Moxibustion

Moxibustion is an oriental medicine therapy utilizing ''moxa'', or mugwort herb. It plays an important role in the traditional systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a cigar. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or sometimes burn it on a patient's skin.

Terminology

The word "moxa" comes from ''mogusa'' . also serves as a synonym for moxa in Japan. uses the same character as ''mogusa'', but pronounced differently: ''ài'', also called ''àiróng'' .

The Chinese character for moxa forms one half of the two making up the Chinese word that often gets translated as "acupuncture" zhēnjiǔ .

Theory and practice

Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Research, for example at has shown that mugwort acts as an emmenagogue, meaning that it stimulates blood-flow in the and uterus. It is claimed that moxibustion militates against cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn

Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and needling came to supplement moxa after the 2nd century BC. Different schools of acupuncture use moxa in varying degrees. For example a will use moxa directly on the skin, whilst a -style practitioner will use rolls of moxa and hold them over the point treated. It can also be burnt atop a fine slice of ginger root to prevent scarring.

Practitioners consider moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, "deficient conditions" , and gerontology. , one of the most famous semi-legendary doctors of Chinese antiquity and the first specialist in moxibustion, discussed the benefits of moxa over acupuncture in his classic work. He asserted that moxa could add new energy to the body and could treat both excess and deficient conditions. On the other hand, he advised against the use of acupuncture in an already deficient patient, on the grounds that needle manipulation would leak too much energy.

A huge classical work, ''Gao Huang Shu'' , specialises solely in treatment indications for moxa on a single point .

Note that Taoists use scarring moxibustion along with Chinese medical astrology for longevity.

Practitioners may use acupuncture needles made of various materials in combination with moxa, depending on the direction of qi flow they wish to stimulate.

Parallel uses of mugwort

In and South America, indigenous peoples regard mugwort as a sacred plant of divination and spiritual healing, as well as a . Mugwort amongst other herbs were often bound into smudge sticks. Europeans placed sprigs of mugwort under pillows to provoke dreams; and the herb had associations with the practice of in times.

Mellified Man

Mellified Man, or human mummy confection, refers to a legendary medicinal substance created by steeping a cadaver in honey. Allegedly from Arabia, mellified man was reported by 16th-century Chinese pharmacologist Li Shizhen in his Bencao Gangmu. It is described in the final section under the entry for ''munaiyi'' . Both European and Chinese pharmacopeias employed medicines of human origin, for instance urine therapy. Read suggests,
The underlying theories which sustained the use of human remedies, find a great deal in common between the Arabs as represented by Avicenna, and China through the . Body humors, vital air, the circulations, and numerous things are more clearly understood if an extended study be made of Avicenna or the Europeans who based their writings on Arabic medicine. The various uses given in many cases common throughout the civilized world, Lemery also recommended women's milk for inflamed eyes, feces were applied to sores, and the human skull, brain, blood, nails and "all the parts of man", were used in sixteenth century Europe.

Mary Roach publicized the pharmacological use of honeyed mummies in her book .
In the grand bazaars of twelfth century Arabia, it was occasionally possible if you knew where to look and you had a lot of cash and a tote bag you didn't care about to procure an item known as a mellified man. The verb "to mellify" comes from the Latin for honey, ''''. Mellified man was dead human remains steeped in honey. Its other name was "human mummy confection," though this is misleading, for unlike other honey steeped confections, this one did not get served for dessert. One administered topically, and, I am sorry to say, orally as medicine. The preparation represented an extraordinary effort, both on the part of the confectioners, and more notably, on the part of the ingredients.

Roach then quotes part of Read's translation, given below in full.
木乃伊, . HUMAN MUMMY CONFECTION

Li : According to 陶九成 in the 輟耕錄 , it says in Arabia there are men 70 to 80 years old who are willing to give their bodies to save others. The subject does not eat food, he only bathes and partakes of honey. After a month he only excretes honey and death follows. His fellow men place him in a stone coffin full of honey in which he macerates. The date is put upon the coffin giving the year and month. After a hundred years the seals are removed. A confection is formed which is used for the treatment of broken and wounded limbs. A small amount taken internally will immediately cure the complaint. It is scarce in Arabia where it is called mellified man.

