence suggests that neurochemical systems might be relevant in understanding the pathogenesis of autism.
We are witnessing a worldwide increase in the incidence of autism. Rates of 10-15 per 10,000 used just a few years ago are being replaced with new rates of 40-60 per 10,000 individuals. There has been an increasing trend of autism in Asians and Caucasians recently. Therefore, an urgent need exists for developing new intervention strategies that may be useful for this population.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views Autism
The Chinese translation of Autism is Self-Shut-Off Syndrome in Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, in People's Republic of China, it is known as the Lonely Syndrome. However, in TCM, no such disease called Autism exists. TCM doctors approach health and disease according to the philosophy of Yin-Yang, which encompasses balance and the homeostasis of the universe and the 5 elements (gold, wood, water, fire and soil). They also believe in the phenomenological and empirical observations of Qi, Blood and the 8 Principles. TCM practitioners differentiate syndrome according to 8 principles; Qi and Blood or according to the theory of Zang-Fu organs. The pathogenesis of disease is based on disharmony of Yin and Yang, conflicts between antipathogenic Qi and Pathogenic Qi; or the abnormal descending or ascending Qi. Qi is the life energy that flows through the entire body. The 8 principles involve Exterior/Interior, cold/heat, deficiency/excess, and yin-yang. This philosophy is based on more than 5,000 years of cumulative experience of human physiology and pathophysiology.
The etiology of disease, in TCM concept, can include 6 exogenous factors (wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, fire) and 7 emotions (joy, anger, melancholy, worry, grief, fear and fright), together with improper diet, overstrain, lack of physical exercise, stagnated blood and phlegm fluid. In the western concept, this may affect the body's immune defense system.   A TCM diagnosis has four components: Inspection, auscultation /olfaction, Inquiring, and palpation. For inspection, one looks at the vitality, color, appearance, observe the 5 sense organs (eye, nose, ear, gums, lips/mouth, throat), and observe the tongue. For auscultation, one listens and smells. By inquiring, one asks leading and relevant questions that address heat versus cold, inside versus outside and strong versus weak, and for palpation, one feels the pulse qualitatively (not according to the western methodology) and palpates other parts of the body. Integrating these 4 components with knowledge of zang-fu (the organ system) and jing-luo (the meridian system) helps the TCM doctor make a Syndromal diagnosis and develop a treatment based on TCM methodologies. Treatment choices include herbal medicine, natural medicine, acupuncture, Acu-Tuina or acu-massage.
Traditionally in TCM, all children with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, global developmental delay or delayed language development are grouped under the Syndrome of 5-Delays. This Syndrome is based on observed delays in hair growth, teeth eruption, speech, standing and walking. In the TCM concept, brain dysfunction in children is a disequilibrium of body functions. The TCM approach is a holistic approach, firmly rooted in the Yin/Yang theory; disease is viewed within the framework of a Balance of Energy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years. In 1997, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA recognized the legal status of acupuncture as a treatment technique, and since that time several other countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and several in Europe, have also done so. Research studies have now proven the benefits of acupuncture in treating pain and disorders of the brain.
Acupuncture uses very thin needles, as thin as a hair on your head which are inserted into targeted points in the body called acupoints. There are more than 400 acupoints in the body, linked through a system of 14 meridians, or pathways. Acupoints are rich in nerve terminals, and when stimulated, result in activation of both the local point and other, more distant points in the body that fall along the same meridian. Their stimulation may result in neural signaling, electromagnetic energy enhancement, neuro-immunomodulatory and neurochemical-hormonal effects.
The therapeutic effect of acupuncture depends on the acupoint(s) selected and the type of stimulation used. Body acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and even acupressure have been practiced. Traditional acupoints on the scalp and body (by manipulation and electrical) have been found effective for treating children with brain dysfunction, resulting in improvement in the patient's overall functional abilities.
Tongue Acupuncture
Tongue diagnosis is an important part of the clinical diagnostic examination in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a syndromal approach such as autism. The tongue is the only body organ which can be exposed and seen externally. By looking at its color, thickness, dryness, superficial growth, and smell, TCM doctors can determine a treatment based on the eight principles. Moreover, according to TCM, the tongue reflects the condition of the heart, which is the master organ, controlling all the other internal organs. Thus indirectly, the tongue is linked by meridians to all the organs of the body.

