The Emperor Huang Ti: I have heard it said that in antique times humans were living to the age of one hundred years. In our days, at fifty years we are already worn out. Is this owed to the changes of circumstances or does it come back to the fault of humans?

The Physician Chi Po: In the antique age, man used to live according to the 'Tao', the' Principle'. They used to observe the law of Yang and of Yin, to be sober, to live a regular and simple life. For this reason, healthy in body and spirit, they used to be able to live up to a hundred years. In our age, man drinks alcoholic drinks like one drinks water, looking for all the pleasures, and addicting themselves to intemperance, so they do not live beyond fifty years. The Sages teach that in order to be able to avoid the "Perverse Fongs"(sicknesses owed to exterior influences), it is necessary to lead a simple and peaceful life. Keeping thus in reserve all of its energies, the body cannot be attached by the sicknesses. The wise man must protect himself from desires, thus his heart will be at peace, his body can be tired, but not his spirit. It is by living in such simplicity that man can still, in our days, live to the age of one hundred years.

From the Suwen a compilation of fragmentary texts written, collected, and edited by an unknown number of individuals in a period lasting from about the second century B.C.E. to the second century C.E

Longevity, as defined in the west, means merely the quantity or long duration of life. It doesn't consider the quality of a long life lived. On the contrary, longevity or "Chang Shou" in China is used with reverence for someone who enjoyed the blessing of living a long time and having a quality of life. Can you achieve quantity of life and still maintain youthful vigor, be fulfilled and happy and remain emotionally balanced and advance spiritually throughout your long existence? Our answer is a definite YES!

All diseases fall into four categories; the first three - inherited genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and trauma - account for only 10% of the cost for treating all disease in America. The fourth category - degenerative diseases - accounts for the other 90% of all healthcare dollars spent on extraordinary care in the last two to three years of life. If we can slow aging, we can eliminate more than 50% of all disease overnight.

Fortunately, we can alter this dreadful course by preventing, delaying, or reversing the diseases associated with aging. Acupuncture Atlanta combines the ancient wisdom of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) with the recent advances and modern technology of Anti-Aging Medicine. Although somewhat different in their approach to anti-aging and longevity, both TOM and Anti-Aging Medicine treat the fundamental causes of aging.

Now middle-aged men and women who have accepted a decline in their health as a "fact of life" can be re-vitalized - physically, intellectually and sexually.

Ninety percent of all adult illness is due to the degenerative processes of aging. This includes heart disease, most cancers, adult-onset diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's. With early detection and appropriate intervention, most of theses diseases can be prevented, cured, or have their downward course reversed.

Chinese medicine emphasizes the unity of man and nature as well as that of all the tissues of the body system. Based on the concepts of Yin, Yang, the five elements, and "man-heaven harmony," it views the human body as "being able to resist the harmful qi pronounced, 'chi.'" Harmful qi is essentially any external element that causes disease, i.e. bacteria or environmental toxins. When the vital qi inside the body (when the body's systems are in balance and immunity is high)" and "inevitably weak where the harmful qi dominates (unable to fight off disease)". Emphasis is put on the principles of disease prevention, which allows for a flexible approach in regards to a patient's prevention program. Conclusions regarding the body's internal condition are reached from observing and analyzing the outward appearance of each individual. Thus, Chinese medicine is committed to exploring the secrets of life.

The knowledge embodied in many health preservation teachings, based on long observations of human life, is dramatically confirmed by the growing body of lifestyle research of the last few decades. Several long-running studies, involving tens of thousands of subjects, as well as many shorter studies, have yielded data for detailed analysis of how diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep and emotional patterns impact on health and longevity.

The reconnection between the individual and their "roots" (spirituality) is a very important aspect in the maintaining of youthfulness, and is thereby inherent in the basic foundation of TOM. Understanding the root cause and quality of one's own longevity can slow the aging process and rejuvenate the body, as thoughts can create reality. Knowing with certainty that we are an ageless body is the basis for creating high level wellness in the modern world. Longevity, however, is more than just belief.

Herbal formulas are a foundation of Chinese medicine. Many of the formulas we use in the clinic have been around for over a thousand year and have a high degree of clinical efficacy The herbal formulas we use in the anti-aging program are classified as tonics in Chinese medicine. Tonics promote a long, healthy, vibrant and happy life without any unwanted side effects, even when taken over a long period of time. Essentially, the tonics are wonderful, healthful "super-food" which benefit our well being in ways that more common foods cannot. Moreover, they have a protective, balancing, vitalizing quality beyond that of any other herbs. They are generally consumed as a supplement to a well-balanced healthy diet for the purpose of completing our nutritional needs. Thousands of years of experience has taught that regular consumption of the tonics can and will provide a type of nutrition that is truly empowering.

There are six categories of tonic: Jing tonic, Yin tonics, Yang Tonics, Qi tonics, Blood tonics and Shen tonics.

• Jing Tonics are used to replace spent energy and to build up large reserves for future use. Jing is closely associated with our genetic material and is responsible for cellular replication. Thus Jing is associated with regeneration, rejuvenation and the preservation of life. These tonics consist of special tonic herbs that fortify Jing.
• Yin Tonics nourish the fluids of the body. Yin energy is generally condensed and stored in all of the tissues of the body, but most extensively in the major solid organs, and most particularly in the reproductive organs, the brain, the adrenal glands, the ears, the hair on the head, the skeleton, the teeth and the bone marrow. Yin tonics nurture these organs and functions.
  
