Latest issue
The latest issue is number 88 published in October 2008
THE TREATMENT OF MALE SUBFERTILITY WITH ACUPUNCTURE
Author: Peter Deadman
Male subfertility may be a factor in at least half of all couple infertility, yet apart from assisted reproduction technology (ART), biomedical treatment options are limited. There is growing evidence that acupuncture can improve sperm parameters and may therefore play a role in improving male fertility. This article offers a broad introduction to the subject and covers environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to generalised and individual male subfertility, gives the basic biomedical information that a practitioner needs to know, and discusses the Chinese medicine theory and differentiation, and the acupuncture treatment, of male subfertility. Finally a small number of research papers are discussed.
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MULTI-BED ACUPUNCTURE CLINICS: A NEW MODEL OF PRACTICE
Author: Charlotte Stone
Multi‑bed acupuncture clinics ‑ a recent and successful phenomenon in the UK ‑ utilise a new business model for the provision of more affordable acupuncture treatments. Patients benefit from reduced cost of treatment in exchange for some loss of privacy, and they overwhelmingly report being treated in a communal setting as a positive experience. Practitioners benefit from a highly stimulating and supportive working environment, a significantly increased potential client base and the satisfaction of providing more accessible treatment.
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ADDICTION & CHINESE MEDICINE
Authors: Yongping Jian
This article explains addiction from a Chinese medicine perspective, including the properties and pathologies of addictive substances, the basic patterns of addiction, treatment principles and examples of both herbal and acupuncture treatment methods. The author believes that the addict’s strong desire to use substances is caused by a spirit (shen) disturbance, and that the direct cause of this spirit problem is invisible phlegm. Addictive substances may be divided into two categories: stimulating (yang‑type) and sedative (yin‑type). Generally speaking, stimulating substances are acrid, warm and aromatic. They therefore move qi and blood, enhance physical strength, lift the spirit and relieve stress. Since they have no tonifying function, these effects are short‑lived. If overused, they can damage yin and blood, build up phlegm‑fire, disturb the spirit and lead to addiction. Sedative substances have cool or neutral properties. Their main function is to calm the spirit. They therefore relax the mind and body, relieving fatigue and pain. If overused, they may cause stagnation of qi and blood, the build up of phlegm, consequent misting of the spirit, and finally, addiction. To treat addiction, we must make a clear diagnosis by understanding what type of substances are being used. Addiction to stimulating substances may be treated by clearing heat, transforming phlegm, calming the spirit and nourishing yin and blood. Addiction to sedative substances may be treated by moving qi, transforming phlegm and opening the Heart orifices. Some useful herbal formulas and points are listed for reference.
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HEAVENLY MOXIBUSTION AND MEDICINAL APPLICATION MOXIBUSTION
Author: Lorraine Wilcox
Heavenly moxibustion and medicinal application moxibustion are little known in the west. They involve applying warm or hot medicinal substances to acumoxa points. The history, materials and methods of application are described along with treatments for a number of conditions.
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CHINESE HERBAL PATENT MEDICINES FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Author: Mei Wang
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly encountered in the clinic. The use of Chinese herbal patent medicines, prescribed according to pattern differentiation, is discussed in this article.
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ZHANG CONG-ZHENG AND THE ATTACK AND DRAIN SCHOOL
Author: Charles Buck
This paper appraises the work of the Jin‑Yuan dynasty master Zhang Cong‑zheng, founder of the Attack and Drain School (Gong Xie Pai). It discusses his revival and refinement of the three methods of pathogen removal as described in the Su Wen and developed in the Shang Han Lun.
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THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT IMPLANTATION FAILURE IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Author: Naava Carmen
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the repeated failure of an embryo to implant in the uterus of an otherwise healthy woman of childbearing age. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has much to offer women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), both in terms of preparation for conception as well as assistance during the biomedical treatment itself. With a good working knowledge of the treatment protocols used in ART, and a clear understanding of the causes of RIF, a TCM practitioner can make an accurate diagnosis and provide effective treatment, the results of which will be seen in the subsequent ART cycle. This article discusses the causes, diagnosis and treatment of RIF according to both Western biomedicine and TCM, and is illustrated by a case study from the author’s own practice.
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NEWS, NEWS, NEWS 88
NEWS from The Journal of Chinese Medicine summarises recent research in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as diet, lifestyle, exercise, relaxation and meditation and other miscellaneous subjects. Much of this information will help practitioners to accurately inform patients of the benefits or risks of lifestyle choices and give informed answers to patients’ questions, aid in the practice of preventive medicine and help practitioners take care of their own health.
NEWS comes free with a subscription to the journal. However if you are not a subscriber you can just subscribe to NEWS by clicking here.
REVIEWS:
APPLIED CHANNEL THEORY IN CHINESE MEDICINE – WANG JU‑YI’S LECTURES ON CHANNEL
THERAPEUTICS (purchase this book)
by Wang Ju‑Yi & Jason D. Robertson
INTEGRATING CONVENTIONAL & CHINESE MEDICINE IN CANCER CARE (purchase this book)
by Tai Lahans
MOXIBUSTION: THE POWER OF MUGWORT FIRE (purchase this book)
by Lorraine Wilcox
THE JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE ABSTRACTS DECEMBER 2007 & MARCH 2008 (buy this article)
Author: Various
• Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on tear film of the patients with xerophthalmia, by Zhang Yanchao.
•Forty-six cases of acute cerebral infarction treated with the combined use of acupuncture and drugs, by Guo Zhili.
•Clinical application of the back-shu points, by Gong Jiapei.
•The combined use of acupuncture and Chinese medicines for treatment of menopausal syndrome – a clinical report of 63 cases, by Tian Huazhang et al.
•Acupuncture combined with spinal Tui Na for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea in 30 cases, Guo Aisong et al.
•Forty cases of gastrointestinal neurosis treated by acupuncture, by Zhao Yaping et al.
•Clinical observation on the effect of earlobe bleeding plus body acupuncture in 85 cases of common acne, by Liu Zhaohui.
•Dr Li Chuanjie’s experience in the acupuncture and herbal treatment for coronary heart disease, by Cao Jianping.
•The short-term therapeutic effect of the three-part massotherapy for insomnia due to deficiency of both the Heart and Spleen – a report of 100 cases, by Zhou Yunfeng et al.
•The therapeutic effects of Rehmannia oral liquid for the syndrome of heat accumulation with yin consumption in oesophagus cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy – a report of 60 cases, by Zheng Yuling.
•Study on treatment principles for chronic atrophic gastritis, by Jiang Haishen.
•Dr Wang Huiwu’s experience in treating pruritis, by Tao Hong et al.
•Dr Shi Hanzhang’s experience in treating andropathy, by Zhang Lei.
•Further discussion on the three methods for the stage treatment of Parkinson’s disease, by Zhao Guohua.
•TCM treatment of ankylosing spondilitis by tonifying the Kidney and strengthening the Governing vessel, by Liu Peng.
•Clinical experience in TCM treatment of refractory nephritic syndrome, by Nie Lifang.
