Wednesday 28 October 2015

Acupuncture for headaches and dizzy spells

The patient

Busy sales manager in his 50s. Patient first experienced head strain 5 years ago which developed into frequent headaches. Numbness and tingling sensation can be felt at the back of the head, headache and sharp pain behind right eye. Severe dizzy spell at times. No related finding through MRI scans to suggest cause.

The treatment

Weekly acupuncture sessions. Advised patient to stop consuming alcohol, greasy foods.

Outcome

Headache and pain behind the eye gradually declined as treatment went on, finally ceased completed after session six. Patient hardly suffers from dizzy spells. 

Testimonial 


"I consulted with Ivy after having experienced several years of headaches and dizzy spells without any obvious cause.

Following a series of acupuncture sessions, these symptoms have reduced considerably and I would not hesitate to return for more treatment if required. "

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment method for other types of headaches. If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.
Acupuncture for headaches, image source



Thursday 16 July 2015

Acupuncture for sports injury - shoulder, forearm



Acupuncture for sports injury - shoulder, forearm

The patient

40 years old Graphic designer. Trains 4 times a week in the gym as well as weekly military fitness training. Enjoys up to 6 cups of coffee a day. 

Presenting symptoms
Acupuncture for shoulder, pins and needles, image source 

- Tight shoulder
- Pain in right forearm 
- Pins and needles in arms and hands
- Compromised grip
- Lethargic 
- Psoriasis on hands and body

Treatment and advice

Weekly sessions of acupuncture. Advised patient to cut down on the amount of coffee gradually. 

Outcome

After 3 session of acupuncture, patient reported the following improvements: 


- Elbow pain: 7 to 3 out of 10 
- Shoulder pain: 6 to 3 out of 10
- Pins and needles: 7 to 2 out of 10
- Noticeable improvement on psoriasis

Patient testimonial

"After my normal treatments for a weight training injury were unsuccessful I decided to try acupuncture. After my first session I felt an immediate improvement which continued with each visit. Ivy was very knowledgeable and had some great dietary advice which has improved my psoriasis also"


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.




Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis


Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The patient

An advertising executive in her early 60s suffering from rheumatoid arthritis on her fingers. Patient has a healthy diet and lifestyle. 

Presenting symptoms

- Visible joint enlargements
- Loss of grip
- Pain in both thumb, worse after work
- Back pain
Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis, image source http://thislupuslife.com/2015/03/03/rheumatoid-arthritis/


Treatment and advice

Weekly sessions of acupuncture. Advised patient to protect hands from elements and wear gloves when doing washing up etc. Gentle massage on fingers after typing all day.

Outcome

Back pain stopped after one session of acupuncture. Pain in thumb and joints reduced from 5 to 2 out of 10 after 3 sessions. Grip had also improved.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment to manage pain and prevent further deterioration on joints. The characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is pain often gets worse when weather changes. Chinese medicine promotes the protection of joints from cold and wet elements in day to day use.



If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.



Tuesday 19 May 2015

Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The patient

Office worker in her mid 30s has been trying to conceive naturally without success for over two years. She had been taking the combined contraceptive pill for ten years previously. The patient has a fairly healthy diet and lifestyle.  She had difficulty dealing with family issues which had affected her sleep and menstruation. There is no excess hair grown and weight gain in her case.
Acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome, image source

The Patient was referred to the fertility clinic by her GP and subsequently diagnosed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by the consultant in March. IVF was recommended to her as a choice of treatment however she wanted to explore natural therapy first.

Presenting symptoms

- Insomnia, patient had difficulty falling and staying asleep. Wakes up frequently in the early hours 
- Irregular menstrual cycle ranging from no bleed for up to two months and two periods within a month, passing dark blood clots
- No signs of any mid-cycle discharge or ovulation
- Mood swings

Treatment and advice

Patient received weekly acupuncture and was referred for counselling sessions to help manage her feelings from family affairs. Patient was suggested to start a period log to record dates, quality and associated symptoms.

Outcome

- Her sleep was greatly improved and could sleep through undisturbed
- Her menstrual cycle gradually formed a pattern to every 6-8 weeks
- Blood clots faded away
- Signs of mid-cycle ovulation became more and more prominent. Quality of the discharges had also improved which indicated increased fertility
- She was able to deal with family issues in a calmer manner
- By end of September, she found herself pregnant and delivered a healthy baby boy in the following Spring!

Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Acupuncture treats Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by adjusting hormone imbalance and treating associated symptoms. It helped to improve uterine blood flow and stimulate ovulation. In this case, psychological issues was tackled at the same time to form a holistic approach to treatment. I recommend all my patients to start a period log which tells a lot about how their body is functioning and track progress of treatment. It also provides valuable clinical information should they decided to start IVF treatments in future.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.




