Massachusetts Bill to Mandate Acupuncture Coverage

Most all of us can agree we have been operating under the model of disease care, not health care, for the past several decades.  Prevention is the best medicine and acupuncture is one of several modalities that help individualizes make lifestyle choices to benefit their health and well-being. While passing national legislation as proposed in HD 1593 would be a boon to my practice (I would have to hire someone to run the office - yeah, an excuse for an annual Christmas party!),  mandating coverage for procedures not commonly used by the majority of the people bothers me on a personal (and self-insured) level.  Since KY is still fighting for "license" instead of "certification" and none of the large insurance companies will accept acupuncturists directly into their network, I...

Massachusetts Bill to Mandate Acupuncture Coverage

Most all of us can agree we have been operating under the model of disease care, not health care, for the past several decades.  Prevention is the best medicine and acupuncture is one of several modalities that help individualizes make lifestyle choices to benefit their health and well-being. While passing national legislation as proposed in HD 1593 would be a boon to my practice (I would have to hire someone to run the office - yeah, an excuse for an annual Christmas party!),  mandating coverage for procedures not commonly used by the majority of the people bothers me on a personal (and self-insured) level.  Since KY is still fighting for "license" instead of "certification" and none of the large insurance companies will accept acupuncturists directly into their network, I...

Acupuncture Treatment of Chest Tightness and Palpitations

Chief Complaint: Chest tightness and palpitations chronic for eight years with an acute presentation for 2 weeks.Medical History: The patient has been tested by a medical doctor for heart problems. The tests including an EKG, Stress Test, and blood values of cardiac enzymes show that the patient is within normal range. Her symptoms generally include tightness in the chest that is always present and palpitations while resting that can last as long as 20 minutes. On several occasions she experienced pain radiating down her left arm. The problem began 8 years ago after her fiance died. Prior to this incident she did not experience any of...

Acupuncture and Herbs for Excessive Menstrual Flow

Chief Complaint: 1- Excessive menstrual flowWestern Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with fibroids by a M.DMedical History: Female, 46 years oldSecondary complaint, recurrent sinus infectionsQuestioning exam: 1-Her symptoms consist of a lack of a menses for 2-3 months, followed by a heavy flow for 2-3 weeks. The flow is dark and has clots. She feels her abdomen is tight while menstruating, and finds that moving and stretching relieves it.2- The patient has gotten a sinus infection every six months for as long as she can remember. The discharge from her nose starts clear, but becomes green and bloody.Pulse exam:Pulse: Rapid, slipperyTongue...

The Treatment of Anxiety with Acupuncture

Chief Complaint: spontaneous sweating, nervousnessWestern Diagnosis: anxietyMedical History: recent weight loss of 150 lbs, recent dramatic change in lifestyle from unhealthy, greasy, sweet and alcohol diet to a healthy one (hence the weight loss) many traumatic life events; deaths of close loved ones, divorce.Questioning exam: unstable emotionsmental restlessness worse at nightlow energysweating on palms and legs, worse with anxietylots of dreamspersistent low grade nauseaoccasionally morning bowel movement triggers vomiting and abdominal crampsconstant back pain, tightness; better with movementPulse exam: skin very dampclear sweatpulse...

Acupuncture Treatment of Acne Rosacea

Chief Complaint: Acne RosaceaMedical History: The patient is a 50 year old female whose Acne Rosacea, localized mainly around her mouth and chin. During her adolescent years she was diagnosis with severe Acne by her physician. In her thirties she was diagnosis with Acne Rosacea by a Dermatologist. For past two years the outbreaks has been moderate to acute. Her lesion is diameter of an eraser on a pencil. They are pustules and painful. When the lesion breaks open, they bleed and is easily irritate. Simply splashing water on her face to wash it or wiping her mouth area with dinner napkin can cause the to lesions to bleed.The patient...

Chinese Medicine Treatment of Brain Damage

Chief Complaint: Spasticity, inability to eat, speak, control movementsWestern Diagnosis: Brain Damage caused by Anoxia during surgeryMedical History: Patient “D” was twelve-year old boy undergoing hernia surgery. Anesthesiologist forgot to set blood pressure cuff and D had ten minutes when his brain had no oxygen. His muscles seized, could not breathe on his own, was fed through tube, could not walk, speak or toilet himself. D could only “blow raspberries” at his mother to show disapproval but could not blink his eyes voluntarily.Questioning exam: Because patient could not communicate directly, I am listing signs. Functional symptomatology...

Spring Cleanse

I just encountered a press release selling a Chinese Medicine-Based 21-day Cleanse developed by an acupuncturist, Reiki practitioner, yoga instructor, feng shui expert, and behavioral neuroscience something-or-other.  Off the top of my head, there are half-a-dozen excellent Chinese Medicine diet books on the market that contain guidelines for cleanses - most notably The Tao of Healthy Eating and Healing with Whole Foods. Perhaps this program offers something new and revolutionary and  am not going to knock it unless I try it. In the meantime, here are the instructions to a similar cleanse program I give to my clients for a lovely 3-day spring detox.Why Cleanse? Clearing your schedule for a cleanse allows you to watch, moment to moment, the cause and effect of food and lifestyle...

