GI, Traditional Chinese Medicine FAQ

Understanding the Risks of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss

Weight loss issues Hello, Doctor: I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic to obtain weight loss medication. Here is the prescription: 1. Xiao Feng San 3.0 grams 2. Dang Gui Yin Zi 3.0 grams 3. Lian Qiao 1.0 gram 4. Chi Shao 1.0 gram 5. Chi Fu Ling 1.0 gram 6. Chan Tui 1.0...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
I'm glad to receive your letter! The most effective ingredient in this weight loss prescription is Ephedra. The pharmacological effects of Ephedra include: 1. Diaphoresis (sweating); 2. Bronchodilation; 3. Diuresis; 4. Increased blood pressure; 5. Mental stimulation, which c...

Understanding Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Discomfort in the upper abdomen? Hello, about a month ago, I felt a lump at the intersection of my ribs in the middle and at the bottom of my rib cage. It feels like there is a hard, swollen tube in the middle of my ribs. Later, I noticed a swelling below my ribs that feels like ...

Dr. Qiu Shuize Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on the described situation, the occurrence of swelling is intermittent and the location is also variable. This may be indicative of Qi stagnation (as we have not visually assessed, we will initially not consider other serious conditions)....

Does Longan and Red Dates Affect Uterine Fibroids? Insights for Women

Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I drink longan and red dates after my menstrual period, but I've heard that longan and red dates can cause uterine fibroids to grow larger. Is that true? I am thirty years old, but I have a lot of gray hair. Why is that?

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Shunxin / 30 / Online User, Hello, 1. To my knowledge, there is currently no definitive evidence or literature indicating that consuming longan and red dates after menstruation will cause uterine fibroids to enlarge; this may be merely hearsay. The enlargement of uterine f...

Is Pear with Chuanbei and Rock Sugar Safe for Infants with Phlegm?

Stewed Pears with Chuanbei and Rock Sugar Hello Dr. Lin: My younger brother was previously diagnosed with pharyngitis and acute bronchitis. During a chest X-ray, it was found that there is phlegm accumulation in his lungs, and I was advised to help him with expectoration. I found...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Mrs. Chuang / 29 / 1 Online Friend, Hello, 1. Your younger brother was previously diagnosed with pharyngitis and acute bronchitis. A chest X-ray revealed the presence of phlegm in the lungs, and I recommend that you help him with expectoration. He should continue follow-up...

Can You Continue Scalp Acupuncture for Delayed Development After a Cold?

Is it safe to perform scalp acupuncture on a child with a cold? Hello Dr. Ding: My younger brother has undergone scalp acupuncture for developmental delay for the fourth time recently. However, after the fourth session, he developed a fever early the next morning. The emergency d...

Dr. Ding Hanxiang Reply:
Dear Mrs. Chuang, Hello, your brother can continue with acupuncture without any issues. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Han-Hsiang Attending Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Understanding the Connection Between Stomach Issues and Throat Discomfort

My stomach and throat feel strange? Hello, Doctor: Since around October of last year, I have been experiencing bloating due to excessive lemon water consumption and anxiety. In late October, I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor informed me that I had inflammation and slight u...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Bai, I am glad to receive your letter! You mentioned drinking lemon water and experiencing anxiety, along with symptoms of bloating, belching, gastric inflammation, and mild ulcers. Other doctors have indicated that until the gastric issues are resolved, your throat will no...

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine for Fertility Enhancement

The effects of this patch? Hello~ Recently, I have been seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but the doctor did not provide a detailed explanation of my symptoms. I was prescribed several herbal remedies: Warming the Channels Decoction (温经汤), Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生), X...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear SS, I am glad to receive your letter! Are Wenjing Decoction, Sangjisheng, Xuduan, Yin Yang Huo, Tu Si Zi, and Danggui Shaoyao San formulas effective for enhancing fertility? Yes, these traditional Chinese medicines have a regulatory effect on the uterine environment in wome...

Improving Qi and Blood Deficiency for Better Fertility in Women

Insufficient Qi and Blood in Women - Conception Hello, doctor. I previously consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said that I have a deficiency of qi and blood. Since I want to conceive soon, could you please tell me if a deficiency of qi and blood makes it mo...

Dr. Hou Yuchang Reply:
Dear AS: Hello, yes, insufficient qi and blood indeed make conception and maintaining pregnancy more challenging. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that conception is managed by the "Kidneys," while maintaining pregnancy is managed by the "Spleen."...

Boosting Immunity During Breast Cancer Chemo: Herbal Tea Benefits

Breast cancer Dear Dr. Lin: My wife is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and her white blood cell count is low due to the chemotherapy drugs. I would like to know if it is safe for her to drink a tea made from astragalus, goji berries, and red dates to boost he...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Frank / 42 / 0 netizen, 1. I apologize for the delayed response as I just received the notification the day before yesterday. 2. Your wife is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, which has resulted in leukopenia due to the chemotherapy drugs. This is a commo...

Goji Berries for Eye Health: Benefits and Precautions for Diabetics

Goji berry issues? Hello Dr. Lin: My father has diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, and he is currently receiving treatment from an ophthalmologist. I have heard that goji berries are very good for the eyes, and I would like to give them to him. However, I have the following ques...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Tom/40/0 online user, 1. I apologize for the delayed response as I just received the notification the day before yesterday. 2. According to the records in the Compendium of Materia Medica, the functions of goji berries include: moisturizing the lungs, clearing the liver, no...

