Healing Alternatives: A Booklist of Alternative Medicines and Healing Strategies for AIDS REVIEWS & COMMENTARY By John Forbes TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE note: Unless otherwise indicated, all books under review here are available in paperback form. Many of these are carried by Glad Day Books, in Toronto, Ont. Canada; health food stores, New Age Centres, Shiatsu Schools, or--in many instances-- can be obtained through Redwing Books: e-mail: info@redwingbooks.com Treating AIDS with Chinese Medicine---Mary Kay Ryan and Arthur D. Shattuck Pacific View Press, Berkeley California. 1994. Working in the North Side HIV Treatment Centre, in Chicago, these practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have produced an exemplary guide in defining AIDS, according to TCM theory and methodology, providing cogent clinical experience for the application of TCM treatment strategies. This book is of great benefit to both practitioners and laymen alike who want to understand the usefulness of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its unique approach to AIDS and AIDS-related syndromes. The text also provides excellent comparisons of differentials in diagnostic modalities from both Western and Chinese medical viewpoints. For instance, TCM does not require viral or bacterial analysis on which to build treatment strategies, but instead seeks discernment of imbalances--in Organ systems, Meridians, Blood, Qi, etc.-- that differ from patient to patient, (even where patients may present with the same 'named' diseases, in terms of a Western diagnosis). Manifestations of pathogenic disease patterns that are unique in each individual patient. Or, as the authors put it: "Because Chinese medicine draws its diagnoses directly from signs and symptoms rather than with reference to causal mechanisms, identification of the virus did not provide any final word for a TCM diagnosis. Practitioners of TCM must observe any disease and its infections with its specific manifestations before being able to create a differential diagnosis using the category of Chinese medicine." And, "...Our clinical experience leads us to believe that AIDS begins deeply at the level of Kidney Yin and Blood and slowly works its way through various Organ systems "above it" adding pathologies as it progresses." Unlike most of the books on AIDS--and especially texts claiming TCM treatment strategies--this text does not bamboozle the reader with theoretical flights of fancy, dubious medicalese, buzz-words, esoteric linguistics. Nor does it monger with wild and unsubstantiated cure-claims; with endless--and rather pointless--listings of Classical Chinese formulae. All of their theory is alive, and comes directly from hands-on practice and experience at their Chicago clinic. If you only read one book on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how it deals with AIDS, we urge you read this one! The Web That Has No Weaver---Ted J. Kaptchuck, O.M.D. Congdon and Weed, New York. 1983. Ted Kaptchuk's text has become the modern classic in introducing Chinese Medicine to the Western reader. For those wishing to avail themselves of a deeper understanding of the reasoning used in 'Treating AIDS with Chinese Medicine', this book satisfyingly explains all of the theoretical concepts used in TCM methodology and practice: Yin and Yang; the Five Phases; the Fundamental Substances; Disharmony and Harmony: the Bodily Configurations and Landscapes; along with major Meridian/Organ and other descriptive diagrams. It is complex information and theory presented in a highly readable, user-friendly, manner. We recommend this book to both professionals and laymen alike. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (translated) by Ilza Veith University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles. London. copyright 1949; 1st paperback edition, 1972. A text for the more scholarly-minded. For anyone who wishes to explore the Classical Foundations of present day TCM thought and theory. It is a translation of the original Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine: the Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wen. Of special interest are the astonishingly straightforward, commonsense, dialogues between The Yellow Emperor and Ch'i Po, that are as relevant today as they were in the era in which they were first recorded. Nine Ounces--a Nine Part Programme for the Prevention of AIDS in HIV Positive Persons by Bob Flaws--Blue Poppy Press, 1775 Linden Ave., Boulder C O 80304 1989. This used to be the primary source for anyone scouting around for alternative approaches to AIDS theory and treatment, however, Mr. Flaws' theorizing about AIDS is but one of the various theories discussed in, 'Treating AIDS With Chinese Medicine.'