Chinese Medical Ethics in Some Diseases

Acute Leukemia and Traditional Herbal Medicine

Classification of acute leukemia

There are four major categories in acute leukemia.

1. Deficiency in both Qi and Yin Headache, weakness, paleness, low fever, warm palms and soles, self sweating, sweating during sleep, light colored tongue, thready and rapid pulse, or surging and rapid pulse. The principles of treatment constitute that of tonifying 'qi' and blood replenishes the Yin while eliminating pathogens. Commonly used herbs are: Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, etc.

2. Excessive heat-poison

Fever, light bleeding, bone pains, swelling of liver and spleens, yellow tongue coating, rapid pulse or thready, slippery and rapid pulse. The principles of treatment are to clear the heat and alleviate the poison while restoring body resistance.

3. Heat-poison entering blood

Light or medium fever, gum, nose and skin bleedings, even the presence of bloody bubbles in the tongue body, or the swelling of lymph nodes, liver and spleens, thin and yellow tongue coating, rapid pulse. The principles of treatment are to clear the heat, alleviate the poison, to cool the blood, and stop bleeding while restoring body resistance.

4. Stagnant blood and phlegm mass

Characterized by the swelling of liver and spleens and lymph nodes, together with anemia, bleeding, low fever, stagnant blood speckles on the tongue body, rapid pulse. The treatment principle is to eliminate the stagnant blood, activate the blood, and dissolve the phlegm mass. The commonly used herbs are: Dongui, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, etc.