Using EVA for Health--
the Traditional Oriental Approach

From Elk Farming Handbook, Written, Compiled and Edited by
Ian Thorleifson, Tony Pearse and Bruce Friedel

     Traditional Oriental medicine has been keeping Asians well for thousands of years. Fundamental to its success is the practice of preventive, rather than curative, techniques, and the concept of balance.

Elk Velvet Antler, EVA, is an essential component of many balanced preparations. The basis of this approach to maintenance of health is the philosophy of Yin and Yang, cosmic forces which are said to control all natural phenomena and life processes. Both forces are dependent on each other, and the ideal state within the body and within the universe is to have the two forces in relative balance and harmony. Traditional Oriental medicine is used to keep the two in balance, preventing the ill health that results whenever imbalance occurs.

EVA is so highly valued because the deer is the animal with the greatest Yang energy, recognized as a good luck animal and associated closely with health and longevity. Yin and Yang have their own domains within the human body. Half the vital organs pertain to the Yin and the other half are part of Yang. Yang energy is the force that carries blood throughout the body. In Chinese medicine, EVA is the main medicine for increasing blood volume and it components as well as blood flow. When blood is increased more energy will be generated and the body will be maintained in better health. This enhanced blood activity aids in promotion of health and the prevention of illness through righting the Yin and Yang balance. Often a doctor is only paid when the patient is well, not sick - a practice which probably would not be greeted with enthusiasm by western medical professionals.

The Traditional Oriental doctor does not simply look at the patient's symptoms when prescribing a treatment. He also takes into full consideration many other things such as the patient's constitution, medical history, age, possible side effects and even the patients physical appearance and personality. EVA in not prescribed to everyone, and it is not always prescribed in he same form or mixture. People with plenty of Yang energy, characterized by their hot body, aggressive and positive nature, do not need to take EVA regularly. On the other hand, EVA is perfect for people with more of the Yin forces - laid back, negative or timid nature, cool body people.

A book called Shin Nong Bon Cho Kyung, written 1800 years ago, suggests, "Deer velvet tastes sweet and its property is warm. It is used for reinforcing vital energy, strengthening memory and will, generating teeth, curing persistent vaginal blood discharges, and treating fevers and epilepsy. Deer antler cures sores, carbuncles (boils), expels pathogens as well as retained blood in the uterus. It is also used for treating consumptive disease and illness caused by over-exertion, lumbago, excessive loss of weight, repairing the body, reinforcing vital energy, curing infertility, stopping pain and preventing miscarriage. Prolonged consumption would keep the body light and extend longevity."

Today, 1800 years later, velvet is still being used to prevent and right many ills in Asia. Westerners have only recently begun to make use of this ancient remedy and tonic. Most have been unwilling to take it seriously because of the notion that it is an aphrodisiac. Velvet is used to remedy sexual disorders in men such as impotence, premature ejaculation and watery semen. According to modern research, velvet antler has shown gonadotropic activity. This means that it can stimulate growth and increase the weight of both the seminal vesicles and prostate. But few users claim any direct aphrodisiac effects, rather they suggest that as their health improves with EVA, their libido increases correspondingly.

Positive effects have been reported when EVA is used to increase the blood, remedy kidney deficiency and gastro-intestinal disorders, to improve low blood pressure and eliminate anaemia. It is also used successfully to promote rapid healing by aiding the regeneration of damaged tissue, to treat menstrual disorders and menopause in women, and to improve weak bones and sinews. In Asia, it is mostly consumed in spring and autumn and is often prescribed with a mixture of other herbal medicines, commonly served as a soup. EVA is usually divided into four sections, classified according to the different composition of each section. Each section has different uses. The two upper sections are used as preventative medicines and tonics for children and young people while middle portion is used in the treatment of arthritis and osteomyelitis. The lower part is regarded as being of particular benefit to older people subject to calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.

Dr. Lee Sang-In of Kyung Hee University in South Korea says velvet is also used to treat infertility in woman and promote skin growth where there has been long lasting infection. Liver problems and high cholesterol levels can also be alleviated with velvet, he says.

EVA can boost hormonal activity, increase oxygen uptake to the brain, liver and kidneys, decrease the rate of muscle fatigue, and promote muscular growth. It can be very useful for both physical and mental activity as well as promoting healing. But EVA should not be casually used by everyone. It should not be used or should only be used cautiously in people with prostate problems, heart conditions and lupus. EVA is a powerful substance, and consequently we must be aware that improper or excessive consumption may not be beneficial. The best advice is to try EVA in small amounts for several months, and notice the effects. Think of the balance associated the calming Yin force and the energizing Yang. Consider what your individual nature is, what you need to improve, and consider how EVA has helped so many other people. Talk to people who understand natural health products, and enjoy the effects of improved health!

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