Health and Beauty

Dr. Kate Boonyakiat DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture

Sinus problem is one of the most common conditions in our clinic. So many of my patients have chronic sinus pain, pressure, and discomfort. Sinus is the hollow cavities in the skull that are lined with soft tissue. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. However, if they become inflamed due to triggers such as viruses or bacteria, the soft tissues start to produce excessive amounts of yellow or green mucus. It’s known as Sinusitis. Sinusitis in many individuals tends to become a chronic condition. The reason is that after each recurring infection, most treatment methods fail to drain the sinus cavities completely of mucus and discharge. This creates an ongoing pattern of infection after infection.

Identifying the root cause of TCM

External factors – pathogens such as wind-heat and wind-cold

• In TCM, the Lung system is our body’s first line of defense. As External pathogens attack our body, the Lung system is weakened. Imbalances in the Respiratory tract governed by the Lung system bring about the accumulation of phlegm expelled in the form of mucus.

Internal factors – Poor eating habits, Emotional factors

• Weakening the spleen system due to unhealthy eating habits and irregular eating times may manifest dampness in the body, which thickens to form phlegm. This phlegm would eventually be stored in the lungs and expelled in the form of mucus.

• Negative emotions, stress, and inadequate sleep may affect the Liver system. An aggravated Liver system would, in turn, weaken the spleen system. Again, weakening the spleen system would bring about dampness in the body and, over time, thicken to form phlegm.

Combining Acupuncture and Chinese herbs is a highly effective way to treat all the symptoms and the root cause of Sinusitis. Patients cannot breathe properly through their noses. After having needles inserted at specific Acupuncture points, they will open up and feel immediate relief.

Herbal medicines for the treatment of Sinusitis include Xanthium Powder, Magnolia flower, and Angelica root, considered “warm herbs.” If the Sinusitis combines with a fever, which is often the case, herbal formulas will use in conjunction with “cooling” herbs, including Honeysuckle flowers and Scutellaria root.

Dietary considerations

Generally, when treating active Sinusitis and aiming to prevent a recurrence, the dietary focus should be on avoiding foods known to produce phlegm. The usual culprits include dairy, sugar, processed carbohydrates, and caffeine. Avoid very spicy and greasy foods as these can accumulate heat and blockage in the system, leading to phlegm. Avoid cold and raw foods and drinks as these can weaken the digestive systems and result in food accumulating, leading to dampness and mucus production.

Each individual’s body constitution varies. It is essential to understand the root cause of Sinusitis, thereby treating the root problem along with the symptoms. Early detection and treatment could reduce its occurrence and prevent it from becoming a long-term illness.

With the launch of Dr. CBD Company, the first step in Wellness & health care industry from cultivating Cannabis, Hemp and Kratom that specializes in all processes. From upstream to downstream, we develop quality medical grade products with the aim to develop the Thai economy to the international level.

Who We Are:

Mr. Pornchai Padmindra, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. CBD Co., Ltd., said, “I think it’s time to put it as a “National Strategy”. We are part of wanting to join in building this industry and will be a leader in ASEAN. We want to create an efficient health care industry because our country is ready in every aspect from the knowledge of herbs, talented personnel such as scientists and specialist doctors. We must be leaders to make this industry happen. We are ready for this and not every country has the opportunities. If you go to the Middle East, the land will not grow anything, but our country (Thailand) has so much potential to be the market leader. Don’t let other countries tell you they’re leaders. When we are ready with resources and have potential in every field.”

Dr. CBD’s extraction plant and laboratory also guarantees quality with international standard certification. The company also focuses on the quality of pure natural extracts to medical standards. By using IES (Isolate Extraction Systems), including the use of extraction technology. World-class Supercritical CO2 from America and the only private company to invest in these machines.

Because it is a highly efficient technique, the essence obtained from the extraction does not decompose due to low temperature, which is good for consumers. It can also separate terpenes from oils and waxes for access to cannabinoids. It can also be high quality cannabidiol, including Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, CBD Purity 85-99%, CBD Crystal Form, CBD Water Soluble and Nano-Emulsion. Therefore, every bottle of Dr. CBD extract is a “Standard American Industrial Extractor”, a quality extract. Customers can visit the factory to ensure the highest level of safety and confidence in consumption. According to company policy that focuses on Health Care and Preventive Medicine.

The company also does research and development of drug formulations and dietary supplements, by combining western technology with the knowledge of Thai traditional medicine, which is a national treasure under the Royal Initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama 9), which supports Health Care and Preventive Medicine.

“If we have deteriorated health, we will not be able to develop the nation.

Because the nation’s most important resource is its citizens.”

There is a research team from the Faculty of Medicine and a team of pharmacologists that jointly develop the formula by adhering to the principles that consider the standards and quality of the highest product standards.

– Safety & Toxicity: Safety and Non-Toxic.

– Consistency: Standard in production.

– Efficacy: Efficiency of the product.

