Unlocking Anti-Aging Secrets With ACES Medicine | Live Webinar With Dr. Jingduan Yang

Join us live as Dr. Jingduan Yang discusses what it takes to live a long and healthy life.

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Dr. Yang’s Age Gracefully Masterclass can be found here.

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After going through multiple medical schools and systems, Dr. Yang reveals his ACES model for longevity. This model recognizes that a human consists of four dimensions: anatomical, chemical, energetic, and spiritual. By understanding how these dimensions influence one another, the ACES model provides robust strategies for tackling chronic health conditions and optimizing one’s quality of life.

Dr. Yang is the CEO of Northern Medical Center, which includes a plastic surgery department SY Aesthetics. He is also a fifth-generation doctor and teacher of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and the author of “Facing East: Ancient Health + Beauty Secrets for the Modern Age.”

He is board-certified in psychiatry with extensive training and practice in neurology, clinical psychopharmacology, psychiatry, and integrative medicine. He received his training from the Fourth Military Medical University in China, Oxford University in the UK, and Thomas Jefferson University and Arizona University in the United States.

 

Follow Dan on 𝕏: @OnTheFrontline

TRANSCRIPT:

Dan Skorbach: Hello and welcome to Frontline Health. Today, we’re coming to you live from Middletown, which is in upstate New York, home of Northern Medical Center, where Dr. Jingduan Yang is the CEO. He’s also the founder of ACES Medicine and the Yang Institute of Integrative Health. Dr. Yang, thank you so much for finding the time to sit down with us and answer some questions for our audience.

Dr. Yang: It’s my pleasure.

Skorbach: Before we delve into the topic of aging and aging gracefully, can you tell us a bit about Northern Medical Center? What do you do?

Dr. Yang: Well, Northern Medical Center is really an Article-28 treatment and diagnostics center where we do primary care, mental health, management, and aesthetic medicine, and we’re trying to bring the integrative medicine model into everything we do. And when you come to our center

You get a comprehensive evaluation of your health, including mental health assessment, and a management or treatment plan is provided. Additionally, you have the opportunity to experience acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, herbal remedies, nutritional advice, and dietary guidance. If you’re interested in skincare, we have a spa and a cosmetic surgical center available. It’s like a one-stop shop.

Skorbach: How about the Yang Institute of Integrative Health?

Dr. Yang: The Yang Institute of Integrative Health primarily focuses on mental health and applies an integrative medicine model to it. We offer advanced nutrient therapy, neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, and ketamine therapy. We evaluate every patient with quantitative EEG to better understand their condition.

Skorbach: Now, let’s discuss the ACES medicine model, which you pioneered and founded, and how it applies to aging. Can you break down what ACES stands for?

Dr. Yang: When I began practicing medicine in this country, there were numerous terms: alternative, complementary, integrative, regenerative, functional, and mind-body medicine, which essentially discuss the same principles.

So I wondered how we can give someone a framework, a concept they can easily apply to take care of themselves or help others. I proposed returning to the basics of human composition, resulting in four key points.

Firstly, anatomy—the body’s structure. As we age, we notice changes like greying hair, wrinkles, altered posture, and decreased bone density.

Secondly, chemistry—Every day we drink, eat, and take supplements, while also being exposed to viruses, bacteria, and environmental toxins, all of which affect our biochemistry.

The third, often misunderstood, is the body’s energy. Despite being intangible, it’s evident in vital signs and electronic measurements, like breathing, body temperature, brain waves, muscle strength, and blood pressure.

Traditional Chinese medicine, which I learned at 13, offers insights into the human energetic system, adding depth to healthcare.

While everything discussed pertains to the body, the driving force is the soul or spirit. It influences our actions, health, and aging process—the “S” in the ACES model.

By considering our actions in terms of body parts, chemistry, energy, and soul, we can easily apply self-care principles.

Skorbach: In the West, we often prioritize the first two components, right? We focus on going to the gym, working out, getting stronger, and eating healthier to address our biochemistry. However, when it comes to energetics and spirituality, Eastern medical traditions offer deeper insights.

