Author: Willard Sheppy

An effective remedy should not be a one-size-fits-all solution in the ever-changing landscape of our body’s needs. Instead, it should adapt, much like our body does daily. The medical term for this is biphasic regulation. For instance, the remedy should promote movement when the bowels feel sluggish. Conversely, it should offer a calming effect on days marked by urgency.

Traditional Chinese medicine often focuses on restoring balance. Yin and Yang, the fundamental opposites in TCM, must remain in equilibrium for health to prevail. Botanical medicines that adhere to this principle of biphasic regulation, such as tractal loads, aim to restore this delicate balance, bridging ancient wisdom and contemporary medical understanding.

The Promise of Biphasic Regulation

The human body, in its infinite complexity, changes day by day. Some days, our digestion might be slow, making us feel bloated and uncomfortable, while on other days, we might experience the opposite. A remedy must be as adaptable as our body to recognize and address its shifting needs effectively. This is where the concept of **biphasic regulation** comes into play.

True to its name, biphasic regulation involves two phases – stimulating or calming based on the body’s requirements. For example, when the gut feels inactive, the remedy nudges it into action. On more active days, the remedy soothes and calms. This isn’t just a modern understanding; it’s an ancient principle with its roots in TCM, emphasizing the balance between Yin and Yang. Medicines like **tractal loads** embody this concept, providing a middle ground between ancient practices and modern needs.

Atractylodes Lancea( Cang Zhu): Gut’s Next Best Friends

Within the TCM pharmacopeia, Atractylodes lancea (Cang Zhu) holds a special place, particularly when addressing gut problems. Unlike some pharmaceutical interventions, such as Alosetron (Lotronex), which primarily slows down bowel movement and has many side effects, Atractylodes lancea doesn’t tamper with natural gastric emptying.

Instead, its magic lies in its ability to regulate. By influencing the CRF and vagal pathways, this botanical marvel takes on the role of a controller, governing the balance of gastrointestinal hormones.

Integrating Tradition and Modernity 

While pharmaceuticals like Alosetron might provide temporary relief, their unidirectional approach often lacks the holistic understanding that herbs bring to the table. A combination of both, however, can be powerful.

Herbal formulas containing Atracylodes work on a deeper regulatory level, addressing the root of the problem. With time, as the body finds its balance, individuals often gravitate more towards these herbal solutions and complement them with lifestyle changes for long-term gut health.

Quality Matters: A Journey to the Mongolian Steppes

Botanicals are as effective as their source. The finest Atractylodes, for instance, hail from the vast, windswept steppes of Mongolia. Here, the dynamic Eurasian winds carry a rich diversity of microbiota. This exposure compels the Atractylodes plants to adapt, resulting in volatile oil pockets teeming with bioactivity. Notably, Chorus ensures that their Atractylodes, is sustainably wildcrafted, ensuring potency without compromising the environment.