From Pei Zhengxue Health Weibo, Volume 3 · Read time 1 min · Updated March 22, 2026

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Section Index

2. Tomorrow’s Tomorrow

Q: I used to drink alcohol frequently, which led to spleen-stomach deficiency-cold. Now, whenever I drink or eat spicy or cold food, I get diarrhea, and I also have occasional loose stools. Over time, this has triggered scrotal eczema, anal itching, and other symptoms. I’ve tried many medications, but nothing has worked.

This condition has persisted for several years, and since I’ve already developed underlying issues, I now cough whenever I catch a cold. What should I do?

A: You have at least three conditions: ① chronic gastritis combined with gastrointestinal syndrome; ② chronic pharyngitis; ③ lower-body eczema. The first two are related to drinking, while the third’s connection to alcohol is unclear. You need systematic treatment—not a haphazard approach.

Blood Pearl: I’m 19 years old. My right ear has been ringing incessantly for the past four days. With the college entrance exam coming up soon, I’m very anxious. Could you please help me analyze this situation and suggest what medication I should take?

A: You had a mild cold two days ago, which you may not even realize. The cold caused inflammation of one eustachian tube, leading to this symptom. Try Fangfeng Tongsheng Wan or Jingfang Baidu Wan.

Go with the Flow: My dad is 66 years old. Two years ago, he strained his leg while working, and now his leg hurts whenever the weather changes—even before the injury, his leg would hurt when the weather changed. Dr. Pei, what medication should my dad take?

A: This is muscle strain, possibly compounded by degenerative osteoarthritis. Try buying some ready-made medicines that dispel wind and dampness, such as Da Huoluo Dan, Xiao Huoluo Dan, or Huoluo Xiaoling Dan. Also apply topical pain-relieving patches (choose whichever you prefer).

Kuang: Female, 33 years old, married, with several previous abortions, and hepatitis B big three positive for 10 years without any treatment, though liver function is normal. Over the past six months, she’s had poor sleep—difficulty falling asleep and easy to wake up. She also has many age spots, light menstrual flow, and prolonged periods. I’d like you to analyze this situation.

A: You’ve been too careless. Being hepatitis B big three positive means the virus is actively replicating. In this case, liver function is likely already compromised, and the body’s autonomic and endocrine systems will also be affected. Your repeated abortions have led to ovarian dysfunction, and the age spots and menstrual irregularities are all caused by this.

kk: My father is 56 years old. When he suddenly lifts his head, his face turns pale, his lips turn purple, and he feels weak. His blood pressure is normal, but his lipid levels are high, and his cardiac angiography is also normal. Could you please take some time to analyze this for me?

A: High lipid levels indicate arteriosclerosis, which makes patients prone to transient cerebral ischemia.

Cao Chunxue: My wife is 35 years old. After ^131I treatment for hyperthyroidism, she hasn’t had her period for three months. Now she’s experiencing sexual apathy. The gynecologist suggested hormone therapy. What’s the best way to treat this?

A: Personally, I think ^131I is an ideal choice for treating thyroid cancer. However, it’s not ideal for treating hyperthyroidism, because the dosage is hard to calculate precisely. Due to individual differences, calculations based on physical parameters often exceed actual needs, leading not only to hypothyroidism but also to dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis, causing decline in various bodily functions. This results in premature aging in women and erectile dysfunction in men, with symptoms following one after another—truly unbearable for patients in their thirties.

Spring: My girlfriend has suffered from chronic constipation for over ten years, with acne on her face and frequent bloating. After taking Buzhong Yiqi Wan, she passes gas often, but still only has a bowel movement once every three days. What medication should she take to treat this?

A: Chronic constipation in young women is often a manifestation of prolonged sympathetic nervous system excitation. Such patients tend to have relatively high levels of male hormones, which makes them prone to acne. In TCM, treating this condition involves both activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, regulating the Chong and Ren channels, as well as clearing heat and draining fire. Western medicine currently has no particularly effective treatment for this condition. However, rest assured—these symptoms are temporary and will eventually resolve with treatment.

Qiu Xinyi: I’m about to take the college entrance exam, and lately I’ve been yawning and having a runny nose every morning, which makes me feel really miserable. Sometimes my condition is even worse. How should I adjust myself? If I keep going like this, I’ll have no chance of passing the exam. Could you please suggest some specific methods?

A: Excessive mental stress can disrupt the immune system, so it’s important to balance work and rest. Engaging in moderate physical exercise alongside studying can help improve your condition. Right now, you can buy Jingfang Baidu San and take it.

Feng Qingyang: My grandmother is 66 years old. A CT scan revealed a suspected soft tissue structure in her left lung. She’s short of breath, has chest pain, and her appetite is good. The doctor recommends a bronchoscopy. However, it’s said that bronchoscopy is too painful and risky, which worries the whole family. We’re currently hesitating. In your opinion, which diseases are most likely? Is bronchoscopy necessary for my grandmother’s condition? If it’s lung cancer, what treatment should be adopted, and how long can she survive after treatment?

A: Bronchoscopy can be postponed, because it only allows visualization of lesions near the lung hilum, and areas farther away may not be clearly seen. If possible, please bring your grandmother’s imaging films so I can take a look.

Zhang Zongbing: Male, 25 years old. His gums have been bleeding for a long time, and now there’s some gum recession. Is there any treatment for this? Could it be related to the stomach? I often feel discomfort in my stomach, with thick tongue coating and cracks.

Answer: You have atrophic gingivitis, which is somewhat related to the stomach's absorption and digestive functions. This is because the metabolism of skin and mucous membranes requires adequate support and care from vitamin B complex and vitamin C.

Tranquility Leads to Far-Reaching Goals: Four years ago, I sprained my right ankle, and the top of my foot swelled up at the time. Later, after using Yunnan Baiyao and resting for a while, it improved. A month ago, I sprained the same spot again, but it wasn't too serious—there was no swelling, and a cold compress overnight was enough to make it better. Recently, my right foot has been experiencing intermittent aching pain for no apparent reason, which becomes more pronounced after walking for a long time. Sometimes my ankle and sole also feel sore. What could be the cause? Could you give me some advice?

Answer: Soft tissue contusions of the ankle are not easy to heal quickly. Rushing to walk can lead to sequelae; as the saying goes, "It takes 100 days to recover from injuries to muscles and bones." It seems that you have habitual ankle sprains.

Dou Dou: My grandfather is in his seventies and suffered a cerebral thrombosis over ten years ago, but he hasn't had any problems since then. Recently, he's been busy building a house, maybe he's gotten tired. Last night, during dinner, he suddenly felt palpitations and broke out in a cold sweat. What could be the reason? What possible causes should we consider?