With your background in both Chinese and Western medical education, including ancient Chinese medicine, you bring a unique perspective. As a fifth-generation doctor with a family history steeped in ancient Chinese medicine, you possess unparalleled insights into life and medicine.

Let’s start with the physical, the anatomical part. What do you see as a key component for better aging?

Dr. Yang: I’d like to focus on the body’s cells because they form everything, and each cell has a delicate membrane. This membrane is extremely thin, even thinner than a soap bubble. Its functionality depends on its structure’s integrity, mainly influenced by essential fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids. These acids are crucial for signal transduction and other cell functions. While I’m not a plastic surgeon, I emphasize cellular health, including organelle membranes like mitochondria. It’s vital for everyone to prioritize this.

Dr. Yang: Maintaining membrane function and integrity is essential. Physical ailments often arise from unhealthy membranes, leading to senile cell development. These cells, resembling retired workers, can still produce proteins and biological factors. While some protect the body, others promote inflammation and cancer. We must prevent an excess of senile cells by safeguarding cell membranes through any means possible.

Skorbach: How can you achieve that? What’s the most effective approach?

Dr. Yang: Well, firstly, we need to ensure an adequate intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily obtained from fish, seeds, and vegetables. However, the body possesses an enzyme called “desaturase” that converts fats into polyunsaturated fats. As we age, the activity of this enzyme diminishes.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are crucial. Supplementation helps, but it’s also essential to prevent the reduction of enzyme activity by managing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins.

This approach guides our courses, teaching people what they can do through dietary and lifestyle changes, along with testing their essential fatty acid balance. It’s not about one being more important than the other.

Skorbach: Both are vital.

Dr. Yang: Absolutely. They’re beneficial when in the right ratio. Ideally, omega-6 should outnumber omega-3 four to one. However, today’s Western diet results in 20 times more omega-3 than omega-6, promoting inflammation instead of reducing it. Maintaining balance is crucial, not only for energy but also for biochemistry.

Skorbach: Very fascinating. Isn’t that also part of the traditional school of thought in the East as well, aiming for balance rather than extremes?

Dr. Yang: Exactly. Chinese medicine sees yin and yang as opposites that balance each other, like neurotransmitters in the brain, hormones in blood sugar control, and the autonomic nervous system. It’s all about keeping things in harmony, not going too far in one direction.

Skorbach: I see. Many people tend to focus solely on one aspect, like consuming only meat or only vegetables, thinking it’s the key to health. While such approaches might benefit some individuals, true longevity comes from balance. Is that what you’re suggesting?

Dr. Yang: Yes, exactly. Speaking of extremes, there’s the case of Professor Peterson, who reported feeling significantly better after adopting an all-meat diet, and his daughter had a similar experience. However, what works for one person may not work for another. Individuality plays a significant role, and what’s optimal varies from person to person. We can delve deeper into this when discussing biochemistry.

Skorbach: Let’s dive into biochemistry. I’m curious about your take on it. What’s the core issue in biochemical processes that can enhance longevity?

Dr. Yang: Well, biochemistry and anatomy are intertwined. The cell membrane, for example, depends on essential fatty acids, a biochemical aspect. People often link biochemistry to pharmaceuticals, but it’s more than that—it’s about water, electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, and more. Our choices in diet and lifestyle play a big role in our biochemical health.

Genetic predispositions influence nutrient metabolism, requiring tailored diets or treatments. Methylation, a biochemical process, regulates DNA, affecting aging and chronic illnesses by silencing genes. Around 20-30 percent of people are undermethylated, causing health issues and personality traits like perfectionism and risk-taking behavior.

Dr. Yang: Some people seek extreme experiences as a form of self-medication. For those individuals, consuming animal meat can be beneficial because it provides essential nutrients like zinc and albumin, which are crucial for them. However, overconsumption of substances like folic acid can have adverse effects, especially for those with serotonin or dopamine deficiencies. For these individuals, folic acid may exacerbate their symptoms rather than alleviate them.

Methylation is a key process to consider in managing various health conditions, including aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and diabetes. Maintaining a balanced methylation status can effectively address chronic health problems.

Skorbach: That’s fascinating. So finding the balance is different for different people. How about energy?

