Revolutionizing Modern

Health with Ancient Medicine

A Study in Traditional Chinese Medicine,

Ayurveda and the Ketogenic Diet

Dr. Josh Axe

Conflict of Interest Statement

Dr. Josh Axe is the founder of DrAxe.com.

He is also the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

(TCM) Tenets and Beliefs

• Dates back over 3,500 years

• Qi (or “vital energy”) is essential for overall health.

– Circulates throughout the body along meridians (body

pathways)

– Proper Qi keeps all systems in balance

• Meridians are believed to be connected to specific

organ systems.

• Yin and Yang (opposing but complementary

energies) should be in balance.

How TCM Works

TCM treatments work in following ways:

• Looking to the root cause of disease

• Treating the body holistically and optimizing how organ

systems function synergistically

Types of TCM Therapies

• Acupuncture: Used to help lower pain, improve

hormonal balance and combat stress

• Cupping Therapy: Used for pain management,

improving immunity and aiding digestion

• Nutrition: Used to help prevent deficiencies, boost

energy and improve detoxification

• Exercise (such as Qi gong or Tai chi): Used to

promote flexibility, strength and concentration

• Herbal medicine: Used to support organ function

and transform internal environment

Health Conditions Associated

with TCM Therapies

• Chronic pain

• Arthritis

• Fatigue

• Infertility

• Liver disease

• Headaches

• Indigestion

• Hormonal imbalances

• High blood pressure

• PMS or menopause

symptoms

• Cancer recovery or

chemotherapy

• Lowers inflammation and might offer increased

cancer protection1,2

• Reduces chronic pain and headaches3-5

• Balances hormones and improves fertility6,7

1. Tsai WH, Yang CC, Li PC, Chen WC, Chien CT. Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine on inflammatory diseases. J Tradit Complement Med. 2013 Jul;3(3):142-51. doi:

10.4103/2225-4110.114898.

2. Hybertson BM, Gao B, Bose SK, McCord JM. Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation. Mol Aspects Med. 2011 Aug;32(4-6):234-46. doi:

10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.006. Epub 2011 Oct 15.

3. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Manheimer E, Vickers A, White AR. Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Jan 21;(1):CD007587. doi:

10.1002/14651858.CD007587.

4. Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, Lewith G, MacPherson H, Foster NE, Sherman KJ, Witt CM, Linde K; Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual

patient data meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2012 Oct 22;172(19):1444-53. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654.

5. Hsieh LL, Liou HH, Lee LH, Chen TH, Yen AM. Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(1):1-14.

6. Pandey A, Tripathi P, Pandey R, Srivatava R, Goswami S. Alternative therapies useful in the management of diabetes: A systematic review. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences.

2011;3(4):504-512. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.90103.

7. Huang DM, Huang GY, Lu FE, Stefan D, Andreas N, Robert G. Acupuncture for infertility: is it an effective therapy? Chin J Integr Med. 2011 May;17(5):386-95. doi: 10.1007/s11655-011-

0611-8. Epub 2011 May 25.

TCM Benefits

• Improves liver health8

• Protects cognitive health9-11

• Helps lower the body’s stress response12

• Preserves muscle strength, flexibility and balance13

8. Wu X, Zeng J, Hu J, Liao Q, Zhou R, Zhang P, Chen Z. Hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extract from Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (higher

basidiomycetes) on α-amanitin-induced liver injury in mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(4):383-91.

9. Iwasaki K, Satoh-Nakagawa T, Maruyama M, Monma Y, Nemoto M, Tomita N, Tanji H, Fujiwara H, Seki T, Fujii M, Arai H, Sasaki H. A randomized, observer-blind, controlled trial of

the traditional Chinese medicine Yi-Gan San for improvement of behavioral and psychological symptoms and activities of daily living in dementia patients. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005

Feb;66(2):248-52.

10. Howes MJ, Houghton PJ. Plants used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine for improvement of memory and cognitive function. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun;75(3):513-

27.