Answer: A cerebral thrombosis occurs when a clot breaks loose and gets stuck in a cerebral blood vessel. This situation is common in patients with severe heart disease, especially those with rheumatic heart disease complicated by atrial fibrillation. The cerebral thrombosis you mentioned is likely a cerebral infarction. This condition is often seen in people with hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis. When cerebral arteriosclerosis occurs, coronary artery sclerosis also appears, which is called coronary heart disease. Sudden palpitations, shortness of breath, and sweating in elderly people are symptoms of coronary heart disease, so they need to go to the cardiology and neurology departments for examination.

Ai Ai: A friend of mine has been suffering from severe dysmenorrhea ever since she gave birth. She says sometimes she also experiences lower back pain, her vaginal discharge has a strong odor, her menstrual period is prolonged, and her discharge often turns reddish. She has tried both traditional Chinese and Western medicines, but there has been no significant improvement. As soon as she stops taking these medications, the symptoms reappear. Mr. Pei, do you have any good methods to help her?

Answer: This is dysmenorrhea, possibly accompanied by endometriosis. It needs to be treated promptly; otherwise, various complications may arise, such as endometriosis—chocolate cysts—pelvic congestion syndrome—endometrial infection, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

May 14, 2014

Four-leaf Clover: My sister was found to have an ovarian cyst during a B-ultrasound examination today (55 days into pregnancy). A mixed mass measuring 70mm × 40mm × 55mm was seen in the left adnexal region. Can this baby still be kept? Is surgery for the cyst possible?

Answer: Since you're already pregnant, try to deliver normally. Patients with ovarian cysts are prone to miscarriage and premature birth during pregnancy, but it's not always the case. A large proportion of them can still deliver normally. If you don't want the baby, then that's another matter.

Mirror: I'm 24 years old, and I don't know why I get so angry before each period—I become very irritable. Even though I know it, I can't control myself. This has been going on for almost a year. I'd like to know what's causing this and if there's any way to improve it.

Answer: This is normal. During menstruation, the autonomic nervous system experiences varying degrees of disturbance. Therefore, men should treat women during their periods well to maintain family harmony.

My Past Life Was a Wolf: My daughter is 14 years old. She started her period last September, then had another one two months later, followed by another two months later. At the end of February this year, she had another period, but she hasn't had one since then. Is this a problem? She's 177 cm tall and weighs 70 kg.

May 15, 2014

Answer: Most adolescent girls' periods are irregular at first, but they usually get better over time. This is because the endocrine system at this stage is like a brand-new appliance—it's still in the adjustment phase.

4. Zhao Xiaoyan: My gout attack occurred in my wrist, with uric acid levels at 610 μmol/L. Although I've been avoiding certain foods, my wrist still swells and hurts frequently, making it hard to use my hand. Sometimes my stomach feels bloated and painful. At the end of last year, I had a gastroscopy that showed duodenal ulcer, and after taking medication for a month, my condition improved. But why has the pain started again recently?

Answer: Gout is caused by high uric acid levels. Because uric acid tends to settle in the lower parts of the body, the most common sites of pain are the lower limbs, especially the big toe and second toe. Veterinary medicine tells us that carnivorous animals are more prone to gout, mainly affecting the forelimbs. Your gout primarily affecting the wrist is relatively rare. Could it be that you use your hands a lot?

May 15, 2014

1. Wang Tianzhu: My wife is 26 years old. During the postpartum period, she developed a rash on her chest. Now, 32 days after giving birth, she has been applying Wettoqing ointment, Clotrimazole ointment, and Clobetasol propionate cream. Initially, the medications seemed to work, but now her entire front and back, including her abdomen, are covered in rashes. Which medication would be better? My baby also has a rash on her face now—could it be contagious?

Answer: This is an allergic reaction. In addition to topical ointments, you can also take oral antihistamines and anti-serotonin drugs, such as Diphenhydramine hydrochloride and Cyproheptadine. Of course, TCM diagnosis and treatment will be even more effective.

2. Yu Yuanxun: What exactly is a nevus of Ota? How is it treated? Is it expensive? If it's not obvious, does it need to be treated?

Answer: From a histological perspective, all moles are essentially hemangiomas. A nevus of Ota is a pigmented benign hemangioma. It's named after Dr. Ota, a Japanese physician who first described it, hence the name. Yang Zhi in "Water Margin" actually had a nevus of Ota. If there are no discomforts, treatment isn't necessary.

3. Luo Xinping: Whenever the weather changes even slightly or there's a bit of wind, small, itchy bumps appear on my hands and feet, and the more I scratch, the itchier they become. I've gone to the hospital every year for treatment, but it never works. Is there any way to cure this?

Answer: This is urticaria, the most common type of allergic skin disease. Basically, everyone has experienced it at some point. It comes and goes unpredictably—appearing when exposed to wind and disappearing when it warms up, making it hard to pin down. In fact, TCM and herbal medicine are the most effective treatments for this condition. It's divided into wind-heat and wind-cold types, whereas Western medicine doesn't really distinguish between them. Regardless of the type, it uses antihistamines and other similar drugs, so the effect isn't as good as TCM's differentiated treatment.

4. Xiao Mao Erzi: My wife has facial allergies—redness, swelling, and itching. We've visited several Grade-III hospitals and tried many different medications. The last hospital said it was hormone-dependent dermatitis and prescribed Tacrolimus ointment and Loratadine. She's been using Tacrolimus for 40 days now, but as soon as she stopped a few days ago, her face started getting red and itchy again, especially when exposed to heat. What kind of condition is this, and how should it be treated?

Answer: For skin allergies, you should start with Polaramine instead of immediately using Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is intended for patients after organ transplants, not for ordinary allergy sufferers, because it strongly suppresses the immune system. Stopping it abruptly can lead to a rebound of symptoms.

5. my: I'm a patient with chronic hepatitis B, female, 26 years old, with ALT around 160 U/L and viral load of 5×10⁷. What treatment measures should I take now? Should I opt for antiviral therapy or traditional Chinese herbal medicine?

Answer: You have chronic hepatitis B. If your spleen thickness exceeds 4.0 cm, consider the possibility of cirrhosis. First, undergo antiviral drug treatment. Medications include Entecavir, Lamivudine, and Adefovir dipivoxil. Second, focus on liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its differentiated diagnosis and treatment, has advantages over Western medicine in this regard.

