Egg is bad for health?

Egg is bad for health?

Much has been said about the benefits of consuming eggs; I’d like to shed some light on its contraindications/ cases when and why human beings shouldn’t eat eggs.

- Poor digestion affects growth: Because of incomplete digestion system, babies often time cannot digest properly. The chance of indigestion, manifested as diarrhea and vomiting, is high when eggs are in their diet. A type of protein, avidin, in the egg, blends with biotin in intestines, causing blockage of nutrients absorption. It results in poorer absorption of vitamins, affecting baby growth. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, eggs are unkind to digestion, leaving behind plenty of phlegm in the stomach/spleen systems which will further jeopardize digestion.

- Allergic reactions: Baby’s digestive tracts are premature.
The membrane of the intestines allows more permeability. The ovalbumin in the egg, with smaller molecular sizes, can penetrate the membrane and sips into the baby’s blood. Reaction of baby’s immune system is to generate some antibodies that cause the release of certain chemicals which in turn cause allergic reaction such as wheezing, diarrhea, nausea, headache, stomachache, eczema and itchy hives and so on. This happens not only to babies; some grown-ups are also affected because of different and weaker body types. For example, chronic dry and itchy skin of elderly shares similar pathology, triggered by sea food, shrimps, eggs and so on. Ever wonder why more and more babies have symptoms mentioned above, that just wouldn’t go away? One of the causes is the egg intake.

- Heat/Feverish concern: From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, eggs can produce plenty of warming energy (Conventional interpretation is that its protein produces calories), causing the build-up of internal heat, which is a must-not during feverish cold and cough of the syndromes of wind-heat, phlegm-heat types. Furthermore, feverish patients secrete less digestive enzymes and their activities are low. Taking eggs will cause indigestion that leads to bloatedness, diarrhea and so on. What happens then? The fever and cough linger on with more new problems in stomach wind and diarrhea.

- Consistent cough/asthma: Because of the body’s reaction to the proteins either in the white or yolk, one of the effects is sneezing. This sneezing is a triggering factor of asthma with coughing and wheezing. This is also one of the reasons why some cough/asthma can be so persistent, lasting for a long period of time. It’s simply because of the wrong diet. One of the prohibiting foods for asthmatic babies and children is eggs.

- Lower kidney function: People with chronic kidney function, as in the case of nephritis, coupled with low urination, may have trouble getting rid of metabolite waste of the body. With the intake of eggs, the egg protein causes more urea production, making the kidney system suffer more. If the situation deteriorates, it may lead to renal failure. For cases of babies and young children, their internal organs are premature and therefore have difficult time coping with protein intake of eggs.

- Liver burden: The cholesterol and fat in egg yolk are metabolized at liver, posing additional burden to liver and gallbladder systems. Those patients who have liver and gallbladder related diseases should be watchful of eggs.

Mosquito fogging brings bad karma

Mosquito spraying/fogging has been carried out through out the world for many years with little successful results. The act of killing virus-carrier mosquitoes with chemicals has brought many unforeseen results.

To these days, many then unforeseen and destructive results have been known:

- Creating super mosquitoes: The use of many chemical insecticides in the past half decade or so has proven just one thing: The nature will prevail over human beings and new species of mosquitoes which can survive stronger insecticides will form by mutation. The next leading role of the movie will be the “super mosquitoes” who are not deterred by chemical pesticides. Then, what’s next? More and stronger toxic chemicals? And the same vicious cycle repeats again?

- Killing and extinguishing of its natural predators: Chemical insecticides/pesticides kill parts of mosquitoes, not all. And it also kills some other species. For example, sparrows, birds, frogs, bats and freshwater fishes could also be killed because of the fogging. And some of them are actually natural predators of mosquitoes as they feed on mosquito larvae. The decrease of the number of natural predators will only increase the number of new breeds of mosquitoes. The flourishing of mosquitoes today is the result of disturbance of natural ecological balance, partly due to fogging.


- Toxification of human beings and animals: The insecticides human beings used are synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, pyrethrins and malathion. And these are toxins. If they are toxic and harmful to mosquitoes, why can’t we understand they could be toxic and harmful to human beings/animals? In many parts of the world, there are hardly any control over the quality and quantity of insecticides/pesticides used in actual fogging. The more we use these chemicals, the more we and our children and grandchildren will suffer. The weaker our immune system becomes, the poorer health we have and the shorter our lifespan will be.

- Destruction of organic lifestyle: This is the time where more and more health conscious people are practicing the life-nourishing organic lifestyle with organically grown local produces. Many governments have also supported and hopefully will draft proper policies in helping the growth of this natural and productive agriculture. Can we imagine how chemical fogging destroys the work of organic plantations? It’s directly going against the balance of nature.

The government officials may or may not understand how ecology and nature works. Acting upon public complaints of mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever, Malaria, West Nile fever and so on, they are busy showing the public and media they actually do their job by busy killing mosquitoes, seemingly fulfilling the demand of general public.

Instead of opting for the chemical fogging/spraying, a government which has green/ecology wisdom will:


- Push for green environmental education: Educating public about the impossibility of killing all mosquitoes. The more fogging we do, the more adverse consequences we and our children will face. Educating public on how reducing meat intakes can reduce attracting mosquitoes; reducing the use of anti-biotics for stronger immune system which even upon bitten the body will not be affected so easily.

- Push for ecology education: The environmental department can protect the growth of frogs, sparrows, birds, freshwater fish, bats and home lizards and so on.

- Encourage the use of natural mosquito repellents and other techniques: Growing more plants which crushed leaves can repel mosquitoes like citrosa, lemon thyme, marigolds around the neighborhood. Introducing naturally and organically produced insect repellents and aroma essential oils like Eucalyptus, Cedar wood, and tea tree oils.

- Take better care of the neighborhood environment: Clean up all stagnant dead water, and scattered rubbish which actually helps the growth of mosquitoes breeding. This community-wide mosquito abatement program definitely helps in getting rid of mosquito-breeding sites.

The nature has warned us again and again on how poorly we take care of our surroundings and environments. However, many years of ignorant actions/inactions cannot be rectified by the wrong move of fogging. If we do not wake up to the callings, a red card is sooner than we can expect.

Note:
1) The writing is inspired by Mr. Simon Chau, a social and environmental activist, of www.simonchau.hk. The outline of the writing follows his style as it provides the consequences as well as solutions to what human beings can do to help.

Human Avian/ Bird Flu and Chinese medicine

Human Avian/Bird Flu and Chinese medicine

Translation and interpretation of section 5.4.1 of <人禽流感诊疗方案(2005版修订版)> (Ren Qin Liu Gan Zhen Liao Fang An (2005 Ban Xiu Ding Ban); Human Bird/Avian Flu Treatment Policy (2005 Revision version)), issued on November 23rd, 2005, by the Ministry of Health, People’s Republic of China.

The policy is the third revision (and the latest up to June 14, 2008) since the first publication in 2004. This new revision was compiled by 25 specialists in the departments of epidemiology, pulmonology, paediatrics, emergency, medical imaging, medical examination, virology, physical examinations & clinical skills.