Dr. Yang: I’ll explain the energy aspect using insights from Chinese medicine. I won’t delve into a full lecture on Chinese medicine now, but if you’re interested, I’ve written two books on the topic. One book is for the general public, titled “Facing East: Ancient Health and Beauty Secrets for the Modern Age,” which I co-authored with my friends, clients, and Norma Kamali.

The second book I wrote is titled “Clinical Acupuncture and Ancient Chinese Medicine,” which serves as a textbook for Oxford University Press. It’s intended for healthcare professionals because I aim to convey that integrating ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture into health care isn’t an alternative or an option—it’s essential. These practices provide the crucial third piece that’s often missing in health care.

Dr. Yang: I used to say that current medical centers and hospitals are like car shops without electronic engineers. We focus so much on structure and chemistry, but we neglect the energetic aspect. Chinese medicine emphasizes energy, though proving it scientifically remains a challenge due to the lack of technology. Ancient Chinese medicine, inherited by the Chinese, encompasses emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle components.

When we talk about energy, we focus on the kidneys, which are not just physical organs but also energetic centers. This energetic system plays a crucial role in development, including bone strength, hair health, and motivation. As we age, our kidney energy declines, leading to various signs of aging and health issues, such as osteoporosis and cognitive decline.

Dr. Yang: Many women in their mid-30s to 50s struggle to conceive due to low kidney energy, which affects fertility. As you age, kidney energy declines, leading to bladder and bowel control issues, frequent urination, and even incontinence.

Skorbach: That’s right.

Dr. Yang: Preserving and nourishing kidney energy is crucial for graceful aging. Nursing home residents exhibit signs of kidney energy decline, such as gray hair, memory loss, hearing loss, and bone density loss. Focusing on preserving kidney energy is essential for overall well-being.

Skorbach: So out of all the different energy systems, this is the key one to focus on.

Dr. Yang: Absolutely.

Skorbach: Wow. So how do you do it? How do you can you manage it or is it just a continuous decline?

Dr. Yang: This is why we wrote the book, “Facing East: Ancient Health and Beauty Secrets for the Modern Age,” to address factors affecting kidney energy. Sexual behavior plays a crucial role. Women’s monthly periods consume kidney energy. Men’s ejaculations also deplete it. Excessive sexual activity can prematurely age a person. Western medicine often sees sexual activity in older adults as a sign of health, but it’s not always true. Each person inherits a different amount of kidney energy, influencing their vitality as they age.

Delayed marriage and childbirth mean people often try to conceive with diminished kidney energy, resorting to artificial methods. While these may help conception, they can sometimes lead to health issues in the child, like ADHD or autism. The parents’ age significantly affects the child’s health.

Skorbach: Have you helped people get pregnant just by focusing on kidney energy?

Dr. Yang: Of course. Sometimes kidney energy becomes blocked, which can lead to infertility. One woman suffered from premature ovary failure, experiencing menopausal symptoms in her thirties. Her condition resembled that of someone much older, with poor bone density, hair loss, and bladder problems. Despite her young age, she struggled to conceive. After acupuncture and herbal remedies to support kidney energy, she regained her period, improved her sex life, and became pregnant. Her case illustrates how blocked energy can disrupt kidney function. Fear, especially from past trauma, is a significant blocker of kidney energy. When people are in fear, they often lose control of their bladder and have an accident. This is because their kidney energy was shocked. Overcoming fear is crucial for aging gracefully and preserving kidney energy.

Skorbach: Can you tell us about some of the trauma? Because if there’s fear, there must be some other emotion to balance it out.

Dr. Yang: Absolutely. When you have fear, the next emotion is usually anger or resentment. These emotions also affect another important organ closely related to the kidneys: the liver. The liver manages the body’s free fluid energy, so when these emotions surface, they can affect bodily functions. This connection is why people experience neck pain during bouts of anger, as the liver and gallbladder channels extend to the neck and shoulders, causing headaches and other issues. Chronic stress and negative emotions like anger, resentment, fear, sadness, and worry can lead to various health problems, including depression, acid reflux, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

This is why I transitioned from being a neurologist to a psychiatrist. Our emotional well-being is crucial for our overall health, as our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all manifestations of energy.

