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| Spring 2009 | Volume 4 Issue 1 ISSN 1750-4414 | |||
In This Issue
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Dear Colleague,Welcome to volume 5, issue 1 of the Chinese Medicine Times (CMT) ejournal. Articles in this IssueDepression: Towards an Integrated Approach - Part Twoby Tony ReidDepression in Traditional Chinese Medicine The Limitations of Contemporary TCM Literature The chaos and destruction wreaked on all aspects of Chinese culture and civilization that marked the period known as the Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976) extended to and included both psychiatry (then a nascent branch of Western medicine) and the psychiatric components of TCM. The new cultural taboo against personal emotions – particularly the expression of negative emotions like depression – were linked to severely degrading and socially debilitating punishments during this period (Flaws, 2004; Lee, 1999; Jung, 1991 pp. 362-480) The national standardization of TCM that occurred during this period resulted in the publication of textbooks that contain very little information on common psychological problems such as depression and anxiety; what little information they do contain is strongly imbued with a Marxist-materialism orientation. (Fruehauf, 2000). Indeed, while the emotions are briefly mentioned as potential factors in diseases causation, an in-depth analysis of human emotions is notably lacking. (Sivin, 1987, pp. 203-427; Chai, 1998) It would be reasonable to expect, for example, that under the then prevailing social conditions Chinese doctors would have something very significant to say regarding the diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. However, textbook TCM has surprisingly little discussion on such mental health problems, which would have been encountered on a daily basis. (Peng, 2000, pp. 345-355; Deng, 1999, pp.437-443). Moreover, on close examination one finds a certain amount of misinformation, some of which has, in turn, been transmitted and amplified by Western authors. This will be discussed in more detail below. The classical literature of TCM contains reference to various syndromes that are characterized by some of the signs and symptoms associated with Depression. (Rossi, pp.125-165) However, there is really no one-to-one correlation between them and any of the various types of Depressive Disorders. Typical contemporary Chinese texts on Internal Medicine give detailed analyses of the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for the various syndromes that may underlie a major presenting symptom – in this case: ‘melancholia’, ‘neurosis’ or ‘emotional disorder’. (Peng, 2000, pp. 350-355; Hou, 1996, pp. 26-35; Shi, 2003, pp. 225-230) However, there is the potential for much of this information to be misleading because of nomenclature issues. [read more] Pairing the Extraordinary Vessels and the Extraordinary Fuby Thomas RichardsonAbstract This article presents a theoretical model that pairs the extraordinary fu with the extraordinary vessels, similar to the way in which the zangfu are paired with the primary channels. First, the ren, chong, and du mai are paired with the Uterus, mai/Blood Vessels, and Brain, respectively, using the perspective of the three dantian and the three treasures. This discussion suggests that the du mai may be seen as the Sea of Shen, thereby helping to resolve why both the Heart and the Brain have been said to be the residence of the shen in the history of Chinese medicine. Secondly, the qiao, wei, and dai mai are paired with the Marrow, Bones, and Gall Bladder, respectively, by looking at certain functional and relational correspondences between them. It is my hope that through exploring these pairings, this model will allow for a deeper integration of these somewhat otherwise disparate aspects of the medicine.[read more] The Prevention and Treatment of Recurrent Spontaneous Miscarriageby Li Qin ZhaoAbstract Miscarriage is becoming a common condition for pregnant women, especially in recent years where miscarriage rates have progressively increased as women try to conceive later in life and more and more patients seek IVF treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated that it can prevent and treat recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) effectively and successfully. In this article, the author analyses the aetiology and pathology of RSM and discuss the differentiation and general modifications according to her clinical experience. The author will also introduce the modern Western medicine approach regarding the diagnosis and treatment of RSM, particularly in with immunological reactions, and report two case studies. [read more] The Management of Sprain, Strains and Trauma - Part Twoby Alon MarcusTCM Stabilization and Exercise Management of activity is part of the TCM treatment approach to acute injuries. This approach was also advocated in the West by Hippocrates more than 2400 years ago. Stabilization and restriction of movement with simultaneous exercise was described in the TCM medical book Secret Formula of God for Management of Trauma and Fracture: Sprains and fractures of the hands and feet are treated by a topical application of ointment wrapped with cloth, fixation with bamboo, and with intermittent exercise. The applicable exercises should be individualized, and the patient must neither over exercising nor under exercise. For injuries to soft tissues, in order to promote Qi and Blood circulation, prevent stasis and adhesion, and promote healing, the practitioner must create a balance between the need for immobility, stabilization, and mobility. In the acute and middle stages, movement must be soft and fluid to avoid aggravating the condition. In the late and chronic stages, the patient can also use strengthening exercises. Commonly used, especially in acute disorders, are Tai Chi- and Qi Gong-derived techniques. More specific muscle strengthening, stretching, and coordination training is used in middle and chronic stages. Plaster casts are commonly used in the fixation of fractures. Since plaster often contains gypsum (Shi Gao), a stone that is considered to have a cold nature in TCM, patients may develop a Cold syndrome after fixation by a cast (such as stiffness and pain). TCM management of fractures commonly involves early movement and a use of removable bamboo splints. [read more] A Discussion of Terrain, Stress, Root and Vulnerability within Chinese Medicineby Leon HammerIntroduction It is my intention in this paper to frame the discussion of Chinese physiology and pathology in terms of the interplay of Terrain and Stress, and while acknowledging the importance of Stress [usually lifestyle], to return our clinical deliberation to the Terrain, the Root and the Individual (1) as the critical factors in the outcome of any physio-pathological event and therapeutic intervention. Terrain Central to this discussion but not its focus is the fact that Chinese medicine has a knowledge of the Terrain that has allowed it to achieve management and treatment modalities to influence it from `cradle to grave’.