Case Study - Treating Alcoholism

Frank Panetta

Alcoholism is being addicted to alcohol and consuming large quantities of liquor on a daily basis. Some people might start out taking few sips at business meeting but then might begin indulging in this regularly causing their body to react and their liver is the first organ that gets affected. Once they become heavy drinkers, it becomes different to remain sober. If they try to stop drinking, they face a lot of side effects and cannot control these, and so resume drinking. They will also lose interest and focus in other aspects of life and get totally addicted to the booze.

 

TCM Diagnosis
In the case of alcoholism, a QI deficiency is usually detected in the liver meridian, while the Gallbladder meridian tends to contain excess QI.

 

Signs and Symptoms

 

Signs and Symptoms

ORGAN

  • Craving for alcohol & Inability to control drinking habits

HT

  • Withdrawal symptoms - Sweating; Shakiness; Anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped 

HT

  • Tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects)

HT

  • Psychological, social, and occupational dysfunction

HT

  • Malnutrition, Nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and poor appetite

ST/SP

  • Lung conditions—complicated by smoking

LU

  • Central nervous system disorders— psychiatric manifestations (depression, mood swings, anxiety, or psychotic behavior); blackouts; coma

HT/LV

  • Impaired concentration and performance at school and work

SP

  • Bad judgment – for example, engaging in risky sexual behavior or driving while drunk

LV

  • Irritability, hostility, even aggression

GB/LV

  • Sleep disruptions

HT

  • Diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding

SP/ST

  • Men—increased sexual drive with decreased ability to maintain an erection

KD

  • Women—miscarriage, stopping of menstrual periods

ST/LV

  • Liver disease, even liver failure

LV

  • Buildup of fluid in the body

SP

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

ST

  • High blood pressure, heart disease, and heart failure

HT/PC

  • Brain and nerve damage

BL

 

Treating using Shiatsu


As this client has been an alcoholic for many years, you could approach your treatment in a way that would assume they have had experienced some type of trauma.
To be non-threatening I would start them in prone or side lying, get them to cuddle a bolster and cover them with a blanket so that they feel contained. I would work the Bladder meridian and tonify kidneys, so that they can relax and you can build some trust in your treatment.


While in sidelying I would work points around the scapula to free any muscle tension, and treat gallbladder down the side of the ribcage and down the leg.
I would ask them to turn over into supine and here I would start to work the neck and shoulders. I would treat the BL points especially BL6 (mental disorders) on the head and Gallbladder points around ear.


Liver 3 can be fairly sensitive and sometimes even a little painful. This point spreads Liver Qi, nourishes Liver blood and Liver Yin. Most Liver pathologies will benefit from Liver 3. This means it helps with things like headaches, hypertension, and eye problems. The Liver is associated with anger and often Liver 3 can help calm you down and make you less irritable. Liver 3, in combination with LI 4 is a popular acupuncture formula for alleviating pain and is also prescribed for anger, frustration and Liver Qi stagnation. It is a very powerful formula because of the action of both points to spread and move Qi and blood and basically make Qi move correctly through the body.

Lifestyle Changes


The first and most important step in getting appropriate treatment for alcoholism is recognising that you have a problem. If the client hasn't already I would suggest that they see a councilor (AA group). Chronic use of alcohol decreases your appetite and interferes with absorption of vital nutrients. A well-balanced, nutritionally adequate diet can help stabilise fluctuations in blood sugar due to alcohol and decrease cravings. Exercise regularly can help reduce these cravings.

 

 

 

Written by Frank Panetta

Bodhi Health Centre - Melbourne - Coburg

Shiatsu Melbourne - Quit Smoking Hypnosis Melbourne - Corporate Massage Melbourne - Sports Massage Melbourne

www.bodhihealthcentre.com.au