As early as 1971, plastic pollution was noted in the ocean when biologist Ed Carpenter observed tiny, white fragments among sargassum seaweed 550 miles from the nearest landmass. Plastic particles break down into micro- and nanoplastic particles. A 2018 study involving unfortunate hamsters suggests ingested microparticles can lead to blood clots. Experiments have also shown the microplastic particles create vascular occlusions.
Wu You-Xing faced a similar dilemma in 1642, following an epidemic which killed an entire community near his home. He was the first to formalize the approach to pestilential qi (Li Qi) as a special contagious pathogenic factor.
Today, we may need similar skills, as ingestion / contamination of micro- and nanoplastic particles are a ubiquitous reality for every living being on earth. The Eye Diagnosis method developed by Master Deliang Zheng is a clinical gem.
Patient Case #1
The area of the eye in this photo relates to the head, and the patient in question had suffered two TIAs a month or so before this photo was taken. Note the two deep-red, contorted blood vessels on the sclera, near the upper eyelid: their abrupt ending indicates a clot.
Plastic particles can create an uneven terrain in the vessels, which contributes to cholesterol deposition. This 75-year-old woman has a "Syndrome X" layer of abdominal fat. Following this diagnostic, she was given People's Herbs "Red Rice Yeast Plus" and a KPC granular custom formula, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, modified with herbs to break blood stasis and address nausea and vertigo.
To open circulation in this patient's chest and increase stomach/spleen energies, Ren 17, PC 6, ST 40 and SP 9 was the central point constellation. PC 6 also addressed nausea, which increases when she is recumbent. Du 20 and Si Shen Cong were used to raise the clear yang to her head and increase circulation in her brain.
This patient was so impressed with her eye diagnostic and accompanying treatment that she requested copies of her eye pictures to share with her cardiologist. She is also highly motivated to alter her diet in accordance with her situation.
Patient Case #2
A second patient, currently 80 years old, originally arrived at my clinic in 2017 with stage IV renal disease, hoping to avoid dialysis. He had a history of MI (myocardial infarction), open-heart surgery, cancer and diabetes.
Originally, he was treated with Da Tu Si Zi Tang, modified. However, although his lab tests were sufficient to keep him free from dialysis, the results were not as good as one would want. Dr. Wu Yi-ling's research into collateral circulation revealed the need to incorporate Shui Zhi into his herbal protocol.
Dr. Wu's research shows that this herb, in combination with others, strongly opens up collateral circulation. Moreover, several hospitals in China are studying the efficacy of this protocol with positive results. Unlike other insect medicinals, Shui Zhi does not cause turbulence in the blood.
After two years of treatment, this amazing patient was feeling so good he opted to run for a position as head of a national group devoted to helping patients with heart disease. Unfortunately, he developed atrial fibrillation a few weeks after taking the post. Naturally, treatment emphasis now shifted to the fire aspect of the Shao Yin channel. The formula Yang Xin Tang Jia Jian was used a base formula, with San Qi included to prevent clotting. The arrhythmia was very evident in his pulses, but he no longer had a sense of his heart throbbing.
Later, he was invited to participate in a heart sound recording session at the clinic. The graph, which is created from the "lub dub" sounds of the heart, indicates the nutritional deficiencies in the body which are affecting the heart. The heart preferentially takes the nutrients ingested before they become available to other tissues. Thus, supplying the indicated nutrients positively affects the heart.
After taking the nutritional protocol for two weeks, his pulse was "softer." The abrupt spike of the pulse wave before the arrhythmia became a gentle roll. Missed beats were fewer and all were softer. Most importantly, the patient was feeling so good, he is thinking of running for a second term of office! BL 15, REN 17, 18, PC 6, HT 7, SP 6 and K 3 were central to the treatment. (This patient also suffers from insomnia.)
There are other health conditions which are related to the circulatory obstruction by microplastics and synthetic fibers. But in all cases, circulation of blood and lymph is a consideration. Unfortunately, one of the other sinister aspects of microplastic disease is toxicity. (This will be the topic of my next article.)
Author's Note: I developed the above treatment protocols following two very important seminars: Dr. William Morris' circulation seminar at Golden Flower Chinese Herbs in Albuquerque, N.M.; and a Heart Sound Recording Seminar in Tigard, Ore., and subsequent tutoring by Dr. Julie Shively. My thanks to these amazing physicians for their insights.
References
Over my almost 30 years in clinical practice, I have used Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang extensively for a wide array of clinical presentations ranging from chronic headaches to anxiety, insomnia, and prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if these situations fit the appropriate patterns – all with extremely positive clinical outcomes.
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