Phlegm Misting-Disturbing the Orifices and Mitral Valve Prolapse
Leon Hammer EJOM Vol. 7 No. 3 (2013)
The author's initial appreciation of the role of the heart, in this instance the valves of the heart, in mental-emotional illness occurred in medical school, since in biomedicine at that time the prolapse of the mitral valve was associated with panic attacks and phobias. It was, therefore, a simple cognitive step from that information to identifying other aspects of Heart function, the orifices in Chinese medicine, with psychological conditions. The emphasis which his teacher - the internationally acknowledged master Dr John H.F. Shen, with whom he worked over a period of 27 years - placed on the relationship of the heart valves and vessels to mental-emotional issues reinforced that initial connection with the concept and clinical reality of ‘Phlegm misting the orifices.’ This article outlines the aetiology, physio-pathology, pathogenesis and clinical consequences of phlegm misting the orifices, and alludes to clinical tools for its diagnosis and treatment, illustrated by two case studies.
Clinical Experience in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Shen Pi'an EJOM Vol. 7 No. 2 (2012)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disease with a complex and highly variable range of symptoms that can affect any part of the body. Based on Professor Shen’s 50 years’ clinical experience in treating SLE patients with Chinese medicine, this article summarises the main aspects of TCM aetiology and pathology as well as offering a practical insight into the main treatment principles he employs on a regular basis. Read the whole article
Treating Multiple Sclerosis by Mediating the Internal Environment of the Body
Wanzhu Hou EJOM Vol. 7 No. 2 (2012)
The author discusses the Chinese medical understanding of the causes and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and presents a case which illustrates how treatment with Chinese medicine mediates the body's internal environment and benefits the recovery of damaged tissues during the treatment.
The author presents a typical case of ulcerative colitis from his practice to outline some of the fundamental principles required for treatment of both the acute and chronic phases of the disease.
The Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases with Canonical Chinese Medicine: Three Case Studies
Nadine Zaech EJOM Vol. 7 No. 2 (2012)
The author presents three cases of autoimmune disease,including two paediatric cases, which she treated successfully with Canonical Chinese Medicine formulas drawn from Zhang Zhong Jing’s Shang Han Za Bing Lun or Treatise on Cold Damage and Complex Disorders. The cases (involving paediatric rheumatoid arthritis, adult-onset Still’s disease and nephritic syndrome) suggest that autoimmune diseases, which may be only poorly managed by Western medicine, can be effectively treated with formulas and strategies first laid down in the classical texts of China’s Han Dynasty. From this Canonical Chinese Medicine perspective, many autoimmune conditions require tonification of the rule of imperial fire through the application of yang-warming decoctions containing fu zi (Aconiti Carmichaeli, Radix Lateralis Preparata.) If the patient’s symptoms flare up, the yang conformations will need to be treated and damage often involves more than one realm, thus often requiring the application of chai hu gui zhi gan jiang tang or triple yang disease formulas containing bupleurum chai hu (Bupleuri, Radix).
It is the aim of this article to outline the classical understanding of Blood physiology, and the resurrection of its correct physiological function through the formula science of the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), as understood in the Tian-Zeng lineage of Shang Han Lun practice. The article will explore the close relationship of the tai yang and jue yin conformations to Blood physiology, and as a result will demonstrate why the formula gui zhi tang serves as the core functional Blood tonic, expanding on this concept to demonstrate different aspects of Blood physiology and pathology through various modifications of this formula. The author hopes that this will inspire readers to consider the functional aspects of Blood physiology and pathology in greater depth and to broaden their understanding of the application of classical formulas from that which is currently understood in standard Chinese medical practice.
Pruritic Urticarial Papules & Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPP): A Treatment of Untreated Imbalance
Naava Carman EJOM Vol. 7 No. 1 (2012)
Pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of pregnancy (PUPP) presents with intensely itchy, hive-like papules, which typically begin on the abdomen, and spread to thighs, buttocks and occasionally to the arms. The diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine is a combination of Damp Heat and Blood xu leading to Dryness and therefore Wind. In this case, this condition can be seen as a direct consequence of an underlying imbalance for which the original treatment had not been completed.
Interactions between Chinese Medicines and Anticancer Drugs: An Overview
Simon Becker EJOM Vol. 6 No. 6 (2011)
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is gaining popularity in chemo- and radiotherapy support treatments. However, the potential risk of interactions seems high. Does clinical experience provide any evidence about the risks involved? Does it make sense to prescribe CHM to patients on chemo- and radiotherapy? Or are patients put at risk? In this article, these two factors – interaction potentials and clinical experience – are evaluated via a review of the current literature on these topics. The author points out that, in investigating interactions, a pharmacological approach focused on single medicinals and their compounds and relying primarily on in vitro and animal studies as well as on theoretical assumptions, does not accurately reflect standard CHM practice and is therefore of limited use in providing clinical guidance. Bothe the pharmacological and the clinical approaches must, he argues, be combined to come up with a valid conclusion. While acknowledging that currently available evidence is far from sufficient for final conclusions, the author's review finds that although there is a potential for interaction between chemotherapy and Chinese medicinals, the cautious and traditional use of CHM for chemo-and radiotherapy patients seems supported by the current literature. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine benefits chemo- and radiotherapy patients. Besides improving quality of life, the concurrent intake of CHM seems to reduce side-effects due to the toxicity of chemo- or radiotherapy.
