Understanding Numbness in Hands and Feet: Sciatica and Beyond
Numbness in the hands and soles of the feet, along with sciatica? Hello, Dr. Chang. A month ago, I started experiencing symptoms similar to sciatica, and it has persisted until now. I have visited a few traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, but none of them could definitive...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Wang: Your description of the problem is very clear, but there are a few points that need further clarification. Generally, neurological issues tend to present with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain that radiate, for example, from the neck and shoulders to th...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Hands and Feet: Sciatica and Beyond
Can Gaining Muscle Make Your Face Look Fuller? Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine
Want to gain weight in the face? 1. If you are currently working out and gaining weight, it is possible that the increase is due to muscle mass. In this case, your face may also appear fuller. 2. Generally, when a person reduces body fat, their face may also become slimmer as a...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, ABC: 1. When you exercise, the muscles in the targeted areas increase, so the face will not gain weight. The face may only appear fuller if there is weight gain. 2. Reducing body fat is a systemic process, so as the body becomes slimmer, the face will also become slimmer. ...[Read More] Can Gaining Muscle Make Your Face Look Fuller? Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine
Do I Need to Continue Acupuncture After My Injury Heals?
Do I still need to continue follow-up visits even though I have recovered? Hello, Doctor: I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for acupuncture due to a strain in my left hand from lifting heavy objects. I visited two different clinics, and the second one recommended se...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Miss Lin: 1. Regarding your description of no issues with your left hand, it means that there is no pain during daily activities or when lifting heavy objects. If you assess that you have fully recovered, there is no need for a medical visit. However, if you are still con...[Read More] Do I Need to Continue Acupuncture After My Injury Heals?
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 Traditional Chinese Medicine
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
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 Traditional Chinese Medicine
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
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 Traditional Chinese Medicine
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 Traditional Chinese Medicine
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?
Safe Cough Remedies During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Medications during pregnancy Hello Doctor, I am currently 8 weeks pregnant. I have been coughing uncontrollably since week 6. I am very concerned about the impact on my baby, so I have only taken 4 packets of prescription medication from my obstetrician (only when I felt very unc...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Mimi, generally speaking, during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid medications that invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis. As for diuretics, their use should be cautious and dependent on individual constitution. Therefore, it is quite difficult to determine...[Read More] Safe Cough Remedies During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
How to Soften Stiff Muscles: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Chronic illness can lead to muscle stiffness, resembling dried meat? Hello Doctor, the patient has had muscle stiffness from the neck, back to the lower back, and upper arm for a long time. They have consulted a traditional Chinese medicine doctor who mentioned that the muscles f...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, there are many methods to relax muscles, including heat therapy, devices (such as infrared, ultrasound, and low-frequency stimulation), exercise (from gentle stretching, gymnastics, and yoga to more intense activities like hiking, running, swimming, and ball sports), and a...[Read More] How to Soften Stiff Muscles: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Understanding Salty Taste: Possible Causes and Traditional Remedies
Feeling salty in the mouth? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing a salty taste in my mouth, and the saliva I produce also feels salty. I have consulted with a dentist and a family physician, and I underwent routine blood tests, all of which came back normal. However, ...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Ms. Chen: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a salty taste in the mouth is categorized under kidney deficiency, which can generally be divided into kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency. I won't elaborate further on this. If you have only experienced the salty...[Read More] Understanding Salty Taste: Possible Causes and Traditional Remedies
Understanding Acupuncture Costs: Why Prices Vary in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture costs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my treatment costs differ from my friend's. I visit a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner every week, where I receive two weeks' worth of medication and acupuncture. I previously only received medication bu...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Miss Lin: The costs are divided into three parts: 1. The medication for two weeks has a co-payment of NT$80. 2. The first acupuncture treatment has a co-payment of NT$50, while the co-payment for acupuncture treatments 2 to 6 is waived. 3. The registration fee charged by e...[Read More] Understanding Acupuncture Costs: Why Prices Vary in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Constipation in Toddlers: Is Yin Chen Hao Safe?
Constipation issues? Hello doctor, my son is almost two years old and he has a problem with constipation. Sometimes my father-in-law gives him Artemisia capillaris decoction. Does that increase gastrointestinal motility or cause diarrhea? Is it safe for him to consume it regularl...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Ms. Chen: Generally speaking, for children with constipation, it is recommended to adjust their diet by increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, and drinking plenty of water. Foods that can help with bowel movements, such as bananas, papayas, Yakul...[Read More] Understanding Constipation in Toddlers: Is Yin Chen Hao Safe?