6. Hu Shujuan: Female, 38 years old. Two years ago, she nearly fainted while donating blood. Since then, her blood pressure has never been normal—it's consistently low, with systolic pressure at 80 mmHg and diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. What's the cause?

Answer: Patients with such low blood pressure are not eligible to donate blood. You should first receive treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Guipi Tang, Buzhong Yiqi Tang, Shengyang Yiwu Tang, and Buyin Yiwu Tang are all suitable for regular use. If you can perform differentiated diagnosis and treatment, the effect will be even better.

7. Miao Jing: A friend of mine had a prenatal ultrasound showing two uterine echoes in the transverse section, with a 23mm × 5mm strip-like liquid dark area inside, plus another approximately 8mm × 7mm anechoic area. The doctor diagnosed it as either threatened abortion or ectopic pregnancy. She's very anxious and hopes you can help explain what's going on.

Answer: The doctor's diagnosis is correct, but at this stage, ectopic pregnancy cannot yet be ruled out.

May 16, 2014

1. Ting: My child is 3 years old and starts developing heat rash every early summer, even on the elbows. In severe cases, the neck and back turn into folliculitis. Usually, my child sweats a lot, and at night, with the air conditioner on, the back is always sweaty, and the sweat feels cool. What should I do?

Answer: Heat rash is caused by heat and has some allergic factors, so it can also be called heat allergy. Changing or leaving the hot environment will relieve the symptoms. TCM's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang with modifications is effective in treating this condition, while Western medicine currently has no effective method.

2. Comrade Mao: A family member suffered a head injury, and the CT scan was normal, but the headache and dizziness come and go. Xuefu Zhuyu Tang helped, and yesterday an MRI showed that the intervertebral discs of cervical vertebrae 3–7 are bulging backward, degenerating, and the cervical spine has become straight. What's the best treatment now?

Answer: The current symptoms are mainly caused by cervical spondylosis. Vascular-type cervical spondylosis causes dizziness and head fullness; nerve root-type causes numbness in the fingers; vertebral plate-type causes stiffness in the cervical spine; spinal cord-type causes discomfort in the lower limbs. There are many treatment methods, such as massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Only severe cases require surgical treatment.

3. Unconsciously: Recently, I've been getting small white bumps next to my mouth, like pimples. Every morning when I wake up, I find lots of them, and they're a bit itchy.

Answer: This is herpes, specifically simple herpes, caused by a virus. It means you've recently had a viral cold, which TCM calls wind-cold exterior syndrome. Mahuang Guizhi Tang and Jingfang Baidu San are effective. They're also effective against simple herpes, and if necessary, you can add Daqingye, Banlangen, and Tufuling.

4. Wang Youling: Can lumbar disc herniation be cured? My father is 68 years old and has suffered from lumbar disc herniation for many years. Even slight movement causes pain. What should I do?

Answer: Treatment for lumbar disc herniation currently favors conservative therapy; surgery is only considered as a last resort. Traditional Chinese medicine is effective for this condition. The goal of treatment is to make the lumbar muscles adapt to the presence of the herniated disc, thereby reducing pain, rather than trying to immediately restore the nucleus pulposus. Sleeping on a wooden board bed is a good method—lying naked on a hard board bed for 16–20 hours a day for six months—to allow the intervertebral space to widen, the muscles to relax, and the nucleus pulposus to slowly retract. Most mild cases of lumbar disc herniation can be cured.

5. Climbing Snail: I'm 24 years old, male, and currently have many health problems: headaches, soreness and fatigue in my legs and arms, dry eyes, blurred vision, chills all over my body, and back pain. I've seen many doctors, and they've roughly mentioned the following: liver depression, qi and blood deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, internal damp-cold, etc. Taking medication hasn't brought any obvious relief, and I'm gradually losing confidence in life. What should I do?

Answer: You have typical kidney yang deficiency. If you're married, it might be due to excessive sexual activity; if you're unmarried, it could be from frequent masturbation. TCM says this is excessive loss of essence and blood. I recommend taking Guifu Bawei Wan and Zuogui Wan.

6. Once Had: What methods or medications can treat "ovarian function decline"? What does Western medicine's IPT therapy refer to?

Answer: IPT therapy is hormone replacement therapy, where diethylstilbestrol and progesterone are used together to create an artificial menstrual cycle. TCM, on the other hand, uses methods such as activating blood circulation and removing stasis, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and regulating Chong and Ren meridians.

May 19, 2014

1. Zhang Yutong

Question: Can Fuke Zaizao Wan be taken every day? Can it be taken together with Guipi Wan?

Answer: Yes. Fuke Zaizao Wan is a traditional Chinese patent medicine that contains multiple functions, including activating blood circulation and removing stasis, clearing heat and detoxifying, and regulating menstruation and stopping leukorrhea. Guipi Wan is mainly used for heart-spleen deficiency. If you have gynecological diseases along with palpitations, forgetfulness, and poor appetite, you can take both together.

2. Going With the Flow

Question: I'm a woman, 25 years old, and my palms and soles sweat a lot all year round, especially in summer. How should I treat this condition?

Answer: People whose palms and soles sweat a lot must receive treatment. If there's bone-steaming and damp-heat, and you sweat at night, it's called nocturnal sweating; if you sweat frequently and feel cold, it's called spontaneous sweating. The former indicates yin deficiency, while the latter indicates yang deficiency. For treatment, the former should take Liuwei Dihuang, and the latter should take Guifu Bawei. Of course, to prescribe an effective formula, you must perform differentiated diagnosis and treatment.

3. Wang Tianzhu

Question: My wife is 38 days postpartum, and her anterior vaginal wall prolapse is recovering very slowly. She's still breastfeeding. What medicine can she take?

Answer: Vaginal prolapse falls under the category of qi deficiency and sinking of middle qi. Try taking Buzhong Yiqi Wan first. Of course, the best approach is differentiated diagnosis and treatment.

4. Worker's Voice

Question: My father was previously diagnosed with hepatitis B, and now he's confirmed to have decompensated cirrhosis, with suspected liver cancer. How should cirrhosis and liver cancer be treated?

Answer: The latest data shows that among patients with decompensated cirrhosis complicated by liver cancer, more than 10% have "big three positives," and about 4% have "small three positives." Treating hepatitis B is a huge systematic project that requires Western medicine's albumin, diuretics, and electrolyte regulation. TCM, on the other hand, should focus on soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen, supporting the body's vital energy, activating blood circulation and removing stasis, clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting water metabolism and reducing swelling. Differentiated diagnosis and treatment should be applied, with adjustments made according to the specific condition. Only by combining TCM and Western medicine can the most ideal therapeutic effect be achieved.

