From Panic to Recovery: The Life-Saving Renzhong Point in Action

Kit Li

Yesterday on my way home, something happened that left a deep impression on me.

It was rush hour, and the carriage was almost completely full. With the weather getting warmer, the air felt a bit stuffy. In this environment, a man standing in front of me looked like he had just rushed onto the train, he was drenched in sweat.

Suddenly, his face turned pale, almost grey, and he looked as if he might faint at any moment.

There was no time to think (I was grateful that my years of emergency medical training as a flight attendant allowed me to quickly recognize what was happening).  I immediately stood up and offered him my seat. Even after sitting down, he still looked unwell.

I gently said to him, “I’m a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Would you mind if I press an acupoint to help relieve your symptoms?” He nodded.

I then applied pressure to the “Renzhong” (1, 2) point for about thirty seconds.

Gradually, his eyes became clearer, his breathing steadied, and he visibly regained his awareness. Soon, he was able to speak with me clearly again.

In that moment, I was deeply reminded that certain skills truly matter, especially when they can make a real difference at a critical time.

Why did I choose “Renzhong” instead of other acupoints?

The Renzhong (DU-26) acupoint is located at the upper one-third of the philtrum (the groove below the nose). It is one of the most important emergency points in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its ability to restore consciousness, regulate yin and yang, and support breathing.

In that situation, the man showed clear signs of an impending faint: pale complexion, weakness, and altered awareness. What was needed most was a fast, direct, and effective intervention.

I chose Renzhong because:

• It is specifically indicated for emergencies: such as fainting, shock, heatstroke, and low blood pressure.

• It acts quickly on the central nervous system: helping to stimulate consciousness and stabilize the body.

• It is easily accessible: no need to remove clothing or reposition the person, which is crucial in a crowded, time-sensitive environment.

• It is safe and practical: to apply immediately, even outside of a clinical setting.

Compared to other acupoints, Renzhong is one of the most direct and efficient choices for reviving consciousness in urgent situations.

Main Functions and Applications:

1. Restoring consciousness (emergency use)

When someone experiences fainting, shock, heatstroke, or coma, pressing the Renzhong point (with upward pressure toward the nose) can stimulate the nervous system, help raise blood pressure, and promote regaining consciousness.

2. Treating acute lower back sprain

Whether acute or chronic, strong stimulation of this point can sometimes produce immediate relief.

3. Regulating breathing

Stimulating this point may help improve breathing difficulties or temporary pauses in breathing.

4. Relieving facial conditions

It can also support conditions such as rhinitis, nasal congestion, runny nose, facial paralysis, and facial muscle spasms.

Technique:

Use the pad of your index finger or thumb to press the upper one-third of the philtrum. Apply firm pressure in a slightly upward direction (toward the base of the nose). A sensation of soreness or fullness is expected. In emergency situations, the intensity and frequency of stimulation can be increased.

Conclusion:

If you notice someone about to faint, act quickly and don’t wait. Help them sit or lie down right away, lying flat with legs raised is best, but sitting is fine if space is limited. Make sure they won’t fall, loosen tight clothing, and help them get some fresh air. Keep talking to them so they stay alert and encourage slow, steady breathing. 

You can also gently stimulate them, such as pressing the Renzhong (DU-26) point. Once they feel better, don’t let them stand up too quickly, and stay with them for a few minutes. Call for help if they lose consciousness, get injured, or don’t recover properly.

References:

1) Effect of DU-26 (Shuigou) Acupuncture Point Stimulation on Regaining Consciousness in ICU Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://sciety.org/articles/activity/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7387912

2) Acupuncture (including DU‑26) accelerates recovery after anesthesia: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496415601595

Digestive Health: Understanding Yang, Qi and Yin-deficiency in TCM

Kit Li

Do you pay attention to your bowel movements? The regularity, shape, consistency, and even the smell of your stool can reveal a great deal about your overall health.

Have you ever experienced a cold sensation in your abdomen, irregular bowel movements, or difficulty passing stools? Many people immediately assume they are dealing with Constipation. As a result, they often believe the issue is simply due to a lack of fibre and turn to strong laxatives for relief.

However, this assumption can be misleading. While laxatives may provide short-term relief, long-term use can sometimes worsen the condition rather than resolve the underlying imbalance.

