Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 1/4/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I've been trying acupuncture and Chinese herbs since my PCPs couldn't diagnose my condition properly (primarily unexplained fatigue/perceived weakness).  That's why I decided to give TCM a try and the first TCM doctor said I had a spleen qi deficiency.  After getting the acupuncture and taking the herbs, no improvements were felt at all.  I saw another TCM doctor after who said that I had kidney yin deficiency but I still didn't feel any improvements after the treatments were done.  I'm so puzzled at why the acupuncture and herbs weren't working.  What do you think could be problem here?

ANSWER: Hi Sho,
Well, it is hard for me to say without seeing you or knowing your history.  Usually, fatigue and weakness are; qi, blood or yin deficiency.  So that makes sense.  Have you been exposed to toxins in your environment?  Or ingesting them?  Even things like aspartame can cause toxicity and lead to weakness and fatigue.  Are you a smoker or around people that smoke?  There are many environmental things that can cause fatigue.  It can take a long time to replenish qi and yin.  Are you getting enough sleep?  Lack of sleep makes the replenishing process slower.  Some people do not respond to acupuncture, it is a small population.  You make be looking at 6-12 months of treatment before you see vas improvements. But you should see some differences before then even if they are slight.  Again, it is very hard for me to say without knowing your history.

Good Luck, Keep trying.
Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM diplAc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That's the strange thing.  I live in a healthy environment where the air and water are clean.  I hardly ever drink sodas, don't drink coffee, and don't drink alcohol (can't stand the taste).  I try to stay away from foods with high fructose corn syrup, MSG, aspartame, and all that jazz and I don't smoke.  It takes awhile for me to fall asleep but I get enough hours.  I used to be really active before, playing tennis every week, jogging, and working out almost everyday.  Now I only play tennis every once a week.

My problems actually occurred several years ago during college.  Those were very stressful times so I caught a nasty ear infection and bronchitis and a few months after, the fatigue set in and I haven't been able to get rid of it ever since.  I've also got aching/discomfort, sensitivity to sharp noises, occasional difficulty breathing, and a very occasional bronchial sounding cough without phlegm (usually occurs in the morning).  I'm trying to find a new PCP to check me out but I'll keep taking my herbs for now.

Answer
It's sounds like maybe you have a lurking virus. There are good antiviral hebals that treat long term lurking viruses.  One formula that comes to mind di ding Qing huo pian golden flower makes viola clear fire. It can be taken long term. Supplemented with a qi tonic. Good luck

Heather