• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), sometimes spreading to the throat, along with a sour taste in your mouth
• Chest pain
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Dry cough
• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux)
• Sensation of a lump in the throat

(**Of course if you have chest pain, you should get this checked out immediately because it might be a sign of something more serious, like a heart attack!) Many people who have GERD don’t even realiz e it because they do not experience the typical heartburn/reflux and present with only the other symptoms from the list above.

There are a few reasons why GERD might develop. If the esophageal sphincter (the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus) does not close properly, a leakage of stomach acid can occur. Stomach acid is necessary for the breakdown of food as well as for protection against harmful bacteria and microbes, but an overproduction can be damaging and irritating.  Interestingly, anunderproduction of acid can lead to similar symptoms, as the stomach doesn’t
have enough acid to breakdown food properly and kill bad bacteria. Eating too fast can overwhelm the stomach and put pressure on the abdomen. If food lingers
too long in the stomach, it can also cause heartburn and indigestion. Risk factors for reflux include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, pregnancy and
hiatal hernia (a herniation of the stomach through the hole in the diaphragm that separates the chest and the abdominal cavities- this allows acid to flow
upward). Certain medications may make a person more susceptible to reflux. Untreated GERD can lead to serious problems in the esophagus, such as bleeding,
ulcerations, strictures and increased risk for esophageal cancer, to name a few. Western medicine usually treats reflux with over the counter or
prescription medications and in severe cases, doctors may even recommend surgery. Prescription medications do not adequately address the root cause of
the problem and lifestyle changes should be made in order to correct it more thoroughly.

TCM & Reflux

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is thousands of years old and ancient texts describe several syndromes that can underlie what is known
today as GERD. The spleen and stomach are thought to work together to help the body ingest and disseminate the food into fuel and qi or energy that the rest
of the body can utilize. The liver works closely with these organs as well and when there is an imbalance between the liver and the spleen/stomach, stagnation
and digestive symptoms arise. There may be a deficiency of the spleen/stomach energy and the stagnation here may give rise to extreme heat or fire, causing a
backwards flow of stomach qi manifesting as belching, regurgitation and heartburn. If stagnation combines with cold properties, a different disorder of cold damp
accumulation is apparent and may manifest as symptoms of bloating and diarrhea, for instance. Food stagnating in the stomach can also cause reflux symptoms-
and so on.  So the TCM practitioner must look at all of the symptoms that coincide with the reflux in order to determine which syndrome the patient has and how to treat it accordingly. Disharmony between the liver and the spleen/stomach is most commonly the culprit.

Improper diet is a major contributor to these types of syndromes. Emotional stress is a factor as well. Here in NYC, I see so many patients with this problem, partly due to the fast-paced lives we all lead here. When people feel stressed or overwhelmed, they don’t digest properly. They eat too fast, consume food at irregular times and often eat junk foods out of convenience or anxiety.

What You Can Do About Reflux

There are SO many things a person can do for this disease without taking drugs! When a patient comes to my office, I review their myriad
of symptoms and employ a protocol on acupuncture points that are appropriate for their specific syndrome. Usually the points I needle for reflux include those
on the stomach and pericardium channels and some on the midline of the body around the abdomen. I always include liver-soothing points too. Some herbal
formulas may be given depending on the severity of the case and again, the formula depends on the differentiation of symptoms. In addition to acupuncture,
I recommend changes to lifestyle such as:

1)      Avoid trigger foods that may contribute to reflux such as chocolate, mint, spicy or greasy food, citrus, alcohol, coffee, fizzy drinks, raw onions.

2)      Reduce your stress level- either with meditation or yoga or exercise. Any way you can moderate your stress is helpful

3)      Quit smoking

4)      Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and don’t eat 3 hours before lying down

5)      Elevate your head 8 inches with a pillow when you lie down so that the acid doesn’t backflow.

