Tribe.net. Local Connections Deb http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#b7ef2807-9010-4c2a-96f5-a107ed91d3e1 2008-02-19T16:27:27Z 2008-02-19T16:27:27Z

Hi Amondola, As you know, I am a new acupuncture student, but a very curious one... I was diagnosed by my last practitioner with deficient qi and blood. Interesting timing since I just got blood work back and found out I am anemic and borderline hypothyroid. I spent the weekend researching this from a western and TCM point of view. Your symptoms seem to fit the syndrome. I am wondering how your energy is and if you have had blood work done lately. If you are low in iron, you may be low in hydrochloric acid which seems to be part of the the whole depleted picture. Getting your diet amped up (especially the absorption side of things) will help everything including immune and inflammatory issues. I have low back AND knee issues. Writing this gives me hope for my own condition. Let's get strong again! Blessings!

Deb 2008-02-19T16:27:27Z Shi Fa Jun Shakya http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#4a989083-b90e-4f35-bc00-5ea12bf555c5 2008-02-18T21:39:19Z 2008-02-18T21:39:19Z

why would you not consider diet? The central qi of the Spleen and Stomach are responsible for replenishing the post-heaven qi of the Kidneys The digestive power of the Spleen and Stomach need to be strong in order to make any herbal intervention effective . The Spleen controls the 'flesh' which includes the tone of the muscles. The Spleen plays a big part in regulating the fluids - affecting the kidney yin. Spleen qi deficiency can play a direct part in low back pain if the person is overweight in the belly or carrying water weight.

Shi Fa Jun Shakya 2008-02-18T21:39:19Z Ezekiel http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#c430c9c8-b3c6-4099-b95f-a8fd86a01309 2008-02-11T19:10:25Z 2008-02-11T19:10:25Z

Sorry to hear that! Hope you're able to find relief. love and healing to you remember to give yourself plenty of rest time.

Ezekiel 2008-02-11T19:10:25Z Amondala http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#ea0b952a-a9f7-4911-845e-bf87d31c62fd 2008-02-11T01:08:39Z 2008-02-11T01:08:39Z

Thank you Ezekiel - I will try the points you suggested. Kidney is a good assumption as well. Someone in another tribe mentioned a possible UTI, I got tested and found out I actually have one - and who knows for how long I've had it. I've had no other sx besides pain in my lower back! Now I have a really nasty virus (lungs, sinus, throat, fever) for which I'm needling Lu7s (found I can needle myself w/my left hand when needed!), UB6 and R17. Also went to chiro for the back pain and found my hip to be seriously out. Back not 100% better but about 15% better so far.

Amondala 2008-02-11T01:08:39Z Ezekiel http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#644e8997-b309-454a-9bdd-2a2e1deab406 2008-02-08T02:06:09Z 2008-02-08T02:06:09Z

I was thinking along the lines of - if the low back pain is chronic and due to real kidney deficiency, this would have to be dealt with - and I think the only way to really build up the kidneys is through medicinal dietary considerations (including herbs), as well as getting enough rest. This is compounded by the spleen qi and blood deficiencies, for which I usually also consider therapeutic diet/lifestyle choices the only really effective and lasting treatment. This is assuming the low back pain is caused by kidney deficiency, which might have been a hasty assumption to make. What would you consider?

Ezekiel 2008-02-08T02:06:09Z Justin http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#819e3936-69b6-4052-b17e-2ed688446ee0 2008-02-07T23:52:24Z 2008-02-07T23:52:24Z

Ezekiel, Diet would be just about the last thing that I would consider when someone tells me they have back pain. To me that's pretty far in left field...

Justin 2008-02-07T23:52:24Z Ezekiel http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#60c63af5-739f-4596-b125-4ab48b7e835e 2008-02-05T09:46:44Z 2008-02-05T09:46:44Z

Hey, check this out too (there's a little section on low back pain): http://www.watercure.com/wow/wonders_of_water.html It's not acupuncture, but I ran into an acquaintance who swears by this. Could be worth trying out, lots of interesting info.

Ezekiel 2008-02-05T09:46:44Z Ezekiel http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#e7899dc5-e620-4ca9-9977-a8b21d6d575f 2008-02-05T09:26:10Z 2008-02-05T09:26:10Z

What's your diet like? That's where I'd start. Remember that TCM is modeled after the Western allopathic model of: disease vs. treatment. It's great to be able to alleviate symptoms, but for lasting transformation, the whole life probably needs to be considered an application of the medicine. I hope I don't sound preachy. Anyway, having said that, here are some point ideas: points to activate du mai: SI 3 UB 62 du 26 UB 40 UB 58 - this one might be great since it's the luo connecting to kidneys. UB 60 There's probably some brilliant hand point for low back pain that I don't know about too. Good luck and Love Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2008-02-05T09:26:10Z Amondala http://acupuncture.tribe.net/thread/4a158349-f80a-403d-ada2-d8d5c42770a1#3f4be9f5-d6bc-470d-a705-809d1220cf97 2008-02-04T05:33:40Z 2008-02-04T05:33:40Z

Other than the typical points, does anyone have any experience treating severe chronic low back pain? Maybe some distal points or points I can needle myself (which would exclude inner/outer shu's and jia ji's). I am K yin def, sp qi def and blood def. All suggestions appreciated!!!

Amondala 2008-02-04T05:33:40Z