Healing Stories: Pain and Neurological Conditions

Case 1: Dropped hand

Female, 60s She was an active and competitive tennis player who sometimes pushed herself too hard. One day she began feeling numbness in her dominant hand — and soon she could no longer lift her hand or arm. She was distressed. She sought medical evaluation, but the surgeon delivered a harsh diagnosis: nerve damage in three areas — the neck, arm, and hand. He recommended three separate surgeries followed by six months of recovery, with no guarantee of results. She disagreed with this approach and decided to seek a natural alternative.

Treatment: Although her hand and arm were completely immobile, I was deeply encouraged by her positive attitude. She believed wholeheartedly that acupuncture would heal her — her faith was unwavering and nothing shook it. We began weekly treatments. At first she had no sensation in most of her fingers and arm. Within a few sessions she began to feel a difference. Sensation returned slowly, inch by inch. It was profoundly encouraging for both of us. We also explored the emotional stress in her relationship that had weakened her neurologically, contributing to the severity of the damage. She allowed herself to feel and release those emotions with compassion. As she recovered, treatment frequency reduced from weekly to twice a month. After one year she had recovered 90% — able to type with several fingers. After a year and a half, by her own words, she was 99.5% recovered. She continues to come in periodically for maintenance. She considers herself completely healed.

Case 2: Herniated Discs 

Female, 30s She had previously undergone two surgeries for herniated discs, yet her pain had worsened. She was in tears from the pain. It was especially difficult given that she had small children and her daily life required constant physical movement. Not wanting another surgery, she decided to pursue natural treatment.

Treatment: She received two acupuncture treatments with moxibustion and her pain was almost completely gone.

Case 3: Sciatica 

Female, 40s She came in for an emergency visit with severe sciatic pain. The pain was so intense she could barely walk. Not wanting to receive injections, she decided to try acupuncture.

Treatment: After her first acupuncture treatment her pain improved by 70%. She received a total of three treatments and her pain resolved completely.

Case 4: Migraine Headaches 

Female, 40s She had suffered from chronic migraines — localized to the temples — for ten years. The pain worsened with stress and lack of sleep. Prescription pain medications had stopped working and she was desperate for an alternative.

Treatment: She received acupuncture two days in a row and her pain resolved completely. She continued for a total of five sessions for prevention, combined with Chinese herbal medicine. She also introduced moderate exercise, increased vegetables, and reduced sugar and processed foods. Her severe migraines have not returned. She continues to manage her stress and care for her overall health.

Case 5: Knee Pain and Swelling 

Female, 60s She came in with acute knee pain and swollen ankles, making it difficult to walk — particularly on stairs.

Treatment: She received two acupuncture sessions with moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine to reduce swelling. Within a few weeks her pain resolved and her ankle swelling reduced significantly. She was also advised to increase her water intake, which helped eliminate the remaining swelling completely.

Case 6: Neck and Shoulder Pain Radiating to the Elbow and Hand 

Female, 40s She came in with elbow pain caused by a herniated disc at C5/6. The pain radiated down her forearm and into her hand, with tingling in three fingers. Symptoms worsened with stress and prolonged computer work.

Treatment: She received four acupuncture treatments with moxibustion over two months and her pain resolved completely. She has remained free of tingling and radiating pain for at least two years.

Case 7: Migraines 

Female, 30s She had suffered from migraines since her twenties. Each attack lasted several days, leaving her unable to focus or function. She had relied on NSAIDs for so long that it had become routine — until she decided she no longer wanted to depend on medication.

Treatment: She began bi-weekly acupuncture sessions. Over time she became aware that her migraine attacks correlated with her menstrual cycle and emotional state — when she became deeply upset, a migraine would follow within a day. This awareness itself became part of her healing. Chinese herbal supplements helped regulate her cycle and reduce PMS. Her migraines became progressively less frequent and less intense. When they did occur they lasted no more than half a day with much less intensity. She gained confidence in her own healing process and a renewed sense of joy in her life.
 

Case 8: Headache with Stuffy Ear 

Male, 70s He had suffered from chronic headaches for over three years. His symptoms included frontal headaches, a persistently stuffy ear, and occasional dizziness. He had consulted multiple specialists — including EENT and headache specialists — and had been prescribed three different medications, none of which helped.

Treatment: Since he had a history of chronic sinusitis, treatment began by addressing residual chronic sinus infection with acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplements. This reduced his pain by approximately 70%. Treatment then focused on the facial lymphatic and drainage systems, bringing his improvement to 90–95%. He continues receiving acupuncture to strengthen his immune system and maintain the health of the sinus cavity and ear.

Case 9: Lower Back Pain 

Female, 70s She developed sudden, severe lower back pain that shot down the back of her leg. She first tried chiropractic treatment — ten sessions — but her symptoms did not improve. The pain worsened and she eventually needed a cane to walk. She was referred to me by a friend who was already my patient.

Treatment: Assessment revealed multiple contributing factors — sciatica, postural issues, and a leg injury from over fifteen years ago that had caused her to weigh on the other leg. This may have caused hip misalignment over time. Treatment addressed these in stages: first resolving the sciatic pain, then supporting inflammation in the lower back, and finally balancing the lower body. I instructed light stretching and exercise. Within five to six sessions her pain had eliminated completely. At the conclusion of treatment she was referred to physical therapy to continue building strength and balance especially in the lower body.
 

Case 10: Tennis Elbow 

Female, 40s She came in with severe elbow pain from repetitive use — painful enough to bring her to tears.

Treatment: On assessment I found that her upper and lower back were extremely tense — like stone — though she had not been aware of it. Releasing that full-body tension was essential before addressing the elbow directly. Each acupuncture session progressively relieved tension throughout her body. The elbow was treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and far-infrared heat therapy, and she was instructed to keep the area warm to support circulation. After five to six sessions she was pain free. I encouraged her to begin weight training to strengthen her upper back. Her posture improved, her strength returned, and she remained pain free.

Case 11: Frozen Shoulder 

Male, 50s He came in with frozen shoulder — unable to raise his arm above shoulder height due to pain.

Treatment: He received four acupuncture treatments with moxibustion. After each session the pain subsided and his range of mobility increased. By the fourth session his condition was completely resolved.