6)      Try digestive enzymes, probiotics or supplements like DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice- safe to use for hypertensive people), aloe vera juice, slippery elm tablets or
marshmallow root, or chew mastic gum

7)      If you know you have an overproduction of acid, drinking warm water and lemon can actually make your body more alkaline

Even more can be done with holistic home remedies and diet, but it all depends on the cause of the GERD and the determined TCM diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) developed thousands of years ago before anyone knew what a germ was and before any understanding of immune system mechanisms.  But the elegant theories behind TCM do explain how the body’s energy works and how it defends itself against disease and external pathogens and how it becomes susceptible- so in a sense, it does address immunity.

Wei Qi or Defensive Qi

A fundamental concept in TCM is the idea of qi (or chi). Simply put, qi is the vital energy that animates all living things. In TCM, this energy is divided into sub-categories: the energy that is inborn, and the energy that is acquired.  One type of acquired qi is called Wei Qi, or defensive qi. Wei qi is derived from the air we breathe and the food we eat and it is known as defensive qi because it acts to protect the body against pathogens.

Defensive qi courses through the body not inside the meridians, but between the skin and muscle. It protects the surface of the body and is responsible for the opening and closing of pores, and thus, controls sweating and body temperature. It also nourishes the organs, muscles, skin and hair. While the heart, spleen, kidneys and liver all play a role in the immune system and wei qi, it is dominated by the lungs.

If the defensive qi is weakened, the immune system is compromised and the body is very susceptible to illness, for instance the cold or flu. If the defensive qi is extremely weakened, a serious illness may develop affecting the internal organs. Defensive qi can be weakened by a number of things:  stress, improper diet, overexposure to the elements like cold or wind, overwork, lack of exercise, emotional distress, or a general imbalance between the yin and yang energies in the body.

How to Strengthen Defensive Qi

When the wei qi is weak, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help. Herbs like Astragalus (also known as Huang qi) can boost the immune system and strengthen the constitution. Acupuncture points such as stomach 36 (below the knee) and large intestine 4 (between the thumb and forefinger) are also good at tweaking the immune system. I usually also tell patients to get more rest and to take supplements containing zinc and vitamin C, as well as eat healthy, hearty meals. Mushrooms such as maitake and shiitake are also supposed to boost immunity.  TCM emphasizes moderation in all things, and a lifestyle of adequate sleep, exercise and a varied, wholesome diet while avoiding extremes (excessive alcohol, drugs, too little or too much sleep, over-work, high stress, consumption of junk food, lack of exercise) can keep the wei qi strong and ward of illnesses.

Once pathogenic wind has invaded, it may combine with cold or heat. In the stage of what TCM terms a “wind-cold invasion,” the patient’s symptoms
will reflect cold properties that may include chills, headache, nasal congestion, cough, superficial pulse and a thin white coating on the tongue. If
the situation has transformed into a “wind-heat invasion,” the patient will present with signs of hot or warm nature which might include high fever,
sweats, sore throat, yellow mucous, thirst, rapid pulse and so on.

Acupuncture can help by dispelling the wind and either cold or heat, depending on the stage of the illness. Specific points on the body are
needled and stimulated in a manner to elicit these effects. Herbal formulas enhance this outcome as well as tonify the immune system. In my experience, I have seen
colds, infections, bronchitis and chronic coughs improve with a combination of acupuncture and herbs and in most cases the illness resolves fairly quickly,
sometimes overnight. However, there are cases in which the patient’s qi is extremely weak and the cold runs its course and cannot be arrested in time. Still, I do
believe that herbal remedies while they may not completely alleviate the cold, can shorten the duration if the patient has already fallen ill. I use Chinese
herbal remedies regularly in the winter and they work like a charm. I emphasize that herbs must be taken at the first sign of a cold and in conjunction with efforts
to rest, drink ample fluids and keep warm, etc., for maximum effectiveness.

Many things can cause grief: obviously the death of a loved one is an example, but so is the loss of a pet, a relationship, a job, or any
event or situation that brings about deep sorrow. Grief as a symptom is not often talked about- but it’s really a state of being, and it’s a process to go
through. It can be agonizing, debilitating and disruptive to a person’s life and can lead to chronic depression, so it absolutely must be addressed head-on.
People sometimes attempt to suppress their emotions or try to avoid them, but the energy of the sadness will linger in the body and emerge in some other
form, usually as a physical pain or disease. Acknowledging the feelings of grief and allowing them to happen naturally is helpful.

