| | Oriental medical treatment. They show a variety of ailments that can be treated through Oriental medicine and the results that can be achieved. It also shows that Oriental medicine can be used to great benefit in conjunction with orthodox medicine. The exclusive use of one or the other will, I hope, become a thing of the past in the new millennium.
Mr. S: Back pain
Mr S, a middle-aged public employee, began to suffer from upper back pain, particularly during stressful periods. The pain began to increase both in frequency and severity, so he sought medical help. X- rays and a physical examination showed nothing conclusive. He ways put on medication (pain killers) that lessened the severity, but not the frequency of pain.
In about two years, he found that steadily increasing amounts of medication were necessary to obtain relief. At his annual medical checkup, his liver function was found to be abnormal and he was advised to cut down on his medication and to exercise more.
Mr. S attempted to do this but found that he was in so much pain that he was unable to work properly, let alone exercise. He was therefore faced with a choice: be in pain be have a healthier liver, or have less pain be put more stress on his liver.
As a last resort he took the advice of a friend and tried acupuncture. The treatments progressed and he found that he needed less and less medication, and that the pain occurred less frequently. He noticed that he was sleeping better and had more energy. He began to exercise with the confidence that he could always go for a treatment if the pain flared up.
To his surprise, his body responded well and the pain receded rapidly. After 10 treatments, the pain disappeared without the aid of medication. His treatment program was modified to once a month.
Mrs. A: Menstrual Pain
Mrs. A, a housewife in her 40s, said she had sever menstrual pain. Her gynecologist suspected cancer of the right ovary and advised surgery. She sought Oriental medical help and was advised to seek a second or third opinion from other gynecologists while undergoing Oriental medical treatment.
In the first series of treatments Mrs. A was encouraged to relax and talk about whatever issues were on her mind. The result was that she approached the new tests in a much better frame of mind. The tests showed endometriosis (both ovaries were very inflamed, the right more so than the left), but that the growth on the right ovary was benign.
With the reassurance provided by the tests and subsequent regular ultrasound scanning, the patient undertook a series of Oriental medical treatments. Within two months, the inflammation had disappeared and menstrual pain became minimal.
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Mr. K: Cancer
Mr. K was hospitalized in the last stages of cancer. A relative undergoing Oriental medical treatment at the time suggested acupuncture be performed. Other relatives and his doctors agreed.
The treatments performed during Mr. K's hospital stay resulted in positive changes in blood pressure, heart rate, urinary output and a decreased need for medication. As a result, Mr. K became more lucid and felt better cared for.
His life was also extended.
Ms. T: Vegetarian
Ms. T, a 30-year-old freelance writer, was persuaded by a combination of New Age magazines and so-called diet experts to become a strict vegetarian, eating only raw vegetables and no dairy products. Unfortunately she was also very busy trying to meet various deadlines and did not have the time to plan nutritionally adequate meals; eating out was not an option, due to her dietary restrictions.
From the time her dietary regime began, she had lost 15kg, stopped menstruating, began to look emaciated and pale and was afflicted with constant diarrhea. Despite these physical symptoms she said that she had never felt better, and sought Oriental medical treatment, because, she said, she heard that it could "open up the chakras."
The practitioner, concerned for her unhealthy condition, persuaded her that the chakras would open up a little easier if she was in better physical shape. Despite her reservations about not being able to do some "chakra work" right away, she was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and given a Chinese herb formula to supplement her diet.
After four months, she gained 5 kg, her period returned and diarrhea had departed. Her weight gain and improved complexion were due to a more balanced vegetarian diet chosen under the guidance of her practitioner. She still complained, however, that after all this only one new chakra had opened up.
Mr. Q: Soccer
Mr. Q, a teacher in his late 30-s, loved to play soccer but unfortunately was prone to injury. He absolutely hated the idea of acupuncture and moxibustion but decided to try it after his doctor, girlfriend, friends and even strangers began begging him to give up the sport.
When Mr. Q first began treatment, he had such a backlog of injuries that it was difficult for him to state which area of his body was in the most trouble. However, after about six sessions nagging problems began to clear up and he found he was moving better. This had the unexpected effect of allowing him to put more speed and power into injuring himself again.
After this setback, though, he began to be more conscious of his body and was taught some breathing and stretching exercises by his practitioner. He now suffers fewer injuries and recovers better. Mr. Q always goes in for a treatment before and after a big game, but still says that he hates acupuncture.
Originally published in the Japan Times, Monday, February 1st, 1999. Copyright by Edward Obaidey.
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Copyright Edward Acupuncture Clinic 2006
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