On March 9th, a young man in his early 20s walked into the clinic after a phone appointment. He appeared tired and anxious, with a dull complexion and heavy steps. He occasionally rubbed his abdomen and spoke hesitantly, reflecting discomfort and insecurity due to bad breath.
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Case Report
Name: James [Anonymous] | Gender: Male | Age: 21 | Occupation: Student
Date of Consultation: March 17, 2025 | Chief Complaint: Bad breath, bloating, constipation, and loss of appetite for 3 months
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History:
Patient reported bad breath, bloating, and constipation with dry stools every 2-3 days, plus loss of appetite and belching. Digestive aids were ineffective. Irregular diet, poor sleep, and high stress noted. Family history of digestive issues present.
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Diagnosis:
Damp-heat in spleen and stomach
Qi stagnation
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Treatment:
Herbs (7 doses, twice daily): Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Hou Po, Zhi Shi, Chen Pi, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Sheng Gan Cao
Acupuncture (2x/week): CV12, ST36, ST25, PC6, LI4 – 20 min retention
Advice: Avoid spicy/greasy foods, increase fiber, improve sleep, reduce stress
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Outcome:
After treatment, bloating and constipation improved significantly, bad breath reduced, and appetite increased. The patient reported feeling more comfortable and energized, with better digestion and overall well-being.