Acupuncture treatments that are aimed at alleviating the effects of grief utilize lung points, and I tend to incorporate points that have a
calming effect, with some along the Heart channel. Points that tonify qi also help rebuilding stamina. Ear points can be soothing, especially if the grief was set
off by a traumatic event. Any other physical symptoms that present in conjunction (abdominal distension, insomnia, etc.) must be analyzed and addressed
as well. Shoring up the body during a phase like this is imperative. It’s important to note that the treatment does not make the emotions disappear- the
patient will continue to feel the sadness for the event or circumstance at hand, but the transition through the
grieving process becomes less entrenched in the body and the patient moves through it more smoothly and swiftly with less side effects. I have had many
patients tell me that they were able to “let go” faster than they expected during a period of grief due to acupuncture.

TCM theory outlines three diet-related issues that can lead to poor health. These include: eating unclean food, irregular intake of food, and diet preferences.  Obviously, eating fresh, clean food is ideal, and everyone knows the potentially devastating repercussions from consuming something spoiled or unhygienic (cooking your own food is the safest way to ensure cleanliness). Eating a proper amount at regular intervals keeps the metabolism steady, among other things. Overeating and feeling “stuffed,” as well as skipping meals, extreme dieting or frequently feeling hungry are also harmful to one’s qi and the harmony between the internal organs. A diet based on a wide variety of food is best. Some people tend to favor the same types of foods and eat those things in excess, while neglecting entire food groups, which can lead to serious illness over time.

A Sensible, Individual Approach to Diet

Different bodies have different needs. Many people seem to have sensitivity to foods like dairy, wheat and soy, while others feel lousy if they don’t eat enough animal protein. I believe that the best diet guidelines are those currently accepted by the medical profession, in addition to what your own body tells you. If you pay attention to your diet and tune in to your body, you may be surprised by what you find. An interesting way to investigate this is to jot down whatever you eat on a given day and then note how you feel one hour later. You will realize that not only is your diet VERY different than you had imagined (you might not eat as healthy as you think!), but you may have “bad reactions” (e.g., sluggishness, mental fogginess, gas) to foods you thought were good for you.

American Heart Association Recommendations

According to the American Heart Association, a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains is best. Eating fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids twice per week is also recommended. Below is an excerpt from the AHA website on guidelines for eating:

• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
• Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
• Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
• Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.

Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out, and keep an eye on your portion sizes. (www.americanheart.org)

The meridians are channels through which energy, or qi (pronounced “Chee”) and blood flow. They run very deeply through the body and reach the internal organs, bones, muscles, tissues, and skin. Generally, most meridians run longitudinally through the body, while their branches, called collaterals, run superficially and transversely. The whole system is a complex network that provides nourishment to every part of the body.

There are 12 main channels which are mirrored on either side of the body. Most of these are named after the organ with which they physically connect: the lung, large intestine, stomach, spleen, and so on. Two other important channels run along the midline of the body and are frequently used in treatments. Other groups of meridians called Extra and Divergent Channels supplement this vast invisible network.

The qi flows through the main channels in a cyclic pattern in an order with a specific direction:  from the lung, to the large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium, triple burner (this meridian is named after an area of the body, not an organ), gall bladder, and finally the liver.  Then, the cycle resumes again with the lung.

The meridians have several functions:  they help transport the qi and blood of the body to provide nourishment, and they regulate the yin and yang energies to maintain equilibrium.  The meridians also help the body to resist pathogens and they reflect signs of illness. For instance, if a person has a pathogenic flare-up in the liver channel, he or she may develop and eye infection, since the liver meridian opens into the eyes. A person with digestive problems may experience pain when a point along an intestinal meridian is pressed.  Meridians also transmit the needle sensation, (that electrical feeling when the needle is inserted or manipulated) which signifies the “arrival of qi” to the area. This has an important therapeutic effect.  The acupoints are places along the meridians where the qi is accessible. Manipluating the needles at these points can regulate an energetic deficiency or excess in order to bring about balance. This is the essence of acupuncture therapy.

