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:
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...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Potential Side Effects and Concerns
Understanding the Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Sleep and Appetite
Medication consultation Due to my loss of appetite, my weight decreased from 52 kg in September 2022 to 44 kg in February 2023. The medication I took had no effect. On February 19, 2023, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine doctor who prescribed the following: - An Zhong ...
Dr. Peng Renyuan Reply:
Hello Ms. You: Based on your prescription, it seems unrelated to sleep issues. As for the appetite loss and weight loss you mentioned, you may want to discuss with your primary physician whether there are emotional factors influencing these symptoms, and then determine a treatmen...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Sleep and Appetite
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Weight Loss for Endometriosis Patients?
Can chocolate cysts take traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss? Hello, doctor. I have a history of endometriosis and have undergone surgery for it, with regular follow-ups. When there is a recurrence, I take progesterone to suppress it. Recently, I seem to be gaining weigh...
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
Weight control primarily requires that the caloric intake is lower than the body's caloric needs in order to lose weight. How can we increase the body's caloric requirements? Increasing the intensity and frequency of exercise is essential to lower the numbers on the sca...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Weight Loss for Endometriosis Patients?
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:
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...[Read More] Can Herbal Remedies for Digestion Help with Weight Loss?
Can Qi Deficiency Cause Weakness in Eating and Swallowing?
Qi deficiency can lead to a lack of appetite? Hello Dr. Yen, my grandfather has severe blockage in all three major coronary arteries, leading to heart failure. He recently underwent stent placement at the hospital, but after the procedure, his heart function has deteriorated. He ...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dai. Elderly individuals with heart issues may experience significant weakness and a sense of fatigue. Taking traditional Chinese medicine can help alleviate this weakness. Best regards, Yan Su-mei, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Can Qi Deficiency Cause Weakness in Eating and Swallowing?
Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes and Remedies
Menstrual issues Hello, doctor! My menstrual cycle is usually about 23 days, but this time it has been 27 days, and I started experiencing some dark-colored bleeding. Currently, on the fifth day, the flow has been very light; sometimes there is blood, and sometimes there isn'...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello Hua, the condition of your menstruation is related to your previous gastroenteritis. The gastroenteritis has weakened your body's energy, causing irregularities in your menstrual cycle. If the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved, it is advisable to first use Fo...[Read More] Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes and Remedies
Managing Chronic Gastritis: Dietary Tips and Treatment Options for Students Abroad
Chronic gastritis I used to have a binge eating habit that lasted for several years. Recently, I've noticed that my tongue is particularly dry, with a thick white coating, bad breath, and sometimes a sour taste in my mouth. I believe this might be related to stomach heat, so...
Dr. Kang Zhongxi Reply:
Based on the symptoms you presented, it appears to be a gastrointestinal issue; however, a definitive diagnosis requires further examination. I recommend trying the following methods: 1. Avoid overeating; chew your food thoroughly and eat until you are about 70% full. Maintain r...[Read More] Managing Chronic Gastritis: Dietary Tips and Treatment Options for Students Abroad
Weight Gain and Menstrual Irregularities: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Weight loss, menstrual issues? Hello Dr. Yan, I have two questions I would like to ask: Question 1: My current weight is around 49-51 kg, but this time last year I was about 47-48 kg. However, over the past year, I have actually been eating much less. I usually commute by bicyc...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Mak, Thank you for your letter. Weight loss is a complex and challenging journey. It can be frustrating to put in effort without seeing results. Based on your description, your lack of progress in weight loss may be related to menstrual irregularities. I recommend consultin...[Read More] Weight Gain and Menstrual Irregularities: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting: Exploring Thyroid Issues and Traditional Remedies
Cachexia and Sarcopenia I weigh only 47.8 kg and am 171 cm tall. My weight has gradually decreased from 53-54 kg a few years ago to 52 kg at the end of last year, and now it is below 48 kg. I pay attention to appropriate calorie intake, sufficient protein, and consumption of frui...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, your TSH levels are within the normal range (it is best to interpret this alongside thyroid hormone levels). Your blood sugar is normal, you have regular meals, and your nutrition is balanced; however, you are experiencing gradual weight loss. First, we need to rule out th...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting: Exploring Thyroid Issues and Traditional Remedies
Do Herbal Remedies Interact with Birth Control Pills?
