Highlights from the CAHMA and ASA Joint Conference Nov2025

 

Kit Li

The annual Joint Conference of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA) and the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture (ASA) was successfully held at BCOM this past weekend, on Sunday, 23rd November. This was my second time attending the event, and once again it offered valuable insights into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

During the Conference, we had the privilege of hearing from our first speaker, Dr. Joseph Kwan (1), a Consultant in Stroke Medicine, who delivered an engaging presentation on Post-Stroke Pain to open the day's programme. He outlined the three major categories: Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and pain associated with peripheral mechanisms. His talk focused particularly on CRPS and explained the regulatory mechanisms through which Scalp Acupuncture may lead to significant improvements, which I found both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Dr. T.J. Wang, an expert in Scalp Acupuncture and the president of ASA, who presented on 'The Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture: Brain Stimulation Targets for Stroke'. He gave a concise overview of the three proposed mechanisms of Scalp Acupuncture: Channel Theory, the Bio-holographic Hypothesis, and Cortical Functional Areas (2).  He also shared one of his most successful cases, demonstrating how Scalp Acupuncture was applied on Speech Areas  to treat a patient with post-stroke aphasia.

Dr. Ye Liuzhong, President of CAHMA and founder of Xunzhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics (3),
presented on 'Tonification and Reduction Effects in Auricular Acupuncture Based on Xunzhen Meridian Palpatory Differentiation.' He demonstrated how his unique Xunzhen approach can be integrated with auricular acupuncture, sharing a case in which a patient with chronic lower-back pain experienced notable improvement after just three treatments.

The remaining speakers also shared their expertise with great dedication, offering valuable insights through their presentations, including:

• 'Highly Effective Acupuncture Program for First-Time Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation'
• 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Is Acupuncture an Effective Treatment'
• 'Chronic Pain and Central Nervous Sensitisation'
• 'Treating Pain Utilising Pulse-respiration Technique of Changsang Jun Pulse'
• 'Case Analysis: A Case of Refractory Pain'

Overall, this year’s conference was informative and inspiring. Each speaker shared practical knowledge and real clinical cases that expanded my understanding of pain management and the applications of acupuncture in stroke and chronic pain. I left the event with clearer insights and renewed motivation, and I look forward to attending again next year.

References: 

1) Dr Joseph Kwan: https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/doctors/4083890-dr-joseph-kwan

2) Neural control of cerebral blood flow: scientific basis of scalp acupuncture in treating brain diseases: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1210537/full

3) XunZhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics - Dr Ye Liuzhong: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/625877704656314609/328292646819951088

A TCM Approach to Post-Chemotherapy Fatigue and Neuropathy: Clinical Observations and Patient Feedback

Kit Li

Chemotherapy (1) can affect many parts of the body, so side effects differ from person to person.  Common physical symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, hair loss, and skin or nail changes.  Many people also develop Peripheral Neuropathy (2), causing tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet.

It can also reduce blood cell levels, which may lead to Anaemia (feeling tired or shortness of breath), a higher risk of infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.

Digestive symptoms such diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, and dry mouth are also frequent.  Emotionally and mentally, some may experience low mood, anxiety, or poor memory and lack of concentration.

Other possible side effects include dizziness, changes in menstrual cycles or fertility, and changes in Kidney, Liver or Heart function, depending on the specific drugs used.

Most of my patients at Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (3) are experiencing the post-cancer symptoms described above, and the most common issues they face are persistent fatigue and neuropathy in the hands and feet.

From a TCM perspective, these presentations are often associated with patterns such as Liver-Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, and Spleen and Kidney deficiency. These imbalances can lead to reduced nourishment of the limbs, impaired circulation, and diminished vitality, which manifest clinically as fatigue, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

TCM Treatment Approach (4):

1. Acupuncture once a week for 30 minutes
2. Scalp acupuncture targeting key areas such as the Sensory Area, Central Area, FMSA, and others, combined with selected points on the Du Mai or Ren Mai using the Dao-qi technique
3. Abdominal acupuncture using specific points along the Ren Mai

Each individual responds differently depending on their constitution. Some patients may benefit from three to four sessions as a standard course.