(see the first review of this text) Though his theory is perfectly sound, it doesn't quite do enough to clarify the concepts and the terminology for the more general reader in the way that 'Treating AIDS With Chinese Medicine' does. On the up side, it does have excellent and very worthwhile chapters on such topics as Chinese Dietary Therapy, Exercise, Abdominal Self Massage and Sexual Pacing! But ignore the Chapter on such esoterica as those Tibetan Jewel Pills--still as weird and as untested and as unobtainable in 1998, as they were back in 1989. Warning: he's part of the New Age Health Police, with yet another life-enhancing diatribe--in TCM rationale and theory--on the Evils of cigarettes, alcohol, coffee consumption. One wishes that he would devote just as much space to the overuses and abuses of vitamins, supplements, dairy and soy products, spices and fatty/oily foods--any or all of which can be just as bad as the litany of nicotine-caffeine-alcohol. This is a mixed bag of a book: 80's Political Correctness married to very sound TCM theory. And despite the quibbles in this review it is nonetheless a must for the layperson considering TCM treatments. Note: no sources can be found, as of spring 2001, for this book! It, along with a 'new edition', also from Blue Poppy Press, AIDS AND ITS TREATMENT BY TCM--Huang Bing Shan et al. trans. by Du Di and Bob Flaws, are currently "unavailable" at all sources and websites dealing with Blue Poppy Enterprises. I can only assume that Blue Poppy Press is no longer publishing these texts. Oh, and by the way, this is not homophobia from Blue Poppy--other titles, covering a diversity of subjects, have recently disappeared from print at Blue Poppy Enterprises! You can contact Blue Poppy Enterprises at www.bluepoppy.com. ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR HIV INFECTION Magnolia Goh, MD and Tang Zhaoliang, MD Science Press New York Ltd. November 1994. This book, in somewhat of a merge fashion, attempts an overview of Alternative Medicines that is unlike the usual messes that occur when Chinese Medicine meets Western Medicine and AIDS. Though it begins tediously with yet another explication of The Viral Theory. Aside from this the book begins to perk-up with very good coverage of Shiatsu Massage (with good illustrations) and Chiropractic. The sections on Homeopathy and Phytotherapy (Aromatherapy) are excellently condensed and presented. Somewhat confusing are the sections on Chinese Herbs. Without a broader context than is offered in this book, terms such as Wei Qi, Xue Qi, the Zang/Fu Organs, etc. will only confound readers who are not conversant with TCM terminology. This book just doesn't explain enough theory and I would encourage a reader baffled by this section to consult Ted Kaptchuk's, The Web That Has No Weaver, for a fuller explanation of terminology and theory. Also, there is little point in listing presumed-to-be anti-viral herbs such as Viola, Trichosanthes, Lonicera, Coptidis, Andrographis, etc. These are of use only to practitioners. Like the misinformed who pop ginseng for all the wrong reasons, these lists tend to set up the one-disease-one-herb notion that is so completely antithetical to TCM practices. When the authors talk about formulations, such as, Milingwang, Resist, Enhance and Herb Tea, the book begins to resemble an advertisement. Especially when the tiny TM appends every mention of the Quan Yin Centre's, Enhance formula. This sort of thing skews the intention of the book and leaves the reader wondering if this is really marketing tool or genuine overview text. In either case the reader should be advised that this sort of thing runs contrary to TCM. Namely that each patient has a unique and individual constitution; that to treat patients without a face-to-face consultation, palpation and diagnosis is to admit failure. For without proper diagnosis one could mistakenly further strengthen a pathogenic disease process through improper usage of herbs and herbal combinations. One must never forget that any herb or herbal combination, like pharmaceuticals, have powerful biomedical effects that can produce either healing or deleterious effects upon the body. (200I note: ENHANCE is a trademarked formula of Health Concerns in Oakland CA. It was the very first formula, designed by Andrew Gaeddert, specifically for HIV and CFS syndromes. As it is a very complex formulation, I would strongly advise that it not be taken willy nilly, but only if prescribed by a qualified practitioner of TCM. The Health Concerns website is worth a browse at www.healthconcerns.com or you can e-mail Andrew Gaeddert, herbalist@healthconcerns.com) There are various diets and nutritional supplements mentioned in the last chapters in this book. Increasingly we in North America are becoming addicts of faddish diets and unnecessary over-consumption of vitamins and supplements. A remark made by a local baker who works with organic ingredients illustrates how what used to be a simple case of improving general health and well being has now become a billion dollar industry. He remarked that he attends these giant Trade Fairs--the largest of which are held yearly in California and in Germany--and finds that contrary to displays of organic farming and methods of natural food production, there are instead endless row upon row of the latest in vitamins and nutrient