Abstract
Abstract
Background:
The pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis (IC), a condition of inflammation, and primary enuresis, a condition not generally associated with inflammation, cannot be explained as a single mechanism. However, if it is viewed as energy malfunction of the Urinary Bladder, both conditions can be treated using the same acupuncture approach.
Objective:
To describe the acupuncture treatment of 2 women with IC and 3 adolescent males with primary enuresis.
Design, Setting, and Patients:
The healing energy is directed at the Urinary Bladder using Kidney Bladder Distinct Meridian, Back Shu and Front Mu combination, and localizing energy points. Two 39-year-old women had IC for 10 years before acupuncture treatment. Three 14-year-old adolescent males with primary enuresis had never been dry in their lives. All patients were treated by the author.
Intervention:
Bilateral acupuncture was done on KI 10, BL 40, and BL 10 for 15 minutes. After removing those needles, patients were placed in a lateral position. Both BL 28 and the single CV 3 were needled for 15 minutes and then the needles were removed. Bilateral SP 12, ST 30, and single CV 2, 3, and 6 were needled for 10 minutes. Moxibustion was performed during all 3 phases. The same treatment was repeated once a week for 8 weeks.
Main Outcome Measure:
Patient report of symptoms after treatment and for 2 years of follow-up.
Results:
The woman with IC whose main symptom was intense pain remains pain-free. The other woman with IC whose main symptom was severe nocturia, up to 20 times a night, is free of nocturia. The 3 adolescents remain dry all night.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture energy directed to the Urinary Bladder can successfully treat symptoms of IC and primary enuresis.
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