Treating Infertility in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Song Xuan Ke EJOM Vol. 6 No. 1 (2008)
This article presents the aetiology and pathology of infertility from a TCM point of view, and outlines how it can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. The final section focuses on the use of TCM to support biomedical assisted reproduction techniques and gives the author's recommended strategies for treatment before, during and after IVF.
Falling Pregnant While Fending off Menopause and Cajoling Ovaries
Jane Lyttleton EJOM Vol. 3 No. 1
This article presents a case study of a woman in her 30s suffering from a number of chronic disorders including headaches, back pain and depression as well as erratic ovulation and possible early menopause. Treatment involved both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and focussed initially on her general health and on regulating her menstrual cycle with specific fertility treatments commencing two years later. The case study highlights many of the sorts of questions which practitioners have to deal with in trying to help women seeking treatment to aid fertility, and provides a good example of how useful the information from basal body temperature (BBT) charts can be and how it can influence the course of treatment. Read the whole article
Psyche and Substance
Ken Lloyd EJOM Vol. 2 No. 5
Using a case history, the author shows how the patient's psyche can be helped with TCM; that even though the patient's psyche may be in a complicated state, it is in the understanding of yin, yang, qi, xue, jinye, i.e. 'substance', that TCM operates most effectively. Read the whole article
Chinese Herbal Formulae for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Angel Wang Hanbing with Dominic Harbinson EJOM Vol. 5 No. 3
The term pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of physiological and psychological symptoms which women commonly experience some 7-10 days before their period. The symptoms tend to increase in severity as the period approaches and then disappear once it begins, although in severe cases they may arise or persist outside the pre-menstrual phase. This article gives a brief outline of how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) understands PMS and presents five Chinese herbal medicine formulae (plus clinically relevant modifications) devised by well-known TCM gynaecologist doctors from China for the treatment of some of the various manifestations of PMS. The formulae are presented according to the main presenting condition and the TCM pattern being treated, namely: breast distension due to liver qi depression, abdominal distension and pain due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, emotional problems due to liver and kidney yin deficiency, and headache due to liver qi depression and liver and kidney yin deficiency.
The Function of Invigorating Blood and Transforming Blood Stasis in the Treatment of Bi Syndrome
Yi Zhen Jia EJOM Vol. 2 No. 4
This article discusses the treatment of Bi Syndrome. Traditional herbal methods follow the principal of expelling the pathogenic factor. However in modern times the addition of herbs to invigorate blood and move qi has made these formulae much more effective. The herbs to invigorate blood are discussed and modern pharmacological research showing the reason for their success is considered. Translated by X Y Zhang
In this article, the author presents functionally translated abstracts of a number of Chinese journal articles on the treatment of chronic and ulcerative colitis. Protocols include both orally administered decoctions and retention enemas.
A Flexible Use of Wen Dan Tang in Clinical Practice
Dr Gao Luwen EJOM Vol. 2 No. 1
The author outlines the various modifications he has made to Wen Dan Tang in the treatment of patients suffering from a variety of conditions. These include viral myocarditis, diabetes, accessory nasosinusitis, viral hepatitis, irregular menses and neurodermatitis. Translated by Xy Zhang.
A Report on Research into Glycyrrhiza (Gan Cao), Paeonia (Bai Shao) and Rehmannia (Di Huang)
Richard Blackwell and Sue Sutton EJOM Vol. 2 No. 1
Against a background of reports of hepato-toxicity from the use of certain herbal prescriptions, Blackwell and Sutton examine the research material on the herbs which most commonly appear in the reported prescriptions. They conclude that the evidence on gan cao, bai shao and di huang does not suggest that they are directly hepato-toxic.
Wei Qi Ying Blood Syndrome: Differentiation Analysis and Origin
Professor Liu Jingyuan EJOM Vol. 1 No. 6
Professor Liu Jingyuan reviews the analysis of Ye Tianshi, a famous doctor of the Ching dynasty, who took epidemic febrile diseases and divided them into four stages, explicating a general progression of exterior to interior. Herbal formulae are given for turning back evil qi at the levels of wei, qi, ying and blood. Translated by Brenda Hood.
62 Cases of Children's Fever Treated with Chai Qin Tang
Dr Fan Yongping EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Dr Fan Yongping writes of 62 cases of children's fever that he treated successfully with the Chai Qin Tang formula of herbs. He describes how the formula mediates the shao yang channel, expelling exogenous factors such as cold and removing endogenous heat. His treatment brought down fever quickly, making a relapse unlikely. Translated by Mr Xy Zhang.
2 Cases of Headache & Neck Stiffness Treated by Employing Zhang Zhongjing's Pattern Differentiation
Professor Shi Zaixiang and Dr Xu Chunhong EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Professor Shi Zaixiang, chief consultant for heart and kidney disease at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Dr Xu Chunhong, of the Chinese Medical Department of the Shihu Hospital Liaoning, use two contrasting cases of headache and neck stiffness to illustrate the Zhang Zhongjing treatment strategies in the Shanghan lun (Discussion of Cold Damage) and the Jingui yaolui (Synopsis of Prescriptions from the Golden Casket) and give appropriate herbal formulae. Translated by Volker Scheid.
