Western medical doctors generally deem anemia to be a symptom/sign of another condition. The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Among menstruating women, it is the most common cause of anemia. Moreover, almost half of all pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency. The human body cannot produce enough hemoglobin without enough iron. Hemoglobin is a substance found in red blood cells that transports oxygen to all tissues of the body.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
IDA can be caused by the body’s rise in the demand for iron during events such as a pregnancy; poor iron absorption due to intestinal problems or gastric bypass surgery; colon cancer; internal bleeding; heavy menstruation; or chronic blood loss due to ulcers.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Chest discomfort
Difficulty concentrating
Cold hands and feet
Light-headedness
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Pale eyelids, lips, and skin
Extreme fatigue
Diagnosis
Diagnostic procedures used will be based on what is believed to be causing the anemia. For simple issues associated with vitamin or iron deficiency, the diagnostic method is usually straightforward and may begin with a few blood tests. When the physician suspects that it may be tied to a more grave condition, the diagnostic method may be more comprehensive and may include genetic testing, a biopsy of the bone marrow, imaging exams, colonoscopy, urinalysis, and stool sampling.
Western Medical Approach to IDA
Western conventional IDA treatment usually involves dietary changes and the use of iron supplements. Elevating the levels of iron in the body may take at least half a year and should be carefully observed by the doctor. Iron injections may be needed from time to time if the patient does not improve with oral therapy.
Chinese Medicine Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
The Chinese medicine way of treating IDA is based on what is known as “Differential Diagnosis”. This is a process that consists of a very comprehensive evaluation of the signs and symptoms of the patient in order to come up a specific and correct diagnosis. A specific set of symptoms is known as a “pattern” in Chinese medicine. In IDA, the pattern known as “blood deficiency” is the most common pattern you will see in IDA. A person may suffer from one or more patterns all at the same time within his/her body. For example, besides having a “blood deficiency” pattern, a person with IDA may also be suffering from another pattern known as “spleen qi deficiency”. The type of pattern manifested by the patient will determine the kind of treatment he/she will get.
Treatment
Treatment of any kind of condition in Chinese medicine is always aimed not only at treating the symptoms but the root cause of the illness, as well. The commonly used treatments to against patterns related to IDA are diet, massage, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture and designer herbal formulas are used to improve digestion, normalize menstruation, regulate qi and blood, and halt the bleeding without any unpleasant side-effects. A diet rich in vitamins and iron combined with a few advices to improve digestion is crucial to a successful treatment. Massage has proven to help boost circulation and red blood cell count.
Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine
The integration of Chinese medicine and Western Medicine is perhaps the best way to treat IDA. Your acupuncturist and doctor can cooperate with each other to provide you with a complementary plan of treatment that is both effective and safe.
Opening Up Communication between Your Doctor and You
If you’re suffering from IDA and would like to try Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor. Most doctors are open to alternative modes of treatment anyway.
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