[read more] An Introduction to the Five Elementsby Richard BertschingerUbiquitous to all classical Chinese Medicine are the Five Elements, or more correctly the ‘five forces’ (wu xing). In practical terms, when ‘doing classical Chinese medicine’ they provide five main diatheses whereby patients can be known, and their symptoms categorised. But actually they imply a great deal more. This first article will explore their deeper meaning. Later articles, it is hoped, will look at each element individually. Xing actually has the gloss ‘movers’, ‘walkers’ – it also means ‘to circulate’. As practitioners of an energy-medicine, such as acupuncture, this should all make perfect sense, because every day we are dealing with the circulation of ‘qi’. I would suggest that the most fundamental idea in classical Chinese medicine is qi-flow. And if you throw out qi – and this I know can be a bone of contention between traditional and medical acupuncturists – you throw out classical acupuncture. When you link up the idea of qi to the wuxing, it is obvious that actually fire, water, wood, metals (minerals) and earth are not elements but stages of change, or becoming. Is it then any wonder then that the prime science book for the Taoist physician was, and still is the I Ching (or Book of Changes)? We all have heard of the Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, to list them. But let’s look at them in action. Beginning with the image of the tree (wood) we can visualise the growth of its leaves sprouting forth in the spring-time, the flowering and radiance of the plant in the summer and it’s dying back down in the fall – to return to the quiescence of the winter, before new growth returns in the spring. This was the agrarian cycle so close to the heart of all early civilisations. Quite simply, people were concerned with getting enough to eat. And the Chinese were more practical than most. In fact in Soil and Civilization, Edward Hyams catalogues our destructive relationship with the soil since the dawn of agricultural cultivation- early civilisations were dependent on the soil for their continued survival. And when the soil was destroyed, so were the peoples and their culture. It is no secret that the early Chinese were dependent on the repeated flooding of their rivers to bring fresh soil to their lands. [read more] Chinese Internal Martial Arts Theory and Applications in Acupuncture Needlingby Ioannis Solos and Yuan LiangOne of the deepest rooted concepts of Chinese culture is the concept of holism (zhe(ng ti( gua-n niàn). To understand this concept in Chinese Medicine we usually divide it into two parts, the first being the “structural unity of the body” and the second being the “functional unity of the body). Structural unity of the human body When we talk about structural unity of the human body, we request that while studying the Chinese medical system, all the various components pertaining to the human body should be regarded as a “collective and complete structural whole”. This structural whole has two aspects, a communication network aspect, which includes all the various meridians and collaterals, and an internal organ, and tissues system which includes the five Zang and six Fu as well as all the various tissues and vital substances that make up the human body. [read more] Book Review: Ten Key Formula Families in Chinese Medicine. Huang Huangby Scott R. SmithWhen it comes to the study and effective application of Chinese herbal medicine, correctly interpreting classical herbal literature is no easy task. Most textbooks on the subject present an herbal formula monograph that identifies, among many things, the formula name, ingredients, source text, signs and symptoms for which the formula is indicated, and formula composition. Formulas are also organized in chapters based on what disorder category the formulas treat; such as formulas that tonify, and formulas that expel parasites – none of these are organized by a specific herb family per se. This is where Dr. Huang Huang’s Ten Key Formula Families in Chinese Medicine is somewhat different. For Dr. Huang, this book is not one that “…discusses the definition of formulas, but one that describes formula presentations.” In his book, Dr. Huang states that formula families versus formula categories are used to provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of Chinese herbal medicine’s pattern recognition. Dr. Huang’s book is a compilation of 64 main formulas divided into 10 key formula families based on a single herb and its role in overall formula function. The 10 formula families that are explained, analyzed and compared are:
Latest NewsAcupuncture reduces hot flashes, improves sex drive for breast cancer patients Not only is acupuncture as effective as drug therapy at reducing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, it has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman's sex drive and improving her sense of well-being, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study. Click here to read more. How facial acupuncture can give results 'as good as Botox' The traditional combination of cleansing, toning and a facemask may leave you feeling relaxed and your skin looking rosy, but in reality it will make more difference to your mood than your skin and - in my experience - the results will be gone by the following day. Acupuncturist Annee de Mamiel, however, is a results-driven therapist. Click here to read more. European Parliament Holds First Lecture on TCM The European Parliament (EP) on Tuesday held a lecture on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the first of its kind that ever took place in the European Union's legislative body. Click here to read more. Acupuncture for Pregnancy-Related Depression A new study demonstrates that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy. Click here to read more. York Study Maps The Effects Of Acupuncture On The Brain Important new research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment. Click here to read more. Acupuncture could help period pain, researchers say Acupuncture may be an effective way of easing severe period pain, a South Korean review of 27 studies suggests. Click here to read more. Elle Macpherson, the supermodel known as The Body, reveals what keeps her in such great shape. "I have acupuncture regularly and I see a Chinese doctor who treats most common ailments with herbs." Click here to read more. |
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