Lumbar herniations

March 18, 2008

Hey everyone (Alon?),

Anyone have success reducing large herniations? I've got a veritable rash of

firefighters coming to see me recently.

Hugo

_________

Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with For Good

http://uk.promotions./forgood/

March 18, 2008

Hi. i've had positive response with using electoacupuncture bilaterally- across

the spine on the closest bladder pts, using 2 or 3 hz at the patients' comfort

threshold. Usually when you see the needles start to vibrate.

Sorry for many responses today but I don't get much time to ordinarily.

Hugo Ramiro <subincor wrote: Hey

everyone (Alon?),

Anyone have success reducing large herniations? I've got a veritable rash of

firefighters coming to see me recently.

Hugo

________

Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with For Good

http://uk.promotions./forgood/

March 18, 2008

Also, check the area and buttocks for ashi pts.

mystir <ykcul_ritsym wrote: Hi. i've had

positive response with using electoacupuncture bilaterally- across the spine on

the closest bladder pts, using 2 or 3 hz at the patients' comfort threshold.

Usually when you see the needles start to vibrate.

Sorry for many responses today but I don't get much time to ordinarily.

Hugo Ramiro <subincor wrote: Hey

everyone (Alon?),

Anyone have success reducing large herniations? I've got a veritable rash of

firefighters coming to see me recently.

Hugo

________

Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with For Good

http://uk.promotions./forgood/

March 19, 2008

Chinese Medicine , Hugo Ramiro

<subincor wrote:

>

> Hey everyone (Alon?),

> Anyone have success reducing large herniations? I've got a

veritable rash of firefighters coming to see me recently.

>

> Hugo

>

Hi Hugo,

I have gotten good results using strong formulas (with herbs like fu

zi, chuan wu, cao wu, ren dong teng,...) in the treatment of

herniations. Yamamoto scalp AP together with Huatuojiaji also works

most of the time.

Alon does have some guiding formulas in his book (p. 645) that I have

used with success (some strong herbs, some blood movers and herbs that

strengthen the lumbus and kidney yang).

Best,

Tom.

March 19, 2008

Hi Hugo,

?? Last year I worked with quite a lot of herniations, one in particular stands

out. A 45-yo male, triathlete, herniation L4-5, tingling and numbness to the

right little toe. He was very motivated to heal, saw me twice a week, also

pilates twice a week. I used a Dr Tan channel balancing technique and on

alternating treatments a back shu treatment additionally,?also needling GB30 and

other points locally. I gave him Evergreen formulations which he took

religiously. At the end of the year he presented with only numbness on the

lateral aspect of the little toe, at which time he stopped coming to see me.

?? A few monthe later he came back with 2 MRIs, one taken before, one after

treatment, ie a year apart. The initial one clearly showed the herniation; the

one taken a year later showed almost complete healing, a little edge of weakness

remaining.?

?? He is back to competing again, with a modified form of running calles " Qi

running', which he describes as more of a falling forward than running.?

???????? Best Wishes!

????????????? Beata Booth

??

March 20, 2008

What Evergreen formulas did you prescribe?

Anne

--

Anne C. Crowley, L.Ac., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.

www.SouthernMDacupuncture.com

-------------- Original message ----------------------

coastacu

> Hi Hugo,

>

> ?? Last year I worked with quite a lot of herniations, one in particular

stands

> out. A 45-yo male, triathlete, herniation L4-5, tingling and numbness to the

> right little toe. He was very motivated to heal, saw me twice a week, also

> pilates twice a week. I used a Dr Tan channel balancing technique and on

> alternating treatments a back shu treatment additionally,?also needling GB30

and

> other points locally. I gave him Evergreen formulations which he took

> religiously. At the end of the year he presented with only numbness on the

> lateral aspect of the little toe, at which time he stopped coming to see me.

>

> ?? A few monthe later he came back with 2 MRIs, one taken before, one after

> treatment, ie a year apart. The initial one clearly showed the herniation; the

> one taken a year later showed almost complete healing, a little edge of

weakness

> remaining.?

>

> ?? He is back to competing again, with a modified form of running calles " Qi

> running', which he describes as more of a falling forward than running.?

>

> ???????? Best Wishes!

>

> ????????????? Beata Booth

> ??

>

March 20, 2008

Morning Hugo:

With Firefighters and the like, you must get them to " chill out " for a

minimum of 72 hours. Most will want to go right back to work.

