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
Brewer presents his personal view of changes in patterns of lower back pain presented over the last 25 years. It appears that the causes of lower back pain vary with the type of patient seen, for example Chinese in China may match the 'text book' models, however when working in western society this is clearly not the case. In fact much of the lower back pain presented is caused by retardation in the flow of qi rather than pathogenic factors. This leads to stiffness with the result that the muscle is more prone to spasm. Brewer presents a very clear list of signs and symptoms and discusses them from TCM and western physiology perspective. He describes thorough examination by palpation, the use of distal and local points and methods of needling.
Three Cases of Migraine: Similarities and Particularities
Geoff Wadlow EJOM Vol. 2 No. 2
Three cases of migraine are presented where the presenting conditions and the treatment approach of Chinese medicine are similar, but where the details surrounding a patient’s life can often explain why a treatment may not work rather than the prescription of points chosen.
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.
This article discusses the acupuncture treatment of 3 different cases of hysterical disease, where patients suffer from real and often severe symptoms for which no organic pathology has been found. Translated by Tom Dey.
Innovations in the Treatment of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Alan Rouse EJOM Vol. 2 No. 1
Two cases of herpes zoster are described and their treatment with acupuncture and adjunctive therapies discussed. Read the whole article
A Report on the 3rd International Conference on HIV/AIDS and Chinese Medicine
Marian Fixler EJOM Vol. 1 No. 6
Marian Fixler, an acupuncturist at the London Lighthouse, who is involved with the Immune Development Trust, reports on the conference, at Columbia University, New York which was sponsored by HIV/AIDS organisations and clinics of Chinese medicine serving the HIV population across the USA. The report covers the different workshops relating to AIDS treatment and reports on the various treatments and research being carried out.
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.
Tuina and Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Childhood Anorexia
Hao Zhen and Wang Engui EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Hao Zhen and Wang Engui, of the Department of Paediatrics at the Affiliated Hospital of Beijing College of Acu-moxibustion and Orthopaedics, discuss their treament, which combines tuina (massotherapy) and herbal medicine. They illustrate points on the hand which are massaged to stimulate spleen and stomach activity and give their herbal treatments for specific problems. Translated by Chao Baixiao.
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.
Human Immune Activity in Arthritis and Multi-Neuritis Treated by Different Moxibustion Methods
Seung Cheong-Wong EJOM Vol. 1 No. 4
93 patients were selected for treatment by either direct moxibustion (65 cases of arthritis, all presenting with yang deficient symptoms and signs) or indirect moxibustion (28 cases suffering from multi-neuritis, all of whom were also diagnosed as yang deficient). Cellular immune function was assessed before and after. The results suggest that treatment with moxibustion has a modulatory effect on immune function.
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.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) - A Japanese Perspective: Some Conclusions from a Pilot Study
Gretchen De Soriano EJOM Vol. 1 No. 4
A short retrospective pilot study shows that ME follows the pattern described in the Shang Han Lun, a traditional Chinese medical text. The Shang Han Lun describes the symptom patterns and treatment for acute diseases using diagnostic techniques based on the six divisions, while its sequel, the Jin Gui Yao Lue, describes those for chronic disease using diagnostic techniques based on the three substances.The article suggests that significant understanding towards relief from the suffering of ME can be achieved using these Kanpo diagnostic techniques which are explained using modern Japanese commentaries on the original text.
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)
A Patient's Viewpoint: Acupuncture and the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Anonymous EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
A short article from a sufferer of ME who writes about their experience of acupuncture and the belief that it provides one of the very few forms of treatment that genuinely facilitates the healing process.
The Superwoman and the Victim: A Discussion of Two Cases of ME
Sandra Hill EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
Medical tests show no positive results. Patients are not believed. It is all in the mind. Acupuncture procedures are slow but effective. A learning process for practitioners and patients alike.
A chapter from the author's book The Practice of Chinese Medicine deals with early onset asthma especially in children and young adults. The connections and differences between Xiao-Chuan (wheezing-breathlessness) and allergic asthma follow pathology and aetiology of allergic asthma in western medicine. The chapter concludes with a new theory of allergic asthma in Chinese medicine.
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.
An approach to catastrophic illnesses, diseases which are more than life threatening, they are life overturning. Self-empowerment is as important as the relief of symptoms. Such illnesses can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.
Discussion of the nature of meridians is followed by the results of the author's research into the coincidence of various linear rashes in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and the pathways of the channels.
