Case Study: Acupuncture and TCM for Diabetes and Double Vision

A 62 year-old woman presented with a main complaint of double-vision, especially at night, for two months. She was no longer able to drive, and was very concerned with getting her driver's license back. She had been diagnosed with diabetes 7 years previous.

Other symptoms included night sweats, some low-back pain, and frequent urination. She also experienced some occasional weakness in her right knee, and had dry skin and itchiness on her forearms and lower legs.

Her tongue was red with very little coating, and her pulse was quite thin and rapid.

Diagnosis: Kidney Yin Deficiency affecting the Liver, and hence the eyes.

Treatment Principle: Nourish Yin and Liver Blood to correct the vision issues.

Acupuncture Points Used: BL 17, BL 23, GB 25, RN 4, RN 6, KD 2, KD 3, KD 9, SP 6, LR 8

Herbal Formula Used: Qi Ju Dihuang Wan (Lycium Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pill) to nourish the Yin and benefit the eyes.

After 10 treatments over the course of six weeks, the patient reported no more incidents of blurred vision at night. Her doctor's testing confirmed that she was indeed seeing properly, and could get her driver's license back. She also experienced some relief of her night sweats.

By Richard Lobbenberg, Acupuncturist and TCM Practitioner