Hardly a week goes by these days without an article appearing in the press about acupuncture and IVF. Practitioners certainly report an increase in the number of patients seeking thier help to conceive. Here the author demonstrates the ethical dilemmas and emotional rollercoaster that accompanied one particularly difficult dase - for both patient and practitioner - and asks when, if ever, should one admit defeat and stop treatment? Read the whole article
A Time to be Born
Paul Hougham EJOM Vol. 6 No. 1 (2008)
This case study is an exploration of some of the emotional issues surrounding fertility and conception as well as the wider questions of conception and destiny. The study outlines a patient's presentation for treatment and how the issue of conception arose as part of the ongoing narrative of her health and her wellbeing. The telling of the case progresses according to the tradition of Five Element Acupuncture, and an understanding of the elements as a textured presentation of qi, strongly influenced by qi gong teachings. The discussion acknowledges some of our contemporary professional approaches to fertility and explores how we as practitioners might cultivate, perhaps even facilitate, the impossible dialogue of destiny surrounding childbirth. Read the whole article
Turning Points: Clearing Blocks to Treatment in Women with Early Breast Cancer
Beverley de Valois EJOM Vol. 5 No. 6
In a research study to investigate the use of acupuncture to manage hot flushes and night sweats in women taking tamoxifen for early breast cancer, the author explored the use of clearing blocks to treatment. Blocks to treatment are phenomena in the Five Elements theoretical framework of acupuncture practice, and are not often explored in research studies. The author presents five case studies, discussing the application of treatment protocols for blocks to treatment and showing how they precipitated significant ‘turning points’ in the patients’ progress. She also discusses how these cases shaped and developed her own interpretation of the significance of clearing blocks to treatment, contributing to a ‘turning point’ in her understanding of Five Elements Constitutional Acupuncture to encompass these approaches in her research and in clinical practice.
In dermatology, in addition to the usual methods of diagnosis available to us by questioning the patient, and examining the pulse and tongue, close observation of the morphology of the lesions, with all their subtleties of distribution, colour and texture, plays an enormously important role in understanding the pattern of disharmony and therefore the ability to formulate a treatment strategy. In this article, the author presents a single case of psoriasis to introduce some of these fundamental principles of pattern differentiation and treatment, as experienced in a clinical setting.
When Blood Runs Too Thick: Recurrent Miscarriage, Blood Clotting and Acupuncture
Rebecca Avern EJOM Vol. 5 No. 3
This article describes the case histories of three women diagnosed with various blood clotting disorders. The blood clotting disorders had impaired the ability of each of them to carry a baby to full term. The article looks at the similarities and differences between the women in terms of TCM patterns, and Five Element Constitutional Factor (CF). It describes how the medication they were prescribed affected the choice of treatment principles and also their response to acupuncture treatment. It ends with the author’s reflections on the experience of treating them. Read the whole article
Fire – A ‘Lighter’ Perspective
Gerad Kite EJOM Vol. 4 No. 6
This article, written from the perspective of a Five-Element practitioner and teacher, begins with an account of his experience of the Fire element and its significance for him personally. It moves on to give the classical context of the author’s understanding of the Fire element, outlining the roles of the four Fire Officials (heart, small intestine, heart protector and three heater). The Five-Element approach to treatment is then illustrated using two vividly portrayed and sharply contrasting examples of patients with Causative Factors in the Fire element, addressing the diagnosis, treatment and outcome in each case. Read the whole article
Three Cases and a Plea
June Tranmer EJOM Vol. 3 No. 6
This is written by a practitioner who feels passionate about treating children, and which is very much from the perspective of personal experience. She encourages the use of acupuncture, acupressure, tui na, herbs, moxa, cupping and other adjunctive therapies. Examples of three case studies show how these techniques can be used in practice, as well as how to involve parents in the use of simple techniques at home to help their children maintain their health. Read the whole article