This could be a great practice builder if you are successful with them.

You will notice lumbar disc herniations are seemingly excluded in most

Acupuncture texts and by herbal supply companies. This is not because

you cannot treat them, but most likely because of potential

complications and the ability to mimic more serious conditions.

Perform an excellent diagnosis and all will be well.

Step one: Treat them daily - maybe twice daily - for the first week or

so. Employ the home use of ice and herbs (Gui Fu Di Huang Wan and any

pseudo-gensing formula you like).

Points I use often inlcude " Lumbar Disc " which is adjacent to BL 25

(you will find it inferior to the L5 ileolumbar ligament and lateral to

the spine - as Qi rises with the needle, pain stops), DU 2, GB 30, BL

54 & 60. Don't forget the KI associated point (BL 23) and its

associated " Alarm " point on the abdomen.

Ashi and other points as indicated may be used. Electricity may be

used. This is a great time for home use of lasers or TENS units for

pain control and to give the patient something to do.

Get them anti-gravity for at least 72 hours (bathroom privilidges only)

and then begin to work on the cause over the next 3 weeks.

There was a reason the body was weak other than the immediate

precipitating event. This is where TCM shines. Find each individual's

weakness and work with that for the next 3 to 6 weeks.

They should be at least 50% improved within 3 weeks or something is

wrong and a consultation may be indicated.

You can write me directly in you wish more info in this sort of case.

Bill

March 20, 2008

Hugo:

Here what some recent research regarding lumbar disc prolapse

treatment:

Read at: http://www.acupuncture.com/research/backpain6.htm

Medication

According to the basic theories of TCM and an overall analysis of

symptoms and signs, the condition can be divided into the following

three types.

For patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis, modified Shen Tong

Zhu Yu Tang (Decoction for Relieving Pantalgia due to Blood

stagnation) and Shu Jin Huo Xue Tang (Decoction for Relaxing Muscles

and Tendons to Promote Blood Circulation) are prescribed, which have

the actions of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis,

invigorating qi and relieving pain.

For patients affected by wind, cold and dampness, the therapeutic

principles are to dispel wind and resolve dampness. Modified Du Huo

Ji Sheng Tang (Pubescent Angelica and Loranthus Decoction) is given.

For patients with kidney deficiency, the therapeutic principle is to

strengthen the body resistance to consolidate the constitution. Zuo

Gui Yin (Decoction of Kidney YinTonic), You Gui Yin (the Kidney Yang

Reinforcing Decoction), Zhuang Yao Jian Shen Wan (Bolus for

Strengthening the Loin and Kidney) are prescribed with addition of

herbs for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis,

dispelling wind and removing obstruction in the channels.

March 20, 2008

The majority of disc herniations heal on their own within a year

without any treatment at all. This is a good anecdote illustrating

little understanding of natural course of disease processes and

therefore evaluation of treatment.

400 29th St. Suite 419

Oakland Ca 94609

alonmarcus

March 20, 2008

>what is the reference for this statement?

regards

John

" The majority of disc herniations heal on their own within a year

> without any treatment at all. " This is a good anecdote illustrating

> little understanding of natural course of disease processes and

> therefore evaluation of treatment.

>

> 400 29th St. Suite 419

> Oakland Ca 94609

>

> alonmarcus

>

March 20, 2008

Anne, I gave him Blue Poppy Kidney Mansion, Shen Fu Zhu Yu Tang, and Evergreen

Flex NP.

??? Beata

March 21, 2008

The ref is regarding a case history were a patient got better after a year of

acup and herbs

March 21, 2008

>no - what i was asking is the reference for your statement that disc

herniations get better after a year by themselves - I would be very

interested in this

thanks

John The ref is regarding a case history were a patient got better after a

year

> of acup and herbs

>

March 21, 2008

There was a big study recently that looked at a large group over a long time and

found back pain goes away on it's own after a while. Boy I am not being

specific, maybe there is a research oriented type out there, Phil, etc. that

knows the study.

Anne

--

Anne C. Crowley, L.Ac., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.

www.SouthernMDacupuncture.com

-------------- Original message ----------------------

john

> >no - what i was asking is the reference for your statement that disc

> herniations get better after a year by themselves - I would be very

> interested in this

> thanks

> John The ref is regarding a case history were a patient got better after a

> year

> > of acup and herbs

> >

March 21, 2008

Thank you, Alon, for your kind words of encouragement with regards to my patient

with a lumbar herniation. My apologies, I should have been more specific. With

biweekly acupuncture and herbal therapy he had no pain or tingling in his back

or leg after 2 months. The remaining months were spent in working on eliminating

the residual numbness in the foot. He currently has minimal numbness in his

little toe which does not interfere with his workouts and competitions.

