Treating Stroke with Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Chinese have been combining Traditional Chinese Medicine and western medicine for many years. Specifically, for stroke treatments they use Physical therapy, Electroacupuncture, Carotid Drug Injection, Chinese herbal formulas, Massage therapy and Craniosacral therapy. Research on this is available in the attached research study completed inHubeiProvincein 1996. Now western medicine is studying the effects of adding Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to their medical repertoire. The cun’ent stroke research proposal seeks to duplicate some of the Chinese research in a western rehabilitation hospital. 1. Introduction to Traditional Chinese MedicineThe term “Traditional Chinese medicine” T.C.M., makes reference to a number of practices, especially acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal formulas and their theoretical basis that has developed in China during a period of about 2,500 years. A theory of nature — and of health and disease — was set forth in the concepts of two essential forces yin and yang, the five elements, six climatic influences, seven emotional factors, eight principles of therapy, fourteen meridians, and other notions numbered as an aid to memorizing the information. 1.1 Ancient but Still AliveThe Huang-di Nei-jing or Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor is the source of all Chinese medical theory, the Chinese equivalent of Hippocratic corpus. Compiled by unknown authors between 300 and 100 B.C.E., it is the oldest of the Chinese medical texts. The knowledge and theoretical formulations it contains are the basic medical ideas developed and elaborated by later thinkers. In China today, the primary textbooks used to train traditional doctors are contemporary interpretations and clarifications of Qing dynasty (1644-1911) formulas and commentaries. These books are, in turn, clarifications of Ming dynasty (1368-1644) reworkings, which are also reworkings of earlier material. This process goes all the way back to Han dynasty (202 B.C.E.- 220 C.E). Such transmission through the dynastic pathway not only preserved and encapsulated the original sources, but also elucidated and reformed them. The first book about acupuncture, translated into Dutch and Latin, appeared in the West during the 15th Century. Europeans, most notably the French, have been involved in acupuncture therapy for the last 300 years. Acupuncture has been known in the United Statesfor hundreds of years as well. Benjamin Franklin, during his career as Ambassador toFrancein 1781, received acupuncture treatments and even did experiments with it. After Nixon visited China in 1972, widespread interest in this healing art was revived in theUnited States. 1.2 The Yin–Yang And The Five–Element Theory In T.C.M.T.C.M. considers everything has two sides, they are called Yin and Yang. The Yin and Yang are philosophical terms in ancient China, referring to the things or characters opposite to each other. The condition that appears as active, external, upward, hot, bright, functional, exciting and hyperactive is attributed to Yang. The condition that appears as asthenic, internal, downward, cold, dim, material, inhibitive and declining is attributed to Yin. Yin- Yang theory is widely used in T.C.M. for explaining the physiological and pathological phenomena of the human body and for directing the diagnosis and treatment of a disease. For example superficial syndrome, heat syndrome, sthenic syndrome are attributed to Yang. Interior syndrome, cold syndrome, asthenic syndrome are attributed to Yin. The five element theory is a theory based on philosophy in ancient China, classifying the material characters and the mutual relationship of the five elements, which are considered as the essential constituents of the material universe. Their motion is in accordance to certain rules (germination, restriction, etc). In T.C.M. the five element theory is chiefly used for explaining the properties of the five viscera organs (liver, heart, lung, spleen, kidney) of the human body, their mutual relations, physiological phenomena and pathological changes. It also serves as a guide for diagnosis and treatment. The five element cycle is arranged in a definite order. T.C.M. considers that heart is fire, liver is wood, spleen is earth, lung is metal and kidney is water, which are the five viscera organ’. The term for five viscera organs do not completely match those used in western medicine from the standpoint of anatomy and physiology. In T.C.M they are considered functional systems and their suffering causes disease. So the physiology and pathophysiology in T.C.M are very important. 1.3 Vital substances in T.C.M.Vital energy (Qi), blood and body fluids are the vital substances in T.C.M. theory. Vital energy (Qi) Vital energy is the motive force of internal organs and the tissues of the body as well. It has five functions: a) promotion function b) warming function c) defensive function d) checking function and e) nourishing function. Blood Blood is an important component of the body derived from the refined substance of the food through a series of complex processes. It circulates in the blood vessels to nourish all parts of the body. Body fluids Fluids in the body include sweat, saliva, stomach fluid, intestinal fluid, urine etc. Their function is to moisten the skin, the hair, the muscle, the throat, the joints etc. Meridians Meridians are important components of the human body. Meridians and their collaterals act as an important route for circulating vital energy and blood, connecting viscera with extremities, communicating the upper with the lower and the interior with the exterior and regulating the activities of viscera and other parts of the body. The meridians play an important role in joining the tissues and organs of the body to build up an organic entity. There are fourteen regular meridians in the body and they are the main passages connecting different parts of the body in which the vital energy and blood circulates. The meridian energy flows through the meridians in regular cycle by definite order. Selection of treatment based on the differential diagnosis Making a diagnosis and selecting the treatment is based on the analysis and comprehension of the clinical data collected by the four methods of examination with the basic theories of the five viscera organs (liver, heart, lung, spleen, kidney) meridians and pathogens. 1.4 Four Methods of Examination:
1.5 Major therapeutical methods in T.C.M.A. Methods of treatment by Chinese herbal medicineThere are eight methods of treatment used in Chinese herb medicine.
