Acute hoarseness

Case Example:

Shi ××, female, 46 years old. Due to right-sided chest pain for 5 days, she was treated in the outpatient clinic on August 6, 1974. Based on the stabbing pain, aggravated by coughing during breathing, and no history of trauma or chronic respiratory infection, she was diagnosed with intercostal neuralgia. Bilateral Neiguan (PC6) points were selected. When the needle was inserted into the right Neiguan (PC6) about 5 fen deep (the left side had not been needled yet), and a strong twisting technique was applied, the patient suddenly stared wide-eyed, became very nervous, and urgently waved her left hand, unable to speak. The needle was immediately removed, with no local bleeding. The patient's right hand could not make a fist, and she only pointed to her throat with her fingers. She was immediately given half a cup of warm water to drink and asked to lie down. Four hours later, she could only whisper and could not produce sound. The next day, although she could produce sound, it was hoarse. She recovered after three days. The patient had a history of aspermia, mental abnormalities, and fainting during acupuncture (50).

[Comment] There have been two reported cases of losing voice after needling Neiguan (PC6). According to ancient medical theory, "the tongue is the sprout of the heart," and Neiguan (PC6) is the luo-connecting point of the pericardium meridian. There may be some organic connection between the two. Moreover, it has been reported that Neiguan (PC6) can treat sudden anger-induced aphonia. Therefore, this acupuncture reaction can also be seen as a negative effect during the regulation of meridian qi.

Case Example

Hao ××, female, 42 years old. She visited on July 12, 1970. The patient was generally healthy but had recently strained her lower back during work, resulting in lumbago. Examination showed limited movement in the lower back, with no other abnormalities. Shuigou (GV26) was needled immediately, with the needle inserted 2 fen, and continuous neutral reinforcement and reduction twisting was applied for about 15 minutes. The patient could sit upright and began to laugh. The technique was stopped, and she was instructed to move her lower back. The patient did not move and continued to laugh uncontrollably. A strong twisting technique was applied again for about ten seconds, and the laughter intensified, with tears streaming down her face, her whole body shaking, and unable to sit still. The needle was immediately removed, but the laughter continued. After half an hour, the loud laughter turned into a low chuckle, then a smile, and gradually she calmed down, lasting about an hour in total. Later, when asked, the patient said she was fully aware but just felt like laughing (51).

Comment: From the symptoms of this case, it is considered to be a hysterical episode induced by acupuncture. Although there are similar reports, the reason why acupuncture induces hysterical episodes needs further exploration.