11. Jia L, Zhao Y, Liang X-J. Current Evaluation of the Millennium Phytomedicine— Ginseng (II): Collected Chemical Entities, Modern Pharmacology, and Clinical Applications Emanated

from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Current medicinal chemistry. 2009;16(22):2924-2942.

12. Wang F, Lee EK, Wu T, Benson H, Fricchione G, Wang W, Yeung AS. The effects of tai chi on depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being: a systematic review and meta-

analysis. Int J Behav Med. 2014 Aug;21(4):605-17.

13. Taylor-Piliae RE, Haskell WL, Stotts NA, Froelicher ES. Improvement in balance, strength, and flexibility after 12 weeks of Tai chi exercise in ethnic Chinese adults with

cardiovascular disease risk factors. Altern Ther Health Med. 2006 Mar-Apr;12(2):50-8.

TCM Benefits

Tongue Diagnosis

Pulse Diagnosis

Ayurveda: Meals are Medicine

• What is Ayurveda?

– The 3 doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha

– Disease and illness originate from an imbalance in these

three energies.

• Primary goal: Help people live long, healthy and

balanced lives

– Avoid need for prescription drugs or surgeries

– Eliminate suffering from painful conditions

• Use specific herbal formulations

– Turmeric golden milk = turmeric + trikatu (ginger, black

pepper and long pepper) + ghee/coconut milk

Top TCM Herbs

Fo Ti14

Schisandra15

Anti-Aging Herbs

14. Guan S, Su W, Wang N, Li P, Wang Y. Effects of radix polygoni multiflori components on tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2008 Apr;23(2):252-5. doi:

10.1080/14756360701463403.

15. Szopa A, Ekiert R, Ekiert H. Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components,

pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies. Phytochem Rev. 2016;16(2):195-218.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Turmeric16

Ginger17

16. Takada Y, Bhardwaj A, Potdar P, Aggarwal BB. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents differ in their ability to suppress NF-κB activation, inhibition of expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and

cyclin D1, and abrogation of tumor cell proliferation. Oncogene. 2004 Dec 9;23(57):9247-9258.

17. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int

J Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36-42.

Digestion

Ginger18

Peppermint19

18. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J

Prev Med. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36-42.

19. Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM. A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2015;61(2):560-71.

Liver Cleansing Herbs

Milk Thistle20

Bupleurum21

20. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Jacobs B, et al. Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects: Summary. 2000. AHRQ Evidence Report Summaries.

Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 1998-2005. 21.

21. Law BY, Mo JF, Wong VK. Autophagic effects of Chaihu (dried roots of Bupleurum Chinense DC or Bupleurum scorzoneraefolium WILD). Chin Med. 2014;9:21. Published 2014 Sep

11. doi:10.1186/1749-8546-9-21.

Hormone Balancing Herbs

Vitex22

Dong Quai23

22. Van Die MD, Burger H, Teede H, Bone K. Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials. Planta Medica. 2013; 79(7): 562-575.

23. Circosta C, Pasquale RD, Palumbo DR, Samperi S, Occhiuto F. Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis. Phytother Res. 2006;20(8):665-9.

Testosterone Supporting Herbs

Fenugreek24

Ginseng25

Deer Antler26

24. Steels E, Rao A, Vietta L. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytother

Res. 2011;25(9):1294–300.

25. Leung KW, Wong AS. Ginseng and male reproductive function. Spermatogenesis. 2013;3(3):e26391.

26. Sleivert G, Burke V, Palmer C, Walmsley A, Gerrard D, Haines S, Littlejohn R. The effects of deer antler velvet extract or powder supplementation on aerobic power,

erythropoiesis, and muscular strength and endurance characteristics. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2003;13:251-65.

Thyroid Supporting Herbs

Ashwagandha27

Bacopa28

27. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled

trial. J Altern Complement Med. August 22, 2017; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0183.

28. Kar A, Panda S, Bharti S. Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid hormone concentrations in male mice. J Ethnopharmacol.

2002;81(2):281–5.

