Although bones are the last pieces of evidence that we are likely to have left that we existed after up to millions of years, they are not simply rods of inert material. They are a living, moving ecosystem that protects the deepest nerves that support our bodies to function, including the brain & spinal cord. Read on to find out how and why Chinese herbal medicine and supplementation can support bone density, particularly in older people, to preserve your bones and therefore, your organs & nervous system.
The Structure & Function of Bone
The hardest part of bone is comprised of a matrix made up of Calcium and Hydroxyapetite, which bind together in crystalline form to create a hard tissue with a large amount of integrity, to protect organs and marrow.
Bones’ surface is coated in a thin nervous tissue named the Periosteum. Inside the matrix layer there is a hollow core where marrow and nervous tissue reside, conducting the flow of nutrients to the tissues and creating red and white blood cells. Bones remodel themselves according to the way we use our bodies. They thicken in places where we require more strength – for example, weight bearing exercise. If you don’t use them, you lose them.
In Chinese medicine theory, bones and marrow belong to the Kidney/Jue Yin/Xue levels, which are the deepest levels that a disease can penetrate into the body because it houses our essence (Jing) which is the combined essence of both parents, constitutes our reproductive and life energy, and is a very similar concept to the modern scientific concept of DNA.
Bone Density is important because……?
Bone density is definitely important because it involves the structural integrity of your skeleton. If the skeleton is weak, the protective function is also weak and internal organs become more vulnerable to damage. The structural integrity holding you up as your skeleton relies on the bones being strong and able to support all the tissue inside and outside it. When bone density fails, breaks occur easily and organs are less protected.
3 Ways you can support your own bone density:
- Do weight bearing exercise – this includes weight lifting, pilates, lifting and carrying (of course following OHS guidelines for safe lifting, even if you’re not at work!) as part of your daily activities. Why? Bones as a living organ do an amazing job of changing shape, thickening and thinning out based on what activities we participate in and their associated stresses and needs. This process is known as “bone remodeling”.
- Make sure you get enough dietary vitamins & minerals: Most important for bone remodeling and nourishing this type of dense structural tissue are several vitamins & minerals that work in conjunction with each other to construct, transport and nourish all parts of bones. The 3 major components are Calcium, Vitamin D/cholecalciferol, and Vitamin K1 or K2. Numerous foods include calcium – not just dairy. Fish, mushrooms and eggs are all rich in cholecalciferol which is the blood-borne precursor to vitamin D but needs UV rays to activate and cause it to be bioavailable. Vitamin K is found in meats, green veggies and is found in particularly high concentration in natto, a fermented Japanese bean based breakfast food that some people love, but that others swear smells like old socks.
- Keep your oestrogen up after menopause to support bone health by eating foods rich in phytoestrogens such as Soy beans and associated products like soy mik, tofu/bean curd, tempeh and edamame. Increase consumption of sweet potato and eggs.
How can TCM help bone density?
Research has identified a number of commonly used Chinese herbs that have been adapted by Western supplement companies and TGA approved to support bone health. The main mechanism of action for most TCM herbs that are active for bone support include those containing phytoestrogenics including Red Sage root (Dan Shen), Chinese yam (Shan Yao) and Peony root (Bai Shao). Phytoestrogenic compounds, such as lignans, isoflavones and coumestins, are those found in plant based substances which initiate an estrogen-like biochemical response. This response can replace estrogenic activity in the body and cause similar biochemical changes.
In TCM terms, we are supporting Kidney Yin and Kidney Qi, tonifying Yin and Blood and supporting Qi and Blood flow to the right areas of your body to specifically target bone density. All of these can be mutually enhanced by supplements, exercises, herbs & acupuncture.
Dr Bec (TCM) taking new patients
If you have read this info and decided it would be a good idea to see what a full Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage, Cupping and/or Moxibustion treatment can do to support your journey to excellent bone health, you can book a time to see Dr Rebecca Tolhurst (TCM) in Daylesford.
You can also have a digital consultation for Chinese Herbal Medicine. To book, just contact the clinic at: tothepoint@tcmconsultancy.com or 0422 353 446.
Central Highlands Chinese Medicine 