Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Contents
Five Constituents
Five Functional systems
Five Body Climates
TCM's Way to Heath and Illness
TCM's Way of Diagnosis
Treatment
Chinese Herbal Concepts
Combination Chinese Herbal Formula
The Use of Chinese Herbs with Western Nutritional Supplements
Chinese Herbs - Toxic?
Chinese Herbs in an Anti-aging Program

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been in practice for over 23 centuries.

Each person is seen as a miniature universe between heaven and earth. The approach to this universe is one of wholeness. The Chinese physician is a gardener (as compared to the Western counterpart who is often looked at as a mechanic). Cultivation of the body by balancing the internal terrain is a key factor. The Chinese doctor uses plants, herbs, food, acupuncture, acupressure as well as qigong to help the body recover from illness and to sustain health.

Five Constituents:

In TCM, the body is seen as composed of 5 constituents:

A. Qi - the animating force that gives us the capacity to move, think, feel and work.
B. Moisture - the liquid medium that protects, nurtures and lubricates tissue.
C. Blood - the material foundation of which bones, nerves, skin, muscles and organs are created.
D. Spirit - the psyche.
E. Essence -the body's reproductive and regenerative substance.
 

Five Functional systems:

As nature is organized into five primary powers - wood, fire, metal, water, and earth, the body is divided into 5 functional systems in TCM. These networks govern particular tissues, mental faculties, and physical activities by preserving the 5 constituents.

A. Kidney. In Western medicine, the kidney is a detoxification system and electrolyte balancer. In TCM, the kidney stores the essence responsible for reproduction, growth and regeneration. It controls the bones, teeth, marrow, inner ear, pupil of the eye, lower back and is associated with emotions of fear, the will and mental sharpness capabilities.

B. Heart. TCM shares the Western view of the heart being a mechanical pump of blood. In addition, TCM believes that the heart harbors the spirit and governs the mind. When the heart is off-balance, symptoms such as anxiety, angina, restless sleep and palpitations can be expected.

C. Spleen. The spleen in Western medicine is an important but by no means a critical organ. Its role is primarily one of a blood cell factory and regulator. In TCM, the spleen is in charge of assimilation of blood and fluids as well as ideas. Dysfunction of this system leads to indigestion, bloating, fatigue, scattered thinking and poor concentration.

D. Liver. The liver in Western medicine is a central clearing house of nutrients flow and detoxification center. In TCM, the liver is responsible for storage of blood as well as the flow of Qi. The concept of Qi is of critical importance in TCM. The liver is therefore a key balancer of optimum health. Imbalance can lead to tension in the neck, high blood pressure, headaches, cramps and impulsive behavior.

E. Lung. The breath of life comes from the lungs in Western medicine. In TCM, the lungs set the rhythm, creative thinking and sense of melancholy. Dysfunction of this system can trigger tightness in the chest, skin rashes, vulnerability to colds or flu and rigid thinking.

Five Body Climates

The concept of body climates (in the case of Western medicine - internal terrain) forms an integral part of each person's universe. A concept poorly understood by Western physicians until recently, the significance of the internal terrain as a primary causative factor of many illness and degenerative diseases is now being studied and investigated intensively. The Chinese are way ahead of the West in this respect. The 5 body climates used in TCM are:

A. Wind - manifest as vertigo, unsteady movements and trembling. In fact, TCM term of stroke is "catch wind", obviously because of the symptoms.

B. Dampness - manifest as phlegm or edema. In Western medicine, this can be equated to "congestion".

C. Dryness - manifest as chapping or cracking of mucous membranes. Western medicine looks at this as signs of dehydration.

D. Cold - retards the circulation and depresses metabolism. The closest Western interpretation is a state of lowered metabolic rate akin to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Yin, by the way, is closely associated with a "cold" state.

E. Heat - inflammation of tissue is a hallmark sign of heat. Western doctors tend to think of this in terms of physical heat, swelling and increased circulatory flow. TCM's interpretation of heat is more discrete, with canker sores (Herpes type 1) being a typical example of a heat dominant state. Yang is closely associated with heat.


TCM's Way to Heath and Illness

Dysfunction and imbalance of any of the 5 constituents, 5 functional systems or 5 climates will result in illness. Depletion leads to weakness, lethargy and frequent illness. Congestion leads to aches, tension, tenderness, pain, irritability and swelling. Proper balancing of these forces will lead to optimum health.

