The HPV Virus–Eastern and Western Approaches to Treatment

TCM and Western medicine combined work well for the treatment of protrusions caused by HPV

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Though the human papillomavirus can be uncomfortable and embarrassing—over time, it usually goes away on its own—but if it’s not resolved—it can lead to cancer later in life.

Cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers and genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) are all related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Huang Peishen, an obstetrician and gynecologist at National Taiwan University Hospital, said that anyone who has had sexual experiences has an 80 percent chance of being infected with the HPV virus.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the world, and more than 95 percent are caused by HPV.

In addition, a 2017 study estimated that in the United States alone, more than 9,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers occur each year in men, accounting for 63 percent of penile cancers, 91 percent of anal cancers, and 72 percent of oropharyngeal cancers.

How Much Do You Know About HPV?

There are more than 200 types of viruses related to HPV, with some transmitted through sexual contact.

HPV itself is a very common virus that can be spread among all ages and genders. However, because there may not be immediate symptoms, many people are unaware they have it.

Dr. Huang said that half of HPV patients are likely to be infected with cancer-causing HPV. But in general, the virus will be metabolized by the body’s immune function. If the patient’s immunity is normal, the virus will remain latent for a long time, only to reemerge as a disease when the host’s immunity turns weak, or with a decrease in metabolic capacity due to age.

How Is HPV Treated?

Patients suffering from HPV-induced genital warts can have surface protrusions removed with Western medicinal ointment, electrocautery, or surgery.

For patients suffering from cancer-causing HPV, Huang suggested an annual smear examination to track precancerous lesions. In most cases, the development of cancer after infection with cancer-causing HPV  takes time and progresses through various stages of precancerous lesions. This process can span from months to years or even decades before it transforms into full-blown cancer. Detecting and addressing precancerous changes at an early stage is crucial in preventing the progression to cancer.

Huang emphasized that while surgery can effectively remove the lesion or protrusions caused by the virus, achieving long-term elimination of the virus itself and preventing its recurrence relies heavily on one’s immune system. Individuals must focus on strengthening their immunity to combat the virus effectively.

Certain groups, such as the elderly, people with poor sleep, pregnant women, and children, are considered immunocompromised and are at higher risk. To enhance their immunity and protect against HPV-related complications, it’s important for them to incorporate certain lifestyle practices into their daily routines.

A high percentage of patients in obstetrics and gynecology clinics are also patients of the HPV virus.

Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet should be integral parts of their normal lives. Engaging in physical activity can boost immune function, while adequate rest is essential for the body to recover and repair. A diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants can support the immune system’s ability to fight infections. In some cases, supplementation with specific vitamins may be beneficial to further strengthen immunity.

TCM’s Interpretation of HPV Infection

Yu Yawen, director of Taiwan Shangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic said that in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the diseases caused by HPV are collectively referred to as damp heat in the lower body. The lower body is the part below the navel and includes the urinary system and reproductive systems. Infections that occur in the genitals are mostly chronic or acute inflammation caused by damp heat.

In TCM, many diseases are caused by forces in the environment. These forces are called the six exogenous evils and are divided into wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire. TCM believes that many diseases are caused by the invasion of external evils.

Summer is a season when many people experience increased sweating due to the high temperatures. While sweating is a natural way for the body to regulate its temperature, it can also lead to dehydration and potentially weaken the immune system if proper hydration is not maintained.

During hot and humid weather, dehydration can make the body more susceptible to infections, including viruses, as it may compromise the immune system’s ability to function optimally.

Ms. Yu said that the spleen and kidney as a whole are in charge of the body’s immunity. The kidney is related to immunoglobulin, and the spleen is related to nutrient absorption. At the same time, the innate immune system must work with the acquired nutrition absorption to repel viruses successfully.

In addition to the above-mentioned high-risk groups, even healthy adults are prone to low immunity after having a cold or severe illness, during pregnancy, staying up late, and traveling. Warning signs of infection with HPV are:

1. Increase in vaginal secretions. 2. Inflammation. 3. Dull pain in the lower abdomen or backache.

TCM Combined With Western Medicine Works Well

To eliminate the cancerous changes or protrusions caused by HPV, Ms. Yu believes that the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in stages offers the best effect.

Ms. Yu suggests using pearl barley to address spot warts and moles. Pearl barley, also known as Job’s tears or coix seed, is believed to have certain properties that may be beneficial for the skin.

According to TCM, spot warts are skin protrusions caused by phlegm dampness, which refers to the imbalance of qi, blood, and body fluid in the body. Whether it is adolescent acne, mucous protrusions on genitals, or viral warts, they can all be treated in principle with the help of pearl barley to alleviate the related symptoms.

In addition, Chinese medicinal herbs such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense, and Scutellaria barbata all have antiviral effects and can be taken internally or used topically as a wash.

After removing the visible growths on the surface, it is necessary to help the body metabolize the viruses inside. The second stage focuses mainly on nourishing the spleen and stomach and strengthening immunity. Other Chinese medicinal herbs that can invigorate the spleen and stomach include Sijunzi (four components) Decoction.

Moreover, for patients with difficulty falling asleep, suffering poor sleep quality, or who often stay up late, the liver function will inevitably become weak, rendering them more susceptible to accumulating toxins, which in turn has a direct impact on the metabolism of the spleen and stomach. Therefore, taking sleep-aiding Chinese medicine can improve sleep quality and increase immunity.

Ms. Yu reminds us that the household environment must be kept dehumidified and dry as a daily health care routine during the hot and humid summer weather. Also, avoid ice-cold drinks as they can accumulate as body moisture.

There is no need to be nervous about the HPV virus. Know that there are options to treat symptoms, ways to monitor progression, and that by strengthening the immune system recovery can occur.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.