CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy

* Chronic fatigue syndrome 

* Sports formula: to increase mental and physical performance

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Increases basal metabolism to increase energy levels and sense of well-being

* Adaptogenic function help the patient adapt to stress, and improve mental and physical functions

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Tonifies the yuan (source) qi

* Awakens the shen (spirit)

 

DOSAGE

Take 3 to 4 capsules up to three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water.

 

INGREDIENTS

Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae)

Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi)

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)

Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae)

 

BACKGROUND

The modern lifestyle in developed country is one characterized by nonstop stress. When confronted with stress, the body responds with a burst of hormones to empower the organism to cope and survive. To facilitate this process, Vibrant contains herbs with excellent adaptogenic functions to improve both mental and physical performance.

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Vibrant is formulated to help people with demanding lifestyles cope with fatigue and lack of energy. In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, these herbs tonify the yuan (source) qi, strengthen the Spleen, and awaken the shen (spirit).

        Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) is one of the most commonly used herbs in Asia, Europe, and America. It is approved by the German Commission E as a tonic that has invigorating and fortifying effects to treat fatigue and debility. It also enhances the capacity for work and improves concentration. Its indications include convalescence, prevention of colds and flu, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

        When used together, Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) tonify the yuan (source) qi and have an excitatory effect on the central nervous system. They are both excellent herbs to promote well-being and health. Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) tonifies qi and ascends yang. It is especially helpful for patients who have shortness of breath, fatigue, and malaise.

        Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae) is a beverage consumed in large quantities by people in Asian countries. It has excellent antibacterial, antiviral, immune-enhancing, and stimulating effects. Consumption of Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae) provides an immediate boost of energy to enhance both mental and physical performance.

        Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae), also known as gotu kola, has adaptogenic effects, and is commonly used to address both mental and physical conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness to improve memory and to overcome stress, fatigue, mental confusion, and deterioration in mental function.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* Avoid drinking coffee or other beverages containing caffeine while taking Vibrant to prevent over-stimulation of the central nervous system.

* Possible side effects of Vibrant include dry mouth and a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate.

 

CLINICAL NOTE

* Vibrant has a rapid onset of action and can be used on an as-needed basis in the early morning, late afternoon, before meetings, exams, or whenever there is fatigue or lack of energy.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

* As a long-term, overall constitutional tonic, use with Imperial Tonic.

* To enhance immunity, take with Immune + or Cordyceps 3.

* For stress and anxiety, combine with Calm.

* For anger and severe emotional disturbances, combine with Calm (ES).

* For stress and insomnia, take Calm ZZZ.

* For difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, take at bedtime Schisandra ZZZ.

* To enhance memory and concentration, add Enhance Memory.

* For Spleen qi deficiency, add GI Tonic.

* For adrenal deficiency, add Adrenal +.

* For Kidney yang deficiency, add Kidney Tonic (Yang).

* For Kidney yin deficiency, add Kidney Tonic (Yin).

* For sluggishness due to blood stagnation, add Circulation (SJ).

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhongji (CV 3), Pishu (BL 20)

* Apply moxa to Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4) and Zhongji (CV 3).

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Fatigue: Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Minghuang (T 88.12), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Qihuang (T 88.14), Beimian (T 44.07), Sanyan (T 11.21), Zhitong (T 44.13)

 

Master Tung¡¦s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Quick energy boost: Tianhuangfu [shenguan] (T 77.18), Huofuhai (T 33.07)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Hegu (LI 4), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Waiguan (TH 5), Fuliu (KI 7)

* Right side: Lingdao (HT 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Lieque (LU 7)

* Left and right sides can be alternated from treatment to treatment.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Fatigue: Sympathetic, Kidney, Liver, Spleen, San Jiao, Anxious, Nervous Subcortex, Speed Recovered Fatigue. Bleed Ear Apex.

 

NUTRITION

* Advise the patient to eat a well-balanced diet with an adequate amount of raw foods, fruits and vegetables.

* Encourage the patients to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

* Eat more fish and fish oils, onions, garlic, olives, olive oil, herbs, spices, yogurt, fiber, tofu and other soy products.

* Sea vegetables, such as kelp and dulse, replenish the body with minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iodine and iron.