Falling Pregnant While Fending off Menopause and Cajoling Ovaries
Jane Lyttleton EJOM Vol. 3 No. 1
This article presents a case study of a woman in her 30s suffering from a number of chronic disorders including headaches, back pain and depression as well as erratic ovulation and possible early menopause. Treatment involved both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and focussed initially on her general health and on regulating her menstrual cycle with specific fertility treatments commencing two years later. The case study highlights many of the sorts of questions which practitioners have to deal with in trying to help women seeking treatment to aid fertility, and provides a good example of how useful the information from basal body temperature (BBT) charts can be and how it can influence the course of treatment. Read the whole article
Psyche and Substance
Ken Lloyd EJOM Vol. 2 No. 5
Using a case history, the author shows how the patient's psyche can be helped with TCM; that even though the patient's psyche may be in a complicated state, it is in the understanding of yin, yang, qi, xue, jinye, i.e. 'substance', that TCM operates most effectively. Read the whole article
Pressing the Vessels
Rory Kerr EJOM Vol. 2 No. 3
The author writes about the importance of pulse diagnosis as an 'information centre' giving guidelines on interpreting the pulse. His article is illustrated with a detailed chart on 'The Pulse Qualities'.
The Clinical Application of Five Phase Theory in the Practice of Herbal Medicine
Professor Wu Boping EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Professor Wu Boping, head of the research library at the Beijing Academy of TCM discusses the engendering and restraining (sheng and ke) relationship among the five phases and gives his recommended herbal formulae in cases where 'disharmonious relationships' occur. He cites four case histories: dizziness, cough and dyspnoea, abdominal pain, and palpitations. Translated by Chao Baixiao. Read the whole article
Serenity, Patience, Wisdom, Courage, Acceptance: Reflections on the NADA Protocol
Beverley de Valois EJOM Vol. 5 No. 3
Following encouraging results from research investigating the use of individualised, traditional acupuncture to manage treatment side effects in women with early breast cancer, the author conducted a follow-up study to explore the use of the NADA protocol in the same clinical context. This article charts her discoveries in applying the NADA protocol as a standardised treatment in a group setting. She discusses its flexibility and potential, and considers its limitations. Case studies present a range of different experiences and perceived benefits for three women who received this treatment, including their reactions to being treated in a group setting.
Much archaic acupuncture theory is considered ‘superstitious’ by modern practitioners. The author wanted to find out if the application of some of the older principles of treatment as outlined in the Nei Jing made any difference to treatment. The article reports on the treatment of a 29-year old woman who sought treatment for infertility associated with polycystic ovaries and anovulation. Using tonfication and sedation techniques according to the phases of the lunar cycle, the patient’s periods were restored and eventually a pregnancy was successfully taken to term.
This case study sets out the treatment of a 64-year old woman who developed broncho-spasms within 1 hour of using some eye drops prescribed by her consultant for raised intra-ocular pressure. The author’s diagnosis was that poison had affect the liver which was then insulting the lung. Treatments, patient response and progress over an 18-month period are reported, including two apparent relapses provoked, the author suspects, by exposure to swimming pool chlorine. The first relapse took the form of a recurrence of ME-type symptoms, and the second manifested as breathing difficulties and an arrhythmic heartbeat. On both occasions, acupuncture treatment brought about a noticeable improvement in the patient’s symptoms.
This article (first published in Meridians Vol. 2 No. 2) is a personal account of the author’s experience, as a Five-Element acupuncturist, in treating a young patient suffering from advanced cancer. Given the strong emotions and unresolved conflicts exposed by the proximity of death, the author’s role as acupuncturist overlapped with that of counsellor, both being required to give the patient some peace of mind as death approached. The account points up the fact that, even when treatment could give only the slightest respite to the patient’s body, acupuncture had the ability work effectively at the level of the mind and spirit.
