Supporting Focus and Behaviour in a Teen with ADHD Through Traditional Chinese Medicine

Case Study: 

A 13-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD presented with:

• Difficulty concentrating in school, leading to declining grades.
• Frequent stomachaches, fatigue, and excessive yawning.
• Prolonged time falling asleep and involuntary twitching in his hands and legs.

TCM Evaluation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), symptoms like poor focus, restless limbs, and digestive complaints often point to imbalances in the Spleen and Heart systems. The Spleen governs digestion and nutrient absorption (“the root of postnatal Qi”), while the Heart houses the mind (“Shen”). His dietary habits and manifestation suggested Spleen Qi deficiency, leading to poor energy production (“Qi deficiency fatigue”) and damp accumulation. Simultaneously, restless sleep and twitching hinted at Heart Fire agitation disrupting mental calmness.

Treatment Plan

A dual approach was tailored to Strengthen Spleen Qi and calm the Shen (Mind):

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   1. Dietary adjustments: Regular warm meals with easily digestible foods (e.g., warm, cooked meals), reduced sugary/cold foods.
   2. Herbal formula: to boost digestion and Qi.

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Outcomes at 6-Week Follow-Up

• Academic focus: Teachers noted improved attention in class; grades rose as a result.

• Physical symptoms: Stomachaches resolved, energy levels stabilised, and limb twitching reduced.

• Sleep: Falls asleep faster and no more constant yawning.

  
  

TCM Perspective

This case highlights TCM’s foundational principle: “Treat the root, not just the branches.” By addressing Spleen Qi deficiency and Heart Fire—rather than solely targeting ADHD behaviours, the boy’s digestion, sleep, and energy improved, creating a stable foundation for mental clarity. Diet and herbs worked synergistically to transform “dampness” from poor digestion into Qi. His Shen is anchored to reduce restlessness.

Discussion

For children with ADHD, TCM emphasizes balancing the body’s internal environment to support both physical and emotional well-being. As this case shows, even small, consistent changes in diet and targeted herbal therapy can yield profound shifts in focus, behavior, and overall health.

To enquire or book an appointment, please book online: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/b973b79d/?locations=Xu%20Clinic. 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine for Coccyx Fracture

 Restoring Mobility and Quality of Life After a Coccyx Fracture

A woman in her 50s came to us following a fall that resulted in a fractured coccyx. The injury left her in significant pain, severely impacting her daily life. She struggled with basic activities such as sitting, sleeping, and even getting dressed. Her mobility was greatly reduced, and the constant discomfort made it challenging to perform routine tasks or rest properly.

After a thorough assessment, we developed a tailored treatment plan combining weekly acupuncture sessions and Chinese herbal medicine. Within just three weeks, she experienced remarkable progress:

• Pain-free movement: She regained the ability to perform day-to-day activities without discomfort.

  
  

• Restored mobility: Her range of motion improved significantly, allowing her to move freely and confidently.

  
  

• Improved sleep: She began sleeping soundly, which played a crucial role in her overall recovery.

  
  

This case highlights the powerful synergy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in addressing pain, promoting healing, and restoring quality of life. It’s a testament to how holistic approaches can effectively support recovery, even in challenging cases like a coccyx fracture.

To enquire or book an appointment, please email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk with your contact details. 

Acupuncture for Recurrent Epistaxis (nose bleed) and Stress-Related Symptoms

Successful Management of Recurrent Epistaxis and Stress-Related Symptoms with Acupuncture and Lifestyle Interventions

A woman in her mid-30s presented with recurrent episodes of morning epistaxis (nosebleeds) accompanied by persistent nasal and throat dryness. She also reported experiencing frequent nightmares, chronic stress, and overall compromised well-being. Despite undergoing various diagnostic investigations, no underlying pathological cause for her symptoms was identified.

The patient was enrolled on a holistic treatment plan incorporating weekly acupuncture sessions, alongside personalised diet and lifestyle modifications. Over the course of treatment, the frequency of her morning nosebleeds significantly decreased and eventually resolved entirely. Additionally, she reported notable improvements in her digestion, sleep quality, and stress levels.

The integration of acupuncture and tailored lifestyle advice proved highly effective in addressing her symptoms and enhancing her overall quality of life. This case highlights the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary approach in managing stress-related and idiopathic conditions, particularly when conventional diagnostic methods yield inconclusive results.

