Below are some common health problems that can be successfully treated with alternative medicine.

Chest and Respiratory problems

• It can be as simple as a major cold or as life-threatening as a heart attack. Respiratory problems can occur in the upper respiratory tract with sinusitis, sore throats, hay fever etc. or in the lower respiratory tract for bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia etc.

• Allergies are the common trigger of respiratory problems, the symptoms are a lot like cold symptoms, but they usually last longer. Pharmaceutical drugs may work in the short term, but the underlying lung deficiency is the root cause to be treated. The herbal remedy is working on the symptoms and the inner cause for a longer-term recovery.

• Cold/Flu happens year round and usually indicates a lower immunity. Slow recovery from cold/flu could leave lungs and intestine system in risk, with symptoms of coughing, indigestion, shallow breathing or sleeping disorders. The holistic approach of Oriental Medicine originated from the treatment of colds, recognizing how their side effects could weaken overall wellness. Lung infections are also very risky for those with heart disease, liver or kidney problems. Check up post cold/flu attack for a full recovery is very important. If a common cold or flu does not improve within a week, you should seek further diagnosis.

• A sore throat and tonsillitis are mostly caused by viruses and may occur with a cold or after a cold. Inflammations can deplete the body’s system and an herbal cleanse helps to clear it. It helps to correct the immune system and prevent later infections. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills may weaken the intestines, and this imbalance can be corrected with herbal treatments.

• Bronchitis is an inflammation and irritation of the airways that lead to the lungs. Symptoms of bronchitis usually begin days after an upper respiratory infection. Dry cough, sputum, mild fever, fatigue, discomfort or tightness in the chest, and wheezing are common symptoms. All of  these indicate weakened lungs and a kidney system that is not strong enough to maintain the immune function. Oriental medicine works on internal organ functions to eliminate disorders.

• Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation that affects the bronchial tubes and lungs. Having bronchitis and other lung diseases, such as asthma, may cause pneumonia with a productive cough, fever, chills, breathing disorder, rapid heartbeat or fatigue. According to Oriental Medicine pathology, both the liver and kidney systems are affected in pneumonia, therefore the complete recovery will demand general balance with specific formulas.

• Asthma is a condition that causes long-term inflammation of the airways. Making a wheezing or whistling sound while breathing is a typical symptom, sometimes a chronic dry cough will be lingering through the night or early morning. Traditional Chinese Medicine is well known for asthma recovery, especially when inhalers lose their effectiveness.

• Heart palpitations may be caused by a heart problem, they often occur because of stress, fatigue, caffeine or nicotine stimulation, anxiety or side effect from drugs. Weakness in the lungs, liver, and heart can all trigger palpitations. Chinese medicine has known for its pulse taking diagnosis to check up the inner balance, palpitations may indicate more complicated conditions that need timely treatment. As for online consulting, the traditional method of diagnosis can be adapted through clinical experience, working together with heart rate monitors such as Fitbit -type wearable devices.

Eye and Ear problems

• Dry eyes happen when the eye lacks enough moisture, which is a body fluid deficiency caused by liver or kidney system disorders. Low humidity, smoke, certain diseases or medications including antihistamines, antidepressants, and birth control pills etc. Most people use non-prescription artificial tear solution to help, but herbal formulas will treat the root cause of dry eyes.

• Dizziness is a word often used to describe light-headedness and vertigo as well. Actually, light-headedness is a feeling that you are about to pass out, it can lead to fainting and nausea or vomiting. Light-headedness is common when you have the flu, a cold, or allergies. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever can cause dehydration and light-headedness. Unexplained fainting needs to be evaluated by a health professional.

• Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving though there is no actual movement.There are many different causes of vertigo that require professional consultation.

• Tinnitus likes ringing in the ear that usually last only a few minutes for short term experience. If it becomes persistent, you may have tinnitus caused by nerve damage, or from the view of Oriental Medicine, liver and kidney disorder especially when it goes together with other symptoms. Modern medicine still holds that there is no cure for tinnitus, but Oriental medicine formulas may alleviate the condition or even cure it over time.

• Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Most headaches that occur without other symptoms are caused by tension and respond well to home treatment with directions. If it happens repeatedly or unusual, you should consult a health professional. In Oriental Medicine, the headaches include migraine will be divided into different types according to its property and locations. Each type is related to a different organ system, indicating a disorder that requires treatment.

Skin disorders

• Acne is the term for blemishes that commonly form on the face, chest, upper back or shoulders. Acne usually starts during the teen years and often persists into adulthood when hormonal imbalance happens. Doctors normally prescribe stronger topical medication, antibiotics, pills to treat severe or persistent cases, though side effects exist. Oriental medicine considers the lungs and intestines as the root cause of acne problems and has dedicated remedies to detoxify and refresh the skin.

