Clinical Information For the Treatment Of Anorexia Nervosa
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa - Basics
Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa are plagued by a distorted body image and subsequent obsession with losing weight that leads to compulsive, unhealthy behaviors and emaciation. These include carefully portioning foods, repeatedly weighing oneself, misusing laxatives or diuretics, excessive exercise, unhealthy dieting, self-induced vomiting, and others. Anorexia often coexists with certain psychiatric conditions such as depression, and can lead to physical symptoms including anemia, muscle weakness, brittle hair, osteoporosis, lethargy, low blood pressure and others. Serious complications, such as cardiac arrest, can also arise from anorexia and result in death.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for anorexia nervosa.
What Patterns Are Related To Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa - Diagnostic Patterns
The Chinese Medicine treatment of anorexia nervosa generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition (see treating the cause and not the symptoms).
The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of anorexia nervosa:
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Which Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols Apply To Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa - Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols
Tong Ren Therapy is the energy healing/medical qi gong aspect of the Tam Healing System. The areas of focus for anorexia nervosa that we would use in Tong Ren techniques form the basis for our acupuncture treatments as well. Generally you would mix these primary points with points specific to the patients underlying TCM pattern and then our tuina (medical massage) would be largely focused on these points as well.
The following Tam healing and tong ren therapy protocols may be used with anorexia nervosa:
4 Points Are Empirically Important For Anorexia Nervosa
Formulas and Products @ Our Store Associated With Anorexia Nervosa
The Following (2)Formulas TCM Herbal Formulas May Be Useful For Anorexia Nervosa
Dang Gui Wan (Tangkuei Powder)
Clinical Usages
- For recovery of qi and blood after acute trauma or accident, similar in usage to ba zhen wan.
- A range of menstrual issues when they arise from qi and blood deficiency - amenorrhea, menorrhagia, irregular cycles - also related fertility issues.
- For pregnancy with the right diagnostic factors for habitual miscarriage, unstable pregnancy - as well as aiding with difficult labor and post-partum deficiencies such as weakness, anemia, and/or insufficient lactation.
- Weakness and deficiencies from qi and blood deficiency generally - strong fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, anemia, floaters.
- Any of the above issues may arise from malnutrition and/or eating disorder issues for which this formula may be supportive.
- Vertigo/dizziness, possibly with anxiety and/or palpitations from blood deficiency.
Clinical Categorization
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan (Aucklandia, Amomi & Six Gentlemen Pills)
Clinical Usages
- A modified version of the base, zhi zhu wan, which is used to treat qi stagnation and food retention from qi deficiency. This modification includes herbs which add more movement and damp drying.
- Distention and fullness in the epigastric area - bloating, indigestion, gastritis, gastric prolapse.
- Poor appetite (from Spleen Qi Deficiency), anorexia.
Clinical Categorization
Cautions
- Avoid raw and cold food when taking this formula (and generally for Spleen Qi Deficiency).
Where Do I Go Next?
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