From the perspective of TCM, this may not be true constipation; instead, it can be a condition known as Yang-deficiency, as well as weak bowel movement due to Qi-deficiency. This is very different from the dry, hard constipation associated with Yin-deficiency. In addition, you might notice other symptoms such as poor appetite, fatigue, and cold hands and feet.

1) Yang-deficiency

For the condition of Yang-deficiency, it is important to avoid cold and raw foods, iced drinks, and cold natured fruits such as watermelon and pears. These should be eaten sparingly or avoided altogether. Instead, consuming warm and nourishing foods like fresh ginger, lamb, and longan..etc, can help support the body’s Yang energy. Practices such as soaking the feet in warm water for 15 minutes before bedtime can also assist in warming the body and dispersing cold, helping to prevent the worsening of Yang-deficiency.

2) Qi-deficiency

Qi is the body’s vital energy that powers many physiological functions, including the movement of the intestines. When Qi is insufficient, especially Spleen-Qi or Lung-Qi: the body may lack the strength to move the bowels effectively. As a result, bowel movements become difficult not because the stool is too dry, but because the body does not have enough energy to expel it.

In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are considered the source of Qi and Blood. When Qi is deficient, the body may not generate enough energy or Blood to support normal physiological functions. Consequently, the intestines lose their strength to move stool efficiently. The stool may remain in the intestines for too long, causing excessive water absorption. At the same time, because Qi-deficiency weakens the body’s ability to properly form the stool, it may become thin, long, and soft.

For Qi deficiency, eat warm, cooked foods like congee, soups, stews, root vegetables, whole grains, and gentle proteins such as eggs, chicken, or lamb. Use warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, avoid cold, raw, or iced foods, greasy or processed foods, and overeating. Eat smaller, regular meals and drink warm water or herbal teas to support digestion and regular bowel movements.

3) Yin-deficiency

Stools can become dry and hard like small pellets, making it very difficult to pass them. Drinking lots of water often doesn’t help, and in severe cases, it can cause pain or bleeding.

Many people try to drink more water or take laxatives, but this often doesn’t work and can even cause diarrhoea or stomach pain. This type of constipation is usually caused by Yin-deficiency and a lack of body fluids, not just dehydration.

When there is internal heat due to deficiency in the body, it can cause irritability and insomnia, also bitter taste in the mouth.  At this point, simply drinking water is not enough; it is necessary to nourish the body’s fluids  at the root and clear the deficient heat to restore balance.

TCM focuses on nourishing Yin, replenishing fluids, and calming internal heat. Foods that are naturally moistening and slightly cooling, such as soups, congee, tofu..etc, that help restore fluid balance.  Also, avoiding very spicy, greasy, fried, or overly heating foods, as well as alcohol and excessive red meat, which can aggravate Yin deficiency and internal heat.

Apple, Dangshen (1) and Maimendong (1)Tea

This combination can help balance bowel movements, but it works more by regulating and restoring than forcing, it also makes stools softer (not loose), support more regular timing, reduce strain without irritating the gut.

Ingredientes:

• 1 apple (sliced)
• 6 - 10g Dangshen
• 6 - 10g Maimendong
• 500 - 700ml water

Simmer for about 30 minutes. Drink warm.

How it helps:

• Apple - gently promotes movement and adds moisture
• Dangshen (Codonopsis) - support Qi and digestion
• Maimendong (Ophiopogon) - nourishes Yin and body fluids, moistens dryness in the intestines

This tea is ideal for:

• Irregular but not severe constipation
• Dry or slightly hard stools
• Low energy digestion (you feel sluggish after eating)

But not suitable for:

• Very loose stools or diarrhoea
• Strong bloating with heaviness (dampness)
• Sharp abdominal pain or severe constipation

Conclusion:

What may appear to be simple constipation can, in fact, reflect deeper imbalances such as Qi, Yang, or Yin deficiency. Rather than relying on quick fixes, taking a more holistic approach, through appropriate diet, gentle lifestyle adjustments, and, when needed, tailored herbal support, can help address the root cause. By restoring balance within the body, you not only improve digestion but also enhance overall energy, resilience, and well-being, allowing you to move into the season feeling lighter, stronger, and more in harmony with your body.

