Convergent Points: An East-West Case Report Journal

Acupuncture for Pain and Headache Associated with Syringomyelia: A Case Report

Anita Tayyebi, LAc — 2025-02-15

Syringomyelia is characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. This case report discusses the treatment of a 57-year-old male with acquired syringomyelia, which caused severe pain and headaches and significantly impacted his daily life for over ten years before he was introduced to acupuncture six years ago. Initially, the patient experienced constant pain with a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 7 (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst) and relied on narcotics and muscle relaxants for symptom management. However, with regular acupuncture treatments, he was able to manage his pain more effectively, reducing his VAS score to 2-3 out of 10, discontinuing narcotic use, and experiencing significant improvements in quality of life, mood, and sleep.

This case report highlights how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic tools, a tailored treatment plan, regular acupuncture sessions, and cupping therapy provide valuable support and relief for patients with this rare and complex biomedical condition.

Treatment Of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy With Acupuncture, Moxibustion, And Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Case Report

Sara Almaraz, DAOM, MAcOM, MSACN — 2025-02-15

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a visual impairment condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the macula, predominantly affecting individuals aged 20 to 50, with a higher prevalence among males. This case study examines a 65-year-old woman diagnosed with CSC who pursued traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments over conventional medical approaches due to her preference for alternative medicine. In TCM, CSC is categorized as "blurred vision" (shizhan hunmiao) and attributed to Spleen and Kidney qi deficiencies. The treatment protocol incorporated acupuncture, Okyu-style moxibustion, and Chinese herbal medicine, focusing on tonifying Spleen and Kidney qi. Despite limited research on TCM approaches to CSC, the patient experienced significant improvement following treatment based on symptom- and sign-based TCM diagnoses. This case highlights the potential benefits of integrating conventional and traditional medicine approaches for comprehensive patient care.

Electroacupuncture for Post-Stroke Foot Drop and Pain: A Case Report

Maria Linder, LAc, EAMP — 2025-02-15

This case report evaluates the effectiveness of electroacupuncture for the treatment of right leg hemiparesis and chronic pain in a patient with a 30-year history of post-stroke sequelae. During 94 treatments, the patient demonstrated significant improvements, including a reduction in pain, as measured by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score from 0 to 10 (with 10 being worst), and a restoration of sensation in areas previously affected by numbness. These clinical improvements suggest potential nerve function repair, as evidenced by the patient's increased sensitivity to electrical needle stimulation. This sensory restoration is consistent with recent findings in biomedicine that low-level electro-stimulation can promote peripheral nerve growth. Furthermore, the patient's emotional and psychological state improved, moving from irritability and depression to greater engagement with hobbies and social plans, highlighting the profound impact of chronic pain on mood and personality. The electroacupuncture protocol targeted points along the Foot Channel of Yang Brightness and Lesser Yang, considering traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles regarding the flow of qi and its relationship to physical and emotional health. While the case's strengths include the reproducibility of treatment across different clinicians and consistent point selection, limitations include the volume of treatments, variations in treatment settings, and the absence of consistent biomedical monitoring. Despite these challenges, the case supports the potential of electroacupuncture as a promising intervention for chronic post-stroke pain and functional recovery, even many years following a cerebrovascular accident.