It also collaborates with governments, researchers, medical personnel, and faculty from various universities. The company has invested in research into developing cannabis extracts for cancer treatments that are tailored to the needs of each patient, so that patients can reach the highest level of health care according to the company’s aspirations. This is in response to the emerging medical marijuana lockdown policy. To benefit the economy with the health care and preventive medical businesses.

Mr. Pornchai Padmindra, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. CBD Co., Ltd., said, “Dr. CBD attaches great importance to development and research in scientific terms before the product is released, because we put an emphasis on 3 things: 1. safety & toxicity, which means that the product must be safe for consumers. Non-toxicity to the body. 2. Consistency is the standard in every lot of production. 3. Efficacy is effective. We deliver what we claim. Hence, we are delighted to do research with our partners because many of our staff are well-equipped with knowledge, competence, and research that is useful to the public.”

Besides that, there is also a project that Dr. CBD is co-researching and developing the use of hemp fibers for industrial use in renewable energy with the company Energy Absolute Public Company Limited or Energy Absolute, which is a very important step in the development. Transforming hemp into new products and becoming more useful innovations for human beings in the future. It remains to be seen how far this medicinal plant can develop in various industries. Dr. CBD Company extends the Health Care business. We care about the hygiene of the people and aim to develop Thai traditional medicine to improve the quality of life of Thai people.

Enhance the service level of Health Care and Preventive Medicine by launching Dr. CBD Clinic, two medical cannabis clinics, which are Villa Market Hua Hin and Navavej Hospital. It was established with a focus on preventing disease to achieve the highest level of health rather than rehabilitation treatment at the end of the disease.

It uses ancient Thai science to combine modern anti-aging treatment with cannabis to meet the health needs of all Thai people. By emphasizing the principles of Lifestyle Modification that everyone can practice, not just the old medical theories that are difficult to practice in daily life.

Mr. Pornchai Padmindra, Chief Executive Officer of Dr. CBD Co., Ltd., said, “Due to the company’s policy, we are committed to pursuing royal initiatives on public health and alternative medicine to enhance the quality of life of Thai people. Distribution of treatment options in the opening of an applied Thai traditional medicine clinic, the distribution is in line with our company’s vision. We want people to have access to modern treatment. Our factory has extracted cannabinoids, which is a pure natural extract for medical treatment. This is an important opportunity to develop Thai traditional medicine, develop Health Care and Preventive Medicine businesses. We have established our reputation as a medical base, which is the time to put it as a national strategy. I hope that Dr. CBD Clinic will meet everyone’s health needs.”

A new way of treatment/ preventive for people who don’t want to get cancer in the New Normal era.

If talking about health care guidelines in the New Normal era, where the severity of the covid virus continues to spread, spreading fearfully. Another disease that is familiar, but no one wants to get used to, like cancer, has also increased in statistics. Although cancer is not a disease that spreads from person to person as quickly as a virus, it causes loss and suffering for both patients, family, and people around them. The main reason for the increase in disease statistics is due to the lifestyle in the New Normal era where people prefer to work from home, eat fast food, and warm their food using a microwave.

Dr. CBD CLINIC was established with two main concepts.

Increasing access to treatment and focusing on preventing disease prevention rather than curing the symptoms (Healthcare and Preventive Medicine) to achieve the highest level of health (Optimal Health) by emphasizing on lifestyle modification principles that everyone can practice. The real results are not just old medical theories that are difficult to implement in real life, with the principle that if you know a lot but are difficult to practice, it will not benefit.
Upgrading herbs, cash crops, hemp, marijuana, kratom and Thai traditional medicine to the international level, with the principles of the father’s words Integrating Thai wisdom and innovation in scientific research
Offering an alternative for patients who do not want to use chemotherapy, such as cancer, Parkinson’s, people with sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, epilepsy in children, and many more.

We are an alternative clinic that is not just an option. But we are a new salvation for cancer patients. Emphasis is placed on promoting holistic care for cancer patients by using traditional Thai traditional science and modern anti-aging therapy, from the initial stage to the final stage to integrate the maximum health dimension.

There are currently two clinics.

Villa Market Hua Hin Branch.
Medical Cannabis Department, 3rd Floor, Navavej Hospital.

The clinic offers counseling services and Thai traditional massage therapy for those with health problems with medicinal cannabis extracts.

Balance the trace elements, reduce the risk of cancer.
Take care of side effects from chemotherapy treatment.
Relieve symptoms in people with sleep disorder.
Treatment of chronic pain without cause.
Take care of your sexual health (Sexual wellbeing) and skin ( aesthetics).

We found the procedure “Lanna Therapy” to relieve fatigue with folk techniques according to traditional medicine. Enjoy “Aroma massage, cannabis terpene”, stress the trigger point to roll the line according to the Thai tradition. Relax your muscles with aroma terpenes and “Cupping Therapy”, cover the vacuum glass to relieve muscle fatigue, open the sweat glands to secrete the accumulated toxins. There are also Royal Thai Massage, Herbal Compress Massage, Thai Herbal Medicine Compression, Herbal Poultice, Skin Balancing Mask, Oil Retention and Detox (Vasti Therapy) which opens the lymphatic ducts to reduce swelling on the face. Customers with symptoms can visit both clinics, which are open daily from 10.00 AM onwards.