• Eczema has a formal name as Atopic Dermatitis(AD), is a chronic skin disorder that often develops in people who have asthma, hay fever, and other allergies. Conventional medicine claims there is no cure, though management is primarily achieved with steroids, which have significant side effects. Oriental medicine holds that eczema is caused by dampness and rising toxicity that affecting liver and blood, therefore detox treatment will clear eczema for long-term recovery.

• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition the causes raised red patches topped with silvery, scaling skin. Stress may contribute to psoriasis. Usage of hydrocortisone creams could help small patches, but not much help for the bigger area or longer term. Detoxifying herbal remedies can treat the root cause of psoriasis and reduce recurrence.

• Shingles are caused by the reactivation of the chicken pox virus in the body years after the initial illness. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to shingles, though no one knows exactly what reactivates the virus. The clear up of shingles could be over many weeks, Chinese medicine has proven effective in treating shingles with specific herbal remedies, including creams that reduces pain and rash.

• Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn that involves the outer surface of the skin. Sunburns are painful but can usually be treated at home unless they are extensive. There is a specific herbal cream that successfully treats burns, including sunburn.

• Hair loss is natural though thinning hair can signal problems such as thyroid disease or lupus. Emotional or physical stress can cause short-term hair loss, as can changing hormone levels during pregnancy and menopause. Alopecia may present as sudden bald spots, mostly due to toxic reactions or stress. Chinese medicine regards hair as the terminal point of the blood circulation system, which is related to liver and kidney energy performance. Supplements for hair growth can address hair loss in time and correct imbalance within inner organs.

• Scar marks include wounds, acne scars, or commonly surgical scars such as from C-section. Scar tissues persist for years if not treated promptly. Cosmetic laser treatment could help, though the healing still depends on local blood circulation. There are herbal remedies that could help both for topical application and internal blood circulation improvement.

Digestive and Urinary Problems

• Constipation occurs when stools are difficult to pass. It may occur with cramping and pain in the rectum caused by straining to pass hard, dry stools. There may be some bloating, nausea, small bleeding from slight tears in the anus. Causes of constipation could be many conditions including intestine disorder, hormonal changes, liver or lungs dysfunctions etc. Sedentary office work with long hours sitting is another common cause. In Oriental medicine, treatment considers the whole system, not just the bowel movement.

• Diarrhea occurs when the intestines push stools through before the water in the stools can be reabsorbed by the body.Watery and loose stools usually go together with abdominal cramps and nausea. To pinpoint the exact cause of diarrhea, you need a health professional, as the causes may include contaminated food, viruses, indigestion, emotional stress, anxiety or medication.
• Early morning diarrhea indicates weakness in the spleen or kidney system. Antibiotics can disrupt intestinal microbe balance, which needs to be corrected promptly; otherwise, it may lead to other problems.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of the digestive tract. Symptoms of IBS often increase with stress or after eating and include:
• Abdominal bloating, pain, and gas;
• Mucus in the stool;
• Feeling as if a bowel movement hasn’t been completed;
• Irregular bowel habits, with constipation, diarrhea, or both.
• Western medicine has not identified the cause of IBS, but Oriental medicine attributes it to liver disorders that cause irregular pressure level in the intestines. Different types of causes require specific herbal formulas or moxibustion therapy for recovery.

• Gall attack and Gallstones
• Gallbladder disorders will cause gallstones, usually made of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder. Symptoms of gall attack include cramping pain, fever and vomiting due to the inflamed gallbladder. Gallstones that don’t cause symptoms don’t require treatment in Western medicine, while severe gallbladder attacks are treated with surgery. Removal of the gallbladder sometimes doesn’t solve the problem, as gallbladder dysfunction is mostly associated with the liver. The liver and intestinal system also take over the function of the gallbladder when it is removed. Herbal remedies can alleviate the symptoms of gallbladder disorders, which may resolve without surgery, or even work on post-surgery disorders.

• Heartburn occurs when there is an abnormal back flows of stomach juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach. The reflux causes a feeling of burning, warmth, or heat beneath the breastbone. Symptoms often start after you eat. It is important to visit a health professional if you have frequent heartburn and over-the-counter medicine does not relieve the discomfort. Oriental medicine views the stomach and heart as a unit, heartburn sometimes indicates heart disorders that need to be ruled out. Liver and gallbladder disorders could be behind the heartburn and it might be related to cholesterol problems. If heartburn occurs together with gas or bloating, it mostly indicates that a liver disorder exists.