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Beata Booth

March 22, 2008

It sounds like you're being snide Alon. It seems clear that you are being asked

to back up your statement from authority with, well, authority.

Hugo

Alon Marcus <alonmarcus

Chinese Medicine

Friday, 21 March, 2008 11:07:41 AM

Re: Lumbar herniations

The ref is regarding a case history were a patient got better

after a year of acup and herbs

www.integrativeheal thmedicine. com

March 22, 2008

Wow, I am aghast that anyone would consider one case study regarding

lumbar disc prolapse as pathomenomic when there is a plethera of good

evidence that this is the exception rather than the rule.

The body will heal a ruptured disc as it will a host of things, such as

a 30% displacement fracture, but is this in the best interests of the

patient? Well, if the treatment is worse than the problem itself, then

my answer is yes - or find another practitioner.

The common cold will usually run it's course in a week, but shouldn't

the caring physicial offer proper herbs, acupuncture and therapy to

reduce that time? The same is true of disc prolapse. The most severe

of which may be made stable in as little as 6 weeks. Why wait a year,

especially if there is nerve compression and resultant segmental

functional distortion?

The body tends to make survival decisions, not optimum health

decisions. Scar tissue can be opressive and retard function. If it

can be prevented or minimized with proper care, why shouldn't this be

done?

It is my opinion, but I believe this is why I bother with education and

improving my skills - that is, to offer many levels of care to those in

need.

Bill

March 22, 2008

Hugo

The stats are very well known. If you want a good resource get Low

Back Syndromes Integrated Clinical Management by Craig E Morris. There

are also several official guidelines for the treatment of back pain

that review these in detail. Most acute low back pain is better on its

own within 2-6 weeks. Most patients with acute leg pain are better

within about 6 months. This depends on the size and type of disc

herniation. For example, if one has a dislodged disc fragment they

usually do very well on their own or any conservative therapy. If the

have a very large postralateral herniation they do best with surgery.

Most of us do not work in large medical centers were we can see large

numbers of patients and we tend to see those that have not done well

which by far are the majority of back and leg pain sufferers. Patients

with disc herniation get better on their own all the time, both

cervical the lumbar.

400 29th St. Suite 419

Oakland Ca 94609

alonmarcus

March 22, 2008

Beata

That sound better but we still have to remember that these patients

often get better in-spite of us. Its very common for the back pain to

get better at two months and to only have residual neurological

symptoms in the leg. We all like to think what we do is responsible

for improvements but its very hard to assess such outcomes unless we

see very large number of such patients and have done close

comparisons. I am not saying you did not help, what i am saying is we

need to be careful drawing any conclusions.

400 29th St. Suite 419

Oakland Ca 94609

alonmarcus

March 22, 2008

Hi

> There was a big study recently that looked at a large group over a long time

and found back pain goes away on it's own after a while. Boy I am not being

specific, maybe there is a research oriented type out there, Phil, etc. that

knows the study.

> Anne

Anne, I could not locate that reference in Medline. Have you the name of an

author, or of the hospital involved?

Below are a few references to conservative treatment of herniated lumbar

discs. Interval from presentation to " going back to work " can vary widely.

Before I started my acupuncture studies in 1973, I was bedridden for 5

weeks wiath very bad sciatica due to two herniated discs - L4-5 and L5-S1.

The pain was awful and I had to crawl on hands and knees to toilet.

My GP at the time (a friend from over the road) had me on painkillers (which

were ineffective). After 5 weeks, he gave me three choices: (a) surgery, (b)

traction and © " go down the country " .

In Ireland, in the context of my case, that means " go to a bone-setter " .

These are spinal / bone manipulators who have no formal training but learn

their methods within the family. The trade / gift usually is passed from parent

to offspring (not always males). In the early 1970s, qualified chiropractors /

osteopaths were very rare in Ireland. [Today there are many of these].

I chose option ©. I hobbled in to the bone-setter bent over like an old

cripple and walked out 5 minutes later standing straight and able to kick up

to shoulder height with both legs. I was back at work next day.

