A Charcot Foot Case

Part One: A Patient’s Story of Recovery Assisted by Acupuncture

Clinic: Kapiti Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic

Practitioner: Jason Bei (BHSa) 

Case Background:

To treat my sciatica, I was given the option to try acupuncture for my hips. I was advised that ACC fund acupuncture for 12 sessions. The clinic provided 12 weekly treatments. The first six months of treatment were for sciatica, the discomfort had all but gone. At the same time, Jason worked on my general health which resulted in me having more energy, drive, and enthusiasm and things were a lot easier for me.

After six month when I found the treatments bring health benefits,I have continued with private sessions and paid since then and have been being treated for 2 years. I now go monthly at $90 a visit. I feel a cost of $25 per week is a small price to pay for my health, and the achievements in the two years has been staggering.

Treatment & Progress

I then asked Jason what could be done for my lower limb circulation and numbness. This was because seven years earlier, I was diagnosed with

•  Pancreatic failure (stage 7)
• Fatty liver
•  Metabolic syndrome

Due to consistently high blood sugar levels, the nerves and blood vessels die resulting in poor circulation. This in turn gave me

• Dermopathy
• Neuropathy
•  Arthritis

This then led to Charcot Foot resulting in mid-foot collapse (dislocation). The only outcome advised was amputation below the knee.

So we began lower limb acupuncture 2 weekly for three months. Then monthly as we improved.

As the blood (Chi) flowed again

• My skin healed
• I had more warmth and flexibility in my feet
• The coolness and numbness had dissipated
• The Charcot infection had gone from my feet (this has been backed up by my Diabetic Podiatrist and Orthopaedic Surgeon)
• My shoe size went from a size 13 to my original size 11
• To all of our amazement, some of the smaller dislocated bones had healed and gone back into place.

Six months ago, Jason employed an acupuncture protocol for Metabolic Health. We talked through the possibility that if he worked my sciatica, lower back, glutes, hips, legs, and ankles, this would open up all the channels and, combined with acupuncture, would work faster and better. So, for the last six months, this is what has happened.

• Sciatica basically gone
•  Gluts, legs and ankles swelling has gone
• No neuropathy pain

Then, we discussed a way forward by adding foot reflexology to the treatment plan. Currently, I have acupuncture once a month and massage two weeks after. Eventually, this will be moved out to one month of acupuncture and one month of massage.

Reflection on my Achievements

Jason believes the successes made have been a 50/50 collaboration between him and what I have been doing for myself. I continue to work in with all medical professionals, Western, Chinese and alternative health. The lifestyle changes I have made include giving up smoking and alcohol, daily exercise, change of diet.

My lifestyle changes are critical and laid important foundations for things to get better, my blood tests got on a downward track. But what I do know is that there has only been a change in my sciatica, diabetic dermopathy, neuropathy, arthritis, numbness and charcot feet since receiving two years of acupuncture and massage.

It is also to be noted that I have just received outstanding results in my annual blood tests.

Test	2 Years Ago	Now
Blood Sugars	70’s	50’s
Iron Levels	700	400
Cholesterol	4.2	1.8
Uric Acid	3.8	0.3

  

My eyes have stabilized and are now repairing themselves. My left eye has moved from a permanent loss of 80% of my eyesight to a 60% loss.

I will continue to go to Jason until the day I leave this planet. He, along with my lifestyle changes has changed my life.

If you have diabetic numbness, poor circulation, dermopathy, or arthritis, I would suggest you go for a free consultation to see if acupuncture can help you.

I am now setting up a blog with my health recovery including

•          Medical professionals
•          Lifestyle changes
•          Exercise routines
•          Foods to reverse autoimmune and anti-inflammatory disease
•          Plus all my diabetes tips I have picked up

 

Part Two: How I Transformed My Health Through Food

 

Highlight: help yourself by finding the food plan in this section

Background

Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome, Fatty Liver, and Stage 1 Pancreatic Failure. My blood sugar levels were at 104, and doctors informed me that, due to my condition, my levels would likely remain around the 90s. My ferritin level, measuring iron in my blood, was 1354—extremely elevated. They said that with significant lifestyle changes, I might bring it down to around 900.

I took this as a challenge. I partnered with medical professionals and immediately made lifestyle changes. I gave up smoking, stopped drinking alcohol, improved my diet, exercised daily, and lost weight. But a decade of undiagnosed diabetes had already taken its toll on my body, affecting my vision and feet.

I started thinking: what more could I do? This question led me down a path of intense research into food and nutrition, focusing on questions like:

• What foods should diabetics avoid, and which are beneficial?
• Can diabetes be managed or even reversed through diet?
• How can food act as medicine?

My Results

This research and lifestyle overhaul changed my life. Today, my blood sugar levels are at 46—a reduction of 58 points—and my ferritin levels are 493, down by 861. I no longer have metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, or psoriasis. My vision has stabilized, and after managing Charcot foot (a diabetes-related complication), I have twice been discharged from the orthopedic clinic without surgery.