Mr. has recorded it in this way but Li the author of this does not know whether it is true so he is recording it for others to verify.
Roach observes that Li Shizhen "is careful to point out that he does not know for certain whether the mellified man story is true."

Li uses Chinese ''tianfangguo'' for the location and ''miren'' for the name . ''Miziren'' is a modern synonym. Chinese ''minaiyi'' , along with "mummy" loanwords in many languages, derives through Arabic ''mūmīya'' from Persian ''mūm'' "wax" . Note that Japanese words of Portuguese origin says ''miira'' was borrowed from Portuguese ''mirra'', comparable with English ''myrrh''.

Citing Le Fèvre , Pomet , Wootton , and Thompson , Roach says the medicinal use of mummies, and the sale of fake ones, is "well documented" in chemistry books of 16th-18th centuries Europe, "but nowhere outside Arabia were the corpses volunteers."

Manfred Porkert

Manfred Porkert is a significant scholar of traditional Chinese medicine .

His extensive knowledge of many languages enabled him to develop a deep and comprehensive nomenclature of TCM-terms, based on ancient Greek and Latin words, for westerners to gain insight into TCM and its underlying philosophy. He is well-known for his 1974 book ''The Theoretical Foundations of Chinese Medicine: Systems of Correspondence'', from the MIT Press , where his translations from Chinese of traditional technical terms are explained.

He resides in Southern Germany and is a Professor Emeritus of the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich.

Lung (TCM)

As distinct from the medical concept of Lungs, the concept of Zang from Traditional Chinese Medicine is more a way of describing a set of interrelated parts than an .

To differentiate between western or eastern concepts of organs the first letter is capitalized . Because Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic, each organ cannot be explained fully unless the TCM relationship/homeostasis with the other organs is understood. TCM also looks at the functions of the organs rather than fixed areas and, therefore, describes different organs that are not actually physical, like the Triple Burner . This also leads to controversy about the validity of TCM, which comes a lot from the difficulty of translating and lack knowledge about TCM concepts and Chinese culture. So, to avoid conflict and to keep an open mind, please realize that these notions evolved in a different culture and are a different way of viewing the human body.

The Lungs is a Zang organ meaning it is a Yin organ. The other Yin, or Zang, Organs are the Kidneys Liver , Spleen , and Heart . Sometimes the Pericardium is included. Yin organs store, secrete, make, and transform Essence, Blood, Spirit, Qi, and Fluids. These nourish the body.

The Lungs connect with the throat and open into the nose. The Lungs govern Qi. They take in clear and expel the turbid Natural Air Qi . The Lungs regulate the waterways. Fluid secretion is sweat. The Lungs govern the skin’s surface and body hair. They house the Po. The peak time for the Lungs is from 3-5am.

Liver (TCM)

Distinct from the medical concept of Liver, the concept of the Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine is more a way of describing a set of interrelated parts than an .

To differentiate between Western and concepts of organs the first letter is capitalized . Because Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic, each organ cannot be explained fully unless the TCM relationship/homeostasis with the other organs is understood. TCM also looks at the functions of the organs rather than fixed areas and, therefore, describes different organs that are not actually physical, like the Triple Burner . This also leads to controversy about the validity of TCM, which comes a lot from the difficulty of translating and lack of knowledge about TCM concepts and Chinese culture. So, to avoid conflict and to keep an open mind, one must realize that these notions evolved in a different culture and are a different way of viewing the human body.

The Liver is a Zang organ, meaning it is a Yin organ. The other Yin, or Zang, organs are the Lungs , Heart , Spleen , and Kidneys . Sometimes the Pericardium is included. Yin organs store, secrete, make, and transform Essence, Blood, Spirit, Qi, and Fluids. These nourish the body.

The Liver Stores the Blood and allows for the smooth flow of Qi. The Liver’s blood is responsible for the repetitive cycles of human life, for example menstruation. The Yellow Emperor's Classic, or Nei Jing, describes the Liver as “the general of an army”. The Liver Stores the Hun. It opens into the eyes. It secretes bile, which is stored in the Gallbladder. The Liver is associated with anger and depression. It governs the tendons and . The peak time for the liver is between 1-3am. The Liver also determines the capacity for pain. The fluid secretion is tears.