Below is translation of section 5.4.1 of the policy which details Chinese herbal treatments of Bird Flu in accordance to TCM syndromes. Four syndromes are listed. Modification tips are given for reference. Comments by John Lew explain how the herbs play different cohesive roles in treating different syndromes.

5.4.1 Chinese herbal treatments of Avian/Bird Flu in accordance to TCM syndromes:

5.4.1.1)
Syndrome: External toxins invading Lungs
Symptoms: Fever, aversion to cold, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, coughing, little phlegm, tongue with white coat, rapid and slippery pulse.
Mechanism: Toxins invading Lungs’ protective layer, Lungs losing the ability to maintain upward & downward qi passage.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and toxins, activate the flow of qi, and penetrate external pathogens.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 柴胡10g (Chai Hu, Chaihu, Bupleurum root, Radix Bupleuri);
No. 2) 黄芩12g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 3) 炙麻黄6g (Zhi Ma Huang, Honey-baked Mahuang, Honey-baked ephedra, Herba Ephedrae Praeparata);
No. 4) 炒杏仁10g (Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum);
No. 5) 银花10g (Yin Hua, Yinhua, Honeysuckle flower, Flos Lonicerae);
No. 6) 连翘15g (Lian Qiao, Lianqiao, Forsythia fruit, Fructus Forsythiae);
No. 7) 牛蒡子15g (Niu Bang Zi, Niubangzi, Arctium fruit, Fructus Arctii);
No. 8) 羌活10g (Qiang Huo, Qianghuo, Notopterygium root, Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii);
No. 9) 白茅根15g (Bai Mao Gen, Baimaogen, Lalang grass rhizome, Rhizoma Imperatae);
No. 10) 芦根15g (Lu Gen, Lugen, Reed rhizome, Rhizoma Phragmitis);
No. 11) 生甘草6g (Unprepared Gan Cao, Sheng Gancao, Licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Modifications: For severe cough, add 炙枇杷叶(Zhi Pi Pa Ye, Honey-prepared Pipaye, Loquat leaf, Folium Eriobotryae Praeparata), 浙贝母(Zhe Bei Mu, Zhebeimu, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii). For Nausea and vomiting, add 竹茹(Zhu Ru, Zhuru, Bamboo shavings, Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam), 苏叶(Su Ye, Suye, Perilla leaf, Folium Perillae).

John’s comments:
1) This formula combines that of 银翘散(Yin Qiao San, a powder formula for the treatment of superficial syndrome of wind-heat, consists of 10 herbs) and 麻杏甘石汤(Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of cough and dyspnea due to wind-heat, consists of 4 herbs) with modifications. Chai Hu dispels pathogenic heat in the half exterior. Huang Qin clears out stagnated heat in the half interior. The combined use of the two herbs removes pathogenic factors from Shao Yang channels. Ma Huang facilitates the flow of the Lung-qi to relieve asthma, and its pungent flavor is good at dispelling exogenous factors. When used in honey-baked form, the effect in relieving asthma and cough is stronger. Xing Ren, with bitter taste and warm property, helps to move the Lung-qi to the lower part of the body. Yin Hua and Lian Qiao, pungent in flavor and cool in property, are used to relieve the exterior syndrome and clear away pathogenic heat and toxic materials. Niu Bang Zi and Gan Cao are used to relieve sore throat and cough by clearing away toxins and removing phlegm and, furthermore, the pungent and cool property of Niu Bang Zi is good for dispelling exterior heat. Qiang Huo, pungent in flavor and warm property, is used to expel exterior wind, remove dampness and relieve pain. Bai Mao Gen, being cold and sweet, helps to cleanse heat in the Lungs and Stomach. Lu Gen, sweet in flavor and mild cool in property, is used to remove pathogenic heat and promote the production of body fluid and relieve thirst and restlessness, working in tandem with Bai Mao Gen.

2) The formula seems more inclined in catering for wind-heat syndrome. The use of Ma Huang, Qiang Huo, even though warm and pungent, helps in arresting asthmatic symptoms and removing dampness. Tongue impression for wind-heat is usually thin yellowish fur, in contrary to what’s stated above. Anyway, all other factors are to be taken into account.

5.4.1.2)
Syndrome: Toxins invading Lungs and Stomach
Symptoms: Fever, or aversion to cold, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower abdomen pain, tongue with whitish greasy fur coupled with floating and slippery pulse.
Mechanism: Toxins invading Lungs and Stomach, dampness accumulated at Stomach and Intestines, causing disruption of downward movement.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and toxins, remove dampness and regulate Stomach.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 葛根20g (Ge Gen, Gegen, Pueraria Root, Radix Puerariae);
No. 2) 黄芩12g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 3) 黄连6g (Huang Lian, Huanglian, Coptis Root, Rhizoma Coptidis);
No. 4) 鱼腥草30g (Yu Xing Cao, Yuxingcao, Houttuynia herb, Herba Houttuyniae Heartleaf);
No. 5) 苍术10g (Cang Zhu, Cangzhu, Atractylodes, Rhizoma Atractylodis);
No. 6) 藿香10g (Huo Xiang, Huoxiang, Agastache, Herba Agastachis);
No. 7) 姜半夏10g (Jiang Ban Xia, Ginger-prepared Banxia, Ginger-prepared pinellia tuber, Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparata);
No. 8) 厚朴6g (Hou Pu, Houpu, Macrostem onion, Bulbus Allii Macrostemi);
No. 9) 连翘15g (Lian Qiao, Lianqiao, Forsythia fruit, Fructus Forsythiae);
No. 10) 白芷10g (Bai Zhi, Baizhi, Dahurian angelica root, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae);
No. 11) 白茅根15g (Bai Mao Gen, Baimaogen, Lalang grass rhizome, Rhizoma Imperatae)

Modifications: For severe stomachache, add 炒白芍(Fried Bai Shao, Chao Baoshao, White peony root, Radix Paeoniae Alba)、炙甘草(Honey-baked Gan Cao, Zhi Gancao, Honey-baked licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata). For severe cough, add 炒杏仁(Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum), 蝉蜕(Chan Tui, Chantui, Cicada slough, Periostracum Cicadae).

John’s comments:
1) This formula combines that of 葛根黄芩黄连汤(Ge Gen Huang Qin Guang Lian Tang, a decoction formula for the syndrome of toxins invading both Lungs and Stomach, consists of 4 herbs) and 平胃散(Ping Wei San, a powder formula for the treatment of stagnancy of dampness in the Stomach and Spleen, consists of 4 herbs) with modifications. Ge Gen, sweet and pungent in flavor and cool in property, dispels pathogenic factors from the superficial muscles to reduce fever and invigorates Spleen-Yang to stop diarrhea. Huang Lian, bitter in flavor, cold in property, acting on the Heart, Stomach, Liver and Large Intestine channels, purges pathogenic fire in the Heart and Stomach. Huang Qin acts to clear away heat in the Lungs and purge fire in the upper body. Cang Zhu dispels dampness to promote the function of the Spleen. Hou Pu promotes qi circulation and eliminates dampness to relieve distension and fullness in the abdomen. Huo Xiang, with a pungent and aromatic smell, not only dispels wind but also expels the turbid pathogen and regulates the Stomach to arrest vomiting; meanwhile it can send up the lucid qi and send down the turbid, clear away summer-heat and filthy pathogens. Ban Xia dries dampness and regulates Stomach, lowers the adverse flow of qi to arrest vomiting. Bai Zhi expels wind to relieve pain and removes dampness. Yu Xing Cao, pungent in flavor and mild cold in property, clears heat and toxins from the Lungs. It also subdues swelling and promotes pus discharge. Lian Qiao, pungent in flavor and cool in property, is used to relieve the exterior syndrome and clear away pathogenic heat and toxic materials. Bai Mao Gen, being cold and sweet, helps to cleanse heat in the Lungs and Stomach.

