Educational patient stories
Individual care, thoughtfully adapted.
These stories illustrate how treatment plans may be shaped around a person's condition, constitution, goals, and response to care.
Neck pain and limited mobility after a fall
An older Sunnyvale patient experienced persistent neck pain radiating into the head after a fall. After evaluation, care combined family-inherited bone-setting techniques with acupuncture to address mobility and soft-tissue tension.
Reported outcomeThe patient reported significant improvement in neck comfort and mobility, with resolution of the referred head discomfort.
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Background
The patient had previously received acupuncture treatments from several practitioners. Although temporary relief was achieved after each session, the pain typically returned the following day, and the overall improvement remained limited.
After a comprehensive examination, Dr. Wei found that the fall had contributed to structural imbalance in the cervical spine, restricted neck mobility, and increased tension in the surrounding soft tissues — changes likely irritating nearby nerves and supporting structures.
Treatment
Dr. Wei combined his family's traditional bone-setting (Zheng Gu) techniques with acupuncture. Bone-setting helped restore proper alignment and improve cervical mobility, while acupuncture relaxed tight muscles and soft tissues, reduced inflammation, and relieved pain. The symptoms did not recur, and the patient returned to normal daily activities.
Physician's note
Pain following a fall or other traumatic injury may involve more than inflammation or muscle strain. Soft-tissue restrictions, fascial tension, joint dysfunction, or structural imbalance may also contribute to ongoing symptoms. A thorough evaluation and an individualized treatment plan can help identify the underlying causes and support a more effective recovery.
Restoring mobility after a severe low-back injury
An electrician developed severe low-back pain, leg weakness, and poor balance after an electrical accident left him suspended in a safety harness for thirty minutes. Care focused on muscular tension, lumbar and pelvic mobility, soft-tissue balance, and neuromuscular coordination.
Reported outcomeAfter approximately seven to eight sessions, the patient reported steadier walking, improved strength, and a return to normal daily activity.
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Background
Following multiple conventional treatments, some symptoms improved but the weakness in both legs persisted. He described the sensation as "walking on cotton," with poor balance and little confidence in his footing — he could walk only a few steps before becoming unsteady, seriously affecting his work and daily life.
Treatment
Treatment combined acupuncture with Traditional Chinese Bone-Setting (Zheng Gu), a family-inherited technique. The goals were to relieve muscular tension, improve lumbar and pelvic mobility, restore soft-tissue balance, promote healthy nerve and muscle function, and support natural healing. Each session was adjusted according to his progress.
Physician's note
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or limited mobility after trauma should not be ignored. A comprehensive evaluation of body alignment, muscles, fascia, joints, and functional movement can guide an individualized plan that supports optimal recovery.
Supportive care for comfort and quality of life
An older East Bay patient living with colon cancer sought TCM as supportive care alongside medical guidance. Acupuncture and herbs were individualized around digestive comfort, energy, and overall wellness.
Reported outcomeThe patient reported improved comfort and energy and has continued regular supportive wellness care for more than four years.
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Background
The patient experienced significant abdominal bloating, swelling, digestive discomfort, and difficulty with normal elimination. Surgery was suggested as part of her conventional plan, but due to her advanced age and concerns about surgery, she hoped to explore TCM as a supportive approach.
Treatment
After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Wei developed an individualized wellness plan combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine — supporting body balance, digestive function and comfort, energy levels, and quality of life, adjusted as her condition changed.
Physician's note
For individuals with cancer or other complex conditions, TCM may be considered as part of an integrative healthcare approach to support symptom management, comfort, and well-being. Patients should continue working closely with their oncologists and healthcare providers. Traditional Chinese Medicine should not replace recommended cancer treatments or medical care.
Persistent cough after COVID-19
A woman in her 60s experienced a lingering cough, disrupted sleep, and reduced appetite for two years following infection. Her plan combined acupuncture and individualized herbal medicine.
Reported outcomeAfter approximately three weeks, she reported gradual improvement in coughing and sleep quality.
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Background
Although she tested negative after the initial infection, the cough never completely resolved. Over two years she sought treatment from multiple providers, yet frequent coughing episodes — especially severe at night — led to decreased appetite, poor sleep, and ongoing physical and emotional discomfort.
Treatment
Dr. Wei reviewed her medical history, symptom progression, and overall condition, then combined acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine tailored to her constitution — supporting respiratory function and comfort, improving overall balance, and helping the body recover from long-term post-infection symptoms.
