Dr. Lai Huilian reply <a href="https://doctorqna.com/en/faq/traditional-chinese-medicine" target="_blank">Traditional Chinese Medicine</a> Question

Long-Term Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Potential Side Effects and Concerns

Issues with Long-term Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hello, doctor. I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine to help with my constipation for five years without any breaks, following the prescription provided by my physician. The doctor recommended two packets a day, ...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Miss Pei-Chen, Based on the symptoms you described, they do not appear to have a significant correlation with prolonged use of traditional Chinese medicine. They may be more related to lifestyle stress. It would be advisable to discuss with your physician whether any adjust...

Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: The Link Between Moles and Menstrual Irregularities

Endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I've noticed that I'm particularly prone to developing moles, especially red moles, although I also have black moles. I realized that the number of moles has been increasing since I turned 20. I'm wondering if t...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Ms. Hsieh: The formation of moles is due to the accumulation of melanocytes, formally known as melanocytic nevi. This is different from pigmented nevi, as most common moles are benign, while melanocytic nevi may undergo pathological changes. To determine if a mole has chan...

Managing Eye Twitching During Menstrual Cycle: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Eyelid twitching during menstruation? Hello Dr. Lai: During my ovulation and menstrual periods, my left lower eyelid keeps twitching, and it's only the left lower eyelid that is affected, with no twitching elsewhere. During these two periods, I also experience lower back pai...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Miss Shu-Ju: 1. The persistent twitching of your eyelid, referred to in traditional Chinese medicine as "blepharospasm" or "ocular twitching," is commonly attributed to blood deficiency, spleen deficiency, or external wind-heat. Given that you mentione...

Acupuncture for Thyroid Nodules: Efficacy and Success Stories

Acupuncture treatment for thyroid disorders? I have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules, measuring 3.5 cm on the left side and 5 cm on the right side, as well as hypothyroidism. My doctor prescribed medication to be taken once a day at a dosage of 50 mg for three months. I do not...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Miss Xiaobanyue: Thyroid disorders can be treated with acupuncture or herbal medicine, but treatment plans may vary due to individual constitutions and conditions. It is recommended to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine physician nearby. Dr. Lai Huilian from ...

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Menstrual Issues: When to Stop Drinking

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Menstrual Issues I recently started drinking Brand's Essence of Chicken, which contains herbal ingredients. After researching, I found that continuing to consume it during my menstrual period may lead to issues such as menstrual cramps. Howev...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, the inquirer: Upon reviewing the contents of Brand's Chicken Essence, which includes traditional Chinese herbs such as goji berries, cassia seeds, and Chinese yam, it should not cause menstrual pain. However, if you experience symptoms of menstrual pain after consumpt...

Managing Floaters: Herbal Remedies and Dietary Supplements

Vitreous Floaters Dietary Supplements Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine to treat my floaters, and the doctor prescribed me a kidney-nourishing formula, which I have been taking for over a month. However, the improvement has been minimal. Sin...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Ms. Hsieh, Traditional Chinese medicine treatment requires patience and time. Combining acupuncture with medication can enhance the therapeutic effect. Most cases of floaters are benign and are often physiological floaters (such as those caused by aging or myopia). They do ...

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Treat Floaters in the Eyes?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Consultation Hello Doctor, I suddenly developed floaters in my vision over the past two weeks, which I did not have last month. Currently, in my left eye, I can see a transparent cloud composed of dots forming a circle. The edges of the circle a...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
There are many causes of floaters, which occur when impurities in the vitreous humor of the eye become large enough to be seen. It is essential to first undergo an ophthalmological examination to rule out pathological floaters. After that, medication or acupuncture may help allev...

Is This Traditional Chinese Medicine Safe for Pregnant Women?

Can pregnant women take this medication? Hello, I would like to inquire whether this prescription is safe for a pregnant woman at 31 weeks. It includes Guizhi Decoction, Platycodon Decoction, Schisandra, Pinellia, Fritillaria, Scutellaria, and Dried Ginger.

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Snow: Since each person's constitution is different, it is recommended that you consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner nearby to determine if your current condition allows for the use of this particular medicine. Dr. Lai Huilian, Department of T...

Is Post-Acupuncture Soreness Normal? Understanding Your Symptoms

Is it normal to experience soreness after acupuncture? Hello, I have been experiencing tinnitus and sleep disturbances in my right ear. This past Monday (June 6), I visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei for acupuncture treatment. The doctor performed acupuncture on my ne...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, A-Liang: Post-acupuncture soreness may be a residual sensation from the needles. You can discuss this with your acupuncturist to help alleviate the lingering effects. Generally, resting will gradually relieve the discomfort. If you continue to feel unwell, you may want to ...

Can You Conceive While Taking Traditional Chinese Medicine for Fertility?

If you are planning to conceive and are taking traditional Chinese medicine to regulate your body, can you avoid contraception while taking these herbs? I am planning to get pregnant and visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic to prepare my body. The physician prescribed th...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. It is recommended that you call the physician who prescribed your medication, as they are the one who has had direct contact with you. They are most familiar with your physical condition and the rationale behind the prescription, so asking them will provide you with more accur...

Can Herbal Remedies for Digestion Help with Weight Loss?

Weight issues and gastrointestinal health? If a person is eating normally without intentionally trying to lose weight, but is consuming traditional Chinese medicine that aids in bowel movements, such as rhubarb, laxative soup, or Niuhuang Jiedu San, will it lead to weight loss?

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Peipei: If your bowel movements are irregular and you have a lot of retained stool, taking laxatives may help eliminate the stool and could result in a slight decrease in weight. However, if there is no retained stool in your body, continued use of laxatives will not aid in...

Herbal Remedies for Hemorrhoids: Safety and Efficacy of Traditional Ingredients

Hemorrhoids, Houttuynia cordata, Dandelion, Andrographis paniculata? Hello, my father saw a health supplement on television that combines these traditional Chinese herbs with red ginseng, claiming to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, detoxifying, and immune-boosting effects...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Mr. E: There are many causes of hemorrhoids. If they are due to wind-heat stagnation, it is advisable to disperse and clear the heat. If they are caused by damp-heat accumulation, one should resolve the damp-heat. For those with qi and blood stagnation, it is recommended to...

Understanding the Risks of Senna Leaf Dosage in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Senna leaf dosage Hello, Dr. Lai. I am currently receiving treatment for uterine fibroids at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. Recently, I have been experiencing bowel movements only every three to four days. The physician added 0.25 grams of senna leaf to my original herbal...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Ms. YX, I would like to clarify a few points: 1. The daily intake limit announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare is set at 12 milligrams, which primarily refers to the content of sennosides in senna leaves. However, traditional Chinese medicine often uses the whole ...

Can You Drink Tea During Your Menstrual Period? Expert Insights

Is it okay to drink tea during menstruation? I would like to ask the doctor if it is advisable to consume tea during menstruation. I have researched online and found that tea is considered cooling and not recommended during this period; however, I also came across information sug...

Dr. Lai Huilian reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dietary restrictions during menstruation primarily focus on minimizing the intake of cold and raw foods. Beverages such as green tea and cold brew tea are considered to have a cooling nature and are indeed not suitable for consumption during this period. In contrast, fermented te...