TCM's Way of Diagnosis

In addition to taking a complete history, present and past complaints, family history and emotional history, TCM relies on feeling the pulsation at each wrist and keen observation on the color and form of the face, tongue and body. Information so derived is formulated into a diagnosis based on a combination of deficiency syndromes comprising each of the 5 constituents, functional systems and climate. There is no single diagnosis such as "stomach ulcer", for example. Disease states and illness are often expressed in terms of underlying imbalance and root causes instead.

For example, John is a 32 year old complaining of stomach discomfort, migraine, nausea, fever and a productive cough. His physical examination showed red eyes, yellow coating on his tongue and a fast bouncing pulse. From the TCM perspective, John's climate is "heaty" and his Qi is congested. The Western doctor may tell John he has the "flu".

Mary is a 45 year old complaining of anxiety, irritability, tiredness and insomnia. Extensive Western workup is unproductive. Western physicians told her that she has chronic fatigue syndrome. On examination, she has pale lips, brittle hair, thin pulse, and a dry tongue. In accordance to TCM, she has deficiency of blood and moisture.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to adjust and harmonize Yin and Yang - wet and dry, cold and heat, body and mind. This is accomplished by regulating the Qi, Moisture and Blood in the Organ networks. Weak organs are tonified. Congested channels are opened to flow, heat is cooled, cold is warmed, tightness is softened, agitation is calmed and dryness is moistened.

This is accomplished through the use of acupuncture, qigong and herbal remedies.


Chinese Herbal Concepts

Thousands of Chinese herbs are available. After 23 centuries of use, the ones with therapeutic effects have been isolated. Herbs can be administered as raw herb (requiring preparation), extracts in tablet or liquid form, powder, tea, etc. Each has its own benefits. In general,

· Herbs that nourish Qi will open up the channels and have an energizing effect.

· Blood enriching herbs reduce irritability as well as improve vision and sleep.

· Moisture herbs replenish dry skin from a dehydrated state.

· Heart herbs proper the blood and soothe the mind.

· Spleen herbs manage digestion and maintain fluid equilibrium.

· Lung herbs optimize the body's defense and respiration.

· Liver herbs stabilize emotions and maintain supple limbs.

· Kidney herbs sustain sexual and regenerative power.

Combination Chinese Herbal Formula

Combination formulas are popular in Chinese medicine for the simple reason that the total effect is further enhanced above and beyond that accomplished by single herbs. Symptoms and signs are matched as closely as possible with the therapeutic effects desired by each patient based on the presentation. Tonic combination formulas, for example, restore the body's resources. Regulating formulas decongest the Qi, Moisture, and Blood; thus relieving discomfort. Purging formulas eliminate adverse climates.

The Use of Chinese Herbs with Western Nutritional Supplements

Western nutritional supplements commonly include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acid and herbs. Nutrients used often have been extensively studied in laboratory models, with active ingredients clearly defined in accordance to the Western model of cause and effect. Chinese herbs form part of a total treatment solution that attempts to balance the internal bodily ecosystem. Chinese herbs and Western herbs therefore offer very different therapeutic approaches to optimum health, which is ultimately what the patient desires. Combining both Chinese and Western herbs is generally not encouraged by specialists from each side; generally because few are well-versed on the application of both modalities, and not necessarily because the body could not tolerate them or that they conflict with each other inside the body.

Due to the extremely mild dosing of both Western herbs and nutrients and Chinese herbs, those who have clinically combined these for maximum effect have reported no adverse effects. For example, one can easily combine Vitamin C (an antioxidant), Echinacea (a Western herb with anti-microbial properties), and Yin Qiao (a Chinese herb to dispel wind and heat, eliminate interior heat and toxin) for combating the common flu and fever syndromes.

It should be noted that herbs in high dosages should not be taken continuously for a long period of time as the body can get used to it, rendering further dosing less effective.


Chinese Herbs - Toxic?