About 2 years later, the sciatica recurred (but was not as painful). This time,

I treated myself with acupuncture (mainly BL23 + BL40 + GB34) a few times

and was fine after a few days.

Medline Abstracts:

Maigne JY, Rime B, Royer P, Maigne R. [X-ray computed tomographic study

of the outcome of lumbar disk hernia after conservative medical treatment

(34 cases)] [Article in French] Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1991

May;58(5):355-9. Comment in: Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1991

Dec;58(12):905. Service de Rééducation, Hôpital de l'Hôtel-Dieu, Paris. The

subject of this prospective study was to appreciate the natural history of 34

herniated lumbar nucleus pulposus after recovery excluding surgical or intra-

discal therapy. First CT scan was performed when radicular pain was worst,

second CT between 1-32 months after recovery (6-40 months after the first

CT). After the first 18 months, 18 herniations decreased >50% (group I) and

7 <25% (group II). Most herniations of group II were large or middle sized

and two narrowing of discs were observed between the two CT. Group II

was made of small sized herniations and 4 / 7 discs narrowed. >18 months,

herniations decreased >75% except one being calcified. Decrease of

herniations and of intra-discal pressure were observed in the study. Both

could allow recovery. PMID: 2057726 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Borota L, Jonasson P, Agolli A. Spontaneous resorption of intradural lumbar

disc fragments. Spine J. 2008 Mar-Apr;8(2):397-403. Epub 2007 Jan 30.

Department of Radiology, Section of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of

Northern Sweden, 90185, Umeå, Sweden. BACKGROUND CONTEXT:

Intradural disc herniation is relatively rare complication of the spinal

degenerative process that occurs most frequently in the lumbar part of the

spine. Both myelographic and MRI features of this entity have been

described, and the mechanism of intradural herniation has already been

proposed and generally accepted. In this article, we present a case of

spontaneous resorption of an intradural, fragmented intervertebral disc.

Spontaneous resorption of intradural disc fragments has not been previously

reported. PURPOSE: To discuss a possible mechanism of spontaneous

resorption of the subdural disc fragments. STUDY DESIGN: Case report

and literature review. METHODS: Radiological follow-up of a 46-year-old

man with the intradural herniation of disc fragments. CONCLUSION: The

reaction generated by the meninges might lead to the complete resorption of

intrathecally localized disc fragments. PMID: 18299107 [PubMed - in

process]

Birbilis TA, Matis GK, Theodoropoulou EN. Spontaneous regression of a

lumbar disc herniation: case report. Med Sci Monit. 2007 Oct;13(10):CS121-

3. Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Neurosurgical

Department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece.

mpirmpil BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of the spontaneous

disappearance of herniated discs is well known. CASE REPORT: The case

of a 74-year-old male presenting with a large disc herniation at L5-S1,

experiencing moderate sciatic pain, and having the straight-leg-raising test

positive at 30 degrees is presented. The disc herniation was documented by

computed tomography. He was treated conservatively with medication and

physical therapy. One year later the patient was clinically reevaluated. He

proved to be symptom-free and the follow-up computed tomography

revealed spontaneous disappearance of the herniated disc fragment. The

disc regression could have been due to dehydration, resorption as a result of

an inflammatory reaction, or retraction into the intervertebral space.

CONCLUSIONS: This report discusses the three aforementioned possible

explanations and underlines the need for limiting surgical treatment strictly to

patients with neurological deficits, severe unremitting leg pain despite

conservative measures, and repeated time loss from work. PMID: 17901855

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Mu JP, Cheng JM, Ao JB, Yang DR, Zhao DG, Gao M, Li YE. [Multiple

central clinical test of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with

laser needle-knife for treatment of lumbar disc herniation] [Article in

Chinese] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Aug;27(8):553-6. Acupuncture Section,

Taihe Hospital Affiliated to Yunyang Medical College, Shiyan, Hubei 442000,

China. OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture

(EA) at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with laser needle-knife on lumbar disc

herniation. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases of lumbar disc

herniation were divided into an Jiaji EA group, a laser needle-knife group

and a combination group (Jiaji EA plus laser needle-knife) according to

random number table. Changes of symptoms at different stages before and

after treatment were investigated with SF-MPQ cumulative scores.