Willy McIntosh and Dr. CBD launch Dr.Pets CBD, the center of pet products With innovation from CBD extracts, created for the health of your beloved pets.

Besides being a skilled actor and host, “Willie McIntosh” is also a project masterly which always come with new business ideas. Recently, in collaboration with Dr. CBD Co., Ltd., Health Care Company, which provides a full range of cannabis, hemp and kratom services in medical standards. To create health innovations that benefit everyone. In the launch of Dr.Pets CBD, which was established as a hub for pet products with innovations from cannabis, hemp and kratom, combined with world-class quality technology to CBD extracts and well-designed products. Created by a team of expert scientists and veterinarians to meet the health needs of your beloved pet. We’re ready to share about the project at the event “Dr.CBD Grand Opening” on July 22, 2022 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Bangkok.

Willie McIntosh said, “There is research showing that the CBD in the oil extract can help treat anxiety, chronic pain, mental illness, anorexia or even arthritis in pets. Whether it’s a dog or a cat, because I am an animal lover, over the years I’ve always been pushing to help them. I see them as one of the family members. They are one’s world mate with soul. Sometimes, when they are sick, they cannot help themselves. Finding the way to help them cure is something that makes me feel so good. No matter how little I can, I will do my best. Knowing that CBD can treat pets from Khun Tob-Pornchai, the CEO of Dr. CBD Company, made me see the opportunity, see the path to creating good things to the world. Because we all have great resources, we have a research team, many organizations that work together to help each other and innovation in production with high efficiency. So this is the origin of the collaboration to create Dr.Pets CBD, a business that is the center of pet products. With innovations from cannabis, hemp and kratom, combined with world-class quality technology to CBD extracts and well-designed products. Created by a team of expert scientists and veterinarians for the health of your beloved pets. No worries, I see this as an important starting point to upgrade and seriously develop the nation’s industry and economy to a global level which we are currently designing products for dogs and cats. In the future, we will continue to expand to fish and many other species. Please wait a little longer. I hope everyone will be impressed with the innovation from Dr.Pets CBD. Thank you.”

Dr. CBD has focused on developing innovative cannabis, hemp and kratom products that are now growing in the global market because they can create business opportunities. further to create enormous commercial value. 

Due to the current Thai government has promoted cannabis, hemp and kratom plants to be the image of the country’s economic crop. which in the past few months The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered marijuana to be released from drugs. In addition, the situation of the epidemic of Covid-19 during the past 2 years has greatly affected the overall economy. All sectors therefore hope for the economy to recover quickly. It is appropriate to adapt to the marketing mechanisms and demands of modern consumers. It’s not just an important step in the future of food and medicine. But it is also a great driving force that affects the health care economy of Thailand.

Hemp oil (sleep disorder) contains cannabis-derived ingredients extracted from the company’s IES (Isolate Extraction Systems) machines as well as using proprietary extraction technology. Supercritical CO2, the world-class standard from America. Has properties to help relax and reduce anxiety can fall asleep faster and sleep deeply, the result the next day is refreshing. The mind is clear and ready for the new day’s work.

The innovation that meets your skin needs, CBD Serumizer from Dr. CBD moisturizes every molecule from Nano CBD technology, combines with ceramides, vitamins, and various antioxidants for radiance. Restores the radiance of the skin softly. It is rich in natural ingredients selected for your skin such as cannabinoids (CBD receptors) to reduce redness and itching. Helps increase skin moisture Allantoin, Centella extract, and green tea extract help repair the skin by gently healing the skin. Squalene oil (olive-based) gives a light texture. does not cause clogging Borage oil is beneficial for people with skin allergies. Antioxidant (Antioxidants) help the skin that looks tried to look more radiant, Ceramides and Lecithin solve the problem of sagging. Increase skin firmness and elasticity. Trehalose helps to add long-lasting saturation to the skin. Hyaluronic acid: stimulates the renewal of new skin cells in the wound healing process.

EARTHLAB ALL FOR WOMEN (STELLA) dietary supplement product from CBD extracts, a vital substance found only in cannabis plants through extraction. Contributes to the maintenance of the blood system and the skin to be radiant. balance sex hormones menstrual and excretory system.

Cannabis Tea (Cannabis Leaf) A ready-to-drink beverage product. Processed into cannabis leaves for brewing into tea. You can drink it with hot water and it’s also an alternative for those looking for tea. For energy or relaxation, It has many properties such as reducing blood sugar, reducing pain, controlling blood pressure, treating mouth ulcers, coughing, treating intestinal infections, etc.

Cannabis Balm has properties to relieve body aches and pains. By inhaling the product, it easily allows the relief of a blocked nose and it can be used as a topical pain reliever such as joint pain caused by stiffness or back pain.

Earth Lab CBD Shower Gel, a shower gel for just 1 bath, up to 3 benefits. Cleanse the skin, build a protective barrier, restore nourishment. Combined with the value of CBD extracts to increase the radiance of the skin, saturated with Sodium Hyaluronate, Antioxidant Vitamins. add moisture Smooth, radiant skin.

