(chapter50)Cholera-Induced Muscle Spasms

My mentor Mr. Pang Yunpu developed severe diarrhea during autumn while grieving the loss of his younger brother. From early morning (around 7 AM) to evening (around 7 PM), he rushed to the bathroom over 30 times, with watery stools resembling poured-out bucket water. This was followed by intense vomiting, extreme weakness, and recurring muscle spasms (known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as zhuanjin). His family urgently summoned me for (used in traditional contexts).

After observing his symptoms and checking his pulse—which showed tight, straight patterns (a “wiry pulse” in TCM)—I diagnosed him with huoluan (acute gastrointestinal infection, akin to cholera). I prescribed ​Huoxiang Zhengqi Powder (Huoxiang Zhengqi San), a classic formula for digestive disorders. The diarrhea temporarily eased, but 30 minutes later, he vomited up all the medicine, and symptoms worsened.

By dawn, muscle spasms had spread near his abdomen. His legs became rigid, unable to bend, and soiled bedding from incontinence revealed his critical state. His family panicked as he neared collapse. I immediately performed emergency acupuncture: needling the ​Chize (PC3) and ​Weizhong (BL40) acupoints to release half a cup of dark purple stagnant blood. Within 15 minutes, vomiting ceased, allowing him to retain medication.

I continued the original formula. After an hour, he rested calmly. By afternoon, leg spasms subsided, and diarrhea lessened. Another dose that evening led to steady recovery over three days. However, believing himself cured, Mr. Pang refused further (used in traditional contexts).

During a follow-up, I noted severe emaciation (skin clinging to bones) and a bluish complexion. Urging him to prioritize caring for his elderly parents, I persuaded him to take ​Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction (Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang), a qi-tonifying formula for spleen-stomach health. After two weeks, he regained full mobility and daily function.

Key TCM Terms Explained:

1. ​Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Huoxiang Zhengqi Powder): A traditional formula for gastrointestinal issues, often used for vomiting, diarrhea, and seasonal pathogens.
2. ​Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang (Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction): A tonic formula combining six herbs to strengthen digestion and energy.
3. ​Chize (PC3) & Weizhong (BL40): Major acupoints for clearing heat, relieving spasms, and regulating qi-blood flow