supplements. "Where is the actual food?" he asks. And wonders if we won't soon be living on vitamin pills, power bars and supplemental liquids instead of eating food, organic produce, which is not devitalized and therefore does not need to be 'supplemented'. Also, in this regard, many TCM practitioners have had difficulty explaining to reluctant patients that some of these vitamins are actually harmful to a disease-debilitated constitution. A prime example of this would be Vitamin C in a patient whose constitution is being undermined by an excess of Internal Cold/Dampness factors. Vitamin C has a very cold nature and contrary to the anti-oxidant, cold-preventative hype, is only efficacious in either Hot syndromes or at the inflammatory mid-stages (Heat) of the common cold. It would be therefore contra-indicated for any syndrome presenting signs and symptoms of either Cold or Cold with Dampness! We suggest that discussion with a practitioner would be a better course to follow than any of the diets suggested in this book. In this respect there are valuable lists of clinics and practitioners--US only--at the back of the book. Along with some thoughtful, 'Notes from A Long-Term Survivor', by Michael D. Anderson. If you can't locate this book via Science Press in New York--no address given--you could contact the TCM Corporation, 124900 Central Ave. Suite 221, Chino CA--or the Quan Yin Centre in San Francisco. AIDS and Chinese Medicine by Qing Cai Zhang & Hong-Yen Hsu. republished: Keats Publishing Inc. New Canaan CT, 1995, from the 1990 edition published by the Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA. This is one of those scary, 'lets cash in on AIDS', texts that presents a jumbled confusion of Western Medicine and non-TCM Herbal speculations, all nicely dolled-up with lots of quasi-formulas, charts, tables and impressive-sounding pin yin translations. The original cover portrayed the Tricosanthes* plant who's alkaloid, known as Compound Q, has largely been discredited. The current Keats reprint cover is a snappy red, orange and blue-bordered number, tarted-up with white line drawings of a plum and a plum flower--which, like much of the text, is largely irrelevant. This is a book that should be judged by its cover: flash. The real mystery is how did this text of Western Medical and TCM mishmash ever get to mainstream reprint? It is quite beyond the comprehension of any student or creditable practitioner of TCM. Neither of these co-authors have proper and validated TCM credentials; nor do they present any clinical experience, validated references, documentation, upon which to base their haphazard formulas and rather bizarre text.
Here is but one example of what the text is like, from page 180, "Moreover, tricosanthin,* the so-called Compound Q , as the active essence of Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes kirilowii), appears to selectively destroy the infected T-cells and macrophages. Initial clinical treatments with this protein have shown very encouraging results. Combined with anti-HIV drugs such as AZT and DDI, we may yet close the door on the
As an ironical footnote to this book, Golden Flower Chinese Herbs--manufacturers of an excellent line of modified patent medicines and formulas based upon Classical Chinese formulae--cite this book as a source for their Clear Fire formula (a formula that was devised for HIV+ and other immuno-compromised syndromes where the patient has the clinical presentation of Excess Internal Heat and Fire patterns.) These formulas are only sold to licensed TCM practitioners.
*note: Tricosanthin (the alkaloid)--Compound Q--has since been largely discredited as being far too toxic a treatment for PWA's.
Chinese Dietary Therapy, Main Editor, Liu Jilin, et. al. published by Churchill Livingstone Inc. Medical Division of Pearson Professional Ltd. 1995, by arrangement with Shandong Science and Technology Publishing House, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
Simply the best book on the subject of dietary therapy. The introduction covers such topics as Hot and Cold, the concept of Qi, macrobiotics, the Five Elements, the impact of fasting, appetite and allergies on the constitution, seasonal eating and the problems caused by over consumption of food and irregular dietary habits. There is also an excellent discussion of dairy foods and soy products. Various Principles of Dietary Therapy in TCM are covered in part one of the book.
Part two lists the Properties and Applications of foods--with extensive information on vegetables, fruits, cereals grains and nuts, fowl and animals and fish, turtle, clam and crab. Their indications, contra-indications and Energetic Natures are discussed in detail.
The final section, Part three, covers a wide range of illnesses, including specific dietary prohibitions, simple 'folk' and TCM recipes, that are helpful in the treatment of many common as well as chronic illnesses. This book is invaluable for anyone wishing to adapt TCM principles to their diet in order to assist and enhance Western and/or TCM healing modalities.