CBD Oil Massage Colorless, odorless CBD massage oil. Suitable for people with chronic. Inflammation, specific muscle pain, increase relaxation whilst nourishing the skin and moisturizing with natural extracts.

CBD Oil Massage Colorless, odorless CBD massage oil. Suitable for people with chronic. Inflammation, specific muscle pain, increase relaxation whilst nourishing the skin and moisturizing with natural extracts.

Dr. CBD Clinic Green Angel Herbal Cream increases the skin’s protective barrier. restore moisture balance reduce the accumulation of bacteria Suitable for people with dry, itchy skin problems or a thick red rash, clear edges, thick white flakes spread around ​​friction.

Nitra Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Special scent from Dr. CBD Clinic, just spray on bedding. or rooms to make a relaxing atmosphere. Suitable for people with sleep problems, or those who want to optimize sleep for longer

Relax Candle Hemp Aroma Massage candle Hemp Aroma combines the value of Soy Wax to soften and moisturize the skin, adjust the mood, increase relaxation. make sleep better.

Dr. Kate Boonyakiat DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture

When your knee aches, you can’t walk easily. Climbing up and downstairs is a challenge. Pain wakes you up at night. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. It causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness, making it hard to flex and extend your knee.

What causes knee osteoarthritis?

While age is a significant risk factor for knee osteoarthritis, young people can get it, too. Repetitive joint force or trauma regularly increases their risk of developing osteoarthritis. Trauma or repetitive pressure causes the cartilage cells called chondrocytes to burst, which creates inflammation. Joints like the hip and knee are typically affected by osteoarthritis. These joints are lubricated by a natural substance called synovial fluid. The damage to the cartilage causes the chondrocytes to flake apart and absorb synovial fluid, which decreases the amount of lubricant in the joint. Reducing joint lubrication increases friction between the joint bones, which accelerates joint decay and causes more inflammation and degenerative bone changes. Essentially, this makes young joints look and feel old in a relatively short amount of time.

How can acupuncture help?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, OA is classified into arthralgia. Deficiency of liver and kidney, energy and nutrition results in the wind, cold and damp staying in the week joints. Furthermore, meridians are obstructed, leading to an unsmooth flowing of energy and food. As a result, joints lose being nourished, and pain occurs.

With the characteristics of deficiency and stasis of energy and nutrition, the therapeutic principle for OA should be promoting energy to activate circulation to acquire the efficacy of dredging meridians and easing pain. The regulations should be complied with for the local area’s acupoints and distance points along meridians.

Many clinical studies support acupuncture’s ability to relieve knee osteoarthritis, particularly in 2016; Yan Zhang et al. published a landmark paper in >The American Journal of Translational Research which demonstrated how electroacupuncture could regenerate joint cartilage in the knees of people with MRI-documented osteoarthritis. In the study, subjects did pre and post MRIs to evaluate knee osteoarthritis before and after electroacupuncture treatment. After four weeks, the electroacupuncture group significantly decreased pain, and MRIs showed distinct evidence of cartilage regrowth and repair. So although joint trauma can accelerate future joint degeneration, there is still a lot you can do to stop osteoarthritis from taking over.

When working with patients suffering from osteoarthritis, emphasize that systemic inflammation is the enemy and that developing a multiprong approach, including lifestyle, diet, supplementation, and non-invasive therapies, will improve their recovery rate and return to normal activities.

Acupuncture is an effective evidence-based treatment option for managing knee pain and osteoarthritis. It helps decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness and increases the range of motion in your knee. And that can improve your overall quality of life.

Reference

Zhang, Yan, Fei Bao, Yan Wang, and Zhihong Wu. “Influence of acupuncture in treatment of knee osteoarthritis and cartilage repairing.” American journal of translational research 8, no. 9 (2016): 3995.

I recently attended the opening of the latest retail shop and clinic for Dr. CBD in the Villa Market complex on the Petchakasem Rd in Hua Hin town centre.

The shop is clean and minimalist and concentrates on the professional portrayal of the emerging cannabis and kratom restrictions in Thailand. There is no doubt that cannabis is one of the most useful plants in existence and it has been used in many ways for many purposes in the past. But now the Thai government realising its healing properties have changed the law and allowed certain companies that meet the required high standards to operate and market their products to the general public.

I met CEO and founder of Dr CBD, Pornchai Padmindra who also happens to be the President of the trade body promoting the industry, the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TIHTA). He explained their integrated procedures to me.

He explained that there are 3 stages: cultivation. They have their own controlled laboratories where they grow the plants in 1400sqm of indoor space in Bangkok. This is the safest and most clinical procedure otherwise it cannot be regarded as medical grade. The plants can get contaminated easily and the crop could end up tainted, ruined or became unfit for human consumption. You put the seeds in the soil and then draw up all kinds of minerals including heavy metals and remnants of pesticides that can last a few decades. 

