By Dr. DAI Dechun, The 16th Chinese Medical Brigade

PATRICK Singh, a resident of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), lives at Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and for years experienced pain in the right shoulder, which gradually got worse since April 2020. When lying on the right side at night, the pain is obvious and it affected his sleep. An X-ray examination showed that the structure of the right shoulder joint was normal, and no obvious bone lesions were found.

It was difficult for him to lift his right arm and it was inconvenient to take things in the extension position. His right shoulder hurt when he arranged clothes backwards with his right hand and could not finish it. Happily, he gradually recovered. He could raise his arm freely and his shoulder pain was reduced after eight sessions of acupuncture treatment, combined with rehabilitation guidance of climbing-wall practice and pendulum exercises in the home.

A shoulder joint has a wide and versatile range of motions. Shoulder problems are very common in daily life, which are usually seen among people over 50. Shoulder pain could make a very simple activity, such as brushing; drying air; reaching behind one’s back and wearing clothes, among other movements, seem like a huge challenge that may be the cause of a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Some factors could contribute to shoulder pain. Most cases are caused by the shoulder-joint lesions themselves, which include rotator-cuff tendinitis; impingement syndrome; torn rotator cuff or cartilage; adhesive capsulitis; osteoarthritis, and so on. Not only are such local pathological changes worthy of attention, but also the extra-articular factors should also be retained as a vigilance, such as heart attack or pinched nerve in the neck inducing shoulder pain, among other conditions. If shoulder pain does not go away after a few weeks, or the pain is abrupt and not related to injury accident, he or she should consult a doctor to figure out the cause.

Some people prefer higher calories and higher sugar diets, and the humidity is relatively high in Guyana, which may lead to a higher incidence rate of arthritis. It is true that Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants and medications of inhibiting neuropathic pain can alleviate the pain to some extent, but the selectivity is not strong, and will increase the gastrointestinal burden. In addition, some patients have not achieved the desired effect in pain control.

Acupuncture emphasises syndrome differentiation and treatment, with less side effects. Acupuncture has been known to be highly effective for pain management. The science of acupuncture has grown up on the basis of typical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, such as theory of Yin-Yang, theory of Five Elements, theory of Channels and Collateral, theory of Zang- fu Organs, and other related ones.

The meridians and collaterals are pathways in which the Qi (Energy flow) and blood of the human body are circulated. They pertain to the zang-fu organs interiorly and extend over the body exteriorly, forming a network and linking the tissues and organs into an organic whole. The meridians and collaterals transport qi and blood to adjust yin and yang, nourish tendons and bones and improve joint function.

Acupoints are the special locations through which the Qi and blood of channels and collaterals are gathering and transported to the body surface, where acupuncture needles are inserted or pressure are applied for therapeutic or preventive purposes. As time goes by so quickly, I was from being looked up and down by the surrounding eyes at the beginning of my work in acupuncture clinic to being welcomed by the patients’ smiling faces in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The changes had happened, just like the ancient Chinese poetry said, “Good rain knows its time right, it will fall when comes spring. With wind it steals in night, Mute, it wets everything!”

I enjoy the pleasant interaction between doctor and patients, the joy of being accepted or even being joked. I appreciate the pure, simple, sincere and trusting relationship between doctors and patients, and return to the original aspiration of patient-oriented of medicine, which is the origin point where the dream of being a doctor began.

It is expected that acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will enter the hearts of friends in Guyana and add a safety guard to their health. I am looking forward to see that more people learn about TCM and have a better health with TCM and more wonderful TCM stories spread throughout Guyana. As the Chinese medical Brigade, we shoulder the mission and heavy responsibilities. There is still a long way to go. Does it not fill with happiness in fulfilling the mission on the way?

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Caption: Dr. DAI Dechun (left), Consultant of Acupuncture, with Patrick Singh