Fu Zheng therapy

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Fu Zheng Therapy: Building Strength

 

by Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., O.M.D. and Harriet Beinfield, L.Ac.

formulators of Chinese Modular Solutions

 

Both historical precedent and current studies suggest that Chinese

tonic herbs can positively enhance health, as well as treat disease,

because they are both highly nutritive and immune-enhancing. " Fu "

means to fortify and " Zheng " refers to the constitution. Fu Zheng

therapy restores and supports health.

 

It is useful to be aware that investigations of the properties of

Chinese herbs are also occurring today within the Western bio-

medical community. This essay briefly reviews findings in the

scientific literature that demonstrate how the action of these herbs

might be explained within the paradigms of biochemistry and

pharmacology. It is a modest sample of how Western thinking can be

used to enrich our understanding of the clinical uses of Chinese

herbs.

 

Fu Zheng herbs can be defined as adaptogens, biological response

modifiers, or immune-enhancing agents. They have demonstrated

beneficial effects on all the major body functions, including the

cardio-pulmonary (eleuthero ginseng), cardio-vascular (ganoderma),

hematopoietic (atractylodes), immune (astragalus), endocrine

(licorice), and nervous (schizandra) systems.

 

Many herbal ingredients are proven to be anti-bacterial and anti-

viral as well. Fu Zheng herbs help the body adapt because they

regulate the function of the adrenal cortex, increase the production

and life span of white and red blood cells, and stimulate the

release of immune-modulating interferons and immuno-globulins. In

China today, Fu Zheng therapy is used to counteract the debilitating

effects of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, auto-immune and immune-

deficiency diseases. tonic herbs enable patients to tolerate more

aggressive, allopathic treatment with fewer side-effects, and

increase the probability of long-term survival.

 

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Texas confirmed reports

that polysaccharides from one of the preeminent tonic herbs,

astragalus membranaceous (huang qi) restores immune function in

patients undergoing chemotherapy. Polysaccharides, isolated from

ganoderma, lentinus, and polyporous, have also been shown to promote

anti-tumor activity. This action occurs not from direct tumor cell

destruction, but by stimulating T-cell and macrophage activity and

inducing interferon release. Adenosine, also found in ganoderma,

inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombocyte formation, increasing

blood flow through vasodilation. Adrenaline release is countered by

adenosine, which helps to explain ganoderma's adaptogenic ability to

modulate over-stimulation and reduce stress.

 

Saponins, isolated from ginseng, promote the metabolism of

hydrocarbons and lipids and increase adrenal function. Lignans, a

class of constituents in schizandra, regulate the central nervous

system, activate respiration and blood circulation, counteract the

effects of CNS-depressants, and promote recovery from anicteric

hepatitis.

 

Atractylodes enhances phagocytic function, increases white blood

cell production and lymphocyte transformation, and increases serum

IgG. Licorice contains triterpine glycosides that have a structure

and function similar to steroid hormones. It is known to be an anti-

inflammatory agent, as well as inhibiting allergy reactions and

increasing Igg, IgA, and IgM. Eleuthero (Siberian) ginseng is high

in the natural element germanium, which has been shown to increase

cellular oxygen metabolism. In clinical trials it improved the

leukocytes counts in 70% of patients with leukopenia, and was found

to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

 

Traditionally, Fu Zheng therapy strengthens the three sources of Qi:

the Spleen, Lung and Kidney. The spleen is responsible for the Qi

derived from food and fluids, the Lung for Qi derived from air, and

the Kidney for reproductive and regenerative Qi. Kidney Qi is

originally inherited from one's parents, and is supplemented by the

surplus generated through digestion and respiration. Because Fu

Zheng herbs reinforce the basic functions of the body, they help

maintain physiological and psychological equilibrium. In the absence

of acute illness, Fu Zheng herbs can be prescribed for most people

as a nutritional adjunct. The main determination is which source of

Qi is most in need of support.