ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
LI-3 Sanjian, LI-Il Quchi, TE-5 Waiguan, PC-6 Neiguan,
SP-6 Sanyinjiao and SP-9 Yinlingquan. Reducing method is used on these points.
Explanations
LI-3, the Stream point, eliminates Damp-Heat and relieves the pain.
• LI-11, the Sea point, promotes the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• TE-5, the Connecting point of the Triple Burner channel, dispels Wind, eliminates Damp-Heat, regulates the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• PC-6, the Connecting point of the Pericardium channel, regulates the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• SP-6 is the crossing point of the Spleen, Kidney and Liver channels. SP-9 is the Sea point of the Spleen channel. These two points in combination promote urination and eliminate Damp-Heat.
Modifications
1. If there is a fever, add LI-2 and GV-14 to clear Heat and reduce the fever.
2. If the palm and joints are red and swollen, add LI-4 and Extra Baxie to promote the circulation of Qi and reduce the swelling.
3. If there is a heavy sensation in the palm, add TE-6 to promote the circulation of Qi and eliminate Damp.
4. If the appetite is poor, add ST-36 and CV-12 to regulate the circulation of Qi in the Stomach and improve the appetite.
5. If there is restlessness, add HT-7 and LR-3 to regulate the Qi and calm the Mind.
6. If there is a thirst, add LU-8, the Metal point of the Lung channel, to clear Heat and relieve the thirst.
INVASION OF TOXIC FIRE
Symptoms and signs
Formation of ulcers and oedema in the palm, reddish skin on the palm with a hot feeling, aggravation of pain by pressure, itching and a wet palm, thirst with cold drinking, a bitter taste in mouth, fever, an aversion to cold, constipation, scanty and yellow urine, a red tongue with a yellow and dry coating and a rapid pulse.
Principle of treatment
Clear Fire and eliminate Toxin.
HERBAL TREATMENT
Prescription
WU WEI XIAO DU YIN
Fivc-Ingrcdicnt Decoction to Eliminate Toxin
Jin Yin Hua Flos Lonicerae 20 g
Ye Ju Hua Flos Chrysanthemi Indici 15 g
Pu Gong Ying Herba Taraxaci 30 g
Zi Hua Di Ding Herba Violae 30 g
Zi Bei Tian Kui Herba Begonia Fibristipulatae 15 g
Explanations
• Jin Yin Hua and Pu Gong Ying dear Heat and eliminate Wind to relieve pain and itching of the palm.
• Ye Ju Hua, Zi Hua Di Ding and Zi Bei Tian Kui eliminate Toxin, cool the Blood, reduce swelling and relieve the ulceration.
Modifications
1. If there is a high fever and aversion to cold, add Shi Gao Gypsum Fibrosum 15 g to clear Heat and reduce the fever.
2. If there is a severe pain in the palm with a burning feeling, add Huang Lian Rhizoma Coptidis 5 g and Da Qing Ye Folium Isatidis 10 g to clear Toxic Fire and relieve the pain.
3. If there is a thirst, add Zhi Mu Rhizoma Anemarrhenae 10 g and Tian Hua Fen Radix Trichosanthis 10 g to clear Heat, promote the secretion of Body Fluids and relieve the thirst.
4. If there is constipation, add Da Huang Radix et Rhizoma Rhei 10 g and Mang Xiao Natrii Sulfas 10 g to clear Fire and promote defecation.
Patent remedy
Niu Huang Jie Du Pian Cattle Gallstone Tablet to Resolve Toxin
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
LI-4 Hegu, LI-Il Quchi, PC-8 Laogong, TE-2 Yemen, SP-6 Sanyinjiao and ST-40 Fenglong. Reducing method is used on these points.
Explanations
• LI-4, the Source point of the Large Intestine channel, regulates the circulation of Qi, clears Fire and relieves the pain.
• LI-11, the Sea point of the Large Intestine channel, clears Fire, reduces fever and relieves the pain.
• PC-8 and TE-2, the Spring points of the Pericardium and the Triple Burner channels respectively, clear Fire and relieve the pain.
• SP-6, the crossing point of the three Yin channels of the foot, clears Fire, reduces fever and promotes urination and defecation.
• ST-40, the Connecting point of the Stomach channel, clears Fire in the muscles and relieves the pain.
Modifications
1. If there is a fever, add GV-14 and LI-2 to clear Fire and reduce the fever.
2. If the palm is swollen, add PC-7 and HT-7 to clear Fire and reduce the swelling.
3. If there is ulceration, add BL-17 and SP-10 to clear Fire and cool the Blood.
4. If there is a bitter taste in the mouth, add GB-40 to eliminate Heat in the Fu organs.
5. If there is a thirst, add LU-5 and LU-8 to clear Fire and relieve the thirst.
6. If there is constipation, add ST-25, the Front Collecting point of the Large Intestine, and ST-37, the Lower Sea point, to clear Fire and remove Qi stagnation.
