A CAPSTONE
SUBMITTED TO THE DAOM PROGRAM
AND THE COMMITTEE ON DOCTORAL STUDIES
OF FIVE BRANCHES UNIVERSITY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF
DOCTORATE IN ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE

By:  Tamara Ramirez, DAOM Fellow
04/2015

Abstract

According to the latest statistics, last year, over one million people in the Caribbean islands have been infected with the Chikungunya virus and until now there is still no available treatment.  This study will compare three case studies of patients presenting with a clinical picture compatible with this virus.  This took place in a private practice in Puerto Rico, where there has been an outbreak of Chikungunya.  Because of this outbreak a number of walk-in patients came to the clinic due to suffering in hopes of finding an effective treatment simply for relief of pain and fever.  The results of the Western medicine approach have been very poor and ineffective; therefore, we want to give a practical and successful treatment for this condition.  We will demonstrate how TCM can help decrease symptoms and the duration of the virus.  This project will be an asset to society because with the consequences of global warming and environmental changes these viral illnesses are also a real threat to Florida and other southern states.

The instruments needed are: Disposable acupuncture needles made in Korea – DBC Brand, Spring Ten Handle with 0.22mm diameter, 30mm and 15mm in length; Cotton Balls; Isopropyl rubbing alcohol 70%; and Hand Sanitizer.  After the third day of treatment all symptoms diminished and patients were able to stand straight.  During the second week of treatment the patients stated that their energy was recovered to its full capacity and pain reduced to 0.  They were able to continue with their daily activities.  Fever and nausea were diminishing.  Muscle and chest pain were 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.  Patients received follow up treatments 8 months after the infection of the virus.   Patients 1 and 2 suffered no relapse.  Patient 3 was unable to continue with the treatment protocol.  Patient 3 perceived noticeable improvement after the second treatment but still has painful ankles and weak extremities.  Every other month patient number 3 has a relapse of symptoms.  For an older population this study may be lacking information for specific treatment protocols.  Future studies can determine the population that will receive more benefit from this protocol.  Since patients are weak from the virus it is important to follow the treatment protocol after first treatment.  The patient’s immune system will need to strengthen in order to fight the condition and get better in a timelier manner.  We need to carefully follow the disease to assess the perfect time to tonify, get rid of the pathogen, or do both at the same time.

Treating BuNeiWaiYin named as Chikungunya virus with the use of TCM:
A series of Case Studies