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance that isn’t normally harmful (an allergen). It can result from food, pollen, medication, insect bites and other environmental factors like mold, animal dander and dust mites. Typically, spring allergy symptoms result from an increase in the pollen in the air from trees and grasses, and may result in: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, asthma, itchy or irritated eyes, itchy or red skin/rash, and possibly throat irritation and sinus headaches. Allergy symptoms are usually worse on windy days when the wind spreads the pollen through the air, and improve on rainy days when the rain washes away the pollen.

Climate change is thought to worsen spring allergy symptoms for people and recent predictions (and patient accounts) show that this season is a tough one! Western medicine treatments for seasonal allergies are medications- ranging from antihistamines (which block histamine, a chemical which causes the allergy symptoms), nasal corticosteroids (reduce inflammation), and immunotherapy (allergy shots to desensitize allergic individuals), among others. Some of these drugs can be wonderfully helpful, but most of them do not address the underlying imbalance that drives the allergic reaction in the first place. They often have unwanted side-effects. (For instance, antihistamines may cause sleepiness, dryness, frequent urination, constipation, etc.)

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Allergies

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was developed thousands of years before anyone knew what histamine or an allergen was. Therefore, the language used to describe the energetic imbalance of an allergy sufferer is very different from that of western medicine. In TCM, allergies are considered a result of an invasion of wind-cold or wind-heat with an underlying lung deficiency.  Simply put, this means that the lungs are weak and external pathogens invade the body easily. Allergy syndromes may be further aggravated by a spleen or kidney deficiency. Lung qi deficiency can be a result of lung diseases, inappropriate exercise (too much or too little exercise), genetic predisposition, or the experience of grief or sadness. These types of people may feel like they catch colds easily, and often suffer from fatigue.  While there are other complicating factors, the crux of the treatment is to dispel the wind and nourish the lungs.

This is done with acupuncture and sometimes moxibustion. The most common points to treat are located on the hands and wrist along the lung and large intestine channels, and also on either side of the nose, if nasal symptoms are involved. If there are other symptoms such as asthma or itchy skin/rash, additional points are used to fortify the treatment. I also find that supplementing with herbal remedies is extremely helpful. Some patients are able to stop using both prescription and non-prescription medications after being treated for a course of therapy.

Ideally, if you suffer from bad allergies, you should begin receiving treatments and taking herbs prior to allergy season. For instance, you might begin taking herbs to strengthen your lung energy with weekly acupuncture therapy in February to ward off bad allergy attacks in the spring. Usually, a once a week regimen is recommended for several weeks during acute phases, although some people feel relief sooner. Even if you haven’t taken these preventive measures, it’s not too late to start!

Helpful Hints for Coping During Allergy Season

These hints from www.mayoclinic.com may help reduce your allergic reactions:

• Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
• Use air conditioning in your house and car. Air conditioning cleans, cools and dries the air.
• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom and keep windows closed at night.
• Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up pollen and molds.

• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
• Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
• Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you’re highly sensitive to dust mites.
• Think twice about letting your pet sleep on your bed or on your couch; pollen clings to pet fur.

Acupressure is also a helpful remedy. You can use your middle or ring finger and massage the following points in a small circular motion for relief from sneezing and allergy-related sinus problems:  the point mid-way between the two eyebrows; the points on either side of the nose at the lower level of the nostrils. Use the index finger and thumb of your left hand to grasp and massage the point between the index finger and thumb on the right hand (this one may be sore and tight). Then switch hands and repeat on the other side. Remember to take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet (try to limit coffee, refined sugar and dairy), drink more water, sleep enough and, if you exercise outdoors, do it in the evening when pollen levels are lower. The supplement quercitin may significantly reduce allergy symptoms and magnesium may lessen asthma complications.

Detoxification is the process by which harmful substances are eliminated from a person’s body. The term “detox” used to be associated with recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Lately, detoxing or “cleansing” has become a popular way of systematically and intensively purifying the body of harmful chemicals that have accumulated there (usually from ingesting them or from environmental exposure). The said cleansing is done through various means: fasts, herbs and supplements, radical dieting, and other processes. This concept is somewhat controversial because there has not been a lot of research on the products and programs whose claims range from weight loss to energy gain to enhancing the immune system and the whole body’s performance. I believe that some of these approaches may be helpful and may in fact be what they claim, but it is difficult to discern which products on the market are truly useful in achieving these alleged amazing effects.

