Patient Profile:
The patient, a 50-year-old male, presented with a long-standing history of chronic diarrhea. He reported experiencing frequent bowel movements that were loose and watery, often occurring five or more times a day. He had previously tried various conventional treatments, including medications and dietary changes, but had seen little improvement in his symptoms.
Acupuncture Treatment:
The acupuncturist conducted a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s symptoms and overall health, taking into account his medical history and any other relevant factors. Based on this assessment, a treatment plan was developed that involved a series of acupuncture sessions.
The treatment plan consisted of twice weekly acupuncture sessions. The acupuncture points used were selected based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, with a focus on addressing the patient’s specific symptoms and underlying imbalances.
The main acupuncture points used were ST36, SP9, BL20, BL21, CV6, and CV12. ST36 and SP9 were used to strengthen the digestive system and improve bowel function, while BL20 and BL21 were used to tonify the spleen and regulate the intestines. CV6 and CV12 were used to promote digestive function.
Outcome:
After four weeks of acupuncture treatment, the patient reported a significant improvement in his chronic diarrhea symptoms. He reported having fewer bowel movements, with his stools becoming more formed and less watery. The patient also reported feeling more energetic and less fatigued.
The acupuncturist continued the treatment for another four weeks, with the patient receiving acupuncture twice a week. By the end of the eight-week treatment, the patient’s chronic diarrhea symptoms had almost completely resolved. He reported having one or two normal bowel movements a day, with no loose or watery stools.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture is an effective complementary therapy for managing chronic diarrhea. Acupuncture can be especially beneficial for patients who have not found relief with conventional treatments or who prefer a more natural and holistic approach to healthcare. With continued maintenance treatments once every three weeks the patient was able to maintain a happy digestive track.