Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
Does taking traditional Chinese medicine affect the menstrual cycle? Could taking these Chinese herbal medicines affect my menstrual cycle? Bai Hu Tang, Cang Er San, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, E Bu Shi Cao, and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang. Although my menstrual cycle has always been irregula...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello! Traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Bai Hu Tang and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, along with stress and the recent cold wave, can all affect the menstrual cycle. Wishing you all the best! Sincerely, Su-Mei Yen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital...[Read More] Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Lower back pain issues? Hello, doctor. When I press on the left lower back area near the waist, it causes some pain in the left side of my waist. There are two painful spots (the area where I press and the area next to the left waist). Could this be a kidney issue or a muscle pro...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Mr. Jian, The slight pain in the left lower back near the waist could be related to kidney deficiency or a muscular issue. It is recommended to first consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), or acupunctur...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Postpartum Menstruation: Is Lack of Period a Sign of Uterine Issues?
Is the absence of menstruation after childbirth an indication of uterine issues? Is it normal for menstruation to not return after 9 months of breastfeeding? Could this indicate an issue with the uterus? Should I consider nutritional supplementation? Additionally, how can I wean ...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Anonymous User: During breastfeeding, the levels of prolactin in the mother's blood increase, leading to a decrease in the secretion of gonadal hormones from the brain, which results in an anovulatory cycle and the absence of menstruation. For breastfeeding mothers, men...[Read More] Postpartum Menstruation: Is Lack of Period a Sign of Uterine Issues?
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Lymphadenopathy Hello, Doctor: My mother has a lymph node in her neck that has been present for about two years. Initially, it was small, and outpatient examinations were normal. However, it has recently increased in size and is now approximately two centimeters. The examination ...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: Your mother's cervical lymph nodes have enlarged, which certainly requires caution. My suggestion is to consult a few more physicians from major hospitals. If the majority recommend surgery for removal and examination, then you can make your decision. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Can Facial Asymmetry from Habits Be Corrected? A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Facial asymmetry Hello, I am a university student. I have had the habit of resting my chin on my left hand for a long time, and I often chew food only on the left side. Recently, I noticed that my left cheek is higher than my right cheek, primarily because my left zygomatic bone ...
Dr. He Yujun Reply:
Hello, Fugu. Your questions can be categorized into two main topics. The first is whether habitual left-sided force application can cause skeletal asymmetry, and the second is whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can intervene to improve facial asymmetry if it has already o...[Read More] Can Facial Asymmetry from Habits Be Corrected? A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Why Is My Menstrual Flow Suddenly So Light? Causes and Solutions
Menstrual flow suddenly becomes sparse, to the point where one may not need to change a sanitary pad even in a day? Why has my menstrual flow suddenly decreased to almost nothing, just a little bit? The color of the blood on the first day was similar to that of traditional Chines...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear online friend, A decrease in menstrual flow may be caused by several factors, including excessive dieting, irregular lifestyle, exposure to cold, stress, uterine issues, and endocrine factors. It is recommended to first adjust your lifestyle and diet, avoid consuming cold ...[Read More] Why Is My Menstrual Flow Suddenly So Light? Causes and Solutions
Understanding Brain Fog: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Young Adults
Drowsiness I find it difficult to respond when chatting with others, and I often forget what we just talked about. The same happens when I study; I can't seem to retain information and often feel clueless. I feel mentally foggy all day, yawn frequently, experience excessive ...
Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
Symptoms of prolonged fatigue should first be evaluated for normal liver and kidney function, as well as the presence of anemia. If no abnormalities are found, then consider the possibility of fatigue due to qi and blood deficiency. It is advisable to consult your doctor for conf...[Read More] Understanding Brain Fog: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Young Adults
Relieving Chest and Back Pain with Hot Water: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Drinking hot water relieves chest and back pain? Hello Dr. Yang, due to the nature of my work, I need to spend long hours at a desk. Occasionally, I experience isolated chest tightness or slight stabbing pain. At these times, drinking warm water seems to immediately alleviate the...
Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
Chest and back pain that improves with drinking warm water is often associated with superficial pain, which may be caused by insufficient Qi leading to Qi stagnation and blood stasis. If the pain is deeper and pressure does not alleviate it, there may be cardiovascular issues, an...[Read More] Relieving Chest and Back Pain with Hot Water: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Managing Asthma Attacks: Effective Remedies for Phlegm Relief
Asthma attack Hello doctor, due to the recent changes in weather, I have been experiencing asthma attacks (I have difficulty breathing at night). I can't fall asleep after waking up in the early morning, and I have phlegm in my throat. Doctor, what should I take to help with...
Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
As the temperature drops in the evening, asthma attacks are more likely to occur. It is advisable to avoid cold and icy foods and beverages, as well as to limit snacks and fried foods. It is recommended to drink more warm water to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm. Attention sho...[Read More] Managing Asthma Attacks: Effective Remedies for Phlegm Relief
Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Sleep Apnea Treatment
Question about respiratory arrest? Hello, doctor. Regarding sleep apnea, it is currently mostly treated with respiratory devices or surgery in Western medicine. When patients seek Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), doctors often approach it from the perspective of Qi deficiency,...
Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Anonymous/Anonymous/43 years old/Male User: Hello, 1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is quite common in Taiwan, primarily becoming apparent or worsening with age, body shape changes, and functional decline. It is estimated that about 20% of middle-aged and older adults in T...[Read More] Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Sleep Apnea Treatment
Can Acupuncture and Sleep Help You Grow Taller After 25?
