Navigating Unexplained Health Issues: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

How should I proceed?

Hello, doctor: I am feeling very unwell, and the cause cannot be determined.
I have undergone many tests, but no one knows what the illness is.
Metabolic syndrome is a term used by every doctor to describe my condition.
However, I also have panic disorder and take psychiatric medication.
I am severely obese and experience significant edema throughout my body, with my hands and feet particularly swollen (worse during my menstrual period).
I can barely walk, and I am in constant pain from head to toe.
There is no area that is not painful when pressed.
I find it difficult to walk for long periods, and the pain in the soles of my feet is unbearable.
My lower back is even worse.
I experience unexplained sweating and heat throughout my body.
I cannot lose weight; it's not that I don't want to.
I have tried every method, but whenever I lose weight, my condition worsens.
During my menstrual period, I experience heavy bleeding (menorrhagia).
Exercise exacerbates my joint and muscle issues.
This is not an excuse; it is the truth.
I feel like I have almost lost my will to live.
Where should I start my examinations? Thank you!

Xiao Zhuan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/01

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Xiao Zhuan,
I am glad to receive your letter! Let me summarize your concerns: 1.
Panic disorder (taking psychiatric medication).
2.
Sweating and feeling hot.
3.
Swelling of hands and feet during menstruation.
4.
Desire to lose weight.
5.
Where to start with examinations?
First, try not to focus on weight loss; having a slightly higher body index can be somewhat beneficial for panic disorder.
Sweating and feeling hot are more related to panic and body weight, as sweating often occurs during panic attacks.
Individuals with a higher body index may also feel hotter.
The swelling of hands and feet during your menstrual period is a common experience for many, caused by hormonal cycles.
If the swelling improves after your period, there is no need to worry too much about it.
If the above responses do not ease your mind, you might consider starting with Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This is my reply to you.
I hope you find it satisfactory.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best!
Sincerely,
Yen Su-Mei
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2011/06/01

More Info

Navigating unexplained health issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when conventional medical tests fail to provide clear answers. Your symptoms, which include severe water retention, obesity, widespread pain, panic disorder, and menstrual irregularities, suggest a complex interplay of factors that may not be easily categorized by standard medical diagnoses. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach that might help in understanding and managing your health concerns.

In TCM, the body is viewed as an interconnected system where physical, emotional, and environmental factors all play a role in health. The symptoms you describe could be indicative of several underlying imbalances according to TCM principles. For instance, the combination of water retention and pain could suggest issues with the Spleen and Kidney systems, which are responsible for fluid metabolism and overall vitality. The Spleen is particularly important in TCM for transforming food into energy and managing fluids in the body. If the Spleen is weak, it can lead to dampness, resulting in swelling and discomfort.

Your panic disorder and emotional distress are also significant. TCM recognizes that emotional health is closely tied to physical health. Stress and anxiety can deplete the body's Qi (vital energy) and lead to stagnation, which may exacerbate physical symptoms. Techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments can help restore balance. Acupuncture, for example, can help alleviate pain and reduce anxiety by stimulating specific points on the body to promote the flow of Qi and blood.

Herbal remedies are another cornerstone of TCM. Formulas can be tailored to address your specific symptoms, such as promoting fluid metabolism, reducing inflammation, and calming the mind. Common herbs used for water retention include Fu Ling (Poria), which helps strengthen the Spleen and promote urination, and Ze Xie (Alisma), which aids in draining dampness. However, it's crucial to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can assess your condition holistically and prescribe the appropriate herbs.

Dietary changes can also play a significant role in managing your symptoms. In TCM, foods are categorized by their energetic properties. For instance, incorporating warming foods like ginger and cinnamon can help stimulate digestion and improve circulation, while avoiding cold and raw foods may be beneficial if you are experiencing dampness and coldness in your body.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications, including stress management techniques such as meditation, tai chi, or gentle yoga, can help improve your overall well-being. These practices not only promote physical movement but also support emotional health, which is essential in managing panic disorders and chronic pain.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it may also be beneficial to work with both Western and Eastern medical practitioners. A collaborative approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your health and allow for more effective treatment strategies. For instance, while TCM can address the symptoms and underlying imbalances, Western medicine can help monitor any potential side effects of medications you are taking and ensure that there are no underlying conditions that require immediate attention.

In summary, navigating unexplained health issues requires a multifaceted approach. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers valuable insights and treatment options that can complement conventional medical care. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of your health, TCM may help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. It is essential to seek guidance from qualified practitioners who can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Addressing Common Health Concerns

1. Qi deficiency, easily fatigued. 2. High stress, anxiety, and irritability. 3. Tightness in the neck and back, joint stiffness, creaking joints, numbness in the heels, tightness in the neck, ears, and back muscles. 4. Redness and swelling of the throat. 5. Prone to swea...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Heel pain is associated with the bladder meridian, but since the liver governs the tendons, all issues related to tendons and bones are connected to the liver. Tightness in the tendons is also related to liver function. 2. Joint sounds can indicate joint degeneration, which s...

Understanding Fatigue and Discomfort: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello, Doctor! As a student in the information technology field, I spend most of my time working in front of a computer. However, over the past two weeks, I have frequently experienced sudden fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and a feeling of pressure in my chest around two or three ...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Chris, 1. As a student in the information technology field, sitting in front of the computer for extended periods can lead to symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome, including chest tightness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and pain in the arms and wrists. These issues, a...

Exploring the Health Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Wellness Cooking

Dear Dr. Chu, Hello, Dr. Chu. I would like to ask you a question! More and more people are focusing on health and wellness, and there is a store called "Tianxiang Huiwei Health Soup" that offers broth made from fifty to sixty types of Chinese herbs. I am wondering if t...

Dr. Chu Baiqing reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Cola, Regarding the "Tianxiang Huiwei Health Pot" you mentioned, I have not tried it myself, and in fact, we are not aware of the contents of the fifty to sixty types of broth, so I cannot comment on its health benefits. Health maintenance should adhere to the pri...

Herbal Medicine Precautions for Heart Disease and Diabetes Patients

1. Individuals with angina and diabetes should exercise caution when using traditional Chinese medicine. General dietary supplements such as Four Gods Soup, Four Substance Decoction, pork rib medicinal soup, Astragalus, and Ginseng can be acceptable, but it is essential to monito...

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: 1. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is primarily based on an individual's constitution and symptoms, with the type of disease serving as a reference. It should not be limited to treating a specific disease with a specific medication. Regarding the issues ...