5. Climbing Snail

Question: I've been diagnosed with depression, and I find that I meet all the criteria for depression. What should I do? I'd like to consult whether I need traditional Chinese medicine combined with other methods, such as electroshock therapy, seeing a psychologist, or being hospitalized for observation.

Answer: Depression is only partially treated with medication; psychological counseling and self-adjustment are also needed. One or two courses of traditional Chinese medicine may not bring significant improvement, but consistent long-term medication combined with the above adjustments can cure most cases. Of course, if the family or individual is constantly stimulated by natural or man-made disasters, that's another matter.

6. Xia Hui

Question: Can gallbladder polyps really undergo gallbladder-preserving surgery? How harmful is it to remove the gallbladder?

Answer: Gallbladder polyps don't necessarily require surgery, and it's even less advisable to remove the gallbladder rashly. About one-third of gallbladder polyps can disappear quickly after TCM treatment. This is because on a B-ultrasound, a wrinkled gallbladder wall can easily be mistaken for a gallbladder polyp. Su Dongpo once wrote a poem: "Viewed from the side, it becomes a mountain; viewed from the front, it becomes a peak. Its appearance varies depending on the angle." This can help us understand the gallbladder mucosal folds seen on B-ultrasound.

7. Cheng Zhe

Question: Male, 40 years old, had his gallbladder removed two years ago. Since October last year, he's been constantly developing boils on the tip of his nose, and his eyes often suffer from conjunctivitis—swelling, dryness, and photophobia. Every morning, bile reflux is very severe. The B-ultrasound shows that the common bile duct hasn't widened much, just like before. He can't take deep breaths. What's going on?

Answer: I've said before that every organ in the human body plays an important role. Unless absolutely necessary, don't undergo surgery lightly. All surgeries will cause certain sequelae. For a 40-year-old with abundant physical strength and energy, a major surgery can push his physical condition downhill. Bile reflux and stomach discomfort after gallbladder removal are called post-gallbladder removal syndrome. Boils on the tip of the nose are also a sign that the immune system is declining.

8. Little Linglong

Question: My older brother had a liver function test, and the results showed ALT at 216 U/L, AST at 94 U/L, GGT at 67, total bilirubin at 21.5, indirect bilirubin at 16.3, and the AST/ALT ratio at 0.44. All these values are elevated. Does this mean there's something wrong with his liver?

Answer: Abnormal liver function indicates a problem with the liver. The most common problem currently is hepatitis B, followed by fatty liver, hepatitis C, hepatitis A, and others. Some patients with chronic cholecystitis may also experience liver dysfunction, so further examination is needed.

9. Floating Duckweed

Question: My daughter is 10 years old, and she wakes up in the morning with neck pain that makes it hard to move. Could it be a stiff neck? What's a good way to deal with it?

Answer: Neck pain in children is mostly due to a stiff neck. Check whether the pillow is appropriate and try some massage.

10. Liu Ting

Question: Recently, I've been feeling bloated and having trouble with bowel movements. I used to have gastritis and pyloric ulcers and took a lot of anti-inflammatory drugs, but the effects weren't very good. What else can I take?

Answer: You have chronic gastritis combined with erosive ulcers, and the stomach has also caused functional changes in the intestines. This is called gastrointestinal syndrome. I recommend taking Xiangsha Liujun Wan and Xiangsha Yangwei Wan.

11. Peach

Question: Male, 34 years old, with low blood pressure—systolic 90 mmHg, diastolic 60 mmHg. He also shows signs of kidney deficiency. According to TCM pulse diagnosis, his kidney pulse is almost undetectable. He's very troubled and wants to know how to treat it.

Answer: This is spleen-kidney dual deficiency. I suggest trying Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and Guipi Wan.

12. Walking Among Clouds

Question: My mother had intestinal necrosis over ten years ago and underwent surgery to remove part of her intestine. Since then, she's been having diarrhea several times a day, sometimes with abdominal pain. Later, she developed tubal adhesion. Is this related to her surgery? What can be done to improve or treat it?

Answer: It's related. There may be mild intestinal adhesion, which must be taken seriously. Find an experienced TCM doctor to adjust it; otherwise, it may develop into intestinal obstruction.

13. Ah Lai

Question: My mother is 52 years old, and in recent months she's often had foot pain. After sitting down, it's hard for her to stand up without holding onto something, and climbing stairs is also very difficult! Could this be rheumatoid arthritis? What medicine should she take?

Answer: You should get checked. Gout is a more likely possibility. First check the uric acid level. If it's high, suggest a light diet—avoid meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. Also, check for degenerative changes in the ankle joint to rule out degenerative osteoarthritis.

May 21, 2014

1. Geng Yulong

Question: My girlfriend is 25 years old, and in the past two months, she's developed a lot of acne on her face. The hospital said it's endocrine imbalance. She's tried both traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the treatment initially worked, but the symptoms rebound as soon as she stops taking the medication. She also suffers from constipation. Are there any good treatment methods?

Answer: Young unmarried women are prone to endocrine and autonomic nervous system disorders. In the past, this was called adolescent syndrome. Acne and constipation both fall under this category. Such patients often have low estrogen levels and high sympathetic nervous tension, which leads to acne and constipation. Once this stage passes, things usually improve. If there's no major problem, treatment may not be necessary—just take a few doses of traditional Chinese medicine. Western endocrine treatment isn't needed; the more you treat, the more chaotic it gets, affecting life after marriage.

2. Listening

Question: My father is 60 years old and has intrahepatic bile duct stones. However, he had to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder. I've heard that intrahepatic bile duct stones are prone to recurrence. How should he be cared for afterward?

Tranquility Leads to Far-Reaching Goals: Four years ago, I sprained my right ankle, and the top of my foot swelled up at the time. Later, after using Yunnan Baiyao and resting for a while, it improved. A month ago, I sprained the same spot again, but it wasn't too severe—there was no swelling, and a cold compress overnight was enough to make it better. Recently, my right foot has been experiencing intermittent aching pain for no apparent reason, which becomes more pronounced after walking for a long time. Sometimes my ankle and the sole of my foot also feel sore. What could be the cause? Could you give me some advice?

Dou Dou: My grandfather is in his seventies and suffered a cerebral thrombosis over ten years ago, after which he seemed fine. Recently, he’s been busy building a house, perhaps getting tired as well. Last night, during dinner, he suddenly felt palpitations and broke out in a cold sweat. What could be the reason? What possible causes should we consider?

