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.

Acupuncture for morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum (HG))

Morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

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.