AboutConinyah B. Dew Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to the usage of acupuncture, chinese herbs, and meditation
for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases to include but not limited to low back pain,
headaches, mood disorders, and stroke
Experience Private practice (Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices), Formally Certified Personal Training, Indigenous Energy Studies, personal spiritual practice
Organizations Acupuncture Association of Colorado, West Point Association of Graduates
Education/Credentials Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (Southwest Acupuncture College), Bachelor's of Science with field of study in Chemistry and Life Science (West Point), Master Fitness Trainer certificate (West Point), Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM - national certification board; highest certification available)
Question i'm writing to ask a second opinion about a condition that i've been seeing an
acupuncturist for. i've been taking acupuncture for about 6 months, every 2-
3 weeks, and while i've experienced some relief from my symptoms, even my
practitioner is confused by the lack of improvement.
i've always had a very healthy lifestyle, but a few years ago i was taking
ephedra. after a year of doing so, i knew i was endangering my health and
couldn't do it anymore. i just stopped one day, cold, and from that day my
belly swelled up like a balloon and it's been that way ever since.
i used to have a lot of pain in my gut and liver, but acupuncture has taken
that away. however, the swelling is still there, and while it's not painful, it's
very uncomfortable.
the only thing i can compare it to is being bloated while on my period. it just
lasts all the time.
my acupuncturist has been working on points related to my stomach and my
liver--usually the needles go into my abdomen and my legs. i'm also taking
an herbal formula, mu xiang.
in the last couple of weeks, my lower legs have started to hurt. the pain is
located on the outsides of my shins, and it feels like tingly pressure. i feel it
sometimes in the top of my feet, as well.
i'm hoping that the pain means the treatment is starting to work better. but
i'd really like to hear another acupuncturist's opinion about what might have
caused it and if there's anything i could do better to relieve the huge bloating.
thank you so much!
Answer Hello Chelsea,
Thank you for your question. Your case sounds to be a complicated one. Without having the benefit of a workup, I would not be able to know for certain a particular causality of your condition. I would need to know more information such as do you have pitting edema in your lower legs? Does the bloating you have in your stomach feel heavy like water or does it feel full like air or sluggish like a gel? The tingling in your feet, how long has it been there? Is the tingling a burning sensation? Did it start after you started taking Mu Xiang? Do you have a known history of diabetes? Do you have difficulty breathing with mild exertion?
The answers to the questions could lead to any number of diagnoses such as Lung/Kidney Xu (Deficiency), Liver/Kidney Xu (Deficiency), Imbalance in the San Jiao, Stomach/Spleen Xu (Deficiency), Water or phlegm accumulation in the middle and lower burners. I don't mean to confuse you but simply to point out that more information is needed. I would ask that you consider asking your acupuncturist these questions and develop a plan from there based on the diagnosis. Should you still notice no difference after 1 month, you may want to consider seeing a western physician simply to rule out any potential complications to your condition.
I hope this information has provided you a place to start having additional dialogue with your acupuncturist. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you for seeking alternatives to supporting you in your health care needs. I wish you all the best. Be well.
Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices
