A study of the treatment of atherosclerosis using the theory of detoxification.

The authors discuss here current developments in understanding the pathology and treatment of atherosclerosis. The established view is that the factors in the aetiology of this disease are inappropriate diet and fatigue impairing Spleen and Stomach function resulting in phlegm stagnation, and old age causing deficiency of the Liver and Kidney essence and blood leading to poor circulation and blood stasis. This view, however, does not account for all of the processes of the disease, and there is still not a satisfactory cure. For example, the early stages may not have to do with inappropriate diet, just as many patients may not manifest the symptoms of deficiency of the Liver and Kidney or blood stasis. The theory of the obstruction of the channels by toxic pathogens may explain the fact that this is a serious, persistent disease which affects the collaterals at a deep level. Endogenous toxic pathogens may be physiological or pathological products which result from an imbalance in yin and yang, dysfunction of the zang-fu and disorder in the circulation of qi and blood. They accumulate in the body and are unable to be discharged over time and are thus not only a result of internal imbalance, but also a cause of future aggravation of the condition. Over time they impair the vital qi, eventually becoming stronger than the vital qi itself, at which point atherosclerotic plaque occurs. In addition, pathological heat is generated as the vital qi struggles to resist, creating further pathology. In Western medicine increased understanding has linked the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with inflammatory processes and immune reactions in the blood vessels, all of which are exacerbated by the pathological heat created by smoking, drinking and overeating. Besides heat symptoms, there may also be cold symptoms associated with yang deficiency and old age. Treatment should therefore be aimed at eliminating toxins as well as nourishing the Kidney and Liver and invigorating the Spleen and Stomach. Eliminating phlegm and dampness and promoting blood circulation can also facilitate the elimination of toxins, and therefore medicinals which combine these functions with the elimination of toxins should be chosen, such as Zi Cao (Radix Lithospermi seu Arnebiae), Bai Fu Zi (Rhizoma Typhonii Gigantei seu Radix Aconiti Coreani), Tu Fu Ling (Smilacis glabrae Rhizoma) and others. Additional approaches to eliminating toxins include relaxing the bowel by purging fire, replenishing qi, supplementing yin, nourishing blood and warming yang, using herbs such as Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellariae Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) and Rou Cong Rong (Cistanchis Herba). (6/06)