TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for HIV-infected Individuals
Nov 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
According to the pathological characteristics of AIDS, traditional Chinese medicine can provide individualized treatment plans. Acupuncture therapy may also be used, selecting appropriate acupoints based on the patient's specific syndrome patterns. For example, in cases of spleen qi deficiency, moxibustion or贴敷 (adhesive application) at the Shenque point (CV8) may be applied. In daily life, individuals should avoid unclean sexual practices and refrain from sharing potentially contaminated items such as toothbrushes, razors, and syringes.
Based on the pathogenesis of AIDS, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may provide the following diagnostic and treatment strategies:
1. Syndrome of pathogenic invasion affecting the lungs and stomach: Promote lung function, dispel wind, clear heat, and detoxify. Use Yin Qiao San with added Smilax glabra (Tu Fu Ling) and Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao).
2. Syndrome of yin deficiency in the lungs and kidneys: Nourish the lungs and kidneys, detoxify, and resolve phlegm. Use Bai He Gu Jin Tang combined with Gua Lou Bei Mu Tang, adding Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang), Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao), and Rheum officinale (Tu Da Huang).
3. Syndrome of spleen and stomach deficiency: Support the body's resistance and eliminate pathogens, tonify the spleen and stomach. Use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang combined with Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, adding Smilax glabra (Tu Fu Ling), Hedyotis diffusa (Tian Ji Huang), and Cat's Claw Herb (Mao Zhao Cao).
4. Syndrome of spleen and kidney deficiency: Warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys, strengthen qi and restore yang. Use Shen Qi Wan combined with Si Shen Wan, adding Polyporus (Zhu Ling) and roasted licorice root (Zhi Gan Cao).
5. Syndrome of qi deficiency with blood stasis: Tonify qi, resolve stasis, invigorate blood circulation, and clear heat. Modify Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, and Xiao Lü Wan as needed.
6. Syndrome of orifice blockage due to phlegm mist: Clear heat, resolve phlegm, open orifices, and relieve obstruction. Use An Gong Niu Huang Wan, Zi Xue Dan, or Zhi Bao Dan.
Acupuncture therapy can also be used. Appropriate acupoints are selected based on the patient’s specific syndrome for application or moxibustion; for example, Shen Que point can be used for spleen qi deficiency. In daily life, patients should avoid unsafe sexual practices and refrain from sharing potentially contaminated items such as toothbrushes, razors, and syringes. It is important to build confidence in overcoming the disease and actively cooperate with treatment.
It should be noted that for patients diagnosed with HIV infection, prompt evaluation is required to initiate early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This typically involves a combination of three or more drugs with different mechanisms of action.