Herbal therapies are best for functional disorders, hormonal imbalances, and “organic problems” (change in tissue structure). The effects of herbs are usually seen after several days of regular use, rather than immediately, but once the effects are established, they often persist for a long time. The use of acupuncture plus herbs usually provides the most dramatic results. B. Methods of treatment by acupuncture and moxibustionAcupuncture therapy: Application of metal needles including the filiform needle, intradermal needle and plum-blossom needle are used to stimulate certain specific superficial definite locations for the treatment of a disease. In cases of blood transmitted disease or skin lesions electro-acupuncture or laser beam acupuncture is applicable. Acupuncture is a very safe system of health care when done by a well-trained practitioner. It feels like a needle prick but nothing like getting an injection. During the treatment the patient will experience some sensations of energy movement, but not pain. Most people fall asleep when left with the needles, and wake refreshed and relaxed. The number of treatments varies according to the condition. Acute problems may respond with just a few treatments. A chronic problem that exists for years may require a longer series of treatments. Treatments are usually once or twice a week. Acupuncture therapy has wide applications. The world health organization has officially recognized acupuncture as suitable for the treatment of more than two hundred common clinical disorders. These would include: Gastrointestinal disorders, urogenital disorders, gynecological problems, muscle and joint pain, respiratory problems, circulatory disorders, immune system disorders, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, headache, emotional problems, addictions, pediatrics, and supportive therapy dealing with chronic pain, basic energy enhancement and harmony. Moxibustion therapy; A method of applying therapeutic heat produced by ignited moxa wool or roll over the well-defined skin surfaces. The moxa is made by an herb called “Artemisia bulgaris”. Other methods of treatment Massage: a) Also called pushing and grasping; a method of prevention and treatment of diseases by applying various massage manipulation, or by passive movements of extremities. b) One of the eight manipulations of bone setting, used for relaxing the muscles, dissipating blood stasis and promoting subsidence of swelling. Qigong (breathing exercise): A mental and physical self training for the prevention and treatment of diseases and also for Health care and prolongation of life, by which life activities are self-adjusted and self-controlled with the help of the inducement of mind and the regulation of respiration and spirit. Therapeutic exercises: Taiji (also called Tai Chi), Gong fu, jogging, five animal exercises and other exercises prevent disease and strengthen the human body. 1.6 Electroacupuncture, Carotid Drug Injection and Herbal Supplements as a Potential Treatment Option in Stroke PatientsDescriptions of stroke appear as early as in the Nei ling (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, c.lOO B.C.). In Chinese medicine, the risk factors for stroke are explosive anger or protracted pent-up emotions; poor diet – especially one high in fat or sugar; excessive alcohol and tobacco use; long term stress and fatigue; lack of exercise; sudden physical over-exertion; change in season or climate. The common syndrome patterns include: movement of internal wind; excessive emotions transforming into fire; phlegm blocking the channels; irregularity of the Qi mechanism; and blood stasis. Chinese medicine categorizes strokes into two types depending on severity. A channel stroke usually does not result in loss of consciousness. Headache, numbness of the extremities (unilateral), disturbance of vision and/or speech, are common presentations. An Organ stroke is more involved and usually consciousness is impaired, with major neurological problems. Stroke is a condition that is known as “root-deficient, branchexcessive,” meaning that an underlying deficiency has caused the excess presentations. The treatment strategy is to first resolve the symptoms of excess during the acute phase; these symptoms can include wind, phlegm-heat, and blood stasis depending on the syndrome pattern. Then, during the recovery stage, the causal deficiency is addressed. Thus formulas used include ingredients to extinguish wind, transform phlegm-heat, invigorate the blood and tonify the constitution. As a general precaution, we always recommend to take herbs and drugs two hours apart to avoid any untoward interactions. The herbal formulas recommended for this study are attached to this proposal. Over the past 40 years knowledge about the physiological basis of control of pain has increased more than at any time in the history. The growth has been based mainly on studies on the neural and neurochemical basis of inhibition of pain at various levels of the central nervous system such as the spinal cord, the brain stem, and higher subcortical center. Although acupuncture was introduced in the Western world as early as in the 1600′ s it remained largely unknown until the