четвртак, 9. август 2018.

Traditional Chinese Medicine- science or myth


Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) refers to the theories and practices of diagnosis and healing developed historically in China before the modern scientific method was established and was and still is concerned as much with occultism or religion as with natural phenomena.

The underlying basis of TCM is that all of creation is born from the interdependence of two opposite principles, yin and yang. These two opposites are in constant motion, creating a fluctuating balance in the healthy body.  Disease results when either yin or yang is in a state of prolonged excess or deficiency. One of the body constituents is Qi , which is the energy that gives us the ability to move, think, feel, and work.  Qi circulates along a system of conduits, the principle ones being channels or meridians.  There are twelve principle bilateral channels of Qi, each intimately connected with one of the viscera of the body, and each manifesting its own characteristic Qi.  When the flow of Qi becomes unbalanced through physical, emotional, or environmental insults, illness may result. Common treatments include acupressure, acupuncture, acupuncture, bloodletting, reflexology, and herbal medicine, though treatments can also be of inorganic, animal or even mythological origin.

What is the difference between medical science or “western medicine” what is popularly called in certain circles and “Traditional Chinese Medicine”? Conventional medicine is based on scientific knowledge of the body and uses treatments that have been proven effective through scientific research. Doctors are trained to have a thorough knowledge of the body's systems, diseases, and their treatments. All conventional treatment have to go through rigorous testing by law in order to prove that they work.
On the other hand TCM is based in religion, mythology and folk believes and has no scientific or medical evidence to show that its therapies can cure anything. Some TCM therapies are unsafe and can cause harmful side effects. Or they may interact with patient’s conventional medical treatment. This could increase the risk of harmful side effects or may stop the conventional treatment working so well. Giving up the conventional treatment could reduce patient’s  chance of curing or controlling the illness .Some alternative therapies sound promising but the claims are not supported by scientific evidence and can give some people false hope.

For the most part TCM now can be described as Pseudoscience which describes any belief system or methodology which tries to gain legitimacy by wearing the trappings of science, but fails to abide by the rigorous methodology and standards of evidence that are the marks of true science. Promoters of pseudoscience often adopt the vocabulary of science, describing conjectures as hypotheses, theories, or laws, providing "evidence" from observation and "expert" testimonies, or even developing what appear to be mathematical models of their ideas. However, in pseudoscience there is no honest attempt to follow the scientific method, provide falsifiable predictions, or develop double blind experiments. Although pseudoscience is designed to appear scientific, it lacks all of the substance of science. TCM gain much popularity in recent years, it is good source of income for many people and it is unfortunately supported by the government of PRC ( People’s Republic of China). That is the reason for aggressive marketing and constant tries to depict TCM as legitimate medical approach.

What proponents of TCM will not tell you and never admit is that TCM practice is usually harmful and if it is not harmful it is completely inefficient. In one study, 260 TCM products sold in California were analyzed for adulterants: 32% contained drugs and/or heavy metals. A problem is also the contamination of herbals with microorganisms, fungal toxins such as aflatoxin.  While some contamination comes from pure ignorance and lack of chemical , botanical and biochemical knowledge some heavy metals are used on purpose.  

For example mercury sulfide known as cinnabar has been used in Chinese medicine, where it is called zhūshā (朱砂), and was highly valued. Cinnabar has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine as a sedative for more than 2000 years In addition to being used for insomnia, cinnabar is thought to be effective for cold sores, sore throat, and some skin infections. As it is commonly known Mercury is extremely toxic.

 The other highly toxic element found in TCM medicaments is Realgar or arsenic sulphide is used to kill parasitic worms and treat sore throats, swellings, abscesses, itching, rashes, and malaria. Arsenic in extremely toxic and widely known through Agatha Cristie’s books.
Galena or lead sulphide is used in TCM to treat ringworm, skin disorders and ulcers, and is thought to "detoxify" the body. It is crushed and taken orally or used on the skin. Lead tetroxide (Qian Dan) is used to treat anxiety, itching, and malaria. It is important to note that most lead compounds are extremely toxic.

Other metals found regularly in TCM medicaments are Copper, Cadmium, Zinc and Thallium.

Not only metals but other toxic minerals are used in TCM

Powdered Sulphur as cure for diarrhea.

Gypsum (Gypsum Fibrosum), hydrated calcium sulphate, is used to treat muscle spasms.
Pumice called pumicite in its powdered or dust form, is a volcanic rock that consists of highly vesicular rough textured volcanic glass, which may or may not contain crystals. It is typically light colored

Hematite, also spelled as haematite, is the mineral form of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), one of several iron oxides. It is the oldest known iron oxide mineral that has ever formed on earth, and is widespread in rocks and soil

Greenschists are metamorphic rocks that formed under the lowest temperatures and pressures usually produced by regional metamorphism,

Actinolite is an amphibole silicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca2(Mg4.5-2.5Fe2+0.5-2.5)Si8O22(OH)2