The Role of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Cancer (Part 2)
Dr Friedrich Staebler EJOM Vol. 5 No. 2
This paper, which complements part 1, published in EJOM Vol. 5 No. 1, 2005, discusses the general principles of treating cancer with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially the contribution which acupuncture and moxibustion can make, both in slowing down the spread of tumours and in counteracting the side effects of radio- and chemotherapy. The latter is given particular prominence, since the paper argues that acupuncture and moxibustion should be used primarily as a back-up, and concomitant to conventional cancer treatment. This is followed by the introduction of a simple and effective treatment protocol the author has developed, using moxa to combat bone marrow depression (the drop in red and white blood cells) during chemotherapy. The paper concludes with two case histories chosen to give practical examples, and to show the strengths and limitations of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of cancer.
This case study concerns a boy of 12 who had become school phobic after being severely bullied on moving to secondary school. The author initially trained in Five Element acupuncture at Leamington followed by a TCM course at Reading which aimed to integrate the two styles of acupuncture. The study, which includes information on the patient’s background, diagnosis, treatment plan, diet and lifestyle advice and treatment outcome, is presented as an illustration of how successful very simple Five Element acupuncture can be in the treatment of quite severe mental health and emotional problems.
Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Clinical Experience with Acupuncture
Dr Sanjeev Rastogi and Dr Atul Rastogi EJOM Vol. 4 No. 6
This case study, based upon the trial of acupuncture in a patient with lumbar canal stenosis, opens up a new vista in conservative management protocol to deal with this condition. Spinal canal stenosis, being a multi-level disorder and an associate of age-related co-morbidities, poses a considerable difficulty in selection of the right approach of management. Surgical decompression does not always result in reversal of neurological deficits and can lead to reluctance in choosing this option. Conservative management, on the contrary, often results in good patient compliance and substantial improvements. The addition of acupuncture to conventional conservative management makes it more likely to lead to a measurable and positive outcome, as is evident in the case study presented here.
The case study has been used extensively in many diverse disciplines including medicine, psychology and education. This paper explores the purposes of case study research in the field of Chinese Medicine (CM). Various types of case study including intrinsic case study, instrumental case study and collective case study are examined for their use in research of CM. The case study can be used to understand health, illness and Chinese medicine healing practices holistically. Case studies can provide powerful stories to illustrate the diversity of Chinese medicine practice. They can also be used to document change and development in individuals while having Chinese medicine therapies. Case studies can in some instances generate theoretical positions and sometimes suggest limitations of current theories and practices. Case studies also enable CM students and practitioners to better understand the relation between CM theory and clinical practice.
A case study dealing with the treatment of acute capsulitis of the shoulder, often referred to as frozen shoulder, a common complaint in an acupuncture clinic, occurring most frequently in middle age and more commonly in women. Symptoms include reduced mobility and pain. The author covers the examination and diagnosis of the patient and the relevant treatment principles, treatment protocol and outcome. The main treatment aim was to restore the function of the shoulder and to stop the pain. She chose to needle the local channels and collaterals to stimulate the flow of qi and blood. In addition she used some general points to increase qi and blood production and circulation. She concludes that acupuncture can be a powerful tool when treating dysfunction of the muscular system. In frozen shoulder the acute inflammatory phase can be recovered easily and progression to the adhesive stage can be prevented through successful treatment.
This case study describes the treatment of a patient who suffered from increasing anxiety, depression and panic since the birth of her only child two years previously. She also experienced no desire for social interaction not for sexual contact with her partner, the child’s father, despite what appeared to be a long-term loving and supportive relationship. The diagnosis, pathology and aetiology are discussed, treatment principles are listed in a chart, and the treatment plan is described step by step. The author also deals with lifestyle guidance. By the end of a course of 10 treatments, the patient no longer suffered from postnatal depression, and no longer required Seroxat medication. She continues to have regular acupuncture in order to maintain the benefits of treatment.
