08/01/2025
Case Study: Acute Headache
I’d like to share a case that highlights the simplicity and precision of palpation-based diagnosis and Japanese acupuncture techniques.
A 32-year-old woman came to the clinic suffering from an unrelenting headache for five days. The headache began following a period of emotional stress. Painkillers provided no relief. During a brief intake, she also reported mild constipation, difficulty breathing, and exacerbated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
The headache was constant, persisting even at night, and primarily concentrated above the eyes, in the temples, and slightly at the back of the head.
Palpation-Based Diagnosis
I began the examination with palpation of the neck. In most cases of headaches, sensitive areas can be found around the neck. The pain pattern reminded me of trigger points along the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. As expected, her SCM was highly sensitive at several points along the muscle and its tendons.
One of my guiding principles is this: if I locate a sensitive area related to the complaint, and I can release it so it no longer feels tender, the issue will likely resolve or improve significantly. My goal was to ensure her SCM muscle became completely pain-free to my palpation.
Abdominal Diagnosis
Next, I assessed her abdomen. Notably, the area below her ribcage was highly sensitive to touch, particularly along the Re**us Abdominis muscle and the Stomach meridian (ST20–ST27). Interestingly, there was no tenderness at CV17, a point often associated with stress and worry. Surprises like this keep the work interesting!
The abdominal findings pointed clearly to a classic combination of points from my first year of studying Chinese medicine: Four Gates (LI-4 and LV-3).
Treatment Approach
Using the technique of Master Manaka, I connected the points with Ion Pumping Cords, facilitating energy movement between the needles. This approach is virtually painless due to its shallow needling style.
After about a minute, I reassessed her abdomen. The sensitivity had reduced significantly, and to my surprise, her neck tension had also eased. She was equally amazed by the immediate shift—Chinese medicine in action!
At this point, I stepped out to let her rest. The profound change reassured me this would be a successful treatment.
Final Steps and Outcome
After 20 minutes of deep sleep, she turned onto her stomach. I palpated her back and found tenderness around BL17 and BL18. I applied superficial needling at the most sensitive point, combined with a moxa lamp.
Ten minutes later, the session concluded. She reported her headache was completely gone, and she felt calm and deeply relaxed.
A follow-up call four days later revealed that the headache had not returned. She also experienced improved breathing, no constipation, and no abdominal pain.
This case was a joy to treat—simple, gentle, and precise work yielding profound results !
❤️🙏
