Case by: Jason Blalack, Boulder, CO.

Visit #1: A 50 year-old patient presented with hearing loss and tinnitus that had persisted for four years. One year ago, in the late fall, her hearing loss worsened and she developed a sensation of blockage in the ears. She always thought it was related to allergies (external or possibly dairy). She did a round of prednisone which helped both the hearing loss and tinnitus. After stopping prednisone the symptoms returned after four to five days. Western medicine diagnosed her with Meniere’s disease. She had a history of eczema and allergies that had recently returned. She has high blood pressure (145/90) and takes Lotrel to control it. At the visit her blood pressure was 117/80.
Her energy was overall good. She had cold hands and feet. Her core temperature was generally ok, but can become cold when chilly out. She was thirsty and craves room temperature water. She often wakes hot when sleeping, but sleeps good overall. She is a little over committed in work etc. She had ongoing left knee pain (probably meniscus) and had muscles that can easily become tight, especially shoulders. She had lower intestinal gas and daily soft bowel movements. About 10 years prior she had fibroids with bleeding and had a hysterectomy. Every once in awhile she will get vertigo or some dizziness when standing.

Pulse:   thin, wiry, jumpy, deep, deficient. Distal is more floating and active.
Tongue: pale, some coat, curled.
Prescription:

Dang gui 9
Bai shao 9
Chuan xiong 6
Shu di 9
Sang shen 9
Ci shi 12
Zhi mu 9
Shan zhu yu 9
Shi chan pu 3
Tian ma 9
Mu xiang 6