Understanding Tongue Coating: When to Worry and TCM Insights
Tongue coating issues? Hello, doctor. Today I suddenly noticed that the center of my tongue coating seems a bit thick. I would like to ask if this is normal or if there are any concerns I should be aware of. Additionally, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, should I ...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: It is normal for the tongue coating to have slight variations in thickness. As for whether the coating should be scraped off, it is generally recommended not to do so before a medical consultation, as this helps maintain its original appearance for the physician's exa...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating: When to Worry and TCM Insights
Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain in Elderly Patients
Unexplained inflammatory pain The mother is 80 years old and has no issues with daily activities (cooking every day, volunteering regularly, and occasionally hiking). However, she frequently experiences unexplained pain in different areas (previously in the shoulder, hip, knee, a...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, I apologize, but your question cannot be answered online. It requires an in-person consultation and examination. Please visit a trusted physician nearby for treatment. Thank you! Dr. Chang Wei-Dong, Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain in Elderly Patients
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Can These Herbs Cause Dry Eyes?
Medication consultation Hello Dr. Zhang: I sought medical attention for gastroesophageal reflux and difficulty sleeping, and the physician prescribed the following: 1. Banxia Xiexin Decoction 2. Xiao Chai Hu Decoction 3. Zhi Zi Guo Decoction 4. Hai Piao Xiao 5. Zhu Ru. After taki...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ke: Regarding the symptoms that occurred after taking the medication, please discuss them with your original physician, as it is not possible to understand your condition based solely on a few sentences. Only your original physician can comprehend your situation and p...[Read More] Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Can These Herbs Cause Dry Eyes?
Understanding Pulse and Herbal Medicine: Common Concerns in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Pulse Medication Issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I suddenly discovered the dorsalis pedis artery on my right foot, but I cannot feel it on my left foot. Visually, my right foot appears slightly more flushed than my left, and the veins on my lef...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: 1. The human body has the heart located slightly to the left, so the pulse strength on both sides will naturally differ. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, the radial artery pulse is also different on the left and right sides. As for what you mentioned about it ...[Read More] Understanding Pulse and Herbal Medicine: Common Concerns in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Yu Nu Jian: Cold Nature and Gypsum's Role in TCM
Medication Consultation: Yu Nu Jian (Jade Maiden Decoction) Dear Dr. Chang: 1. Is the Chinese herbal formula "Yunü Decoction" considered a cooling remedy? 2. It contains a component called gypsum; how does Chinese herbal gypsum differ from the gypsum we commonly unde...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ke: The composition of Yu Nu Jian includes raw gypsum, cooked rehmannia, Ophiopogon japonicus, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, and Achyranthes bidentata, which are used to nourish yin and clear stomach heat. The properties of these herbs are classified as cold. Gypsum is a...[Read More] Understanding Yu Nu Jian: Cold Nature and Gypsum's Role in TCM
Relieving Abdominal Tension: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions
Abdominal issues? Hello Dr. Chang Wei-Dong, it seems that you have tightness in the abdominal fascia. Can traditional Chinese medicine use acupuncture or other methods to help relax it?
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Enyi: The tightness in your abdominal muscles or fascia can be alleviated through acupuncture, but identifying the underlying issue is essential for a true resolution. Please consult a physician in Traditional Chinese Medicine or Rehabilitation Medicine for assistance. Dr....[Read More] Relieving Abdominal Tension: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine for Menstrual Issues Cause Dizziness?
Can traditional Chinese medicine herbs used for regulating menstruation and promoting blood circulation cause dizziness? The main reasons for seeking medical attention were light menstrual flow, poor sleep, and cold extremities (without menstrual pain). After taking the first pac...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Hs: The reactions you experienced after taking the medication were not what you expected, but could they be within your physician's expectations? I suggest you discuss this with your original physician, or you may want to inquire over the phone first. The response fro...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine for Menstrual Issues Cause Dizziness?
Is Loquat Syrup or Ryukakusan Suitable for Cough with Phlegm?
Is it suitable to take loquat syrup or Ryukakusan for a cough with phlegm due to a cold? Hello Dr. Chang: Regarding the cough caused by a viral infection with yellow phlegm, is this what Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to as a "heat cough"? I usually do not have a c...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Mr. Chen: Regarding over-the-counter medications, it is not appropriate to answer online as it can lead to misunderstandings or imply endorsement of products, so I cannot respond here. I apologize for that! It would be more suitable to consult with your attending traditiona...[Read More] Is Loquat Syrup or Ryukakusan Suitable for Cough with Phlegm?
Understanding Acupressure: Inner Gate Point and Qi Deficiency Solutions
Acupuncture Points Issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions: 1. Is the Neiguan point located on the inner side of the wrist, where the middle three fingers of the other hand come together? Why do I feel the pulse (the sensation of a heartbeat) every time I pre...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: 1. The Neiguan (Pericardium 6) acupoint is located at the midpoint of the wrist crease, approximately two inches up, which is about three fingerbreadths. Your description of the location is correct; the sensation of a heartbeat is normal due to the presence of arteries and...[Read More] Understanding Acupressure: Inner Gate Point and Qi Deficiency Solutions
Managing Gynecological Issues and Allergic Rhinitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Gynecological and allergic rhinitis issues? Hello, Doctor! I have a history of allergic rhinitis and cough due to allergic reactions from mid-October to the end of November. After developing acute sinusitis, I subsequently experienced allergic cough, which significantly lowered m...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: Your question falls within the scope of outpatient treatment, and online responses can only address educational or non-personal inquiries. You may seek treatment from a nearby Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, which may require a period of treatment, so please coo...[Read More] Managing Gynecological Issues and Allergic Rhinitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Dafu Pi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Medication consultation Dear Dr. Chang, Hello. Recently, I have been experiencing bloating and frequent gas, so I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. The physician prescribed a medication called "Da Fu Pi," which I found out is a dried preparation made from ...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Kris, Regarding your first question, here is some information about the use of Areca Peel (Da Fu Pi): Indications: It is used to relieve qi stagnation and promote diuresis to reduce edema. It is indicated for conditions such as dampness obstructing qi, chest and abdominal...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Risks of Dafu Pi in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Does Mixing Herbal Medicine with Water Irritate Your Throat?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Issues Hello, doctor. Is it easy to irritate the throat by mixing one cup of water with a packet of traditional Chinese medicine powder?