2) Comparing to formula 5.4.1.1, this formula of 5.4.1.2 tailors the direction toward getting rid of dampness around the middle part of the body, namely Stomach and Spleen, by regulating qi movement and drying dampness.

5.4.1.3)
Syndrome: External toxins clouding Lungs
Symptoms: High fever, cough with fewer phlegm, chest numbness, asthmatic short breath, or palpitation, restlessness, agitation, even delirium, coma, deep purplish lips, dim-red tongue with greasy gray or yellow fur and sunken fine and rapid pulse.
Mechanism: Severe case of toxins invading and clouding Lungs, causing disruption of upward & downward qi passage, thus the high fever and cough; phlegm accumulation and stagnation of Lungs, thus dim purplish lips and asthmatic short breath.
Therapeutic principles: Clear away heat and purge Lungs, remove toxins and resolve phlegm.

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 炙麻黄9g (Zhi Ma Huang, Honey-baked Mahuang, Honey-baked ephedra, Herba Ephedrae Praeparata);
No. 2) 生石膏30g先下(Xian Xia; Boiled first) (Sheng Shi Gao, Unprepared Shigao, Gypsum, Cypsum Fibrosum);
No. 3) 炒杏仁10g (Chao Xing Ren, Fried Xingren, Fried bitter apricot kernel, Semen Armeniacae Amarum);
No. 4) 黄芩10g (Huang Qin, Huangqin, Scutellaria root, Radix Scutellariae);
No. 5) 知母10g (Zhi Mu, Zhimu, Wind-weed rhizome, Rhizoma Anemarrhenae);
No. 6) 浙贝母10g (Zhe Bei Mu, Zhebeimu, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii);
No. 7) 葶苈子15g (Ting Li Zi, Tinglizi, Lepidium seed, Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae);
No. 8) 桑白皮15g (Sang Bai Pi, Sangbaipi, White mulberry root-bark, Cortex Mori);
No. 9) 蒲公英15g (Pu Gong Ying, Pugongying, Mongolian dandelion herb, Herba Taraxaci);
No. 10) 草河车10g (Cao He Che, Caoheche, [重楼, Chong Lou, Chonglou, Chinese paris rhizome, Rhizoma Paridis Chinensis]);
No. 11) 赤芍10g (Chi Shao, Chishao, Red Peony Root, Radix Paeoniae Rubra);
No. 12) 丹皮10g (Dan Pi, Danpi, Mountan Bark, Cortex Moutan Radicis)

Modifications: For high fever, unresponsiveness, or even delirium, add 安宫牛黄丸(Angong Niuhuang Wan / AnGong NiuHuang Pill, a OTC pill for treatment of high fever, delirium, coma due to phlegm-heat in the Heart or pathogenic heat in pericardium, consists of roughly 12 herbs (depending on manufacturers)); with a choice of using 清开灵注射液(QingKaiLing Injection), 痰热清注射液(TanReQing Injection), 鱼腥草注射液(YuXingCao / Houttuynia injection). For deep purplish lips, add 黄芪(Huang Qi, Huangqi, Astragalus root, Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), 三七(San Qi, Sanqi, Notoginseng, Radix Notoginseng), 当归尾(Dang Gui Wei, Danggui tail, Chinese angelica root, Radix Angelicae Sinensis). For constipation, add 生大黄(Sheng Dai Huang, Unprepared Daihuang, Rhubarb, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)，芒硝(Mang Xiao, Mangxiao, Mirabilite, Natrii Sulphas).

John’s comments:
1) The formula combines that of 麻杏甘石汤(Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of cough and dyspnea due to wind-heat, consists of 4 herbs), 白虎汤(Bai Hu Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of excessive heat syndrome in Yang Ming channels and qi system, consists of 4 herbs) and 葶苈大枣泻肺汤(Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of phlegm accumulation and retention, consists of 2 herbs) with modifications, mostly addition of herbs. Ma Huang facilitates the flow of the Lung-qi to relieve asthma, and its pungent flavor is good at dispelling exogenous factors. When used in honey-baked form, the effect in relieving asthma and cough is stronger. Shi Gao, pungent and sweet in flavour and extremely cold in nature, acts against excessive heat in Yang Ming channel. Xing Ren, with bitter taste and warm property, helps to move the Lung-qi to the lower part of the body. Huang Qin clears out stagnated heat in the half interior and removes pathogenic factors from Shao Yang channels. Zhi Mu, which is bitter in taste and cold moist in nature, serves to strengthen the action of Shi Gao. Ting Li Zi, pungent and bitter in flavour, very cold in property, removes heat from the Lungs, and relieves asthma. Zhe Bei Mu, bitter in flavor and cold in property, has a strong activity of cleansing heat phlegm away and dissolving accumulation. Pu Gong Ying, bitter in flavor and sweet cold in property, acts on Liver and Stomach channels to clear heat and detoxicate, subdue swelling and dissolve lumps. Chong Lou, bitter in flavor and a little cold in property, acts on Liver to clear heat, detoxicate, subdue swelling, kills pain and relieve convulsion. Dan Pi has the effect of cooling the blood and removing latent heat from the body’s Yin system. Chi Shao removes pathogenic heat from the blood, dissipates blood stasis and relieves pain.

2) The formula is intended to do five therapeutic principles: First, it clears cough and asthmatic cough due to wind-heat. Second, it clears pathogenic heat in the qi system. Third, it has strong emphasis on removing phlegm heat. Fourth, that’s to detox and finally fifth, to cool the blood in the Yin system. This syndrome is definitely more serious and a step further toward deterioration in terms of prognosis. From the point of view of conventional medicine, the symptoms can be similar to that of pneumonia.