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, also known as Liuwei Dihuang teapills , is a in traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacy. In Japanese kampo, it is known as "Rokumi-gan" . It is commonly made into Chinese patent medicine.

History

The formula was created by Qian Yi as dihuang pill . It was published in "Xiao'er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue" in 1119 by Qian Yi's student.

The formula was changed slightly when it was borrowed as a Japanese kampo formula. Some species of herbs were replaced with herbs found in Japan. For example, ''Alisma plantago-aquatica'' was replaced with ''Alisma orientale'' for .

Chinese classic herbal formula

Japanese kampo formula

Lingzhi

Língzhī is the name for one form of the mushroom ''Ganoderma lucidum'', and its close relative ''Ganoderma tsugae'', which grows in the northern Eastern Hemlock forests. These two species of bracket fungus have a worldwide distribution in both tropical and temperate geographical regions, including North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, growing as a parasite or saprotroph on a wide variety of trees. ''Ganoderma lucidum'' enjoys special veneration in Asia, where it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal medicine for more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine. Similar species of ''Ganoderma'' have been found growing in the , according to Christopher Hobbs.

The word ''lingzhi'', in Chinese, means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as "mushroom of immortality". while the specific epithet ''lucidum'' in Latin for "shining" and ''tsugae'' refers to being of the Hemlock ''''. Another Japanese name is ''mannentake'', meaning "10 000 year mushroom".

There are multiple species of lingzhi, scientifically known to be within the ''Ganoderma lucidum'' species complex and mycologists are still researching the differences between species within this complex of species.

Description

Lingzhi is a polypore mushroom that is soft , corky, and flat, with a conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap and, depending on specimen age, white to dull brown pores underneath.). However, the efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of cancer has not yet been shown in clinical trials. Moreover, as with any herb, variation between preparations and potential negative side effects cannot be ruled out. It is understood as adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensive due to the presence of triterpenes. Apart from these properties, lingzhi has been found to be anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, anti-hypotensive, and protective of the liver. It has also been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Because of these properties, lingzhi has been regarded as blood pressure stabilizer, antioxidant, analgesic, a kidney and nerve tonic. It has been used in bronchitis prevention and in cardiovascular treatment, and in the treatment of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, hepatitis, , chemotherapy support, HIV support, and even for and altitude sickness.

Some peer-reviewed studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by viruses and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver diseases in humans.

Although the experiences in fighting cancer are more inconsistent, the extract has been claimed to be effective in regressing tumors. The results depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition. It is usually recommended that it be used in combination with other prescribed medical treatments and as part of a fu zheng formula with a variety of supporting herbs. The Ganoderma extract has been employed to help substantially reduce or eliminate the side-effects of and if it is taken before, during and after the treatments. It has been found clinically to reduce side-effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, sore throat, loss of appetite and insomnia.

Preparation

Because mushrooms contain chitin which locks up medicinal components, preparations of lingzhi are unlikely to be medicinally active unless there has been a prolonged hot water extraction. Simply tincturing the mushroom in ethanol or powdering it and encapsulating it makes preparations that are essentially inert and may account for some of the inconsistency in research results. Additionally, mushrooms traditionally incorporate or transform constituents from their host trees and mycelial fractions grown in sawdust or other substrate may differ appreciably from the whole fungus.

Lingzhi is traditionally prepared by simmering in water. Thinly sliced or pulverized lingzhi is added to a pot of boiling water, the water is then brought to a simmer, and the pot is covered; the lingzhi is then simmered for two hours. The resulting liquid should be fairly bitter in taste, with the more active red lingzhi more bitter than the black. The process may be repeated. Alternatively, it can be used as an ingredient in a formula decoction or used to make an extract . The more active red forms of lingzhi are far too bitter to be consumed in a soup, as long cooked shiitake mushrooms might be.