Height growth issues Hello Doctor: I am almost 26 years old, 153 cm tall, and I would like to grow another 3 to 5 cm. I have a few questions for you: 1. At nearly 26 years old, can I still grow taller by pressing acupressure points daily? (I have read a lot of information suggest...
Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Momo, 26 years old, female: Hello. 1. You are almost 26 years old and 153 cm tall. It is unlikely that you will grow another 3-5 cm, as age is the primary limiting factor for height increase. 2. Pressing the Baihui and Yongquan acupoints every night may not significantl...[Read More] Can Acupuncture and Sleep Help You Grow Taller After 25?
Understanding Dark Circles and Tear Troughs: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions
Tear trough issues? Hello Doctor, 1. I have had dark circles under my eyes since kindergarten, and I often experience nasal congestion. However, it’s strange that after visiting several ENT specialists, including at National Taiwan University Hospital where I underwent allergy t...
Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Anonymous / 25 years old / Female User: Hello, 1. You have dark circles under your eyes and often experience nasal congestion, but there are no allergens present. Neither of your parents has significant dark circles, and you did not have them before the age of three. You a...[Read More] Understanding Dark Circles and Tear Troughs: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions
Effective Treatments for Long-Term Pectoral Muscle Strain
Pectoralis major strain Hello Doctor: I previously injured my pectoral muscles while doing push-ups, and it has been over 8 months now. I have seen both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and I have also had X-rays done, which showed no significant issues. Th...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, A-Bao: This issue is somewhat difficult to assess because the three actions you mentioned—stretching, sneezing, and pressing—cause pain. Stretching involves the pectoralis major muscle, while sneezing typically engages the intercostal muscles and diaphragm. I'm not cl...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Long-Term Pectoral Muscle Strain
Can Sour Jujube Seed Help Heart Disease Patients with Sleep Issues?
Regarding sour jujube seed? Dear Dr. Yang, Can a patient with coronary heart disease take sour jujube seed, which is made from scientific traditional Chinese medicine, for poor sleep? My traditional Chinese medicine doctor originally prescribed vine of the night but it caused d...
Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
Sour jujube seed and spatholobus stem can be used for coronary heart disease, as long as the diagnosis and treatment are appropriate. Of course, they should be combined with other medications to achieve the goal of adjusting the constitution. Please return for a follow-up and con...[Read More] Can Sour Jujube Seed Help Heart Disease Patients with Sleep Issues?
Knee Pain After Jumping: Understanding Potential Issues and Remedies
Knee problems About two weeks ago, I jumped up three steps at once, and I did it with somewhat poor form (pushing off strongly with my left foot). At the moment of the jump, I felt like all my force was concentrated on my knee. After jumping, I experienced a sensation similar to ...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: You may want to consult an orthopedic specialist to check if there is any damage to the articular cartilage or other issues. If obvious problems with the bones, joints, or ligaments are ruled out and you still experience discomfort, it may fall under the category ...[Read More] Knee Pain After Jumping: Understanding Potential Issues and Remedies
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liver fibrosis Hello doctor, I have been diagnosed with liver fibrosis, but my blood tests show Hepatitis B surface antigen at 0.00 and Hepatitis C surface antibody at 0.07. I would like to ask if I can take important treatments. However, the doctor I consulted advised me not to ...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Online Friend - Ms. Li: Regarding the TCM management of liver fibrosis, please refer to Issue 388 of Tianxia Magazine - "New Hope of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Liver Diseases" at http://www.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=5003179. As for TCM practitioners...[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Treatment Options and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Treatments
Irregular menstruation In the past, my menstrual cycle was approximately 33-36 days. However, over the past six months, I have noticed that it has been getting longer. Since September of last year, I have been trying to track my basal body temperature, but there have been no sign...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear online friend Han: If you want to regulate your body and then conceive, you can certainly seek help from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. You may also consult a Western medicine obstetrician-gynecologist to see if, as you mentioned, ovulation medications are harm...[Read More] Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Treatments
Managing Cold Hands and Feet with Menstrual Pain: A TCM Perspective
Cold hands and feet with menstrual pain? Hello, I would like to ask about experiencing pain during menstruation. A doctor mentioned that I have a "heat" constitution, but whenever I am exposed to wind, my hands and feet become cold. What should I do about this condition...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Online Friend - Yuan Yuan: Menstrual pain can occur, and consuming hot foods may lead to excessive internal heat, while cold foods can cause cold hands and feet. It is essential to be personally examined by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner for accu...[Read More] Managing Cold Hands and Feet with Menstrual Pain: A TCM Perspective
Managing Menstrual Pain and Cold Sensitivity: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Dysmenorrhea and sensitivity to drafts? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. Regardless of whether it's summer or winter, I tend to feel colder whenever I enter an air-conditioned room. The sensation of cold feels like it's emanating from within my body...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, Duck: I apologize for the late response to your question. Your concern seems to be related to consuming cold drinks or ice, which may have led to a more deficient and cold constitution. Adjusting your constitution after such changes will take some time. I recommend that yo...[Read More] Managing Menstrual Pain and Cold Sensitivity: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Does Smudging Enhance the Effectiveness of Acupuncture?
Moxibustion Does using smudged materials on acupuncture needles enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture?
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, regarding the smoked item you mentioned, it is moxa. Generally, moxibustion applied with acupuncture is primarily used to treat chronic illnesses or conditions associated with deficiency and cold. The warming effect of burning mugwort, along with its ability to dispel cold...[Read More] Does Smudging Enhance the Effectiveness of Acupuncture?