* Decrease intake of red meat, alcohol, fats, caffeine, and highly processed foods. Avoid shellfish, fried foods, junk foods, and processed foods.

* Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B complex to process and utilize energy.

* Avoid the use of stimulants, such as coffee, caffeine, and high-sugar products.

* Food allergy or chemical hypersensitivity can drain energy and cause fatigue. Additional tests should be done to confirm or rule out allergy and/or hypersensitivity.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Chronic fatigue syndrome

¡± Recommendations: winter melon, pumpkin, pumpkin seed, yam, sweet potato, lima bean, black bean, soy bean, strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, chestnut, papaya, figs, garlic, onions, and pearl barley.

¡± Eat frequent, small meals, and drink more liquids.

¡± Juice and drink daily: fresh water chestnut, lotus root, pear, watermelon, and carrots.

¡± Make soup from lotus seed, white fungus and figs.

¡± Chop garlic finely and stir-fry with egg white, parsley and diced yams.

¡± Make chicken soup with garlic, onions, scallions, ginger and daikon radish. Drink soup or cook rice porridge with the broth.

¡± Avoid dairy products, alcohol, coffee, sugar, fatty or fried foods, overly spicy foods, cold and raw foods, tomato, eggplant, bell pepper, and shellfish.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

* Daily exercise is advised to increase basal metabolic rate.

* Make sure the patient gets plenty of rest and goes to bed at a sensible hour.

* Get regular exercise and adequate rest.

* Take a bath for about 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Sea salt or Epsom salts can be added to the bath water.

* Engage in activities such as tai chi chuan [tai ji chuan], walking or meditation that allow calmness of mind without creating stagnation or excessive fatigue.

* Avoid exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, aluminum, copper and arsenic, all of which can suppress the immune system and cause fatigue.

 

CASE STUDIES

* D.H., a 24-year-old male, presented with occasional low energy. Pulse was deep and weak especially in the Lung position. The practitioner diagnosed this condition as qi deficiency and Lung qi deficiency. For treatment, Vibrant was prescribed at 4 capsules three times per day. After only one dose of Vibrant the patient reported an increase in energy. As a result of taking the herbs for two weeks, the patient reported he was feeling 70% better. The patient now only takes the herbs as needed and finds it works immediately for his fatigue. Submitted by S.L., Yuma, Arizona.

* A 35-year-old medical doctor complained of excessive stress and fatigue. He commented that he began to feel extremely tired around 11:00 a.m., and again at 3 p.m. (lunch hour was from 12 to 1 p.m.). Because the fatigue caused lack of concentration, it made working quite difficult. He began to take Vibrant, 4 capsules in the morning and 4 capsules in the afternoon. He experienced an immediate increase in energy and concentration, which enabled him to work without any difficulty. Submitted by J.C., Diamond Bar, California.

* A 35-year-old female complained of bedwetting, fatigue, low back pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and depression. The doctor diagnosed her with Kidney jing (essence), yin and yang deficiencies. Imperial Tonic and Vibrant were prescribed. The patient reported that bedwetting, depression and pain went away and the energy level went from 2 to 10, on a scale of 1 to 10. As an added and unexpected joy for her, the patient stated she also lost ten pounds even though she had been eating more. Submitted by S.C., Santa Monica, California.

* S.W. suffered from tiredness, restless sleep, and occasional, recurrent nasal congestion during allergy season. She was diagnosed with Kidney yin and yang deficiency, and wei (defensive) qi deficiency. The practitioner prescribed Immune + to build the wei (defensive) qi, and Vibrant to sustain and build her Kidney yin and yang over time. The patient greatly commented on the positive results of Vibrant to increase her daily energy level and positive outlook. Submitted by J.P., Naples, Florida.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Vibrant is formulated to help individuals with demanding lifestyles cope with stress and fatigue. Vibrant has herbs which help the patient adapt to and overcome mental and physical stress, increase basal metabolism to boost energy, and stimulate the immune system to prevent infections.

        Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) has been used for centuries in both China and Russia for its ¡§adaptogenic¡¨ effect to help people adapt to various types of mental and physical stress. Pharmacologically, this herb has a stimulant effect to increase energy and elevate the metabolic rate.[1] It also has a regulatory effect on the endocrine system, specifically the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas. It has been used to treat subjects with adrenocortical insufficiency, enlarged thyroid, and hyperglycemia, with good results.[2]^,[3] The mechanism of action is attributed to the sympatho-adrenal-system mediated stimulating effects, but without the side effects commonly associated with traditional stimulants.[4] Furthermore, this herb has a significant effect to enhance the immune system. Administration of Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) is associated with an improvement of the immune system in both healthy and immune-suppressed subjects by increasing the production of white blood cells, interferon, and interleukin-6.[5]^,[6],[7],[8] Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) also has a mild sedative effect to calm the central nervous system and improve the quality and quantity of sleep.[9] Lastly, according to one study of more than 2,100 healthy human subjects, administration of Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) is associated with marked adaptogenic effects to increase mental performance and physical working capacity in various stressful environments.[10] Eleutheroside E, a compound from Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi), is considered as the main compound that contributes to its adaptogenic and antifatigue actions.[11] According to another study, a randomized clinical trial of Ci Wu Jia (Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Acanthopanacis Senticosi) found that it safely improved some aspects of mental health and social functioning in elderly hypertensive human volunteers.[12]

        Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is one of the most frequently used Chinese herbs and is historically used for its function to tonify the wei (defensive) qi. From Western medicine perspectives, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) has been shown to elevate the basal metabolic rate to increase energy levels.[13] Furthermore, it has an immunostimulant effect to increase the production of white blood cells,[14]^,[15] and a hematopoietic effect to increase the production of red blood cells.[16] According to a clinical study of 115 leucopenic patients, it was found that the use of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is associated with an ¡§obvious rise of the white blood cell count¡¨ in a dose-dependent relationship.[17]

        Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae) has a wide range of functions and is commonly used in different clinical applications. It is an effective stimulant for the central nervous system as it increases body metabolism and boosts energy levels.[18] It has an immunostimulant effect to boost the immune system and its functions.[19]^,[20] It also has an antiobesity effect to reduce body weight to prevent obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases.[21] According to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study on 111 healthy adult volunteers, daily consumption of decaffeinated green tea is associated with significant benefits in lowering cardiovascular risk factors, such as decreased blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, serum amyloid-£\ (a marker of chronic inflammation), and serum malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress). Furthermore, adverse effects associated with green tea were mild and few, and not different from placebo.[22] Overall, use of Cha Ye (Folium Camelliae) prolongs life span, contributes to longevity, and protects against life-threatening diseases.[23]^,[24]

        Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae) has adaptogenic effects, and is commonly used to address both mental and physical conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness to improve memory and to overcome stress, fatigue, mental confusion,[25] and deterioration in mental function.[26]^,[27] Ji Xue Cao (Herba Centellae) has also demonstrated a marked cognitive effect to ameliorate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease.[28] The mechanism of action is attributed in part to its effect to improve blood circulation to peripheral parts of the organs and limbs.[29]^,[30]

        In summary, Vibrant is an excellent formula to help individuals with busy and demanding lifestyles cope with mental stress and physical fatigue. It contains herbs to calm the mind to relieve mental stress, along with herbs to stimulate the basal metabolic rate to increase energy levels. Indeed, it is an excellent formula to help individuals adapt to both mental and physical stress.

 

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

One striking difference between Western and traditional Chinese medicine is that Western medicine focuses and excels in crisis management, while traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes and shines in holistic and preventative treatments. Therefore, in emergencies, such as gunshot wounds or surgery, Western medicine is generally the treatment of choice. However, for treatment of chronic idiopathic illness of unknown origins, where all lab tests are normal and a clear diagnosis cannot be made, traditional Chinese medicine is distinctly superior.

        In cases of chronic fatigue and tiredness where all tests are normal but there are still general and non-diagnostic signs and symptoms, Western medicine offers few treatment options since there is no clear diagnosis. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine is beneficial as it excels in maintenance and preventative therapies. Herbs can be used to regulate imbalances and alleviate associated signs and symptoms. Therefore, herbal therapy should definitely be employed to prevent deterioration and to restore optimal health.