5.4.1.4)
Syndrome: Internal shut-down; external collapse
Symptoms: High or low fever, cough, asthmatic short breath, cold limbs, cold sweat, dark purplish finger nails and lips, with deep and fine or non-existing pulse.
Mechanism: Further sinking of toxins, collapse of qi, Yin and Yang.
Therapeutic principles: Strengthens the essential qi to rescue from collapse

Basic formula (Ingredients) & reference dosage:
No. 1) 生晒参15g (Sheng Shai Shen, Sun-dried ginseng, Radix Ginseng);
No. 2) 麦冬15g (Mai Dong, Maidong, Ophiopogon root, Radix Opiopogonis);
No. 3) 五味子10g (Wu Wei Zi, Wuweizi, Schisandra fruit, Fructus Schisandrae);
No. 4) 炮附子10g先下(Boiled first) (Pao Fu Zi, Prepared Fu Zi, Prepared lateral root of Aconite, Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata);
No. 5) 干姜10g (Gan Jiang, Ganjiang, Dried ginger, Rhizoma Zingiberis);
No. 6) 山萸肉30g (Shan Yu Rou, Shanyurou, or 山茱萸, Shan Zhu Yu, Shanzhuyu, Dogwood fruit, Fructus Corni);
No. 7) 炙甘草6g (Honey-baked Gan Cao, Zhi Gancao, Honey-baked licorice root, Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata)

Modifications: For severe sweating, add 煅龙骨(Duan Long Gu, Calcined longgu, Dragon’s bone, Os Craconis Fossilia), 煅牡蛎(Duan Mu Li, Calcined muli, Oyster shell, Concha Ostreae). For abundance of phlegm, sputum in throat, greasy coat on tongue, add 金荞麦(Jin Qiao Mai, Jinqiaomai, Wild Buckwheat Rhizome, Rhizoma Fagopyri Cymosi), 苏合香丸(Su He Xiang Wan, a OTC pill for treatment of cold syndrome of coma, consists of roughly 15 herbs (depending on manufacturers)), 猴枣散(Hou Zao San, a OTC powder for treatment of inner phlegm accumulation, consists of roughly 13 herbs (depending on manufacturers)). For injections the following can be selectively used (based on syndrome differentiation): 醒脑静注射液(Xingnaojing Injection), 生脉注射液(Shengmai Injection), 参麦注射液(Shenmai injection), 参附注射液(Shenfu injection), 血必净注射液(Xuebijing injection) and so on.

John’s comments:
1) The formula is a combination of 生脉散(Sheng Mai San, a powder formula for the treatment of impairment of both qi and Yin manifested by short breath, spontaneous perspiration, exhaustion and faint pulse, consists of 3 herbs) and 四逆汤(Si Ni Tang, a decoction formula for the treatment of syndrome of insufficiency of Yang manifested by cold limbs, intolerance to cold, diarrhea, cold-pain of abdomen, mental fatigue and sleepiness, pale complexion and profuse sweat, consists of 3 herbs) with modifications. Sheng Shai Shen (A type of Chinese/Korean ginseng which has been sun-dried) is sweet in flavor and warm in property, acts to replenish qi and promote the production of body fluid, and invigorates primordial qi. Mai Dong, sweet in flavor and cold in property, is used to tonify Yin and promote body fluid production, clear away deficient heat to get rid of restlessness. Wu Wei Zi, sour in flavor and warm in nature, is used for astringing the Lungs to stop sweat. Fu Zi, pungent and hot in the extreme, acts on channels of the Heart, Kidneys and Spleen, helping to warm the Yang and qi and recuperate the depleted Yang to rescue from collapse. Gan Jiang, functions in warming Yang of the middle portion and eliminating interior cold. Therefore it’s suitable for vomiting and diarrhea due to cold of the insufficiency type. Shan Zhu Yu, sour in flavor and slightly warm in property, induces astringency to arrest excessive loss of body fluid. Gan Cao, in honey-baked form, strengthens the Spleen and replenishes qi. It is used in assisting Fu Zi to recuperate depleted Yang and promote blood circulation, in assisting Gan Jiang in warming and restoring Yang of the middle portion, in reducing toxin of Fu Zi, in relieving the extremely pungent property of Fu Zi and Gan Jiang so as to make it possible to warm Yang and remove Yin cold without injuring Yin fluid.

2) The formula achieves the result of replenishing qi, warming the Yang energy and astringing Yin. This stage is of the extreme one as the patient has exhausted the body’s qi, Yin fluid and Yang energy during the course of battle with the pathogenic factors. The first priority is to quickly replenish qi, recuperate Yang and promote body fluid production. The second direction is to astringe further exhaustion through excessive perspiration.



Postscript:
I have written on the general applications of traditional Chinese medicine in treating Avian/Bird Flu related symptoms. Some advantages of TCM have been outlined. With the ever increasing threat of human-to-human pandemic I see a need in better awareness of using traditional medicine to reach wider scope of people.

One of the advantages of using Chinese herbs is that the patient, having flu-like, or pneumonia-like symptoms, who may or may not be Bird Flu virus related, can immediately take Chinese herbs once his or her syndrome is properly diagnosed with TCM diagnostic method. The diagnostic method doesn’t rely on availability of test kits, machines, and can be done in 10 minutes. Of course, a properly trained TCM physician has to do the job in diagnosing. In the case of suspected Bird Flu, medical personnel can be trained to recognize the most prominent features of identifying the commonly manifested different syndromes.

There are purposes for this article:
1) To outline the different syndromes manifested by human beings infected by Bird Flu virus. There are of course some other syndromes which can share certain similarities to that of this policy. There are at least two policies which have been translated into or written in English: (1) The policy issued by 441-443 of issue No. 6, 2005 of 天津中医药 Tian Jin Zhong Yi Yao (Tianjin Chinese Medicine & Medicinals) journal, translated by Bob Flaws and; (2) “The potential Avian Flu epidemic” by Jake Paul Fratkin, April, 2006 . They are very good references; they would have been better if elaborations and explanations were given.
2) To explain and elaborate how different herbs, with different properties, flavours, channel tropism, and effects are applied cohesively into a formula that works hand-in-hand to treat a particular syndrome. There are certainly not many writings focus on how herbs actually work on our human bodies.
3) As mentioned above, to emphasize how Chinese herbs can be applied with or without knowing the existence of H5N1 virus. By proper diagnosis of syndromes based on many symptoms/manifestations, a herbal formula can be custom-tailored for treatment.

Over-The-Counter Prescriptions:
Another section of the article, section 5.4.2, focuses on the application of OTCs (Over-The-Counter) according to various syndromes. There are six categories of the OTCs, in the forms of pills, boluses, oral solutions, powders and injections. The categories are: 1)解表清热(Jie Biao Qing Re, Exterior-relieving and heat-clearing, 3 OTCs suggested); 2)清热解毒(Qing Re Jie Du, Heat-clearing and toxins-clearing, 4 OTCs suggested); 3)清热开窍化瘀(Qing Re Kai Qiao Hua Yu, Heat-clearing, resuscitation and clearing blood stasis, 6 OTCs suggested); 4)清热祛湿(Qing Re Qu Shi, Heat-clearing and dampness-removing, 2 OTCs suggested); 5)止咳化痰平喘(Zhi Ke Hua Tan Ping Chuan, Cough-arresting, phlegm-resolving and asthma-relieving, 4 OTCs suggested); 6)益气固脱(Yi Qi Gu Tuo, Qi-supplementing and exhaustion-astringing, 3 OTCs suggested). They can be convenient in prevention as well as treatments at various stages. I do not translate nor elaborate on them because these OTCs are not normally available outside China.