The lack of standardization in Chinese herbs and the possibility of toxicity when origin of manufacturing is from outside the United States present some of the major disadvantages in dealing with traditional Chinese herbs. Numerous cases of potentially toxic levels of arsenic and mercury in Chinese herbal balls have been reported. Herbal balls are a mixture of medicinal herbs and honey and are dissolved in warm wine or water and then drunk as a tea. In one study, it was found that the mercury content in the 32 balls tested varied between 7.8 and 621.3 mg per ball while the arsenic content varied between 0.1 and 36.6 mg. The most contaminated preparation was An Gong Niu Huang Wan from the Tung Jen Tang Pharamaceutical Factory in Nanjing. These balls contained between 3.21 and 36.6 mg of arsenic and between 80.7 and 621.3 mg of mercury, most likely in the form of sulfides. Chronic poisoning has been reported in people ingesting as little as 10 mg per day of arsenic sulfide and among people ingesting approximately 260 mg per day of mercury sulfide. Always buy traditional Chinese herbs only from reputable sources, preferably those made in the United States under strict FDA guidelines and jurisdiction.


Chinese Herbs in an Anti-Aging Program

Given the harmonizing and balancing qualities of Chinese herbs, the long term rational use of low dosage, tonic formulations geared to tonify the body should be considered in a comprehensive anti-aging program. The key is to identify the right herb for the right body and use a very low dosage approach to achieve an optimum balance over time. Chinese herbs in such cases are not used as therapeutic modalities but as a general body tonic to reinforce and fortify the rest of the body functions.

Not every Chinese herb is suitable for long-term anti-aging use. Through the centuries, selected herbs with tonifying effects have been identified. These herbs are then formulated into blends to fit in with the body's constitution.

Here are 4 time-tested formulas that have been used by emperors and common folks alike for centuries. At low dosages, they can be incorporated into a comprehensive anti-aging nutritional supplementation program together with Western herbs and nutrients.

1. Quiet Blend is a special blend of 12 classic Chinese toning herbs designed to nourish the kidney yin, build essence, and roots empty fire. It is well suited for the aging adult, especially male, as it is a down-regulator of yang. The foundational herbs used in this special blend dates back close to 1000 years, since 1114 A.D. The 12 herbs that make up this blend represent a perfect blending of Chinese herbs in an equilibrium state of harmony.


2. Relaxed Blend is the perfect remedy for people, especially female, who need harmonizing of liver and unblocking stagnant Qi. It nourishes and moves the blood and strengthens the spleen/stomach. It is particularly suited for those with a stressful lifestyle, tiredness, uptightness, mood swings or headaches. Many of these conditions are often associated with the aging female. It is also a good balance for any temporary down mood. It helps to foster an ambience of gentle, smooth and soothing activity. It is also used for digestive problems that are due to the stagnation of Liver-Wood energy. This can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stools, gas, distention, bloating and chronic stomachache. The formulation is biased in favor of yin.

The base formulation of this blend has been used since 1151 A.D. Centuries of improvements yield a perfectly balanced blend of 11 herbs to date.


3. Aging Blend nourishes the Heart, Blood, tonifies Heart yin and comfort the Spirit (shen). During the aging process, yin is often depleted. Excessively active lifestyles of the West also damage the yin. The Heart is the center of mental activity and consciousness. This blend is particularly suited for those who run on "nervous energy" or with "empty heat". Common symptoms include poor memory, mental restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia. This formulation up-regulates key aging organs and acts as a well-rounded anti-aging tonic for both the male and the female.

The base formulation has been used since 1638 A.D. Through the years the base formulation has been reformulated and enhanced to include a total of 13 herbs in an optimized and balanced combination.


4. Energy Blend strengthens the region between the diaphragm and the naval, where the spleen and stomach is located. All Qi, Moisture, and Blood must move smoothly through this region smoothly. Healthy function of the Spleen is essential to the efficient distribution of body constituents. Stasis of this region leads to accumulation, pathogenic transformation of Qi and Moisture into Heat, Dampness, and Phlegm. When the spleen is well balanced, the body is energized, Qi is Moisture is dispersed; Yang is warmed, dispelling Heat. Weakness, fatigue, lethargy accompanied by indigestion, abdominal distension, flatulence, excessive craving for sweets, difficult in weight control, muscle soreness and easy bruising, sensation of heaviness are often helped.

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He is currently the Director of Medical Education at the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, U.S.A. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from  Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and  is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Lam pioneered the formulation of the three clinical phases of aging as well as the concept of diagnosis and treatment of sub-clinical age related degenerative diseases to deter the aging process. Dr. Lam has been published extensively in this field. He is the author of The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity (available on-line). He also serves as editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Research.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.LamMD.com. Feel free to email Dr. Lam at dr@LamMD.com if you have any questions.


Reprint Information

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