Dr. Yang: There’s much more to discuss, but I don’t want to overwhelm our audience. I offer six-hour courses to elaborate on each aspect further, including what individuals can do, what supplements they can take, which doctors to consult, and what tests to undergo.

Skorbach: We’ll include a link for that in the description so our audience can learn more. Moving on to the spiritual component, how do you approach that?

Dr. Yang: Before we delve into that, let’s talk about stress. Stress is crucial because it produces cortisol, which can lead to inflammation. Stress is our subjective reactive response, both emotional and physical, to what’s happening around us. Each person reacts differently to the same situation based on their perception. If you perceive something as bad, you’ll likely feel angry or upset and take action accordingly. If you’re not going to do something about it, you’ll likely harbor anger against others or suppress it, harming yourself.

That’s why positive psychology and thinking positive is so important. But viewing things positively can be challenging, influenced by our belief system.

Dr. Yang: Defining spirituality can seem like an Eastern concept, but it’s recognized in conventional medical literature. For instance, in, “Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment” there’s a chapter on End of Life Care that addresses spirituality. It suggests that spirituality is distinct from religion; everyone has spirituality because everyone has a soul. For instance, what gives your life meaning and purpose? Everyone has some purpose; it could be to earn money or something else. It’s important to define your spirituality and consider your relationship with yourself, others, and the universe.

Understanding our spirituality is crucial as it shapes our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and ultimately, our physical health. While we often prioritize physical well-being, we should consider spirituality as it impacts all aspects of aging, including our relationships and the fate of our souls.

Dr. Yang: Without the body, we can’t give the soul the opportunity to make the right choices. That’s why our body is precious. We have to take care of it so our soul can refine itself and create a better future. These fundamentals apply to everyone, regardless of belief system or religion.

Mr. Skorbach: It’s fascinating how you’re saying that understanding pain, suffering, and other components differently can affect our emotional states, energetic systems, biochemical processes, and anatomical structures.

Dr. Yang: Exactly. It’s not easy, but we have a framework to examine these aspects and apply practical solutions. For instance, taking care of our cell membranes, managing stress, getting enough sleep and exercise, and ensuring a balanced diet.

Sometimes, we suppress negative emotions so deeply that we’re not even aware of them, especially if we’ve experienced trauma in our early lives. Recognizing and addressing these suppressed emotions is crucial.

There are various approaches to address physical, chemical, and energetic aspects of health. Yoga, meditation, and qigong are examples of practices that promote energetic well-being. And then there’s caring for the soul. Some people want to explore life after death or spiritual growth. Practices like life cultivation provide guidance on how to lead a fulfilling life and prepare for the afterlife.

Mr. Skorbach: So you’re talking about spiritual practice.

Dr. Yang: Yes, exactly. I consider it a form of spiritual medicine.

It’s like medicine for your soul. But the concept of life cultivation exists in all cultures, not just in China. Various cultures have their own practices that teach how to cultivate the spirit. I focus on the original teachings and practices, which I believe are the essence of spiritual medicine.

Mr. Skorbach: It helps guide your spirit and make proper decisions so that you can maintain emotional balance, right? Going back to that idea of balance.

Dr. Yang: Yes, exactly.

Mr. Skorbach: The number one upvoted question is, can you summarize and give us your formula for anti-aging?

Dr. Yang: Well, I would say that I have to keep reminding myself what I do every day for my body, health, my chemistry, and for my energy and for myself. So my formula is basically to keep focusing on those four areas. For example, I do physical exercise. I play ping pong once or twice a week. I take walks, lift weights, and eat very healthy and clean. I stay away from alcohol, smoking, and strong sunlight exposure. I don’t eat processed meat or food. I try to eat lots of vegetables, healthy fats, fruits, and berries.

I do enjoy Chinese food from time to time, but I try to maintain chemical health. I take supplements, particularly vitamin D3 with K2, and essential fatty acids.

Energetically, I try to protect my sleep. If I have broken sleep or trouble falling asleep, I make adjustments. Sleep is critical and probably the most important component of the formula.