RESULTS: All the 115 cases completed all of the study, SF-MPQ score in

the combination group was significantly lower than those in the Jiaji EA

group and the laser needle-knife group (P<0. 01, P<0.05), with a significant

difference at the end of treatment of 2 weeks (P<0.01) between the laser

needle-knife group and the Jiaji EA group, and with no significant difference

at treatment of 1 week and 3 weeks (P>0.05). The recurrence rate at a half

year later in the combination group was significantly lower than those in

laser needle-knife group and the Jiaji EA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:

EA at Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with laser needle-knife can significantly

increase clinical therapeutic effect, alleviate pain of the patient and reduce

recurrence. PMID: 17853748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Atlas SJ, Chang Y, Keller RB, Singer DE, Wu YA, Deyo RA. The impact of

disability compensation on long-term treatment outcomes of patients with

sciatica due to a lumbar disc herniation. Spine. 2006 Dec 15;31(26):3061-9.

General Medicine Division, Medical Services, Massachusetts General

Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

satlas STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term disability and health-related quality of

life outcomes of individuals receiving or not receiving workers' compensation

at baseline evaluation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Disability

compensation has long been associated with poor clinical outcomes.

However, most studies have assessed outcomes over short time periods

using unvalidated measures without controlling for potential confounders.

METHOD: Patients with sciatica due to a herniated lumbar disc were treated

by physicians in community based orthopedic, neurosurgical, and

occupational medicine practices throughout Maine. Outcomes assessed

included disability compensation and work status, and health-related quality

of life, controlling for initial treatment received and factors predicting

initial

workers' compensation status. RESULTS: Among 440 eligible patients, 172

(86%) receiving workers' compensation and 222 (92%) not receiving

workers' compensation at baseline evaluation completed at least one follow-

up between 5 and 10 years (80% completed 10-year). Baseline

demographics, past back history, imaging findings, symptoms, functional

status, and expectations significantly differed according to the patient's

baseline workers' compensation status. After 5-10 years, most patients,

regardless of baseline workers' compensation status (yes or no), were not

receiving disability compensation (83% vs. 96%, respectively) and were

employed (78% for both groups). However, workers' compensation patients

were significantly more likely to be receiving disability compensation and had

worse symptoms, functional status, and satisfaction outcomes. Outcome

differences diminished in magnitude after controlling for baseline differences

among patients receiving workers' compensation or not but continued to

favor those not initially receiving workers' compensation. Initial treatment

received, either surgical or nonsurgical, did not influence these findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term employment and disability outcomes were

favorable for most patients with a disc herniation, regardless of initial

workers' compensation status. However, individuals initially receiving

workers' compensation had worse disability and quality of life outcomes

compared to individuals not receiving workers' compensation. Despite these

differences, long-term work outcomes were similarly favorable. PMID:

17173004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nowakowski A, Kubaszewski L, Kaczmarczyk J. [Lumbar disc herniation]

[Article in Polish] Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol. 2007 Mar-Apr;72(2):95-7.

'Klinika Chirurgii Kregos³upa, Ortopedii Onkologicznej i Traumatologii,

Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu. Back pain

is common (80-90% population), conservative treatment is usually

successful. Lumbar disc herniation and sciatica are fairly common but are

far less frequent than is idiopathic low back pain. Sciatica is usually due to

lumbar disc herniation; the outcome is usually favorable. Surgery for lumbar

disc herniation and sciatica is indicated if acute bladder and bowel

impairment is present (cauda equine syndrome) or if sciatic pain is

incapacitating and persistent for more than 6 to 12 weeks. Confirmation of

the clinical level of disc herniation must be made by imaging (CT or MRI).

With proper patient selection, surgery for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica

can be expected to lead to excellent results in most patients. PMID:

17633749 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Nakagawa H, Kamimura M, Takahara K, Hashidate H, Kawaguchi A,

Uchiyama S, Miyasaka T. Optimal duration of conservative treatment for

lumbar disc herniation depending on the type of herniation. J Clin Neurosci.

