Treatments in Conventional Medicine and Their Limitations
Conventional medicine uses fluids and medications to return calcium levels to normal. Under the diagnosis of a Korean Medicine doctor, BM Korean Internal Medicine Clinic actively utilizes or recommends these emergency treatments.
- Hypercalcemia: Large volume saline hydration to induce excretion, and Bisphosphonates or Denosumab to prevent bone breakdown.
- Hypocalcemia: IV Calcium Gluconate for acute cases; oral calcium and Vitamin D supplements for chronic management.
[Limitations]
Long-term bisphosphonate use carries risks of jaw osteonecrosis or atypical fractures.
Calcium supplements can cause GI distress, constipation, and due to low absorption, may promote kidney stones or vascular calcification.
While drugs correct numbers, they often fail to restore the metabolic function of why calcium isn't going to bones or is leaking out.
BM's Integrative Solution: Restoring 'Storage' and 'Utilization' of Calcium
BM Korean Internal Medicine Clinic focuses on enhancing the body's ability to lock calcium in bones (Storage) and use it appropriately (Utilization).
- Tonifying Kidney Essence (補腎精, Bone Strengthening): Formulas like Yukmijihwang-tang or herbs like Deer Antler and Eucommia reinforce Kidney Essence to activate bone metabolism, helping calcium return to bones instead of floating in the blood.
- Relaxing Muscles & Nourishing Blood (柔筋養血): For muscle cramps from hypocalcemia, we prescribe Jakyakgamcho-tang. It replenishes Liver Blood and relaxes muscle tension, rapidly relieving cramps and pain without relying solely on calcium supplements.
- Nourishing Yin & Clearing Heat (滋陰淸熱): For polyuria, dehydration, and constipation from hypercalcemia, we use formulas to replenish body fluids and restore systemic condition.
Evidence-Based Korean Medicine (Scientific Evidence)
Studies prove that Korean Medicine treatments are effective in regulating bone metabolism, alleviating muscle cramps, and protecting renal tissue to maintain calcium homeostasis.
- Muscle Cramp Relief by Jakyakgamcho-tang (Shakuyaku-kanzo-to): It has been clinically confirmed that administering Jakyakgamcho-tang to patients with muscle cramps caused by hypocalcemia or electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hemodialysis patients) provides immediate and significant relief.
- Hyodo T, Taira T, Kumakura M, et al. The Immediate Effect of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, for Muscular Cramps during Maintenance Hemodialysis. the Nephron Journals/Nephron Journals. 2002;90(2):240. doi:10.1159/000049057
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- Bone Protection and Calcium Regulation by Epimedium: Icariin, a major component of Epimedium, activates osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and inhibits osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells), thereby increasing bone density and preventing excessive calcium loss from bones.
- Zhang G, Qin L, Shi Y. Epimedium-Derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: a 24-Month randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2007;22(7):1072-1079. doi:10.1359/jbmr.070405
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- Renal Structural Protection and Anti-fibrotic Effect of Yukmijihwang-tang (Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction): According to recent research, Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction increases SIRT1 expression and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal tissue. This prevents Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT), exerting a potent anti-fibrotic effect. By preserving the structural integrity of the kidney—the central organ of calcium metabolism—it contributes to maintaining electrolyte regulation functions.
- Wang H, Chen SS, Zhang YX, et al. Liu Wei Di Huang Decoction alleviates renal fibrosis by inhibiting endothelial mesenchymal transitions via upregulating SIRT1 expression and inhibiting the WNT/Β-Catenin signaling pathway. Drug Design Development and Therapy. 2025;Volume 19:6587-6603. doi:10.2147/dddt.s517938
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