first reports of operations under acupuncture analgesia were reported from China. Research on the neurochemical mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia has been conducted in the Department of Physiology,Beijing Medical Universitysince 1965. More than 250 papers have been published, most of them in Chinese. There are over 50 scientific papers on the clinical observation of the curative effect on cerebral infarction with acupuncture. Electrostimulation of the acupuncture points transmits into the central system through the sensory nerves and exerts effect. After the integration of the brain, the treatment works directly on the local cerebral tissue to dilate the cerebral vessels and to increase cerebral blood flow, subsequently improving the blood circulation, increasing the oxygen pressure of the cerebral tissue, improving the nourishment of the cerebral cells around the focus, and promoting the repair of the cerebral tissues. In addition, when the motor nerves are stimulated around the acupoints, the muscles twitch, consequently dilate and contract the vessels, promote blood circulation, increase the volume of the local cells and tissues and promote the recovery of the nerves and muscles of the paralytic limps. Incorporating Carotid Drug Injection into the treatment of stroke is popular in China. The prescription of the Carotid Drug injection consists of 40ml sodium chloride of 0.9%, 6ml novocaine of 2% (containing O.12g), 2-4ml ligustrazine hydrochloride (containing 40- 80mg), O.5ml dexamethasone (containing 2.5mg). The above drugs were mixed up into 50ml that was used for carotid injection. In the prescription mentioned above, ligustrazine hydrochloride dilates the vessels to improve microcirculation and to inhibit platelet agglutination. Novocaine which dilates small vessels not only can relieve vascular spasm, but also activates carbonic acid in the blood, increases the density of C02 in the blood and eventually leads to reflexing dilation of the cerebral vessels and hence the increase of cerebral blood flow. Dexamethasone is powerful in antiinflammation and dehydration, thus eliminating cerebral edema and improving cerebral anoxia. When the above drugs are added with sodium chloride and injected slowly into the cervical artery, the medicinal mixture flows into the anterior cerebral artery and the middle cerebral artery, directly exerting effect on the infracted region. As a result there is improvement of the cerebral blood circulation, softening and exfoliating of the focal plaque, dilation of the cerebral vessels, elimination of cerebral edema, improvement of the elasticity of the cerebral vascular wall and decrease blood viscosity. Increased cerebral blood flow will provide the oxygen supply needed to repair the function of the impaired cerebral cells and promote the functions of the affected limbs. For details of the exact procedure see the attached paper. According to the paper the control group was treated by simple carotid drug injection while the observation group was treated by electroacupuncture plus carotid drug injection. The total effective group for the observation group was 96.2% and the control group 83.7%. The control group received more than just physical therapy because the Chinese do not use a treatment of just physical therapy for stroke patients. They are more advanced in that area and include electroacupuncture and herbs as a part of the standard treatment for stroke along with physical therapy. 2. Research PlanThe study will replicate part of the research described in the attached paper published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in 1998. 2.1 Ideas for Discussing in the StudyThe study will treat 120 patients with PNS (partial non progressive stroke) affected by the most common site’ for obstructive disease, the carotid artery. In Caucasians, the carotid artery is responsible for atherothrombotic stroke six to seven times more frequently than is the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery. In my experience the patients should have their blood pressure stabilized for at least a week before we start them in to this program. The patients will be divided into four treatment categories:
The first group will alternate carotid drug injection with electroacupuncture. Starting Monday with carotid drug injection, Tuesday electroacupuncture and so on. Herbal formulas will be taken continuously (9 pills per day) during the course of the treatment. Massage therapy and craniosacral therapy will be administered once a week. The physical therapy will similar to the control group’s physical therapy. The second group will have craniosacral therapy and massage therapy once a week. Physical therapy will be similar to the control group. The third group will have carotid drug injection every other day plus craniosacral therapy and massage once a week. Physical therapy will be similar to the control group. And the fourth group will have physical therapy only. 3. Can modern and Chinese medicine be combined?Not only can the two systems of medicine be combined, they can enhance each other’s effects. Chinese herbs may make it possible to take a lower dosage of modern medicines, to reduce their side effects, and obtain a better overall effect. Modern drugs may provide emergency relief for serious conditions that will allow long-term application of Chinese herbs the rest of the time. It is advised that modern drugs be taken at a different time (e.g. two hours apart) from herb combinations in order to avoid any chance of interaction, and that monitoring of the effects of the drugs be continued, and perhaps increased, while an herb therapy is being used. Acupuncture is compatible with virtually all modern techniques. 