Case Histories | freefromdisease

Acupuncture Case Histories

1. Useless shoulder

This gentleman had a painful shoulder which did not permit him to use it positively. His job required carrying a heavy tool bag which was done by the left hand, as his right shoulder was useless. He was a constant smoker. His wife brought him into the clinic for ‘giving up smoking’. On enquiry, it was evident that his main problem was lack of use of right shoulder . Patient was keen to work in garden, play sports, etc but could not do anything. Hence with boredom & watching sport on TV he took to smoking as a pastime rather than choice.

When I enquired whether I could look at his shoulder which had been injured during sports a long time ago –10+ years, he was least motivated. He clearly stated – all doctors have had a go. I don’t think anything can be done. you can't do any harm.

I assessed the problem & treated him for same. Within weeks he was able to use his shoulder. Few months later he was back in training, enjoying outdoor life in garden, sports, weights, swimming, etc & happy as larry. He has maintained that active lifestyle ever since for the past 25+ years with no complaints. He went on to do lots in sports field & is a very happy man as he ages gracefully with a normal shoulder.

2. Back pain

Most patients with back pain generally respond well to acupuncture & recover quite well. An interesting case comes to mind. A lady came to see me for back pain , unresolved with all treatments. She had been suffering for some time. After acupuncture treatment , she was completely cured of her problem & did not have any issues nor require any further treatments for about 10+ years.

After the 10 year freedom from pain, she had back pain again & her doctor advised that she needs to learn to live with pain, as there is no solution to her problem. Patient was discussing with her son about me being in India. The son mentioned that I had just returned to Sydney. Immediately she rang me late at night to ask whether I could treat her.

When I saw her the following week, I was confident it was curable. I mentioned this to her & she was excited & felt it would be cured. I pacified her that we should await the outcome.

After 2 treatment sessions her pain disappeared completely & she was pain free & normal again. She has not seen me since for past 14 years. Such is power of good acupuncture practice. It can heal & manage people at preventive level too.

3. Sciatica

This the common story of most people who come with sciatica & are amazed at full recovery. This specific case described here happened about 20 years ago. Patient arrived with sciatica presentation & paralysis of dorsi-flexors. Patient could not walk on his heels. All advisors had suggested surgery. The surgeon had booked him into hospital for urgent operation. Patient somehow wanted conservative treatment before embarking on surgical option.

He worked with me & over a few months he was completely cured. After that he has returned to normal lifestyle. Once he was normal, after about 1 year he decided to go trekking. He managed to trek up to 10000 feet without any issues. Since then he has done a few treks & has been completely free of any issues since. That was about 20+ years ago. Today he is hale & hearty & has not seen an Acupuncturist since that treatment cycle. Such is power of acupuncture when utilised correctly. I think patient has forgotten that he once had a bad back/sciatica & was listed for operation.

4. Asthama

We have treated lots of asthama patients. We did a study of a dozen patients across all age groups & severity of asthama. The following observations stood out.

The younger patients recovered from asthama—some to the confidence of not carrying the puffer/spray with them.
Some of them who had fear about having cold shower or eating some foods which triggered off an attack were eventually guided to overcome those fears. Once their core energies were strong enough they could cope with such adverse changes to body & not permit any asthama attacks. They have been free from asthama now for more than 20+ years.
The elderly group showed beneficial changes . This amounted to reduction in infections during winter, reduction in use of puffers & better sleep at night. They continued to maintain their medication as before –but quality of life had improved.
The un-disciplined ones came back frequently for treatment. This was mainly because they refused to maintain their lifestyle restrictions as advised. They usually required a top up treatment every time they disregarded their routine. They bounced back to freedom from suffering quite quickly.

5. Muscle injury

Most sports injuries are ligament, muscle of joint injuries. They all respond quite well to Acupuncture treatment. This particular one stands out because

This gymnast had injured the hamstring muscle & was rested for 2 weeks as per the coach's advice..
When it did not recover, the coach suggested they see an Acupuncturist.
When I saw the patient for treatment, I was advised that the state selection trials were coming up in 24 hours. Patient was very keen to participate as the hard work was for these trials all along. Patient was also favourite for selection.
I treated patient the first day & asked to see me the next morning. Patient was performing that evening. When I saw patient showing improvement, i was happy. But I was very concerned that patient had to undertake her performance not being fully fit.
I advised that the chances are as follows: patient may get injured during the performance & create a bigger injury, or patient may fall during the performance. I was particularly concerned as a gymnast cannot protect their movements & would be unable to protect/guard the leg in any way like some other sportsmen can compensate.
I taped the area & suggested the following: patient should fully warm up & ensure all is Ok. If ok, then patient should perform & stop the performance at any time if anything untoward happens.
I also spoke to the parents to do me a favour. If the performance went Ok, then they should enquire of the judges about the performance. I was curious to see whether patient’s injured leg would be compromised in any way.
Patient performed successfully. On enquiry from judges, they commented that her good leg showed some deficit during the performance –but the injured leg was fine & all clear.
I of course enjoyed the cake & biscuits on offer after that. The pleasing thing for me was –healing of injury & recovery for performance within 24 hours. No further injury impacting on the next round of performances. Patient recovered after a couple of treatments & was normal again.
A very satisfying personal story indeed. All is well that ends well.

6. Sleep & Dreams

According to Acupuncture theory, a healthy person should not have dreams, as they disturb our sleep. We have treated a lot of patients with complex problems. As part of their treatment they have benefited from better sleep & disappearance of their dreams. Some have commented that they used to enjoy their dreams every night & that has passed.

The following is the story of a particular patient who came to me for a sports injury. Patient was a lifter handling weights & had some muscle/joint injury. As part of my evaluation, I noted that patient had dreams during sleep. During treatment, I offered to treat for dreams as well. Patient refused.

When patient attended next session, while needling, patient quietly requested treatment for dreams as well. The following week, patient was amazed at the results. patient was surprised, as such a quality of sound sleep was never experienced before.

7. Repetitive Strain injury

This is the story of a lady who was very strong & capable. But due to RSI her hands had become useless. She used to carry coin bags weighing kilos & now could not manage any of that at all. Her treatment lasted a few months incorporating Acupuncture, Acupressure massage & Steam bath, with lifestyle changes & exercise. She was diligent in her routine & slowly the change happened. After a few months her body which was very sore during massage started to not hurt any more. She started enjoying the massage. Eventually she was able to return to work being free from her pain & suffering. She was able to use her hands normally.