Reference:

1) Tonic Herbs and Herbal Mixtures in Chinese Herbal Medicine: https://journals.lww.com/wtcm/fulltext/2016/02010/tonic_herbs_and_herbal_mixtures_in_chinese.3.aspx

TCM Treatment of Hay Fever: A Case Study

Kit Li

Spring seems to have arrived earlier than expected this year. How did I notice? My husband started sneezing frequently and occasionally had a runny nose, especially after walking the dog in the morning. That was my clue that spring had arrived and pollen levels were rising.

In the UK during spring, it is helpful to check daily pollen forecasts, shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors, and keep windows closed in the early morning when pollen levels are usually highest.

How do we differentiate between the symptoms of Cold, Flu or Hay Fever, or the mixtures of the symptoms?  

1) Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, where the immune system reacts strongly to harmless pollen in the air. 

Common symptoms: frequent sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy nose, eyes, ears, or throat, and watery or red eyes. 

The symptoms are usually worse outdoors or in the morning, and there is no fever. Hay fever often happens every year in spring or summer, with symptoms appearing quickly after exposure to pollen. Antihistamines usually help relieve the symptoms. For example, repeated sneezing in the morning with a runny nose and itchy eyes often suggests hay fever rather than an infection.

2) A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. 

Common symptoms: a runny or blocked nose, mild cough, mild sore throat, occasional sneezing, and mild fatigue. A high fever is uncommon. 

The symptoms usually develop gradually and typically last about 5 - 10 days. Colds are not strongly seasonal, although they tend to occur more often in winter.

3) Flu (influenza) is a viral infection that is much stronger than a common cold. 

Typical symptoms include a high fever, body aches, severe fatigue, headache, dry cough, chills, and sometimes a sore throat. 

The symptoms usually appear suddenly, and people often feel very unwell and weak. In many cases, the illness is strong enough to keep someone in bed for several days.

4) Mixed symptoms are quite common. 

Sometimes allergies and a cold happen at the same time, causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and a sore throat. Allergies can also irritate the sinuses, leading to congestion and headaches. 

In early spring, a cold can easily be mistaken for hay fever because the symptoms are similar. A simple rule is that itching usually means an allergy, while fever or body aches suggest an infection. 

Case sharing:

A female patient who has been staying in London for over two weeks while visiting her son, sought complementary therapy for hay fever accompanied by cold-like symptoms.

She reported experiencing a combination of symptoms, including frequent sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches (the occipital areas), and mild fatigue. She explained that she did not expect the night time temperatures in the UK to drop to single digits. As a result, she believes she caught a cold on the third day of her stay, which appears to have aggravated her hay fever symptoms.

Her tongue is Pale with Thin White Coating, the Pulse is Floating, slight tight and weak.

TCM diagnosis:

• Wind-cold invading the Lung
• Lung-Qi deficiency with weak Defensive-Qi

Treatment Plans:

• Release the exterior and expel Wind-Cold
• Disperse and regulate Lung-Qi 
• Strengthen Wei-Qi and the Lung 

Acupuncture Points:

Scalp Acupuncture: Head Area, Sensory Area...etc

Some key body points: 

1. LI-20 (Yingxiang, 迎香): Local point to open the nasal passages and relieve rhinitis
2. Bitong  (鼻通): Extra ordinary point for nasal congestion and sinus symptoms
3. LI-4  (Hegu, 合谷): Expels Wind, relieves headache, regulates defensive Qi
4. LU-7 (Lieque, 列缺): Releases exterior Wind and promotes Lung function

Prescription of Chinese herbal medicines:

Modified YuPingFeng (加味玉屏风散) (1) was prescribed for the first week to tonify Qi, strengthen Wei Qi, and expel Wind.  There are eight ingredients  and the key ingredients are:

• Huang Qi (Astagalus Root) (2): Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Lung and Spleen, raises Yang, and consolidates Wei Qi to help protect the body from external pathogens.

• Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizome): Tonifies Spleen Qi, strengthens digestion, dries Dampness, and supports defensive Qi.

• Fangfeng (Siler Root): Expels Wind, releases the exterior, alleviates allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching.

