Important Note: Although the information in this section was written by Healthphone.com's Healing Centre Panel of professional Chinese doctors, licensed acupuncturists, herbalists and other experts, Healthphone.com accepts no legal responsibility nor liability for any errors or omissions. The information in this section is presented as is, for educational purposes only. As with any medical matter, always consult your healthcare professional before acting on any health-related information.
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1.
Overview and Causes|
Anorexia
is an eating disorder that strikes mostly young women who suppress
the urge to eat and continue to lose weight to the point of malnutrition
and starvation. It can be fatal, because an anorexic can literally
starve herself to death while she continues to think of herself
as fat and in need of no food. The result is not only an unattractively
skinny body, but also an end to menstrual periods, and most importantly,
the destruction of healthy muscle and organ tissue, which, when
starved, the body uses as energy sources. Bulimia is abnormal
and is an excess in eating, usually caused by emotional factors.
Once a bulimic person finishes eating, he will self-induce vomiting.
Victims of the disorder overeat far beyond the needs of their bodies. |
2. Symptoms|
Anorexia:
(a) The main symptom of anorexia is drastic weight loss to the point of extreme underweight. Positive diagnosis of anorexia will require the doctor first to rule out that the extreme weight loss has been caused by a serious illness such as cancer, infectious disease, disorder of the digestive organs, etc. (b) Menstrual periods may stop completely, and a growth of fine, downy hair appears all over the body. (c) Anorexia can usually be diagnosed when the patient displays the classic symptoms before the age of 25 and has lost 25% of his/her original body weight. Bulimia: (a) Excessive eating, and the food provides them a way to relieve stress. (b) Sometimes they may feel guilty after overeating and induce themselves to vomit. (c) Bulimia is sometimes found among mental patients, especially those who have regressed to babyish behavior. Excessive eating may also result from hyperthyroidism. In a very small percentage of cases, bulimia may be caused by damage to the appetite control center of the brain. Return To Top |
3. TCM Effectiveness
and Evaluation
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Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are useful for younger
patients. Some cases can be treated effectively. |
4.
Common Syndromes and Treatments in TCM
This ailment, according to TCM,
has different syndromes. The treatment for these syndromes using herbal
medicine and acupuncture is shown below.
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(a) Qigong and other therapies
For effect of Qigong on the Nervous System, click here. Generally speaking, Qigong is good for healing effect of this specific ailment, however individual results may vary. It improves the flow of the qi and the circulation of the blood, so you'll experience more energy, but, you won't see/ feel any immediate effects, as with many exercises and therapies, it takes a few weeks or even months of practice before you'll see any significant improvements. The following types of Qigong may help:
For the information of different types of Qigong ,just click a link above. This information is for education purpose only. We strongly advise you seek a licensed Qigong master to learn the correct ways to conduct these exercises before attempting them.
(b) Medicated diet
(c) Life style 6.
Psychological Adaptation to a Chronic and Severe Illness Please click the following button to learn "Psychological Adaptation to a Chronic and Severe Illness".
Acknowledgments:
We also greatly acknowedge Ms. Najaf Munir, MBBS, for her editorial support. Ms. Munir simplified the highly technical medical documents into easy-to-read documents, for the enjoyment and education of our numerous visitors. |
5. Healing by
Other Therapies