Adrenal Supporting Herbs

Rehmannia29

Reishi Mushroom30

29. Wang JM, Pei LX, Zhang YY, Cheng YX, Niu CL, Cui Y, Feng WS, Wang GF. Ethanol extract of Rehmannia glutinosa exerts antidepressant-like effects on a rat chronic

unpredictable mild stress model by involving monoamines and BDNF. Metab Brain Dis. 2018 Jun;33(3):885-892. doi: 10.1007/s11011-018-0202-x.

30. Chu W, Cheung SCM, Lau RAW, et al. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.

Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 4.

Candida Killing Herbs

Pau D’Arco31

Astragalus32

31. Hussain H, Krohn K, Ahmad VU, Miana GA, Green IR. Lapachol: an overview. ARKIVOC, 2007; 2:145-171.

32. Mikaeili A, Karimi I, Shamspur T, Gholamine B, Modaresi M, Khanlari A. Anti-candidal activity of Astragalus verus in the in vitro and in vivo guinea pig models of cutaneous and

systemic candidiasis. Rev. bras. farmacogn. 2012 Oct; 22(5): 1035-1043.

Immune Boosting Herbs

Elderberry33

Turkey Tail

Mushroom34

33. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol®, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines.

Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-296.

34. Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):32-

44.

Brain Boosting Herbs

Lion’s Mane35

Ginkgo Bilboa36

Cannabidiol

(CBD)37

35. Sabaratnam V, Kah-Hui W, Naidu M, Rosie David P. Neuronal health - can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help?. J Tradit Complement Med. 2013;3(1):62-8.

36. Silberstein RB, Pipingas A, Song J, Camfield DA, Nathan PJ, Stough C. Examining brain-cognition effects of ginkgo biloba extract: brain activation in the left temporal

and left prefrontal cortex in an object working memory task. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:164139.

37. Bhattacharyya S, Wilson R, Appiah-Kusi E, et al. Effect of Cannabidiol on Medial Temporal, Midbrain, and Striatal Dysfunction in People at Clinical High Risk of

PsychosisA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2018;75(11):1107–1117. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.2309

Stem Cell Therapy

What is it?• Regenerative injections using the patient’s own cells to

stimulate healing and repair for various conditions

What are the benefits?• Offer relief for patients with chronic pain and difficult-to-heal

injuries, all without medications or risky surgeries

How is it most commonly used?• Orthopedic uses include:

• Repairing injured joints

• Repairing stretched or torn ligaments or tendons

• Permanently stabilizing weak, damaged and/or painful

joints

Boosting Stem Cell

Production Naturally Both scientific research and TCM show that certain nutrients can help:38-40

• Promote the proliferation of healthy human adult stem cells

• Protect stem cells from the effects of oxidative stress

• Improve cognitive and memory function in animals

Top Nutrients for Boosting the Body’s Stem Cell Production:Today’s Research:

• Turmeric41

• Berries42

• Green tea42

• Astragalus42

TCM Methodologies:

• Bone Broth43

• Rehmannia44

• Ginseng45

• Goji46

• Reishi47

38. Acosta S, Jernberg J, Sanberg CD, et al. NT-020, a natural therapeutic approach to optimize spatial memory performance and increase neural progenitor cell proliferation and decrease

inflammation in the aged rat. Rejuvenation Res. 2010;13(5):581-8.

39. Bickford PC, Tan J, Shytle RD, et al. Nutraceuticals synergistically promote proliferation of human stem cells. Stem Cells Dev. 2006;15(1):118-23.

40. Shytle RD, Ehrhart J, Tan J, et al. Oxidative stress of neural, hematopoietic, and stem cells: protection by natural compounds. Rejuvenation Res. 2007;10(2):173-8.

41. Hucklenbroich J, Klein R, Neumaier B, et al. Aromatic-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2014;5:100.

42. Mikirova NA, Jackson JA, Hunninghake R, Kenyon J, Chan KW, Swindlehurst CA, Minev B, Patel AN, Murphy MP, Smith L, Ramos F, Ichim TE, Riordan NH. Nutraceutical augmentation of

circulating endothelial progenitor cells and hematopoietic stem cells in human subjects. J Transl Med. 2010;8:34.

