Case Histories :: AcuMedic

Quick Content Nav

Case Histories
Streaming Audio Case Histories
One-Stop Health Advice

Can our clinic help you?

After reading the following cases, you may feel that we can help you. Please get in touch with us at our clinic to discuss any issues: Email Us

If you would prefer to speak directly to an assistant on the telephone, please call us in strict confidence on +44(0)20 7388 6704

See also: Streaming Audio Case Histories

See also: One-Stop Health Advice

Mr. R O’H - Depression

Suffered from depression for all of his adult life. He had tried Western medicine, including two types of antidepressants, which gave terrible side effects. The symptoms of the depression were that he couldn’t sleep, eat, felt lethargic and became impotent. He fell into two bouts of serious depression where he thought about killing himself. He lost 6 kilos in weight and spent 15 months having only 3 hours sleep per night. He described himself as ‘zombie like’ at work and lost his job because of the depression and the effect it was having on his life and his ability to function normally In his own words, Mr. R O'H described himself as ‘a mess.’ The attitude he received from conventional doctors was: ‘if you can’t co-operate, then go away’

Mr. R O'H came to AcuMedic and immediately noticed a different attitude. He felt he was finally being understood and that his feelings were being taken into account. He was treated with herbal infusions and acupuncture. Within 2-3 days after initial treatment he felt he had more energy and was able to think more clearly than he had done in years. After 3-4 months of treatment he says he has benefited so much more than he ever did with Western medicine.

Mr. R O'H now says that his life has ‘opened up’ he is able to laugh and function normally for the first time in years. He continues his treatment at AcuMedic.

Ms. V.H - Cancer (Chemotherapy)

During a holiday in China, Ms. V.H visited a Chinese doctor and was told, after initial consultation that her energy levels were very low and her heart muscle was weak. The doctor prescribed her herbs for the rest of her time in China. On her return she decided to continue the treatment and came to AcuMedic for a further prescription. She made an appointment to see Dr. Lily and was administered acupuncture. Ms. V.H noticed an improvement in her wellbeing almost immediately.

Three to four months later, Ms. V.H discovered a lump in her left breast, and was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly afterwards - receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During her conventional treatment, Ms. V.H visited the AcuMedic centre, she was worried about her white blood cells being low, and was given specific herbal treatment and acupuncture to nourish the blood. When she was having her blood tested at the hospital that was administering the chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was surprised to learn that her white blood cells had stabilised. She attributes this to the herbs and acupuncture she was prescribed.

Now almost a year since finishing her conventional treatment, Ms. V.H claims she is almost 100% better and intends to continue the herbal and acupuncture therapy.

Prostate Cancer

AcuMedic Patients’ Survey 2007

Doctor seen: Dr Lily

Patient: John Durham

My name is John Durham and I am 66 years old.

Six years ago I was diagnosed as having prostrate cancer. I had visited my doctor because I seemed to be going to the toilet quite often during the night.

My doctor gave me a PSA blood test and it came out at 12.3. This is considered high as a first test and I was immediately sent to have a biopsy. The biopsy confirmed that I had a cancerous growth on the side of my prostrate. This is a dangerous location because it means the cancer can easily spread into the surrounding tissues and to other areas of the body. I then immediately had an MRA body scan. The results of the test showed that there no visible signs of the cancer having spread. Having said that the specialists did say that it may have spread as our ‘modern’ imaging systems cannot pick up microscopic cancer cells starting their ‘war’ with whatever part of the body they have decided to attack, having left their comfortable home base of the prostrate gland.

Since the cancer was on the outside of my prostrate it was important to immediately take corrective action. There then followed a discussion between various specialists as to what would be the most suitable treatment in my case.

I have to say at this stage I was very scared as to what treatment I should embark on. Always remember that doctors are doctors because they enjoy practicing their trade on their patients. All the various specialists will say to you ‘let me treat you’.

The options were

Surgical removal of the prostrate.

could possibly mean my being incontinent permanently.

Radio Therapy to burn out the cancer in the prostrate.

would mean it would not be possible to remove the prostrate at a later date if the cancer returned because the surrounding flesh is burnt and the healing process after the operation could be long and difficult leading to possibly serious incontinence.

