I have read other posts about whether there is scientific merit to philosophical basis of TCM. I find these discussions somewhat circular and esoteric. I think it is important to understand the limitations of both Western and Eastern medicine. I certainly wouldn't seek out an acupuncturist if I knew I needed coronary bypass surgery or if I had an enlarging abdominal aneurysm.
However, CFS/ME is the "invisible disease" where science seems to be just getting started in trying to explain the pathophysiology. Dr. Chia is an example of a western trained infectious disease physician who figured out the limitations of western medicine. He then turned to TCM to treat his son Andrew which let to the development of Equilabrant.
However, there are difficulties in assuming that a set of Chinese herbs works / is effective for all patients with CFS/ME. First, I believe that there are subsets within the CFS/ME population with varing presentations, triggers, and abnormalities. In addition, we already know from western medicine that there is a genetic basis to how an individual responds to classes of medication, hence the push to "precision medicine".
Personally, I have tried several treatments western and eastern with limited success. I think the general concepts toward considering a certain treatment is universal - first begin by undergoing thorough medical evaluation to rule out our diagnoses. Next try to research to potential risks of medication or chinese herb and obtain blood tests to monitor for adverse effect.
I believe eastern medicine involves much more "art" and it tends to be practitioner dependent. As with any good clinician, it is reassuring to find someone who understands and respects the limitations of each field. Western medicine has plently antibiotics but very little to offer a patient with viral illness (ie Enterovirus D68, SARS, Chikungunya virus).
I have used acupuncture on semi regular basis to help treat chronic muscle pains in my legs. I find my overall pain seems to worsen after taking traditional "pain medication". Equilabrant was helpful for fatigue and brain fog but I only achieved partial response. When you suffer a significant relapse after trying multiple treatments, it is truly frustrating.
My local acupuncturist recommended Dr. Tian in Largo, FL (near Clearwater). He has a PhD and is highly regarded amongst his piers (trained at Beijing schools and hospitals). He also lectures at US medical schools on Acupuncture. I started new herbal regimen 3 weeks ago along with acupunture twice a week. He was the first TCM doctor that already new about Equiliabrant. I think the best gauge for someone with CFS/ME is how much physical / mental activity one can tolerate. There has definitely been an improvement (20%?). The treatment goals for TCM are very simple. Use herbs that may have antiviral effect. Also, "tonify"/strengthen your own immune system and overall condtion so that you can hopefully clear your illness yourself.
However, CFS/ME is the "invisible disease" where science seems to be just getting started in trying to explain the pathophysiology. Dr. Chia is an example of a western trained infectious disease physician who figured out the limitations of western medicine. He then turned to TCM to treat his son Andrew which let to the development of Equilabrant.
However, there are difficulties in assuming that a set of Chinese herbs works / is effective for all patients with CFS/ME. First, I believe that there are subsets within the CFS/ME population with varing presentations, triggers, and abnormalities. In addition, we already know from western medicine that there is a genetic basis to how an individual responds to classes of medication, hence the push to "precision medicine".
Personally, I have tried several treatments western and eastern with limited success. I think the general concepts toward considering a certain treatment is universal - first begin by undergoing thorough medical evaluation to rule out our diagnoses. Next try to research to potential risks of medication or chinese herb and obtain blood tests to monitor for adverse effect.
I believe eastern medicine involves much more "art" and it tends to be practitioner dependent. As with any good clinician, it is reassuring to find someone who understands and respects the limitations of each field. Western medicine has plently antibiotics but very little to offer a patient with viral illness (ie Enterovirus D68, SARS, Chikungunya virus).
I have used acupuncture on semi regular basis to help treat chronic muscle pains in my legs. I find my overall pain seems to worsen after taking traditional "pain medication". Equilabrant was helpful for fatigue and brain fog but I only achieved partial response. When you suffer a significant relapse after trying multiple treatments, it is truly frustrating.
My local acupuncturist recommended Dr. Tian in Largo, FL (near Clearwater). He has a PhD and is highly regarded amongst his piers (trained at Beijing schools and hospitals). He also lectures at US medical schools on Acupuncture. I started new herbal regimen 3 weeks ago along with acupunture twice a week. He was the first TCM doctor that already new about Equiliabrant. I think the best gauge for someone with CFS/ME is how much physical / mental activity one can tolerate. There has definitely been an improvement (20%?). The treatment goals for TCM are very simple. Use herbs that may have antiviral effect. Also, "tonify"/strengthen your own immune system and overall condtion so that you can hopefully clear your illness yourself.
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