China to Strengthen Traditional Chinese Medicine R&D

China to Strengthen Traditional Chinese Medicine R&D

China will upgrade its research and development (R&D) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in 2011 by improving the systems for inheritance and innovation, according to a senior health official.

Wang Guoqiang, vice health minister and director of the State Administration of TCM (SATCM), made the remarks here Thursday at the annual national conference on traditional Chinese medicine.

In terms of inheritance, Wang urged efforts be made to establish databases of ancient traditional Chinese medicine publications, to study its basic theories and to conduct a general survey on TCM resources.

He also called for innovation in building a clinical R&D system, setting up key TCM labs, facilitating technology transfers into the industry and improving R&D management and quality control.

Wang also disclosed the following figures concerning the country's previous efforts in promoting traditional Chinese medicine:

In 2010, the SATCM accepted the registration of 400 important ancient traditional Chinese medicine books.

Besides providing inheritance studios for 181 TCM masters, the SATCM started a comprehensive service platform for the exchange of their clinical experiences and academic thoughts.

The first national level survey on traditional medicines of ethnic groups was also conducted last year, which identified 150 feature publications and 140 techniques for diagnosis and treatment.

In 2009, China spent 10.97 billion yuan supporting TCM, an increase of 165 percent over 2005.

From 2005 to 2009, the number of TCM hospitals grew 9.6 percent to 3,299 with 449,000 beds, 42.6 percent higher than 2005.

Wang also said that China would further develop traditional Chinese medicine amid the country's ongoing reform of the national health care system.

TCM generally refers to the comprehensive Chinese medical system based upon the body's balance and harmony. Among the components of TCM are acupuncture, diet, herbal and nutritional therapy, physical exercise, and remedial massage.

As a sign of the world's growing acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion were inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last November by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

TCM is widely used in China, and policy-makers are promoting traditional Chinese medicine to reduce burdensome medical costs and allow universal access to health care.

However, the share of traditional Chinese medicine in the global medical market, which is dominated by Western medicine, remains low.

http://english.cri.cn/6909/2011/01/14/2743s615324.htm

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Infertility Helped Greatly with Chinese Herbs

Infertility Helped Greatly with Chinese Herbs

Dr. Ting Ting Zhang presented advanced methods for treating infertility at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco, California. New research shows that both common and rare Chinese herbal medicines vastly enhance both the process of conception and subsequent nutrition to the fetus thereby creating a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Zhang was granted a special visa from the Chinese government to bring this vital information to the United States for an acupuncturist continuing education conference at ACTCM. Dr. Zhang is the Gynecology Department Chair of Yue Yang Hospital at the Shanghai University of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is renown for her experience in the field of infertility. Dr. Zhang unveiled new ultrasound and hormone testing research revealing that special Chinese herbal medicines promote ovulation and egg development, increase sperm motility and count, and prevent miscarriage. Further, western data confirms that Chinese herbal medicine greatly increases the conception rate of women undergoing artificial insemination.

Dr. Zhang opened up the conference with some basic statistics before presenting detailed cures for infertility. In a recent study of 500 women who were not treated with Chinese herbal medicines, regular sexual intercourse resulted in a 60-70% conception rate. At six months, women became pregnant at a rate of 75-80%. At one year, the rate increased to 80-90%. From age 30 to 34, one in seven women experience infertility. Between the ages of 35 and 40, one in five women are infertile and between the ages of 40 and 44, one in four women experience difficulties with infertility. In up to 55% of cases, infertility is caused by a female reproductive disharmony. In 25-40% of cases, infertility is caused solely by a male reproductive issue. Notably, in 20% of all cases, infertility is caused by both the male and female partners. Using Dr. Zhang’s and the famous Dr. Tai’s treatment regimes, Dr. Zhang demonstrated an incredibly high rate of clinical success in reversing infertility. Dr. Zhang noted that “infertility is a symptom, not a disease.”