Insert special pellets into the prostrate to kill off the cancerous cells over time
- did not actually become an option because it only works if the cancer is ‘contained’ within the prostrate. In my case as explained above it was on the edge of my prostrate

In the end it is the patient who has to decide. I plumped for option 2 (Radio Therapy to burn out the cancer in the prostrate). I therefore had a treatment programme that lasted for thirty days with 30 second ‘shots’ at the three critical cancer areas each working day. This left me seriously debilitated and exhausted. It was necessary to rest in bed after the treatment as it dragged down my whole energy levels.

Having completed the radio therapy course I then had another PSA test and the results were a PSA rating of around 0.5. Effectively the cancer had been stopped in its tracks. My energy levels continued to be very low however and I was very lethargic. It was the then that I was recommended to Acumedic and I went to see Dr Lily.

For me Chinese medicine conjured up the concept of the body being a pinball with dozens of needles sunk into the body with no discernable results. How wrong I was. Dr Dr Lily, a very attractive lady with her deep brown eyes, catches your attention as she initially explains how Chinese doctors over the millenniums have discovered how the human body functions. We all maintain our health by a fine balance of the key bodily organs; heart, liver, kidneys, blood circulation etc. All should be functioning in unison/balance or in Chinese parlance Ying and Yang.

Dr Lily initially assesses the overall balance of ones body by feeling the pulse. I never knew that taking ones pulse informed her of not just the function of the heart but also the kidneys and liver. The tongue is also one of the most important bodily surfaces and gives up a host of possible telltale problems. Having assessed me initially Dr Lily diagnosed a severe weakness in my kidneys and liver function largely attributing to my lack of energy and being generally run down.

I embarked on a series of monthly visits to Dr Lily. On each occasion I had an acupuncture session over parts of my body relevant to my ailment. After the first treatment I was totally exhausted. It was if the needles released stress or pressure on parts of my body to address the imbalance caused by the draconian radio therapy treatment. I was also instructed by Dr Lily to drink green tea regularly. It has become a daily habit over all these years. In my business I travel extensively to the Middle East and therefore I was put on a continuous course of herbal pills which are easy to carry. The herbal pills, defined by numbers, endeavour to restore the balance back in the body.

Gradually over several months, by regular visits and disciplining myself to follow the regime prescribed by Dr Lily, my levels of energy returned. Today I feel no different than before my Radio Therapy treatment. My sex life is unfortunately impaired but I am not incontinent in any way.

Since taking green tea I have not had a single bout of flue or any colds. I am convinced that the regular sessions I have had with Dr Lily over the past 6 years have been of inestimable value to me and my general well being. One of the most important aspects for all new patients embarking on a program of Chinese medicine is not to expect immediate results. We take an aspirin to cure a headache more or less immediately. It is a powerful drug. There are no powerful drugs in Chinese medicine. There are hundreds of subtle herbs which you are required to infuse into your body regularly over many months. Gradually, imperceptibly, your body reacts to the herbs and responds positively.

Chinese medicine works in symbiosis with Western medicine. For example once a patient has a cancer aggressive surgery or chemo/radio therapy can in some cases eliminate the cancer or at least curtail its aggressive path of destruction. Thereafter to bring the body back from the stresses incurred by the treatment, regular therapeutic Chinese medicinal solutions gradually restore the body to its normal functions. Of course not everyone can be cured. However from my limited experience the six years of constant treatment by Dr Lily has I believe stabilised my body. Whilst my PSA has risen marginally, as far as my Western doctors are concerned, the cancer has not spread to other parts of my body, despite the fact the initial location of the cancer was in a critical area of my body.

I am confident that by maintaining my ‘balance’ of health, with the continuing use of Chinese medicine, I can reduce the risk of the return of my aggressive cancer. As my Western Doctor says “Once you have it you can never get rid of it” However you can try to forestall its growth. Thank you Acumedic and Dr Lily for all your continuing help.

John Durham
28th March 2007

Ms. J.G - Alopecia

As a young woman of 21 years old, Ms. J.G was devastated to be diagnosed as suffering from alopecia. After being told that any treatment she might be able to receive on the NHS would take at least 24 weeks before an appointment could come through, she decided to visit the AcuMedic centre.

