A 57-year-old woman recently came to our clinic complaining of swelling, edema, and water retention all over her body. The three areas most affected were her thighs, abdomen, and face. In addition, she felt exhausted, which was unusual for her – she typically had tons of energy and was busy all day long. These symptoms started after taking two rounds of antibiotics to deal with a sinus infection. Today’s blog post describes how acupuncture relieves swelling and how our treatment got her body back to normal.
Acupuncture Relieves Swelling
Our patient prided herself on staying in shape, watching her weight, and maintaining her figure. However, this sudden puffiness in her body came as a complete shock. She knew there was a correlation between her swelling and the antibiotics but didn’t know what to do. She had tried everything over the last few months to slim down with no success.
We told her that we understood what was happening to her body, why she was retaining so much water weight, why she was feeling so tired, and what was needed to correct the situation – it all made perfect sense from a Chinese medicine perspective. We also assured her that our treatment would most likely be able to help because acupuncture relieves swelling effectively and efficiently.
The Problem with Antibiotics
Antibiotics can often help rid the body of bacterial infections, but they come with adverse side effects. The biggest problem is how they damage the stomach by wiping out both the good and bad bacteria. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is in charge of digestion and water metabolism. First, digestion involves the efficient transformation of food into energy. Poor digestion results in food being turned into fat instead of fuel, yielding weight gain and fatigue.
Second, water metabolism is the proper conversion of fluids in the body and their proper excretion. Poor water metabolism leads to water retention and edema, which can happen anywhere in the body. This was the root cause of our patient’s unexpected bloating in her legs, abdomen, and face. Antibiotics had weakened her Spleen Qi and damaged her internal water management system.
Acupuncture Treats the Root Issues of Edema
Our intake exam confirmed this diagnosis by looking at her tongue and feeling her pulse. Her tongue had a thick white coating and scallop marks around the edges, and her pulse was weak – both telltale signs of Spleen Qi deficiency. Armed with this information, we designed her treatment plan – strengthen her Spleen Qi to rid dampness and edema, and boost energy. This is how acupuncture relieves swelling.
Successful Acupuncture Treatment
Her first treatment included acupuncture points ST36, SP3, SP9, CV3, CV4, and CV12. These points strengthen the Spleen to reduce edema. In addition, we prescribed a Chinese herbal formula to work on the same pattern imbalance from the inside out. The two therapies worked brilliantly – our patient reported 20 percent less swelling and 20 percent more energy when she arrived for her second treatment a week later.
Following her fourth treatment, she was 90 percent back to normal. Acupuncture completely relieved the edema from her legs and abdomen and restored her energy levels. Her face, mainly under her eyes, was the last area still displaying swelling. We added some local facial points for the subsequent two treatments, resolving this remaining concern area. Local points often help resolve disharmonies in sensitive areas like the face. Two treatments later, she was all better.
The Key To Relieving Swelling
This case is a perfect example of how acupuncture relieves swelling. The key to its success was that we addressed the underlying root issue – damaged Spleen function from the antibiotics. Restoring the natural balance of her digestive system allowed her body to shed the excess water and generate the energy she needed to embrace her active lifestyle.
If you or a loved one struggles with water retention or fatigue, the root issue might be a weakened Spleen function. Antibiotics are not the only thing that damages the Spleen. Anyone over 40 has to deal with a steadily declining digestive system. That’s why it’s so much more difficult losing weight as we get older. Acupuncture relieves swelling and is a safe, natural method for strengthening the digestive system and metabolism.
Next Steps
All needles are sterile, single-use, and hair-thin. Treatments are relaxing – many of our patients fall asleep during their sessions. Afterward, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
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Additional Acupuncture Resources
VIDEO – Raleigh Acupuncture Edema Treatment.
Edema Acupuncture Research Study.
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
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