Case Study: Acupuncture for Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

A 59 year-old man had been suffering from diabetes for the previous 11 years. He was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure 2 months ago. The diabetes presented with excessive thirst, with dry mouth and tongue. The patient also complained of frequent urination, including at least two times during the night, when he was woken by the urge. He also had dry and cracked lips, and apparently had suffered from constipation since his teenage years. Blood pressure was reported as 140/85.

His general health was good, although he was prone to getting a cold or flu every three months. His tongue was red, with a dry-yellow coating. His pulse was very full and rapid.

Diagnosis: Lung and Stomach Heat. It was believed that Stomach Heat had reached his Lungs, depleting Lung Yin and Lung Qi as well.

Treatment Principle: Clear Heat from his Stomach organ system, and also nourish Yin and Lung Qi.

Acupuncture Points Used: LI 4, LR 3, LI 11, ST 44, SP 6, KD 6, LU 7

After two treatments per week for 4 weeks, the patient reported that his blood pressure had dropped to safer levels. He continued treatment once a week for two more weeks, and then returned periodically for routine maintenance.

By Richard Lobbenberg, Acupuncturist and TCM Practitioner