BiMinGan (鼻敏感) (3), a unique formula was prescribed for the second week for opening the nasal passages, dispel Wind, and relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis soothing. There are also eight ingredients and the key ingredients are:

•  CangErZi (Xanthium Fruit) (4): Disperses Wind, opens nasal passages, relieves sinus congestion and rhinitis.

•  XiYiHua (Magnolia Flower) (5): Opens the nasal passages, disperses Wind-Cold, commonly used for sinusitis and nasal congestion.

The patient’s cold symptoms improved during the first week of treatment. By the second week, she was able to enjoy the remainder of her holiday with her son without experiencing any hay fever symptoms. She returned to her home country yesterday.

This case demonstrates that appropriate TCM treatment, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, can effectively relieve symptoms of hay fever and support the body’s defensive Qi, allowing the patient to recover and continue normal activities.

References:

1) Modified YuPingFeng (加味玉屏风散):

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/05/kit-li-although-temperature-in.html

2) Huang Qi: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/09/huang-qi-and-tonifying-herbs-for.html

3) BiMinGan (鼻敏感):

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/08/kit-li-eighty-year-old-male-patient.html

4) Modern studies show that Cang Er Zi has multiple biological effects relevant to nasal disorders:

https://www.binasss.sa.cr/oct22/59.pdf

5) XiYiHua helps relieve nasal congestion, sinus inflammation, and rhinorrhea (nasal discharge):

https://www.binasss.sa.cr/oct22/59.pdf

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treat Cancer? (A Virtual TCM Talk)

Kit Li​

Last night, I was honoured to be invited to participate in a virtual TCM discussion with Dr. TieJun Tang and Kayvan Beklik, a member of the Chinese Medicine Alliance. We hosted a session on the topic: 'Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat cancer?'

I am currently volunteering as a neuro-acupuncture therapist at the Florence Nightingale Charity Hospice in the UK. Most of the patients I see have already undergone cancer treatment and continue to suffer either from the disease itself or from the long-term side effects of chemotherapy, such as fatigue, weakness, hair loss, emotional disturbances, and peripheral neuropathy. I primarily use scalp acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine to help restore physical strength, relieve discomfort, and improve quality of life.

Highlights from the Talk

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat cancer?

This is one of the most common questions asked by patients diagnosed with cancer. But what is the deeper meaning behind this question?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, may be used as a complementary therapy to support individuals living with cancer. It can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, including fatigue, nausea, digestive disturbances, sleep difficulties, and emotional wellbeing.

However, conventional medical treatment remains the primary and essential approach for cancer care. TCM should be used alongside, not as a replacement for, oncology treatment.

In accordance with UK regulations, including guidance from the Advertising Standards Authority and the Cancer Act 1939, it is not appropriate to claim that TCM “treats” or “cures” cancer. More accurate and compliant language would be that TCM may “support,” “help manage symptoms,” or “assist with side effects” during conventional cancer treatment.

Which Is More Effective: Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be valuable complementary therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life during cancer treatment, when used alongside conventional medical care. The choice depends on the patient’s condition, stage, and overall constitution.

Building Trust in TCM:

Some patients are unsure whether TCM can help them. Building trust requires clear communication and evidence-based discussion. There is a growing body of research exploring how TCM may support cancer patients, particularly in symptom management, quality of life improvement, and recovery support during conventional treatment. Sharing appropriate and balanced research helps patients make informed decisions.

Commonly Used Chinese Herbs in Cancer Support:

Several herbs are traditionally used to support patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

1. Clearing heat and resolving toxicity:
   Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia diffusa / Hedyotis diffusa), Ban Zhi Lian (Scutellaria barbata), and Qing Hao (Artemisia annua).

2. Transforming phlegm and moving blood:
   Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) is used to transform phlegm, while E Zhu (Curcuma zedoaria) helps promote circulation and address blood stasis.

3. Strengthening the body and supporting white blood cell production (further details in the recorded video)

Additional Discussion Topics

We also explored several broader clinical questions:

• What are the differences in common cancers between the UK and China?

• How is prognosis assessed in different types of cancer?

• Dr. Tang also shared selected clinical cases from his experience.

Further details are available in the recorded video of the session. (1, 2, 3)

This discussion reinforced an important perspective: TCM is not positioned as an alternative to oncology, but as a complementary system that supports the whole person. Its strength lies in symptom management, constitutional support, and quality of life improvement.