 Important ingredients of TCM pharmacology are Dragon bones, fossilized bones of dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. They are rich in calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate and are used to calm the Spirit (Shen), evict ghosts, sooth nerves, stop dizziness and stop sweating.
dragon bones


The causes of adverse reactions associated with TCM herbal remedies are diverse. They include variability in active/toxic ingredients due to growing conditions, use of inherent toxic herbs causing toxicity, overdose of herbs, drug-herb interactions especially with pharmaceuticals that have narrow therapeutic index, coexisting diseases, and idiosyncratic reactions like allergy, hepatitis and anaphylaxis. Other adverse reactions can be due to manufacturing and quality problems causing adulteration, misidentification, substitution of one herb with another, variability in the amount of active ingredients, use of pharmaceuticals without identifying on the labels, improper processing and preparation, and contamination.

 Toxicological studies of herbs alone used in TCM report that toxic effects due to the use of herbal medicine are associated with hepatotoxicity. Other toxic effects on the kidneys, nervous system, blood, and cardiovascular system, as well as medicinal herbs’ mutagenicity and carcinogenicity have also been published in medical journals. Therefore, numerous advance biological experimental techniques have been used as standard safety tests prior to the efficacy study. For example, often used ingredients  are  plants of the genera Ephedra and Asarum. Both can contain toxic chemicals such as aristolochic acid, a compound banned in many countries because it causes kidney disease and cancer of the upper urinary tract. Substances known to be potentially dangerous include aconite, secretions from the Asiatic toad, powdered centipede, the Chinese beetle (Mylabris phalerata, Ban mao), and certain fungi. There are health problems associated with Aristolochia. Toxic effects are also frequent with Aconitum. To avoid its toxic adverse effects Xanthium sibiricum must be processed. Hepatotoxicity has been reported with products containing Polygonum multiflorum, glycyrrhizin, Senecio and Symphytum. The evidence suggests that hepatotoxic herbs also include Dictamnus dasycarpus, Astragalus membranaceous, and Paeonia lactiflora; although there is no evidence that they cause liver damage. Contrary to popular belief, Ganoderma lucidum mushroom extract, as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy, appears to have the potential for toxicity. Also, adulteration of some herbal medicine preparations with conventional drugs which may cause serious adverse effects, such as corticosteroids, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, and glibenclamide, has been reported.A 2013 review suggested that although the antimalarial herb Artemisia annua may not cause hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, or hyperlipidemia, it should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to a potential risk of embryotoxicity at a high dose.
Cancer causing Ephedra plant

Besides herbal and mineral toxicity TCM uses some animals and animals organs that can be dangerous like various toads and insects.

Not only toxic TCM remedies require some animals parts or whole animals and causes hunting of endangered species. Here are some example of animal parts used in TCM

 Dried deer penis is popular in traditional Chinese medicine, and sold in Chinese pharmacies, believing it has important therapeutic properties and effective for athletic injuries, and remedy for impotency or male virility.

Deer antlers are believed to build up physical and spiritual powers, if antlers are mixed in tonic or tea drinks and consumed and best remedy for colds and flu.As they cut the antlers, they squeezed the blood in it and mixed on herbal preparations. The antlers are sliced thinly and boiled with ginseng herbal plants and other herbs. They also believed if the slices are closer to the antler’s roots it is more effective for health than the antler’s tip.

The feces of the flying squirrels are believed to invigorate the blood vessels if consumed raw, and if dried and fried, it can help stop bleeding. It is believed to be a remedy for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea or menstrual pains among women, epigastric (stomach) pain, and chest pains, postpartum and abdominal pain. If ingested mixed the feces with other herbs, dry and fry if used for stopping uterine bleeding with blood clots due to stasis . But in some studies, flying squirrel feces are vector for typhus diseases

Rhinoceros horns are believed used for fever remedy and believed they are agents to cool the blood. But hunting for Rhino horns are banned, but still these horns are found sold in black markets, because Rhinoceros are considered as an endangered animals.

Elephant skin are believed to cure acne and pimples and other skin blemishes

Tiger parts -The baculum or penis bone of the Tiger are one of the most famous Chinese medicine and the tiger eyes, believed to improve virility and cure impotency. The tiger whiskers are consumed for toothache remedy and strength, the tiger eyes can cure epilepsy, seizures and convulsions, malaria, nervous breakdown and eye cataracts. The tiger nose are also remedies for epilepsy and convulsions, the tail is for skin diseases treatment. The crashed and powdered tiger bones and mixed with wine or soup, can treat rheumatism, arthritis, muscle strength and prolong life. The tiger brain, is believed to cure pimples and laziness, while the tiger skin, can cure mental diseases, the blood if consumed for strengthen will power and stamina, the flesh or meat can cure malaria, nausea and energy. The testes is believed to cure tuberculosis and upset stomach, the tiger bile is best for child’s convulsion, the gallstones is a treatment for weak and watery eyes. And Tiger feces or poops are used to treat boils, hemorrhoids, epilepsy, ulcers and malaria. No scientific evidence are shown this are all effective.
Tiger penis

Snake blood are usually prepared by slicing the belly, and allow the blood to pour and drink it fresh from the cobra’s wound. It is widely believed to ward off all kinds of illness and boost energy and an aphrodisiac. Some cannot drink it fresh, so they mix it in some drinks like wine and tea.