Dr. Zhang presented Chinese medicine differential diagnostics in relation western medical findings. Basal body temperature (BBT) charts were revealed to express a process of emerging Yin Essence in the first 12 days of a menstrual cycle followed by a powerful Yang stage. A direct reading of the BBT chart translates into an exact Chinese medicine diagnosis. In addition, Dr. Zhang introduced methods for analyzing hormone tests. For example, high FSH is linked to Yin Deficiency and high LH is linked to Yang Deficiency. A multitude of ways to view BBT, ultrasound, sexual hormone tests, and other western related data were correlated into the Chinese medicine theoretical framework. Dr. Zhang closed the divide between western medical data and Chinese medicine differential diagnostics in her presentation. Acupuncturists can now read the western data, make a Chinese medicine diagnosis, and choose from the correct herbal medicines to promote conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Common conditions leading to infertility are Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, and Blood Stasis. For women, the main concern is to harmonize the menstrual cycle. Dr. Zhang presented important herbal formulas to address many clinical scenarios and included special herbs to promote ovulation and nourish the fetus. Moreover, Dr. Zhang presented herbal remedies to prevent anti-sperm antibodies such as AsAb and other autoimmune system disorders from leading to infertility. Dr. Zhang also covered the topic of uterine fibroids, their exact relationship to infertility, and how to overcome any impediments they may present. This requires, at the very minimum, an ultrasound test of existing fibroids to determine their exact placement and size.

Dr. Zhang presented step-by-step methods to take an abnormal BBT charted cycle to one that follows a healthy pattern from follicular phase through ovulation to luteal phase and menstruation. The herbal medicines restore the normal ovulation window, optimize the fertility cycle, and enhance the process of a healthy pregnancy and fetus. Dr. Zhang detailed the exact herbs needed to promote egg maturation and those needed to facilitate uptake and transport of eggs into and through the fallopian tube. Further, she presented a detailed herbal medicine regime to optimize the window of opportunity for patients undergoing IVF and IUI. In cases where artificial insemination has previously failed, adding Chinese herbs balances the health of the patient such that artificial insemination becomes successful.

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), located in San Francisco, CA, has a long history of presenting valuable information in the field of Chinese medicine in acupuncture continuing education courses. Without exception, Dr. Zhang has lived up to this reputation and has raised the bar on the efficaciousness of Chinese Medicine in the treatment of infertility. Adam White, L.Ac., President of the Healthcare Medicine Institute, notes that “Dr. Ting Ting Zhang has managed to fully integrate the western model for the treatment of primary and secondary infertility into the Chinese medicine system. We now have a fully integrated understanding of western medical test data in terms of Chinese medicine theory and we have a new understanding of herbs that promote the various stages of conception. Dr. Zhang and her colleagues at Shanghai University of TCM have employed western testing methods to measure the effects of herbal medicines on processes such as ovum development and release, fallopian tube function, and fetal development. Thanks to Dr. Zhang, the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility has advanced tremendously.”

www.reproductivewellness.com

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Anemia – accupuncture and Chinese medicine

Anemia – accupuncture and Chinese medicine

In anemia, body tissues are deprived of oxygen due to a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells. There are more than 400 forms of anemia. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise (mild anemia); burning tongue (vitamin B12 anemia); weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath, and faintness or dizziness (severe anemia); pasty or yellowish skin and bluish lips, pale gums, nail beds, eyelid linings, or palm creases (strong signs of anemia); and movement or balance problems, slick tongue, confusion, depression, memory loss, and tingling in extremities (pernicious anemia). Other possible symptoms include headache, insomnia, decreased appetite, poor concentration, and irregular heartbeat. Iron overload can occur from taking iron supplements. Symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, jaundice, lethargy, and seizures.

Chinese Medicine

Anemia, or deficient blood, is treated with acupuncture and herbal therapies. Asian ginseng is used as a general tonic for fatigue. Dong quai (dang gui) has been used alone for thousands of years as a blood tonic. It may be combined with Chinese foxglove root or astragalus.