This case study shows how simple techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure and tui na were used successfully in the treatment of a child diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome. The author explains how parents who are taught simple acupressure and massage techniques were able to participate in their child's treatment. The case shows how simple techniques given frequently can have very beneficial effects, even in such complex cases as this, and how such beneficial effects also extended to the family, who felt included and necessary in the treatment of their son.
The author outlines the advantages of tui na treatment for children by highlighting its non-invasive nature, and that specific massage techniques can be taught to parents to do at home. A number of case studies illustrate the combination of massage and qi gong used in treatment.
Lurking Evil - Changes That Happen When You Treat Children
Julian Scott EJOM Vol. 3 No. 6
This is a case history outlining the deep changes that can occur when a sick child receives acupuncture. The patient is a 13 months old boy seriously ill with asthma, who was already on heavy doses of steroids and who had had seven 10-day courses of antibiotics in the previous 5 months. The case history covers his road to recovery through a healing crisis which led to no further attacks of asthma.
Shonishin (children's needle therapy) is a style of acupuncture used on children that developed over 250 years ago in Japan [Yoneyama, Mori (1964)]. Recognising the fact that children do not like being needled, this therapy has developed specialised treatment techniques, many of which are non-invasive and thus not uncomfortable or frightening to the child. Specialised instruments have been developed for treating children, and great care has been taken in adapting the use of acupuncture and related techniques for the treatment of children. In this article the author briefly discusses some of these methods and presents a couple of cases to illustrate their application.
In this short article, an acupuncture patient in his 70s gives a personal account of his experiences of acupuncture treatment for the sequelae of a haemorrhagic stroke which left him temporarily paralised on the left side. Among the improvements reported from treatment over the course of two and a half years are better balance, increased stamina, mobility, and dexterity, improved eyesight and normalised blood pressure.
Pang Jun, Huang Bo-ling, Li Yu-shun, Zhou Yu-yan, Han Zhi-yong and Faye Richardson EJOM Vol. 3 No. 3
Gout is a systemic disease which involves the impediment of protein metabolism. Abnormal protein metabolism results in hyperuricemia with acute clinical manifestations of redness, swelling and hot pain of affected joints. Repeated bouts form gouty calculae in joints. Western medical treatment concentrates on managing symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its theory of differentiating diagnosis and treatment based on syndrome analysis, holds that gout is caused by the inability of the kidney to transform fluids and failure of the spleen to conduct normal transporting functions, and to distinguish between clearness and turbidness thus leading to the generation of internal heat and dampness. Principles of clinical treatment aim to clear heat and remove dampness, dredge collaterals to stop pain and regulate functions of the spleen and kidney. By utilising the main acupoints, St 36 zu san li, St 40 feng long, Sp 6 san yin jiao, the researchers achieved a 90% efficacy rate in treating patients with gout (improved visceral functions manifested by normal uric acid and ESR levels) and its symptoms (joint swelling and pain alleviated) without side effects, increasing their acceptance and satisfaction with acupuncture.
The Clinical Application of Point Penetration Acupuncture
Pang Jun, Han Zhi-Yong and Faye Richardson EJOM Vol. 3 No. 1
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physicians through the ages have utilised point penetration acupuncture therapy. It is characterised by the use of fewer selected points with stronger stimulation resulting in better effects. Through clinical practice, the author has identified four types of penetration that produce different effects. Each method is described with common effective prescriptions for specific diseases. Case reports describe in detail manipulation methods and precautionary procedures utilised in applying these methods for maximum effectiveness. Therefore, point penetration acupuncture is an acceptable, viable therapy for many conditions previously treated with medicine or surgery.