Prince Wen Hui's Cook--Chinese Dietary Therapy by Bob Flaws and Honora Wolfe. Paradigm Publications, Brookline MA, 1983. (note: this book does not appear in the 1997 edition of the Redwing Reviews--you can either contact Paradigm Publications at 44 Linden St. Brookline MA, USA; or Bob Flaws at Blue Poppy Press, 1775 Linden Avenue, Boulder, CO, 80304, USA.)
The omni-dominant, Bob Flaws, has produced another very good text. This time on TCM dietary practices. There is none of the preachy tone of Nine Ounces in this book. Just straightforward chapters on Dietary Principles and case histories. The value of various congees, and how to prepare them, is outlined. The Energetic Nature, Flavour, Meridian affiliations, Direction, Qualities and Treatment Principles, of many common articles of Diet are listed in accessible point form. And there is an added Delia Smithish bonus: Recipes! adapted to Western dietary habits; tasty, and not in the least bit grim. This is an excellent companion volume to Chinese Dietary Therapy.
Both of these dietary texts arrive like fresh spring-wells of clarity, amidst the murky depths of Western fad diets and vitamin-pill-poppings, that have arisen from an endless (and largely misinformed), spew of books, pamphlets and magazines. Idiot macro-diets, deranged juicings and Veganish clap-trap: trends that--for the most part--appear to be simply cashing-in, big time, in the so-called 'Healthy Living and Eating Lifestyles' racket. Diets and practices which, according to these texts, could worsen many constitutions and wind up by actually nourishing the pathogen, or pathogenic process, while further debilitating the patient.
Note: The Book of Jook--if Prince Wen Hui's Cook, is out of print--would make for an
adequate replacement. It will be reviewed at some future date in these reviews.
See www.bluepoppy.com. for further info.
HOMEOPATHY--MEDICINE FOR THE NEW MAN by George Vithoulkas, 1979, Arco Publishing Inc. 219 Park Ave. N.Y. NY 10003.
We wish that we could present the reader with a text that documents homeopathic treatments for AIDS--but, alas, none to date has been written. Despite a brilliant track record of cures--from the 19th century and on into the 20th, homeopathy, by the early onset of the AIDS terror, in the early 1980's, simply failed to meet the challenges of this 'new' syndrome. On the other hand, homeopathy as an increasingly acceptable form of alternative and complementary medicine has reestablished itself, for the consumer, on a scale that both professional and lay-homeopaths would never have believed possible. In those dark decades, (1940's to the early 1980's) pharmaceutical multinationals ( mostly created by the discoveries of sulfa drugs and antibiotics and by massive TV advertising of over-the-counter remedies) exploded like the mushroom clouds of Hiroshima; family doctoring evolved from a hands-on professional trade, (one that was not that far removed from many of the practices now employed by present day Naturopaths) into its present position of expensive, specialized, pill-driven, saint-hood.
While the older Classical practitioners of homeopathy died out, essential texts went slowly out of print or, were very scarce to find. Many of the older homeopathic pharmacies--such as the famed Keihl's, in New York City--became purveyors of yet another line of ho-hum 'natural' cosmetics. Others, were simply taken over and merged with the giant French homeopathic manufacturers: Boiron and Dolisos.
Rediscovered in the grass roots movement of the late 60's hippie era, the alternative health movement had re-emerged and struggled on throughout the 70's, to become popular, once again, toward the late 80's and throughout the 90's. (In America, homeopathy was, during the 19th century, the mainstream medicine of the country!) Today, many conventional pharmacies--and all heath food stores--carry a token lines of compounds: low-potency, non-classical, 'homeopathic remedies', that claim to benefit everything from nervous exhaustion (stress), ulcers, arthritis to migraine headaches.
Aside from studies recorded in prestigious homeopathic journals, we cannot find a single text that even attempts to analyze and propose solid Classical homeopathic treatment for AIDS syndromes (including, Harris Coulter's AIDS and Syphilis--The Hidden Link, which is reviewed later in this section.)
Even the famed George Vithoulkas, who predicted such emerging 'epidemic' horrors, in his irritable, but scholarly, The Science of Homeopathy--Grove Press, 1980, has been curiously silent on the subject.
With this in mind, we have come up with the above list of books.
The first two, by Vithoulkas and Ullman, are general introductory texts for the reader.
Ullman's text is fairly standard. In fact, this Ullman book may have been retitled and rewritten as The Consumers Guide to Homeopathy. (see: Redwing catalogue) He is very good at giving a generalized account of homeopathy--and is well-suited to the reader who wants clear, simple, straightforward info on the subject.