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: Currently, the scientific traditional Chinese medicines are all water-soluble, with the only difference being the varying dissolution speeds among different manufacturers. If you find it difficult to swallow, you can dissolve the medication in warm water before taking it, ...[Read More] Does Mixing Herbal Medicine with Water Irritate Your Throat?
Can Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills Be Used for Children with Favism?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Can my child take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) if they have G6PD deficiency?
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Mr. Hsu: Although there are certain contraindicated Chinese herbs listed for G6PD deficiency, such as Dan Pi from the Six Flavor Decoction, not everyone will have adverse reactions to these contraindicated herbs. Clinically, small amounts of Chai Hu-type Chinese herbs have...[Read More] Can Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills Be Used for Children with Favism?
Do Birth Control Pills Interact with Cholesterol Medication?
Is there a drug interaction between the contraceptive pill (Alesse) and Simvastatin? Hello Doctor: May I ask if there is any interaction between the contraceptive pill (Alesse) and Simvastatin? Currently, I take one Simvastatin pill in the morning and one in the evening, and I ha...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Frog: After consulting with the manufacturer of Shoumei cholesterol-lowering medication, the response was, "According to the labeling of Esliyan, there is no interaction with statin medications." Therefore, the two medications do not affect each other. As for whe...[Read More] Do Birth Control Pills Interact with Cholesterol Medication?
Managing Gas and Bowel Issues After Colon Cancer Surgery: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Flatulence and bowel movement issues? Hello Dr. Chang, My mother underwent surgery for stage 2B colorectal cancer in August of last year and completed adjuvant chemotherapy in early March of this year. In addition to regular follow-up appointments, she has also been taking tradi...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Xiao Cai: Regarding your first question, although Western medical examinations show no issues, you are experiencing bloating and bowel movement problems. I can provide another example: when a person is overworked for a long time, they may feel very fatigued and lethargic...[Read More] Managing Gas and Bowel Issues After Colon Cancer Surgery: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Can Children Drink Growth Soup After Early Menstruation?
The issue of children consuming growth-enhancing soup? Hello Dr. Chang: Last year, when my daughter was nearly 10 years old, she had her first menstrual period. We took her to see a pediatric geneticist, who advised that her early menstruation was concerning and recommended delay...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Mrs. Chuang: You can still drink the bone-strengthening soup. Please consult a trusted traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner nearby to prescribe suitable herbal medicine for you. As for the issue of health supplements, I recommend discussing it with your TCM prac...[Read More] Can Children Drink Growth Soup After Early Menstruation?
Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Cause Weight Gain?
Can taking traditional Chinese medicine cause weight gain? I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine recently to adjust my body, and I am concerned that it might cause weight gain. There are many claims online about it leading to weight gain, but I'm not sure if it...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, A-Chen: Is it possible to gain weight from taking traditional Chinese medicine? Yes, it is possible, as traditional Chinese medicine can influence appetite and the body's absorption of nutrients. If appetite increases or absorption improves, there may be a chance of w...[Read More] Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Cause Weight Gain?
Can You Add Turmeric and Chrysanthemum to Astragalus Date Goji Tea?
Astragalus, Red Date, and Goji Berry Soup Dr. Chang, can I add turmeric and chrysanthemum to the Huangqi (Astragalus), red dates, and goji berry soup? I tend to feel cold, so in the morning, I use a thermal pot to brew a pot of Huangqi, red dates, and goji berries, adding turmeri...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Mr. Yang! You asked if turmeric and chrysanthemum can be added to the astragalus, red date, and goji berry soup. Generally speaking, the ingredients in the recipe, except for turmeric, are quite common and suitable for most people to consume. However, turmeric may not be s...[Read More] Can You Add Turmeric and Chrysanthemum to Astragalus Date Goji Tea?
Understanding White Coating and Deep Groove on Your Tongue: TCM Insights
There is a white coating on the surface of the tongue, and there is a deep longitudinal groove in the middle of the tongue? Hello Dr. Chang: I have a white coating on the surface of my tongue, and there is a deep longitudinal groove in the middle of the tongue, making it feel lik...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ke: Regarding the cracks on your tongue, generally speaking, cracks indicate a deficiency in Yin. The most common causes are prolonged lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Additionally, long-term consumption of heating foods and a temperament that is easily agitated...[Read More] Understanding White Coating and Deep Groove on Your Tongue: TCM Insights
Does Qingfei Decoction Have Bronchodilator Effects?
Medication Counseling I would like to ask if Qingfei Decoction has bronchodilator effects, as I am taking Entalapril and cannot take medications that have bronchodilator properties. Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Xiang: The question you asked falls within the field of pharmacology of traditional Chinese medicine. I recommend seeking out a professor specializing in this area to address your inquiry, so I apologize for not being able to answer your question! Zhang Wei-Dong, Departmen...[Read More] Does Qingfei Decoction Have Bronchodilator Effects?