4. Concluding remarksTraditional Chinese medicine can be considered an art, and it can claim to be a science. But the important question is: Does it work? Is Chinese medicine just an interesting philosophical curiosity or is it a viable system of healing? Can it treat what the West defines as real diseases? And can Western science measure its results and appreciate its Value? Because of the unique history of modern China, traditional medicine has been the subject of comprehensive study and testing over the past fifty-five years. Western clinical studies of traditional Chinese medicine, by proving its practical efficacy, have helped it win its battle for survival in the twentieth century, and promise it a place in the future of medicine. Some English–Language SourcesClinical observation of the Curative Effect on Cerebral Infarction of Elecroacupuncture Plus Carotid drug Injection. Wang Dajun et. al. 1997 Xing Hongyi. Commentary Summarization on the Mechanism of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemia. China Journal of Acumoxi, 1996,-(5):57 Zhong Qi. Effect of Acupuncture on the Cerebral Blood Flow of the Patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease. Liaonig Journal ofTCM, 1991; (8): 11 Revision at the Second National Conference on Cerebrovascular Disease. Diagnosticlissentials on Various Cerbrovascular Diseases. China Journal of Neurology and Phys iq logy, 1987,-(1):60 Department of Philosophy of Medicine and Science, cornp. Theories and philosophies of Medicine. New Delphi:Institute ofHistory of Medicine and Medical Research 1973. Fung, Yu-Lan. A History of Chinese Philosophy. 2 vols. Translated by Derk Bodde.Prinston,N.J.:PrinstonUniversity Press 1973. Porckert, Manfred. The Theoretical Foundations of Chinese Medicine. M.LT. East Asian Science Series, Vol. 3.Cambridge,Mass.: M.I.T. Press, 1974. Ted l. Kaptchuck. The Web That Has No Weaver. Congdon & Weed, Inc,New York, 1983. i Mayer, DJ., Price, D.D. Rafii, A.1977. Antagonism of Acupuncture Analgesia in Man by Narcotic Antagonist Naloxone. Brain Research. 121 :368-72. Mayer, D.l., Price, D.D. Rafii, A. 1975.Acupuncture Hypalgesia: Evidence for activation of a central control system as a mechanism of action. First World Congress Pain Florence, p.276 (abstr) Mc Leennan, B., Gilfillan, K, Heap, Y. 1977. Some Pharmacological Observations on the Analgesia Induced by Acupuncture in Rabbits. Pain 3: 229-38. Han, C. S., Chou, P.B., Lu, C.C., Jen, M. F. 1979. The Role of Central 5–hydroxytryptamine in Acupuncture Analgesia. Sci. Sin. 22:91-104. Chan, Wing-Tsit, trans. and comp. A source book in Chinese Philosophy. Prinston, N.l.: PrinstonUniversitypress, Prinston Paperbacks, 1963. Cited as Chinese Philosophy. Mayer, H.L., Price, D.D. 1976. Central Nervous System Mechanisms of Analgesia. Pain 2:379-404. Han 1.S., Terenius L 1982. Neurochemical Basis of Acupuncture Analgesia. Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 22: 193-220. Liu X. 1986. The Role of Nucleus Raphe Magnus in Acupuncture Analgesia and its Control by Some Higher Analgesia Structure. Acupuncture Research 9:91-100. Huard, Pierre, and Wong, Ming. Chinese Medicine. New York, Toronto: WorldUniversity Library, McGraw-Hill, 1968. Leslie, Charles, ed. Asian Medical Systems. Berkeley,Calif.:University of California Press. |
Introduction to Chinese Medicine
The term “Traditional Chinese medicine” T.C.M., makes reference to a number of practices, especially acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal formulas and their theoretical basis that has developed in China during a period of about 2,500 years. A theory of nature –and of health and disease– was set forth in the concepts of two essential forces yin and yang, the five elements, six climatic influences, seven emotional factors, eight principles of therapy, fourteen meridians, and other notions numbered as an aid to memorizing the information. Ancient but Still Alive The Huang-di Nei-jing or Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor is the source of all Chinese medical theory, the Chinese equivalent of Hippocratic corpus. Complied by unknown authors between 300 and 100 B.C.E., it is the oldest of the Chinese medical texts. The knowledge and theoretical formulations it contains are the basic medical ideas developed and elaborated by later thinkers. In China today, the primary textbooks used to train traditional doctors are contemporary interpretations and clarifications of Qing dynasty (1644-1911) formulas and commentaries. These books are, in turn, clarifications of Ming dynasty (1368-1644) reworkings, which are also reworkings of earlier material. This process goes all the way back to Han dynasty (202 B.C.E.