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HIV NUTRITION UPDATE
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4
Herb Treatment in Chinese Medicine
(Return to page 8)
 
Editor's Note: This series on the various aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helps the clinician to effectively counsel HIV-positive people who visit TCM practitioners or use herbs.

Richard A. Freiberg, D.O.M., D.Ac., A.P., Board Certified Diplomate began his study of Chinese medicine in 1971 and began to study acupuncture in 1985. In 1994, he attended school for formal licensure finishing what is now referred to as a Bachelors in Science and a Masters in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. He is credentialed and recognized by Alternativa Medicina in Sri Lanka as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. He is a senior graduate apprentice with the world famous AIDS expert Wu, Boping M.D., Ph.D. of China. His clinic is in Pompano Beach, Florida.




In a previous issue, we discussed individual Chinese medicinals. This issue's segment on the use of herbs in Chinese Medicine highlights formulas utilized for imbalances found in HIV/AIDS. Anyone considering the use of Chinese herbal medicine should consult with a qualified Chinese herbalist.

Most TCM practitioners diagnose and evaluate the patient during their first visit. Sometimes herbs might be given if a pattern of disharmony is apparent and herbal formulas can be administered without special individualized formulation. If appropriate, body work techniques such as acupuncture might also be applied during the first visit depending upon the pattern of disharmony.

Laboratory tests are useful when treating any patient and particularly when treating the HIV-positive patient on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Many HIV-positive/AIDS patients already have ongoing lab results from their allopathic physicians who are most likely also prescribing medications. If they don't have the lab tests, the TCM practitioner should obtain them. In Florida, the Board of Acupuncture updated the Administrative Code, which now mandates that laboratory test results be a part of the patient file when appropriate and medically necessary.
 
In practice, the use of Chinese herbs has a much stronger and far reaching effect than only the use of acupuncture needles especially in HIV/AIDS. With that in mind, there are circumstances where a practitioner might specifically use acupuncture needles instead of herbs.
In general for all patients, the TCM practitioner uses body techniques including acupuncture needles, acupoint injection therapy, and other Oriental bodywork modalities when there is more physical work needed. The use of herbs serves a greater function with systemic problems of deficiency and/or the need to expel pathogenic factors.
 
 
 
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1/30/2003