In cancer care, collaboration, clarity, and integrity are essential. When used responsibly and alongside conventional treatment, TCM can offer meaningful support to patients navigating one of the most challenging journeys of their lives.

Videos on YouTube and BiliBili:

1) https://youtu.be/uiVCLMksqPI?si=FjJolN8h3OdzLzHj

2) https://youtu.be/P6EXIoSjlns?si=hvUo72YRpefk84mG

3) https://b23.tv/9RTXxE3

Understanding the San Jiao (Triple Burner) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

 Kit Li

What is the SanJiao (1, 2) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? What are its functions, and where is it located in the body? These are some of the most intriguing questions in TCM.

In TCM, the San Jiao (三焦) is described as having “a name but no physical form” (有名无形). In anatomical terms, it is considered invisible, you cannot dissect the body and identify a specific structure called the San Jiao. However, it is regarded as a key regulator of internal balance, and maintaining its smooth function is important for supporting overall health.

The San Jiao is divided into three parts within the body: the Upper Jiao, Middle Jiao, and Lower Jiao. Together, they are responsible for regulating the movement of Qi, body fluids, and nutrients derived from food and drink.

1) Upper Jiao (Shang Jiao)

The Upper Jiao is located in the chest area and includes the Heart and Lungs. Its main function is distribution, spreading Qi, circulating fluids to the skin, and regulating the opening and closing of the pores, as well as supporting immunity (Wei Qi).

From a modern physiological perspective, the Upper Jiao can be loosely related to functions such as breathing, oxygen exchange, circulation to the body’s surface, immune surveillance, and the vapour-like exchange of fluids through the lungs and skin. When it is dysfunctional, symptoms may include chest tightness, shallow breathing, frequent colds, and dryness of the skin.

2) Middle Jiao (Zhong Jiao)

The Middle Jiao is located between the diaphragm and the navel and includes the Spleen and Stomach. It is responsible for digestion and absorption, transforming food into Qi and Blood, and managing the transportation of nutrients throughout the body.

It may be loosely associated with processes such as enzymatic digestion, gut microbiome activity, nutrient absorption, and the metabolic conversion of food into usable energy. When the Middle Jiao becomes sluggish, symptoms may include bloating, brain fog, low energy after meals, and a general sensation of dampness or heaviness in the body.

3) Lower Jiao (Xia Jiao)

The Lower Jiao is located below the navel and includes the Kidneys, Bladder, and Large and Small Intestines, essentially the organs in the lower abdomen. It manages waste elimination and fluid metabolism, functioning much like the body’s internal drainage system.

From a modern physiological perspective, the Lower Jiao may be loosely associated with kidney filtration, water reabsorption in the colon, hormonal regulation of fluid balance, and pelvic circulation. When this system becomes obstructed or inefficient, it may lead to issues such as edema (water retention), constipation, difficulty with urination, PMS, or a feeling of pelvic heaviness.

In TCM theory, if any of the San Jiao is not functioning smoothly, the body may become more prone to illness because Qi and fluids are not being transported efficiently due to blockages along the meridians.

To support the SanJiao in daily life, it is important to eat in moderation by avoiding overeating and limiting cold or greasy foods, while choosing easily digestible meals to protect the Middle Jiao. Maintaining emotional balance is also essential, as stress, anxiety, and low mood can disrupt the movement of Qi. Gentle exercise such as walking, light jogging, or practices like Ba Duan Jin can help improve the circulation of Qi and Blood.

In addition, acupressure points such as Shanzhong (RN-17), located at the midpoint between the nipples, may help open the chest and support the Upper Jiao; Zhongwan (RN-12), located 4 cun above the navel, may support digestion; and Guanyuan (RN-4), located 3 cun below the navel, may help tonify the Lower Jiao.

Herbal teas can also be used as supportive measures, such as Peppermint and lemon tea (3) for Upper Jiao support, Hawthorn and dried tangerine peel tea (4) to aid digestion in the Middle Jiao, and Corn Silk Tea to promote urination and reduce water retention in the Lower Jiao.

Ultimately, while the San Jiao may not correspond to a single physical structure in modern anatomy, it offers a valuable functional framework in TCM for understanding how the body regulates the movement, transformation, and elimination of Qi and fluids. By supporting the harmonious interaction between the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao through mindful lifestyle habits, gentle exercise, acupressure, and dietary choices, we can help maintain internal balance and promote overall well-being.

