Lyme disease from a Chinese medicine lens

Lyme disease is a tickborne disease transmitted from the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Lyme disease is commonly caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. Common symptoms include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash (which develops in 75% of patients). The western medical treatment relies on antibiotics, and is important to prevent late Lyme, but even after treatment, pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking might still be present. When early signs of Lyme are missed, it can go untreated and later affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system. There is limited evidence relating to persistent symptoms associated with Lyme disease, and further research is needed to understand, manage and treat long term effects of Lyme disease. 

In Chinese medicine, Gu syndrome (gu zheng) is a condition in which a lurking pathogen is trapped and linger in the body, such as in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics for 2-4 weeks. However, since these parasitic infections are very good at hiding in the body, they are also very difficult to get rid off, and symptoms can persist for months and years.

From a Chinese medicine lens, Lyme disease causes are due to external wind invasion, dampness, and evil heat. These forces penetrate the body and cause a disharmony between our defensive (Wei Qi) and nutritive (Ying Qi) leading to headaches, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain and soreness. The rash typical to Lyme disease, is said to be caused by the heat evils penetrating deeper in the body. Once they travel to the channels of the body, they cause pain, heat, redness and swelling of the joints. Furthermore, the Spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting the food and liquids into nutrients, blood and energy, and distribute them to other organs and tissues. Evil dampness and heat impair this process and damage the Spleen, causing fatigue as one of the main symptoms.

Antibiotic treatment is important, but often strong and usually prolonged, which can further damage the Spleen. A combined approach of modern treatments with Chinese herbal medicinals can be used to remedy the side effects of antibiotics and treat further symptoms. Even after the antibiotic regiment, often patients still feel fatigued, a condition Chinese medicine has been treating for centuries.

Due to Spleen Qi deficiency and damp-heat seen in Lyme disease, a clear and bland diet is recommended, such as plenty of rice, quinoa, millet, stews, cooked veggies. Chinese dietary guidelines may include avoiding any undercooked foods, including meats, walnuts, lettuce, watercress, parsley and celery. These should not be eaten raw because they may harbor parasites. Roast walnuts and cook vegetables before eating. Chewing foods thoroughly allows for proper digestion and facilitates absorption of nutrients. Parasites thrive in damp conditions, often created by inadequately digested foods.

Most Chinese dietary guidelines include eating cooked foods, and avoiding raw and cold foods. However, certain vegetables have strong anti-parasitic actions when eaten raw, including beets, carrots, cabbage, leeks, onions and radish. Eating raw garlic eliminates toxins from the body, inhibits microorganisms and eliminates worms, unfavorable bacteria and yeasts.

Additionally, roasted pumpkin seeds are very helpful as they kill parasites (you can lightly pan or oven roast them to destroy E-coli on their surface). If you have difficulty digesting fats, you can avoid them. But if not, eat roasted pumpkin seeds as snacks and/or with meals. Furthermore, Oregano oil has broad-spectrum antibiotic properties and is beneficial for all dangerous microbes, including the spirochete of Lyme disease.

Combining the wisdoms of modern medicine and an ancient one is an important approach to treat and manage Lyme disease. Seek a holistic attitude for your health and ask your doctor for recommendations.

References:

Flaws, B., & Sionneau, P. (2007). The treatment of modern Western medical diseases with Chinese medicine: A textbook & clinical manual. Blue Poppy Press.

Fruehauf, H. (1998). Driving Out the Demons and Snakes - Gu Syndrome: A Forgotten Clinical Approach to Chronic Parasitism.The Journal of Chinese Medicine

Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books.

Tierra, L. (2003). Healing with the herbs of life. Crossing.