Male, 30 years old

Reason for consultation

Wants to strengthen his immune system. Has frequent colds.

Clinical history

Always had colds and mucus. Frequent colds (3 per year). As a child he had bronchitis and had his tonsils removed. He feels worse in spring and autumn. In winter and spring he usually has rhinitis, watery type. No allergies.

Macrobiotic diet. Good digestion, no bowel problems. Only notable is that when he dines with salt he wakes up with swollen eyes (Spleen has difficulty descending fluids)

Used to be very sensitive to cold but lately feels warm, like hot flashes in the upper part. Sweating. Three days ago he has a stuffy nose, watery rhinitis and swollen throat. (external pathogenic factor attack)

Tension in trapezius and lower back. Discomfort in the lumbar region. Knees crack. Breathes well. Eye strain, attributes it to excessive mobile phone viewing.

Pulse: deep, full (pea-like, slippery). Stronger in the middle positions (Liver and Spleen) Tongue: pink, swollen, with tooth marks and small cracks on the sides.

Diagnosis

Weakness of Spleen and Lungs: Defensive Qi and Central Qi deficient.

Therapeutic principles

Tonify Lungs and Spleen, protect the surface.

See: Wind-Cold attacking Lungs

Treatment

• LR-13: crossing point of Liver, Spleen and Gall Bladder (Middle Burner). Helps prevent Dampness from stagnating the Qi of the Middle Burner.
• KI-7: King, Metal. Expels pathogenic factor
• TE-5: Yang Linking Vessel. Expels exterior Wind-Cold.
• ST-40: resolves Dampness
• CV-17 (towards the top). Gathering Point of Qi. Distributes Central Qi.
• BL-4: treats the nose.
• GB-20: Yang Linking Vessel. Expels Wind-Cold
• GV-14: Crossing point of all yang, mobilizes the exterior
• BL-13: Back Transporting point of Lungs. Could also be needled or instead of this one BL-12 to release the exterior.