The body is always detoxifying itself: the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs and skin all constantly eliminate harmful substances and waste from the body. To help your body through this process, it is best to simply avoid things that tax it and bring about the need for extreme intervention. First and foremost, living a moderate lifestyle with a healthy diet made of a variety of fresh foods of high quality, as well as a regular exercise and sleep regimen are essential to good health. I believe that limiting your exposure to environmental toxins (including second-hand smoke, chemicals in body products, household cleaners, etc.) whenever possible and living a balanced lifestyle is the very best way to aid your body’s natural detoxifying faculties and thereby increase longevity.

Acupuncture for Detoxification

The concept of purifying the body to optimize its function is an integral part of the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs adjust the patient’s “qi,” or energy. If there is excess qi or toxins in the body, very specific acupuncture points can release them. The method by which the needles are stimulated may further release toxic energy.

In the 1970’s when acupuncture was just gaining momentum in this country, a genuine detox protocol was developed by NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) for drug and alcohol addicts. This protocol employed primarily ear acupuncture, in part because the ears are easily accessible in a clinic setting, where patients cannot disrobe or lie on a treatment table. The 5 ear points utilized in this NADA Recovery Point protocol are aimed at adjusting the imbalance of energy that exists in almost all addicts. The 5 points correspond to: the sympathetic nervous system (used to relieve tension), the kidneys (used to strengthen the body), liver (to detoxify the body and to ease anger and irritability), lung (to detoxify assist respiration) and another point referred to as “shenmen,” which is a calming point. These points work together to: decrease cravings; improve sleep and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being; reduce withdrawal symptoms; restore health and rational thinking so that counseling is more useful and healthy choices are made more easily.

If a patient has any severe addiction- including things like smoking, gambling and food addictions- this method is extraordinarily useful. It is also useful for post-traumatic stress disorders and has been successfully used on countless war veterans, natural disaster victims, rescue workers, and other victims of trauma.

In the case where a person simply wants to detoxify his or her body, but does not have an official addiction, body points are utilized according to the patient’s specific diagnosis. If a patient is going through a formal cleanse, or even if they are permanently changing their diet to eliminate sugar, caffeine, wheat and dairy, for instance, they may go through a period where their body’s qi dramatically shifts- their tongue may develop a thick coating, they may feel run down and irritable, they may experience headaches, etc. Acupuncture can help ease these symptoms and regulate the flow of qi so that toxins are expelled more quickly and his or her body is shored up so that they feel less depleted during this transition. It can also help jump-start a trend towards a healthier lifestyle by reducing anxiety and stress that often leads to poor choices!

Policy to promote acupuncture and TCM will not change until more studies are published and made official, but there is very little funding for this type of research. It is not a money-making industry like pharmaceuticals. However, there has been some promising research done lately and although the studies are limited, at the very least there is an acknowledgement that acupuncture is helpful and that further research is needed in the conclusion of these trials. The more studies publish positive results, the more insurance companies will be compelled to cover it as a health service, like physical therapy or chiropractic care. Here is a list of some of the studies published on the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) website along with links to their respective press releases. There are many more studies in the pipeline at various institutions, these are just a few.

• Osteoarthritis of the knee- This study concluded that “Acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee and serves as an effective complement to standard care.” The research lead to coverage for acupuncture treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain under some Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance policies!

http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2004/acu-osteo/pressrelease.htm

• In Vitro Fertilization- This study found that when acupuncture was used in conjunction with IVF treatments, the chance of achieving pregnancy was higher than just with IVF alone. Interesting combination of modern technology and ancient healing arts…

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/020808.htm

• Low back pain- This study found that acupuncture and “acupuncture-like treatments” (simulated needling, without actually puncturing the skin) significantly reduced symptoms in patients suffering from low back pain and the effects were maintained for many months.

http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2009/051109.htm

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder- In a small pilot study, victims of PTSD were given either acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy or no treatment (the control group); patients who received acupuncture had significant improvements in symptoms, similar to the therapy recipients. This study needs to be replicated with a larger sample size, but this early conclusion is very promising. Many therapies- physical, psychotherapy, etc., work excellently when combined with acupuncture- a true complement. PTSD sufferers should receive both!