Here are my two patients' positive feedbacks:

Miss FW:

'I wasn't sure what to expect having, never had acupuncture before, I went in with an open-mind.  Meeting Kit for the first time was an absolute pleasure.  Kit was able to easily work out my areas of problem.  It was like she was reading my mind almost.  After my first session, my bowel movement issues I had from bowel cancer had been resolved.  Kit did tell me that the neuropathy may not be fully reversed as I have had it for a long period of time, however, it brought back a twitch and aware of issues I had just been living with and getting on with.  Neck pain, mood, hormonal issues and circulation.  All these have at worst seen a significant improvement and best completely gone away.  This is my 5th session, I have 3 more to go and am blown away by Kit's work.  Thank you!

Mrs GS:

'I thank Butterfly House for letting me see Kit, I never knew of the treatment but with Kit: kind, consolidate, professional knowledge, and understanding of my post-chemo difficulties, she pointed me and treated my symptoms in a connect way to make me feel better, gain self-confidence and get back to my normal happy self.  Thank you Kit.  Love from GS.'

Post-cancer symptoms such as fatigue and neuropathy can significantly impact quality of life. Combining conventional understanding of chemotherapy side effects with a TCM perspective allows for a more holistic approach to patient care. Acupuncture and individualized TCM treatments can help restore balance, improve circulation, and support physical and emotional well-being. Patient experiences demonstrate that even after challenging treatments, meaningful improvements in vitality, comfort, and overall quality of life are achievable.

References:

1) Sign effects of Chemotherapy 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy/side-effects-of-chemotherapy

2) Peripheral Neuropathy

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/

3) Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

https://fnhospice.org.uk/hospice-care/therapies-rehab/

4) Acupuncture

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/acupuncture

Acupuncture in cancer care

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10940387/

Effects of acupuncture-related intervention on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life: An umbrella review

Effects of acupuncture-related intervention on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life: An umbrella review - ScienceDirect

Sudden Temperature Drop Triggering Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Wind-Stroke: A TCM Perspective

Kit Li

  

I remembered one Friday morning during my clinical placement at the A&E department of the Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University ⁽¹⁾, the waiting area was crowded and busy. Approximately two-fifths of the patients presented with Neck Pain,  Dizziness, or Minor Stroke  ⁽²⁾. This surge in cases followed an overnight temperature drop in Guangzhou, from 29c to 20c.

Many of these patients had a history of Hypertension or previous Stroke, and some also suffered from underlying chronic health conditions. They exhibited symptoms such as Bell's Palsy  ⁽³⁾, deviation of the mouth and eyes, numbness, stiff neck, dizziness, and tinnitus (4) . According to TCM theory, these manifestations arise from Internal Wind , which develops due to disharmony within the body.

Pathogenesis in TCM

In TCM, there are six types of external pathogenic factors, which knowns as the Six Evils: Wind, Cold, Summer Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire. Among these, Wind is considered the primary and leading pathogenic factor.

When external Wind invades the body, it obstructs the meridians, leading to neck stiffness. As the obstruction deepens, Qi and Blood circulation become impaired, resulting in dizziness. Prolonged stagnation may generate Internal Wind, and if left untreated, this can culminate in Wind-Stroke.

Characteristics of Wind Evil

Wind is Yang in nature, mobile, changeable, and rising upward. It is also known as 'The Leader of a Hundred Diseases'.

Typical characteristics include: 

1. Sudden onset and rapid change
2. Migrating symptoms (pain or numbness that moves from place to place)
3. Tendency to affect the upper part of the body and the superficial layer of the skin.

Common disorders associated with Wind:

1. Common cold, allergies, dizziness, tremors, Wind-Stroke (Internal Wind)
2. Skin conditions such as itching or hives

Wind's tendency: It easily combines with other pathogenic factors, forming patterns like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat.

Internal Wind Mechanism

Internal Wind tends to attack the upper body, especially the head and neck, obstructing the meridians and disturbing the clear orifices (the brain, eyes and ears). In severe cases, when Yin and Yang collapse, symptoms such as loss of consciousness and paralysis occur, typical of Wind-Stroke.

Common internal causes include:

1. Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind stirring due to Yin-deficiency
2. Phlegm-Fire obstructing the channels
3. Qi and Blood-deficiency, allowing Wind to invade the meridians

Neck Pain

In TCM, neck pain arises from Qi and Blood stagnation in the meridians, especially those of the Taiyang channels (Bladder and Small Intestine), and sometimes the Shaoyang channels (Gallbladder and Sanjiao).