Dried sea horses are used to treat problems like asthma, impotence and heart disease, while snake oil is rubbed onto achy joints.

These are just some of the animals used in TCM, they use a lot more weird ingredients or whole animals like dog’s penis, bull penis, rat’s fetus, pangolins’ fetus, Macaque Monkey meat, Ground turtle shells, various insects, abalone, shark fin, clams, fish maw, lizards, Silkworm Feces ect. Besides animals TCM also uses human body parts like human feces, dried human placenta, finger nails, child's urine, hair, and urinary sediments.
Besides making remedies, potions , wines, pills TCM incudes a various types of treatments that can be dangerous and certainly are not good for halt. Here are some examples of TCM treatments

Urine therapy , It is believed that urine could cure illnesses such as hyperthyroidism. Founded in Hong Kong in 2008, the China Urine Therapy Association claims to have gathered more than 100,000 followers who’ve turned to urine therapy, even though medical experts pointed out that the practice is likely more harmful than effective.

Apitherapy, a folk therapy using bee venom, is claimed to be effective in curing rheumatism, arthritis, migraine headaches, stomach pains, high blood cholesterol and other ailments, although the state has not approved Apitherapy as a useful Chinese medical treatment. Experts say the biggest risk is allergies, which could be deadly.

Moxibustion is a therapy that involves burning moxa (mugwort root) made from dried Artimesia vulgaris (spongy herb) to facilitate healing. Burning moxa produces a great deal of smoke and a pungent odor that often is confused with that of cannabis. The purpose of moxibustion is to warm and invigorate the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, strengthen the kidney Yang, expel wind and disperse cold, and dissolve stagnation. Inhaling any kind of smoke damages lungs.

Gua sha is a  therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. Gua sha is intended to address stagnant energy, called chi, in the body that practitioners believe may be responsible for inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing
Gua Sha massage aftermath

Cupping is a type of Chinese massage, consisting of placing several glass or plastic “cups” (open spheres) on the body. TCM practitioners warm the cups using a cotton ball or other flammable substance, which is then placed inside the cup to remove all the oxygen. The practitioner then removes the substance and places the cup against the skin. The air in the cup then cools, creating lower pressure inside the cup, creating a vacuum and allowing the cup to stick to the skin. Fleshy sites on the body, such as the back and stomach, are the preferred sites for treatment. Scraping, or “Gua Sha,” is a folk medicine technique that uses pieces of smooth jade, bone, animal tusks, horns, or smooth stones to scrape along the skin to release obstruction and toxins that are trapped at the surface of the skin. The scraping is done until red spots then bruising cover the treatment area.
Terrible effects of cupping
Usual effect of cupping



Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice that ,medical research has clearly shown that this process may be both ineffective and dangerous! Ear candling involves placing one end of a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end to create negative pressure. The goal of this technique is to clean the ear by drawing ear wax and debris out of the canal. Studies have shown that not only is it ineffective at getting ear wax out, but it can also be dangerous as the hot wax can drip into the ear and burn. Unfortunately, this may not be the best method to treat allergies, headaches, and colds, which are all symptoms that ear candling was believed to be a cure for

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is the best known part of TCM and certainly the most popular one. While, like in all other cases there are no scientific evidence that this method actually have any positive effects some negative effects are pretty common and usually no one talks about them.
1.   Soreness, Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed.
2.    Bruising  can occur at the needling site as a result of hematoma caused by needle insertion
3.    Muscle twitching as a result of needle agitate nerves, sometimes muscle spasm can occure.
4.    Skin Infections
5.    Skin irritation
6.    Possibility of infection with HIV or hepatitis
Also a study conducted by National Patient Safety Agency, part of the UK’s government-funded National Health Service found that many kids of adverse effects occur during acupuncture treatments and some of them are life threating. More than 50 % of the patients experiencing dizziness and fainting when the needle was inserted. There were 5 cases of lung collapsing, caused by the needle puncturing the pleural membranes around the lung. Studies of acupuncture in other countries and in the UK outside the NHS have revealed 86 deaths after acupuncture between 1965 and 2009, most of them from lung collapse. Another risk, he says, is to the 6 per cent of people who naturally have a hole in their breastbone, near an acupuncture point. The hole is covered with ligaments, so a doctor cannot feel it. “Acupuncture needles go right through and penetrate the membranes around the heart,” with lethal effect.

As we can see, there is nothing scientific in TCM , even more, it is dangerous and harmful practice. The only proven beneficial practice that came from TCM is manual massage which is pretty much the same as massage anywhere else on the world. In this article only the most common practices are described, every local enviornment has its own specific, odd, dangerous and harmful practices. 




sources

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22247-acupuncture-treatment-is-not-as-safe-as-advertised














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