-220 C.E). Such transmission through the dynastic pathway not only preserved and encapsulated the original sources, but also elucidated and reformed them. The Yin-Yang and the Five-Element Theory in T.C.M. T.C.M. considers everything has two sides, they are called Yin and Yang. The Yin and Yang are philosophical terms in ancient China, referring to the things or characters opposite to each other. The condition which appears as active, external, upward, hot, bright, functional, exciting and hyperactive is attributive to Yang. The condition which appears as asthenic, internal, downward, cold, dim, material, inhibitive and declining is attributed to Yin. Yin-Yang theory is widely used in T.C.M., for explaining the physiological and pathological phenomena of the human body and for directing the diagnosis and treatment of a disease. For example superficial syndrome, heat syndrome,sthenic syndrome are attributed to Yang. Interior syndrome, cold syndrome, asthenic syndrome are attributed to Yin. The five element theory is a theory based on philosophy in ancient China, classifying the material characters and the mutual relationship of the five elements which are considered as the essential constituents of the material universe. Their motion is in accordance to certain rules (germination, restriction, etc). In T.C.M. the five element theory is chiefly used for explaining the properties of the five viscera organs (liver, heart, lung, spleen, kidney) of the human body, their mutual relations, physiological phenomena and pathological changes. It also serves as a guide for diagnosis and treatment. Vital Substances in T.C.M.Vital energy (Qi), blood and body fluids Vital energy (Qi) Etiology and Pathogenesis in Chinese MedicineThere are three kinds of pathogenic factors explained in the Chinese medicine, namely exogenous pathogenic factors, endogenous pathogenic factors and miscellaneous pathogenic factors. Selection of Treatment Based on the Differential DiagnosisMaking a diagnosis and selecting the treatment is based on the analysis and comprehension of the clinical data collected by the four methods of examination with the basic theories of the five viscera organs (liver, heart, lung, spleen, kidney) meridians and pathogens. Four methods of examination: 1. Inspection: Observing the patient’s mental status, posture, appearances of the tongue and its fur, the quality of urine, feces and other excretions and secretions, etc. Pulse Taking Chinese StyleA normal balanced pulse is felt mainly at the middle level. Normal speed is between four and five beats per complete respiration, amounting to about seventy to seventy-five beats per minute. The quality of a normal pulse is elastic and “lively” neither hard and unyielding, nor flaccid and indistinct. Types of pulse The distinctions between pulses that are most commonly made by physicians are depth, speed, width, strength, overall shape and quality, rhythm, and length. Floating pulse is distinct at a superficial level of pressure, it is less perceptible when palpated at the middle and deep level. It signifies deficient yin. Tongue DiagnosisThe diagnostic value of observation of tongue can be fully manifested only in clinical treatments in T.C.M. by using differentiation of syndromes. The facts verify that excess or deficiency of Qi and blood in viscera organs, depth of invasion of pathogenic factor, tendency of transmission and change in a disease can be understood through observation of tongue.It is declared by the modern research work that appearance of tongue looks like a window for seeing into internal organs of the body, can objectively reflect various physiological changes in the interior of the body, manifests the reaction and function of the body at the moment and brings the information of plentiful vital activities. The content of tongue diagnosis: Observation of tongue proper (body) Tongue color Pale tongue: Is often seen in severe malnutrition, anemia chronic nephritis, etc. Appearance of tongue Sheen-withered tongue: A sheen tongue indicates vigor of the anti-pathogenic factor and adequacy of the body fluids. Withered tongue is often seen in wasting diseases, severe malnutrition, pernicious anemia, and the advanced stage of infectious febrile diseases. Mobility of tongue Rigid tongue: Difficult to protrude is often seen in cerebrovascular accidents and nerve system damage of various causes. Major Therapeutic Methods in T.C.M.A. Methods of treatment by Chinese herbal medicine There are eight methods of treatment used in Chinese herb medicine. Diaphoresis therapy; It possesses the actions of antipyretic, promoting eruption, reducing edema and antirheumatic by inducing perspiration. Herbal therapies are best for functional disorders, hormonal imbalances, and “organic problems” (change in tissue structure). The effects of herbs are usually seen after several days of regular use, rather than immediately, but once the effects are established, they often persist for a long time. The use of acupuncture plus herbs usually provides the most dramatic results. B. Methods of treatment by acupuncture, magnetic therapy prolotherapy and moxibustion Acupunture therapy; Application of metal needles such as filiform needle, intradermal needle and plum-blossom