Lifestyle changes played a part, but my diet was the true game-changer. My latest blood sugar reading was 51. The saying “You are what you eat” couldn’t ring truer.

Note: I am not a medical professional, food analyst, or nutritionist. This is my personal health journey.

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Foods to Avoid

My research led me to remove three main food groups from my diet, as I found they weren’t beneficial, especially for diabetics:

• Grains
• Dairy
• Sugar

As a diabetic, I also avoid:

• Starches (which convert to sugar in the body)
• Processed Foods (often filled with modified salts, sugars, and starches)

I later tested positive for allergies to gluten, yeast, and dairy, which confirmed my dietary changes. For optimal health, I also removed:

• Red meat
• Smallgoods and processed meats

Foods I Focused On

I replaced these foods with nutrient-rich options that meet my body’s needs for protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Here’s what I now include:

Key Food Groups:

• Seafood (protein, calories, omega-3)
• Eggs (protein, eye health)
• Sheep or Goat Dairy (small amounts for protein and folate)
• Legumes (fiber, blood sugar control)
• Raw Nuts (omega-3, fiber, antioxidants)
• Seeds (fiber, eye health)
• Vegetables (high-nutrient, low-sugar varieties)
• Fruits (low glycemic index fruits)

Sample of My Daily Diet

Seafood:
150g of seafood daily, including fresh or frozen fish, canned salmon or tuna, shrimp, mussels, or oysters. Frozen seafood retains its nutritional benefits.

Eggs:
Four organic eggs a day provide protein and support eye health. I choose organic to avoid growth hormones, preparing them poached, scrambled, or soft-boiled.

Sheep and Goat Dairy:
For those sensitive to dairy like me, goat cheese is a good source of protein. I enjoy 60g of goat’s milk feta or other cheeses like Pecorino and Buffalo Mozzarella. Note: Cutting out sugar and dairy eliminated my psoriasis.

Legumes:
I include one cup of certified organic chickpeas, lentils, or beans daily, which helps reduce blood sugar and adds fiber and protein.

Nuts and Seeds:

• Nuts (walnuts, macadamias, pecans): 60g daily, presoaked for better digestion.
• Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, chia, hemp, and flaxseeds provide fiber and omega-3. I soak chia and flaxseeds for easier digestion and maximum nutritional benefit.

Vegetables and Fruits:
Low-starch vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and salad greens are staples, along with low-sugar fruits such as berries, citrus, and tropical fruits.

Sample Daily Food Plan (Spring & Summer)

Breakfast

Eggs with Beans and Tomatoes

• 4 organic eggs (any style, scrambled with a tablespoon of olive oil butter if preferred)
• ½ cup legumes (chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.)
• ½ diced tomato and 1 small diced onion
• 1 tablespoon soaked chia seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and salt for seasoning

Lunch

Classic Greek Salad with Seafood

• ½ diced tomato, cucumber, and red capsicum
• 30g goat’s milk feta
• 4 pimento-stuffed green olives
• 1 tablespoon each of hard seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and soaked chia seeds
• 150g seafood (steamed fish, tuna, or shrimp)

Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and salt.

Dinner

Coconut Fruit Bowl

• 1 cup blueberries, ¼ cup tropical fruit, 1 medium banana
• 4 diced dried apricots, 4 tablespoons coconut cream
• 30g whipped goat’s milk feta, 1 tablespoon soaked chia seeds
• 60g chopped pecans or walnuts

Daily Liquids

• 2–3 liters of water with a few drops of lemon juice
• 2 cups of organic black coffee (1 before breakfast and 1 before lunch)
• 1 cup ginger tea in the afternoon
• 1 cup evening healing tonic: 2 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in boiling water

Note: No snacks between meals. Fasting overnight promotes gut health and helps me enjoy meals more.

Final Thoughts

Is it challenging to stick to this lifestyle? Absolutely, at first. But it has since become a part of who I am. My food choices are no longer a diet—they are a way of life that has empowered me to take control of my health.

Part 3: Practitioner’s Observations and Insights

Highlight: Using the Treasure 3 Framework in John’s Recovery

Introduction

In this part, I’d like to share insights into John’s treatment journey through the Treasure 3 framework, a model that emphasizes integrating primary healthcare, alternative therapies, and personal commitment for a comprehensive approach to healing. Over two years, we’ve combined John’s commitment to lifestyle changes with regular acupuncture sessions, focusing on key channels and points to support his metabolic health, circulation, and nerve function.

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Heaven: Primary Healthcare (John’s GP and Specialist)

1. Medical Diagnosis and Initial Prognosis
   John’s primary healthcare journey began with a comprehensive diagnosis from his GP and specialist team. His conditions—Charcot foot, neuropathy, and dermopathy—were linked to long-term diabetes complications and metabolic issues. The prognosis was severe, as the damage to his nerves and circulation, especially in his feet, posed the risk of amputation.

2. Ongoing Monitoring and Collaborative Support
   As John progressed with his acupuncture treatments, his GP and specialist continued to monitor his blood markers, such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and iron levels, confirming improvements as he responded positively to treatments. This regular evaluation supported his recovery and allowed for adjustments based on his evolving health needs.