Vithoulkas, on the other hand, is a more challenging and exciting writer. He presents excellent medical-philosophical discussions of the art and practices of homeopathy. The book also describes and compares a small rota of homeopathics that are commonly misused by many practitioners. Of special interest are his explanations of how modern homeopathy survived and was finally legislated by the French government.
In Michael Weiner's thorough, The Complete Book of Homeopathy, Weiner provides the best overview and explanation of all the main facets of homeopathy--along with a brief and chilling background history surrounding the vicious politicking and smear campaigning employed by the then fledgling AMA, against the homeopaths, in the 19th century. In addition, there are excellent chapters on the major polychrest drugs, including allopathic and homeopathic drug actions and drug-patient-profiles and several fascinating case histories. This is comprehensive--and comprehensible--reading for anyone considering homeopathic treatment.
Finally, the Miranda Castro book, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. It is the very best of the 'how to' books for the layperson who wants to use low and medium homeopathics for a variety of ills and complaints. No, this book will NOT replace visits to your homeopathic doctor--especially when dealing with chronic and deeply-rooted, miasmic disorders ( most, if not all, major disease syndromes of AIDS are considered 'miasmic derangements of each patient's individual constitutional makeup' by the Classical homeopaths).
It is of great assistance to those who wish to pick and choose allopathic vs. homeopathic treatment for a tremendous range of common, and not so common, ills. This is an intelligently written users guide that we recommend without reservation.
AIDS and Syphilis--The Hidden Link by Harris L. Coulter, Ph. D. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley California and Wehawken Book Company, Washington D. C., 1987.
In Classical Homeopathy there are three major miasms which were considered, by the founder of Homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, as the source of 'all ills that commonly beset mankind'. These are: the psoratic, the syphilitic and the gonorrheal. (note: see Michael Weiner's book, The Complete Book of Homeopathy, for more information on homeopathic miasmic theory). We will not go into a general discussion of miasms in this review.
Suffice to say that syphilis, whether it be in homeopathic context: a constitutional component of certain, many, or all of AIDS cases, is still a matter of ongoing debate among homeopaths. Or in allopathic medicine: a disease factor considered to be of relatively little importance in conventional AIDS scenarios. In this book the renowned homeopathic historian, Harris L. Coulter departs from homeopathy to take a somewhat allopathic view of the subject in his book. If you are at all curious about this debate, then this book is for you.
However, even if you are not concerned with such debates, we urge you to read CHAPTER 5. This chapter deals with 'Medical Suppression' and the terrifying, so- called, side effects of Western drugs--a chapter that should be taken to heart by anyone who is a patient of Western allopathic medicine. And copied and distributed to every health care practitioner, both allopathic and homeopathic alike.
note: Future reviews of homeopathic journal articles and studies will be forthcoming in 2000-1. If you have a book--or any journal article specific to the treatment of AIDS by Homeopathy--that you feel merits a review please forward the information to the .
Ralph W. Moss's, Cancer Therapy--The Independent Consumer's Guide to Non-Toxic Treatment and Prevention, Equinox Press, 1992, 1997.
BOOKS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE REPRINTED.
This is an ad-to list where you can participate by adding any titles of long out of print books in hope that someone might know of a publisher (North Atlantic? Jain in India? Keats in CT?) who might be willing to reprint a classic text.
Our book of choice is the 1950's classic, 'WHO IS YOUR DOCTOR AND WHY?' by Alonzo J. Shadman MD. This was last republished, in paperback form, by Keats Publishing of New Canaan, Connecticut in 1980.
It is partly the tale of the how and the why a staunchly 'orthodox' MD. became a convert to Homeopathy. But it is also a marvelous questioning of the abuses of the then so-called 'miracle drugs'; the polio epidemic; what is disease?; how drugs are sold; vaccinations; the common cold--in short, a thorough questioning of the then current medical practices and malpractices that go right to the roots of any present day medical debate.
If anyone would like to see this book in reprint they should contact, Keats, or Linda Clark, author of Get Well Naturally, Arco Publishing Inc. NY,. NY. Also the copyright holder, as of 1980, was Mrs. Norman Meyer by arrangement with Pivot Health Edition.
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John Forbes is a shiatsu/accupuncture therapist living in Toronto. He can be contacted at (416) 466-7291.
tel/fax:(416) 406-HEAL
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