Notes:
1) The modifications to the suggested formulae must be based on differentiation of syndromes, i.e. taking into accounts the properties, flavours and channel tropism of the herbs.
2) Directions: All the ingredients are to be decocted in water for oral dose. Modern form of herbal preparation includes fine powder extracted from individual herbs; without the need for inconvenient decoction.
3) Capitalization of the first letter of internal organs in this writing refers to the channels/systems/organs; not just the physical organs alone.

References and more information:
1) Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China: www.moh.gov.cn
2) 人禽流感诊疗方案(2005版修订版); issued on November 23rd, 2005, by the Ministry of Health, People’s Republic of China
3) World Health Organization, WHO’s perspectives: Avian Influenza: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
4) The Potential Avian Flu Epidemic, By Jake Paul Fratkin; Acupuncture Today, April, 2006, Vol. 07, Issue 04
5) Bird Flu and Chinese Medicine, By Bob Flaws, Acupuncture Today, October, 2006, Vol. 07, Issue 10

Abstracted, translated, compiled and analyzed by John Lew.

The greatest love of all

ma ma ...

Thalassemia and Chinese medicine

Thalassemia, being a genetic disease, runs in a family. Most are silent carriers or suffer mild anemia. Severe cases such as the Hemoglobin H disease with enlarged spleen, small body and malnourished look shows more prominent symptoms. [Pic below: Enlargement of spleen, small body]

TCM looks at Thalassemia from the genetic perspective too. Its symptoms such as anemia, feeling tired, paleness, jaundice, enlargement of spleen, pigmentation of skin, and skeletal deformity can be treated with Chinese herbs. Typically, there are three syndromes associated with it: The deficiency of kidney-qi is the fundamental syndrome as it relates to genetic effect. As time goes on, the child may suffer more deterioration of kidney-qi and thus the chance of accumulation of damp-heat in the body. Toward the third syndrome, the child loses more blood, more accumulation of damp-heat coupled with stagnation of blood.

Early symptoms such as slow growth, big head, protruded forehead and front teeth, collapsed or low nose bridge, wide gap between eyes must be observed closely for the degree of severity. [Pic below: Big forehead, low nose bridge, paleness]

Depending on the type, syndrome and severity, therapeutic principle varies accordingly.

For treatments for cases with obvious and known symptoms and syndrome, matching OTC (if there is any on the market) can help. For most other cases, treatments are individual based with herbal prescriptions.

The eel that arched her abdomen

In ancient China (Song dynasty? (960–1279)), there lived an educated man named 周豫(Zhou Yu). One day, his friend brought him some fresh eels, a delicacy that Zhou Yu liked very much. Having little to do that day, Zhou Yu wanted to try his culinary skills, which he had long left unused, and prepared to make a batch of unseasoned eel stew.


He placed the eels in a pot, and when the stew began to boil, Zhou Yu lifted the lid and saw an extraordinary phenomenon: One of the eels had pushed its abdomen upward in an arch, leaving its head and tail in the soup. With great curiosity, Zhou Yu immediately spooned the eel out of the soup and cut open its abdomen. To his amazement, he saw countless eggs inside. In order to protect its spawn, the mother eel had struggled to prevent hot water from hurting its abdomen by pushing its body into an arch.

The sight left Zhou Yu dumbfounded, and he could not contain his tears. Even an eel knew how to protect its eggs, he thought, yet he, a human being, the highest of all creatures, had not been filial to his mother. Deeply moved, Zhou Yu vowed never to eat eel again. And he loved and respected his mother evermore.

Original writing

“学士周豫，尝烹鳝。见有鞠身向上，以首尾就烹者，讶而剖之，腹中累累有子，鞠躬避汤耳… 物类之甘心忍痛，而护惜鞭子如此。恻然感叹，永断不食。” --《护生录; hu sheng lu; Protecting-lives-records》

"xue shi zhou yu, chang peng shan. jian you ju shen xiang shang, yi shou wei jiu peng zhe, ya er pou zhi, fu zhong lei lei you zi, ju gong bi tang er... wu lei zhi gan xin ren tong, er hu xi bian zi ru ci. ce ran gan tan, yong duan bu shi." --《护生录; hu sheng lu; Protecting-lives-records》

“Scholar Zhou Yu, tried to cook eels. [He] saw an eel bowed up, with head and tail fully cooked in soup. Puzzled, [he] cut open the eel, abdomen strains of eggs, bowing to avoid soup… living kinds willing to suffer, to protect babies at such. Deeply touched and sighed: Never to eat eels. ” --《护生录; hu sheng lu; Protecting-lives-records》

The story tells us:

“Animals do not live without feelings, emotions.
Neither do they live without love.”

Like you and I,
animals have mothers who care about them,
even when they die, babies come first.

Happy Mother's day
to all animals!
All living beings!

Shall we celebrate this Mother's day without taking lives? with vegetarian food?

Note:
1) I was preparing to translate this article from ancient Chinese expressions to English when I stumbled upon this writing. Apparently Sonoflight, a blogger from China, had already done the translation a while ago. Her narration of the story is of my taste and I can’t resist but to ‘borrow’ her work over here. Thank you, Sonoflight. A good job, indeed. The original article is at: http://sl.iciba.com/viewthread-85-347008-1.shtml#2625029

2) Original writing, quote from 《护生录; hu sheng lu; Protecting-lives-records》, was written probably during the time of Song dynasty (960–1279). A slightly more illustrated version (by John Lew, for the sake of more complete sense. Pin Yin pronunciation and English translation by John Lew) is shown above in Chinese language. Anyway, there is more than one version with slight difference in wordings.

3) The first illustration (首尾就烹; shou wei jiu peng; Head-Tail-In-Cooking) is by the late Mr. 丰子恺 (Feng Zi-Kai) in his book 《护生画集》第二集39; hu sheng hua ji; Protecting-lives-drawing-collections, 2nd episode, page 39. Origin of the second illustration (烹鳝; peng shan; Cooking-Eels) is unknown, though the style looks similar to that of the first one.

Life forms, souls, on earth.

Life forms come to material world with bodies wrapped around the soul. Using bodies as a tool or vehicle to carry out earthly activities to fulfill destinies, whether to pay debts or to seek debts, life forms shed the bodies when the time is up for another journey.


Lessons learned. Souls move on.

Coming from the earth, going back to the earth. This is what it is for material world.

Jobs done. Souls move on.


These ants help the fly to decompose the left-over body which is no longer necessary. The soul, which previously took the life form as fly on earth, has moved on to another journey. The soul has her path to go. All life forms help each other to progress and to alleviate to higher regions; some, unfortunately, get lost, confused and jeopardize the process, hurting oneself and therefore others.


Quick, hurry, come back to the righteous path.

Note:
1) Photograph by John Lew. All rights on photographs reserved. More nature shots at http://www.lews.info/wallpaper/index.html
2) Click on the Photo No. 2 for a complete 1024x768 wallpaper.
3) Photo No. 3, title “Beautiful Earth – What are we doing?” by David Lewis-Baker.

Tibet, Olympic, China 2008: Things got complicated

It’s always difficult to see the truth.

There were protests against Olympic torch relay in America, France, and Britain recently. The reason behind the protest, as the protesters claimed, was to voice out complaints for recent Tibetan crackdown. The protesters believed Chinese government had cracked down on pro-independent movement of Tibet and brought about bloody incidents.