• Stomach flu and food poisoning are different ailments with different causes, which are common concerns in travel medicine as well. However, many people confuse the two because the symptoms are so similar.
• Stomach flu is usually caused by a viral infection in the digestive system. Food poisoning is usually caused by a toxin produced by bacteria in food.

• Stomachache, nausea, and vomiting with diarrhea are common symptoms. Drinking warm water and fasting are home treatment options. Herbal remedies that detoxify and enhance stomach function are effective and even preventive if taken before travel.

• Hemorrhoids are enlarged and inflamed veins that may develop inside or outside the anus. It generally lasts several days and often recurs. Persistent bleeding may require surgical treatment, though herbal remedies can help stop bleeding and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms. Both internal and external treatments address the root cause of hemorrhoids. Herbal remedies also help with anal fissures, which usually cause pain during bowel movements and streaks of blood on stools.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including bladder infections and kidney infections, are generally caused by bacteria that are normally present in the digestive system. Early symptoms of a UTI may include burning or pain during urination as well as itching or pain in the urethra. The urine may be cloudy or reddish in color and may have an unusual odor. You may feel some discomfort in the lower abdomen or back and have a frequent urge to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
• Men who have enlarged prostates, women who have had multiple pregnancies, people with kidney stones or diabetes and those who are paralyzed may be at higher risk for chronic urinary tract infections.
• Avoiding caffeine and including cranberry, cherry and blueberry juice in the diet are easy home treatments. As the kidney is the main organ supporting bladder, herbal remedies that enhance kidney energy can aid recovery without the side effects of antibiotics.

• Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes parts of the digestive tract to swell and develop sores. Its main symptoms are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea.  Constipation, fever, and loss of appetite may also occur. There is no effective treatment other than surgery in modern medicine, though Chinese medicine can help regulate intestinal function by strengthening stomach and spleen function.

Bone, Muscle and Joint Problems

• Aches and pains go everywhere of the body, making painkillers a daily necessity.  Sports injuries and arthritis cause a variety of joint problems with pain, swelling or stiffness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common today due to the prevalence of computer use in work and daily life. Tech neck is the main type of neck injury as well as car accident injury.  With physiotherapy and painkillers, bone, muscle and joint problems could be managed, but better recovery can also be achieved with herbal remedies including lotion, formulas, plasters and moxibustion to improve circulation in affected areas. In Oriental medicine, bones, tendons and ligaments are associated with the kidney and liver systems for nutritional support. From fibromyalgia to bone fractures, herbal remedies can better relieve pain by enhancing the body’s cellular renewal.

• A concussion is very common in sports injuries and the symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, joint pain, numbness, vision disorders and even brain damage. It is usually  related to blockages between different layers of head tissues. Herbal remedies could help to clear the blockage and heal the soft tissue damage.

Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin or when the body does not use insulin properly. Many people with type 2 diabetes are able to control their blood sugar by getting regular exercise; eating a healthy diet; managing stress; maintaining a reasonable weight. Herbal remedies that enhance spleen and kidney function can help make type 2 diabetes more manageable. People with blood sugar disorders should take steps to prevent diabetes, especially those with a family history of the disease.

• Blood pressure
• If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140 systolic and 90 diastolic, you have high blood pressure (hypertension). If your blood pressure reading is 120 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
• High blood pressure is a silent killer; it increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney or eye damage. People may develop uncomfortable or disturbing side effects from medication taken for high blood pressure. Herbal remedies are an option for adjusting blood pressure by improving circulation in the liver and kidney systems. Veins in the liver and arteries in the kidneys have a dynamic impact on blood pressure.
• Low blood pressure is not a  normal condition either, as it indicates conditions like low iron, weakness in spleen or lungs, cardiac vascular circulation problems, and usually, goes with dizziness and fatigue. Low blood pressure is mainly caused by nutritional or circulation problems that can be helped by herbal remedies.

• High cholesterol in the blood can build up inside your arteries, causing them to narrow, which is the starting point for most heart and circulation problems. People with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, cigarette smokers need to undergo cholesterol screening and switch to a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a diet low in saturated fat are helpful to lower cholesterol. Herbal remedies that improve blood circulation and liver/gallbladder function can help manage cholesterol by restoring inner balance.

• Thyroid problems happen when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little of it( hypothyroidism). Long-term usage of drugs prescribed for these conditions is very common. In the ideas of Oriental medicine, thyroid problems usually indicate an imbalance between liver, spleen, and kidney. Given hormonal changes throughout life, correcting the underlying imbalance is more important than simply controlling the thyroid levels.

