Case study

Case study #1: Published in the “Pressure Release” (BCATA) Vol XI, #3, Earth 2006

Tess was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Occulta (an abnormal development of the bones of the spine, which may be congenital, and may be a failure of the bones to fuse during the first month of fetal development) by her first paediatrician. She was on special formula as a baby and only weighed 12 lb when she turned one. She started drinking milk at two years of age, and had her tonsils/adenoids removed as a four year old. Her mother brought Tess to see me a couple of months before her 11^th birthday, the major concern being bowel and bladder problems. These, apparently, had been life long. She had visited various doctors and specialists over the years, and sees a geneticist once or twice a year. (Tess’s mum seemed reluctant to discuss some things at the beginning, so her history was filled in a little more with each session.)

After a couple of visits, I learned that Tess’s biological father (she lives with her mum and step-dad) had been in the American Army and exposed to various chemicals, such as Agent Orange. Some of Tess’s half-sisters suffer with similar issues in varying degrees. I looked up Spina Bifida on the internet and discovered a website dedicated to this health issue. I also discovered that there’s a specific U.S. law which, in essence, states that effected offspring are entitled to compensation and/or life long financial support, depending on the severity.

On the Client Intake and Consent Form Tess’s mother ticked off “Elimination: constipation” as the focus of the visit. Tess had, to date, one bowel movement every five to seven days, her heart has a murmur when overexerted, and her menstrual cycle was regular, but she couldn’t “feel it coming,” and she had no bladder control. Tess has very little, if any, pain perception anywhere on her body. Her mother stated that Tess has short-term memory, low muscle tone, was dressing at a five- or six-year-old level, and that when she cried there was no sound – only tears, but that she was “always happy.”

At aged six, Tess had seen an endocrinologist because she’d developed full-blown “precocious puberty” and, according to her mum, “they didn’t know what caused it.” Precocious puberty can be one of the outcomes of Spina Bifida (Occulta). Tess had been on hormonal medications for four years, but her mum took her off them because of all the weight she’d gained and figured Tess was now old enough.

I saw Tess for six sessions, including the first session which was limited to an initial interview. According to Five Element Theory, Tess’s Fire officials, Heart and Pericardium were out of balance, being dominated by Water (Bladder/Kidney) which, in turn either influence or were being influenced by Metal (Lung/Colon). She appears to be a very happy, even joyous (lots of laughter, giggling), easy-going child, but shows a lot of confusion and self-doubt, with low energy. Her heart was being monitored for cardiac disease.

The first session (Dec/05) consisted of an interview only, as Tess’s mum was desperately looking for help and I was looking for a case study for JSD Advanced. Tess seemed to accept me (she said she’d see a lot of doctors already, I explained I was not a doctor and what I would do in a session). We decided to give it our best effort and just see what might happen.

Second session (Jan 7/06) observed color: yellow, odour: musty, sound: tinkling laughter, emotion: light, nervous, quick speech; hands & feet: moist, clammy and cold. I focused on the Triple Warmer Meridian as set out in the JSD Manual (for urinary dysfunction) and ended with the neck/shoulder release. The acu-points responded quickly (pulsations), I kept the pressure light and fairly quick because of the overall quick responses and because of her age. In the neck/shoulder release #21 did not release, and at the end of the session her hands and feet were still damp. Tess said she “felt energy up her right arm” when I was holding #26 with TW 13. At the end of the session she was more talkative and volunteered that she wanted to be alone next session, (her mum had stayed). I requested her Mum keep a brief journal of any changes, and Tess was to drink plenty of water the rest of the day, and draw a picture of herself for her part of the journal. Summary of journal: Tess “had a bowel movement when we came home…doesn’t appear as tired (more energy)…for the week seems to have less accidents (drips in panties)

Third session (Jan 14/06) observed color: yellow, sound: quiet, odour: none, emotion: happy/shy. Feet and hands were still very damp. The focus was again on the Bl/LI, I chose the Ki Meridian (for urinary incontinence) and added #24 in the neck/shoulder release. Feedback from client was that her body felt “quieter” and, pressing Spirit points, she felt “heat” go through her body. Again the acu-points were quickly responsive (pulsing or tension release). At the end of the session, showed client and mother Hokku point and suggested she drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning. Journal summary after session: Tess “seems really happy and relaxed after the session…seems to have more energy (not as tired)…had a bowel movement again when we got home and had another one a couple of days later (which is unusual for her)…underwear have been less wet. Not as much leaking with urine. Still has to be reminded to go to the washroom. She has been drinking more water.”

Fourth session (Jan 22/06) observed color: yellow, sound: tremulous, odour: faint musty; emotion: laughter. Tess had “less pee in panties...” and three bowel movements during week, “more energy…[is] becoming more independent.” Her hands were cool, but not damp, she said she had “sore shoulders.” I chose the Great Central Channel, ending with a neck/shoulder release. There was a steady flow of energy throughout the session, but felt stronger in “E” and “G.” Journal summary/talk with mum a week later: Tess went to the hospital due to a weak heart. She had high potassium level in blood and had a 24-hr heart monitor. In spite of the trauma, she still “seems to have less accidents in her underwear with her bladder control…[and has] between two and three bowel movements a week.” (March 3^rd update – bm now increased to three to four per week)

Fifth session (Feb 14/06) color: [didn’t catch], odour: none, sound: singing, emotion: singing/giggly; shu point tender. Tess’s mom said she “feels dizzy and needs to sit down a lot.” I chose “Clear Thinking Release” with H Shu – H9, H7 Tonification, ending with the usual neck/shoulder release. Tess became quiet and relaxed during neck/shoulder release, still a bit giggly at end, voice was even, not as much singing.

Sixth session (Mar 4/06) color: [didn’t catch]; odour: none; sound: even; emotion: very happy. Pulses: SI low, TW/P both low. Left upper shu pts tender (Lu, P/H) Chose TW meridian again, checked pulses before N/S Release and found TW still low, so added TW 2 & TW 3 (distal B22) and SI 4 & SI 3 (distal B 27). At end of session TW pulse was up, others evened out. Tess began coughing near end of session, added LU 1 with LU 7. At end of session, hands warm although still a bit too damp.

There are two pictures from Tess’s journal, one dated Jan 7^th and the other Feb 14^th (her last session). Some of the differences to note are: first picture shows only her head, the second her world view has expanded to include the room and me; first picture is mostly line drawing, the second, although still some stick/line drawing, shows filling out (eg her mouth and mine). The second picture shows my JSD diagrams on the wall, which she has interpreted as people, one male and one female (even though they aren’t), she has my ghetto blaster playing musical notes, and my yellow JSD Book lying on the massage table (which I use for reference), and we’re happy.

Working with Tess was a wonderful experience in many ways. At the beginning I was uncertain if anything would change, me still being a student and unsure. But her body did change and work towards a balance, I believe, because Tess was open and ready. Tess’s mum indicated that she was pleased with her progress and would continue the sessions, however, for various personal reasons has chosen not to at this time. (I’d heard from a mutual friend that there may be withdrawal of school support for Tess due to her improved condition.) Part of my learning in this case study was also to let go.