Tongue Acupuncture (TAC) is an innovative acupuncture technique invented by my team collaborator, Dr. Sun JG from China. It is based on one of the most ancient medical books in China, Wang Di's Internal Medicine, and the idea that the tongue is the intersection site of all 14 meridians in the human body. Dr. Sun discovered that the tongue contains more than 40 acupoints. We hypothesize that there is a Human Map in our tongue, which is connected via rich neural-vascular pathways inside the tongue to different regions of the brain, especially the cerebellum. Neuroimaging with PET and functional MRI has demonstrated the possible role of the cerebellum and other brain region dysfunction with ASD. The cerebellum can be viewed as having its own internal topography, one that is directly linked to the modulation of emotions and social behavior, thought, language and the ability to plan. Is autism part of the system dysfunction of the cerebellum and its connecting pathways?
In our research, we had been encouraged by the positive results in two normal subjects in the areas of language and visual processing, after a short course of TAC. We decided to conduct further research to test how TAC might affect the cerebellum [cognition], temporal lobe [language], frontal lobe [executive function and affect] and basal ganglia [ritualistic/stereotypic mannerisms]. This was done through monitoring changes in glucose metabolism, via a PET scan. The use of Brain FDG-PET in the integration of Western-Chinese Medicine is essential to scientifically assess Alternative Medicine strategy for neurobiological diseases from a functional outcome perspective.Research Phases of Tongue Acupuncture (TAC)
In March 1999, we launched a pioneer research program in integration of TCM with WM into our Neuro-Habilitation model for children with various forms of brain disorders. More than 700 children with various neuro and/or developmental disabilities were enrolled in the research program, of which about 250 cases involved children with autism.
TAC was given to specific tongue acupoints daily (5 days per week) for 1-2 courses Each course lasted for 4 weeks. (Total = 20-40 sessions). The tongue acupoints were determined by Dr Sun, based on his experience of the TCM approach of the Syndrome of 5 Delays. We began by looking at individual cases and studying the daily written reports completed by the child's mother that described the child's progress after each TAC sessions. As we were also interested in assessing the long-term efficacy of TAC, children with noted improvement after two completed courses were offered the option of further courses, at the parents' requests and depending on the degree of clinical improvement.
Our pilot control study of 30 children with autism using TAC demonstrated improvement in core features (language, social communication, cognition) and secondary features (hyperactivity, attention, aggression, temper tantrum, sleep, functional independence).

As TAC had been introduced in this study as a new acupuncture technique (level 3 evidence), our next step was to proceed to Randomized Control Trials and Double Blind Randomized Placebo Control trials (TAC versus Sham TAC) to produce Level 1 evidence. These studies were conducted for Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy children.

The majority showed functional improvement of various degrees, depending on the age and severity of their disabilities. Some improvement was noticeable within a few TAC sessions, especially for drooling, spasticity (scissoring or tiptoeing), ataxia, and poor balance in walking. Functional improvement was noted after one to two courses of TAC. Most children tolerated TAC well, with only occasional pain and minor bleeding in some patients.
What's Unique About Tongue Acupuncture and Autism?
In a revolutionary new treatment, our research team has demonstrated for the first time in a clinical trial how acupuncture can successfully improve the dysfunction related to autism, by activating vital connections in the brain. We hypothesize that repetitive stimulation of specific tongue acupoints can reconnect the neural circuit through its rich neural network to the cerebellum. Improvement may result through the resignaling of the neural circuits via neurotransmitters, like serotonin/5-HT, dopamine and neurochemicals like cortisol. This reconnection of the cerebellar-frontal-temporal circuits may reverse the basic dysfunctional pathways in autism, including attention, emotion, or hyperactivity, and open up a positive road for learning communicative or cognitive skills. Once the “latent” brain is reactivated again, the use of intensive therapeutic interventions (such as speech, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy) and education can help children process information in a more efficient way.

Future Direction
Many questions remain yet unanswered. Alternative treatment strategies, such as TAC, should be viewed as a complementary approach in neurological disabilities. However, an interdisciplinary approach involving Western and Chinese medicine provides an innovative starting point for a new conceptual treatment framework for autism. If we can demonstrate the topography of the brain with concordant tongue acupoints, this research will play an important role in developing a potential paradigm shift as to the pathogenesis of autism and neural plasticity.

TAC can be viewed as a START-UP program or adjunctive therapy for autism. We hope that we can use a simple, relatively non-invasive quick treatment strategy to benefit families with autism worldwide.
Acknowledgement:I would like to thank deeply all the lovely disabled children and supportive parents who actively participated, with bravery and enthusiasm, in this innovative and yet unexplored research program. Without them, it would be difficult to sustain my initial enthusiasm for the Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. The pressure was heavy; but, seeing the cheerful faces of my children and their grateful parents over the last three years, helped me to pursue for research for new treatment modalities for all those who suffered from AUTISM.

DR JG Sun, who performed the acupuncture (Tongue Acupuncture inventor and research collaborator).