Channel Flow

Channel Flow was developed by Misha Cohen, OMD, LAc, and Andrew Gaeddert, out of their clinical experience with fibromyalgia, abdominal pain, and gynecological disorders. This formula was designed for quick results.

Corydalis (yan hu suo) was chosen as the chief herb for the formula, as it is very widely used in China for pain relief. It is 25% of the formula in a 7:1 extract. Corydalis invigorates the blood and alleviates pain. Corydalis also regulates Qi and is used for pain in the chest, abdomen, and epigastric area. It is also used for menstrual pain, as well as hernia-like (bearing down) pain. Corydalis has a mild sedative effect.

Angelica dahurica (bai zhi) relieves pain, especially in the upper body, neck and shoulders. Tang kuei (dang gui) has a special effect in relieving abdominal and uterine pain. Traditionally it is used for dysmenorrhea and arthritic pain. It increases local circulation of blood and has a warming effect. Its functions are to nourish, tonify and invigorate the blood. Tang kuei, with salvia (dan shen) and Myrrh (mo yao), alleviates pain due to blood stagnation in the extremities. White peony (bai shao) alleviates pain, spasms, and cramping.

Cinnamon twig (gui zhi) was chosen for the specific effect of bringing the herbs to the surface of the body and to promote circulation of blood. The traditional functions include warming the channels. It has shown analgesic effects according to western research. Salvia (dan shen) was chosen for its specific effect of relieving menstrual pain. Its traditional functions include invigorating blood and removing blood stasis and heat. According to Western research, salvia increases microcirculation of blood flow and has a sedative effect. Myrrh and frankincense are included for their functions in relieving pain. Frankincense (ru xiang) invigorates the blood and promotes movement of Qi. It alleviates pain and reduces swelling.

Myrrh (mo yao) invigorates the blood, dispels blood stasis, reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Both frankincense and myrrh promote healing. Licorice (gan cao) alleviates pain and spasms and has anti-inflammatory and detoxicant effects