Flex (MLT) ™
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
* Atrophy and wasting of muscles, ligaments, and tendons
* Cartilage damage from chronic wear and tear
* Decreased range of motion and mobility of the joints
* Rehabilitation from chronic or late-stages of musculoskeletal injuries
* Prevention against wear and tear or breakdown of cartilage and soft tissue surrounding joints
* Individuals engaging in repetitive motions who wish to maintain healthy joints and connective tissue
WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
* Chondroprotective effect to protect cartilages
* Osteogenic and antiosteoporotic functions to promote generation of bones
* Neuroregenerative effect to facilitate healing of nerves and neurons
* Adaptogenic effect to facilitate rehabilitation
* Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-relaxant effects
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
* Tonifies qi and blood
* Activates qi and blood circulation
* Nourishes yin
* Dispels wind-damp
* Strengthens muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones
DOSAGE
Take 4 to 6 capsules three times daily. This formula should be taken during the mid-to-late stages of recovery and rehabilitation. It should not be taken during the acute phases of injuries, where there may be bleeding and bruises.
INGREDIENTS
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Chu Shi Zi (Fructus Broussonetiae)
Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae)
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis)
Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae)
Qian Nian Jian (Rhizoma Homalomenae)
Wu Jia Pi (Cortex Acanthopanacis)
Xu Duan (Radix Dipsaci)
Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata)
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue injuries lead to over 10 million clinic visits per year in the United States.[1] Causes of these injuries may be external (sports injuries, car accidents, trauma), internal (chronic wear and tear of muscles, ligaments and tendons; bones weakened by osteoporosis), or both. Acute injuries are characterized by severe pain, swelling and inflammation, and in some cases, internal bleeding. Treatment of acute injuries should focus on relieving pain, reducing swelling and inflammation, and stopping bleeding. Chronic injuries are characterized by dull pain, stiffness and numbness, and decreased muscle mass and strength. Treatments of chronic injuries include relief of pain and restoration of physical and physiological functions.
FORMULA EXPLANATION
Flex (MLT) is designed specifically to treat chronic or mid-to-late stages of musculoskeletal injuries, with atrophy of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage), decreased mobility of the joints, cartilage degeneration, and generalized weakness and pain. This formula contains herbs to tonify blood, activate blood circulation, nourish yin, and dispel wind-damp.
In this formula, many herbs are used to tonify the underlying deficiencies. Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) tonifies qi. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae), and Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) nourish blood and yin. Healthy joints depend on healthy surrounding cartilage and soft tissue. Because there is no blood supply to the cartilage, it gets nutrition and oxygen from the surrounding joint fluids. Therefore, adequate blood supply to the surrounding areas of the cartilage will ensure a healthy joint. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) tonifies blood and promotes blood circulation to generate new tissues. Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae) tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens tendons and bones, and helps Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) move blood. Together, they stimulate soft tissue (tendons, ligaments and cartilage) growth and restoration. Furthermore, Wu Jia Pi (Cortex Acanthopanacis), Qian Nian Jian (Rhizoma Homalomenae), and Xu Duan (Radix Dipsaci) dispel wind-damp, strengthen bones and tendons, and relieve pain. Chu Shi Zi (Fructus Broussonetiae) and Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) tonify Liver and Kidney to strengthen muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. The yin tonics of this formula, Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata), and Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae), prevent the narrowing of the space between joints, especially in the vertebrae or the knee joint due to degeneration.
In summary, Flex (MLT) works to support connective tissues around the joints. It contains herbs that tonify the underlying deficiencies and facilitate healing and recovery. It treats chronic or mid-to-late stages of musculoskeletal injuries with soft tissue degeneration as it encourages repair and restoration.
CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
* This formula should not be taken during the acute phases of injuries with bleeding and bruises, as there are many tonic or warm herbs that may worsen the condition.
* This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.
SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS
* For recovery from chronic neck and shoulder injuries, combine with Neck & Shoulder (CR).
* For recovery from chronic low back pain, combine with Back Support (CR).
* For recovery from chronic arm (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) injuries, combine with Arm Support.
* For recovery from chronic knee and ankle injuries, combine with Knee & Ankle (CR).
* With osteoarthritis, add Osteo 8.
* With bone spur, add Flex (SPR).
* For individuals with severe weakness and deficiencies, combine with Imperial Tonic.
NUTRITION
* Sea cucumber is very beneficial because it has a rich amount of lubricating compounds that are needed in all connective tissues, especially joints and joint fluids. Gelatin is also recommended.
* It is important to consume an adequate amount of multiple vitamins and minerals, as they are essential to prevent bone loss and promote bone growth.
LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTION
* While it is important to relax and rest during the recovery process of injuries, it is also important not to stay completely bedridden. Gentle exercises will not only facilitate recovery, but will also prevent muscle atrophy and muscle wasting.