Case Report: Treatment of Henloch-Schönlein Purpura with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Henoch-Schönlein purpura, also known as IgA vasculitis, is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the blood vessels. It normally occurs in younger children but in adults it can present with complications such as kidney damage or bowel obstruction. This is a single-case report of a 56-year-old female diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, presenting with purpura, polyarthralgia, digestive tract symptoms and nephritis. The patient was treated with 12 acupuncture sessions according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles and Chinese herbal medicine employing the Hu Xi-Shu (HXS) jingfang lineage, over a 10-week period. Rapid relief occurred early in the treatment process, with steady and complete recovery from all symptoms within 10 weeks. Some scarring remained in patches where the skin infection had become necrotic. This case demonstrates successful treatment of a complex and critical health condition using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The jingfang approach offers valuable interpretations of traditional formulas and useful insight into addressing the complexities of modern disease.