Case Studies for Commonly Achieved with Bisoma Acupuncture
By David Lee L.Ac.
Case 1. Edina Ru (female, age 54) retired.
C/C: Cervical Herniated Discs.
An MRI revealed herniated discs at levels C5-T1, with nerve impingement leading to radiculitis radiating down the left shoulder, arm, and hand. Approximately six weeks ago, strenuous physical activity at home triggered severe neck pain on the left side, accompanied by intense nerve pain extending to the left hand. The pain was so severe that it mimicked the symptoms of a heart attack. The MRI showed three herniated discs protruding up to 3 mm, compressing the adjacent nerve roots. There are recurring episodes of pins and needles in the left arm and hand, occurring at 30-minute intervals and followed by brief numbness.
Acupuncture was administered on the left side of the body, using Yin horary points in the wood sequence: LR1(wood), HT8(fire), SP3(earth), LU8(metal), and KD10(water). It was a Yin Wood → Fire → Earth → Meta → Water Horary acupuncture sequence.
On the first day of treatment, the patient received the above acupuncture treatment. On the second visit, three days later, the patient reported a noticeable reduction in both the intensity and frequency of the pins and needles sensations, with episodes occurring every 1-2 hours. By the third visit, another three days later, the patient experienced further pain intensity and frequency decreases. By the fourth visit, the patient reported an overall improvement of 50-60% in terms of frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms.
The patient sought acupuncture treatments as a last resort after pain medications did not result in significant relief. Additionally, the medications caused side effects, including nausea and swelling in the hands and feet. While other therapies had alleviated some discomfort, the patient continued to experience severe pain episodes.
Case 2. Lisa Hu (female, age 57), senior human relations.
C/C: Headache and Cervical Arthritis
The patient had experienced a constant, unrelenting headache for 12 years, with a pain level rising to 6-7/10 when severe. The pain was primarily localized in the occipital region and forehead. Headaches intensified upon waking in the morning.
Acupuncture was administered on Yin horary points on the left side, following the Horary Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water sequence: LR1 (Wood), HT8 (Fire), SP3 (Earth), LU8 (Metal), KD10 (Water).
The patient received acupuncture treatments twice a week. After the first session, the headache was temporarily relieved, providing significant encouragement. By the second session, the patient noticed reduced morning headache intensity. By the sixth session, the patient reported several mornings without forehead pain and decreased occipital stiffness each week.
Discussion: Acupuncture can be highly effective, even when the headache has been chronic and stubborn to treatments. Six to eight treatments are enough to observe how well acupuncture is helping. Acupuncture is continued for even more relief or until it is gone.
