acupuncture and phytotherapy

ABSTRACT

Female patient, 78 years old, turned to acupuncture treatments due to the presence of pain in the wrist and base of the thumb caused by the presence of arthrosis. The patient reported the existence of this complaint for several years which hindered movement of the thumb.

Alongside the patient had a complicated medical history but that was not part of their treatment priorities. As such, the treatment was directed to the chief complaint. Although it was developed interrogation was not done traditional Chinese diagnosis.

The acupuncture treatment was used and attention was given to the use of ashi points and selection of points according with the nervous system. In all, three acupuncture treatments were necessary, and at the end of these treatments, the patient referred the total disappearance of symptoms.

CASE CASE

MAIN COMPLAINT

arthrosis
for many years. Do not remember how many years.
At the time patient had too intense symptoms of dryness and heat.
it was suspected sjorgden syndrome.

PERSONAL HISTORY

Since patiente is very young feels the need to drink lots of water: patient was always thirsty.
Infectionson  nails and hands – around 40 years old -.
Feel to much heat in summer.
pneumonia ? years ago that left lung with difficult to work. Symptoms of great heat and dryness at the time.
- pain like stitch/twinge.
it also affects the heart.
have osteoporosis in the hip, especially on the left.
autoimmune disease (?) – dryness of all mucous membranes – eyes red, dry skin, dry mouth and throat.

CLINICAL HISTORY

pain in the wrist and base of the thumb.
difficulty making certain movements – fine movements.
Pain radiates throughout the thumb
pain with palpation.
difficulty in movement.
lack of strength in the hand.
pain does not affect the region of the meridians of the heart and small intestine.
sometimes radiates to the middle finger.
without local edema.
pain worsens with movement.
without knowing relationship with atmospheric changes.
without heaviness.
with sensation of heat and warmth on palpation.
pain improves with warm water and salt – makes motion with hand in the water.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

drink 2 liters of water per day and feel very dry mouth and throat.
dry cough when patiente is not with the flu.
sputum only when patient has flu.
no night sweats.
pale urine.
dry skin.
brittle nails.
feel very tired.
shortness of breath, when patient moves a litle more.
is a weak voice: sometimes it is voiceless.
digestive problems – do not have enough saliva.
constipation.
without insomnia.

MEDICATION

Blopress – heart condition.
sivastatin – cholesterol.
clodamina – bones – osteoporosis
normacolplus – constipation.

ACUPUNCTURE

BAXIE, PC7, LU7, LI4, SJ4, SJ5, 2 ASHI ON THE BASIS OF THUMB

EXPLANATION

Selection of pain acupuncture points (ashi) at the base of the thumb.
Selection of points according with the nervous system:
BAXIE: decrease pain in the fingers.
PC7: median nerve.
LI4, LU7: superficial branch of radial nerve. Dermal innervation by the musculocutaneous nerve in LU7.
SJ4, SJ5: posterior branch of the radial nerve.