Physician's note
Post-infection symptoms vary greatly from person to person. For long-term symptoms after COVID-19, a comprehensive evaluation considering medical history, current symptoms, and overall health can guide an appropriate individualized approach.
Stress-related insomnia in a technology professional
An engineer in his 30s sought care for difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, fatigue, and stress. Treatment combined acupuncture every two to three days with customized herbal medicine.
Reported outcomeThe patient reported better rest after the first treatment and increasingly stable sleep with continued care.
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Background
The patient had persistent insomnia, especially difficulty falling asleep; once awakened during the night, he found it very difficult to fall back asleep, affecting his energy, daily performance, and quality of life.
Treatment
Care focused on supporting healthy sleep patterns, promoting relaxation and stress relief, improving overall energy and balance, and supporting emotional well-being. Episodes that once recurred every two days gradually extended to every three, four, five days — eventually about once a week.
Physician's note
Sleep difficulties vary significantly among individuals. Younger patients with shorter symptom duration may respond more quickly, while longer-term sleep concerns may require a longer period of supportive care. A personalized evaluation and plan are important for the best possible outcome.
Sports injury recovery with Jing Jin therapy
A teenage athlete developed pain and limited mobility after repetitive high-intensity training. Care used Jing Jin acupuncture release and myofascial techniques.
Reported outcomePain and mobility improved over time, supporting a gradual return to sports training.
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Background
Sports injuries are common in competitive activities such as basketball, wrestling, and tennis. Without proper rest and care, they may recur and affect training progress. Evaluation focused on muscle tightness, fascial restrictions, soft-tissue tension, reduced joint mobility, and movement-related discomfort.
Treatment
Jing Jin (Meridian Sinew) Acupuncture Release Therapy combines TCM theory with modern anatomical concepts of muscles, fascia, and soft tissue. Targeted stimulation and release techniques aimed to reduce muscle tension, improve fascial mobility, enhance joint flexibility, and support natural recovery.
We also support patients recovering after orthopedic procedures, where scar tissue, fascial restriction, and muscle tightness can limit mobility. Commonly supported injuries include tennis and golfer's elbow, rotator cuff injury, low back, hip and knee pain, meniscus and ACL/PCL injuries, ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and overuse injuries.
Physician's note
Recovery requires more than reducing pain — adequate rest, proper rehabilitation, and a gradual return to training matter. Returning too quickly may increase the risk of reinjury and affect long-term performance.
Bell's palsy and facial function support
A patient developed sudden one-sided facial weakness after nighttime exposure to cold air and was medically diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Acupuncture focused on facial muscle function, circulation, and coordination.
Reported outcomeThe patient reported progressive improvement in facial movement and expression.
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Background
Upon waking, the patient noticed the left side of the face was difficult to move: facial weakness, drooping of the corner of the mouth, difficulty fully closing one eye, and reduced expression. Hospital evaluation confirmed peripheral facial paralysis (Bell's palsy).
Treatment
Acupuncture focused on supporting facial nerve and muscle function, improving circulation to the affected area, promoting muscle coordination, and supporting natural recovery. Many patients with Bell's palsy experience significant improvement, especially when treatment starts early.
Physician's note
During hot summer months, prolonged air conditioning, direct airflow from fans, or sudden cold exposure after heavy sweating may contribute to symptoms in some individuals. Early evaluation and care are recommended when facial drooping, difficulty closing one eye, or one-sided weakness appear.
Menstrual comfort and lifestyle support
A student with severe recurring menstrual cramps received individualized acupuncture along with guidance on rest, warmth, physical stress, and other lifestyle factors.
Reported outcomeShe reported reduced discomfort and improved ability to attend school and daily activities during her cycle.
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Background
Each cycle brought intense lower abdominal pain severe enough to keep her home from school for one to two days. As a competitive swimmer, frequent exposure to cold water and training demands appeared to contribute to the recurrence and severity of her discomfort.
Treatment
Acupuncture during the initial visit brought noticeable relief, and she continued care for two to three months — supporting healthy cycles, circulation, and relaxation. Alongside treatment, she was encouraged to limit prolonged cold-water exposure, manage physical and emotional stress, rest adequately, and keep warm during menstruation.
Physician's note
Menstrual pain varies greatly among individuals. Stress, sleep, physical activity, and lifestyle habits may all influence symptoms. Early evaluation and a personalized approach help identify contributing factors and support better symptom management.