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Why the Lotus Seminars?

“What I appreciate the most is the breadth of experience Dr. Chen shared in reference to each of the formula - some of the uses and combinations are new to me and will be helpful in my clinical practice.” L.C.

“I learned many new connections between TCM & Western medication which will help me to mesh both together. Excellent seminars.” M.B.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF
PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE FOR
TREATMENT OF PAIN

By John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

WESTERN MEDICAL APPROACH

Pain is a basic bodily sensation induced by a noxious stimulus that causes physical discomfort (as pricking, throbbing, or aching). Pain may be of acute or chronic states. For acute back pain, two classes of drugs commonly used for treatment include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) and opioid analgesics. NSAIDs (such as Motrin (Ibuprofen) and Voltaren (Diclofenac)) are generally used for mild to moderate pain, and are most effective to reduce inflammation and swelling. Though effective, they may cause such serious side effects as gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, tinnitus, blurred vision, dizziness and headache. Furthermore, the newer NSAIDs, also known as Cox-2 inhibitors (such as Celebrex (Celecoxib)), are associated with significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Opioid analgesics (such as Vicodin (APAP/Hydrocodone) and morphine) are usually used for severe to excruciating pain. While they may be the most potent agents for pain, they also have the most serious risks and side effects, including but not limited to dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, rash, difficult urination, and respiratory depression resulting in difficult breathing. Furthermore, long-term use of these drugs leads to tolerance and addiction. In brief, it is important to remember that while drugs offer reliable and potent symptomatic pain relief, they should be used only if and when needed. Frequent use and abuse leads to unnecessary side effects and complications.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH

Treatment of pain is a sophisticated balance of art and science. Proper treatment of pain requires a careful evaluation of the type of disharmony (excess or deficiency, cold or heat, exterior or interior), characteristics (qi and/or blood stagnation), and locations (upper body, lower body, extremities, or internal organs). Furthermore, optimal treatment requires integrative use of herbs, acupuncture and tui-na therapies. All these therapies work together to tonify the underlying deficiencies, strengthen the body, and facilitate recovery from chronic pain. TCM pain management targets both the symptom and the cause of pain, and as such, often achieves immediate and long-term success. Furthermore, TCM pain management is often associated with few or no side effects.

SUMMATION

For treatment of mild to severe pain due to various causes, TCM pain management offers similar treatment effects with significantly fewer side effects.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine, having combined formal training in both fields with extensive research ‘on the ground’ in China. He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM, and has taught numerous professional seminars across the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Chen’s published works include Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and the upcoming Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which works he is lead author.

This article was taken out of the Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine, V2 and Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. To order a copy, click here.

To learn more about herbs, John Chen is speaking on the following topic for Lotus Institute. The class is approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM.

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