After a short time receiving acupuncture and herbal therapy, her hair is now growing back, and she has also noticed a ‘huge general improvement’ in her wellbeing. She also explained that her period pains have become less severe.

Ms. J.A - Depression/phobia/weight problems/arthritis

Ms. J.A visited the AcuMedic centre last summer after years of suffering from depression and a series of accidents which contributed to her feelings of depression. Having been treated in the conventional way - taking antidepressants including Prozac, having test after test for arthritis and gaining weight due to her inability to take exercise, Ms. J.A's life had reached an all time low.

Visiting Dr. Lily she was able to speak about her problems and share her worries as she also suffered from phobias. After her initial treatment, Ms. J.A mentioned that she felt ‘released’. The pain she had been suffering due to an accident involving her knee had eased, and for the first time in years she was able to enroll in an exercise class. ‘Nothing short of a miracle’ is what she says about her treatment. Her depression is now kept at bay and she is handling her life a lot better

C.S - Scalp irritation and general wellbeing

At the time of interview, C.S. had been visiting the centre for 6 weeks. A friend had recommended AcuMedic to him. C.S had been suffering from a frustrating scalp irritation and the medication he had been receiving from his G.P was not working.

After consultation with one of AcuMedics' doctors, he came to realise that he’d been suffering from other ailments through the years, such as: urinating too frequently, sweating at night, lower back pain and disturbing dreams - although he had learnt to live with these, and tried not to let them affect him.

However, after his initial treatment he said he felt relaxed and positive. His back pain had eased, his stress levels reduced and the scalp irritation disappeared. He claims he is now more knowledgeable about his body, and aware of the need for a state of greater wellbeing. C.S continues to receive treatment at AcuMedic, even though all his symptoms have cleared and he feels well.

E.H - Acne

E.H had suffered from acne for 2 years and in that time had bought all the over-the-counter products that promised to help and even cure her acne. She had even been prescribed antibiotics and other medicated treatments by her G.P - all to no avail.

A friend mentioned AcuMedic, and she came in for a consultation. After only four months of treatment, E.H declared that her skin had been ‘transformed’ and had ‘tremendously benefited.’

Ms. M - Amenorrhoea

The patient suffered from Amenorrhoea for several months before coming to the clinic with severe abdominal pain. She had a normal history of menstruation, and had a child at the age of 25. She was of a sensitive nature, and had recently been very upset by an argument with colleagues. At the clinic, she was diagnosed as having stagnation of "Qi" and blood.

The treatment included Chinese Herbal Medicine, and daily acupuncture on specific points. The abdominal pain was relieved within three days of initial treatment, and menstruation was restored after a further three days.

Ms F - PMT

Aged 30, she had suffered from severe PMT for many years. She tried all of the treatments which her GP suggested, but nothing helped. Her GP suggested that she come to AcuMedic.

Her verdict: "Really, it’s quite amazing. After two months’ treatment, I feel like a new woman!"

Ms. R - Candida

The patient suffered from Candida for six months before coming to AcuMedic for treatment. Her symptoms included: frequent urination, vaginal discharge, vulval itching, irritability and bitter taste in the mouth. Her cycle was basically normal, but she experienced pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation.

The diagnosis was downward flow of damp-heat along the Liver Meridian. Treatment involved a specific Chinese Herbal Medicine, and acupuncture on two points twice weekly. After the first week of treatment, the vaginal discharge was decreased. After two weeks, all of the symptoms had disappeared.

Mr. B - Heroin Addiction

The patient spent six months of his life struggling with one of the harshest addictions imaginable - an addiction to heroin. He was studying at London University at the time and ran up enormous debts, all the time thinking that he had his situation under control. It was after becoming extremely ill while being unable to get any heroin for three days that he walked into the AcuMedic Centre.

This was the first time that he could freely admit his addiction, and after four months of continued treatment, and the support of doctors and staff at AcuMedic, the power of the drug diminished and was eventually brought to a manageable level.

Ms S. and daughter A. Ms S. and daughter A - Insomnia

For this lady and her baby daughter, their first good nights’ sleep came 12 months after the birth. After visiting Dr. Liang Ke-Zheng - one of five fully qualified Chinese doctors at the centre, the daughter was prescribed a combination of traditional herbal teas which she drank once a day.

