Looking at the Evidence: Notes on Diagnosis and the Evaluation of Efficacy in TCM Gianfranco Morelli and Patrizia Adelasco 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 English translation is by Emelia Mills and Kara Smith.
Tuina and Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Childhood Anorexia Hao Zhen and Wang Engui 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 Clinical Application of Five Phase Theory in the Practice of Herbal Medicine Professor Wu Boping 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
Infertility Guo Zhiqiang 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.
Two Cases of Headache and Neck Stiffness Treated by Employing Zhang Zhongjing's Method of Pattern Differentiation Professor Shi Zaixiang and Dr Xu Chunhong 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.
62 Cases of Children's Fever Treated with Chai Qin Tang Dr Fan Yongping 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.
Consistency, Internal Coherence and Systematic Practice: Starting Points on the Road to Artistry in Chinese Medicine Geoff Wadlow Geoff Wadlow, founding director of the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, responds to an article in the previous edition (EJOM, Vol.1 No. 4), called 'Home and Away' by Volker Scheid, who described his impressions during a year studying in Beijing. Mr Wadlow talks about his own visit to China and makes the point that 'diversity flows out of a common heritage...the spirit of which we can only glimpse at and fleetingly experience because we are not Chinese, born and bred in China.'
An Audit of Case Studies of Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study for a Controlled Trial Mike Fitter and Hugh MacPherson Mike Fitter, research director of the Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hugh MacPherson, co-founder and principal of the Northern College of Acupuncture who helped set up the Acupuncture Research Resource Centre in York report on the first stage of a feasibility study to evaluate the effectiveness of an acupuncture service in the treatment of people with low back pain, comparing the overall 'cost effectiveness' with an orthodox service available through National Health Service GPs. The research method is outlined and four case histories are cited.
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