Tuesday 5 May 2015

Acupuncture for infertility

The patient

A special needs teacher in her mid 40s had been trying for a baby for over two years without success. She lead a busy life and lived mainly on takeaways during the week. At the weekends she was often too tired to exercise.

Presenting symptoms

- Tiredness
- Passing blood clots during menstruation, painful periods

Treatment outcome

- Increased energy level
- Periods became symptom free and uneventful gradually 
- After 4 months of weekly acupuncture sessions, patient felt pregnant naturally and gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl!
Acupuncture for infertility, image resource

Diet and lifestyle changes

Regular exercise and a healthy diet is vital for optimising fertility. Patient went for a week delivery service of fresh fruit & vegetables to have more healthy home cooked meals. There are lots of good suppliers providing fresh ingredients and convenient recipe cards such as hellofresh, ideal for working professionals. She also went out for walks with her partner at weekends.  

Acupuncture for infertility

Although statically it becomes more and more difficult to conceive with age, with the help of improved diet and lifestyle and the assistance of complementary therapy, it is still achievable in the natural way. In the patient's case, acupuncture helped with natural conception by addressing her menstruation issues and enhancing overall wellbeing. 

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Friday 20 March 2015

Acupuncture for painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

Patient

36 year old female IT project manager. Long daily commute. Very busy at work, often forget to drink anything for a whole day. 

Presenting symptoms

- Lower abdominal cramp at period time
- Passing large dark black blood clots during period
- Fatigue
- Premenstrual tension two days before period starts
- Poor circulation, cold hands and feet
- Difficult to fall asleep and stay sleep

Outcome

After 1st session: Slept well after treatment and remained so for the rest of the week. Improved frequency of bowel movement. Energy level also increased, no more energy dips in the day. 

After 2nd session: Period went smoothly. No pain on day 1, Pain started on day 2 however much better than before. A little pain by day 3. 

Patient was discharged after five sessions of acupuncture.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for whiplash injury/neck and should pain

The patient

Office worker in his 40s suffering from neck and shoulder pain since a car accident. Patient was referred from his physiotherapist after his treatments reached a plateau. 


Presenting symptoms
- Limited range of movements in the neck and shoulder
- Stabbing should pain 
- Disturbed sleep from the pain

Treatment

Patient received 6 weekly acupuncture treatments through insurance cover. Moxibustion and cupping were also used to aid recovery. He gradually regained his movements in the neck and shoulder while the pain level reduced. Patient was discharged at the end of the treatment block following satisfactory results.

Exercise

Patient was referred back to his physio for assessment and was given further exercises to do to consolidate the treatment effects.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.



Tuesday 3 March 2015

Acupuncture for morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum (HG))

Morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

 acupuncture for morning sickness, image source

The patient

HR manager in her 30s who is generally healthy.

Presenting symptoms

Patient suffered from a severe form of morning sickness in the first trimester. The constant nausea and vomiting meant she had to take sick leave from work.

Outcome

Symptoms subsided after one session of acupuncture and the patient was able to return to work the following week. Patient was discharged at follow up session.

Ivy's thoughts

Morning sickness commonly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and it's a phase that will pass for majority of women. There are anti-sickness bands available for purchase over the counter in high street pharmacies which involves wearing a bracelet on the forearm. It works by applying pressure on acupuncture points. It doesn't work for everyone because it is often difficult for patients to put it on the correct location for it to work. From a Chinese medicine point of view, the underlying condition needs to be addressed at the same time. Therefore if you are one of the few that suffers severely it is recommended to go and see a qualified acupuncturist for treatment.

Acupuncture is a very gentle method of treatment throughout pregnancy (also see acupuncture for lower back pain). Good results can be expected after a short treatment cycle. 


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Friday 30 January 2015

Acupuncture for peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer)

Patient

45 year old female. Digestion deteriorated after taking antibiotics. Patient was researching on the Internet everyday for 'miracle diet' that will help with her digestion.

Presenting symptoms

She often experience strong reaction to certain type of food and made frequent trips to the A&E. She described a burning sensation at night that stops her from sleeping. She also thought she had entered menopause early and experienced hot flushes.

Outcome


Acupuncture for peptic ulcer (stomach pain), image source
Improved digestion. Patient no longer needed to take Gaviscon every night. Bloatedness after meal was much better. Sleep had improved too. Reduced frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

Dietary & lifestyle advice

Suggest patient seek a dietary review from a licensed dietitian and ditch 'miracle diets'. Advised patient to start gentle exercise when her energy was restored.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.


Acupuncture for back pain

Patient
Acupuncture for back pain, image source

50 year old roofer. 

