Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is very difficult to treat, especially in case requiring blood transfusion therapy. Kami-kihi-to (Jia-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang) was reported to have had a hematological effect on a case of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. As it is well known that Kami-kihi-to improves anemia, we tried Kami-kihi-to for a case of MDS needing frequent blood transfusion, and analyzed its hematological and systemic effects. A 74-year-old man with MDS suffered from appetite loss and general fatigue-probably due to hemochromatosis with liver dysfunction after chemotherapy with prednisolone, metenolone and blood transfusion-for about eight years. Kami-kihi-to was administered to the patient, and two months later, his leukocyte and platelet count of peripheral blood increased, while the red cell count did not increase. Bone marrow findings remained constant before and after Kami-kihi-to therapy. The appetite loss and general fatigue improved after six weeks of this treatment. Kami-kihi-to is an appropriate treatment option for MDS with hemochromatosis that induces appetite loss or general fatigue.

During the administration of Rikkunshi-to, hematological findings and complications of underlying disease were examined in patients with refractory anemia treated with oral iron preparations. In all 11 evaluative cases, hemoglobin levels before the administration of Rikkunshi-to were 10.7±0.8g/dL, and 11.5±0.8g/dL post-administration (mean administration period 17.3±11.6 months), indicating a significant hemoglobin level increase. In 9 out of 11 cases (82%), an improvement in anemia was observed. Eight out of 11 cases (73%) had atrophic gastritis, reflux esophagitis, or other gastrointestinal disease complications. Rikkunshi-to is considered to be effective such factors as: an improvement in hematopoiesis through a promotion of DNA synthesis in bone marrow cells with prostisol; and an improvement in iron absorption and utilization with improving appetite, although, the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated.
In conclusion, Rikkunshi-to can be considered an appropriate medication for the improvement of refractory anemia treated with the administration of oral iron preparations. However, its mechanism of action, as well as its recommended administration for specific disease states remain important issues for the future.

The treatment of tinnitus is difficult with modern medicine. We encountered three cases of tinnitus for which press tack needle was effective.
The first case was a 65-year-old woman. She suffered from sudden deafness, and bilateral tinnitus continued for 5 years, at which point she consulted us. Her Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was 66 points. We administered press tack needle on the bilateral Yifeng (TE 17) points. Her THI score fell to 14 points after 1 month and zero points after 2 months, at which time treatment was completed. The second case was a 69-year-old man. Forty years before his initial visit, a gun was fired near his left ear, and tinnitus developed. The tinnitus repeatedly improved and aggravated. The tinnitus continued for 8 years before his initial visit. His THI score was 18. Press tack needle was administered to his Yifeng points. The THI score lowered to 2 points after 3 months. The third case was a 31-year-old woman. Her bilateral tinnitus started 15 days before her initial visit. Her THI score was 34 points. Press tack needle was administered to the bilateral Yifeng points. Her THI score dropped to 8 points after 4 months.
Press tack needle to the Yifeng points is simple and straightforward. This suggested that it is a valuable method to consider.