Zhou and Zhou (1990) reported a study treating anemia using the principle of bu-shen yi-qi. In their study, 60 people with orthostatic dysregulation were randomly divided into a treatment group (received Chinese herbs under the principle of bu-shen yi-qi) and a control group (received oryzanol and vitamins B1 and B6). Herbs selected were rich in trace elements, including iron (enhances red blood cell action) and zinc. After 1 month, results showed that 16 members of the treatment group and 4 members of the control group had significantly improved. Of the total group, 43, or 71%, also clinically expressed mild anemia. Blood was drawn before and after treatment Blood values for red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hyper-chromia in 20 participants in the treatment group were significantly improved; 17 of the controls remained unchanged.

Zee-Cheng (1992) reported the use of Shi-quan-da-bu-tang (10 significant tonic decoction, or SQT), a combination traditionally used for anemia, anorexia, extreme exhaustion, fatigue, kidney and spleen insufficiency, and general weakness. In the study, the combination was used to restore immunity in people diagnosed with cancer, potentiate the therapeutic effect, and ameliorate the adverse toxicity of anticanccr agents. Zee-Cheng reported the results of 8 years of animal and human studies showing that SQT ameliorates anemia, among other conditions, by “toning the blood and strengthening Q (vital energy).”

Su, He, and Chen (1993) reported on a study of an herbal preparation, Man-Shen Ling, which consists of medicinal herbs such as astragalus and rehmannia. The combination was markedly effective for anemia and showed no adverse effects on liver, kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal tract functions.

Zhang, Shi, and Fan (1995) reported the use of Chinese medicinal herbs and vitamin C for 43 children with aplastic anemia treated with fetal blood transfusion. The treatment group receiving Chinese medicinal herbs and blood transfusion improved by 88.9% (chronic aplastic anemia) and 62.5% (acute aplastic anemia), as compared to 46% for the blood transfusion-alone group.

Foods and Supplements

Caffeinated or decaffeinated tea, coffee, or cola should be avoided with meals because caffeine and the tannin in black tea inhibit iron absorption. Instead, citrus juices rich in vitamin C ore recommended to enhance iron absorption. The chronic use of alcoholic beverages should also be avoided. These can interfere with the ability to absorb folic acid.

Iron-rich foods include parsley (also contains vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption), broccoli, tomatoes, dried beans, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits, almonds, liver, poultry, and red meat. Vitamin C and copper also promote iron absorption.

To enhance red blood cell production, the following foods should be eaten fresh or minimally cooked to preserve their folic acid content: dark green vegetables, milk, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, pumpkin, liver, and eggs. Salmon and mackerel are good sources of vitamin B12, and black-eyed peas, beans, and lentils provide folate. Vegetarians arc at risk for vitamin B12 anemia because the vitamin is found only in animal products and fermented foods. Vegetarians need to include dairy products, eggs, and fermented foods, such as miso, tofu, and tempch, in their diet. Iron supplements and/or some vitamin supplements con provide excess iron that can be harmful.

http://www.naturalhealthcure.org/therapies/anemia-accupuncture-chinese-medicine.html

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a medical condition in which the amount of cholesterol in one’s bloodstream exceeds a normal or recommended level. Cholesterol is a complex organic compound that occurs naturally in the body and is used to produce bile acids, vitamin D, and a number of hormones needed by the body to function normally. When excessive amounts of cholesterol are present in the body, they may deposit on the inside lining of arteries, leading to a number of coronary heart disorders. While high cholesterol can be treated by a variety of western medical approaches, such as statin drugs, there are often unwanted side effects and unclear benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a safe, natural alternative form of care than can be used in conjunction with regular checkups to manage your cholesterol levels.

How Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Used in Treating High Cholesterol?

TCM practitioners recognize four primary conditions that are connected to high cholesterol. Each diagnosis is determined from an individual analysis of your pulse, tongue, symptoms, and lifestyle. These diagnoses include Damp-Phlegm in the Lung or Spleen, Blood Stasis, Spleen-Stomach Deficiency, and Liver-Kidney Deficiency. Acupuncture and herbal treatment will be based upon the correction of your imbalance with additional points and herbs for the specific symptom of high cholesterol.