Guo Zhiqiang, professor of Chinese Medicine at Beijing University and president of Gynecologic Teaching Room of Dangzhimen Hospital, explains the various reasons for infertility in both men and women, and gives his recommended formulae for the treatment of specific problems. Seven different clinical patterns are discussed.
Looking at the Evidence: Notes on Diagnosis and the Evaluation of Efficacy in TCM
Gianfranco Morelli and Patrizia Adelasco EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
The authors discuss the work of Dr. Zhang Shijie, of Gulou Hospital, Beijing. Dr Zhang, one of the forty ming lao zhong yi (famous Chinese doctors) emphasises the complexity of differential diagnosis and in seven case histories he demonstrates his thinking and subsequent treatment. This article first appeared in the Italian journal, MediCina.
The Immune Development Trust was set up in the late 1980s to promote, preserve and protect the good physical and mental health of the public, particularly in relation to immune related conditions such as ME. HIV and AIDS. The author, one of the founders of the IDT, describes the ethos of the organisation, and the services it offers to both its practitioners and clients with particular reference to Chinese medicine. The article concludes with a brief outline of three cases treated at the IDT clinic, the first an HIV-positive man suffering from an acute herpes simplex infection, the second an HIV-positive woman suffering from chronic insomnia. The final case involves an HIV-positive man suffering from acute dysentery caused by endamoeba histolytica.
Thoughts on Paediatric Eczema as an Allergic Disease and its Relationship to Yin Fire
Bob Flaws EJOM Vol. 1 No. 4
The author takes issue with some of the statements on allergic asthma made by Giovanni Maciocia in EJOM Vol 1, No 3. The author's argument is based on a translation of a recent Chinese journal article on the treatment of paediatric eczema. In particular the author suggests that Giovanni, in the creation of his theory on allergic asthma, has not paid enough attention to Li Dong-Yuan's concept of yin fire and to modern western notions of candidiasis as it relates to allergic conditions. The author ends by describing the most common internal Chinese medicine formulas he uses in the treatment of allergic asthma in both children and adults.
Korean oriental medicine is a natural medical science with theory and knowledge derived from an experience unique to Korean traditional living culture. It comprises treatment by acupuncture and herbal medicine based on orthodox medical theories.
Hugh MacPherson and Richard Blackwell EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
This review article has three sections. The introduction looks at the western medical understanding of RA and identifies a role for Chinese medicine. There follows a critique of a number of controlled trials and studies. The final section considers Chinese medicine in clinical practice, its approach to treatment and patient management.
Examining paranormal phenomena by using the framework offered by TCM, the author presents two cases which he ascribes largely to 'wandering hun.' He discusses his herbal and acupuncture treatment of the patients, and concludes with an appraisal of Chinese, Tibetan and shamanistic ideas related to demonic possession.
Study on Essential Hypertension and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nick Johnson, Dominique Joire, James Tomkinson, Sammy Reid, Lola Boix, Alex Murray and Paloma Sparrow EJOM Vol. 4 No. 2
This study observes and monitors the effect of 6 months of traditional Chinese medicine on a group of NHS patients with essential hypertension. The management was in both terms of symptomatology and blood pressure levels. It provides a background, treatment protocol and results, along with specific reports on 8 patients.
The author explains that this article is not anti-drug and not anti-doctor but cautions practitioners to consider that prescribed drugs, although sometimes helpful, are frequently over used and often lead to uncomfortable symptoms and feelings of ill health. He provides comprehensive information on costs, and information, of prescription drugs, their side effects, addiction, the energetic view of prescribed drugs and herb - drug interactions. There is a wonderful table on the energetics of prescribed drugs in terms of Chinese medicine, and a case history which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal prescriptions.
The Clinical Application of Five Phase Theory in the Practice of Herbal Medicine
Professor Wu Boping EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Professor Wu Boping, head of the research library at the Beijing Academy of TCM discusses the engendering and restraining (sheng and ke) relationship among the five phases and gives his recommended herbal formulae in cases where 'disharmonious relationships' occur. He cites four case histories: dizziness, cough and dyspnoea, abdominal pain, and palpitations. Translated by Chao Baixiao. Read the whole article
The Gateway Clinic Experience: The Treatment of HIV and AIDS using TCM
John Tindall EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
The Gateway Clinic has five levels of approach to sufferers of drug abuse, HIV or AIDS. Relaxation and outreach starts a detoxification programme. A general balancing of the patterns of ill health presented follows this. Level 3 looks at specific procedures for acute episodes that invariably characterise the conditions. At the fourth level difficult patterns are dealt with - infections, complications, a variety of medical conditions. Level 5 involves the practice of qi gong. All levels depend on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) analysis. The aim is to create optimum levels of health, physically, mentally and spiritually, regardless of the stage at which the client might present. Read the article as a PDF file (562Kb)
