Acupuncture Treatment for Ankle Sprain

1. Differentiation and Treatment:

   - First, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner needs to diagnose the patient's specific condition (e.g., presence of blood stasis, qi stagnation, damp-heat) to select appropriate acupuncture points and treatment methods.

2. Acupoints Selection:

   - Local Points: Kunlun (BL60), Shenmai (BL62), Taixi (KI3), Jiexi (ST41), Qiuxu (GB40).

   - Distal Points: Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan(GB34), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuanzhong (GB39).

   - Special Points: For obvious qi and blood stasis, use Ashi points (tender points).

3. Needling Techniques:

   - To Reduce Swelling and Pain: Use reducing method, leave the needles in place for 20-30 minutes, once daily.

   - To Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Stasis: Can combine with cupping or fire needling to enhance the effect.

   - To Unblock Meridians: Needle along the meridian pathways to promote qi and blood circulation in the affected area.

4. Additional Therapies:

   - Moxibustion: Apply moxibustion on the selected points, as the heat therapy helps to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.

   - Cupping: Especially if there is significant blood stasis, cupping can help remove stasis and reduce swelling.

   - Herbal Poultices: Apply herbal poultices with properties of promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, and relieving pain, such as using blood-activating and pain-relieving plasters.

5. Rehabilitation Phases:

   - Early Stage: Focus on reducing swelling and pain, avoid excessive movement to prevent further injury.

   - Middle Stage: After symptoms ease, gradually increase ankle joint mobility exercises and muscle strength training.

   - Late Stage: Restore normal activities and exercise, and prevent re-injury.

The specific treatment plan should be adjusted according to the individual’s condition and is best conducted under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.