Not being an intellect in this field but with a careful and solemn attitude I would like to try to sell short and analyze the situation from a few perspectives. Below are some questions we can try to answer for a better or hopefully non-biased understanding of this issue:

Q) What really happened in Tibet? Chinese government said it’s the Tibetan riot conspirated by Dalai Lama group. Some western media said it is Chinese government inhuman crackdown on pro-independent demonstration of Tibetan. We see altered and modified photos (admitted later by some media) on newspapers and internet. We see lots of views of video shots on the net, each telling their sides of stories. What really happened? For sure it’s a complicated issue with many parties chipping in their shares.

Q) Did the Tibetan really look for independence? Tibet first became a part of China back in Yuan dynasty (1279–1368). There are actually two versions of story of how Tibet became part of China (or not). In 1950s, Dalai Lama was in charge of Tibet, the rich noblemen and religious institutions in Tibet owed almost all the wealth; local Serfs had no education. In 1951, a 17-point agreement concerning the peaceful liberation of Tibet was signed in which the 14th Dalai Lama acknowledged Tibet is part of China. Dalai Lama later fled from Tibet in 1959, partly because of pressure from the Tibetan religious institutions and a riot arrangement by CIA and MI5 (or MI6?). And there are different versions of the view too. And we do see many players involved.

Q) Which party/parties was/were responsible? Parties involved could be: 1) Some local Tibetan group or probably rioters; 2) China government and policemen; 3) Dalai Lama group; 4) Politically-motivated world leaders/figures; 5) Invisible economically-motivated big companies and etc. 1% of population of rich and powerful but evil force can squeeze the rest of 99% dry. Is this true?

Q) What were the motives? Different people have different motives: 1) Tibetan wants more freedom? 2) Dalai Lama group was manipulated by external influence? 3) Some current world powers see China as a threat and try to bring her down? Any oil in Tibet? Wonder if some parties involved really care about the welfare of Tibetan people. 4) Some media tycoons flex their manipulating power as political wings? “The motive behind Tibetan riot is an international conspiracy to destroy Beijing Olympic”, an article wrote, 5 days before March 14th riot.

Q) Why so close before Beijing Olympics? The timing is near perfect. Some parties could be taking advantage of this time to make China conform to certain requirements. So is this a threat? A weakness that some mighty powers seize as good time to stop ever developing China? Some believe one would have to be blind not to see the connection.

Q) Which parties would benefit from such acts? To answer this question, let’s take a look at countries on the prints, countries/political figures/economical companies who or which have a lot of says with Tibet or China. Tibet is a place that is lacking of many monetary and natural resources. How does this place come into the picture? So it can be safely said that China is the target. If China failed to rise up economical and politically in world map, who or which countries would benefit more? Some former colonial powers still believe in imposing their own standards and rights onto others.

Q) Any biases in reporting the issue? Biases take place in many places; especially when it’s very politically and economically motivated (This writing is biased too, simply because I’m deliberately offering a DIFFERENT view?). Since strong media are mostly controlled by the ex-colonial powers, they could work hand in hand to bring upcoming players to their knees. Can we say there have been some crude attempts at misrepresenting China? You can be your own judge. Before rushing to do so, read many prints as diverse as possible and as many languages too. Bias may take place if there are misunderstandings, misrepresented critics, or malicious attacks.

For a very complicated issue we were looking for one simple answer. Could the approach have been wrong?

Many incidents are blinded or manipulated in the history of human beings. For many we’ll never know the truth. For those that matter to us we’ll have to relearn the lessons.

We always have to ask ourselves these questions: Am I doing the right things? Is this really for the benefits of mankind? For the healthy growth of a dignified and conscientious being?

More often than not, we know the answers are mostly “No” in our hearts, which is the reason why it’s always difficult to see the truth.

Link: www.beijing2008.cn

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) vs. Menopause, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine

[POF vs. Menopause] To begin with, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) looks at Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) from the point of view of amenorrhea, infertility and its related symptoms. Many symptoms of POF are like premature menopause, amid an abnormal one. These symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, energy loss, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, sleeping problems, loose bladder control and etc.

[The role of Kidney-Qi] From TCM theories, kidney system is the one responsible most for POF. If the kidney-qi (energy) is strong, the Chong and Ren channels (of which acupuncture is based on) will be full of energy and menstruation will come on time every month. POF, with its absence of menstruation, therefore falls into the category. According to modern research, Chinese herbs that boost kidney-qi, by regulating kidney system, remarkably raise estrogen level, and doing so without the side effects of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Modern research and traditional efficacy seem to blend in well in this case. (Pic: Visualization of qi of internal organs & systems)

[Other syndromes] Warming the kidney-qi is suitable for those who are (1) lacking of kidney-qi or warming energy. There are other syndromes manifested by patients of POF. Among them are: (2) Deficiency of kidney-yin, (3) Blood stagnation due to qi-exhaustion, (4) Stagnated liver-qi and deficiency of kidneys, (5) Accumulation of phlegm and wetness, and (6) Deficiency of blood and kidneys.

So there are at least 6 syndromes of POF. The question is: which one does a particular patient belong to?

[What type am I?] Sometimes it can be a combination of two or three syndromes in one body. It depends on which syndrome is more prominent than the others. In fact, every individual is unique. And therefore manifestation of diseases on different bodies can have different symptoms. This is a very important concept of TCM. Another woman may have POF but display quite different signs and symptoms; because of different body types and syndromes.

It's therefore important to have the correct diagnosis, both from conventional medicine and TCM diagnosis.

[TCM diagnosis of syndrome] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nonetheless, doesn't work by just knowing diagnosis (the name of the disease) of conventional medicine. She will need to go to a TCM physician for a complete TCM diagnosis based on methods of, among them, pulse taking, tongue reading, symptoms profile, and histology and so on. By combining all these information then only can a TCM physician diagnose your SYNDROME, a phrase describing your body and constituent and its relationship with the illnesses. After knowing the syndrome of her illness, an herbal or acupuncture (choice of acupoints and manipulation methods) prescription can then be formulated. An herbal prescription can have from 8 to 16 herbs (or more or less, depending on individual needs), ranging in different amounts. Prescription of Chinese herbs can hardly be one or two herbs. It’s the interoperability of these many herbs that works in a more complete care for the body.

[Acupuncture treatment in accordance with syndrome] The above are herbal treatments. Another treatment method worth considering is acupuncture. The kidney essence is everything before an ovulation is possible. Deficiency of kidney and its essence is thus one of the most prominent syndromes of POF. By tracking both of DU channel and kidney channel, a few acupoints such as Guan Yuan, Zhong Ji, Da He, and Zi Gong, Shen Shu, Yong Quan can be taken for acupuncture treatment. All these have been proven to be effective for symptoms related to POF. (Pic: Ren channel)

Consultation with a qualified TCM physician is for sure necessary for proper diagnosis of syndrome and the subsequent herbal or acupuncture treatment methods.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix

I got to know Jimi Hendrix when I was studying in America. It was the time of ignorance for me and his music, I suppose, had some positive influence on me. Positive in the sense it opened up more rooms of contemplation.