Integrating Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Scientific Perspectives

Is it not recommended to use Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine together, and are there scientific blind spots regarding this issue? Is it not recommended to combine Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for treatment, and are there scientific blind spo...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin, 1. I apologize for the delayed response as I only received the notification the day before. 2. Regarding whether Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) should be used together in treatment, and if there are any scientific blind spots, I would like ...

Understanding Persistent Lower Abdominal Pain: A Case Study in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Persistent pain in the lower abdominal bladder area? Hello Dr. Yan! I would like to ask you a question. At the beginning of September, I suspected I had a urinary tract infection. All tests from Western medicine were normal, with no pathogenic bacteria found, but I still experien...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello! From your statement, I can sense your worries and helplessness. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can help improve your condition but may not completely eliminate it, while Western medicine is effective but has not yet provided a definitive diagnosis. You may be concerned...

Weight Loss, Breast Growth, and Height Increase: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

Weight loss (breast enhancement and height increase) I started my weight loss journey in January of this year. Initially, I was 59 kg at a height of 158 cm, aiming to lose 1 kg per month. By June, I reached my lowest weight of 48 kg. However, during the summer job, the people the...

Dr. Lin Zhemin Reply:
To grow taller, one must consider bone age; if the growth plates have already fused, it is essentially impossible to increase height. Wanting to enhance breast size while also aiming to lose weight is fundamentally conflicting. If one is still in the developmental stage, it is no...

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Effectively Treat Herniated Discs?

Herniated disc Hello~ I would like to ask if herniated discs can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine? How long does it usually take to see results? Can you recommend a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner near Daya? Thank you!

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Mr. Cheng / Online User 22, 1. Herniated discs can be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A herniated disc may result from prolonged heavy lifting or standing, leading to excessive pressure on the lower back, known as "lumbar degenerative syndrome." ...

Understanding the Use and Risks of Si Ni Tang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The use of Si Ni Tang? Dear Dr. Lin, I recently visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic near my home to help regulate my kidney yin and yang functions. A while ago, I was told that my body had excessive coldness in the kidneys, so the practitioner prescribed a formula of S...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Jeff, the online user: Hello, 1. "Si Ni Tang" is a warming herbal formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine, originating from the "Treatise on Cold Damage" (Shang Han Lun). It consists of three herbal ingredients: Aconite (Fu Zi), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), and H...

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Trigger Chronic Urticaria Flare-Ups?

Chronic urticaria I previously had chronic urticaria, and it hasn't recurred for a while. However, after drinking a can of Si Wu, I suddenly started itching again. Is there a connection between these two? Recently, I've been feeling very irritable, and I wake up in the ...

Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello Youzi: Based on your description, after drinking a can of Siwu, your urticaria recurred. Coupled with your later description of feeling very hot recently, it is very likely that the Siwu caused your urticaria. Siwu Decoction is associated with blood deficiency; however, you...

Understanding the Use and Effects of Niuhuang Wan for Insomnia and Sweaty Hands

Dosage of Niuhuang Wan (Cattle Gallstone Pill) Hello, doctor. I originally had a condition similar to palmar hyperhidrosis, with dry hands that were slightly cracked and had a stinging sensation. After seeing many dermatologists with no results, I consulted a traditional Chinese ...

Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
Hello Bryan: 1. Some ingredients in Niuhuang Wan contain realgar and cinnabar. If not prepared according to traditional methods, they can have toxic side effects. It's advisable to consult your TCM practitioner for further guidance. However, if there are no adverse reactio...

Understanding Menstrual Pain After Childbirth: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Menstrual pain in mature women? Hello Doctor: Today is the second day of my menstrual period, but I have a lot of abdominal pain and my lower back is very sore. I have already given birth to two children, but for the past two to three months, I have been experiencing menstrual cr...

Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello Joyce: Based on your description, your dysmenorrhea is classified as secondary dysmenorrhea, indicating that it is not an initial issue but has developed over time. You have already undergone a gynecological examination with no significant findings, which helps rule out cer...

Understanding Sciatica: Pain Relief and Treatment Options in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sciatic nerve I apologize, but after the massage, I can now lift my leg high without pain, and I can bend down more easily. However, the pain still persists. Does this count as an improvement? Previously, when I walked and then sat down, I felt a lot of pain at the right side of ...

Dr. Lin Zhemin Reply:
Based on your description, the treatment is gradually improving, and the direction of the treatment is correct. It is advisable to continue with the treatment regimen. The issues you mentioned are possible, but without a clinical examination or imaging studies such as X-rays or C...

Understanding Sciatica vs. Gluteus Medius Inflammation: A Patient's Journey

Sciatica or gluteus medius muscle inflammation? I apologize for the inconvenience. Previously, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic and was diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. After two weeks of acupuncture, medication, and traction, my condition worsened. I then switc...

Dr. Lin Zhemin Reply:
Sciatica is a broad and general term. The sciatic nerve branches from the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves, forming a single bundle that runs through the gluteal region, approximately at the level of the piriformis muscle. It then travels down the posterior aspect of the thigh and...

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