needle are used to stimulate certain specific superficial definite locations for the treatment of a disease. In cases of blood transmitted disease or skin lesions electro-acupuncture or laser beam acupuncture is applicable. Acupuncture is a very safe system of health care when done by a well-trained practitioner. It feels like a needle prick but nothing like getting an injection. During the treatment the patient will experience some sensations of energy movement, but not pain. Most people fall asleep when left with the needles, and wake refreshed and relaxed. The number of treatments varies according to the condition. Acute problems may respond with just a few treatments. A chronic problem that exists for years may require a longer series of treatments. Treatments are usually once or twice a week. Acupuncture therapy has wide applications. The world health organization has officially recognized acupuncture as suitable for the treatment of more than two hundred common clinical disorders. Magnetic therapy; Magnetism is an entirely natural event, it stimulates the body to heal itself. In injuries, magnetic treatment has been shown to decrease healing time by half or more. Although science cannot fully explain what takes place when the body is placed within such a magnetic field system, kinesiology (muscle strength) testing shows each acupuncture meridian in the body is functioning in harmony within fifteen minutes. Another effect of a magnetic field that is well documented and supported by the laws of physics is the enhancement of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Magnetic treatment is used in 45 countries around the world. In controlled tests carried out in Germany and Japan the complains of patients included insomnia, chronic headaches, neuralgia, arthritis, neck and back pains, skin allergies, bronchial asthma and travel sickness. Results were dramatic and showed magnetism to be 68% to93% effective. Prolotherapy (Point Injection therapy); A combination of Chinese and Western medical practice, was developed on the basis of acupuncture. Disease is treated or prevented by the combined effects of needling and drugs. Chinese drugs such as Angelica root extract, Safflower extract, Western drugs such as aminophylline, procaine hydrochloride, antibiotics and Vitamins B1, B12, in small doses are injected into the points or painful spots. Advantages of this therapy are its versatility, economy in the use of drugs, short course of treatment and effectiveness. Injection in small doses can also reduce the side effects of some of the drugs. Prolotherapy is widely and satisfactory applied in treating rheumatism, neuralgia, soft tissue injury, insomnia, hypertension, GI ulcers and lobar pneumonia. Moxibustion therapy; A method of applying therapeutic heat produced by ignited moxa wool or roll over the well defined skin surfaces. The moxa is made by an herb called “Artemisia bulgaris”. Moxibustion has the function of removing obstruction from the channel and regulating the Qi and blood. It regulates the function of the endocrine and nervous system and promotes the function of the immune system. It also promotes the function of the Chong and Ren channels in controlling blood to nourish the fetus and correct improper fetus position. For instance, Wang Wen-shi used moxibustion on Zhiyin (UB67) to treat 2069 pregnant women with malposition of uterus. One treatment lasting 10-15 minutes was given every day. Four treatments were considered as one course. 90.32% were cured after one to five courses of treatment (1869 cases). Doctors from the third teaching hospital in Guang Zhou recorded 1218 cases of the same problem treated in 12 different hospitals. Their results were 80.2% cured cases. Laboratory research proved that this method can promote secretion from the suprarenal cortex and promotes the movement ofthe uterus. One hour after moxibustion the fetus movement reached a peak or in the evening of the day that the patient had received the treatment. Yie Qingfang has reported that an effective rate of 88.55 was achieved in treating 260 cases with lactation deficiency, by applying moxibustion on Tanzhong (Ren 17). C. Other methods of treatment Massage; a) Also called pushing and grasping; a method of prevention and treatment of diseases by applying various massage manipulation, or by passive movements of extremities. b) One of the eight manipulations of bone setting, used for relaxing the muscles, dissipating blood stasis and promoting subsidence of swelling. Qigong (breathing exercise); A mental and physical self-training for the prevention and treatment of diseases and also for health care and prolongation of life, by which life activities are self-adjusted and self-controlled with the help of the inducement of mind and the regulation of respiration and spirit. Therapeutic exercises; Taiji, Gong fu, jogging five animal exercises and other exercises prevent disease and strengthen the human body. Commonly treated conditionsGastrointestinal Disorders: Food allergies, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel. Can Modern and Chinese Medicine Be Combined?Not only can the two systems of medicine be combined, they can enhance each other’s effects. Chinese