Research Log #6

Date: November 10, 2017

Name: Aspen-Marie Tong
EQ: How does Lupus affect a person and how can it be treated?

Three Points to Prove: #1: Lupus causes inflammation complications throughout the body.
#2: Lupus can be treated through prescription drugs and conventional medicine.
#3: Lupus can be treated naturally through alternative medicine and lifestyle
changes.
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Point that this Source/Information Proves: #3: Lupus can be treated naturally through alternative
medicine and lifestyle changes.

Excerpts:
“Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focuses on the overall regulation of immune function by
reconstructing a stable state, and it seeks to regulate Yin and Yang, Qi and blood and the function of Zang Fu
internal organs by enhancing the body's defensive capabilities, improving immune function, and limiting
adverse reactions.”

“According to TCM theory, SLE is caused by imbalances between endogenous physical conditions within
the body and exogenous pathogenic factors.”

“Many physicians are aware of the potential for better treatment of SLE by combining TCM and Western
medicine.”

“Combining the Lang-Chuang Medicinal Decoction with prednisone to treat SLE resulted in an efficacy of
93.33% (56/60) compared to 80% in the control group (40/50).”

Analysis:
In this academic journal, the authors present recent research on the possibility and benefits of
combining conventional western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for Lupus.
Typically, systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is treated through corticosteroids and immunosuppressive
agents. Although these medicines are effective at suppressing active immune responses, they are not a long
term solution and come with a series of side effects. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each treatment
is individualized based on the symptoms of each patient. TCM focuses on restoring balance in the body and
improving Yin and Yang in one’s body (in order to strengthen the body).
Combining western medication and TCM may result in better results than taking one form of
medication by itself. A patient’s quality of life will greatly improve, as combining treatments allows the
individual advantages of both western medicine and TCM to shine through. A recent study, found that
combining the two practices results in a higher efficiency than taking prescription medication by itself. The
combination of Qingyang Toujie mixture and prednisone is not only more effective, but also lowers the toxic
effects of the western drugs and lowers the chances of reoccurring flare ups throughout the body. Integrating
TCM into the typical SLE treatment plan is extremely beneficial as the two forms of medications react well
with each to improve efficiency.
Work Cited (correct MLA format):
Bo, Jiao and Gao Jianjun. "Intensive Research on the Prospective Use of Complementary and Alternative
Medicine to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus." Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics, vol. 7, no. 4,
Aug. 2013, pp. 167-171. EBSCOhost, doi:10.5582/ddt.2013.v7.4.167.
http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=24fcd31d-235f-4256-912c-
07b2d2a9a01c%40sessionmgr4006.