Peripheral neuropathy presents many of the characteristics of TCM wei-syndrome (萎证）: it's marked by the symptoms of flaccidity of body tissue and motor/sensory impairment. Traditionally, wei-syndrome in TCM is a pattern has a wider range of implication to conditions such like sequelae of encephalitis, spinal cord trauma, muscular atrophy due to polio, multiple sclerosis (MS)and tumors in the CNS, etc.
The mechanism recognized in TCM acupuncture, in general, might have:
* History of yin dried up by heat toxins from lifestyle and food choices or external pathogenic invasions.
* Kidney and Liver Deficiency due to age, overuse, chronic illness.
* Damp heat accumulation due to choices of lifestyle and food.
* Blood stasis issue.
The above factors in real life can be presented in a mix, for example, I have seen a patient in the clinic with sensory damage in the lower limbs with walking difficulty, and the tongue showed deep red (heat signs) with thick yellow coating (damp heat signs) and the tongue also has a looking of flaccidity (Kidney and Liver Deficiency). The patient also has very dark blue veins under the tongue (Blood stasis signs).
In TCM acupuncture, the Western diagnosis was considered but not specifically treated. A typical treatment strategy was formed based on a TCM diagnosis and implemented in the channel framework. A treatment plan is tailored for each individual and targets the patient's whole body energy imbalance including body and mind disharmony.
Case Experience
A man in his 50s with heavy use of his right arm at machinery presented with numbness and pain below the right elbow for nearly 2 years. His investigation with Western intervention indicated a surgery with certain risks as well as a possible of 2 years out of work.
After the first acupuncture session, he reported senses regained like a live current to his fingers from the elbow. He continued with 10 treatment sessions in total, and herbs were added to assist his energy imbalance.
He was satisfied after the 5th session that he could ride his motorbike for one hour for the first time in the last 2 years. He felt much better energy and better sleep after 6 sessions. He could still feel some discomfort in his right fingers as he pushed himself hard at work, that's typical kiwi man's full-on attitude to life! isn't it? He came back in the last 3 sessions for maintenance.
So, talk to us and find out a solution that works for you.
I am willing to help.
Jason Bei-Acupuncturist
