Treatments in Conventional Medicine and Their Limitations
Conventional medicine focuses on physically replenishing lost fluids.
- Fluid Therapy: Intravenous infusion of isotonic solutions like normal saline (0.9% NaCl) to rapidly restore intravascular volume.
- Correction of Cause: Hemostasis for bleeding, antiemetics for vomiting, or antidiarrheals for diarrhea.
- Transfusion: Red blood cell transfusion in cases of hemorrhagic hypovolemia.
[Limitations]
While fluid replacement is essential for emergencies, if the body's ability to store and maintain water (Retention Capacity) is compromised—like a "leaking vessel"—dehydration symptoms may return as soon as fluids are stopped.
Additionally, autonomic instability or chronic fatigue caused by chronic fluid deficiency are often not resolved by fluid supply alone.
BM's Integrative Solution: Generating Fluids (生津) and Securing (固攝)
BM Korean Internal Medicine Clinic replenishes deficient fluids while simultaneously treating the body to prevent further leakage.
- Generating Pulse (Saeng-maek, 生脈) & Tonifying Origin (補元): The Shengmai-san (Saengmaeksan) formula, consisting of Ginseng, Ophiopogon, and Schisandra, boosts Heart Qi (Ginseng), replenishes fluids (Ophiopogon), and prevents the leakage of sweat and energy (Schisandra). It is excellent for summer dehydration or recovery from chronic hypovolemia.
- Nourishing Yin & Tonifying Blood (滋陰補血): For chronic dryness and anemia tendencies, we use formulas based on Samul-tang to enhance the body's ability to generate blood and body fluids.
- Astringent Action (Go-seop, 固攝): In cases where fluid is lost through frequent urination or diarrhea, we strengthen the sphincters and gut function to prevent fluid loss.
Evidence-Based Korean Medicine (Scientific Evidence)
Studies suggest that Korean Medicine treatments can assist in fluid preservation, circulation improvement, and recovery from hypovolemic shock.
- Improvement of Heart Function Grade and Cardiac Output by Shengmai-san: Studies have proven that Shengmai-san reduces dyspnea and activity limitations in heart failure patients, increases Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and cardiac output, and improves quality of life.
- Zhou Q, Qin WZ, Liu SB, Kwong JS, Zhou J, Chen J. Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) for heart failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online April 14, 2014. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd005052.pub5
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- Hemodynamic Effects of Ginseng: It has been reported that Ginseng components regulate vascular tone and assist blood circulation, defending against hypoperfusion caused by fluid deficiency.
- Kim JH. Cardiovascular Diseases and Panax ginseng: A Review on Molecular Mechanisms and Medical Applications. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2012;36(1):16-26. doi:10.5142/jgr.2012.36.1.16
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- Regulation of Water Metabolism by Astragalus: Research indicates that Astragalus aids in the reabsorption of sodium and water and protects renal tissue, contributing to the maintenance of fluid balance.
- Tang YX, Chen J, Qiu BH, et al. Aquaporin 1 as a target of Astragalus Polysaccharides alleviates transport stress-induced renal ion homeostasis disorders in newly hatched chickens. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2025;321(Pt 4):146455. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.146455
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