43. Somaiah C, Kumar A, Mawrie D, et al. Collagen Promotes Higher Adhesion, Survival and Proliferation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0145068. Published 2015 Dec 14.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145068

44. Wang YB, Liu YF, Lu XT, Yan FF, Wang B, et al. Rehmannia Glutinosa Extract Activates Endothelial Progenitor Cells in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction through a SDF-1 α/CXCR4 Cascade.

PLoS One. 2013;8(1): e54303.

45. Kim YY, Ku SY, Rosenwaks Z, et al. Red ginseng extract facilitates the early differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into mesendoderm lineage. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.

2010;2011:167376.

46. Wang H, Lau BW, Wang NL, et al. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides promotes in vivo proliferation of adult rat retinal progenitor cells. Neural Regen Res. 2015;10(12):1976-81.

47. Chen WY, Yang WB, Wong CH, Shih DT (2010) Effect of Reishi polysaccharides on human stem/progenitor cells. Bioorg Med Chem 18(24):8583–8591.

Cannabidiol (CBD)What is it?• The major nonpsychoactive component of Cannabis sativa.

What are the benefits?• 2013 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology:

CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant,

antiemetic, anxiolytic and antipsychotic agent.

• A potential medicine for the treatment of

neuroinflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and

nausea, anxiety and schizophrenia.48

How should it be used?• Consuming with a fat source could aid in absorption, so high-fat diets

may be the key for optimum brain health benefits.

48. Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O, Pazos MR, García C, Pertwee R, Mechoulam R, Martínez-Orgado J. Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative

disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Feb;75(2):323-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-

2125.2012.04341.x.

1. 70% Healthy Fat

2. Bone Broth/Collagen Daily

3. Alkalizing Foods/Herbs

4. Adaptogenic Herbs

5. Probiotics/Enzymes

6. 30-90 Days then Keto Cycling

Ketogenic Diet

Ketogenic Diet Benefits

• Promotes weight loss49

• Balances insulin levels50

• Fights cancer cells51

• Reduces cravings and balances

hunger hormones52

• Helps reverse diabetes53

• Helps treat neurological

disorders (Alzheimer’s,

headaches, Parkinson’s,

autism, MS and more!)54

• Reduces inflammation55

• Balances gut bacteria56

• Supports longer life57

49. Bueno NB, Viera de Melo IS, Lima de Oliveira S, Ataide TR. Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J

Nutr. 2013; 110(7): 1178-87.

50. Kinzig KP, Honors MA, Hargrave SL. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance are altered by maintenance on a ketogenic diet. Endocrinology. 2010;151(7):3105-14.

51. Allen BG, Bhatia SK, Anderson CM, et al. Ketogenic diets as an adjuvant cancer therapy: History and potential mechanism. Redox Biol. 2014;2:963-70.

52. Sumithran P, Prendergast LA, Delbridge E, Purcell K, Shulkes A, Kriketos A, & Proietto J (2013). Ketosis and appetite-mediating nutrients and hormones after weight loss. European journal of

clinical nutrition. 2013 Jul;67(7):759-64.

53. Mobbs CV, Mastaitis J. Isoda F. Poplawski M. Treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications with a ketogenic diet. J Child Neurol. 2013 Aug;28(8):1009-14.

54. Paoli A, Rubini A, Volek JS, Grimaldi KA. Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67(8):789-96.

55. Masino SA, Ruskin DN. Ketogenic diets and pain. J Child Neurol. 2013;28(8):993-1001.

56. Ma D, Wang A, Parikh I, Hoffman JD, Green SJ, Chlipala G, Murphy MP, Sokola BS, Bauer B, Hartz AMS, Lin AL. (2018). Ketogenic Diet Enhances Neurovascular Function with Altered gut

Microbiome in Young Healthy Mice.Scientific Reports 8: 6670.

57. Roberts MN, Wallace MA, Tomilov AA, et al. A Ketogenic Diet Extends Longevity and Healthspan in Adult Mice. Cell Metab. 2017;26(3):539-546.e5.

Q&A