Mr. Li, 64 years old came to the busy acupuncture department of the Neurological Hospital in Nanjing pushed in a wheelchair by his son in August, 2005. Mr. Li had suffered a stroke 6 years prior in 1999 and had been left with the sequelae of paraplegia, loss of short term memory and a very short temper complaining he did not believe in this Chinese acupuncture and was obviously brought against his will.

He seemed to have normal awareness, completely no feeling in the legs with muscle atrophy of both legs. He had a blood pressure of 170 / 110.

Diagnosis: Paraplegia secondary to stroke for 6yrs

The treatment started with scalp acupuncture with both motor lines, both sensory lines, the pre motor area lines with intermittent electro-stimulation and the timer was set for 30 minutes. Body points were also needled to stimulate the leg meridians. Points included ST 34, ST 36, ST 40, KI 3, SP6, LV 3, KI10.

After 30 minutes the automatic ringer went off and the electro-stimulation was removed as well as the needles on the body. The son was called in the treatment room and the father, Mr. Li, was asked to walk around the hospital ground for 5 minutes with the help of his son while keeping the needles inside the scalp. He refused and complained but eventually got up and walked out of the room leaning mostly on his son.

Five minutes later, he came back to see us and he repeated with disbelief that he had walked mostly dragging his feet. One treatment was given every day for the next 3 months and the patient was asked to walked everyday while keeping the needles in the scalp for longer periods everyday.

Results:

After the first course of treatment (10 treatments), he could walk with the help of a cane and slightly lift his legs. After the second course of treatment (20 treatments), he could walk for 15 minutes by himself before feeling tired and needed to rest on his cane. After the third course of treatment, he could walk to the park by himself for 30 minutes at a time. During the second month the patient came twice a week for treatments and continued to get stronger and walk for longer periods of time. Besides being able to walk, Mr. Li had completely changed his personality and was a very friendly and motivated individual. He was very proud to be able to pick up his grand-daughter after school and help with the family duties during the day. Most of all he did not mention his disbelief in acupuncture ever again…