Introduction of ZHAO Yonggang's Experience in Treating Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Based on the Theory of "Liver Governs the Sinews, Kidney Governs the Bones"
Abstract:This paper introduces Professor ZHAO Yonggang's clinical experience in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy guided by the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "liver governs the sinews,kidney governs the bones." Professor ZHAO holds that the core pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is fundamentally rooted in the deficiency of liver-kidney qi and blood,while the symptoms are manifested through the invasion of wind,cold,and dampness pathogens,qi stagnation and blood stasis,trauma,and chronic strain. The treatment is staged according to the clinical manifestations. During the acute phase,the treatment principle is to tonify the liver and kidney and expel external pathogens. The selected medications often have the effects of relaxing sinews and alleviating urgency,activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, and nourishing the liver and kidney. During the remission phase,the treatment principle is to replenish the qi and blood of the liver and kidney and to strengthen the sinews and bones. The selected medications often have the effects of nourishing the qi and blood of the liver and kidney. In addition, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is used in combination to consolidate the therapeutic effect. After the condition is stable,a herbal paste formula that replenishes the qi and blood of the liver and kidney is selected to tonify the deficiency,reinforce healthy qi,and prevent recurrence.