The beginning of the menstrual cycle, puberty, and the end of the menstrual cycle, menopause or the climacteric are extremely important events in a woman’s life, both personally and in relation to their role in society. While most girls move smoothly into puberty and establish regular pain-free cycles, there are some who never establish a pattern and the resultant imbalances lead to pain, pre-menstrual tension and irregularity which daunts them physically and emotionally for many years and leads to problems later such as infertility and fibroids. Similarly, most women in the climacteric also move into the next phase of their lives with few symptoms, but for 20-30% there can be major problems, and for a further number the fear and dread around the menopause generates low self image and subsequent illness and loss of power. This article examines these issues through the prism of 2 case studies, one involving a teenage girl suffering from irregular painful periods accompanied by nose bleeds, and the other involving a woman in her mid-50s who had recently started to experience hot flushes and night sweats, along with a number of other symptoms.
Arnold Desser, Dr Kevin Baker, Nadia Ellis, Roger Newman Turner, and Dr Adrian White EJOM Vol. 2 No. 6
Five practitioners from different backgrounds, including Western medical doctors, an osteopath, a physiotherapist and a university lecturer, express their personal views on this subject. The contributions range from the philosophical to the practical and include views on the effectiveness of acupuncture and its role in health care, and notes on the foibles and idiosyncracies observed in members of the acupuncturist 'species'. Transcribed from the presentations given at the 1998 BAcC Conference.
Life after Death: The Impact of Bereavement on the Elderly Patient
Karen Simporis EJOM Vol. 2 No. 5
This short article looks at the various effects of bereavement on the body's qi of elderly people. As well as the commonly known effect on the lung qi due to grief, the liver energy may become stagnant as a result of anger, for example, or the kidney qi depleted due to fear.
Eye Acupuncture in 108 Cases of Acute Pain in the Biliary System
Chang Jin Yang, Ma Qin and Yue Ling EJOM Vol. 2 No. 4
This article was first published in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Vol. 16, No. 1. Good therapeutic effects can be achieved when using eye acupuncture to treat brain diseases and a variety of pain syndromes. In recent years acupuncturists have used eye acupuncture to treat 108 cases of acute pain in the biliary system and received satisfactory results. Translated by Xiao Y Zhang.
From 1985-1988, the author worked at the Rocky Mountain Regional Pain Management Centre in Colorado. This article is about the role of acupuncture within the holistic framework of a pain management centre. The treatment of pain by acupuncture is seen as symptomatic by many and therefore less subtle than other 'holistic' approaches. Western acupuncture prescriptions are symptomatic, simplistic and undifferentiated. They treat the biao only which may work well for some acute problems, but the ben must be tackled in chronic disorders. Additionally untreated pain can lead to further problems; spiritual, emotional and physical. As western medicine comes to realise that the piecemeal treatment of pain is rarely effective, the comprehensive approach of traditional Chinese medicine becomes increasingly relevant.
An article on the ancient Chinese art of face reading. This outlines the history of this special skill. The basic facial types according to five elements are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the significance of eyes and four case histories with diagrams are considered.
Three Cases of Migraine: Similarities and Particularities
Geoff Wadlow EJOM Vol. 2 No. 2
Three cases of migraine are presented where the presenting conditions and the treatment approach of Chinese medicine are similar, but where the details surrounding a patient’s life can often explain why a treatment may not work rather than the prescription of points chosen.
This article discusses the acupuncture treatment of 3 different cases of hysterical disease, where patients suffer from real and often severe symptoms for which no organic pathology has been found. Translated by Tom Dey.
A Flexible Use of Wen Dan Tang in Clinical Practice
Dr Gao Luwen EJOM Vol. 2 No. 1
The author outlines the various modifications he has made to Wen Dan Tang in the treatment of patients suffering from a variety of conditions. These include viral myocarditis, diabetes, accessory nasosinusitis, viral hepatitis, irregular menses and neurodermatitis. Translated by Xy Zhang.