Acupuncture for High Cholesterol
Acupuncture treatment for high cholesterol focuses primarily on balancing the body. For conditions of Damp-Phlegm, the acupuncture points of Stomach 40 and Spleen 9 are used to assist the body in transforming the pathogen. In order to break Blood Stasis and correct the flow of blood, acupuncture points Spleen 10, Large Intestine 4, and Liver 3 may be used. Conditions of Spleen-Stomach Deficiency can be supplemented by needling Stomach 36 and Spleen 6. Liver-Kidney Deficiency can be supported by treatment of Liver 3, Kidney 3, Bladder 23, and Bladder 18.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for High Cholesterol
Generally, herbal medicine is the primary method of treatment for cases of high cholesterol. Herbal medicine can more directly affect the primary mechanism of cholesterol absorption and production within the body.

A number of herbs and formulas are recommended for the treatment, including:

• Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan zha; Chinese hawthorne)
• Monascus purpureus (red yeast rice)
• Guggul (or gugul; obtained from the mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree
• Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan)
• Senna obtusifolia (Ju Ming Zi; sicklepod seed)
• Jiang Zi Yi Gan Tang (a combination of the herbs Zhu Xie, Sang Si Wi, Ju Ming Zi, Dan Shen, Huang Jin, Seng Shen Zha,Hu Zheng, and He Ye.)

A popular herbal tea, called Bojenmi, is also used for the treatment of digestive problems, including weight loss and high cholesterol. The product is available at many oriental grocery stores and herbal shops.

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete system for treating physical and medical disorders that was developed at least three thousand years ago. The system is based on the belief that the human body is a microcosm (smaller version) of the Universe itself. Two fundamental principles of TCM are the theory of yin and yang and the five-element theory. Yin and yang are the names given to complementary but opposite forces operating within the human body. Yin is the female principle, and yang the male principle at work in the body. Good health depends not only on a balance between yin and yang, but also the harmonic operation of these two principles.

The five-element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that the five fundamental materials of which the Universe is made—earth, fire, water, metal, and wood—are expressed within the human body in five organ systems: the liver/gallbladder, heart/small Intestine, spleen/stomach, lung/large intestine, and kidney/urinary bladder systems. TCM is also based on the belief that the human body contains and depends on a fundamental life force known as Qi that controls and depends on the function of other forces within the body. An imbalance of Qi, yin, yang, or other forces within the body results in physical or mental problems. The role of the TCM practitioner is to discover the basis for such problems within the general system of Qi, yin, yang, the five elements, and other components of TCM and then to devise a method of treatment to resolve those problems using traditional methods, such as acupuncture, massage, Qi Gong, herbal medicine, and traditional nutritional therapies.

How Effective is Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of High Cholesterol?

Acupuncture and herbal remedies have been used for at least 3,000 years for the treatment of a variety of medical problems, including high cholesterol and related cardiac problems. Most TCM practitioners have traditionally not felt the need for scientific studies to support their use of these therapies. In the last 50 years, however, both TCM and allopathic physicians have begun to explore the use of scientific research to determine the efficacy of TCM therapies for the treatment of high cholesterol and other medical problems. Some early results suggest that acupuncture and herbs may hold promise in such cases, although most authorities believe that much more research is needed before definitive results are available to test the efficacy of such treatments.

What Is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is produced naturally by the human body and is essential for its normal function. Two forms of cholesterol exist, high density cholesterol (HDL, also known as “good” cholesterol) and low density cholesterol (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol).
An individual’s cholesterol level may differ for a number of reasons, such as:

• Heredity - one’s genetic composition determines to some extent the amount of HDL and LDL his or her body tends to produce
• Physical activity - in general, cholesterol levels tend to depend to some degree on the amount of physical exercise an individual engages in
• Weight - overweight and obesity may have an effect on the level of HDL and LDL in one’s bloodstream
• Age - cholesterol levels have a tendency to rise with age
• Gender - before menopause, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than do men; after menopause, their cholesterol levels tend to become higher than those of men.

An extensive amount of research indicates that high levels of cholesterol, especially LDL, are associated with high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2004, the last year for which data are available, 451,326 Americans died of CHD. Allopathic practitioners recommend changes in diet and increased physical activity as the first steps in reducing one’s cholesterol level.

A number of medications are also available for treating the condition, the most effective of which are compounds that belong to the chemical family known as the statins.