Eating Disorders

Jian Pi Yin
Liao Wenhua, et al. treated 144 cases of infantile anorexia with a Jian Pi decoction. The decoction was made up of Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria Root), Shan Yao (Dioscorea), parched Yi Ren (Coix), Shan Zha (Crataegus), Ji Nei Jin (Membrane of Chicken's Gizzard), Ban Xia (Pinellia), and Chen Pi (Citrus). The formula was modified according to the symptoms, and then decocted in water. The decoction was to be taken one divided dose a day (taken 3–4 times a day). One month constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. After treatment, 98 cases were resolved, 42 experienced improvement, and 4 had no apparent changes. The effectiveness rate was 97.2%.(1)

Kai Wei Jin Shi
Zhao Cheng Chun, et al. treated 118 cases of anorexia with a Kai Wei Jin Shi decoction. The decoction consisted of Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Huang Qi (Astragalus), San Leng (Burreed Tuber), E Zhu (Zedoaria), Shi Chang Pu (Grassleaved Sweetflag Rhizome), Long Dan Cao (Gentiana Root), and Huang Lian (Coptis). For abdominal distension, Sha Ren (Amomum) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) were added. For vomiting, Sheng Jiang (Ginger) and Huo Xiang (Agastache) were added. For red tongue with little coating, Shi Hu (Dendrobium) was added. For thick greasy coating of tongue, Ji Nei Jin (Membrane of Chicken's Gizzard) and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) were added. For constipation, Da Huang (Rhubarb) was added. These herbs were decocted in water to be taken once every other day. 3 doses constituted one course of treatment. The results followed after administration of 1-12 doses. 89 cases achieved normal appetite, gained body weight, and all their symptoms disappeared. 27 cases experienced improvement in appetite and most of the symptoms disappeared. 2 cases had no apparent changes in appetite and other symptoms.(2)

Zi Shen
Liu Xi Yao, et al. used a Zi Shen pill to treat 20 cases of neurogenic anorexia with Shan Yao (Dioscorea), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Fu Ling (Poria), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Ji Nei Jin (Membrane of Chicken's Gizzard), and Niu Bang Zi (Arctium). These herbs were processed with honey into pills (1g/pill). These pills were taken orally, 10 pills a day, divided into 3 times per day. One month comprised one course of treatment. Psychological therapy was also conducted once a week. The patients were asked to write down their treatment experience and responses. Meanwhile, the patients' dependents were asked to change their emotional expression in their contact with the patients in daily life. The results indicated that 14 cases were resolved, 4 had remarkable improvement and the last 2 had some improvement.(3)

Shen Qi Jian Wei
Xu Cheng Jiang, et al. treated 31 cases of anorexia who were receiving peritoneal dialysis using a Shen Qi Jian Wei decoction that was made up of Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Gu Ya (Germinated Rice), Mai Ya (Malt), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Pei Lan (Eupatorium), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Chen Pi (Citrus), and Ji Nei Jin (Membrane of Chicken's Gizzard). For severe abdominal distension, Mu Xiang (Aucklandia) and Da Fu Pi (Areca Peel) were added. For severe abdominal pain, Yuan Hu (Corydalis) was added. For severe vomiting, Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Oranges) and Zhu Ru (Bamboo) were added. For constipation, Da Huang (Rhubarb) was added. These herbs were decocted in water to be taken once daily. Thirty patients in a control group were treated with an oral administration of Prepulsid 10mg and 3 times every day. Results from both the treatment and the control group were, respectively: 18 and 6 cases experienced noticeable improvement, 9 and 13 had some improvement, and 4 and 11 had no effect. The total effectiveness rates were 87.1% and 63.3%, respectively. There were significant differences between two groups in total effectiveness rate and significant effectiveness rate (P<0.05-0.01).(4)

Jian Wei Xiao Shi
Yang Xiong used a Jian Wei Xiao Shi decoction to treat 44 cases of infantile anorexia nervosa. This decoction was made up of Shen Qu (Leaven), Shan Yao (Dioscorea), Mai Ya (Malt), Shan Zha (Crataegus), Ji Nei Jin (Membrane of Chicken's Gizzard), Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Citrus), Sha Ren (Amomum), and Lian Qiao (Forsythia). The formula was modified according to patients' symptoms. For children 3-5 years old, 30ml of Jian Wei Xiao Shi was taken 3 times every day. For children older than 5 years, 200ml was taken 3-4 times daily. 5 doses constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that after 2 courses of treatment, among the 44 cases, 13 showed effectiveness. After 3 courses of treatment, 23 showed slight improvement. After 4 courses of treatment, 5 cases showed slight improvement and 3 cases showed no effectiveness.(5)

Ban Xia Zhi Zhu
Liang Huiying, et al used a Ban Xia Zhi Zhu pill to treat 38 cases of infantile anorexia. For 5 to 8 year-old children, the formula contained Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Oranges), and Ban Xia (Pinellia). For patients between 9 and 12 years of age, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Oranges), and Ban Xia (Pinellia) were used with the following modifications. For sweating, Huang Qi (Astragalus) was added. For upper respiratory tract infections, Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower) was added. For anemia, Dang Shen (Codonopsis) and Shou Wu (Fleece-Flower Root) were added. For pigeon breast, Long Gu (Dragon Bone) and Mu Li (Oyster Shell) were added. These herbs were decocted in water to be taken as one daily dose. In a control group, 38 cases were treated with oral administration of domperidone 1 tablet for 5 to 8 year-old patients and 1.5 tablets for 9 to12 year-old patients, 3 times a day. In these two groups, 7 days of treatment was considered one course of treatment. The results for the treatment and control groups were, respectively: 31 and 25 cases were resolved, 5 and 6 cases demonstrated effectiveness, 2 and 7 cases showed no effectiveness. The effectiveness rates were 94.7% and 81.6%, respectively (P<0.05).(6)

