Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the western world.
Nutrition, exercise and medication are often assumed as the best method for reducing a person’s chance of a heart attack.
However, in recent years what the medical community agrees on what constitutes as “heart healthy” food has changed.
So too are the benefits of rigorous exercise and cardiovascular medications such as aspirin are now being challenged.
Fortunately, there are other viable options for heart disease patients that have stood the test of time.
The Next frontier
New research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests, in concert with Western medicine, Chinese Medicine can have a positive effect on a person’s heart health.
Researchers analysed results of TCM research carried out over the course of 10 years.
These included randomised controlled trials of TCM used for patients with hypertension, diabetes/pre-diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic heart failure and more.
The Results
Firstly, the findings showed acupuncture and herbal medicine were beneficial for the cardiovascular problems.
Secondly, herbal formulas were deemed a viable option for patients who can’t take drugs due to side effects or allergies.
The Barrier
The problem for many years has been the way in which Western medical research has been applied to TCM.
In short, Chinese medicine and Western medicine are two different modes of treatment.
The manner in which Western medicine evaluates it’s research (randomised controlled trials with a sample and control group) does not translate well to TCM.
TCM is a Personalised Medicine
“One should bear in mind that Chinese medicines are prescribed in complex combinations, which are manipulated on a personalised basis,” said Yuxia Zhao, author of the review and physician in the Department of Chinese Medicine at Shandong University.
This is why TCM yields such positive results. Every patient has a complex array of processes happening in their body at any one time.
That’s why customised prescriptions are part of Chinese medicine. Complex formula’s can address the unique problems for each patient.
Around 610 million Americans die of heart disease every year, that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
Factored in with recent studies from Boston University, showing 60% of adults unknowingly have pre-clinical heart failure – it’s a serious concern.
Finding a Chinese medical doctor that has experience treating heart problems will be many patients first steps. For a free initial assessment, apply here
David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.
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