Is there a conflict between traditional Chinese medicine and contraceptive pills? Hello, doctor. I am taking herbal medicine for weight loss and would like to know if it will have any effects when taken together with oral contraceptives. The herbal ingredients include: Gynostemma...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear anonymous user: There are currently no research reports on potential interactions between weight loss medications and contraceptives, and this remains an unknown area. To avoid possible side effects, it is recommended to take them at least one hour apart. Wishing you health ...[Read More] Do Herbal Remedies Interact with Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nonspecific dizziness Hello doctor, I started experiencing dizziness in early February. During this time, I had two episodes of blood rushing to my head, but I did not experience vertigo. On March 30, I visited a doctor due to this dizziness. The doctor said it was because I was ...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Alvin, Feeling dizzy and heavy-headed is truly distressing. Your MRI findings indicate mild narrowing of the blood vessels in the right hemisphere of the brain. When you experience emotional stress, you also report numbness in your scalp, left hand, and both cheeks, as well...[Read More] Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Weight Loss: Fat vs. Muscle After Illness
What exactly is body weight? Hello doctor, I fell ill at the end of July last year, during which I couldn't eat anything and lost 15 kilograms within a month. I'm wondering whether the weight I lost was fat or muscle. Now I want to build a stronger body; are there any p...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, Ling Xiang: You mentioned that after becoming ill last July, you lost your appetite and lost 15 kilograms within a month. Based on the weight you lost, it likely included both fat and muscle. (Muscle atrophy begins after a week of bed rest.) You stated that you want to str...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Fat vs. Muscle After Illness
Unexplained Weight Loss and Neurological Symptoms: Seeking Answers in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Medication Inquiry~ Weight has inexplicably dropped from 70 kg to 48 kg within six months (not due to intentional weight loss!). Severe pain and weakness in the right leg, foot, and lower back, along with frequent urination. At the same time, severe pain started in the right uppe...
Dr. Yang Junkui Reply:
1. Based on your description, it appears to be a central nervous system issue, which subsequently led to problems with the heart and right-sided circulation. It is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon at a medical center. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, it is ce...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Neurological Symptoms: Seeking Answers in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Effective Traditional Chinese Medicine Tips for Thigh and Belly Fat Loss
Weight loss issues? Hello, I would like to ask how to lose weight in my thighs and abdomen. Which traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Tainan do you recommend?
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear user 3646: You want to know how to slim down your thighs and abdomen, as well as recommendations for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in Tainan? Weight loss is a lifelong endeavor for many women who desire beauty. Although there are countless dreams and wishes, mos...[Read More] Effective Traditional Chinese Medicine Tips for Thigh and Belly Fat Loss
Is It Safe to Drink Herbal Teas Daily? Benefits and Risks Explained
Can these Chinese herbal medicines be consumed long-term? I now brew a pot daily with goji berries, white ginseng, and ophiopogon, and drink it like plain water. Is this good for me? What are the long-term benefits and drawbacks for my health? What specific areas of the body do g...
Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear User, 1. It is fine to brew a pot of goji berries, white ginseng, and ophiopogon root and drink it like plain water every day. Long-term consumption is beneficial for most people and has no significant drawbacks. 2. Goji berries: According to the Compendium of Materia Medi...[Read More] Is It Safe to Drink Herbal Teas Daily? Benefits and Risks Explained
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...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Weight Loss
Understanding Diabetes from Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Diabetes mellitus Hello Dr. Lin, 1. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, what is the underlying issue with diabetes? 2. The doctor mentioned that both medication and insulin injections are options; which one causes the least harm to the liver and kidneys?
Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen / 22 / 0 Online User, Hello, 1. Diabetes is a common civilization disease worldwide, with an estimated over a million people affected in Taiwan. Individuals with a family history of diabetes, obesity, high stress, or irregular lifestyles are at a higher risk of de...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes from Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
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...[Read More] Weight Loss, Breast Growth, and Height Increase: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Weight Loss
Weight loss issues Hello: 1. How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnose obesity patients? Can pulse diagnosis determine the type of obesity? 2. If one only takes Chinese herbal medicine, will it be effective? Are there medications that target specific areas? I've a...
Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. Lai, I am pleased to receive your letter! 1. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the diagnosis of obesity is based on the four diagnostic methods: observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse-taking. Pulse-taking is just one part of the "palpation" metho...[Read More] Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Weight Loss
Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions for Postpartum Weight Loss
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Postpartum Obesity Issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask... It has been over a year since I gave birth, and I am wondering if it is still possible to reduce my weight back to what it was before pregnancy. I used to maintain a weight of 51-53 kg, ...
Dr. Hou Yuchang Reply:
Dear Tangxin, Hello, the fundamental principles of weight loss are "diet control, moderate exercise, good sleep, and strong determination." Traditional Chinese medicine may not necessarily be effective. Due to safety concerns regarding thread embedding for weight loss,...[Read More] Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions for Postpartum Weight Loss