References:

1) Sanjiao:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/san-jiao

2) Conceptualizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine Organ: The Triple Energizer (San Jiao):https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9248333

3) Pepperming Tea: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9283698/

4) Hawthron and Chenpi Tea: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/12/gentle-digestive-support-with-hawthorn.html

5) Corn Silk Tea: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15957371/

When Movement Lacks Strength: Understanding Wei Syndrome Through a Clinical Case Study

 

Kit Li

What is Wei-syndrome (痿证) in TCM?  

In TCM, Wei-syndrome (WS) is a condition of flaccidity and weakness in the limbs without pain or obstruction. The muscles feel soft and powerless; the person can move their limbs, but they cannot sustain strength or normal function. Unlike Bi syndrome, there is no stiffness or blockage, the problem is not obstruction but lack of nourishment and activation. It reflects a failure of the muscles and sinews to be properly nourished, often related to patterns such as Spleen deficiency failing to support the muscles, or Liver and Kidney depletion.

In Western medical terms, WS can be understood as a problem affecting the motor unit pathway responsible for voluntary movement. This may involve damage to the upper motor neurons (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis), lower motor neurons (e.g. Motor Neuron Disease), peripheral nerves (e.g. Peripheral Neuropathy) (1), neuromuscular junction (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis) (2), or the muscle tissue itself (e.g. Polymyositis or Muscular Dystrophy). Therefore, WS generally overlaps with neuromuscular disorders that mainly present with muscle weakness rather than pain or sensory problems.

WS usually starts in the lower limbs, patients may first notice tripping, foot drop (3), or getting tired easily when walking. Over time, the weakness can spread to the upper limbs and then to the proximal muscles such as the hips and shoulders. In more severe cases, the respiratory muscles may also be affected. This lower-to-upper or distal-to-proximal pattern of progression is similar to that seen in many Western motor neuron and muscle disorders.

Case Sharing:

One morning, I received a message from a female patient in her 60s complaining of weakness in her limbs when getting out of bed. She also occasionally experiences cramping in the middle of the night and numbness in her calves. In addition, she suffers from insomnia and digestive issues, including tummy bloated and constipation for over a few months.

Following a thorough in-person consultation, the patient reported a history of prolonged overwork and inadequate self-care. She described her main concern as, “I can move, but there’s no strength in my legs.” Based on the clinical presentation and symptom manifestations, a diagnosis of Wei-Syndrome was made according to TCM principles.

Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis:

Pulse: thready (Left) and weak (Right)

Tongue: thin coating 

TCM Diagnosis: 

• Spleen Qi-deficiency
• Kidney Essence-deficiency
• Liver-blood deficiency

From a TCM perspective, the primary treatment focus is to tonify the Spleen and nourish the Liver and Kidneys. In addition, strengthening the muscles and promoting overall energy levels are essential aspects of the therapeutic strategy.  Therefore, treatment aims to:

• Tonify the Spleen-Qi to improve transformation and transportation
• Tonify the Kidneys to strengthen the bones and support the lower limbs
• Restore Qi and Blood to enhance overall vitality

Acupoints:

• LV-3, GB-43 (regulate Qi)
• KI-3, DU-4, BL-23 (tonify Kidney)
• SP-6, LV-8 (nourishing Blood)
• Abdominal Acupuncture: the points for guiding Qi downwards to the Lower Jiao
• Scalp Acupuncture: Vasomotor Area, Motor Area (with Electroacupuncture)...etc

Prescription:

BuZhongYiQi Tang (4) was prescribed for two weeks. This classical TCM formula is used to tonify Qi, particularly that of the Spleen and Stomach.

Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) (5), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) (6).

Its main therapeutic actions include boosting energy by reducing fatigue, weakness, and low vitality through Qi tonification; improving digestion by supporting appetite, relieving constipation; lifting sinking Qi and supporting defensive Qi due to herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus).

Feedback:

The patient reported improved sleep quality, significantly increased energy levels, and a reduction in nocturnal cramping during the night.