Side effects

It has been shown in some studies that long term use of ''lingzhi'' can result in some mild side effects, including dryness of the nasal passages, mouth and throat, as well as stomach upset and nosebleed. However, these effects were avoided by discontinuing use of the mushroom for one month after taking it for four months, and taking it again for four months, and so on.

Modern scientific studies

Numerous studies of lingzhi, mainly in China, Korea, Japan and the United States, have shown its effectiveness in the treatment of a very wide range of diseases and symptoms. But the studies have not given any explanation of exactly how lingzhi has so many diverse effects, because none of the known active components taken alone have produced results as powerful as the intake of lingzhi itself, suggesting synergy is important. For example, reports of lingzhi's effect on stamina, appetite, and other human conditions are largely anecdotal and haven't been studied scientifically. It is perhaps more comprehensible at this time to explain lingzhi's "miraculous powers" from the traditional Chinese medicine point of view.

In the West, scientists have traditionally separated and classified each disease meticulously, and have specialized in each of them to such a degree that it seems as if each disease is autonomous and standing alone. Oriental medicine, resulting from knowledge accumulated through 4,000 years of human observation, asserts that health can be maintained by sustaining the proper balance within the body and that diseases can be cured by restoring this balance through nutrition, including medicinal herbs, exercise and mental peace. Traditional oriental medicine believes that a disease is but the mere tip of an iceberg, the result of the underlying imbalance of the body which must be restored.

Observations have shown that lingzhi generally has only slight side effects and can be consumed in high doses, in parallel with other medications. Its main properties are adaptogenic which mean that it is nontoxic, it works in a generalized manner on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the neuroendocrine system. Its actions are alterative, enhance the immune system and lessen nervous tension. These properties are conducive to normalizing and balancing the body , and as a result, lingzhi is able to help the body cure a multitude of disease states from within.

Lingzhi has been found to strengthen the respiratory system and to have a healing effect on the lungs, and is particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma, cough and other respiratory complaints. At least one population study conducted in the 1970s confirms this claim. When more than 2,000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis took lingzhi syrup, 60 to 90% felt better within two weeks and reported an improved appetite, according to an article entitled, ''Medicinal Mushrooms'', written by Christopher Hobbs, and published in ''Herbs for Health, Jan/February 97''.

In Japan, after daily injections in mice with cancer it was reported that tumors in 50% of the animals had completely regressed within 10 days. The host-dependent anti-tumor activity has been subsequently confirmed to be from the polysaccharide fractions of Ganoderma by Sasaki ''et al.''. Multiple similar studies subsequently confirms this observation and anti-tumor efficacy of Ganoderma has been demonstrated from various species, at different stages of growth and using different solvents for extraction and different routes of administration. Anti-tumor activity has been demonstrated ''in vitro'' as well as in syngeneic tumor systems in animals. However, no human trials of Ganoderma against cancer in peer reviewed journals nor any controlled clinical trials in humans have yet been conducted or published.

There has been research showing lingzhi an effective supplement during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce side-effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, bone marrow suppression and risk of infection. Ganodermas was shown effective against fatigue , hair loss , and bone marrow suppression . There is similar clinical evidence for other glucan BRMs applied in the setting of cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy lending further support to the supplementation of Ganoderma in combination with cytotoxic cancer therapies. The recommended dose should be in the range of five to ten grams of fruiting body or equivalent per day .

In an animal model, Ganoderma has been demonstrated to effectively prevent cancer metastasis , and these results are comparable to those of Lentinan from shiitake mushrooms While only anecdotal or clinical data exists indicating ganoderma supplementation may enhance survival of ''human'' cancer patients, this survival advantage has been demonstrated for a number of comparable glucan BRMs like lentinan. Lentinan use in advanced gastric cancer demonstrated a significant life span prolongation advantage at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years in a randomized control trial . Lentinan is however injected. More appropriate for comparison to Ganoderma is perhaps PSK or PSP, which are orally administered. Mitomi ''et al.'' found significantly improved survival and disease-free survival in colorectal cancer given PSK supplementation over three years when compared to control in a multi-center randomized controlled trials.