herbs may make it possible to take a lower dosage of modern medicines, to reduce their side effects, and obtain a better overall effect. Modern drugs may provide emergency relief for serious conditions that will allow long-term application of Chinese herbs the rest of the time. It is advised that modern drugs be taken at a different time (e.g. an hour apart) from herb combinations in order to avoid any chance of interaction, and that monitoring of the effects of the drugs be continued, and perhaps increased, while an herb therapy is being used. Acupuncture is compatible with virtually all modern techniques. In Chinese medicine, as in Chinese philosophy, one can not understand the whole until one knows the parts and can not understand the parts without knowing the whole. The patient is treated never for the cause, but for his or her unique configuration of signs and symptoms. It is impossible to read into the Chinese system the classification of the West. The attempt to impose parallelism on the two systems is inappropriate and leads to misunderstanding. The Chinese system must be approached and dealt with on its own terms. As a clinical construct, the Chinese concepts can be evaluated more easily. Western techniques can be used to see whether the practice derived from the theory really works. This has been done, and the results have shown that Chinese medicine can be very effective. Concluding RemarksTraditional Chinese medicine can be considered an art, and it can claim to be a science. But the important question is: Does it work? Is Chinese medicine just an interesting philosophical curiosity or is it a viable system of healing? Can ittreat what the West defines as real diseases? And can Western science measure its results and appreciate its Value? Because of the unique history of modern China, traditional medicine has been the subject of comprehensive study and testing over the past fifty years. Western clinical studies of traditional Chinese medicine, by proving its practical efficacy, have helped it win its battle for survival in the twentieth century, and promise it a place in the future of medicine. Some English-Language SourcesChan, Wing-Tsit, trans. and comp. A source book in Chinese Philosophy. Prinston, N.J.: Prinston University press, Prinston Paperbacks, 1963. Cited as Chinese Philosophy. Department of Philosophy of Medicine and Science, comp. Theories and philosophies of Medicine. New Delphi: Institute of History of Medicine and Medical Research 1973. Fung, Yu-Lan. A History of Chinese Philosophy. 2 vols. Translated by Derk Bodde. Prinston, N.J.: Prinston University Press 1973. Huard, Pierre, and Wong, Ming. Chinese Medicine. New York, Toronto: World University Library, McGraw-Hill, 1968. Leslie, Charles, ed. Asian Medical Systems. Berkeley, Calif.: University of California Press. Porckert, Manfred. The Theoretical Foundations of Chinese Medicine. M.I.T. East Asian Science Series, Vol. 3. Cambridge, Mass.: M.I.T. Press, 1974. Ted J. Kaptchuck. The Web That Has No Weaver. Congdon & Weed, Inc, New York, 1983. Mayer, D.J., Price, D.D. Rafii, A.1977. Antagonism of Acupuncture Analgesia in Man by Narcotic Antagonist Naloxone. Brain Research. 121:368-72. Mayer, D.J., Price, D.D. Rafii, A.1975. Acupuncture Hypalgesia: Evidence for activation of a central control system as a mechanism of action. First World Congress Pain Florence, p.276 (abstr) Mc Leennan, H., Gilfillan, K, Heap, Y. 1977. Some Pharmacological Observations on the Analgesia Induced by Acupuncture in Rabbits. Pain 3: 229-38. Han, C. S., Chou, P.H., Lu, C.C., Jen, M. F. 1979. The Role of Central 5-hydroxytryptamine in Acupuncture Analgesia. Sci. Sin. 22:91-104. Mayer, H.L., Price, D.D. 1976. Central Nervous System Mechanisms of Analgesia. Pain 2:379-404. Han J.S., Terenius L 1982. Neurochemical Basis of Acupuncture Analgesia. Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 22:193-220. Liu X. 1986. The Role of Nucleus Raphe Magnus in Acupuncture Analgesia and its Control by Some Higher Analgesia Structure. Acupuncture Research 9:91-100. |
Facial Rejuvenation By Acupuncture
This Fox news video show how acupuncture can be used to erase fine lines on your face. This video is from Scottsdale, but we serve the Indianapolis, Zionsville, and Lafayette areas of Indiana. Dr. Christy Cline demonstrates an acupuncture technique to lessen fine facial lines and wrinkles without the risks of surgery. Dr. Angelica Kokkalis also does facial acupuncture for a face lift. |
The Philosophy of Regeneration
In this short presentation, you will learn about an important fundamental principle of Chinese Medicine; The Philosophy of Regeneration. You will also learn how it differs from The Philosophy of Substitution. The video also gives a brief history of Traditional Chinese Medicine. |
More Patients Turn to Alternative Therapies
By Amy Patterson-Neubert Journal and Courier For almost two years, Vicki Clark has suffered from frozen shoulder – adhesive capsulitis – a condition that inflicted shooting pain in her upper left back, shoulder and neck area. Clark sought relief from a variety of specialists in traditional medicine but she finally found relief from ‘merging two worlds of medicine – East and West.
