Acupuncture for Wernicke encephalopathy: a case report.
10.13703/j.0255-2930.20240401-k0007
- Author:
Xiangyu CHEN
1
;
Yuhan MAO
2
;
Jiayong YAO
2
;
Xueping YU
2
;
Wei ZOU
2
Author Information
1. First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of CM, Harbin 150040, China.
2. Third Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of CM, Harbin
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
Wernicke encephalopathy;
acupuncture;
regulating spirit
- MeSH:
Humans;
Acupuncture Points;
Acupuncture Therapy;
Wernicke Encephalopathy/physiopathology*
- From:
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2025;45(2):262-264
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This case report introduces Professor ZOU Wei 's experience of treating a patient with Wernicke encephalopathy using the "regulating spirit and promoting yang acupuncture method". The patient was diagnosed as spleen and stomach deficiency with internal liver wind. The treatment principle focused on regulating spirit and awakening the brain, strengthening the spleen, calming wind, and relaxing the tendons. Three groups of acupoints were selected: ①acupoints for awakening the brain by regulating spirit and unblocking meridians (Baihui [GV20], Qianshencong [EX-HN1] and bilateral Taiyang [EX-HN5], Fengchi [GB20]), etc.; ②acupoints for harmonizing the spleen, stomach, qi, and blood (bilateral Tianshu [ST25], Daheng [SP15], Taixi [KI3], etc.); ③acupoints for relaxing and softening the tendons (bilateral Waiguan [TE5], Hegu [LI4], Yanglingquan [GB34], Xuanzhong [GB39]).The needles were retained for 50 min per session, once daily, 7 days a week. After 16-week treatment, the patient was able to walk a few steps slowly with assistance, and other symptoms returned to normal. A two-month follow-up showed the patient's condition remained stable, walking distance further increased, and overall health significantly improved.