I remember I had roughly four CDs of his. They were the re-mastered version of Are You Experienced?, Bold As Love and so on. Not all the four compilation titles I can recall. This tells how ‘ignorant’ I was with the surroundings. I’ve probably left some in Taiwan or China when I brought them along with me. What’s gone doesn’t matter (especially in the material sense); what matters can no longer be found in the physical forms, but in the mind.

Read a little about him too. I think his story can be one of the inspiring stories for us to learn something from. Not saying I know I lot about him – probably I will or I should – his going against many odds in life in the then racially unjust society with love of music must have something great for all of us.

And he died young – not that long life matters either – and he died young. Many of us live through vain and till we become Alzheimer’s disease bound without knowing what we’ve given and learnt in life. When are we human beings going to learn time and space don’t matter?

So what matters? Love and compassion. To all of us, be compassionate, for we are all one.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix

G6PD Deficiency & Chinese herbs

[Hundreds of forbidden drugs] Parents whose child with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency have this nightmare of guarding against drugs or medicines which may cause contraindications of hemolytic anemia (breakup of red blood cells) to their child. There are indeed many drugs or medicines which are forbidden to be used for children with this genetic disease. A little search of the web will reveal hundreds of them. And it’s definitely a terrible nightmare for any parents.

[Confusion over unsafe Chinese herbs] Whenever I talk about children diseases the topic of G6PD deficiency will be touched by concerned parents asking about the safety of taking Chinese herbs for their children with the disease. Often time the parents are confused as there are plenty of different sayings and beliefs in the society; many of which, it comes to me, are misunderstandings and unsubstantiated conceptions.

[Sulfur vs. sulfa] There was once a woman who mistook sulfur (a substance commonly used to preserve dried Chinese herbs in a safely controlled quantity) for sulfa (also sulpha, a SO2-based medicine of Sulfonamides/Sulphonamides/Sulfones/Sulphones group which is known to be offending drug of G6PD deficiency) medicine refused all kinds of Chinese herbs treatment for her baby. I had to explain the differences between the two substances (and the fact that they are completely different except for close spelling and pronunciation) and clarify some other misunderstandings she had had.

I hope this writing can help shed some light on the issue.

[Unsafe Chinese herbs] After much search of medical literature and clinical findings I’ve concluded that there are six (6) Chinese herbs which should not be prescribed for babies/children with G6PD deficiency. And they are:

1) 黄连/川连; Huang Lian / HuangLian / Chuan Lian; Rhizoma Coptidis; Coptis Root / Golden Thread
Huang Lian, mainly yielded in the province of Si Chuan (四川), China. It's therefore also called Chuan Lian (川连). Bitter in flavour, cold in property. Acting on heart, stomach, liver & large intestine channels. It clears away heat, dries dampness, purges fire and clears toxins. Commonly used to treat diarrhea, high fever and suppurative infections of the damp-heat type. Dosage: 2-10g. Caution: Very bitter & cold; overdose or prolonged use may interrupt stomach function.

2) 牛黄; Niu Huang / NiuHuang; Calculus Bovis; Bezoar
Bitter in flavour, cold in property. Acting on the liver & heart channels. It relieves convulsion, resolves phlegm to induce resuscitation and clears heat and toxins. Commonly used to treat epidemic febrile diseases with high fever, spasm, convulsion & unconsciousness due to phlegm-heat in pericardium, and sore throat, throat ulcers, canker sores in mouth of toxic heat. Dosage: 0.2-0.5g. Caution: Cautious for pregnancy; Not suitable for non excess-heat type.

3) 金银花; Jin Yin Hua / JinYinHua; Flos Lonicerae; Honeysuckle Flower
Bitter in flavour, cold in property. Acting on the lung, stomach and large intestines channels. It clears heat and detoxifies, removes heat from the blood and arrests dysentery. Commonly used to treat epidemic febrile disease at the early stage, high fever, sores, carbuncles, furuncles, and diarrhea and dysentery with purulent and bloody stool. Dosage: 10-15g.

4) 腊梅花; La Mei Hua / LaMeiHua; Flos Chimonanthi Praecocis; Wintersweet Flower
Sweet & mild bitter in flavour, neutral in property. Acting on the lung, stomach and spleen channels. It relieves heat stroke, promotes body fluid, regulates qi flow. Commonly used to treat heat stroke, thirst, abdominal pain. Dosage: 5-10g.

5) 珍珠; Zhen Zhu / ZhenZhu; Margarita; Pearl
Sweet and salty in flavour, and cold in property. Acting on heart and liver channels. It tranquilizes the mind and arrests convulsion, improves acuity, removes nebula, removes toxin and promotes granulation. Commonly used for palpitation, insomnia, convulsion and epilepsy, nebula, throat ulcers, carbuncles, skin pigmentation. Dosage: 0.1-0.3g.

6) 熊胆; Xiong Dan; XiongDan; Fel Ursi; Bear Gall
Bitter in flavour and cold in property. Acting on the liver, gall bladder and heart channels. It clears away heat and toxic materials, relieves convulsion and spasm, clears liver heat to improve vision. Commonly used to treat high fever, convulsion, epilepsy, mouth ulcers, sore throat, heaty and reddish eyes and nebula. Dosage: 0.25-0.5g. Caution: Not suitable for weak-cold type.

[Unknown mechanism] The mechanism of how these 6 Chinese herbs come to interact and cause hemolysis among G6PD deficient patients are pretty much unknown. There 6 herbs were shortlisted based mostly on clinical reports of unfortunate incidents than controlled laboratory experiments.

[Rather be safe than sorry] Commonly used Chinese herbs for me are about 400 types. A typical herbal prescription may have 8 to 16 herbs (or more or less, depending on the need), prescribed after proper TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) diagnosis including tongue reading and pulse taking methods. Subtracting 6 unsafe herbs from 400 doesn’t affect much the choice I have over herbs I prescribe remedies/prescriptions for my young patients. Without these six herbs, the selection of herbs combination to treat illnesses is still endless. If in doubt, I’ll always put safety at first criterion and choose other alternative herbs which share similar nature and functionality with that of G6PD deficiency offending herbs. After all, safety, always, comes first.

There are indeed a few other Chinese herbs which are listed in some websites as unsafe Chinese herbs in addition to the six I mention here. These other herbs are, to my findings, not substantiated and not clinically proven to be so.

[Parents’ responsibility] Parents with G6PD deficient child should always check if certain OTC (over-the-counter) prescriptions contain any one of these 6 ingredients and choose not to use them if found so. It’s everyone’s responsibility to know what they are taking by checking out the individual ingredients. They should bring their child to qualified physicians for proper prescription which suits the symptoms as well as the body syndromes; and which contains no such unsafe ingredients.