Dr. Yang: I also do qigong exercises and practice Falun Dafa, which provide energetic exercise and meditation. This helps me manage my own energetic flows, so I don’t need regular acupuncture. As for the spiritual component, Falun Dafa provides simple principles: being truthful on the standard truths of life and the universe, being compassionate, and learning to be tolerant and endure challenging situations. These principles are simple, practical, and work for me, even though I’m not perfect and can always do better. Many times, our good intentions contradict how we emotionally and physically feel.

For example, every year we have New Year’s resolutions but after three months, how many people do you think are able to keep up with it?

Mr. Skorbach: Maybe 5 percent?

Dr. Yang: You’re pretty close. It’s less than 8 percent. Why? Because what we think or plan doesn’t always generate positive emotions in our hearts or physical memories. For example, one might say, “I’m okay to be successful,” but then sabotage and procrastinate on actions for success.

And why do I do that? Because this idea is associated with fears like getting hurt, jealousy, and standing out, which in China, might not be a good idea.

So, why is it associated with a fear of not wanting to be successful? Because there are many other complications and fascinations with it. So, even though we talk about all this knowledge, whether you can apply it or keep up with it is more complicated than just understanding it cognitively.

Mr. Skorbach: Just to follow up on this question, if somebody comes to you and they don’t know exactly where they fall in all these four components, can you help them find that out?

Dr. Yang: Yes, that’s what I do for my patients or for anybody who wants to optimize their health. We do an assessment of each component and then develop a strategy and plan. We even help them execute it. This applies to people with physical problems, mental health or behavioral health issues, or just for people who want to optimize their health.

Mr. Skorbach: Very interesting. Let’s answer another question. What’s the best diet to improve kidney health?

Dr. Yang: Well, kidney health, as we’ve discussed, is a dual concept: Western medicine, which focuses on the function and anatomy of the kidneys, and Chinese medicine, which emphasizes kidney energy. For kidney health, it’s crucial to avoid toxins, including certain medications like lithium, which can harm the kidneys, as well as food toxins and autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are often triggered by factors like food sensitivities or gut issues, leading the body to attack itself. So, it’s essential to address these underlying triggers to protect kidney health. If someone already has kidney problems, they should limit salty foods and excessive animal protein intake, while ensuring they consume antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods or supplements.

Energetically, caring for kidney energy involves overcoming fear, managing stress, and supporting sexual health. Additionally, Chinese herbalists can provide customized kidney tonics or recommend foods like black sesame seeds, black beans, and black rice, which are believed to nourish the kidneys.

Mr. Skorbach: That is interesting to know. The next question is: How can I improve bone density?

Dr. Yang: Improving bone density involves ensuring adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D3. Additionally, hormonal balance, particularly sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, plays a significant role in bone health. From a Chinese medicine perspective, supporting kidney energy and essence is crucial for maintaining bone density.

Mr. Skorbach: Okay, another question. What is the best time to sleep for a retired person who is healthy and loves sleeping at night and getting up in the morning?

Dr. Yang: That’s a great question because people often focus solely on the number of hours of sleep. Ideally, bedtime should be before 11:00 PM. This is because the body follows an energetic circadian rhythm, with different organ systems being nourished at different times. From 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM is the gallbladder, followed by the liver from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM. Then, from 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM is the lungs, and finally, from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM is the large intestine. Protecting sleep during these hours allows the body to replenish its energy and essence effectively.

Mr. Skorbach: Wow, fascinating. Next question: what are your thoughts on rapamycin?

Dr. Yang: Rapamycin is a medication primarily used to reduce the body’s rejection of transplanted organs by inhibiting TLR. Some studies suggest it may have potential anti-aging effects in animals, particularly for the immune system, cardiovascular system, and inflammation. However, caution is warranted as introducing foreign chemicals into the body can have unintended consequences. Long-term use may do more harm than good.

Mr. Skorbach: I see. So it’s better to focus on those four components previously mentioned?

Dr. Yang: Absolutely. There’s much more we can do to slow down aging by focusing on those components rather than taking the risk of using medication like rapamycin.

Mr. Skorbach: Okay, how about intermittent fasting? Is that an effective strategy for health?