The Western outdoor procedures which are conducted in Canada, America and many other countries across the world. In some European countries there controlled cultivation can be accepted but outdoor cultivation in Thailand loosely means some shade or unhygienic conditions that may not be optimal for human consumption.

The female plants that grow the flower buds are only used through the seeds, cloning or tissue culture but seeding is the key process. Currently Thailand has to import seeds as they do not have ample supply as the government has yet to relax laws so that cannabis growers could collect a variety of stock seeds for genetic development of local strains. 

Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization is already working on strain selection, breed improvement, cultivation and harvesting to produce medicines targeting these conditions.

At the end of month number 4 of the cultivation process they progress to extraction. The cut the flower buds and then throw away the stalks and start again.

I asked him how did an international corporate & investment banker, venture capitalist (his last 8 years was with CIMB a Malaysian bank with ASEAN coverage) get into the cannabis industry. “I was involved in everything but retail. Investment Banking, project management, corporate banking, listing companies and I was involved in the healthcare and preventative medicine sector. I saw the opportunity grow. Years ago people waited until they got sick before seeing a health professional and say “please fix me” but nowadays people are more informed and are taking preventative action ahead of time.

Times have changed, people are taking better care of themselves, looking for ways to improve their health and part of that process is using natural products or what we call Neutraceutical. Whatever extract you get the active compound, the good stuff in the plants you use them to replace the chemicals so that is the trend. This is the future of medicine. It has been made clear by many studies. 

Look at Kratom and what it can do. Kratom is another plant available in Thailand.

Following the debates it became clear to me that the Thai government were going to support liberalisation of narcotics schedule 5 products:hemp, cannabis and Kratom

3 years ago the government started to let commercial industry and its scientists, pharmacologists, chemists, doctors and research specialists so we could confirm the Western research that it could work.

Authorized government agencies, including those overseeing Thai traditional medicine, individual licensed medical doctors; educational institutions and community farmer cooperatives, would all be permitted to cultivate the crop.

My principle - coming up with something that can be safely consumed by humans (or pets) I have to ensure that the safety levels are high enough to satisfy my and others expectations and concern about toxicity. I have to ensure that our products are safe, pure with research backed efficacy and potency. We require solid scientific proof not just folklore word of mouth, so we had been conducting a great deal of scientific research.

Building block No 1. was scientific R & D and medical studies. Then I resigned from banking as I had created a business model. I needed to know that that would work.

2. The business model. We chose to be “fully integrated” from day one, we are not a large company, now with some 50 employees. We have raised close to 200M Baht to be spent on bringing the product to market. We do not have to rely upon anyone else we grow and cultivate, extract and produce the products and the retail them to the general public. That way I can guarantee that everything meets are own high standards and effectiveness of the products dispensed.

Dr CBD clinic is what Thais would call “Saha” a fusion of traditional medicine with western knowledge. It is a universal clinic with traditional doctors with a medical degree. We also have Thai Applied Traditional Medicine where the practitioners all have medical university degrees and have expertise in the field of acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine. They are licensed to disperse cannabis and herbal products safely and legally.

Having a spinal deformity and 5 operations behind me I had become addicted to opiates. After discussing with the doctor and his colleagues they suggested I try their herbal formulation for pain management. They worked and I broke the opiates without a cold turkey experience!

There are certainly far more reasons to try natural products then there are against them. If you suffer from chronic pain, insomnia, digestive problems, arthritis or so many problems too many to list check out Dr. CBD’s website “www.drcbdgroup.com” Or call 0635424665 on or email them [email protected] and make an appointment for a consultation.

I can heartily recommend them!

This rather unsightly ‘tub of lard’ lying on its side with needles all over my upper right hand side wired to transmit electricity to make the treatment more effective is I am sorry to say, me.

As you may know I have been receiving acupuncture from the above company to combat the pain from severe arthritis in my right hip and S1 sacroiliac joint. I find that it has been very effective and have been going on a weekly basis for sometime now.

Last week I slipped over in the kitchen and in attempting to break my fall I twisted my back and right shoulder.

When I told Dr. Kate she wired up the twisted back and shoulder and later on that day I went swimming! Acupuncture certainly works for me!

If you have an underlying pain problem be it long term or a recent injury I can certainly recommend a visit to Terra Acupuncture in Hua Hin.

They are keeping me going with all my related problems after 5 spinal operations and a pretty physical life having been in the forces and played rugby.

If you are a golfer, play badminton, football or, just age is starting to wear you down, give them a visit.

7/3 Hua Hin 51, Prachaup Khiri Khan, 77110 Tel: 099-292-4922

by Dr. Kate Boonyakiat, Ph.D. LAc. – Terra Acupuncture

Instead of asking, ‘what drug matches up with my symptoms? Have you ever asked yourself, “Why did I have this problem in the first place?” Or even have you been told that all your tests check out and that you are fine – but that you still did not feel well?

If you are in good health, you should not have symptoms. Symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something is not right and things are not working as they should be.

