3 Case Studies for Integrated Western + TCM Care for Chronic Conditions

Nighttime asthma, severe eczema where it itches till you bleed, menstrual pain from fibroids — these are common but distressing conditions in Singapore’s humid climate and high-pressure work environment. Relying solely on Western medicine often leads to a relapse of symptoms however, integrating TCM can slowly balance your body from within.

Integrated care between licensed Western clinics and Yong Kang TCM Clinic (TCM Practitioners Board certified) can provide rapid relief + root-cause treatment. Here are 3 real cases illustrating how this works.

Case 1: Bronchial Asthma (Cold-Phlegm Accumulation in Lungs) — Rapid Control + Root Treatment

Patient: Mr. Zhang, 32, Singapore PR, engineer.

• 5-year asthma history, worsens during Singapore’s humid season (June–October).

• Nighttime awakening needing Salbutamol inhaler, daytime coughing and shortness of breath climbing stairs, white phlegm, feels cold.

• Lung function: moderate obstructive ventilation disorder. Long-term Budesonide-Formoterol inhaler only partially effective.

Integrated Treatment:

Western Clinic (symptom control):

1. Acute relief: Salbutamol inhaler as needed (max 3x/day).

2. Long-term: Budesonide-Formoterol 160/4.5 μg, 2x/day, lung function check every 3 months.

3. Trigger avoidance: avoid direct AC, dust, and high humidity; dehumidifier at 50–60% RH.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (root treatment):

1. Diagnosis: “Cold-Phlegm Accumulation in Lungs” — white slippery tongue, tight wiry pulse, white thin phlegm.

2. Herbs: Xiao Qing Long Tang with modifications (Ephedra 9g, Cinnamon Twig 10g, White Peony 12g, Dry Ginger 6g, Asarum 3g, Schisandra 6g, Pinellia 9g, Licorice 6g) daily. Adjusted weekly based on symptoms.

3. Acupuncture: Twice weekly at Feishu, Tanzhong, Lieque, Hegu, 20 minutes per session; warm-needle technique on Feishu for warming lungs and dispersing cold.

Outcome:

• 2 weeks: Nighttime awakenings reduced from 4–5/week to 1/week.

• 1 month: Inhaler reduced to once daily.

• 3 months: No acute attacks during humid season; lung function improved to mild obstruction. Maintenance: Yu Ping Feng San (Astragalus 15g, Bai Zhu 12g, Fang Feng 6g).

Case 2: Eczema (Damp-Heat Penetration Type) — Stop Itching + Clear Dampness

Patient: Ms. Li, 28, Singaporean, designer.

• Eczema on limbs for 3 years, worsened by humid weather: red patches, papules, bleeding from scratching.

• Topical Mometasone Furoate works temporarily but relapses. Dry mouth and sticky stools present.

Integrated Treatment Method:

Western Clinic (symptom control):

1. Acute itch relief: Mometasone Furoate cream thinly once daily (max 2 weeks). Loratadine 10mg/day for severe itching.

2. Skincare: fragrance-free moisturizer 2x/day, avoid hot water (>37°C), cotton clothing.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (root treatment):

1. Diagnosis: “Damp-Heat Penetration” — red tongue, yellow greasy coating, slippery rapid pulse.

2. Herbs: Xiao Feng San with adjustments (Schizonepeta 10g, Saposhnikovia 10g, Ku Shen 12g, Atractylodes 10g, Anemarrhena 10g, Raw Rehmannia 15g, Angelica 12g, Cicada Slough 6g, Licorice 6g) daily. Weekly adjustment based on improvement.

3. Ear acupressure: Lung, Spleen, Shenmen, Allergy points, press 3x/day, 1 min each.

Outcome:

• 1 week: itching significantly reduced, sleeps through night.

• 2 weeks: exudation stopped, scabs healed.

• 1 month: red patches faded; only mild pigmentation left. Maintenance with Jian Pi Qu Shi Tang (Poria 15g, Bai Zhu 12g, Coix Seed 20g). No relapse for 3 months.

Case 3: Uterine Fibroids (Qi Stagnation + Blood Stasis) — Pain Relief + Tumor Reduction

Patient: Ms. Wang, 45, Singaporean PR, teacher.

• Uterine fibroid 4.2×3.8cm, severe menstrual pain (VAS 8), heavy flow, blood clots, low back pain, irritability.

• Western clinic advised medication management first; Ibuprofen caused stomach discomfort.

Integrated Treatment Method:

Western Clinic (symptom control):

1. Pain relief: Paracetamol 500mg after meals, 3 days pre-menstruation for 5 days.

2. Monitoring: Pelvic ultrasound every 6 months; blood tests to prevent anemia.

3. Iron + vitamin C supplementation to correct menstrual blood loss.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (root treatment):

1. Diagnosis: “Qi Stagnation + Blood Stasis” — dark tongue with spots, choppy pulse, blood clots, low back soreness.

2. Herbs: staged approach — Chai Hu Shu Gan San pre-menstruation (Bupleurum 10g, Cyperus 10g, Angelica 12g, Chuanxiong 9g), Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan post-menstruation (Cinnamon Twig 9g, Poria 15g, Peach Kernel 6g, Red Peony 10g), 1 dose/day.

3. Acupuncture: twice weekly (Guanyuan, Qihai, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai); add Taichong 1 week pre-menstruation.

Outcome:

• 1 menstrual cycle: pain reduced VAS 8 → 3; flow reduced.

• 3 months: fibroid shrank to 3.5×3.1cm, clots gone. No need for analgesics; anemia, back pain, irritability resolved.

  
  

Key Takeaways: Rapid Relief + Root Cause Treatment