• Heart and stroke recovery is a long-term effort, medical doctors normally follow up with regular exams and medicines to prevent recurrence. Blood thinners can cause fatigue and lower quality of life. Herbal remedies that could boost energy and increase nutrition will help. There are many secondary conditions following heart disease and stroke, which can be treated with herbal medicine that does not conflict with regular medications.

Women’s Health

• Conception
• Your health before conception and during the first weeks after is particularly important for your baby’s health. Start helping your baby even before you become pregnant. Long-term use of pills and lifestyle changes have made infertility quite common today. Many women have to turn to IVF for pregnancy. Oriental medicine considers active reproductive energy and regular menstrual periods as essential elements for conception. For thousands of years, specific remedies have been used to aid conception. It also helps those who choose to do IVF, as prenatal health always demands better balance.

• Menstrual cramps are suffered by many women, including mild to severe cramping in the lower abdomen, back area and may go with a headache, dizziness. IUD insertion could be one of the causes for the first few months of use. Birth control pills can be used as a treatment, but for those who cannot take pills, herbal remedies can help. Herbal remedies work to improve circulation and the hormonal system. It is also a way to treat women who have uterine fibroids which indicate stagnation in the uterus.

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) reportedly affects up to 40% of women in their lives. Both physical and mental symptoms may appear with PMS. They can include breast swelling, water retention, bloating, weight gain, acne or skin disorders, depression, headaches, fatigue, irritability and sleep disorders. The liver and blood systems are taken as the root cause in Oriental medicine.

• Irregular periods or even missed periods if not caused by pregnancy, menopause, menarche, or birth control pills, and if they persist for 2-3 periods, consulting with a health professional is needed. For menstrual health, a regular pattern indicates a healthy balance. Periods that arrive more than 5-7 days early or late usually indicate an imbalance in the body’s system. There are specific Chinese herbs that help regulate menstrual cycles.

• Yeast infections are caused by an excess growth of yeast organisms in the vagina. The symptoms include severe vaginal itching, abnormal discharge, and even pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse. It may happen together with UTIs. Antibiotic or steroid use is a common trigger. Oriental medicine attributes it to dampness and toxic reactions.

• Menopause happens when the female hormones begin to decline, occurring between 45 and 55. If the body cannot cope with the changes properly, symptoms of hot flashes, sleep disorders, emotional disorders and many other conditions could happen before or during menopause. Hormone therapy such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) has side effects and is not recommended for all women. Herbal remedies can be safe and effective when tailored to specific symptoms.

Mental Health

• Anxiety can cause both physical and emotional symptoms.  It can trigger panic disorder, with sweating, rapid heartbeat and other symptoms. It is normal to experience anxiety and nervousness in life for a short period. Overwhelming anxiety needs treatment for mind-body wellness.
• Oriental medicine attributes anxiety symptoms to disorders in the lungs and heart system, which typically manifest as breathing difficulties, palpitations and sleep disturbances. An overactive liver system can also cause anxiety. Different herbal formulas  are applied to individual conditions.

• Depression can range from a minor disorder to a major, debilitating illness. Long-term stress, life changes, chronic illness, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sadness or grief could all cause depression. Antidepressant medications may have side effects that make them inappropriate for long-term use. Gastrointestinal health is related to depression in Oriental medicine. Modern neuroscience has established a link between gut microbes and neurons that is connected to depression.

• Stress is part of common life, the way to react physically, mentally and emotionally to different conditions in work or life. If you can release the tension that comes with stress, no problems, otherwise the risk of physical and mental illness may increase. The label of ‘stress’ is often applied in doctor’s offices when no other significant cause can be pinpointed for your health concerns. In Oriental medicine, becoming more stress-resistant requires better balance between the liver and spleen systems. With a precise diagnosis, the specific herbal remedy will help to release tension and overcome stress.

 

• Insomnia mainly includes trouble falling asleep, or awakening too early or too frequently. It can be caused by physical conditions such as joint pain or muscle cramps aggravated by sleeping postures. Anxiety or stressful situation could cause sleep problems. Sinus congestion or sleep apnea could disturb sleep by a blockage in the upper airways. Most insomnia is related to internal disorders of the hormonal or digestive systems. Oriental medicine classifies insomnia into 5 to 6 different types and specific herbal remedies can help with each.

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Brain degenerative disease has its own term in Oriental medicine, which recognizes it as lower energy in bio-energy channels that supply the brain. Modern neuroscience research and clinical experience have found that certain herbs are effective in managing symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Telemedicine services vary by jurisdiction and provider licensing.