After a few days, the effect of the tea consumption made a dramatic difference, and at last, mother and daughter could pass an easier night. As sleep is so vital to proper function and control, regular insomniacs may feel as though they are at the end of their tether. But as the doctors at AcuMedic will tell you, it’s certainly nothing worth losing sleep over!

Ms. T - Dysmenorrhoea

Suffered from Dysmenorrhoea for over a year. Her menstruation was basically normal from onset to the first attack. After separating from her boyfriend, the patient felt depressed, and had no menstruation for several months. When it started again, it was accompanied by severe abdominal pain, and there was a feeling of fullness in the chest. The patient was diagnosed as suffering from stagnation of "Qi" and blood due to emotional depression.

Treatment consisted of Chinese Herbal Medicine, which was taken before and during menstruation, and daily acupuncture on specific points. The therapy was effective in bringing the condition under control. After three months, the patient was cured.

Magic Chinese Medicine: A pleasure to live

12th July , 2005 - Ms. Gallo, 36, singer, lives in Kent

“I first attended AcuMedic a few years ago by referral from Dr. Clare Winstanley in Wimbledon who suggested my case was too severe for her to handle personally. She advised I visit her teacher, Dr. Lily”.

“When I first visited AcuMedic I was very sick… I had been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and had recently had 4 fibrocystic breast lumps biopsied in hospital. I had chronic acne and years of scarring over my entire back and my hair was thin and lifeless. My career as a professional opera singer was being jeopardized by my ill health”. “Over a course of intensive visits for acupuncture and many mugs of disgusting tasting herbs, I gradually got considerably better. During my treatment I took no drug medication from my western doctors, indeed I did not visit them at all as they had done nothing to help me. I did not change my dietary habits (there were and are balanced and healthy). All I did was religiously follow the instructions given to me by Dr. Lily, herbs, acupuncture, various teas, shampoo, royal jelly concoctions and anything else she might suggest. It was not a quick process (nor an inexpensive one) but I could definitely tell a gradual, persistent improvement in my overall health. As I had years of disruption in my body I knew it was not going to be a quick process, but eventually the skin recovered and now I have no scarring on my back at all and I can confidently wear strapless dresses for my singing. My hair is better and has regained some of its natural colouring. The breast lumps have diminished in size and give me no more pain”.

“After about 18 months of treatment, I only popped in to see Dr. Lily occasionally, if I felt run down and needed a Chinese boost or a relaxation therapy from the needles”.

“Recently, out of the blue, so to speak, I developed arthritis. The joints of my wrists, elbows, knees and neck were still, weak, painful and burning. I have no family history of arthritis and have never suffered from it before. I left it a few weeks thinking it might be a viral infection or something, but then the disabling pain and immobility was too much. So I visited Dr. Lily and explained the symptoms (I had not seen her for 6 months). After just 5 days of herbs and many, many needles (!); the pain vanished. With something as challenging as arthritis this is my opinion, nothing short of miraculous. But perhaps my knowledge of Chinese medicine enabled me to get treatment early”.

I can confidently say that Chinese medicine, acupuncture and Dr. Lily have prevented me from suffering the most traumatic depression and have enabled me to sing properly and with a strength and continuity I most definitely could not have found with western medicine which basically amounts to drugs masking the symptoms. It seems to me a most logical approach that Chinese medicine follows…treat the cause, and the inner root cause at that. Not the superficial symptoms. The superficial symptoms disappear if the body is helped to heal itself. I can testify to that”.

“At times I have lain on the treatment table like a pin cushion, sometimes in considerable discomfort and I have felt the toxic rubbish in my lymphatic system literally start to move. I leave the building feeling calm and protected, on the way to better health. Now, just the smell of the herbs cooking is reassuring, as my subconscious associates it with getting better and stronger. I feel an overwhelming feeling of trust and gratitude when I smell them brewing even though I know I am going to hate having to drink them”!

“I would recommend Chinese medicine to most people, but only if it is practiced in a safe and reliable way in an environment that at least appears bona fide. I would recommend AcuMedic as it is professional, pleasant to visit and above all, it works”!