STAGNATION OF LIVER-QI WITH DEFICIENCY OF YANG
Symptoms and signs
Palmar pain with a distending and cold sensation, which is aggravated by emotional upset or exposure to cold especially during the menstrual period, accompanied by a pale colour to the skin on the hand, hypochondriac pain, fatigue, a poor appetite, a dull feeling in the stomach, irritability, a pale tongue with a white coating and a deep and wiry pulse.
Principle of treatment
Regulate Liver-Qi, warm the Liver channel and dispel Cold.
HERBAL TREATMENT
Prescription
DANG GUI SI NI TANG
Angelica Four Rebellious Decoction Gui Zhi Ramulus Cinnamomi 10 g Dang Gui Radix Angelicae Sinensis 10 g Bai Shao Radix Paeoniae Alba 20 g Mu Tong Caulis Akebiae 6 g Xi Xin Herba Asari 3 g Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae 5 g Da Zao Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae 10 g
Explanations
• Gui Zhi and Dang Gui warm the channels of the hand and promote the circulation of Blood so as to remove Qi stagnation in the Liver channel.
• Bai Shao and Dang Gui harmonise the Liver, nourish the Blood and strengthen the Liver.
• Gui Zhi and Xi Xin warm the interior and dispel Cold from the Liver channels so as to relieve the palmar pain.
• Mu Tong regulates the circulation of Qi in the channels so as to remove Qi stagnation.
• Da Zao tonifies the Qi and Blood.
• Gan Cao harmonises the actions of the other herbs in the formula.
Modifications
1. If there is Liver-Qi stagnation, add Chai Hu Radix Bupleuri 10 g and Yu Jin Radix Curcumae 10 g to smooth the Liver, regulate the circulation of Liver-Qi and remove Qi stagnation.
2. If there is a sharp pain, add Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydalis 10 g and Mo Yao Resina Myrrhae 10 g to strengthen the effect of boosting the circulation of Qi so as to relieve the palmar pain.
3. If there is a pain with a cold sensation, add Chuan Xiong Radix Ligustici Chuanxiong 10 g and Zhi Fu Zi Radix Aconiti Praeparata 10 g to warm the channels, promote the circulation of Blood and relieve the pain.
Patent remedy
Shu Gan Wan Soothe Liver Pill
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
LI-4 Hegu, ST-36 Zusanli, PC-6 Neiguan, LR-3 Taichong, GB-20 Fengchi and BL-18 Ganshu. Even method is used on these points.
Explanations
• LI-4, the Source point of the Large Intestine channel, promotes the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• ST-36, the Sea point, tonifies the Yang-Qi and warms the Interior.
• PC-6, the Connecting point of the Pericardium channel, regulates the circulation of Qi and removes its stagnation.
• LR-3, the Source and Stream point of the Liver channel, and BL-18, the Back Transporting point of the Liver, regulate the Liver-Qi and relieve the palmar pain.
• GB-20 calms the Liver, tranquillises the Mind and relieves the palmar pain.
Modifications
1. If there is hypochondriac pain, add LR-14, the Front Collecting point of the Liver, and GB-40 to regulate the circulation of Qi for relieving the pain.
2. If there is emotional instability, add LR-2 and SP-6 to regulate the circulation of Liver-Qi and relieve its stagnation.
3. If there is irregular menstruation, add KI-3, the Source point, and SP-IO to regulate the menstruation.
4. If there is a cold sensation in the palm and fingers, add TE-3 to promote the circulation of Qi and warm the channels.
5. If the skin on the hand has a pale colour, add SI-4 and TE-4 to promote the circulation of Qi and improve the circulation of Blood.
STAGNATION OF BLOOD
Symptoms and signs
Traumatic injury to or operation on the wrist, palm and fingers, long-standing pain in the palm, a stabbing pain with a fixed location, which worsens at night and is alleviated by movement, accompanied by rigidity of the palm or fingers, swelling of the joints and hands, purplish tongue with a thin coating and a wiry and choppy pulse.
Principle of treatment
Promote Qi and Blood circulation and remove Blood stagnation.
HERBAL TREATMENT
Prescription
FU YUAN HUO XUE TANG
Rcceivc Health by Invigorating the Blood Decoction
Chai Hu Radix Bupleuri 15 g
Tian Hua Fen Radix Trichosanthis 20 g
Hong Hua Flos Carthami IOg
Tao Ren Semen Persicae IOg
Dang Gui Radix Angclicae Sinensis 12 g
Da Huang Radix et Rhizoma Rhei 6 g
Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydaiis 20 g
Can Cao Radix Clycyrrhizac 6 g
Explanations
• Chai Hu and Tian Hua Fen promote the circulation of Qi and relieve the pain.
