Multiple muscle and joint pains with acupuncture and Asian herbs.

Complaints: Pain in multiple joints and muscles due to the physical demands in life-long athletic sports and the professions in the military and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Some of the major problems were herniated discs in lumbar, impinged left hip, sciatica, left knee tear necessitating 2 surgeries, torn left rotator cuff, arthritis in both hands and right thumb, and shorter left leg by 2 inches.

Acupuncture: Right-side yang horary points in Metal-Order of LI1, UB66, GB41, SI5, and ST36.

Treatment process: He had 9 acupuncture treatments at twice a week so far. The pains began to improve the next day after the first visit. After the 4th visit, he took pain medications as needed, as 4 times a day. By the 9th visit, he reported more than 50% relief in intensity, frequency, and duration. He was given a Sasang herbal formula Shi Er Wei Di Huang Tang (Shu Di, Shan Zhu Yu, Fu Ling, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi, Di Gu Pi, Xuan She, Gou I Zi, Fu Pen Zi, Che Qian Zi, Jing Jie, Fang Feng) for a constitution of Lesser Yang primary and Greater Yin secondary combination (aka Vatta in Ayurveda, Influence in Unani, and LangGin in Tetrasoma). He had an immediate clarity of mind and elevating sensation of body, along with lessening of inflammation within two days. As he continued with the herbs, he felt his mind and body becoming more efficient.

Discussion: Acupuncture and Asian herbs are rightly holistic and anti-aging. They help the body to recover, reduce pain, and promote optimal functioning of the body.