Odds & Ends...
Posted July 31st, 2007 by andy wegman
Just back from a week off, five weeks into the opening of the Manchester, NH CAP (genius job scheduling that vacation, I know). A few observations after evening #1 back in clinic...
- Any worrying about taking a week off was foolish, on a few different levels. First, I needed the time away. Second, nobody suffered unduly from a lack of treatment (as patients were given local practitioner contact info, if they felt the need/desire to get treated in my absence) Third, I am booked solid upon my return this week. Any fears of 'losing my practice' seem to be wholly unwarranted...
- Those patients whom I saw tonight that have been coming in 2-3x/week as part of their treatment plan, sustained their gains over the week without treatment, despite being at varying points along Recovery Road.
Tying into Skip & Diana's posts, this has been the #1 most important lesson I have been put face to face with thus far, hands down; Frequent and Regular aren't just descriptors for bowel movements. Seeing the results of treatments delivered/received in this manner has changed how I view the potency of acupuncture. No question.
- Lots of Stomach pulses in excess with a string of very hot weather in the Northeast...
- It occurred to me tonight that for the first time, I am not only open to having colleagues/students observe clinic with me, but I'm looking forward to it. I honestly feel as though I now have something to offer an onlooking fellow acu-geek(s), as witnessing a warm, productive and busy practice can only conjure inspiration. We can all do this!
- I had been struggling with the use of a set of favorite acu-points with patients now in recliners. The points Zheng Jin & Zheng Zhong 7.01,.02,.03 (Carson) (77.01,.02,.03 in Drs. Young/Maher/Lee nomenclature) are needled deeply through the achilles tendon - posterior toward anterior - until the needle gently touches the calcaneous. Great points for many kinds of neck/back pain - esp. Du, BL, GB & Ren 'types'. Problem was, people heels were universally resting on the foot rests. For many of you this will be a, 'well duh!' moment, but I guess it took a few days for all my candles to be lit. I am now having patients bring their knees proximally and outward - 'splaying' their knees - while positioning the soles of their feet together in order to allow me access to their heels. So far, so good...just offer a light covering for over the lap area.
Great to be back reading your posts and blog entries again...
Andy W.
p.s. Glacier Ntn'l park is amazing. Go see 'em before they are gone. Latest estimates - 2030.
Re: Odds & Ends...
Just an update: the very next day--funny how this works--I had a patient who was a "good candidate" and willing to let me try this point (she's an acupuncturist as well, so we were both curious). She said she had about 70% reduction in her pain after the treatment - yay!
One of the things I love about CAN is that it encourages us and provides a forum for us to share knowledge and experience, as opposed to holding it close and feeling competitive and alienated. (Dr. Tan's forum can be pretty good too, acu-wise.) So thanks again, Andy!
Re: Odds & Ends...
Thanks Andy! I think I'll have one of my posse needle it on me, in the chair, then two of us can be confident with it. Fun!
Re: Odds & Ends...
Nora,
Don't be bashful about it. Remember how the effects of the point(s) will make your patient happy.
The only time(s) it has been painful for patients (or myself for that matter) is when the needle veers off to either side of the tendon. When it is needled straight through, touching the calcaneous - there is no pain. Be confident of this.
This particular point combo changed my acu-life upon discovery, just after graduation. It served as my wakeup to M. Tong and the crazy-immediate effects some point combos can have on the worst of pain conditions.
Cheers to you,
Andy
Re: Odds & Ends...
I like these little snippet-observations. And I'm really glad for the idea about Correct Tendons (I hadn't figured that out either). I'm a little intimidated by that point anyway--I've only needled it once over a year ago in Susan Johnson's class--but I've had several patients I think it would be great for (surprising how many people have had multiple whiplash injuries). Any advice for getting over my hesitation to use it? I don't really remember it being painful, but a little tricky to peg the tendon...
Re: Odds & Ends...
That's a good idea - thanks Ann.
Re: Odds & Ends...
If people can't externally rotate their hips, you can prop their calves up with a folded fleece blanket so their heels are off the chair.
Re: Odds & Ends...
Glad you are back! I love those points too. I'll try to needle Lupine there... She diesn't need them but hey it'll be fun!