  The Yin tonics are usually associated with the preservation of life and many of them are considered in the Orient to be the most important "anti-aging, longevity herbs."
• Yang Tonics are the power herbs of Chinese herbalism, and like the Yin tonics, primarily affect the function of the Kidneys. Yang tonics have a "warm" or "hot" energy. They are believed in China to help build will power, courage, mental creativity and the ability to manifest one's ideas. Certain Yang tonic herbs strengthen sexual function and the sexual drive.
  
  All Yang tonics build strength and are thus favorites of athletes. Yang herbs are also used to stimulate metabolism, build muscle and reduce body fat. They strengthen bone, and are especially renowned for helping to strengthen the back (particularly the lower back), knees and joints.
• Qi Tonics increase the amount, and improve the quality, of our energy and blood. This increase in energy and blood results in an overall increase in physical and mental vitality.
• Blood Tonics nourish the blood and help the body to utilize nutrients so as to function optimally. They help build muscle and increase energy. Blood nourishes all the tissues of the body and provides the key means of distribution of nutrients, hormones and immune cells throughout the body.
  
  Blood tonics also benefit the quality and beauty of the skin. Women, who are often deficient in blood, benefit greatly by regularly consuming blood tonics. Some blood tonic herbs also have "blood vitalizing" activity, improving blood circulation.
• Shen Tonics allow for the development of Shen, our Spirit. There are two qualities of Shen tonic herbs: Shen "stabilizing" and Shen "developing". The Shen stabilizing tonics calm and stabilize the emotions so that Shen (our higher-self) can develop and rule our lives. The Shen developing tonics cause the Shen to rise up and to become prominent in our experience. The emotions are thus allowed to play themselves out, but not to dominate our lives and become obsessions or even addictions. In general, all Shen tonics have both Shen stabilizing and Shen developing qualities, to varying degrees.
  
  Shen tonics have been used by the great sages of the Orient to help in their quest for enlightenment and harmony with God, Nature and all of Mankind.

We want to clearly state that we are not advocates of doing handfuls of supplements on a daily basis. Every day, new patients arrive at the clinic, carrying a big bag of supplements they are taking and they still are not feeling well.

There is a place for supplements as well as Chinese herbal formulas and that is what your Personalized Assessment will determine, what specifically is needed. As your body, emotions and mental state begins to balance your need for supplements and herbal formulas will diminish. If there are areas in your life which will remain stressed (physically, mentally, emotionally) we will recommend a constitutional supplement or formula to support you during this time.

The initial cost for the Personalized Assessment is $2500 which includes the tests identified below plus a 2 hours consultation. These test are not traditional blood or urine test. The tests are based upon pioneering research to provide in-depth nutritional diagnostic reports, bringing into focus those nutrients that are specifically needed for each patient. The preliminary total-patient assessment includes:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): measures white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets
• Neurotransmitter profile to examine cognitive memory function
• metabolic panel
• complete saliva hormonal panels (thyroid, adrenals, male/female sex hormones)
• blood and cell levels of anti-oxidants
• Saliva food sensitivity test
• bone density: a noninvasive urine test that measures bone density to assess risk of osteoporosis
• fatty acids panel on bodily functions and disorders.
• Two hour consultation to review results of test and outline the treatment protocol.

Thereafter, a customized program is developed based on your individual needs. We will identify what herbals and supplements are specially needed for your well being. All programs are monitored with on-going telephone or office visits to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness, and consist of one or more of the following:

• Hormonal imbalances are treated with a regimen of natural hormones and supplements that integrates the latest scientific advances in Anti-Aging Medicine with the ancient wisdom of the Chinese Herbal tonics.
• Natural supplements and anti-oxidants are instrumental in containing damaging free radicals, promoting overall health, and slowing down aging. A personalized and a cost-effective regimen of products will be developed tailored to your individual needs.
• The same diet is not right for everyone. Some people have underlying food sensitivities, which have been with them since birth. These sensitivities are a constant drain on the body's immune system thus accelerating the aging process. Utilizing the latest in diagnostic technologies, a diet plan is generated specific to your needs, and presented in a convenient manner.
• A personalized "energy metabolic tune-up" can lead to a healthy balance of muscle, fat, and bone mass, giving you an energetic, slimmer, more muscular, and better body composition.
• For centuries, Chinese women have known the secrets to younger-looking, more radiant skin: acupuncture, Qi Gong, and the Three Treasures tonics. In many instances, Constitutional Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, herbal formulas, exercises, and lifestyle and nutritional counseling preclude the need for cosmetic surgery, Botex injections, or microderm abrasion.
  
  A personalized and realistic anti-aging skin therapy regimen will be developed that is specific to your needs.

This program is appropriate for Atlanta residents as well as those outside of the Atlanta area. In both cases all test need to be completed before the initial interview. For those outside of the Atlanta area the 2 hour consultation will be over the telephone, however if you could schedule a trip to Atlanta for the consultation that would be even better.

We have tried to condense a very complex program into these web pages; we know you will have questions about this exciting program. Please email or call with those questions. In closing, we will leave you with some quotes to consider:

"Laughing makes you ten years younger, distress causes your hair to become grey" Chinese saying

"The affairs of the bedroom can give life to a man or it can kill him" Liu Qing

"One should always enjoy simple pleasures such as sunshine in winter or shade in winter, beautiful scenes on a bright day, walking cheerfully with a stick, watching fish in a pond, listening to birds singing in the woods, drinking a cup of wine or playing a musical instrument" The Yi Qing Xiao Lu