• Dang Gui, Tao Ren and Hong Hua promote the circulation of Blood to remove Blood stasis.
• Yan Hu Suo strengthens the function of the prescription in removing Blood stasis. This herb lias also a strong effect in relieving the pain.
• Da Huang removes Blood stagnation.
• Gan Cao harmonises the functions of other herbs in the formula.
Modifications
1. If there is fracture, add Du Zhong Cortex Eucomiae IOg and San Qi Radix Notoginseng 10 g to strengthen the Kidney, remove Blood stagnation and relieve the pain.
2. If there is a severe pain with a tense sensation, add Qing Pi Pericardium Citri Reticulatae Viride 10 g and Mo Yao Resina Myrrhac 10 g to regulate the Qi and remove Blood stasis.
3. If the joints are rigid, add San Leng Rhizoma Spargami 10 g and E Zhu Rhizoma Zedoariae 10 g to promote the circulation of Blood and remove Blood stagnation in order to relieve the joint rigidity.
Patent remedy
Xiao Huo Luo Dan Minor Invigorate the Collaterals Special Pill
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT
LI-3 Sanjian, TE-5 Waiguan, Lu-7 Lieque, PC-6 Neiguan,
GB-34 Yanglingquan, ST-36 Zusanli and BI-17 Geshu.
Reducing method is used on these points.
Explanations
• LI-3, the Stream point of the Large Intestine channel, promotes the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• TE-5, the Connecting point of the Triple Burner channel, promotes the circulation of Qi and removes Blood stagnation.
• LU-7, the Connecting point of the Lung channel, also promotes the circulation of Qi and removes Blood stagnation.
• PC-6, the Connecting point of the Pericardium channel, regulates the circulation of Qi and relieves the pain.
• GB-34, the Gathering point for the tendons, regulates the circulation of Qi and Blood in the tendons so as to relieve the palmar pain.
• ST-36, the Sea point of the Stomach channel, promotes the circulation of Qi and removes Blood stagnation.
• BL-17, the Gathering point for the Blood, regulates the circulation of Bkwd and removes its stagnation.
Modifications
1. If there is pain due to a fracture, add KI-3 and TE-4 to regulate the Qi and strengthen the Kidney to relieve the pain.
2. If the palmar pain worsens at night, add HT-7 and SP-6 to regulate the circulation of Blood and eliminate its stasis.
3. If the palm is swollen, add PC-7 and Extra Baxie to activate the circulation of Qi and Blood in the locality to reduce the swelling.
4. If the joints are rigid, add LI-3, the Stream point, and SI-4, the Source point, to promote the circulation of Qi to remove Blood stasis.
Case history
A 29-year-old woman had been suffering from palmar pain for 4 months. She had suffered a trauma to her right hand during the previous winter when she slipped and fell in the snow. Her palm was swollen and it was diagnosed as soft tissue injury, for which she received massage therapy. Afterwards, the swelling resolved, but she still felt pain in her palm, especially at night. She had no other symptoms.
Diagnosis
Stagnation of Blood in the channels.
Principle of treatment
Promote Qi and Blood circulation, remove Blood stagnation and relieve the pain.
Herbal treatment
TAO HONG SI WU TANG
Four-Substance Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit Dang Gui Radix Angelicae Sinensis 10 g
Sheng Di Huang Radix Rehmanniae Recens 10 g
Chi Shao Radix Paeoniae Rubra 10 g
Chuan Xiong Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxicmg 6 g
Tao Ren Semen Persicae 10 g
Hong Hua Flos Carthami IOg
Qiang Huo Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii 10 g
Jiang Huang Rhizoma Curcumae Longae 12 g
Yan Hu Suo Rhizoma Corydalis 10 g
Explanations
• Chuan Xiong, Chi Shao, Tao Ren and Hong Hua promote the circulation of Blood and remove its stagnation.
• Dang Gui harmonises the Blood, and regulates its circulation and removes its stagnation.
• Qiang Huo and Jiang Huang are good at promoting the circulation of Blood, harmonising the collateral and relieving the upper limb pain.
• Yan Hu Suo regulates the circulation of Blood and relieves the pain.
• As a long-standing stagnation of Blood may generate Heat in the Blood, Sheng Di Huang is used here to cool the Blood and remove Toxin from it.
The patient was given daily treatment with the herbal decoction.
After 2 weeks of treatment, her palmar pain was completely relieved. Nine months later she was followed up by letter; she replied she had experienced no more palmar pain after the treatment.
