Acute Flare-Up of Sciatica

Date: 13/08/2026 Source: Lothian Massage & Acupuncture

Client Background

Female, 64 years old. Active in recreational sports (golf, walking, running). History of sciatica some years prior, successfully treated with acupuncture at that time. Presented with a flare-up of sciatica pain on the left side, radiating down the leg, with onset four days before treatment.

Symptoms

• Pain during flare-up periods: ~7/10
• Pain immediately before treatment: 6/10
• Pain after YNSA treatment: 2/10
• Better with rest, lying on the back, or lying on the unaffected side
• Worse with standing, walking, bending forward

YNSA Diagnosis

Hand diagnosis: Right palm noted as slightly whiter than the left palm.

Head (scalp) palpation: Sensitive points identified at I Yin, I Yang, D (extra yang aspect), and F. All on effected side.

Treatment

1. Acupressure applied to the sensitive scalp points identified above (I Yin, I Yang, D extra yang aspect, F). Patient was then asked to stand and move her hip through a short exercise — pain was reported as reduced at this stage.
2. Needles retained in the scalp points; two additional needles added at DU-16 and an ashi point around GB-19.
3. Body acupuncture: BL-23 (Sea of Vitality) and BL-40, to relieve lumbar tension.

Outcome

Following treatment, the patient reported feeling much better, with pain reduced from 6/10 to 2/10. She was encouraged to return for follow-up treatments.