Spring Cleanse

I just encountered a press release selling a Chinese Medicine-Based 21-day Cleanse developed by an acupuncturist, Reiki practitioner, yoga instructor, feng shui expert, and behavioral neuroscience something-or-other.  Off the top of my head, there are half-a-dozen excellent Chinese Medicine diet books on the market that contain guidelines for cleanses - most notably The Tao of Healthy Eating and Healing with Whole Foods. Perhaps this program offers something new and revolutionary and  am not going to knock it unless I try it. In the meantime, here are the instructions to a similar cleanse program I give to my clients for a lovely 3-day spring detox.Why Cleanse? Clearing your schedule for a cleanse allows you to watch, moment to moment, the cause and effect of food and lifestyle...

The Acupuncture Treatment of Vascular Headache

Chief Complaint: right temporal painWestern Diagnosis: vascular headacheMedical History: A woman aged 40 complained headache for 20 years. the right temporal pain began 20 yeas age, often preceded by nervous tension or over-fatigue, and aggravated during menses. She experienced boring pain in the right temporal region accompanied by cramping pain of the right eye. the bouts usually subsided after 3-5 days, sometimes with slight pain remaining.Questioning exam: right hemicrania precipitated b tension, fatigue and menses; flushed face; restlessness; irritability; poor appetite with bitter feeling in mouth; constipation.Pulse exam: fine...

Acupuncture and Herbs for Muscle Spasms

Chief Complaint: muscle spasmsMedical History: Patient presents as 37 year old female. “Perfect health” until onset of current symptoms 5 months ago. Active lifestyle- feels best after exercise. Well balanced and moderate diet. Non-smoker, occasional wine, coffee daily.Questioning exam: Onset of Symptoms: 5 months ago (symptoms started appearing shortly after giving birth). First symptom was closing of the eyelids. She was forced to hold her eyelids open with her fingers about 70% of the time. A few weeks later, her vocal cords tightened over the trachea and restricting breath. On her third trip to the ER, she was given a...

Acupuncture and Herbs for Uterine Fibroids

Chief Complaint: Uterine painWestern Diagnosis: FibroidsMedical History: Asian female,age 40 presents with uterine fibroids for 14 years. Asthma since age 6, medicated with steroids for many years; during acute attacks her brother (physician) would intravenously inject her with a steroid cocktail; at age 25 she began daily use of ventolin spray; allergies to pollen, cats and coconut; whole family history of skin or lung problems (eczema, vitiligo, lung infections)Questioning exam: Patient reports her initial symptoms were deep, cramping pains about two weeks prior to menses. Other symptoms include fatigue and lumbar tenderness correlating...

Chinese Medicine Treatment of Uterine Fibroids and Cysts

Chief Complaint: severe lower abdominal pain, uterine hemorrhageWestern Diagnosis: uterine fibroids, ovarian cystMedical History: 47 y.o. female with a history of heavy menses with clots and cramping and increasing in frequency. Occasional hot flashes but after two 2-year courses of estrogen supplementation didn’t want to continue hormone replacement. Frequent bladder infections following intercourse. History of narcotic and alcohol addiction (past) and high blood pressure triggered by anxiety.Pulse exam: Liver small and not descending to Kidney.Pain in lower left quadrant of abdomen, sensitive on palpation. Inguinal lymph swelling. Pale...

The Acupuncture Treatment of Heartburn (GERD)

Chief Complaint: heartburnWestern Diagnosis: esophageal refluxMedical History: stress related, burning like a hole in his stomach, ravenous hunger;defensiveness, vulnerabilityQuestioning exam: heartburn ad epigastric pain, militant atheist.Pulse exam: PC deep and weak, kidney full, overall smoothTongue exam: pale with white greaseOM Diagnosis: Stomach fireIV-V imbalance (5 Element)Treatment Principle: clear heat and rebellion, harmonize the PericardiumPoint Prescription: K22 PC1CV 12, 14 S21S44AE shu ptsB38PC6 MoxaHerbal Formula: N/ALifestyle Prescription: Return monthly for follow upMassage, yoga/taichiResults: Able to stop all his western ...

Acupuncture Treatment of Allergic Hives

Chief Complaint: Hives with itchinessWestern Diagnosis: AllergyMedical History: 37 female, full-time mother of two children.Developed the Hive condition all over the body in Oct 2004.Approx 30 lbs overweight. Went to a dermatologist to check for allergies but found none. Indicated that she can only wear gold/silver jewelries. She likes to eat Cheese but does not drink Milk, nor smokes. Has a mild scoliosis. Taking over-the-counter allergy pills but needed to take more recently (every 12 hours or more). She feels stressed taking care of kids and not getting enough sleep. She also reported a nagging lower back ache.She never had a acupuncture...

