bob@textware.UUCP (Bob Felt) (10/05/85)
Cataracts: > Has anyone experienced a suspension or actual reversal of cataracts > forming in the lens of the eye? There is a compound drug used in Chinese medicine which has good results with cataract: Pa-Wei-Ti-Huang, ``Rhemania 8.'' It was introduced in 205 AD in the Shang Han Lun, the classic study of ``flu'' diseases. There are many studies in Chinese and Japanese, only one I know in English. There is a translation of this study from the Journal of the Japan Kanpo Society (Kanpo is Chinese drugs as used by Japanese MD's). The study is only summarized: in 1971 Ken Fujihira, MD, gave the forumla to 284 men diagnosed as needing cataract surgery. 60% improved sufficiently to avoid the surgery. Another 20% showed some improvement. The formula is traditionally used only for older men. In Japan, many men (50+) take the formula routinely prior to the development of symptoms. The indications for the use of the formula are: sensations of weakness below the waist, fatigue, impatience, weak ankles, a tendency to fall, frequent numbness of the feet, nocturia (possibly dysuria), polyuria, back pain, and stiff neck and shoulders. There are other diagnostic signs, these require some training. It is possible to buy the formula as pills in most large Chinatowns; however, an experienced practitioner would help. If you show the formula to a Western MD, they will advise against it. It contains Radix Rehmanniae which is incorrectly listed by the FDA as foxglove (digitlis); it is not. Same plant, different part. Also, it contains Radix Aconiti, Wolfsbane, which is listed as a poison. It is; but, is collected and processed to eliminate the toxicity prior to manufacturing the formula. The drug is a non-prescription product approved by the Japanese ``FDA.'' Here, it is technically a food supplement. Cramps: > between your nostils and your upper lip proper. > Squeeze the part directly below...... > This is supposedly an acupuncture (acupressure in this case) procedure Usually, the technique is to rub vigorously back and forth below the nose, needling the point there will drain your sinuses very fast. The stimulus produces a very strong sneeze almost instantly. There are several acupuncture points there which are stimulated by the procedure, each has been associated with spasms of the face. Some ``clear wind heat'' which is difficult to translate simply, but relates to symptoms such as stroke, spasm, numbness, etc. These are: M-HN-14, bitong, used for clearing heat, runny nose, infantile convulsions. LI-20, yingxiang, used for clearing wind heat, nose problems, fascial selling and itching. LI-19, heliao, used for nose bleed and fascial paralysis. GV-26, renzhong, used for trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis and spasm of the eyelid. GV-25, suliao, used for infantile convulsions and to clear heat. In a simple problem, the stimulus of the two meridians alone could be sufficient, the ``Governing Vessel'' connects to many other meridians, which is the logic of the folk trick (above). The results depend on the location of the spasms. There are other more direct treatments, but do not change the technique, it is not uncommon that changing a point formula that is working will dimminish the effect of both the new and the old technique. Bob Felt ....harvard!bbnccv!ewj01!textware!bob It is not legal to suggest that anyone use any substance or procedure on the grounds that it will have an effect upon health or disease, I am therefore, not suggesting either of the above for anyone.