The 5th International Conference of Integrative and Longevity Medicine Taipei, Taiwan, Sept. 18-19, 2004

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Jan, 2005 by Grace Claus, Amber Lin

The main topics of this 5th conference organized by the Bradford Integrative Medicine Academic Alliance focused on Integrative Treatment of Vascular and Degenerative Diseases. The event was held in conjunction with the International Board of Metal Toxicology at the historical Grand Hotel of Taipei.

The Taiwan Association of Family Medicine, the Free Radical Biomedicine Research Center of Taiwan, and the Taiwan Academy of Integrative Medicine Cooperative were the organizers. Lecturers from Taiwan, The Netherlands, USA, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, presented research and clinical information to an audience of medical doctors from Asian countries including Japan.

One focus of the Chelation Therapy Workshop was to remind doctors of the role EDTA plays in vascular disease. The other was to demonstrate that environmental issues play a significant role in the development of neurological and degenerative disorders, and that a variety of chelating agents are available to successfully treat symptoms of metal intoxication. Pediatrician Dr. Lillian Ko of Hong Kong, shared clinical knowledge and data, linking environmental issues to child development and neurological disorders. From her clinical charts it became apparent that heavy metal exposure is common among Asian children and adults, increasingly affecting the unborn. Dr. Ko's studies indicate the need for heavy metal therapy. Her DMSA detoxification protocols were successfully applied for a variety of ailments ranging from allergies, skin problems to learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, seizures, tics, tremors and muscle pain.

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Dr. Raymond Pahlplatz and E. Blaurock-Busch, PhD presented significant statistical information proving the efficacy and individual binding capacity of various chelating agents such as EDTA, DMPS, DMSA, d-Penicillamin, ZnDTPA and combinations thereof. Urine analysis data, compiled by IBCMT members who used the new and stringent sampling technique devised by Dr. Peter VanDerSchaar provided new insight into the efficacy of metal toxicology. Statistical results demonstrated that a more controlled and selective use of chelating agents enhances treatment response in patients with various disease patterns.

For the first time, the International Board of Metal Toxicology presented in conjunction with the Chelation Workshop, a Nutrition Therapy Workshop. Prof. Robert Allan of Melbourne, Australia was instrumental in scheduling excellent lectures that were well received by the large number of attending doctors and their medical staff. Prof. Allan addressed the complexity of 'The Biomedical Model' (patients presenting more than one health problem) and the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis. He reminded his audience that functional disturbances are the basis of sickness, and that biochemical individuality can no longer be ignored. He addressed common nutritional deficiencies, linking diet and disease.

Notable Chinese researchers and clinicians such as Dr. Jeng-Fong Chiou shared information on chelation and nutrition in cancer care. Dr. Chen Shing-Han provided data as to the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in peripheral vascular disease and concluded that this modality can be lifesaving in some cases. Prof. Han-Sun Chiang, Dean of the College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei lectured about the prevalence and management of male hypergonadism. Dr. Tsan-Zon Liu, PhD, Professor of the School of Medical Technology, Chang-Gung University provided scientific data demonstrating that Hair Multi-element profiling is a valuable biomarker in preventive medicine. In this meeting of minds, Dr. Aaron Shaw-Yi Cheng, Associate Professor of Neurology at Taipei Medical University School of Medicine and main organizer of this important event, provided scientific but often forgotten evidence that Nutrition and Diet, Toxins, Activities and Rest, Mind and Spirit are powerful factors affecting healing.

Asian and Western clinical research was presented in a most historic setting, reflecting on the ancient culture of the Taiwanese. Paired with the traditional Asian hospitality, this academic meeting was highly appreciated by its many participants.

For information about this workshop, contact: Grace Claus, IBCMT

Secretary, at graceclaus@msn.com or www.ibcmt.com

or

Amber Lin, Secretary

Bradford Integrative Medicine Alliance International Conference on Integrative and Longevity Medicine

Phone: 886-2-2739-3933

Fax: 886-2-2739-3934

E-mail: icilm.bima@msa.hinet.net

Address: 4F, #213, Sec.

Ho-ping E. Rd., 110 Taipei City, Taiwan