Dr. Yang: Well, it depends. If you’re someone who suffers from what we call metabolic syndrome—obesity, high blood pressure, high sugar, diabetes, and high cholesterol, intermittent fasting can be a wonderful strategy. It promotes cleansing and allows the body to reset its metabolic clock. Personally, I’ve experienced its benefits. But it’s not for everyone. Health care should be individualized and personalized, as it’s not one size fits all.

I want to mention a recent article I saw from Shanghai. It was published as a press release by the American Heart Association, which gave it more weight, especially because it was authored by a Harvard professor. However, upon closer examination, the paper has serious problems.

The study suggests that intermittent fasting may increase the risk of cardiovascular death by 91 percent. But the data used was from a CDC health survey between 1990 and 2003—well before intermittent fasting became popular.

Mr. Skorbach: So the participants who restricted their eating to an 8-hour window for two days might not have been adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Yang: Exactly. Many were African-American and smokers, which skews the results and makes them misleading.

Mr. Skorbach: I see. So it’s important to consider the context before drawing conclusions. Thank you, Dr. Yang.

What are your thoughts on nattokinase and lumbrokinase as a supplement?

Dr. Yang: If you have issues or an increased risk of developing clots in your arteries, they are safe and proven supplements that may help. Of course, you should avoid using them with other blood thinners simultaneously and consult your doctor. These supplements are used in Chinese medicine to aid blood circulation issues and ischemic strokes, derived from natural sources like beans and animals.

Mr. Skorbach: The next question is regarding telomere length. Long telomeres correlate to longer lifespans. Does eliminating meat from the diet increase telomere length? Does egg and dairy also affect telomere length? What are your thoughts on this question?

Dr. Yang: Telomeres, found at the end of chromosomes, maintain chromosome integrity during cell division. We lose about half of them at birth, but whether telomere length accurately reflects biological age is debatable. However, it can be a useful personal measurement.

Telomerase, an enzyme, can regenerate telomeres, but it needs activation through healthy habits like exercise, diet, and sleep. Some supplements claim to activate telomerase, with one extracted from the Chinese herb Astragalus.

Legend has it that a monk who lived to 800 attributed his longevity to chicken soup made with Astragalus. While this story may be mythical, Astragalus is known for its health benefits. Though expensive, some consider it worth the cost for potential longevity benefits.

Mr. Skorbach: Wow. Okay, another question. My lab work always comes back normal for hormones, but I feel like garbage all the time. Where do I go to get help? And a deep dive into why I feel so bad?

Dr Yang: Hormonal imbalance isn’t the only cause of feeling unwell. Lab ranges are broad and don’t always reflect individual health. For example, thyroid function can vary greatly within the normal range. Subclinical issues may exist even within normal ranges. Western medicine often focuses on averages, but we’re all unique.

Mr. Skorbach: How important is regular detoxing and what is the best way to go about doing it?

Dr Yang: Regarding detoxing, it depends on what toxins you’re targeting. Eating clean, fasting, and hydrating can support the body’s natural cleansing processes. Antioxidants and nutrients from foods like green vegetables aid in detoxification. Energetically, some organs need support while others benefit from cleansing. The gallbladder, despite its importance, is often removed without considering its energetic role.

Mr. Skorbach: Is amino acid therapy effective?

Dr. Yang: Amino acid therapy can be beneficial if a biochemical process lacks the substrate, but it won’t help if the issue lies in the body’s inability to utilize the amino acids. Mental health issues like depression can sometimes stem from nutritional deficiencies, but supplementation may not always be effective. Addressing the entire biochemical process, including enzymes, cofactors, and energy, is crucial.

Mr. Skorbach: What’s a better natural supplement for sleep that doesn’t have melatonin?

Dr. Yang: Well, there are many options in Chinese medicine, although I’m not sure of the English translations. Many herbal remedies, ashwagandha, inositol, and magnesium can help. However, insomnia is often a symptom of deeper issues, so it’s important to address the root causes.

Mr. Skorbach: Do you explore different levels when addressing sleep issues, like energetic or spiritual?

Dr. Yang: Yes, it’s essential to consider all levels. For instance, if someone’s sleep troubles stem from emotional or energetic stress, simply supplementing won’t solve the problem. We need to address these underlying issues. I once treated a woman who struggled to sleep due to unresolved trauma and emotional distress. By using techniques like acupuncture and addressing her emotional needs, she saw significant improvement.