Answer: A cerebral thrombosis occurs when a clot breaks loose and gets stuck in a cerebral blood vessel. This situation is common in patients with severe heart disease, such as rheumatic heart disease combined with atrial fibrillation. The cerebral thrombosis you mentioned is likely a cerebral infarction. This condition is often seen in people with hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis. When cerebral arteriosclerosis occurs, coronary artery sclerosis also appears, which is called coronary heart disease. Sudden palpitations, shortness of breath, and sweating in elderly people are symptoms of coronary heart disease, so they need to go to the cardiology and neurology departments for examination.

Ai Ai: A friend of mine has been suffering from severe dysmenorrhea since giving birth. She says she sometimes also experiences lower back pain, has a strong odor in her vaginal discharge, her periods last longer, and her discharge often turns reddish. She has tried both traditional Chinese and Western medicines, but there has been little effect; as soon as she stops taking the medication, the symptoms return. Mr. Pei, do you have any good methods to help her?

Answer: This is dysmenorrhea, possibly accompanied by endometriosis. It needs to be treated promptly; otherwise, various complications may arise, including endometriosis—chocolate cysts—pelvic congestion syndrome—endometrial infection, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

May 14, 2014

Four-leaf Clover: My sister was found to have an ovarian cyst during a B-ultrasound examination today (55 days into pregnancy). A mixed mass measuring 70mm × 40mm × 55mm was seen in the left adnexal region. Can this baby still be kept? Is surgery for the cyst possible?

Answer: If you're already pregnant, try to deliver normally. Patients with ovarian cysts are prone to miscarriage and premature birth during pregnancy, but it's not always the case. A large proportion of them can still deliver normally. If you don't want the baby, then that's another matter.

Mirror: I'm 24 years old and don't know why I get especially irritable before each period, with a very bad temper. Even though I know it, I can't control myself. This has been going on for almost a year. I'd like to know what's causing this and if there are any ways to improve it.

My Previous Life Was a Wolf: My daughter is 14 years old. She started her period last September, then had another one two months later, followed by another two months later. At the end of February this year, she had one more period, but she hasn't had another since. Is this a problem? She's 177cm tall and weighs 70kg.

May 15, 2014

Answer: Most adolescent girls' menstrual cycles are irregular at first, but they usually get better over time. This is because the endocrine system at this stage is like a newly purchased appliance—it's still in the adjustment phase.

4. Zhao Xiaoyan: My gout attack occurred in my wrist, with uric acid levels at 610 μmol/L. Although I've been avoiding certain foods, my wrist still frequently swells and hurts, making it hard to exert force. My stomach sometimes feels bloated and painful. At the end of last year, I had a gastroscopy that showed duodenal ulcer, and after taking medicine for a month, my condition improved. But why does the pain sometimes start again recently?

Answer: Gout is caused by high uric acid levels. Because uric acid tends to settle downward, human pain most often occurs in the lower limbs, especially the first and second toes. Veterinary science tells us that carnivorous animals are more prone to gout, mainly affecting the forelimbs. Your gout primarily affecting the wrist is relatively rare. Could it be that you use your hands quite frequently?

May 15, 2014

1. Wang Tianzhu: My wife is 26 years old. During the postpartum period, she developed a rash on her chest. Now, 32 days after delivery, she has been applying Wettoqing ointment, Clotrimazole ointment, and Clobetasol propionate cream. Initially, the medications were effective, but now her entire front and back, as well as her abdomen, are covered in rashes. Which medication would be better? The baby also has a rash on her face now—could it be contagious?

2. Yu Yuanxun: What exactly is Ota nevus? How is it treated? Is it expensive? If it's not obvious, do I really need treatment?

Answer: From a histological perspective, all nevi are essentially hemangiomas. Ota nevus is a pigmented benign hemangioma. Since it was first described by a Japanese physician named Ota, it's called Ota nevus. Yang Zhi in "Water Margin" is actually an example of Ota nevus. If there are no discomforts, treatment is not necessary.

3. Luo Xinping: Whenever the weather changes even slightly or there's a bit of wind, small, itchy bumps appear on my hands and feet. The more I scratch, the itchier it gets. I've gone to the hospital every year for treatment, but nothing works. Is there any way to cure this?

Answer: This is urticaria, the most common type of allergic skin disease. Basically, everyone has experienced it at some point. It comes and goes unpredictably—appearing when exposed to wind and disappearing when it warms up, making it hard to pin down. In fact, TCM and herbal medicine work best for this condition, dividing it into wind-heat and wind-cold types. Western medicine doesn't pay much attention to this distinction; regardless of the type, it uses antihistamines and other agents, so the effectiveness is not as good as TCM's syndrome differentiation and treatment.

4. Xiao Mao Erzi: My wife has facial allergies—redness, swelling, and itching. We've visited several Grade-III hospitals and tried many different medications. The last hospital diagnosed her with hormone-dependent dermatitis and prescribed Tacrolimus ointment and Loratadine. She's been using Tacrolimus for 40 days now, but just a few days after stopping, her face has started to become red and itchy again, especially when exposed to heat. What kind of condition is this, and how should it be treated?

Answer: For skin allergies, you should first try Polaramine and avoid immediately using Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is intended for patients after organ transplantation and is not recommended for general allergy sufferers, as it strongly suppresses the body's immune system. Stopping it abruptly can lead to a rebound of symptoms.

5. my: I'm a patient with chronic hepatitis B, female, 26 years old, with transaminase levels around 160 U/L and a viral load of 5×10⁷. What treatment measures should I take now? Should I opt for antiviral therapy or traditional Chinese herbal medicine?

Answer: You have chronic hepatitis B. If your spleen thickness exceeds 4.0 cm, consider the possibility of cirrhosis. First, undergo antiviral drug treatment. Medications include Entecavir, Lamivudine, and Adefovir dipivoxil. Second, focus on liver-protecting and enzyme-lowering treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its syndrome differentiation and treatment approach, has advantages that Western medicine cannot match in this regard.

6. Hu Shujuan: Female, 38 years old. Two years ago, she nearly fainted while donating blood. Since then, her blood pressure has never been normal—always low, with systolic pressure at 80 mmHg and diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. What's the reason?

Answer: Patients with such low blood pressure do not meet the requirements for blood donation. You should first undergo treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Guipi Tang, Buzhong Yiqi Tang, Shengyang Yiwu Tang, and Buyin Yiwu Tang are all suitable for regular use. If you can perform syndrome differentiation and treatment, the effect will be even better.