To enquire or book an appointment, please email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk with your contact details. 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine for middle-aged women wellbeing support

 The client

A female client in her early 40s presented with a range of symptoms, including digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, and frequent urination during both the day and night. She reported difficulties digesting gluten, dairy products, and sugar. Additionally, she was taking medication to manage the frequent and urgent need to urinate.

The treatment

A comprehensive treatment plan was developed, which included weekly acupuncture sessions and a tailored herbal medicine regimen. The treatment aimed to restore digestive function, calm the mind, improve sleep quality, alleviate brain fog, and address the issue of frequent urination. Detailed dietary and lifestyle recommendations were also provided to complement and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

The outcome

Over time, the client experienced significant improvements in her symptoms. Her digestion became more efficient, and the constant bloated feeling subsided, allowing her to enjoy meals without discomfort. She reported feeling calmer and noticed a return of mental clarity, which led to increased productivity at work. Additionally, her sleep quality improved significantly—she was able to sleep through the night without the need to get up to urinate, and the constant urge to urinate during the day was also resolved.

                         Image source: iStock

To enquire or book an appointment, please email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk with your contact details and health concern. 

Acupuncture and herbal medicine for Bells Palsy

 The patient

Patient's left side of his face went numb after taking antibiotics for an Urinary Tract Infection. He lost sense of taste, had constant discomfort behind the left side of the ear and neck, left eye lid and under eye area would twitch involuntarily. Left eye lid would not close fully and left eye developed dryness due to not able to close it at night. He lost control of the left side of the cheek, could not smile, pout and struggled to talk properly. 

The treatment

Patient received five sessions of acupuncture and two weeks supply of herbal medicine, gradually regained full functions on the left side of the face. Advice was given to support general health and prevent any further relapses. 

Acupuncture for Bells Palsy, image link

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment method during the early onset of Bells Palsy. A full recovery can often be achieved with good cooperation of diet and lifestyle change. The earlier patients start treatment, the better the outcome. Herbal medicine will be given if there is underlying condition that needs to be address to enhance treatment outcome. 

To enquire or book an appointment, please email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk with your contact details. 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for secondary infertility due to severe Endometriosis

Overcoming Secondary Infertility Caused by Severe Endometriosis with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

A woman in her early 40s came to us after struggling with secondary infertility. She had been diagnosed with severe endometriosis and adhesions, which, due to their location, made surgical intervention unfeasible. Alongside her fertility challenges, she experienced debilitating symptoms, including:

• - Severe menstrual pain

• - Passing large blood clots

• - Poor sleep quality

• - Weak digestion

  
  

These symptoms not only affected her physical health but also took a toll on her emotional well-being.

Treatment Approach

We developed a comprehensive treatment plan combining acupuncture, acupressure, and customized Chinese herbal medicine. Over time, these therapies worked synergistically to address her underlying imbalances, alleviate her symptoms, and improve her overall health.

Remarkable Outcomes

• Symptom Relief: Her severe period pain, clotting, and digestive issues resolved entirely.

• Improved Sleep: She began experiencing restful, rejuvenating sleep.

• Natural Conception: After two years of consistent treatment, she successfully conceived naturally—a testament to her body’s restored balance and vitality. (Updated in 2025: she felt pregnant naturally again!)

   

Tongue Diagnosis: A Visual Journey

Tongue diagnosis played a key role in monitoring her progress. At her first session, her tongue displayed a scarlet red tongue body with deep teeth marks and swollen edges, indicating significant internal imbalances. By the end of treatment, her tongue showed remarkable improvement, reflecting her enhanced overall health.

This case underscores the power of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in addressing complex conditions like endometriosis and infertility. By focusing on holistic healing and restoring balance, we were able to support her journey to motherhood and improved well-being.

Under tongue showed fully extended thick sublingual veins

Tongue pictures taken at the last session: healthy pink tongue body with good coating and even shape, 

Under tongue showed reduced sublingual veins

To enquire or book an appointment, please email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk with your contact details. 

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for Tachycardia and Muscle twitching

Patient was admitted to A&E for fast heart rate, palpitation, twitching eyes and involuntary muscle movement in the body. 

After one session of acupuncture and one week of Chinese herbal medicine use, patient felt a marked improvement on twitching eyes. Muscle movement stopped and was able to sleep well. 

Lifestyle and dietary advice was also given to maintain treatment effect. 

Image source