Presenting symptoms

Acute lower back pain for 8 weeks. It started on the left side and gradually moved to the lower back, upper back and right shoulder. Movements made pain worse. Patient had a history of back problems which he used to settle with osteopathic treatments. No finding from recent ultra sound check up.

Outcome

Patient started feeling pain relieve after just one session of acupuncture. By second treatment, the left side stabbing pain had completely disappeared. After third treatment, patient the shoulder pain also improved.

Advice

Suggested patient wrap up warm and tuck his shirt in when working outdoors to protect his back from cold weather. Daily stretch after work.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Thursday 29 January 2015

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The patient

Retail manager in her mid 20s. Patient fell ill after an overseas holiday trip and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after returning to the UK. No prior medical

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, image source

history.

Presenting symptoms

Tiredness, muscle weakness, join & muscle pain, headache. Patient was signed off on sickness leave from work for over a year due to her illness. Poor appetite and constipation. Patient had undergo physiotherapy until being signed off due to lack of progression. 

Outcome

Improved energy and muscle strength. Patient was able to start a gentle exercise programme. She was able to have normal portions of food. Daily bowel movement. 

Treatments started on a weekly basis before phasing out to every other week and then monthly maintenance treatments. 

The improved mobility and energy meant she could spent more time doing what she loved most, baking. She even managed to secure a part time position at a trendy cafe selling her own cakes.

Advice

Encouraged patient to start her physiotherapy exercise programme as soon as she could manage. Warm, well cooked meals that are easy to digest were also suggested. 

Ivy's thoughts

Patients who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often require a lot of encouragement and family support during treatment as they are on a long road of recovery that are full of relapses and plateau points. This patient worked very hard to motivate herself to keep up with the treatment and exercise programme. We were both pleased when all her hard work finally paid off.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Saturday 24 January 2015

Acupuncture for pregnancy back pain

Patient


Acupuncture for pregnancy back pain, image source
Busy child minder in her 40s. The nature of her job required her to be on the go all the time with lots of heavy lifting in awkward positions.

Presenting symptoms:

Patient developed localised back pain during pregnancy. Pain level rated 7/10 (10 being the worst). Patient had tried physiotherapy and osteopathy before acupuncture. 

Outcome: 

3 sessions of acupuncture was able to stop the pain and allowed her to get back to normal activities.

Advice

See a physiotherapist after child birth for back strengthening exercises.

Testimonial:

"Thank you so much for helping with my back pain while I was pregnant! Just to let you know that I gave birth to a baby girl and we named her Ivy L G Farrell weighing 6lb 15oz. "

Ivy's thoughts:

A lot of women develop back pain and sciatica during pregnancy. Acupuncture can be a very safe and effective method of treatment for pregnancy related conditions  such as back pain, sciatica, morning sickness, breeched position and labour induction.


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for sports injury- ankle

Patient

Acupuncture for sports injury, image source
Screen play writer in his 40s. Plays in a Sunday football league.

Testimonial:

"I was a skeptic but now I’m an acupuncture convert. 



I suffered knee ligament injury as a result of a car accident. I’m a keen sportsman (I play football and compete in triathlons), the resulting ligament pain meant I could only do light training. I tried everything - I had physio, I took pain killers, I wore a knee brace; but the persistent irritation remained. After 6 years, a friend recommended I try acupuncture. I had three sessions and miraculously I’ve never had pain in that knee again. I can’t explain it. I have no idea how it worked, but it did. 


Ten years on, I rolled my ankle playing football and, despite doing endless physio, a burning pain defied everything. The reason seemed inexplicable, even an MRI failed to identify the cause. However, I finally went to see Ivy and guess what? Now, having treated it with acupuncture in conjunction with rehabilitative physio, I hope to return to playing this month. My only wish is I’d done it earlier 

I don’t know if somewhere deep inside me a skepticism remains, but I won’t make the same mistake next time. Thank you, Ivy."


If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.


Friday 23 January 2015

Acupuncture for headache


Patient

Psychology student in his 20s, regular gym goer. 
Acupuncture for headache, image source

Presenting symptoms:

Daily episodes of intense headache. Improved quality of sleep. No physical finding from MRI.

Outcome: 

Reduction in the frequency and intensity

Dietary & lifestyle change:

Diary products were identified as one of the contributing factor of his headache. 

Testimonial:

"Prior to acupuncture I was suffering on a daily basis with intense headaches around the crown of my head. After thee first treatment I experienced immediate changes, with the pressures decreasing rapidly and on some occasions becoming non-existent. Also, I believe Ivy's dietary recommendation has contributed to my progression as well. I still suffer with headaches but they are milder and occur less frequently as before. "



If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.