Acupuncture Treatment of IBS Indigestion

Chief Complaint: IndigestionWestern Diagnosis: Irritable Bowel SyndromeMedical History: Patient came with the complaint of dull and heavy sensation in the abdomen , also weakness and lethargy. He was having irregular bowels timings ,and usually more than thrice daily.Questioning exam: He told me that always feel an urge for stool , whenever there is anxiety or tension and also whenever he want to go outside to do his field work.also he felt weakness after passing stool.he was looking a bit confused,in a hurry and tense.The stool he pass was usually loose.Pulse exam: The pulse was thready and slippery.Also the pulse rate was fast.Tongue...

Chinese Medicine Treatment of Bloating

Chief Complaint: gas,severe bloating, diminished ability to flatulateWestern Diagnosis: stressMedical History: Walks daily, married 57yr old but doesn’t live with wife (both are happy in this arrangement) has suffered from clinical depression for years and sees a psychiatrist, average diet not in excess, slim except for protruding stomach, accountant for school which is very stressful, hypochondriac painsQuestioning exam: likes cold fluids, thirsty a lot, healthy appetite but bloats excessively after meals, hard to fall asleep, has anxiety at night, constipated-every 3rd day, poor energy, mind is cloudy most of the time, cold feet all...

Acupuncture for Sinusitis

Chief Complaint: Sinus problemsMedical History: Onset 5 years ago. Drinks 2 cups coffee daily.Questioning exam: Sinus congestion and headaches worse with dairy and wheat. However no symptoms are used to make a Five Element Diagnosis.Pulse exam: Pulses indicated exit-entry blocks between LV and Lu and LI and St.Tongue exam: n/aOM Diagnosis: Wood Causative Factor – inappropriate anger, rancid odor, shouting voice and green color lateral to the eyes.Treatment Principle: Clear blocks (AE, entry/exit, etc) and support Causative Factor at spirit levelPoint Prescription: First Treatment:Cleared AE with Back shu points – sedation technique, needles...

Heroin Withdrawal Treated with Acupuncture and Herbs

Chief Complaint: Heroin AddictionMedical History: The patient presents as a 27 year-old male from New Orleans, LA. He began using heroin intravenously one year ago and had previously suffered an attack of acute pericarditis, which was successfully treated in the emergency room. The patient was eager to quit heroin and no longer associate with his user friends. He had not used heroin in 3 days, but admitted to chain-smoking cigarettes to ease the cravings.Questioning exam: Chief complaints: Irritability, insomnia, anxiety, heroin cravings, thirst, depression, constipation, poor appetite.Pulse exam: Pulse examination revealed thready (fine)and...

Acupuncture and Herbs for Bladder Infections

Chief Complaint: burning urination with possible bloodWestern Diagnosis: urinary tract infectionMedical History: 54 y.o. female with hx of multiple sclerosis for 26 years, uses wheelchair and cane for ambulation. Weakness in left leg needing assistance to move. Chronic history of urinary tract infections, several a month. Uses a catheter bid for voiding.Questioning exam: urination: burning when beginning stream, frequency and desire to void is nearly constant. Describes a foul odor, dark yellow color, scanty amount. Reports feeling uncomfortable and “anxious.” no change in bowel movement or appetite. Sleep is restless due to freq...

Acupuncture and Oriental Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chief Complaint: joint painWestern Diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritisMedical History: Female, 34 years old, physical therapist. Joint pain since she was little. Has seen regular physician. Take low dose prednisone off and on.Ankle, knee and hip joint pain bother her a lot. Recently the both knee swollen, pain, feeling warm and affecting function.Questioning exam: like cold drinkfeel warmconstipationsore throatPulse exam: slippery pulseBoth knee joint warmTongue exam: red tongue with thin yellow coatingboth knee swollenOM Diagnosis: Bi Syndromes ( heat & dampness)Treatment Principle: clearing heat and removing dampnessPoint Prescription: St.34...

Acupuncture for Huntington’s Disease

Chief Complaint: Muscle TetanyWestern Diagnosis: Huntington’s DiseaseMedical History: A 50 year old male collage professor. Two years ago began noticing he had difficulty thinking clearly. Soon after, his hands began to become shaky and he gradually degenerated more and more. Finally, he was unable to walk on his own or change his own clothes. He could not read anymore and suffered some dementia. He also had difficulty eating.Questioning exam: The patient had a slightly purple complexion with very tense and slightly atrophied muscles. He had a slight tremor. His appetite was good, however he was unable to eat much. He was slightly...

Acupuncture and Herbs for Allergies

Chief Complaint: allergiesMedical History: Patient is a 30 year old male, sedentary lifestyle,diet includes much dairy and spicy foods, no excessive smoking or drinking.Questioning exam: Patient reported being under stress and feeling very congested with yellow phlegm, a lot of sneezing, itchy watery eyes, fatigue, and a sensation of heaviness in his head. Condition was worsened by the drafty environment he worked in.Pulse exam: Pulse was slippery and somewhat weakTongue exam: Tongue was puffy, had a purple middle and a red tip.Eyes were red.OM Diagnosis: The patient had a mixture of qi stagnation, damp heat and phlegm accumulation in the...