7. Miao Jing: A friend of mine had a prenatal ultrasound that showed two uterine echoes in the transverse section, with a 23mm × 5mm strip-like liquid dark area inside, plus another approximately 8mm × 7mm anechoic area. The doctor diagnosed it as either threatened abortion or ectopic pregnancy. She's very anxious and hopes you can help explain what's going on.

Answer: The doctor's diagnosis is correct, but at present, ectopic pregnancy still cannot be ruled out.

May 16, 2014

1. Ting: My child is 3 years old and starts developing heat rash every early summer, even on the elbows. In severe cases, the neck and back turn into folliculitis. Usually, the child sweats a lot, and at night, with the air conditioner on, the back is always sweaty, and the sweat feels cool. What should I do?

Answer: Heat rash is caused by heat and has some allergic factors, so it can also be called heat allergy. Changing or leaving the hot environment will alleviate the symptoms. TCM's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang with modifications is effective in treating this condition, while Western medicine currently has no effective method for treating it.

2. Mao Wei Yuan: A family member suffered a head injury, and the CT scan showed normal results, but the headache and dizziness come and go. After taking Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, the symptoms improved. Yesterday, an MRI revealed that the intervertebral discs between the 3rd and 7th cervical vertebrae are protruding backward, degenerating, and the cervical spine has become straight. What's the best way to treat this now?

3. Unconsciously: Recently, I've been getting small white bumps next to my mouth, like pimples. Every morning when I wake up, I find lots of them, and they're a bit itchy.

Answer: This is herpes, specifically simple herpes, caused by a virus. It indicates that you've recently had a viral cold. In TCM, this type of cold is called wind-cold exterior syndrome. Mahuang Guizhi Tang and Jingfang Baidu San are effective. They're also effective against simple herpes, and if necessary, you can add Daqingye, Banlangen, and Tufuling.

4. Wang Youling: Can lumbar disc herniation be cured? My father is 68 years old and has suffered from lumbar disc herniation for many years. Even slight movement causes pain. What should I do?

Answer: Treatment for lumbar disc herniation currently favors conservative therapy; surgery is only considered as a last resort. Traditional Chinese medicine is effective for this condition. The goal of treatment is to make the muscles in the lumbar region suitable for the presence of the herniated disc, thereby reducing pain, rather than trying to immediately restore the nucleus pulposus. Sleeping on a wooden board bed is a good method—lying naked on a hard board bed for 16–20 hours a day for six months—to allow the intervertebral space to widen, the muscles to relax, and the nucleus pulposus to slowly retract. Most mild cases of lumbar disc herniation can be cured.

5. Climbing Snail: I'm 24 years old, male, and currently have many health problems: headaches, soreness and fatigue in my legs and arms, dry eyes, blurred vision, chills all over my body, and back pain. I've seen many doctors, who roughly said the following: liver depression, qi and blood deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, internal damp-cold, etc. Taking medicine hasn't brought any obvious improvement, and I'm gradually losing confidence in life. What should I do?

Answer: You have typical kidney yang deficiency symptoms. If you're married, it might be due to excessive sexual activity; if you're unmarried, it could be from frequent masturbation. In TCM, this is considered excessive loss of essence and blood. It's recommended to take Guifu Bawei Wan and Zuogui Wan.

6. Once Had: What methods or medications can treat "ovarian function decline"? What does Western medicine's IPT therapy refer to?

Answer: IPT therapy is hormone replacement therapy, where diethylstilbestrol and progesterone are used together to create an artificial menstrual cycle. In TCM, treatments include activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and regulating Chong and Ren meridians.

May 19, 2014

1. Zhang Yutong

Question: Can Fuke Zaizao Wan be taken every day? Can it be taken together with Guipi Wan?

Answer: Yes. Fuke Zaizao Wan is a traditional Chinese patent medicine that contains multiple functions, including activating blood circulation, clearing heat and detoxifying, regulating menstruation, and stopping leukorrhea. Guipi Wan is mainly used for heart and spleen deficiency. If you have gynecological diseases along with palpitations, forgetfulness, and poor appetite, you can take both together.

2. Going With the Flow

Question: I'm a woman, 25 years old, and my palms and soles sweat a lot all year round, especially in summer. How should I treat this condition?

Answer: People whose palms and soles sweat a lot must receive treatment. If there's bone-steaming and damp-heat, and you sweat at night, it's called nocturnal sweating; if you sweat frequently and feel cold, it's called spontaneous sweating. The former is due to yin deficiency, while the latter is due to yang deficiency. For treatment, the former should take Liuwei Dihuang, while the latter should take Guifu Bawei. Of course, to prescribe an effective formula, you must perform syndrome differentiation and treatment.

3. Wang Tianzhu

Question: My wife is 38 days postpartum, and the recovery of her anterior vaginal wall prolapse is very slow. She's still breastfeeding. What medicine can she take?

Answer: Vaginal prolapse falls under the category of qi deficiency and sinking of middle qi. First, try taking Buzhong Yiqi Wan. Of course, the best method is syndrome differentiation and treatment.

4. Worker's Voice

Answer: The latest data shows that among patients with decompensated cirrhosis complicated by liver cancer, more than 10% are HBeAg-positive, and about 4% are HBeAg-negative. Treating hepatitis B is a huge systematic project that requires Western medicine's albumin, diuretics, and electrolyte regulation. In TCM, the treatment focuses on soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen, supporting the body's vital energy, activating blood circulation, clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting water metabolism and reducing swelling. Only by combining TCM and Western medicine can the most ideal therapeutic effect be achieved.

5. Climbing Snail

Answer: Depression treatment is only part of the overall approach; psychological counseling and self-adjustment are also necessary. One or two courses of traditional Chinese medicine may not bring significant improvement, but consistent long-term medication combined with the above adjustments can cure most cases. Of course, if the family or individual is constantly stimulated by natural or man-made disasters, that's another matter entirely.

6. Xia Hui

Question: Can gallbladder polyps really undergo gallbladder-preserving surgery? How harmful is it to remove the gallbladder?

Answer: Gallbladder polyps don't necessarily require surgery, and removing the gallbladder prematurely is even less advisable. About one-third of gallbladder polyps can disappear quickly after TCM treatment. This is because on a B-ultrasound, a wrinkled gallbladder wall can easily be mistaken for a gallbladder polyp. Su Dongpo once wrote a poem: "Viewed from the side, it's a ridge; viewed from the front, it's a peak—different views from different angles." This can help us understand the gallbladder mucosal folds seen on B-ultrasound.