This case suggests that limb weakness without pain may present as WS in TCM. Chronic overwork, impaired digestion, and age-related decline in Kidney Essence may result in insufficient nourishment of the muscles, leading to fatigue and reduced limb strength. Treatment therefore focuses on strengthening the Spleen, nourishing the Liver and Kidneys, and restoring Qi and Blood to improve muscle function and overall vitality.

At the same time, similar symptoms may overlap with neuromuscular conditions in Western medicine. An integrative approach supports appropriate referral when necessary, while providing holistic management to improve strength, functional capacity, and quality of life.

References:

1) Neuropathy:

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/11/managing-post-cancer-symptoms-with-tcm.html

2) Myasthenia Gravis

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/03/it-is-meant-to-be.html

3) Foot Drop:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-drop/

4) BuZhongYiQi Tang: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11287697/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28849026/

5) Huang Qi: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40302232/

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/09/huang-qi-and-tonifying-herbs-for.html

6) Shengma and Chaihu: In Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Chai Hu helps to regulate the movement of Qi, while Sheng Ma promotes the upward movement of Yang Qi. They work together to raise Yang Qi to the limbs and head.

Using RN‑10 (Xiawan) to Relieve Swelling and Blood Stasis

 

Kit Li

As a qualified acupuncturist, you would be thoroughly familiar with the locations of acupuncture points. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 12 primary meridians, divided into three Yang meridians: Taiyang (Bladder and Small Intestine), Shaoyang (Gallbladder and Sanjiao), and Yangming (Stomach and Large Intestine), and three Yin meridians: Taiyin (Lung and Spleen), Shaoyin (Heart and Kidney), and Jueyin (Liver and Pericardium).

In addition, the Ren Mai and Du Mai are extraordinary vessels. Together with the twelve primary meridians, these fourteen meridians comprise a total of 361 classical  points.

One of the most essential meridians I frequently use is the Ren Mai, particularly when treating patients with digestive disorders or emotional conditions. However, I recently experienced something truly remarkable while treating a patient with blood clots in the areas corresponding to the Spleen meridian.

A few weeks ago, a female patient presented with lymphoedema in her right leg and reported wearing a compression stocking for over two years. She has experienced recurrent blood clots in the right inguinal region, with no clearly identified cause. The pain in her swollen leg was severe, and on palpation, the swelling was predominantly located over the regions corresponding to SP-12 and SP-13.

Due to her condition, needling on the right leg was not appropriate because of the lymphoedema and the need to minimise the risk of infection. Therefore, needling was limited to the left leg if required.  In such a condition, the focus is on reducing pain and swelling while supporting the circulation of qi and fluids. On her left leg, acupuncture can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall balance. 

I applied Dao-qi on RN-10 (Xiawan) (1) - a meeting point with the Ren-mai of the Spleen Channel, along with other key points along the Ren Mai, to regulate qi, support the spleen and stomach, and promote fluid metabolism. Additional distal points on the left leg can be selected to support lymphatic flow and reduce stagnation, while avoiding the affected right leg to prevent any risk of infection or trauma.

After 30 minutes of treatment, upon removing the needle from RN-10 (Xiawan), dark-red blood (2) was released immediately. Remarkably, the patient reported significant relief in her right leg afterward. This case demonstrates how regulating the Ren Mai can effectively reduce swelling and improve blood stasis, particularly along the Spleen meridian.

It highlights the therapeutic potential of RN-10 on the Ren-mai to regulate qi, support the Spleen, and relieve pain and swelling. Targeting RN-10, along with other Ren-mai and distal points, as well as selected areas of Scalp Acupuncture, improved circulation and reduced discomfort, even in a patient with lymphoedema and blood clots, emphasizing the value of careful, individualized acupuncture treatment.

Note: The above method is provided for reference only and is intended for use by qualified acupuncturist with a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Please also note that individual responses may vary depending on a person's constitution.

References:

1) TCM Perspective: In TCM theory, stimulating points like RN‑10 and other Ren Mai points is traditionally thought to regulate qi, harmonize the middle jiao, and mobilize blood and fluids, which is consistent with the patterns you treated (blood stasis, qi stagnation, swelling).

2) In TCM theory: blood emerging from a point, especially dark, thick blood, may be interpreted as release of stagnated blood (blood stasis) and an indication that meridian blockage or excess is being addressed. : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_stasis?utm