Millions of people are turning to nontraditional forms of therapy, complementary and alternative modalities known as CAM, from ingesting herbs to seeking chronic pain management with acupuncture or prolotherapy. Prolotherapy IS an osteopathic deep injection technique used to eliminate some chronic pain involving ligaments. Some patients feel the traditional methods have let them down, and other patients are taking more of an interest in their health. The number of Americans who use alternative therapies has increased fro~ 33 percent in 1990 to 42 percent ill 1997, according to the National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health. The institute has identified five major areas of CAM practices – alternative medical systems (acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine); mind-body intervention (meditation certain uses of hypnosis, dance, music, art therapy and prayer); biologically based therapies. (herbal, special dietary, orthomolecular and individual biological therapies); manipulative and body-based methods (chiropractic and osteopathy); and energy therapies (Qi gong, Reiki and therapeutic touch). Around for Centuries In Lafayette, the Association of Complementary Therapists Inc. meets monthly to discuss alternative therapies. There are approximately 96 members in the group and 650 mailings are sent quarterly. What’s new is the two worlds of treatment are integrating nationally, and in Clark’s case, locally also. “I think despite both camps, it’s going to happen. Both sides were kind of arrogant and lofty in the beginning,” said Dr. Palmer MacKie, medical director at the Integrative Pain Center at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, and internist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The Integrative Pain Center at Wishard Hospital has been open for about a year. The melding of the two worlds is happening more frequently on the East and West coasts and in the southern part of the country, more so than in the Midwest. Dr. Joseph Sliwkowski, medical director of the Regional Occupational Care Center at Unity Healthcare, moved to Lafayette from Boston more than a year ago “I’d like Unity to have an integrated medicine component,” said Sliwkowski, who is pleased with Clark’s progress. “I’m not threatened by it, and it’s a great alternative to have and I’d like to see more of it here.” Kokkalis has been at the Center for Complementary Medicine and Pain Management for five of the department’s nine-year history. Here, she is involved in an acupuncture and stroke study, in addition to treating patients. “It’s a blessing to have alternative in combination to Western. They should look at it as complementary, not competition,” Kokkalis said. Entering the mainstream But before that melding takes place nationwide, the fear and “We’re putting ourselves at risk to do this type of medicine, and we’re all aware of it,” said Dr. Charles Turner, a Lafayette family physician who started incorporating alternative therapies into his practice during the last few years. Turner advertises that is he is specializing in a holistic approach to the art of medicine. The apprehension about alternative medicine also surfaces from misuse or false promises. “There is a lot of nonsense and garbage in alternative medicine. I’m not promoting all of it,” said Turner. But in response to the unknown, more reputable institutes, such as NCCAM, are leading studies and suggesting regulations, Turner is participating in a natural growth hormone study that was reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and approved by the Investigational Review Board. Turner expects the demand from young doctors for more alternative therapy education and their desire to practice it will make the treatments more mainstream. But-he also expects many will “stick to the old party line.” “There is more money in practicing medicine the regular way. Plus (alternative) takes longer to deal with patients,” said Turner, who sees 15 to 20 patients a day now. He used to see 35 to 50 daily. With alternative medicine, “You’re dealing with more sophisticated people, who are asking a lot of questions.” |
”A combination of acupuncture’ and intense physical therapy benefited me,” said Clark, whose treatment was under the guide of an Oriental and medical doctor, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis, and an occupational specialist, Dr. Joseph Sliwkowski, Kokkalis a West Lafayette resident who is the director of Chinese medicine at the Center for Complementary Medicine and Pain Management at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, also recommended that Clark incorporate massage therapy into her equation of wellness, to enhance the results of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that dates back 3,000 years. Acupuncture needles stimulate the nervous system, and its energy, to release pain-killing and inflammation-reducing substances to the blood. TCM believes that pain and disease are created when there is a blockage of energy; known as Qi’. More than 200 common clinical disorders benefit from acupuncture, according to the World Health Organization.
