– Treatment Principles –

Your case is unique, it requires an unique approach

HCV is a RNA virus that has no repair mechanism, it mutates quite readily. The genetic structure of HCV can vary up to 30% or 35%, with some strains or genotypes being more virulent than others. Likewise the patient population with this illness varies widely; a few are dying, many are completely non-symptomatic. The Alchemist Lab Approach is not a one-size fits all program, but a tailored protocol.

Educate yourself, begin with an open mind and take the best of all worlds

HCV is an enormous worldwide problem with its epicenter in asia. The increased complexity of genotypes in Asia show that it originated there. The non-sterile use of hypodermic needles in medical practice contribute to explosive case loads. The proliferation of Asian herbal treatments are due to the highly organized and integrated traditional medicines as well as the history and breadth of this infection in that part of the world.

Both by honoring treatments that have withstood the test of time, as well as welcoming the quickening pulse of research, we take the best of both worlds. HCV turns into a chronic infection in the vast majority of acute exposures. Researchers have discovered how a protein in the viral coat of HCV disables an effective immune response.. This knowledge opened the door for an effective pharmaceutical approach based on protease inhibitors.

The distinction between natural and pharmaceutical is not cut and dry. The word drug comes from the olde English word, druga, which means dried herb. Many drugs come from botanical sources, and some herbs that we use such as artemisinin, from artemesia annua are highly purified. The Coriolus Versicolor which is concentrated to a 36% polysaccharide or beta-glucan content in our REM+ product is a top selling cancer drug in Japan.

In the face of persistent infection, we need a persistent response.

Most cases of HepC that we treat were contracted long ago, before blood screening began in 1992 and during the heyday of IV drug use (not to imply those days have faded into oblivion). This is a slow-acting, yet tenacious virus and our approach to treat it takes patience. One rule of thumb is one month of treatment for every year of disease. Our approach is safe; this is not the living hell of interferon/ribavarin.

Where are we strong, where are we weak.

Our success in treating HepC is best illustrated by our patient’s repeat biopsies. All except one have been improved, and that one still did enjoy his vices. We are extremely competent at healing the liver. Largely due to an accurate understanding of how the liver gets damaged in HCV and how to counteract that process.

Where our protocol has been inconsistent is in bringing down the viral load. This morning the first patient calling in was ecstatic her viral load fell from 11 million to 684,000 iu. The second caller was rather disgruntled his viral load going up from 312,000 to 360,000 iu, both basically using the same protocol.

How does the liver heal when the virus is still persistent? Basically because this virus is not directly cyto-toxic. What injures the liver is an auto-immune response that creates oxidative damage of hepatocytes. In one patient his viral load went from approximately 1 million to 4 million, yet his biopsy improved significantly. This does not mean that the viral load is unimportant. It means that viral load is part of the equation in treating HepC.

In recognizing that our anti-viral approach has been positive, yet inconsistent we looked at who was doing better. Since we talk to people all over the country who relate their experiences to us, the treatment that got the most response was thymus. So we have added in Thymic Protein A. We have not sized up NatCell frozen thymus head to head with Thymic Protein A, in terms of efficacy. Initially we have been very pleased with the results of Thymic Protein A and it is easier to ship, to take, and on the pocketbook.

My own personal doctor claimed dependable results from using non-ionic colloidal silver in IV form, for HCV viral load and he is someone I trust deeply. IV treatments tend to be more efficient than oral doses in blood borne diseases. They deliver the medicine where it is needed. Though as licensed acupuncturists we cannot perform IV's in California as in some other states. Consequently we have found an oral colloidal silver, the makers claim, has a very high track record zeroing out this virus. Please go to the MesoSilver page for more information.

One of our strengths is in recognizing our weaknesses. In a few months we will report the effects of altering our anti-viral regime.

Treat your liver well to get well, lower your toxic burden.

We live with dangerous chemicals ubiquitous in our environment. Having a compromised liver leaves us unable to detoxify our bodies. In the next generation, dentists will be sued for putting mercury in our teeth, as the tobacco companies are being sued now. The first step is not adding to your toxic burden. Many HCV patients are addictive personalities and still have destructive habits. If you smoke, switch to American Spirit Brand, which is chemical free. Better yet, QUIT! Many of you have stopped harder habits. Alcohol is like gasoline on a fire with HCV. Ecstasy deserves special mention in its neurotoxicity. Meth labs are chemical waste dumps. Psilocybin is tough on the liver, though generally organic is better.

Speaking of organic and chemical waste dumps, let’s talk about diet. What should I eat is a common question. In simple, avoid chemicals, hydrogenated and vegetable oils including canola, sugar, junk-food, and deep fried foods. Pay attention to where your fish comes from, farmed fish are fed grain pellets and don’t have the same beneficial oils as wild fish. On the A list: Leafy greens, artichokes, olive, flax, and coconut oils(coconut oil contains lauric acid which is an anti-viral), lemons, beets, fresh juices. Generally eat whole fresh food. Make your own salad dressings with high quality oils. Milk thistle can be pan toasted and ground up in coffee grinders, mixed with a little sea salt for a delicious condiment. Lecithin granules can be used on salads and will replace phosphatidyl choline which is a primary constituent.

Embrace change and emotional renewal.

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the liver is a primary seat of emotion and governs the free flow of Qi through the body. Chronic hepatitis creates stagnancy of Blood and Qi (Or visa versa, Chinese thought is often circular). As the liver heals old resentments, anger have a chance to move and release, people lighten up. Find emotional help if you need it. Get free. When the liver heals you will change emotionally.

Live well and see your case clearly.

Some live in complete denial of HCV, its easy to do as it is usually very slow to be problematic. Others can be completely non-symptomatic yet live in complete anxiety of dying. In TCM, the eyes are the openings of the liver, see yourself clearly. This infection requires concerted action to treat it effectively. Yet it is treatable and the knowledge of HepC and the methods to treat it will only improve. There is a point of balance of doing what you need to do to treat this chronic infection and then relaxing in faith rather than living in anxiety. Many people with HCV are basically healthy. This is not a prescription to not take action, but a perception of self. It is very helpful to be seen by a doctor who can accurately reflect your case.

How am I doing?

In ascertaining the status of patients we take in many factors. There is a hierarchy of importance to the information we gather. The first is the biopsy report. This is the gold standard of disease progression. Likewise we look at ultrasound reports which provide a macro view of the liver and other abdominal organs. Next if the patient is physically present we do a physical exam, checking pulse, tongue, face, eyes, skin, legs, and abdomen. In the abdomen we palpate the liver, gall bladder, and spleen. Next we look at history and symptoms. Then we look at blood tests: Genotype, viral load, liver function panels. Looking at a gestalt of all the information gives a better viewpoint. For example a patient with a 19 million viral count, can have little disease progression, and one with half a million viral count can be end stage liver disease. Facts taken without context can be misleading.