Let me give you a clear idea: If there was a fire in your home and the fire alarm was screaming, would you deal with the loud, disturbing noise by just removing the batteries from the alarm? Of course not! You would find the cause of the fire and put it out. But what we are doing today with our health is like just taking the batteries out. Root cause medicine is about finding the fire. Symptoms are the body’s alarm system telling us that something is not right, and it is our job, as physicians, to try and figure this out and help the body heal.

Helping patients understand the root cause of their disease is the first step. We need to help patients implement the changes necessary to reverse their condition through personalised nutrition, health coaching, and individualised care. Each person has their own needs, challenges, and preferences.

After extensive spinal surgery being diagnosed with six lower lumber vertebrae and spina bifida occulta in my late 20’s my current surgeon in BKK recently diagnosed and showed me on the X rays that I had arthritis of both hips, the right more pronounced, and latterly the S1 sacroiliac joint. You could see the white build up all round the joints. I am now 64 years of age.

This was starting to give me acute pain when I moved my legs, especially the right leg in the tendons that go from the leg into the groin and transference of pain to right hand side lower back.

I started reading up on the subject and taking a long list of vitamins and supplements and I read that acupuncture can go someway to easing the pain.

Living in Hua Hin now I read that there was an acupuncturist on Soi 51 Petchakasem Rd and made a visit for an initial free consultation.

The practice is owned and operated by Khun Wilawan Chanlek (Chinese Medicine Doctor) ably assisted by Dr. Napich (Kate) Boonyakiat who having spent many years in the USA speaks perfect English.

We discussed my symptoms and she first started to treat my right hip and right leg. She put several needles in various trigger points - I didn’t really feel any of them and then she connected me to electricity and asked me to tell her when I could feel the current like a tens machine. She then left me for between 10 - 15 minutes wired up.

After two or three treatments she then connected needles to certain points down my spine from mid thoracic down the right hip and again attached the current and left me for 10 - 15 minutes.

There is no doubt in my mind that the treatment is working. My mobility is better, the tight thoracic pain is not so extreme and so far it has saved me driving to the hospital in Bangkok to get cortisone and anti inflammatory drugs pumped into my hip and back at 5 times the cost of a whole course of treatments with the Terra Clinic on Soi 51 Petchkasem Rd.

I can highly recommend a visit to the two ladies at Terra Clinic and I will keep going in the hope that the pain will in time desist.

7/3 Soi 51 Petchakasem Rd., Hua Hin, PKK 77110 tel: 099-292-4922 Line @terrapyclinic [email protected]

THE SYMPTOMS, SEVERITY, AND TRANSMISSIBILITY O F THE TWO STRAINS.

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a broad group of viruses that can cause everything from a typical cold to more serious illnesses. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has never been seen in humans before. In Wuhan, China, the first SARS-CoV-2 illnesses were detected. The source of viral transmission to humans, as well as whether the virus became harmful before or after the spillover event, are unknown.

In Thailand, the Delta version of COVID-19 is no longer the most common source of iinfection. Omicron now accounts for the bulk of COVID-19 cases in the world, just weeks after it was discovered in South Africa and labeled a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Scientists are trying to figure out what makes Omicron different from other variations as it spreads across the world. Information is slowly coming together— Omicron, for example, is less likely to cause severe illness, but it also spreads more easily, even among the vaccinated—but there are still many things we don’t know, which is why maintaining (or ramping up) COVID-19 safety precautions is more important than ever.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the same whether we’re talking about Delta or Omicron (or any other COVID-19 variant)—which means that while some symptoms may be more obvious or noticeable in one strain versus the other, the symptoms of all COVID-19 variants will be comparable, according to the CDC.

To clarify, COVID-19 can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe sickness, according to the CDC. The following are the most prevalent symptoms associated with COVID-19 in general, though this is not a full list: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

There is no official advice on whether symptoms are more common with specific strains of the virus, but there have been a few anecdotal accounts on both variations’ symptoms.

In June, Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist at King’s College London who helps lead the ZOE COVID Study, told The New York Times that the Delta variant looked to cause more headaches, sore throats, and runny noses. Fever, cough, and loss of smell, on the other hand, were noted less frequently.

Omicron, too, appears to be causing more cold-like symptoms: The top five symptoms associated with confirmed or suspected cases of the Omicron variety, according to data collected again by the ZOE COVID Study—which compels participants to register their disease symptoms through an app—are runny nose, headache, weariness, sneezing, and sore throat. Like Delta, Omicron sufferers are less likely to have fever, cough, or a loss of smell or taste. “There is no evident difference in the symptom profile of Delta and Omicron,” according to the ZOE COVID Study’s findings.

Arthritis is one of the most common problems encountered in my clinic experiences. When you think about arthritis, you likely think of a disease that affects the joints.

However, some types of arthritis may have extra-articular manifestations, meaning that the disease affects areas of the body other than the joints. When this occurs, especially in multiple organ systems of the body, the arthritic condition is said to have systemic effects or is referred to as a systemic disease.