7. Cheng Zhe

Question: Male, 40 years old, had his gallbladder removed two years ago. Since October last year, he's been constantly developing boils on his nose tip, and his eyes often suffer from conjunctivitis—swelling, dryness, and photophobia. Every morning, bile reflux is very severe. The B-ultrasound shows that the common bile duct hasn't widened yet, remaining about the same as before. He can't take deep breaths. What's going on?

Answer: As I've said before, every organ in the human body plays an important role. Unless absolutely necessary, don't undergo surgery lightly. All surgeries will cause certain sequelae. For a 40-year-old with abundant physical strength and energy, a major operation can easily lead to a decline in physical fitness. Bile reflux and stomach discomfort after gallbladder removal are known as post-gallbladder removal syndrome. Boils on the nose tip are also a sign that the immune system is declining.

8. Little Linglong

Question: My older brother had a liver function test, and the results showed ALT 216 U/L, AST 94 U/L, GGT 67, total bilirubin 21.5, indirect bilirubin 16.3, and the AST/ALT ratio 0.44. All these values are elevated. Does this mean there's something wrong with his liver?

Answer: Abnormal liver function indicates a problem with the liver. The most common issue currently is hepatitis B, followed by fatty liver, hepatitis C, hepatitis A, and others. Some patients with chronic cholecystitis may also experience liver function impairment, so further examination is needed.

9. Floating Duckweed

Question: My daughter is 10 years old and wakes up in the morning with neck pain that makes it difficult to move. Could it be a stiff neck? What's a good way to deal with it?

Answer: Neck pain in children is mostly due to a stiff neck. Check whether the pillow is appropriate and try some massage.

10. Liu Ting

Answer: You have chronic gastritis combined with erosive ulcers, and the stomach has also caused functional changes in the intestines. This is called gastrointestinal syndrome. It's recommended to take Xiangsha Liujun Wan and Xiangsha Yangwei Wan.

11. Peach

Answer: This is a case of dual deficiency of spleen and kidney. It's recommended to try Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan and Guipi Wan.

12. Walking Among Clouds

Answer: It's related. There may be mild intestinal adhesion, which must be taken seriously. Find an experienced TCM doctor to adjust it; otherwise, it may develop into intestinal obstruction.

13. Ah Lai

Question: My mother is 52 years old and has been experiencing foot pain frequently in recent months. It's very difficult for her to stand up without holding onto something after sitting down, and climbing stairs is also very strenuous! Could this be rheumatoid arthritis? What medicine should she take?

Answer: You should get checked. Gout is a more likely possibility. First, check the uric acid level. If it's high, recommend a light diet—avoid meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. Also, check for degenerative changes in the ankle joint to rule out degenerative osteoarthritis.

May 21, 2014

1. Geng Yulong

Question: My girlfriend is 25 years old and has developed many pimples on her face in the past two months. The hospital diagnosed her with endocrine imbalance. She's already tried both traditional Chinese and Western medicines, and the treatment initially worked, but the symptoms rebound as soon as she stops taking the medicine. She also suffers from constipation. Are there any good treatment methods?

Answer: Young unmarried women often experience disturbances in their endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. In the past, this was called adolescent syndrome. Pimples and constipation both fall under this category. Such patients often have low estrogen levels and high sympathetic nervous tension, leading to pimples and constipation. Once this stage passes, things usually improve. If there's no major problem, treatment may not be necessary—just a few doses of traditional Chinese medicine. Western endocrine treatment isn't needed; the more you treat, the more chaotic it becomes, affecting post-marital life.

2. Listening

Question: My father is 60 years old and has intrahepatic bile duct stones. However, he had to undergo surgery to remove his gallbladder. I've heard that intrahepatic bile duct stones tend to recur. How should he be cared for afterward?

Answer: After cholecystectomy, post-cholecystectomy syndrome may occur, including inflammation of the gallbladder stump, bile duct dilatation, calculus calcification, and bile reflux gastritis. It is recommended to take Chaihu Shugan Wan and Xiaoyao Wan for a long period.

3. Junjun

Question: Due to bile reflux, my stomach has now prolapsed by 7 cm. I don't know what to do. My chest on both sides always feels bloated, and taking Muxiang Shunqi Wan makes it much better. Some doctors say that anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken for this condition, and I also feel that the more I take anti-inflammatory drugs, the worse the burning sensation in my stomach becomes.

Answer: You have bile reflux gastritis combined with gastric prolapse. Patients like you often experience frequent hiccups and burning sensation in the epigastric region in addition to pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen. It is recommended to take an acid-suppressing Western medicine, such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, and additionally try Chaihu Shugan Wan and Xiangsha Liujun Wan.

4. Xiaoxiao

Male, 24 years old, from Wushan County, Gansu Province, with an 8-year history of masturbation. Currently experiencing frequent nocturnal emissions and tinnitus. Also has had superficial gastritis for nearly 8 years, mainly feeling uncomfortable before and after meals. How should this be treated?

Answer: First, maintain a relaxed mood and do not feel regretful or inferior due to your long-term history of masturbation; instead, bravely face the future. Second, increase physical exercise and try taking Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Jingui Shenqi Wan, or Xiangsha Liujun Wan. If there is still no improvement after one month of oral medication, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for syndrome differentiation and treatment.

5. The Vanishing Youth

A blood test at the hospital confirmed gout. I've heard that this disease is a "disease of the wealthy." Can it be completely cured?

Answer: First, you should temporarily abstain from meat, eggs, and dairy products, and even plant-based proteins like tofu should be avoided. Second, drink plenty of water and increase physical activity; fasting is an effective method for treating gout. If you can persist in losing one-fifth of your body weight, gout may resolve on its own without treatment. Western medicines such as probenecid, colchicine, and allopurinol can lower uric acid levels, but they have significant side effects and are not suitable for long-term use. Traditional Chinese medicine offers many prescriptions, but their efficacy is slow and requires long-term medication.

6. Liu Dao

I have suffered from tinnitus for many years. I am 39 years old this year. Is this due to kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency? What medicine should I take?

Answer: Kidney deficiency can cause tinnitus, but tinnitus is not always caused by kidney deficiency. The most common causes of tinnitus, besides kidney deficiency, include catarrhal otitis media, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and recurrent colds leading to eustachian tube inflammation. Treatment must be targeted according to the specific cause to be effective.

7. Haozai

What information can be gleaned from the following test results? Hepatitis B surface antigen—positive; Hepatitis B surface antibody—negative; Hepatitis B e antigen—negative; Hepatitis B e antibody—positive; Hepatitis B core antibody—positive.

