contradict it. In such cases, on closer analysis, these symptoms and
signs can usually be explained differently. In this case, this man's
fatigue, lack of sexual desire, nocturnal emissions, tiredness after sex
and cold hands, all seem to point to deficiency of Kidney-Yang. If this
was the case, his pulse should have been Deep and Weak, possibly
Slow, and his tongue should have been Pale. How to explain those
symptoms and signs then? In this case, stagnation of Liver-Qi and its
consequences can account for them. The decrease in sexual desire and
the tiredness after sex are due to stagnant Liver-Qi obstructing the flow
of Qi in the Lower Burner. The nocturnal emissions with dreams are due
to Heart-Fire agitating the Mind. The presence of dreams indicates Fire.
Had the nocturnal emissions been due to Kidney-Yang deficiency, they
would have occurred without dreams. His cold hands are due not to
deficiency of Yang, but to stagnant Liver-Qi obstructing the proper flow
of Qi. If the feeling of cold had been due to deficiency of Yang, it would
have affected the lower limbs too and would have been experienced
throughout the limbs, rather than just at the extremities.Treatment principle The treatment principle applied was simply to soothe the Liver and
relieve stagnation of Qi.
Acupuncture As for acupuncture, the opening points of the Yang Heel Vessel (BL-62
Shenmai on the left side and S.I.-3 Houxi on the right) were used, and
HE-7 Shenmen was needled on the left side and LIV-3 Taichong on the
right side. Thus only four needles were used, two on one side and two
on the other. This unilateral needling is particularly dynamic and
powerful, while it also minimizes the number of needles. The Yang
Heel Vessel is excellent to relieve stagnation of Qi in young men. HE-7
was used to calm the mind in combination with LIV-3, while this latter
point also relieved stagnation of Liver-Qi and calmed the mind.
Herbal treatment As for herbal treatment, the patent remedy Yue Ju Wan
Gardenia-Ligusticum Pill was used to relieve stagnation of Qi and Fire.
This pill (see above under "Stagnation of Liver-Qi") is excellent to clear
Knotted Heat, i.e. Heat deriving from stagnation of Qi.
Only one acupuncture treament and two courses of the above patent
remedy (for 2 months) were enough to restore this man's vitality and
clear up the other symptoms.Case History 12.5
Tiredness: Stagnation of Liver-Qi-Male, Age 27
A young man of 27 complained of feeling fatigued and very run-down for the past 5 years. He
said he felt his whole body very tense. He also felt cold and his knees ached. His urination was