To make it easy to understand, I will classify arthritis into two significant groups: Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a so called mechanical condition or “wears and tears.” Typically, osteoarthritis presents as pain, stiffness, or swelling in joints such as the hip, hand, knee, or spine, but it may also affect other joints. Women run a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than men, and other risk factors include heredity, excess weight, joint injury, and hormonal imbalances. It happens because trauma or a repetitive force causes the cartilage cells called chondrocytes to burst, creating inflammation. These joints are lubricated by a natural substance called synovial fluid. The damage to the cartilage causes the chondrocytes to flake apart and absorb synovial fluid, which decreases the amount of lubricant in the joint. Reducing joint lubrication increases friction between the joint bones, which accelerates common decay, which causes more inflammation and degenerative bone changes.

On the other hand, inflammatory types of arthritis may involve multiple joints simultaneously. Often, an overactive or malfunctioning immune system is the cause of inflammation. The primary symptoms of inflammatory arthritis are pain and stiffness in the morning or after periods of rest or inactivity. Swelling, redness, and warmth are common in or around the affected joints. Inflammatory arthritis not only affects the joints - other body parts can be affected, including the skin or internal organs. Most forms of inflammatory arthritis in adults can start in childhood or adolescence, although the onset and manifestations may be slightly different in younger patients. Some examples of inflammatory joint arthritis commonly seen in the clinic are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, lupus, and gout.

How acupuncture and TCM helps with arthritis?

In TCM, arthritis is the disorder we call “Bi Syndrome.” The cause of Bi syndrome is attributed to pathogenic factors like wind, cold, dampness, and heat. These pathogenic factors may lodge in the muscle and joint, causing decreased circulation, pain, inflammation, or swelling. It can also be related to deficiencies of the TCM liver and kidney. The liver is a vital organ involved in an immune response. The kidney in TCM is the root of the Yin and Yang of the body, and it needs to be function properly to produce the raw material for hormones.

Arthritis can be treated using various TCM methods such as acupuncture, cupping, tuina, and herbal medicines. These treatment methods aim to eliminate underlying causal factors and promote the average circulation of Qi and blood in the body and affected area. Acupuncture and herbal medicines can also boost liver and kidney functions.

When patients come in with pain in the joints like elbows, fingers, knees, shoulders problems as a practitioner, I need to clarify that the pain is by a mechanic or systemic problem. This process relies on a combination of physical examination, medical history, laboratory test results, and imaging studies. With enough patient information, I will set up the treatment plan for an individual.

Depending on the type of arthritis and its severity, require many approaches to manage all aspects of the individual’s health. Treatment is most effective when it begins early in the condition. Moreover, a variety of lifestyle recommendations for the ongoing management of arthritis. These include:

1. Eating a healthy, balanced diet for adequate nutrition.
2. Participating in regular physical activity.
3. Reducing sources of stress and finding ways to manage stress better.
4. Taking an active role in disease management.
5. Drink more water! Staying hydrated is essential for keeping the joints lubricated.

Dr. Kate Boonyakiat, DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture Clinic

7/3 Soi Huahin 51, Hua hin, Prachuab, 77110, Thailand

Phone: 099 - 292 4922 | Email: [email protected] | Line: @terrapyclinic

Have you ever wondered who is suffering from mood swings, irritability, weight gain, brain fog, and difficulty sleeping? Welcome to my life! I have no idea what I went through in the past 18 months. Was it menopause or Covid? It felt as though that my body had experienced hormonal chaos. So, I was not going to pass by an opportunity to join a fully immersive wellness retreat weekend and discover ways to balance the hormones, alleviate menopausal symptoms, including weight gain, and reduce stress.

REVĪVŌ, a global wellness company specialising in transformational health experiences, had partnered for the retreat with their sister brand,

The Pavilions Phuket. The Pavilions is considered one of Asia’s most luxurious resorts. If ever there was a ‘stop the world I want to get off’ perfect destination for a wellness weekend, this is it. A few female guests were welcomed to our ‘home’, a five bedroom luxury residential villa, by REVĪVŌ’s Wellness Director Kimberly Rose and Sales Director Kate Leff. I was literally pinching myself to feel how lucky I was.

Menopause

Menopause often a scary word, is typically experienced between the ages of 45 to 50, although some are younger, depicting the end of a woman’s reproductive age. It can lead to emotional and physical changes that affect women’s health and lifestyle. In fact, to some women, the word menopause can be unappealing to acknowledge and seek treatment. Kimberley’s wisdom helps women navigate the menopause years.

Neglecting the subject of menopause has become a major issue for women who generally have very different experiences, occurring at different times in their lives. It is kind of ‘potluck’ to find anyone in your friendship group who can identify with the issue of menopause. As for the men, forget it! They seem unsympathetic and cannot relate, thinking a woman of that age is just a grumpy old bag!

Read on to find out what you can do to help.

The wellness lectures

Kimberly Rose, our retreat facilitator and Chinese medicine expert, has a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate menopause naturally. Our first lecture highlighted the differences between East and Western medicine, introducing Chinese medicine and Qigong exercise routine.

We were an attentive group; all joined by an interest to maximise our health and wellness in our advancing years. We were lectured on the benefits of detox, cleansing, and fasting for hormonal health. Following the session, we decided to set up a support and encouragement Facebook group.