“Thank you all for making my life a pleasure to live, rather than a trial as it was fast appearing before I met Dr. Lily”.

Recipe for Pregnancy

July 06, 2005, Ms. Sibylla Wood, Lawyer, 38, lives in Southeast London

“I had a blood test in January 2004 that revealed my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level to be 58.4 consistent with peri-menopause/menopause. On March 30th my husband and I saw Dr. Ruth Curson of the Assisted Conception Unit at King’s College Hospital. I had been referred to the ACU by my GP following the January blood test result. Dr. Curson advised us that I had at best a 5% chance of conceiving and that we should consider alternatives such as donor eggs if we wished to have children.”

“It was devastating news as we both wanted to have children. In previous encounters with my GP I had received a shrug of the shoulders when I had asked the consequences of these FSH level on my fertility and how this might be happening to me at 37 years of age. She said she knew of only one case in her 25 years of practice where a woman has conceived and given birth after experiencing menopausal hormonal levels.”

“I was referred by Dr. Denning to her teacher Dr. Lily in AcuMedic Centre (the largest and longest-established Chinese medical organisation in Europe), who I saw on March 17th. In contrast Dr. Lily’s approach was far more holistic and gave me hope that the menopause was not an inevitable outcome and that my reproductive system could recover. I started the herbs and acupuncture treatment on March 17th and saw Dr. Lily every two or three weeks. My blood test on April 15th showed my FSH levels to be 7.1. I feel the herbs boosted my system both physically and mentally and allowed me to recover my health to such an extent that I fell pregnant almost immediately. My last period was on the 12th April and as I write I am in Week 16 of my pregnancy. In fact falling pregnant was the last thing I expected to happen following Dr. Curson’s advice. It wasn’t until I did a pregnancy test on May 30th that I realized my condition. I had seen Dr. Lily on 19th May and she had diagnosed me as pregnant through my pulse. I avoided doing a pregnancy test for fear of discovering that I wasn’t pregnant and that therefore there must be something really wrong with me.”

“Dr. Lily’s holistic approach was extremely beneficial in that it enabled me to gain a sense of power and a determination to improve my reproductive health. I cannot overstate the support and encouragement I have experienced in her care at a time of great stress. I also can’t emphasise enough the therapeutic benefit of being allowed to feel more relaxed and at ease about the issues of infertility and ageing: encouragement and hope rather than a counsel of despair.”

On the Way to Become a Mother

4th September, 2005, Ms. G Pangidzwa, 37, TV Editor, lives in Southeast London

In August 2004 I was diagnosed as having premature menopause. Prior to that, I had uterine fibroids
which were removed in February 2002.

After my blood test in August 2004 I was found to be pre-menopause. My GP told me there was nothing
that can be done at this point, my hormone levels were all over the place. Even when I asked if there was someone else I could see for a different opinion. He said not in cases like these.

My:
1) Oestrogen level = less than 100
2) FHS levels = 68.6
3) LH levels = 34.4

All this came about because of the unbearable stress which was work related. I was experiencing dizzy
spells, headaches, sleepless nights and then hot flushes which when they started were relentless and
coming in at 30 minute intervals every hour every day for 5 months. I missed my periods. I started
gaining weight at an alarming rate. I was feeling depressed, fatigued and a loss of appetite.

At this point I went to see my doctor again to see if he might be able to help me. His response was
nothing short of surprise as he told me there was nothing that can be done. I was so sad at the situation
it felt so hopeless. I so wanted to have babies and now I felt I had lost the chance forever.

By the time Dr. Lily was recommended to me I was in my 4th month with no periods. I went to see a friend of mine Sibylla Wood who had been seeing Dr. Lily for the same thing and by that time she was pregnant. She didn’t know about my situation then until I started flushing in front of her and then I had to tell her. She immediately told me about Dr Lily, the Chinese herbs and how she helped her and gave me her details.

I didn’t call Dr. Lily right away by this time I was so afraid of being disappointed I daren’t call her. But
when I did, I insisted on talking to Dr. Lily who was very busy at the time. She managed to squeeze an
appointment for me for 3/9/04 even though she was fully booked as she was going away the following
week.