2007 Feb;14(2):104-9. Epub 2006 Nov 14. Department of Orthopaedic

Surgery, Suwa Red Cross Hospital, Kogandori 5-11-50, Suwa-City, Nagano

392-8510, Japan. BXS04106 606 clinical records of patients

who were admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Suwa Red

Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan, due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH)

between 1991 and 2002 were reviewed to determine the ideal conservative

treatment period in relation to different types of LDH: contained and non-

contained. Since 1997, we have prolonged in-hospital conservative

treatment over a few weeks, which resulted in a decrease in the number of

surgeries for non-contained LDH, especially of surgeries performed within 1

month. The number of surgeries for contained LDH did not decrease. The

preoperative period of non-contained LDH was significantly shorter than that

of contained LDH. These results indicate that for patients who have non-

contained LDH, intensive conservative treatment may avoid a surgical

procedure. For those patients who have contained LDH, conservative

treatment should not be prolonged. We believe that the optimal duration of

intensive conservative therapy should be less than 1 month. PMID:

17107804 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Best regards,

March 23, 2008

Interesting if anyone used scarring moxibustion to treat disc

herniation/pain.

" The Clinical Use of Suppurative Moxibustion " by Li Ming-zhi, *Shang Hai

Zhen Jiu Za Zhi (Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion)*, #3, 1992,

p. 33-34

Suppurative moxibustion is an ancient moxibustion technique, the

administration of which is quite painful and leaves a permanent scar. Under

normal conditions, patients are generally unwilling to submit to this

technique. However, since suppurative moxibustion at local acupoints

enhances and prolongs the positive (therapeutic) stimulus within the body,

it can, therefore, have an unusual effect on (the treatment of) recalcitrant

diseases. Following administration of suppurative moxibustion, one may often

observe the immediate resolution of lingering illness. The *Zi Sheng Jing

(The Classic of Nourishing Life)* states that, " All moxa should must produce

a sore in order for the patient to recover. " As a result of this, it would

seem that suppurative moxibustion has a distinctive therapeutic effect. The

following selection of case histories illustrates its clinical value

*Herniation of a lumbar disc*

Tian, a 35 year old male carpenter, was first diagnosed on August 20, 1987.

He complained of left-sided lumbar and leg pain that had lasted for half a

year. The pain radiated from his lumbar region along his urinary bladder

channel (with pain) shooting into his foot such that he was unable to walk.

It was also difficult for him to turn over.

Examination revealed a severely laterally rotated torso and lateral

prominence (of the bulging disc) on the affected side. The patient had a

positive straight leg raise test (*i.e.*, a Cram test. This is accomplished

by the examiner raising the straight leg. This will cause pain. The knee is

then slightly flexed while the thigh remains in the same position. This

causes the pain to disappear. Next, thumb or finger pressure is then applied

to the popliteal area to reestablish the painful radicular symptoms.) He

also had a positive bowstring test and a positive Kernig test (*i.e.*,

Kernig-Brudzinski test. In order to perform this test, the patient lies

supine with their hands cupped behind their head. They are then instructed

to flex their head to their chest. Next, the extended leg is actively raised

by flexing the hip. The test is positive if pain is felt.) There was (also)

pressure pain in the L4-5 intervertebral space, and percussion produced a

shooting pain. And there was obvious pressure pain at *Cheng Fu* (Bl 38) and

*Wei Zhong* (Bl 40). Radiology reported herniation of the lumbar disc at the

L4-5 level.

The patient had undergone a combination of massage, acupuncture, and Chinese

medicinal therapies and, over the past two months, his symptoms had improved

somewhat in that he was now able to walk approximately 30 meters.

Nevertheless, the lateral rotation remained severe, lumbar flexion was still

difficult, and the straight leg raise test remained positive. (Conventional)

moxibustion was added to the therapy for one month but produced no major

progress.

Finally, suppurative moxibustion was administered. The selection of points

included: *a shi* points (*i.e.*, painful points lateral to the spine), *Cheng

Fu* (Bl 38, left), *Wei Zhong* (Bl 40, left). A major moxa burn was induced

with the radius of the base area being raised approximately onecm. This was

accomplished with four cones of moxa to produce a second degree burn.

Self-composed *Jiu Cang Gao* (Moxa Sore Ointment) was applied topically to

the moxa burn. After four days, the moxa sore opened and suppurated for a

period of 34 days. On the 15th day of suppuration, the patient returned to

our clinic for a follow up visit. The patient's back had become perfectly

straight and he was so overjoyed that he was nearly delirious. After one

month, the straight leg raise test was negative, the bowstring test was

negative, the Kernig test was negative, and he walked normally. In a

followâ€‘up visit three years later, he reported no recurrence of the

symptoms.This is from BluePoppy.

I have treated my wrist pain (due to RA) with scarring moxibustion. After

one treatment and a good blister (8 years ago) pain was gone completely.