Our lectures also covered the microbiome (helpful and potentially harmful microbes in our body) and nutrition for menopause. We sampled some of the foods recommendations during the weekend and were even given the recipes. We learned about ‘dirty dozen foods to be avoided’, and the ‘clean fifteen’ foods with the lowest levels of pesticides. A supplemented digital programme provided us with lots of useful material such as fasting with our menstrual cycle.

As we learned about Chinese medicine, we found the best acupressure points to alleviate menopause symptoms and discovered the joys of a jade roller and Guasha, the alternative therapy for relieving tension across the face and body. In tongue diagnosis, the less body shy amongst us were soon sticking out their tongues at each other.

Our final workshop was on key supplements for hormonal health; it seems that Black Cohosh and Red Clover herbs could be my new best friends. I ended up with quite a shopping list!

Soothe the spirit

Whilst the wellness lectures were at the core of the retreat, it was balanced by the opportunity to enjoy various mind and body relaxation techniques designed to help unwind and soothe the spirit. When participation was required, my hand was always the first to go up, seizing any opportunity to work on my much needed inner Zen Wren! The experience reassured me that I was not alone, as I felt I was amongst kindred spirits and very relaxed by the end of the weekend.

Yin yoga and pranayama

Yin is a slow moving Chinese yoga exercise practice, while pranayama is an Indian yogic practice of focusing on the breath. Our two enchanting yoga classes with Issy were held in an open air sala (pavilion) under Buddha’s watchful eye.

Like all things at the Pavilions, there is much to admire, even from the yoga mats. A quick glance upwards revealed a collection of ornamental birdcages gently swaying in the breeze. I closed my eyes, focused, and breathed, being totally in the moment. As the yoga class ended, the music faded and a symphony of birdsong took over. Khun Fern appeared with a cooling towel and refreshing drink. All in all, it was a fabulous way to start the Sunday.

Dragon Qigong

We also learned the ancient meditation and healing practice of Dragon Qigong. With the benefits of lowering stress and anxiety, increasing focus, balance, and flexibility, I was keen to master this. I am sure I was more a jellyfish than a dragon, but I am determined to improve my technique and will definitely add it to the list of things to be incorporated into my life.

Aromatherapy spa massage

The Qigong was held in the outdoor pavilion of the Spa Garden, just a dragon dance to the peaceful spa for a heavenly oil massage. I chose The Pavilions’ signature oil blend of grapefruit, chamomile, lavender and geranium oil, which, together with my therapist’s long strokes and flowing movements did wonders to release my stress. I was out for the count!

Healthy eating

From the first bite of breakfast on Saturday to the last healing tea on Sunday, the food was an outstanding, nutritious, and nourishing component of the weekend. The Pavilions executive chef, Micha Bitz, was on hand to personally cook our oatmeal pancakes! Pancakes on a wellness retreat? You bet, with all the right ingredients. The meals were chosen by Kimberly Rose for their wholesome and organic health benefits. We learned that ‘we are what we eat and what we ate.’ Every single dish was a delight, so glad we were also given the recipes.

Villa time

Another wonderful component of the retreat was the opportunity to get to know the other participants. Our shared villa was perfect for meals, workshops, and for chilling around our private pool. At night after dinner, dressing gowns on, it became a relaxed slumber party. They say one of the most important components of wellness involves sleep. Hmmm! We stayed up chatting late into the night, not doing so well on this aspect, through no fault of the organisers! It had been a long time since I was able to do this, oh Phuket, you are amazing!

Learnings on the journey to wellbeing, contentment and happiness

All participants were given a green Pavilions notebook with the words ‘Your curated journey starts here.’ It made me smile. If life is the journey, menopause is the rollercoaster ride, but it clearly can be a ride that need not be scary. My green book filled up with plenty of notes. Optimistic and enlightening with messages to listen to your body as it always tells you what it needs.

Here are some of my favourite scribbled quotes from across the weekend:

• We’re one big detoxing machine.
• Fasting is a game changer and I promise you, you won’t die!
• Stop the rushing woman’s syndrome.
• Coffee is fine but there is much mould on coffee, try and buy organic.
• Dry skin brushing - this can save your life!
• Your liver is the General in your body.
• Try Brussel sprouts in your smoothies to which the response was “Shut up! Stop now, that’s disgusting!”

Oh, we did have a giggle!

I am sure I am not the only one leaving the phenomenal retreat REVĪVŌ feeling lighter, happier, and more at peace. I have a plan to make some lasting changes for my health and wellbeing and I am referring often to our digital wellness guide provided for further reading and understanding. I so can’t wait to see you all one day to impress you with my inner Zen wren dragon!

Thanks to our REVĪVŌ and Pavilions organisers for a wonderful weekend and to the other participants for their uplifting energy and spirit, ready to learn whilst having fun. I had the best weekend. It was just what my kind of doctor ordered. The best tonic of all after the butterfly pea tea and a nutrient dense smoothie? It was the learning and laughter with new friends. Thanks all!

I leave with this wise saying:

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” Socrates