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Question: I am on combination therapy of interferon and ribavirin. What can I do to alleviate side effects of these drugs?

Answer: Chinese medicine can be very useful in relieving symptoms associated with hepatitis as well as the symptoms associated with the side effects of anti-viral medications. You can also use acupressure to stimulate the acupoints and help ease disharmonies and strengthen the immune system.

There are many side effects, basically unwanted effects, of the Western medical treatment for hepatitis C. Chinese medicine and other natural therapies are recommended, however you should definitely consult with a qualified practitioner prior to ingesting any herbs or supplements, as there may be interactions with the medications.

One of the major problems that come up for people fairly immediately after beginning Western pharmaceutical treatment is fuzzy thinking or “brain fog.” Depending on other issues, there are supplements and herbs that are appropriate for this problem. Also, in acupuncture and acupressure we use the special points on the ear called Brain as well as the reflexology point on the big toe — you can massage the whole big toe and gain benefit. We also stimulate points on the crown of the head called Du 20 and Si shen cong. Si shen cong has been found in western studies to stimulate serotonin so that may be helpful to alleviate pain and depression as well. If you see an herbalist, she or he may recommend herbal formulas, however it is important that the herbalist understand interactions of herbs and medications.

For depression, you can also use the same acupuncture/acupressure points. Also, acupuncturists stimulate a point directly between the nipples called Ren 17. It is a point that stimulates endorphins as well as being known for the treatment of grief and sadness. It is also used for shortness of breath.

Headaches can be a problem as well during combination drug treatment. For this you can massage the base of the skull at Gallbladder 20 or press on the fleshy part at the base of the area between the thumb and the forefinger, Large Intestine 4. Also, massage to the whole head may be done when using partnered massage techniques or when seeing a professional massage therapist. If you are suffering from headaches, it is also a good practice to eliminate stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate, and medications that contain stimulants.

Often nausea and lack of appetite can be a problem during Western drug treatment. For nausea, press on the point Pericardium 6, which is about three finger widths from the wrist crease on the inner side of the arm between the tendons. You may also press or apply indirect moxibustion to the middle of the abdomen around points known as Ren 12 and Ren 14. These points can be used along with the famous point Stomach 36 for stimulating the appetite. Stomach 36 is found on the outside of the leg four finger widths below the knee.

Foods such as mild soups, barley and rice in the form of Chinese porridge soup called congee, and teas such as ginger and peppermint can also be helpful for these problems.