Mr. Skorbach: So it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach?

Dr. Yang: Exactly. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes individualized care and views the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected. It’s a holistic approach that considers the unique needs of each person.

Mr. Skorbach: Are full-body red light panels effective and should they be used everyday?

Dr. Yang: Well, I’m not very familiar with that therapy myself. I believe whoever prescribed it, whoever decided to utilize it, must have had a reason for doing so. I would emphasize that this is something that needs to be individualized as well.

Mr. Skorbach: Okay. How about castor oil? Is it an effective product for anti-aging on the skin?

Dr. Yang: Actually, there is evidence to show that. I think people can try that, and I think you have to be careful. Someone can be sensitive or allergic to it. So again, this is something you have to pick based on your skin type and your sensitivity to those products.

Mr. Skorbach: Don’t over do it.

Dr. Yang: Exactly.

Mr. Skorbach: How effective is lipid repair therapy? And what specific supplements do you recommend for cellular repair?

Dr. Yang: That’s a good question. Again, it depends on what you mean by lipid therapy. If I were to guess, we use healthy fats to improve health conditions, prevent illness, or promote health. It actually falls into the physiological realm when we talk about cell membrane repair. We repair the membrane of the cell.

So I think having a test on your lipid balance, supplementing what is missing, particularly the part of unsaturated fatty acids, and monitoring the balance, would be very beneficial, and everybody should do that.

Mr. Skorbach: We’re very close to being done. One of the last few questions is how would we go about finding a doctor experienced in Chinese medicine or an herbalist locally? What are the signs of a good doctor?

Dr. Yang: Well, I think the doctor is really a scientist as well as an artist. Because they’re dealing with the most complex entity, the human being and the human body. Particularly, they’re handling the energetic aspect of the human being, which is something invisible. So a good Chinese medicine doctor has to really understand the medicine they are practicing. I see a lot of doctors getting confused with all of these four dimensions.

I often see doctors becoming confused when dealing with all four dimensions. They try to break down the body’s energetic system into anatomical parts. For instance, some doctors or scientists studying acupuncture conclude that meridians and acupuncture points don’t exist, reducing everything to the biochemical level. They question why acupuncture works if pills can achieve similar results. This highlights the importance of doctors understanding their practice and taking patient history seriously.

Additionally, doctors should provide an energetic diagnosis alongside a biochemical one. For example, instead of just saying “You have depression,” they should consider specific energetic imbalances like “liver qi stagnation” or “spleen and dampness.”

Mr. Skorbach: Okay, how about doing something positive for your emotional state? Maybe like going to a show or doing something good with your family, going on a travel vacation? As you know, The Epoch Times sponsors Shen Yun Performing Arts. Have you seen it?

Dr. Yang: Yes. I actually wrote an article about it. It was called, “The Healing Power of Performing Arts.”

If you think about Shen Yun Performing Arts, it has beautiful colors and costumes. Colors are actually energy.

The color and the light is energy. So actually, in Chinese medicine, our organ systems resonate with specific energy. For example, if it’s yellow, it goes to our spleen, stomach. If it’s black, it goes to our kidney and the bladder. If it’s green or cyan, it goes to the liver and gallbladder. If it’s red, it goes to our heart and small intestine. And then white goes to the lungs and the large intestines, and this needs to be balanced.

So if you look at those beautiful colors, they always balance each other. When you watch the colors, it energetically nourishes your entire energetic system.

Dr. Yang: Secondly, it’s the music and songs. There are five notes in Chinese music, and each note corresponds with each organ system.

So, therefore, if you have harmonious music based on these five notes, it’s very healing and powerful to your body energetically. And so that’s why today, we use music therapy. We also use color therapy, too.

So I tell my patients, you’re sitting there for 2 hours and enjoying the best of the performing arts of 5000 years of Chinese history, but what you actually went through is an energetic shower. A spiritual cleansing. This is something I cannot do for you.

Mr. Skorbach: Fascinating! Dr. Yang, thank you so much for coming in and talking with us. It was such a pleasure. I hope we can see you again soon. If you enjoyed this show, please share it with your friends and put a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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