The Treatment of Hepatitis with Acupuncture & Qi Gong Chad J. Dupuis, M.Ac., L.Ac. Yin Yang House Acupuncture & Wellness Center 512 Tremont Street, Chattanooga

Acupuncture in Brief Medicine is used worldwide both as a complementary and as a primary mode of treatment. Natural Medicine with many branches, styles, and theories. Theories and Techniques drawn from long-term observation and testing. Written texts date back as far as 168 AD.

Acupuncture Training in the US The majority of practitioners graduate from 3-4 year post-graduate level programs with clinical rotations. Some states also allow MD’s and/or Chiropractors to practice with minimal or no additional training. National Certification is required in most states and licensure from the states Board of Medicine is required.

Acupuncture Diagnoses Conditions are not treated, people and their unique set of signs and symptoms are. This adaptability is a large part of the effectiveness of acupuncture. Treatments are based on Chinese Medicine diagnoses which are arrived at from many sources, including your symptoms, pulse, tongue, pressure pain, emotional state, etc.

Treatment Methods Acupuncture is not just needles… many practitioners include massage (tuina), energy work (qigong), and other techniques such as cupping and moxibustion. Herbal Medicine is also an important branch of Chinese Medicine – which includes dietary adjustments and recommendations. Lifestyle changes and exercise are an important part of the healing process. Exercises such as Tai Chi, for example, are well known for their effects on the immune system.

A Science and an Art Traditionally acupuncture was taught in a teacher/student model instead of formal schooling as it often is now. While many conditions can be treated well with acupuncture with established protocols, it is still an art form requiring good instruction and techniques. You are likely to get different results from different practitioners as well as from different styles of acupuncture.

Hepatitis Introduction Autoimmune Hepatitis Jaundice, Unresolved Acute Hepatitis, etc. Corticosteroids/Prednisolone Calcium Absorbtion/Bone Formation Hypertension, Fatigue, Weight Gain, Depression 50% 5 Year Survival Rate w/o Tx. Pre Cirrhosis / 90% 5 Year Survival Rate w/Tx.

Chronic Hepatitis B 5% Acute HBV to Chronic Liver Disease. Interferon Fatigue, malaise, diarrhea Lowered immunity via bone marrow interruption 3-5% w/o Treatment Resolve 50% w/Interferon Treatment Resolve

Hepatitis C May be asymptomatic, chronic liver disease leading to cirrhosis. Interferon 80% Chronic Carriers and develop cirrhosis over 20+ years.

Chinese Medicine Ideas Hepatitis effects the Liver, Gall Bladder and Spleen Systems of the Body Liver in Chinese Medicine: Stores the Blood, Circulates Qi/Energy, Controls the Tendons, Manifests in the Nails, Opens into the Eyes, Houses the Ethereal Soul (spirit). Five Element Associations – Eyes, Tendons, Sour Taste, Green Color, Shouting, Emotions of Anger and Frustration, Spring Time, Wind

Gall Bladder in TCM Yin/Yang Pair with the Liver. Stores and Excretes Bile (digestion) Ability to make decisions Controls the Tendons – energy for strength, whereas Liver supplies Blood for nourishment.

Spleen in TCM Controls the Blood, Produces energy from proper digestion and assimilation, Controls the muscles and limbs, controls the raising of energy, houses the “Yi” (intellect).

Meridians

Functions of Acupuncture Strengthen Immunity Resolve Auto-Immune Activity Control Pain and Side Effects of Complementary Treatments (Endorphin Effect) Stress Reduction/Improved Healing Potential Improve Nerve Function/Energy Circulation

Example TCM Diagnosis Damp Heat in the Liver and GallBladder Signs: Chest a/or hypochondriac pain/distention, jaundice, fever, bitter taste in the mouth, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, swelling a/or itching of the genitals. Tongue Dx: Red w/yellow Sticky Coat Pulse Dx: Slippery, Wiry Rapid Treatment Points – LV 14 (LV Mu), GB 24 (GB Mu), UB 18 (LV Shu – T9), UB 19 (GB Shu – T10), SP 9, LV 2, LI 11

UB 18 Liver Shu Point Main point for all Liver related conditions: hepatitis, jaundice, cirrhosis, Blood stagnation, Qi stagnation, etc. Main point for eye problems, pain, itching, dryness, redness, blurred vision, visual dizziness, twitching. Main point for LV related emotional issues such as anger, depression, irritability, frustration, stress a/or PMS. Useful for hypochondriac a/or sub costal pain/distention.

Tam Healing System Developed by Tom Tam, acupuncturist, healer, and tai chi master, for the treatment of complicated medical conditions. A unique composition of western and eastern medical ideas along with strong clinical experiences over 30 years. Based on pressure pain as a primary diagnostic tool. Primarily involves acupuncture, massage and energy work – very little herbal medicine.

Hepatitis Treatment Areas Primary T9 (Right Side) T1, T2, T3, T4, GB 34, LV 3 + Why? Nerve function/communication with Liver. T1 effects bone marrow – Immune system strengthening/regulation T2 effects thymus gland – Produce T Cells T3 effects Lung system and Lymph – removal of toxic heat, pimples on back T4 regulates sweat glands, dissipate internal heat

Treatment Progression As with western medicine, acupuncture treatments and results should be seen as a longer-term investment. Symptomatic improvement, particularly with side effects of medicines, are often experienced within the first 3-7 treatments. Treatments are generally weekly until symptoms improve and then bi-weekly/monthly/quarterly as each person requires.

Clinical Results The majority of people will have a favorable reaction to acupuncture and at the very least will have symptomatic improvement and improved well-being. With the Tam Healing system we experience higher resolution rates than general acupuncture as it is more targeted.

Yin Yang House Center Located at 512 Tremont Street, Suite A in the North Shore. Website – http://clinic.yinyanghouse.com/ Email – clinic@yinyanghouse.com Acupuncture treatments are $60/session. General Info – http://www.yinyanghouse.com/