http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/092107.htm

The Ponheary Ly Foundation

Last September, I traveled to Cambodia to visit the Angkor Wat temples, a world heritage site. I was aware that Cambodia was one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and had read up on the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide that Pol Pot had orchestrated and carried out there in the 1970s. As a tourist, I expected to see the sites, maybe hear some tales from local people and observe Khmer life as it is today. On the surface, Cambodia seemed to be a recovering nation, one still struggling to heal, but brimming with opportunities afforded by the tourism trade, thanks to its rich history and sacred temples.

But the real adventure of my trip began when I met Lori Carlson, an American expatriate who now lives year-round in Cambodia. Lori was a tourist like me five years ago and had visited the temples with her guide, Ponheary Ly*, a Cambodian woman who had survived the genocide. In their attempt to rid the country of classes and create an agrarian socialist utopia, the Khmer Rouge systematically slaughtered professionals, monks, teachers, and educated people among others… Ponheary’s father was a teacher and was murdered, along with many other family members. At the time Lori met her, she was earning her living by guiding tourists around the ancient temple sites, some of which are in remote areas.

During one of these remote temple visits, Ponheary came upon a group of malnourished children who were hanging around the grounds, not attending the local school. When she offered them some leftover food, they became violent with one another fighting over it because they were so hungry. Alarmed by their physical condition and their behavior, she investigated the situation and learned that their school was empty. School attendance requires a uniform and basic school supplies, and their families had no money to pay for this.

Ponheary began saving her tip earnings and purchased the necessary school supplies and uniforms that these families couldn’t afford. Her mission expanded five years ago when she met Lori Carlson, who was so impressed by Ponheary’s cause, commitment, and her approach, that she felt compelled to help. Upon returning to the US, Lori started the Ponheary Ly Foundation, a non-profit organization to fund the enterprise. The Foundation grew and bit by bit, one child at a time, they have since enabled hundreds of kids to attend school in several remote villages. At school, the children receive breakfast and they are taught, supervised and looked after. Sometimes, that meal is the only one they eat on a given day.

Lori invited me to visit the school at Koh Ker Village on one of the Foundation’s trips while I was there. Koh Ker is located in the northeastern region of Cambodia in an area riddled with landmines. Here I saw firsthand the work of this Foundation and I witnessed how these kids live. The atrocities and dangers that haunt Koh Ker are familiar to the rest of rural Cambodia: poor hygiene, disease, child rapes, abuse, domestic violence, malnourishment, neglect, landmines… When the Foundation initially arrived at Koh Ker a few years ago, the majority of the kids were gravely ill and some even died of illnesses like dengue fever, malaria and amoebic dysentery.

One reason for our visit to Koh Ker was to deliver bicycles to the graduating 6^th graders and to give the schoolchildren a snack which consisted of condensed milk poured over a baguette. The kids were excited to eat the food and the 6^th graders were ecstatic to receive the bikes (the equivalent of giving an American teenager a car). The school has a high attendance rate and supports kindergarten through 6^th grade. A nearby medical doctor has agreed to administer medicine to the kids who are sick; all of them get de-wormed every three months. The local water is infested with E. coli, so a huge water tank with a filter was built and is monitored regularly with the filter changed every 6 months. School field trips are arranged and enable the children to see that there is a world beyond their village.

Despite the sad fact that these kids have an extremely impoverished and difficult existence, the Ponheary Ly Foundation looks after some aspects of their lives and acts as their advocate. In truth, the Foundation has not only saved many lives, but has given hundreds of kids a chance in a place the rest of the world has forgotten.

How to Help

The Foundation needs help. Please spread the word and if you are inclined make a small donation. $20 can send a child to school for an entire year. The money goes where it’s needed. I can assure you that Ponheary Ly and Lori Carlson look for what needs doing and then they do it.

Website address- for more information, please see http://theplf.org/wp/

*Ponheary Ly was recently featured as one of CNN’s Heroes:  http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/ponheary.ly.html