When I first met her I was now in my 5th month without periods and I was very worried, scared and felt
hopeless and was not sure if she would be able to help. Dr. Lily was very friendly, warm and she asked all the right questions as the meeting progressed. I felt relaxing and more willing to give more information. She examined me and explained the treatment she proposed to use on me in clear detail. She also said the recovery time for the ovaries was at least 12 weeks.

What a construct to the experience I had with my GP as he informed me women in their menopause are
more likely to get better results if they accept their fate and take HRT or similar drugs. I cringed, I
panicked I couldn’t imagine myself on that in a million years. I felt my time of death pronounced, I felt I
was losing my mind.

I felt there had to be a better way. In came Dr. Lily and after only three visits with her the acupuncture
and the herb treatment in a 7 week period my system started to function again my periods came back
beating the predicted ovaries recovery period of 12 weeks.

By November 30th I had another blood test I went to see my GP again to get the results. He was very
surprised to see that my wayward body had changed its mind and was behaving normally again the results were:

1) Oestrogen levels = well over 100
2) FHS levels = 10.7
3) LH levels = 4.7

An incredible improvement to the last test results. The hot flushes disappeared along with the dizzy
spells and everything else that came with it. He asked me what caused the change? I said Dr. Lily and
Chinese medicines and her confidence and a lot of faith. Now all I need is a good clean sperm and I will be on my way to become a mother.

Dr. Lily’s confidence, her knowledge and understanding of the female body, her holistic approach and her willingness to help and listen to the needs of her patients has helped me to take control of my female being to a level so powerful it’s hard to believe and I’m living proof of what these Chinese medicines (herbs) under the right care are capable of.

Lastly I can’t say enough how impressed I am by the professionalism of the staff at AcuMedic and
especially the support and care I received from Dr. Lily. I will recommend her and the medicines used
highly to any woman with these sorts of female problems. Dr. Lily has a gift to make any one feel safe and supported and cared for, hence my quick recovery.

Chinese Medicine Enhanced My Success Chance in IVF Treatment

Ms. P Boag, aged 34
Type of treatment: Infertility

“I was referred to Dr. Lily by the Integrated Medical Centre after approaching them about finding a complimentary programme to assist conception early in 2004. After trying for a couple of years to fall pregnant it was time for me to start investigating my own fertility and seeing if I could help the process along in the most natural way possible.

Simultaneous to this I had scans at St Mary’s which showed that I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (I’d always had imbalanced hormone levels, problem skin and an irregular cycle I should have seen the signs were there but you don’t always know what you are looking for). In its most basic sense this means you ovulate less frequently than someone without it so the odds are more heavily stacked against you even though I was told I was lucky because at least I was still on the right side of 35.

Therefore I embarked on a programme of healthy diet, exercise as much as I could with a full time job in media and continued my acupuncture with Dr. Lily. Within 2 months of taking the Chinese herbs (which are vile but I find you will do anything to improve your chances) and having acupuncture every couple of weeks my cycle became absolutely regular and I felt much better in myself, even my skin seemed to improve. Dr. Lily looking at my tongue said she could start to see a difference already. My partner also started a programme of acupuncture we both continued with it and taking the herbs for a year while further tests were carried out on myself and my partner. In the end both mine and my partner’s sub-fertility meant that we had to consider IVF which we did and we were recommended to try a cycle of ICSI. After much consideration we thought it was well worth it for the potential outcome. On 30th March 2005 after our first ICSI cycle we found ourselves in the happiest of situation with our first baby on the way and due just in time for Christmas—it really was the best Christmas present we’ve both ever had.

If there is one single thing that I think was instrumental in our success it was the acupuncture and care and attention, and laughs even, we had with Dr. Lily at AcuMedic during this period. I would recommend her to anyone in this situation. For us personally we still needed that extra intervention of western medicine for which we are very grateful but I don’t think we would have had such complete and timely success without rebalancing our lifestyle and embracing the benefits of Chinese complimentary medicine. I mentioned my belief to the hospital where we had our IVF treatment and they reinforced the fact that recent statistics show there to be a direct correlation between pregnancy success rates and patients having acupuncture around egg removal and embryo implantation so finally we are getting the evidence to back up the fact that it’s not only working but is being recognised by a wider audience”.

CASE HISTORIES