Possible causes include:

1. External invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp, which blocks the flow of Qi, leading to stiffness and restricted movement.
2. Internal causes, such as Liver Qi-stagnation, Blood Stasis, or Kidney-deficiency (often seen in chronic cases with weak bones or tendons).
3. Emotional tension or stress, which constrains Liver Qi and affects the Gallbladder and Shaoyang channels running along the sides of the neck.

Dizziness

In TCM, dizziness isn't viewed as just a symptom of the inner ear or blood pressure, but rather as a manifestation of internal imbalance, particularly involving the Liver, Spleen, Kidney and the movement of Qi, Blood and Body Fluids. It occurs when “Clear Yang not ascending, Turbid Yin not descending”. The main underlying causes include:

1. Liver Yang-Rising or Liver-Wind stirring (most common)
2. Phlegm-Damp obstructing the clear orifices of the head
3. Qi and Blood Deficiency, failing to nourish the brain
4. Kidney Essence-Deficiency, leaving the marrow and brain undernourished

Interconnection between Wind-Stroke, Neck Pain and Dizziness

These three conditions are closely interconnected. Neck pain and dizziness can be viewed as early warning signs of Internal Wind formation. When similar pathological patterns, such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm Obstruction, or Qi Stagnation, intensify or suddenly flare up, they may progress to Wind-Stroke.

Shared mechanisms include:

1. Liver involvement: The Liver governs Wind and regulates of Qi flow. When Liver Qi stagnates or Liver Yang rises, internal Wind develops, manifesting as neck stiffness, dizziness, tremors, or stroke-like symptoms.
2. Wind pathogen progression: External Wind first invades the Taiyang or Shaoyang channels of the head and neck. If not expelled, it can transform into Internal Wind, initially causing neck pain, then dizziness, and in severe cases, Wind-Stroke.
3. Qi, Blood, and Phlegm obstruction: When channels in the head and neck are blocked, Qi movement becomes impaired, leading to dizziness, headache, stiffness, and sometimes facial deviation or paralysis.
4. Yang Rising and Yin-deficiency: With again, stress, or chronic imbalance, Yin fails to anchor Yang, resulting in Liver Yang Rising and Wind stirring. This may manifest as dizziness, hypertension, and an increased risk of Wind-Stroke.

Summary

1. Neck pain often indicates meridian blockage, particularly in the Taiyang or Shaoyang channels.
2. Dizziness reflects an imbalance between clear Yang and turbid Yin, often related to Liver or Phlegm disturbances.
3. Wind-Stroke represents the acute and severe stage of these pathological developments, when Internal Wind suddenly rises to disturb the brain and channels.

Treatment Approach

1. Scalp acupuncture combined with electro-acupuncture (5) , applied to key functional areas such as the Sensory Area, Head Area and Chorea-Tremor Area..etc, along with selected points on the Du or Ren meridians, using the Dao-qi technique.
2. During the first two sessions, body acupoints on the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians are applied to the stronger side of the body to enhance Qi and Blood circulation, promoting recovery of the affected side. Needles are retained for 30 minutes, followed by stimulation of Shu-points on specific Yin meridians, following Professor Zhou's Twelve Meridian Method (6).
3. Moxibustion is applied on the affected side to warm the meridians and promote the flow of Qi and Blood.
4. Chinese herbal prescriptions should be tailored to the patient's individual constitution and pattern differentiation. Professional consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is essential for accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.

This clinical experience deepened my understanding of how sudden climatic changes can provoke Internal Wind and related disorders. It also reinforced the importance of early intervention and the integrative power of TCM in restoring balance and preventing more serious outcomes like Wind-Stroke.

References: 

1) Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Southern Medical University: https://www.nfzxy.com/

2) Minor Stroke

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9616153/

3) Bell's Palsy

https://www.mdpi.com/2813-7914/1/3/24

4) Tinnitus

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39331935/

5) Early intervention with electrical stimulation reduces neural damage after stroke in non-human primates: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61948-y

6) Professor Zhou Guoping, Chief Physician, Professor, Medical Doctor, Doctoral Supervisor, serves as the Director of the Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Rehabilitation Department at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Southern Medical University. He is recognized as a "Lingnan Acupuncture Master" and a "Renowned Doctor of Yangcheng."