3. Primary Healthcare’s Role in Integrative Treatment
   Although initially cautious, John’s healthcare providers recognized the significant benefits he experienced with acupuncture and integrative care. Their assessments validated his progress, particularly regarding Charcot foot’s response to improved circulation and nerve health. This collaborative approach helped to establish a supportive environment for his comprehensive care plan.

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Humanity: Alternative Therapy (Acupuncture with a Focus on Spleen and Stomach Channels)

1. Tung’s Style Acupuncture Approach
   In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen and Stomach channels are essential for regulating digestion, blood circulation, and energy flow—all vital in managing metabolic symptoms. Using Tung’s style acupuncture, we focused on specific points in these channels to improve blood flow, fluid balance, and metabolic stability, tailored to John’s history of pancreatic failure and nerve damage.

2. Key Points and Techniques Used in Treatment
   The acupuncture sessions included specific points along the Spleen and Stomach channels, with techniques close to the bone, where Qi and blood flow are effectively stimulated without causing pain:

   • SP6 (Ren huang): Known as the “Three Yin Intersection,” this point harmonizes the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels. For John, SP6 helped improve digestion, reduce numbness, and enhance Qi flow to the lower limbs.

   • SP7 (Di huang): Located on the medial side of the tibia, this point is significant in Tung’s acupuncture for stimulating blood and Qi movement, targeting circulation issues. It has been particularly effective in managing John’s symptoms of neuropathy and dermopathy.

   • SP9 (Tian huang): Known as the “Water Point” of the Spleen channel, SP9 is essential in clearing dampness and promoting circulation, which is helpful for fluid retention and swelling in John’s feet and ankles.

   • ST36 (Zusanli): A vital point for digestion and systemic health, ST36 was needled using a 3-cun needle to target deeper layers near the anterior crest of the tibia. This long-needle technique stimulated nerve endings, improved circulation, and reduced numbness in his feet.

   • KD3 (Taixi) [optional]: Used optionally, KD3 supported the treatment by grounding energy and nourishing Yin, complementing the warming and circulatory benefits of the Spleen and Stomach points.

3. Observations of John’s Progress
   Over time, we observed clear improvements in John’s circulation, particularly in his lower limbs. His skin, foot flexibility, and warmth progressed, with neuropathy pain and swelling gradually subsiding. His Chi flow improved, contributing to his increased energy and mobility. Focusing on the Spleen and Stomach channels in Tung’s style acupuncture allowed us to address both metabolic health and nerve-related symptoms comprehensively.

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Earth: Lifestyle Changes, Food Therapy, and Self-Care

1. Lifestyle Adjustments as a Foundation for Healing
   John’s dedication to daily exercise, a strict diet, and quitting smoking and alcohol formed a foundation for his health improvements. His commitment to these changes amplified the benefits of his acupuncture treatments, making it easier to manage inflammatory and metabolic symptoms.

2. Customized Food Therapy for Metabolic Balance
   Given his history of pancreatic failure, John’s dietary needs required specific adjustments, particularly limiting grains and sugars. His food therapy, which emphasizes whole foods, was developed in collaboration with a TCM practitioner and nutritionist to support metabolic stability and blood sugar management. This personalized approach is not universally suitable, as it addresses his unique health conditions, but prioritizes cooked foods over raw and cold foods, aligning with TCM principles to promote digestion and Qi.

3. Encouraging Self-Care Practices
   In addition to regular acupuncture, integrating self-care practices can significantly support long-term health. I encourage patients to engage in breathing exercises, Tai Ji – Qi Gong (Six Healing Sounds), foot baths, and acupressure. These self-care methods promote circulation, relaxation, and energy balance, empowering patients to participate actively in their health outside of the clinic.

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Reflection on the Importance of Ongoing Maintenance

Through John’s journey, it’s clear that consistent acupuncture sessions, combined with lifestyle and dietary changes, are invaluable for managing chronic conditions. Ongoing maintenance is essential to sustain the benefits achieved through intensive treatment. I recommend starting with monthly acupuncture sessions to monitor and strengthen progress. As health stabilizes, sessions can be gradually spaced to every two or three months to maintain balance and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

Food therapy should also be tailored to each individual’s needs and overseen by a TCM practitioner and nutritionist for supplementation guidance. Emphasizing whole foods and preferring cooked foods over raw and cold foods aligns with TCM practices, supporting the body’s natural energy and digestion.

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Conclusion

In John’s case, the Treasure 3 approach—integrating Heaven (primary healthcare), Humanity (acupuncture), and Earth (personal lifestyle choices)—has provided a holistic path to healing. Each element supports the others: primary care offers essential monitoring, acupuncture addresses circulation and nerve function, and lifestyle adjustments establish a foundation for sustained wellness. This approach reinforces the power of combining medical, alternative, and lifestyle-based care in chronic disease management.

By continuing his treatments and commitment to self-care, John has achieved remarkable results, underscoring the value of a comprehensive, integrative health strategy.