2 Cases of Headache & Neck Stiffness treated by Employing Zhang Zhongjing's Pattern Differentiation
Professor Shi Zaixiang and Dr Xu Chunhong EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
Professor Shi Zaixiang, chief consultant for heart and kidney disease at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and Dr Xu Chunhong, of the Chinese Medical Department of the Shihu Hospital Liaoning, use two contrasting cases of headache and neck stiffness to illustrate the Zhang Zhongjing treatment strategies in the Shanghan lun (Discussion of Cold Damage) and the Jingui yaolui (Synopsis of Prescriptions from the Golden Casket) and give appropriate herbal formulae. Translated by Volker Scheid.
Looking at the Evidence: Notes on Diagnosis and the Evaluation of Efficacy in TCM
Gianfranco Morelli and Patrizia Adelasco EJOM Vol. 1 No. 5
The authors discuss the work of Dr. Zhang Shijie, of Gulou Hospital, Beijing. Dr Zhang, one of the forty ming lao zhong yi (famous Chinese doctors) emphasises the complexity of differential diagnosis and in seven case histories he demonstrates his thinking and subsequent treatment. This article first appeared in the Italian journal, MediCina. The English translation is by Emelia Mills and Kara Smith.
The Immune Development Trust was set up in the late 1980s to promote, preserve and protect the good physical and mental health of the public, particularly in relation to immune related conditions such as ME. HIV and AIDS. The author, one of the founders of the IDT, describes the ethos of the organisation, and the services it offers to both its practitioners and clients with particular reference to Chinese medicine. The article concludes with a brief outline of three cases treated at the IDT clinic, the first an HIV-positive man suffering from an acute herpes simplex infection, the second an HIV-positive woman suffering from chronic insomnia. The final case involves an HIV-positive man suffering from acute dysentery caused by endamoeba histolytica.
Thoughts on Paediatric Eczema as an Allergic Disease and its Relationship to Yin Fire
Bob Flaws EJOM Vol. 1 No. 4
The author takes issue with some of the statements on allergic asthma made by Giovanni Maciocia in EJOM Vol 1, No 3. The author's argument is based on a translation of a recent Chinese journal article on the treatment of paediatric eczema. In particular the author suggests that Giovanni, in the creation of his theory on allergic asthma, has not paid enough attention to Li Dong-Yuan's concept of yin fire and to modern western notions of candidiasis as it relates to allergic conditions. The author ends by describing the most common internal Chinese medicine formulas he uses in the treatment of allergic asthma in both children and adults.
The Superwoman and the Victim: A Discussion of Two Cases of ME
Sandra Hill EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
Medical tests show no positive results. Patients are not believed. It is all in the mind. Acupuncture procedures are slow but effective. A learning process for practitioners and patients alike.
Hugh MacPherson and Richard Blackwell EJOM Vol. 1 No. 3
This review article has three sections. The introduction looks at the western medical understanding of RA and identifies a role for Chinese medicine. There follows a critique of a number of controlled trials and studies. The final section considers Chinese medicine in clinical practice, its approach to treatment and patient management.
Discussion of the nature of meridians is followed by the results of the author's research into the coincidence of various linear rashes in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and the pathways of the channels.
Examining paranormal phenomena by using the framework offered by TCM, the author presents two cases which he ascribes largely to 'wandering hun.' He discusses his herbal and acupuncture treatment of the patients, and concludes with an appraisal of Chinese, Tibetan and shamanistic ideas related to demonic possession.
The author uses a short case study to demonstrate how, by a careful examination both of a patient's own condition and of the symptoms induced by chemotherapy, acupuncture treatment may result in significant improvements leading to the beginning of a process of self-healing.
The author explains that this article is not anti-drug and not anti-doctor but cautions practitioners to consider that prescribed drugs, although sometimes helpful, are frequently over used and often lead to uncomfortable symptoms and feelings of ill health. He provides comprehensive information on costs, and information, of prescription drugs, their side effects, addiction, the energetic view of prescribed drugs and herb - drug interactions. There is a wonderful table on the energetics of prescribed drugs in terms of Chinese medicine, and a case history which includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal prescriptions.
