3. Case Studies

3. Case Studies

[Case 1] A 31-year-old male patient was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in March 2007. He underwent radiation therapy for one week, but due to nasal dryness, nighttime nasal congestion, occasional purulent nasal discharge, oral ulcers, and constipation, he discontinued radiation therapy. His white blood cell count was 2.3 × 10^9/L, his complexion was pale, his tongue was red with a thin yellow coating, and his pulse was fine and rapid. Analysis: The patient was 48 years old, at the peak of his life, and although cancer had developed, his vital qi was still present. In such cases, treatment should focus on eliminating the pathogen to address the symptoms. Prescription: Pueraria 15g, Wild Chrysanthemum 15g, Purple Flower Groundsel 15g, Danshen 20g, Yuan Shen 10g, Ban Xia 6g, Dan Nan Xing 10g, Bai Zhi 6g, Xin Yi 10g, Cang Er Zi 10g, Chen Pi 6g, Gan Cao 6g, Jiang Huang 10g. Seven doses were taken, decocted in water and consumed once daily. At the second visit, March 9, 2007, nasal dryness remained, nighttime nasal congestion lessened, purulent nasal discharge had cleared, oral ulcers improved, constipation was no longer severe, and the right side of his neck still felt numb, though appetite had improved. His complexion was pale red, his pulse was fine, his tongue was slightly red, and his tongue coating was not dry. Analysis: The heat toxins had been effectively cleared, but the function of the middle burner was affected by coldness. Fluids were not adequately transported upward, so it was necessary to strengthen both qi and fluids. Bowel movements became more regular, and the turbid qi could flow downward. The numbness in his neck required sufficient yang energy to warm and nourish the meridians, allowing the condition to resolve. Changes in tongue and pulse were relatively favorable. Instead of using Purple Flower Groundsel and Wild Chrysanthemum, we added Jin Hua to reduce the heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, and added Huang Qi, Wu Wei Zi, and Huang Jing to supplement qi and nourish yin. We also added Chai Hu 3g to regulate the central channel of Shaoyang. Prescriptions included: Pueraria 15g, Huang Qi 30g, Jin Hua 15g, Wu Wei Zi 3g, Huang Jing 20g, Yuan Shen 10g, Ban Xia 6g, Dan Nan Xing 10g, Bai Zhi 6g, Xin Yi 10g, Cang Er Zi 10g, Chen Pi 6g, Gan Cao 6g, Jiang Huang 10g, Huang Qin 10g, Chai Hu 3g. Fifteen doses were taken.

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