Osteoporosis

        Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in women as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass (20-year-old healthy female average) as measured by DXA (Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry); the term "established osteoporosis" includes the presence of a fragility fracture. Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause, when it is called postmenopausal osteoporosis, but may also develop in elderly men, and may occur in anyone in the presence of particular hormonal disorders and other chronic diseases or as a result of medications, specifically glucocorticoids, when the disease is called steroid- or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (SIOP or GIOP). Given its influence on the risk of fragility fracture, osteoporosis may significantly affect life expectancy and quality of life.

        Osteoporosis in Chinese medicine is thought to be caused by the deficiency of kidneys and liver which control and dominate the development and maintenance of bones and tendons. The kidneys are important organs storing the life essence and regulating the hormones Kidneys in Chinese medicine also control reproductive and urinary systems. They are very closely related to the metabolism and endocrine system. Liver is to store the non-circulating blood and to balance the functions of other internal organ, since it controls and adjust the qi flow. 

        Dr. Wang believes that osteoporosis is a chronic process during which the hormones responsible for collagen synthesis and calcium deposition are gradually reduced. It is the body (bones) that can not make use of calcium / proteins rather than calcium/protein deficiency. His theory explains why people still suffer significant bone mass loss after they have taken calcium, vitamin D or biphosphonates ( alendronate ) for years. Recent medical study and investigation show that biphosphonates may not help people with osteoporosis, while it can cause severe bone pain or bone deformity. Biphosphonates inhibit the osteoclasts action. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are instrumental in controlling the amount of bone tissue: osteoblasts form bone, osteoclasts reabsorb bone. So the treatment for osteoporosis should be directed to osteoblasts instead of osteoclasts. Meanwhile biphosphonates have numerous side effects, some of which can be severe. 

        Osteoporosis can be effectively treated or prevented by means of acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs. Acupoints on the kidney and liver meridians are frequently used to improve the assimilation of calcium into the bones. Herbs such as Epimedium have anabolic activity to increase the protein synthesis. Drynaria can significantly activate osteoblasts and increase bone mass. Many of the kidney tonifying herbal formulas have been proven effective in treating osteoporosis. 

        The key to stop bone mass loss is to enhance the osteoblasts activity so to increase bone formation.