Links:
1) Associazione Italiana Favismo - Deficit di G6PD
http://www.G6PD.org/favism/english/index.mv?pgid=chineseherbs

Footnote: Hi mates. I'm sorry I can't be answering questions about suitability of products (herbal or chemical) for G6PD Deficiency people. Like I wrote previously, check for yourselves for these 6 herbs and if in doubt, consult your Chinese medicine herbalists/physicians/doctors. Thank you. John, date: 29-Jan-2020

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Chinese medicine

[Diagnosis of Syndrome] Herbal treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) depends on the diagnosis of TCM syndrome. The diagnosis of conventional medicine may have it determined as RA; TCM diagnosis has yet to be determined. Different patients with RA may display different pulses, tongue impressions, facial impressions, physical changes to joints and etc. A same disease falls on different body constituents gives rise to different manifestations. A TCM physician takes all clues into account and concludes a syndrome for a particular patient.

[Typical Syndromes] There are six to seven typical syndromes of RA. A body may have heat and wetness accumulated at joints and some have more heat than wetness and some the other way round. A body may also be lacking of fluid nourishment and thus inability to cool blood, giving rise to another syndrome of yin deficiency. A body can be too weak to wall off climactic changes, which is the case of weak qi (energy). A body may show great swollen knees with minimal sub symptoms and this is usually the syndrome of weakness in the three lower yin channels.

Understanding syndromes for many people can be a difficult task as people these days no longer live in tune with the nature. Simple differences between summer and winter and what they can do for our bodies are frequently ignored by us.

[Importance of proper diagnosis] Suggesting prescriptions without proper diagnosis of syndrome is unprofessional and unethical. Not only does it not help but it may even worsen the conditions. Each syndrome may also differ as a body can have a combination of those said syndromes. A prescription can have from 12 to 18 (or more or less) individual herbs with different amount in adjustment to the need of the specific body. Without proper consultation and diagnosis of syndrome, the direction is aimless.

[Corticosteroids Replacement] Having said that, there are some herbs (雷公藤 [Lei Gong Teng, Radix Tripterygium Wilfordii (1st pic), Property: bitter, pungent, warm, toxic; Channel tropism: liver, spleen, kidneys; Effects: Ridding wind & wetness, unblock channels & blood stagnation], 昆明山海棠 [Kun Ming Shan Hai Tang, Radix Tripterygium Hypoglaucum (2nd pic), Property: bitter, pungent, cold, toxic; Channel tropism: liver, kidneys; Effects: Ridding wind & wetness, unblock channels & promote blood circulation, reduce swelling & stop pain], for example) which have been known to have the effects of promoting CRH and ACTH, encouraging the body itself to generate natural hormone -- instead of relying on cortisone or prednisone which have severe side effects. The patients using the herbs rely less on conventional steroid-based medicine.

RA can have serious effect in the long run if not treated well. The patient should make an effort to see a physician to determine the syndrome, and thus obtain corresponding prescriptions. Any kinds of treatments, synthetic drug or natural herbal, with prolonged or inappropriate dosages or consumptions, will pose unwanted and unfortunate results. Long term supervision is necessary.

Open source health care system

Open source IT applications in healthcare is a relatively new topic as information technology doesn’t creep into medicine field that fast and widespread, especially in the practice of small clinics.

[Problems faced] Similar to the issue of standardization of linux desktop or other environments for that matter, open source healthcare standardization faces difficulty in interoperability and sharing of data. This is especially true when the open medical IT world is in infancy era.

[Ready? Not quite so.] Members of medical associations are not yet exposed to a few things that are essential elements of the healthcare system like electronic medical record (EMR) or electronic health record (EHR) and clinic efficiency. When even the most infant stage has not been attained, the water isn’t muddy enough to create more creative life form. This is currently what’s happening in many of the developing countries.

[Open source vs. Proprietary] And quite typically enough, infant stages of IT medical applications are usually dominated by proprietary solutions because these closed source solutions offer rigid and seemingly more user-friendly interface even though they’re usually more costly. Not having to tweak with difficult and messy coding of open source feeds well for many people looking for “fire-and-forget” application. Doctors and medical physicians are just human beings who could be as short-sighted. Good things don’t come easy. Those that come easy aren’t usually good. But hey, “I want it and I want it now!” is the attitude of spoilt modern generation. In the end, proprietary are chosen over open source solutions, initially. Almost always the case.

[Idealistic view] The idealistic solution is that the open source solutions will be the de facto standard used by the majority of the doctors. One day. Hopefully sonner.

[History repeats itself] This is a long and challenging task. With members from the developing nations learn from the mistakes made by those in the developed nations. If human beings learn well, we don’t have to repeat the mistakes.

[Evidence-based medicine & Open source] Dr. Molly Cheah, president of Primary Care Doctors’ Organization Malaysia (PCDOM), puts it this way: “Using open source in healthcare is almost similar as evidence-based medical practice processes. How can the processes in medicine be improved? You share.” I find this rather interesting and in line with many of the evidence-based traditional medicine practice. You find a better treatment method or a better explanation of disease mechanism and you pass it on to others so that others can improve upon it and keep passing it on to others too. “There is freedom to use, improve, share and collaborate.”

[My vision of IT usage in medicine] A mature system of medical IT software package should not be just handling of patients’ records and streamlining clinic or hospital efficiency, it should also cater for analysis of symptoms, patients’ profiles, with that of syndromes. For example, the package should help to analyze how two similar patients differ in treatment reactions and how different body constituents or syndromes give rise to different efficacy of the treatments and so on. From the point of view of a physician, this is what counts for the benefit of the patients.

For now, I can’t wait to lay my fingers on Gnu General Public License (GPL) software…

Links:
1) Open Source Health Care Alliance, www.oshca.org
2) International Open Source Network an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Asia Pacific Development Information Programme (APDIP), www.iosn.net
3) Primary Care Doctors' Organisation Malaysia, www.pcdom.org.my

Signatures from natural beings

A dear friend forwarded me a writing that relates the characteristics of fruits and vegetables with internal organs of the body. It writes about how the shape, color, composure of the fruits or vegetables relate to their targeting organs and help nourish the organs’ functions.

“The Doctrine of Signatures”, as how we call it these days, is our ancestors’ observation and experience of how fruits and vegetables work in our body. Many traditional medicines around the world believe and take this idea into consideration when prescribing herbal diets.

取象比类 (Qu Xiang Bi Lei: Take-Impression-Compare-Category): Categorizing various impressions of natural living things is one of the fundamental theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The impressions take on the form of shape, composure, cognitive recognition, color of natural living beings. These impressions are then categorized and compared to deduce a certain way of mapping or working among them. In Chinese, it’s called 取象比类 (Qu Xiang Bi Lei: Take-Impression-Compare-Category). This theory is one of the ways how our ancestors came to understand which organs and how fruits and vegetables work on our body.

The writing is from the hand of David Bjerklie, a senior reporter of TIME. Since the email comes with nice and convincing pictures, I figure I’m just going to post it here:

David Bjerklie, TIME Magazine, Oct. 2003

A stupendous insight of civilizations past has now been confirmed by today’s investigative, nutritional sciences. They have shown that what was once called “The Doctrine of Signatures” was astoundingly correct. It now contends that every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides the eater. Here is just a short list of examples of Whole Food Signatures.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye…and science shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? …. It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Grapefruits, Oranges, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today’s research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

“The news isn’t that fruits and vegetables are good for you, it’s that they are so good for you, they can save your life.”