Tatiana Gaidarenko, LAc

March 24, 2008

> according to Hugo DOM this would have got better by itself anyway - or

am i misunderstanding him?!

Interesting if anyone used scarring moxibustion to treat disc

> herniation/pain.

>

> " The Clinical Use of Suppurative Moxibustion " by Li Ming-zhi, *Shang Hai

> Zhen Jiu Za Zhi (Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion)*, #3,

> 1992,

> p. 33-34

>

> Suppurative moxibustion is an ancient moxibustion technique, the

> administration of which is quite painful and leaves a permanent scar.

> Under

> normal conditions, patients are generally unwilling to submit to this

> technique. However, since suppurative moxibustion at local acupoints

> enhances and prolongs the positive (therapeutic) stimulus within the body,

> it can, therefore, have an unusual effect on (the treatment of)

> recalcitrant

> diseases. Following administration of suppurative moxibustion, one may

> often

> observe the immediate resolution of lingering illness. The *Zi Sheng Jing

> (The Classic of Nourishing Life)* states that, " All moxa should must

> produce

> a sore in order for the patient to recover. " As a result of this, it would

> seem that suppurative moxibustion has a distinctive therapeutic effect.

> The

> following selection of case histories illustrates its clinical value

>

> *Herniation of a lumbar disc*

>

> Tian, a 35 year old male carpenter, was first diagnosed on August 20,

> 1987.

> He complained of left-sided lumbar and leg pain that had lasted for half a

> year. The pain radiated from his lumbar region along his urinary bladder

> channel (with pain) shooting into his foot such that he was unable to

> walk.

> It was also difficult for him to turn over.

>

> Examination revealed a severely laterally rotated torso and lateral

> prominence (of the bulging disc) on the affected side. The patient had a

> positive straight leg raise test (*i.e.*, a Cram test. This is

> accomplished

> by the examiner raising the straight leg. This will cause pain. The knee

> is

> then slightly flexed while the thigh remains in the same position. This

> causes the pain to disappear. Next, thumb or finger pressure is then

> applied

> to the popliteal area to reestablish the painful radicular symptoms.) He

> also had a positive bowstring test and a positive Kernig test (*i.e.*,

> Kernig-Brudzinski test. In order to perform this test, the patient lies

> supine with their hands cupped behind their head. They are then instructed

> to flex their head to their chest. Next, the extended leg is actively

> raised

> by flexing the hip. The test is positive if pain is felt.) There was

> (also)

> pressure pain in the L4-5 intervertebral space, and percussion produced a

> shooting pain. And there was obvious pressure pain at *Cheng Fu* (Bl 38)

> and

> *Wei Zhong* (Bl 40). Radiology reported herniation of the lumbar disc at

> the

> L4-5 level.

>

> The patient had undergone a combination of massage, acupuncture, and

> Chinese

> medicinal therapies and, over the past two months, his symptoms had

> improved

> somewhat in that he was now able to walk approximately 30 meters.

> Nevertheless, the lateral rotation remained severe, lumbar flexion was

> still

> difficult, and the straight leg raise test remained positive.

> (Conventional)

> moxibustion was added to the therapy for one month but produced no major

> progress.

>

> Finally, suppurative moxibustion was administered. The selection of points

> included: *a shi* points (*i.e.*, painful points lateral to the spine),

> *Cheng

> Fu* (Bl 38, left), *Wei Zhong* (Bl 40, left). A major moxa burn was

> induced

> with the radius of the base area being raised approximately onecm. This

> was

> accomplished with four cones of moxa to produce a second degree burn.

> Self-composed *Jiu Cang Gao* (Moxa Sore Ointment) was applied topically to

> the moxa burn. After four days, the moxa sore opened and suppurated for a

> period of 34 days. On the 15th day of suppuration, the patient returned to

> our clinic for a follow up visit. The patient's back had become perfectly

> straight and he was so overjoyed that he was nearly delirious. After one

> month, the straight leg raise test was negative, the bowstring test was

> negative, the Kernig test was negative, and he walked normally. In a

> followâ€‘up visit three years later, he reported no recurrence of the

> symptoms.This is from BluePoppy.

>

> I have treated my wrist pain (due to RA) with scarring moxibustion. After

> one treatment and a good blister (8 years ago) pain was gone completely.

>

> Tatiana Gaidarenko, LAc

>

March 24, 2008

> should have said Alon DOM

whats DOM?