Saturday, 20 September 2025

Case-Based Insights from Brain Acupuncture Internship Observations

Kit Li


As part of the Brain Acupuncture Internship Program, three full days of observation in Dr. Wang’s clinic are obligatory.

Last Saturday, I visited Dr Wang’s clinic to begin fulfilling my three-day observation requirement. A total of 11 patients were treated, some of whom have been long-standing patients, receiving brain acupuncture with Dr. Wang for over two to eight years.

I was fortunate to observe a wide range of cases, including three patients with Motor Neurone Disease, two with Anxiety Disorder, as well as others suffering from dementia, chronic depression, infertility, epilepsy, and insomnia...etc. Two patients had even travelled from Northern Ireland and Manchester. No matter the distance, their determination to see Dr. Wang was the most striking factor behind their commitment to treatment.

It has been a truly valuable experience that has deepened my understanding of Brain Acupuncture. What impressed me most during my observation was not only the variety of conditions treated, but also the patients’ responses, each of them left with a smile and a sense of positivity. They all share one strong belief: Brain Acupuncture has the power to change their lives.


Today was my second day of observation at Dr. Wang’s clinic.

I gained more insight into general practice, as every practitioner has their own unique approach. I also observed the use of electro-acupuncture, along with an advanced technique in abdominal acupuncture. Although I was already trained in this at LACA and have confidently applied it in my own practice, Dr. Wang’s teaching refreshed my perspective.

In terms of patients, we saw a few under 50s who had suffered from post-stroke syndrome and brain injuries. Most of them had delayed treatment and missed the crucial stage for appropriate care due to misdiagnosis in the early stages.

Just a thought: ‘Health is not something we can take for granted.’ As practitioners, we should strive to keep ourselves healthy and well, both mentally and physically, otherwise, we may not be able to help others.

I’m looking forward to my next observation.


Reflection on My 3-Day Internship at Dr. Wang’s Clinic:


I feel very grateful for the opportunity to observe patients at Dr. Wang’s clinic, especially those with neurological disorders I had not encountered before.

Many patients had missed the best time for treatment due to early misdiagnosis, which made me realise how crucial early and accurate care is.

Working with Dr. Wang showed me how effective brain acupuncture can be. I also learned a lot from observing his interaction with patients, the trust and connection between them were truly inspiring.

I gained new insights into different treatment styles and observed techniques such as electro-acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture. These experiences deepened my understanding and refreshed my approach to practice.

Our discussions on treatment approaches were particularly insightful and further strengthened my commitment to advancing my knowledge in this field. We also discussed how to treat post-stroke and Parkinson’s syndromes, which I found very inspiring.

Thank you Dr Wang.




Saturday, 13 September 2025

Huang Qi and Tonifying Herbs for Strengthening Vitality

Kit Li


How much do you know about some Chinese Herbs that can replenish vital energy (Zheng Qi), strengthen the constitution, enhance resistance to illness, and treat patterns of deficiency. These are called tonifying herbs, also known as nourishing herbs or restorative herbs. 


Most of these herbs are sweet in taste, with the function of replenishing deficiency and strengthening weakness. They can supplement the body's Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, and are used to treat deficiency syndromes, including Qi-deficiency, Blood-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, Yang-deficiency, Qi-Blood dual deficiency, and Yin-Yang dual deficiency. Some of these herbs also have additional effects such as clearing heat, dispelling cold, generating fluids, moistening dryness, or astringing loss, and thus treat corresponding conditions.

There are four categories in tonifying herbs:

  1. Qi-tonifying herbs
  2. Blood-tonifying herbs
  3. Yin-tonifying herbs
  4. Yang-tonifying herbs

Today, I’m going to introduce one of the most commonly used Qi-tonifying herbs, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali).(1) (2) 

Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), mainly produced in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, etc. Used raw or honey fried.

Properties:

  1. Sweet, slightly warm
  2. Spleen and Lung Meridians

Functions:

  1. Tonifies Qi and raises Yang
  2. Strengthens the exterior and stabilises the surface (protects against external pathogens)
  3. Promotes urination and reduces oedema
  4. Expels toxins and promotes tissue regeneration

Clinical applications:

  1. Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency
  2. Spleen-Qi deficiency with sinking middle Qi: organ prolapse (rectal, uterine, gastric prolapse, etc)
  3. Lung-Qi deficiency: cough, asthma, shortness of breath
  4. Qi-deficiency: spontaneous sweating, susceptibility to colds
  5. Qi-deficiency with oedema and difficulty urination
  6. Qi-Blood deficiency: anaemia, sallow complexion, numb limbs, chronic ulcers or wounds that fail to heal
  7. Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst, diabetes mellitus)

 Caution:

The dosage of Huang Qi must be carefully considered when prescribing it in any formula. When used in small doses, it can raise blood pressure, whereas in large doses, it can lower blood pressure.


Huang Qi with modified Si Shen Tang (3): to strengthen Spleen, expels dampness, tranquilising the mind and also replenish Qi.

Ingredientes (equal part, 5g each)


  1. Huang Qi (Astragalus root): tonifies Qi, raises Yang, strengthens the Spleen and Lung
  2. ShanYao (Chinese Yam): tonifies the Spleen and nourishes Stomach Yin
  3. Fuling (Poria): strengthens the Spleen, drains dampness, calms the mind
  4. Lianzi (Lotus Seed): strengthens the Spleen, calm the mind, stops diarrhoea
  5. Yiyiren (Coix seed): strengthens the Spleen, resolves dampness

Cooking methods:

  1. Wash all the ingredients
  2. Put all them in a ceramic pot with 1000ml water
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes
  4. Ready to drink

This homemade herbal soup is suitable for individuals with weak Spleen and Stomach functions, such as those experiencing poor appetite, fatigue, oedema, loose stools, pale complexion and mild insomnia.  In this formula, Huang Qi helps to tonify Qi and raise Yang, thereby strengthening the Spleen and Stomach.

Tonifying herbs like Huang Qi are important in TCM for restoring strength, boosting resistance to illness, and treating long-term weakness. When used with other gentle Spleen-strengthening herbs in Modified Si Shen Tang, they created a safe daily tonic to improve vitality, especially for people with weak digestion and low energy. Regular but careful use can help maintain health and build resilience.


References:

1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38394541/

2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33464616/

3) The Classic formula, Si Shen Tang: Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Lianzi (Lotus Seeds), Fuling (Poria), and Qian Shi (Dried Fox Nut Barley): for strengthening Spleen and Stomach, resolves dampness and calming the nerves

Nourishing the Body During The Major Snow (Dàxuě): Warming Foods for the Deep Winter Season

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