Acupuncture Treatment of Arthritis in Thumb and Wrist

Chief Complaint: Pain in right thumb and wrist
Western Diagnosis: Arthritis
Medical History: Pt. is a 52 yo dental hygienist who presented with painful wrist and thumb that threatened to force her to quit her job. Problem began 9 or 10 years ago and has gotten progressively worse. Her health history is unremarkable, although she had a benign lump removed from her right breast approximately 10 years ago. Her diet is relatively good but she has a great deal of stress due to her aging parents. Sleep and digestion are good.
Pulse exam: Pulse somewhat wiry.
Tongue exam: Tongue purplish
OM Diagnosis: Bi syndrome.
Treatment Principle: Expel bi
Point Prescription: I found a very tender point near SP4 on her left foot according to the Richard Tan balance method, and needled that. I also found tender points on her right ear corresponding to the scar on her right breast, and needled those. This makes sense according to the German acupuncture approach, according to which scars are major blockages to healing. In this case, the patient’s scar was right on her right lung meridian, which runs through the painful thumb.
Results: After 8 treatments, her thumb is 80% improved.