Answer: You have "small three positive" hepatitis B, which means the virus is not actively replicating. If there are no symptoms, you are considered a hepatitis B virus carrier. If symptoms are present, it is classified as chronic hepatitis B. The term "hepatitis B virus carrier" has been phased out since the 21st century, and all such cases are now categorized as chronic hepatitis B.

8. Citizens

Male, with loose, foul-smelling stools that are often unformed, abdominal distension, excessive flatulence, and a dull ache along a horizontal line just above the navel when palpated. When squatting, there is a dull ache in the right upper quadrant. Routine physical examination reveals no abnormalities. What could be the cause? What traditional Chinese medicines can be used for conditioning?

Answer: Your right flank pain suggests possible cholecystitis, while the pain above the navel may indicate chronic gastritis. Loose stools could be due to gastrointestinal syndrome. My preliminary diagnosis is: first, chronic gastritis combined with gastrointestinal syndrome; second, chronic cholecystitis. Gastrointestinal syndrome was first proposed by Japanese researchers, but is now recognized internationally as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

9. Sasha

My child is eight months old and suffers from thrush, which keeps recurring. Is there any way to cure it completely?

Answer: Thrush is caused by Candida albicans. Garlic, vinegar, and nystatin can all be used for treatment. If these methods are ineffective, it may not be a fungal infection. The key is to check whether there is a white membrane on the ulcer site. If there is no white membrane, it may be a simple ulcer, and the treatment approach will be different.

10. Elderly Person

My son is ten and a half months old and has very poor immunity, getting sick frequently. He has been hospitalized twice since birth, and I’ve lost count of how many times he’s had a fever. Last month on the 28th, he developed a fever due to pharyngitis, and since then he has kept relapsing—getting better for two or three days only to have another fever. Now he has severe coughing, runny nose, and still gets a fever every two or three days. We’ve given him intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but it keeps recurring. How should we treat the pharyngitis? How can we improve his immunity?

Answer: Your child has chronic pharyngitis combined with tonsillitis, possibly also chronic rhinitis. Children with these conditions tend to catch colds repeatedly. The priority is to first treat the chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or chronic rhinitis, and at the same time consider oral or injectable thymosin preparations.

11. Li Hanjun

What should be done about duodenal diverticulum?

Answer: Duodenal diverticulum is relatively difficult to treat. Patients often experience pain and discomfort in the epigastric region, which subsides when lying down but worsens when standing. If there is no inflammation, symptoms may remain absent for a long time. Inflammation usually results from food debris entering the diverticulum and causing decay. A small number of patients require surgery due to severe pain, while most can achieve symptom relief through traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

12. Xiao Song

Is cryptogenic cirrhosis scary? Can it be completely cured? I am 30 years old and feel no discomfort. I was hospitalized at Xiangya Hospital in Changsha for more than ten days and underwent comprehensive examinations, all of which were normal. The final diagnosis was decompensated cryptogenic cirrhosis. I don’t want to take medication every day! How should I treat it?

Answer: I’m not familiar with cryptogenic cirrhosis. There used to be a concept called cryptogenic liver disease, but since the 21st century, most of these cases have been classified as autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis, in addition to hepatic symptoms, requires at least one or two positive autoimmune antibodies, most commonly antinuclear antibody (ANA) and smooth muscle antibody (SMA).

13. Su Yu Er An

Female, 25 years old, with persistent sweating of the palms and soles, especially worse in summer. How should this condition be treated?

Answer: If the only symptom is excessive sweating, it is likely due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Such patients should undergo a comprehensive examination. For a young woman of 25, the first step is to check gynecological issues, such as adnexitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, and menstrual irregularities, as these can easily lead to endocrine and autonomic nervous system disorders.

May 22, 2014

1. Ding Zhen

Patient, 50 years old, male, with long-term headaches due to post-concussion sequelae. What medicine should he take?

Answer: Start with Xuefu Zhuyu Tang. If it’s difficult to find a TCM doctor for syndrome differentiation and treatment, there is currently no suitable Western medicine available.

2. Ding Zhen

A 17-year-old child suffered a cervical spine fracture that injured the spinal cord, resulting in almost complete paralysis. It has been seven or eight months since the injury. Is there any possibility of recovery?

Answer: High-level paraplegia caused by cervical spine fracture damaging the spinal cord not only leads to lifelong disability but can also result in premature death. The chances of recovery are slim. Cervical spine fractures affect the respiratory and circulatory centers, and severe cases can be immediately fatal.

3. Walking Among Water Clouds

Female, 25 years old, already gave birth, with poor appetite—feels hungry but eats very little, lacks energy, and her menstruation is usually delayed by seven days, with breast tenderness before menstruation. She has also had mild gastritis. How can she improve?

Answer: Delayed menstruation indicates endocrine imbalance, with low estrogen levels leading to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which in turn causes poor appetite and abdominal distension.

4. xcl

My daughter is six years old. Last month, I accidentally discovered small fleshy growths about the size of a peanut on both sides of her throat. Examination revealed tonsillitis, and the doctor prescribed some medication and advised a light diet. However, after more than a month, there has been little improvement. Dr. Pei, do you have any good treatment methods?

Answer: Chronic tonsillitis can lead to repeated colds, weakening the child’s immune system. Treatment should be prompt and not neglected. I disagree with removing the tonsils; conservative internal medicine treatment should be tried first. The tonsils are immune organs located at the intersection of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts. Removing them is like plugging one’s ears while stealing from a bell—it removes the sentry post, destroys the Great Wall, and leaves lifelong consequences for the child.

5. Chenxian Rescue

My friend’s father is 51 years old. Recently, a tumor was found in his abdominal cavity (8.0 cm × 8.8 cm × 10.3 cm), located in the right retroperitoneum. There is currently no metastasis, and the diagnosis suggests a high probability of neurogenic lesion. The patient has no symptoms, and the doctor does not recommend surgery. How should this be treated?

Answer: Yes, a neurogenic disease should be considered, though malignant lymphoma and other tumors should also be ruled out, as well as teratomas. If there are no symptoms, temporary observation is acceptable, but a definitive diagnosis is necessary, and a biopsy may be required if needed.

6. Shen Hua

There is a one-centimeter stone in my right hepatic bile duct. Is there any way to remove it?

Answer: A one-centimeter stone can be removed, primarily through conservative internal medicine treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has a relatively high success rate in removing such stones.

7. Amy

Female, 27 years old, married, experiences severe breast pain and soreness from the tailbone up to the waist area during the week before each menstrual cycle, waking up in pain in the middle of the night, and also feeling soreness and fatigue in the calves.

May 23, 2014

This chapter is prepared for online research and reading; for external materials, please align with original publications and the review process.