Li Xiou Fang treated 40 cases of child anorexia by external application of an herbal paste at the umbilicus. The herbs used were Cang Zhu (Atractylodis), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Lai Fu Zi (cooked Raphanus), and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) mixed with vinegar. The paste was changed once a day. 10 days constituted one course of treatment. After 2 courses of treatment, 27 cases had significant improvement, 11 had somewhat improved, and 2 cases were ineffective. The effectiveness rate was 95%.(8)

Massage treatment
Wang Sheng Lin, et al. treated 100 cases of infantile anorexia. The maneuvers employed were rubbing the abdomen for 5 min, kneading the umbilicus for 5min, pressing and kneading along the middle of spine from top to the bottom for 5min, and rubbing and kneading the acupoint Zu San Li (ST 36) for 2 min. In addition, for severe deficiency of both the spleen and stomach, Pi Shu (BL 20) and Wei Shu (BL 21) were used for rubbing. For retention of food, the practitioner also rubbed and pushed the abdomen with yin-yang method. In the treatment of children under 3 years of age, they applied the pushing manipulation to Pitu, Sihengwen and Banmen of the hand. This treatment was performed once daily, about 15~ 20 minutes every time. Additionally, equivalent doses of carbonized Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocepgalae), Sharen (Fructus Amomi), Caoguo (Fructus Tsaoko), etc. were ground into powder, made into paste with an appropriate amount of wine, and applied to the umbilicus once daily. The results indicated that 86 cases were resolved, 11 had marked improvement, and 3 had improvement, with the total effective rate being 100%.(9)

Chen Jin Feng treated 82 cases of infantile anorexia by applying the reinforcing Spleen-Meridian method 100-300 times, kneading Zhong Wan (CV 12) about 100 ~ 200 times, rubbing abdomen 5 min, kneading along the middle spine part 3-5 cycles, and pressing and rubbing Zu San Li (ST 36) 50-100 times. In addition, for dysfunction of the spleen in transportation, he rubbed “Ban Men” 100-300 times, for deficiency of both spleen-qi and stomach-qi and Wai Lao 100-300 times, pushed “Three-Guan” (the “3 passes”) 100-300 times; and for insufficiency of stomach-yin type, performed liver-heat eliminating manipulation 100-200 times. The treatment was performed once daily, with 7 days being one therapeutic course, continuously for 2 courses. In the control group, 40 patients were treated with an oral administration of Jia Ner Kou Fu Ye (a syrup for digestion) 3 times daily, continuously for 2 weeks. Findings illustrated that of the 100 and 40 cases in the treatment and control groups, 59 and 21 cases were resolved, 9 and 4 had marked improvement, 9 and 6 had some improvement, and 5 and 9 were ineffective. The total effectiveness rates were 93.9% and 77.5% respectively. There was a significant difference seen between the two groups in the effectiveness rate (P<0.01).(10)

Hu Ding Zheng applied the spine-kneading manipulation to treat 33 cases of infantile anorexia. The operator made a half-fix (by bending the index finger in a half<

Guo Hui Min used the pricking method for Si Feng (EX-UE 10), and punctured Shang Wan (RN 13), Xia Wan (RN 10), and bilateral Zu San Li (ST 36) for treating 30 cases of anorexia. These acupoints were also stimulated by lifting, thrusting, and twirling the needles repeatedly. Bilateral San Yin Jiao (SP 6) were punctured with an 1 inch long needles. The needles were retained for 30 minutes and acupuncture treatment was performed once every other day. After treatment, 27 cases were resolved, and 3 cases had significant improvement.(12)

Zhang Ruo Fen, et al. treated 126 cases of infantile anorexia by puncturing Si Feng (EX-UE 10), Tian Shu (ST 25), and Zu San Li (ST 36). The total effectiveness rate was 91.3%.(13)

Feng Ze Biao, et al. treated 32 cases of child anorexia by needling Cheng Jiang (CV 24). A filiform needle was inserted obliquely into this acupoint about 0.3-0.5 inches deep, and it was removed immediately after achieving needling sensations. The treatment was conducted once a day. 3-5 sessions constituted one course of treatment. After treatment, among the 32 cases, 16 were resolved, 13 had improved, and 3 were ineffective.(14)

Acupuncture and herbal combined treatment
Zhou Yin treated 312 cases of infantile anorexia with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs. This acupuncture treatment involved puncturing Si Feng (EX-UE 10) once a week, for 2-3 consecutive weeks. The herbal medicines used were Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Huo Xiang (Agastache), Ge Gen (Pueraria), and Mu Xiang (Aucklandia). For constipation, Qing Pi (Blue Citrus) was added. For diarrhea, Shan Yao (Dioscorea) was added. The herbal medicines were decocted in water to be taken once a day. The results showed that among the 312 cases, 151 had a significant improvement, 122 had somewhat improved, and 39 cases had no effect. The total effectiveness rate was 87.5%.(15)