Treatment of Facial Pain with I Ching Balance Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture: A Complementary Approach to the Meridian Balance Method

The association of acupuncture points requires realization of synergistic combinations to be as effective as possible while avoiding possible aggravations. To this end, the meridian balance method is an effective tool. It is based on the 6 systems of Richard T.-F. Tan, MD, which derive from 6 principles of traditional knowledge: (1) Chinese meridian-name sharing; (2) branching meridians (Bie-Jing); (3) interior-exterior pairs (Biao-Li); (4) Chinese clock opposite; (5) Chinese clock neighbor; and (6) the same meridian. However, the results seem to unstable over time, and, therefore, synergies with "root" treatment based on Japanese meridian therapy could help stabilize the therapeutic effects of the meridian balance method. Japanese meridian therapy uses pulse diagnosis to identify 4 basic primary patterns: (1) Liver Deficiency, generally treated with a combination of acupuncture points LR8-KI10; (2) Kidney Deficiency, treated with LU 5-KI 7; (3) Spleen Deficiency, treated with PC 7-SP 3; and (4) Lung Deficiency, treated with SP 3-LU 9. After reviewing the main principles of Japanese acupuncture, a nondogmatic approach coupling Japanese meridian therapy with Dr. Tan's balance method is proposed in order to use the best of each of the 2 methods in an integrative approach.

Is acupuncture an effective postherpetic neuralgia treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) refers to pain which remains after the healing of rashes from herpes zoster. Previous literatures have shown that acupuncture has potential benefits for PHN, but evidence remains lacking. Thus, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of PHN.

Methods

Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of acupuncture on PHN. After selecting the studies, extracting the data, and assessing study quality, meta-analysis was performed on several of the studies with RevMan 5.3. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation) system was used to assess the overall quality of the evidence.

Results

Acupuncture helps relieve pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.36 to -1.21). For other intervention types, electroacupuncture (SMD: -1.28, 95% CI: -2.51 to -0.05), fire needle (SMD: -2.23, 95% CI: -2.62 to -1.84), bloodletting and cupping (SMD: -2.46, 95% CI: -2.95 to -1.97) have better effects on pain intensity relief. To date, no study has reported on the onset of pain relief time. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale score (SMD: -18.94, 95% CI: -37.37 to -0.52) was lower for the acupuncture group than for the control group. It was also found that acupuncture can improve quality of life (QOL) (SMD: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.50 to 5.06). The quality of evidence for acupuncture for PHN pain intensity was moderate according to the GRADE system.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may reduce pain intensity, relieve anxiety and improve quality of life in patients with PHN. Further randomized trials with larger sample sizes and of higher methodological quality are needed to confirm these results.

Course of Concomitant Bell's Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia Shortened with a Multi-Modal Intervention: A Case Report

A 60-year-old man presented to the ER with lancinating right-sided facial pain following a URI. He was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, yet returned several days later with right-sided facial paralysis. He was then also diagnosed with Bell's palsy and treated with corticosteroids and antiviral medication. He continued to experience facial pain and paralysis, and sought out integrative medical care including acupuncture, nutritional supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and parenteral therapy with intravenous vitamins and minerals. Eight weeks later he reported near complete resolution of symptoms. Multi-modal interventions may shorten recovery time in some patients with trigeminal neuralgia or Bell's palsy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on concomitant trigeminal neuralgia and Bell's palsy. The CARE (CAse REport) guidelines were used in the writing of this case report.