Effective Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Bone Fracture Healing
Fracture healing Is it effective to take traditional Chinese medicine and undergo acupuncture for fractures that have not formed a callus? Which specific Chinese herbs should be taken?
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: After a fracture, if bone callus has not formed, using traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be beneficial. Commonly prescribed herbs include Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), Guosui (Drynaria fortunei), and Psoralea (Psoralea corylifolia), along with additional herbs...[Read More] Effective Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Bone Fracture Healing
Chronic Pain for a Year: Exploring Causes and Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Strange pain lasting for a year? (I suspect the following issues are related to my severe constipation.) I used to exercise regularly, but I always did it before bed, especially doing sit-ups. One time, I had a slight misalignment in my posture, and at that moment, I felt only a ...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, your issue falls under the category of "muscle and joint misalignment" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is related to the injury you sustained during sit-ups. After a prolonged course of the condition, the upper and lower joints may also be affected. I reco...[Read More] Chronic Pain for a Year: Exploring Causes and Remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Type I Shoulder Dislocation: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Chronic Type I Shoulder Dislocation Is it too late to start using a sling for a Type I shoulder dislocation after three weeks? Can the shoulder still be repositioned while in a sling? My arm still feels stiff and restricted when I move it. Is this stiffness due to keeping it comp...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, you have a first-type shoulder dislocation and a sprain of the acromioclavicular joint capsule and ligaments, without any dislocation or subluxation. The purpose of using a sling is to allow the affected area to rest and recover, so there is no need for a specific reductio...[Read More] Understanding Type I Shoulder Dislocation: Recovery and Rehabilitation Tips
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Reduce Enlarged Tongue and Moisture?
Enlarged tongue with indentations? Hello, Dr. Chang. I have a swollen tongue (with indentations from my teeth). From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said to be due to excessive dampness in the body. I have seen an ENT specialist who mentioned that my tongue...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear JS: Your concern is about macroglossia (with dental indentations). You mentioned that from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed to be due to excessive internal dampness. In TCM, a swollen tongue with teeth marks may be associated with Qi defi...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Reduce Enlarged Tongue and Moisture?
Understanding Cupping Therapy: Common Questions and Concerns
Cupping therapy issues Hello: I recently had cupping therapy. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Is sliding cupping the same as traditional cupping? (Using a cup to slide over the skin) 2. If there is still bruising after sliding cupping, is it appropriate to conti...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: 1. Cupping therapy, also known as sliding cupping, refers to the movement of the cup on the skin. The principle of cupping is essentially to induce localized microvascular damage, which helps to re-establish circulation and indirectly relax the muscles, thereby addressin...[Read More] Understanding Cupping Therapy: Common Questions and Concerns
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: Dosage and Duration of Chinese Herbal Remedies
For nasal allergies, the proportions of the herbal formulas Xin Yi San, Xiao Qing Long Tang, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang can be adjusted based on individual symptoms and constitution. It is advisable to consult a licensed herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized recomm...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Mr. Wei, You may have misunderstood the treatment models of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine. Western Medicine treats based on symptoms, while TCM treats based on patterns of disharmony. Therefore, TCM cannot simply prescribe medication based on the s...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: Dosage and Duration of Chinese Herbal Remedies
Managing Cough with Phlegm: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cough with sputum? Four days ago, I started feeling a tight and itchy sensation in my throat (but it doesn't hurt), and I've been having a persistent urge to cough. At night, while sleeping, the symptoms become more pronounced due to post-nasal drip. However, I can'...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello Sunny, your issue needs to be addressed in several parts. Firstly, the temperature difference between day and night has been significant these past few days, so it is important to pay extra attention to staying warm. You should ensure that your limbs and head are kept warm ...[Read More] Managing Cough with Phlegm: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Managing Excess Dampness in the Body: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Regulating the body's moisture levels? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a nearby traditional Chinese medicine clinic to address my body's excessive dampness, facial oiliness, and scalp health. The doctor prescribed the following formulas: - Ganlu Xiaodu Dan 3g - Zhu...
Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, A-Zheng. I have listed the main effects of various herbal formulas for you as follows: they primarily clear heat from the lungs, stomach, and kidneys, while also nourishing yin, moistening dryness, cooling the blood, and nourishing the blood. In simpler terms, this means r...[Read More] Managing Excess Dampness in the Body: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights