This edema acupuncture case report explores the story of a 64-year-old woman who sought acupuncture treatment at Raleigh Acupuncture after experiencing swelling that prevented her from enjoying her beloved hobby, gardening. Through acupuncture, her condition improved significantly, allowing her to regain her energy and quality of life.
Edema, characterized by swelling in various parts of the body due to fluid retention, can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In Western medicine, edema occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to noticeable puffiness, particularly in the legs, arms, and face. This condition can be caused by various factors, including poor circulation, heart or kidney issues, and certain medications. In Chinese medicine, edema is often seen as a manifestation of an internal imbalance, particularly involving the Spleen’s inability to properly manage and transform fluids within the body.
Patient Background
Our patient in this edema acupuncture case report was a 64-year-old woman who had been experiencing noticeable swelling in her lower legs, arms, and face for several months. A passionate gardener, she found it increasingly uncomfortable to bend down and work in her garden due to the swelling and discomfort in her limbs. She loved spending time outdoors, but her condition made it difficult to enjoy the physical activity and serenity that gardening brought her. Desperate for relief, she consulted several doctors, who identified her condition as edema, but the treatments she tried, including diuretics, provided only temporary relief.
Fortunately, her niece had previously experienced success with acupuncture at Raleigh Acupuncture and recommended she give it a try. Although skeptical at first, she decided to schedule an appointment in the hopes of finding a more holistic and lasting solution.
Understanding Edema: A Western Medical Perspective
From a Western medical standpoint, edema is caused by fluid accumulating in the tissues, often due to an imbalance between the forces that control fluid movement in and out of blood vessels. Factors such as weakened heart function, kidney dysfunction, liver disease, and certain medications (like those used to treat high blood pressure) can all contribute to this fluid retention. In our patient’s case, no underlying systemic cause was identified, but her symptoms – puffiness in the lower extremities, arms, and face – were clear indications of edema.
Chinese Medicine Perspective: Spleen Qi Deficiency and Dampness
In Chinese medicine, the root cause of edema is often traced back to an imbalance in the body’s ability to process and transform fluids. Specifically, the Spleen plays a crucial role in digestion and fluid transformation. When the Spleen is weakened, or there is a deficiency in Spleen Qi, the body struggles to manage and transport fluids properly. This can lead to the accumulation of “dampness,” a pathological fluid that manifests as swelling or edema in various parts of the body.
During our patient’s initial intake exam, we conducted a thorough evaluation, paying close attention to her symptoms, tongue, and pulse. Her tongue was scallop-edged with a thick white coating, and her pulse was slippery, both of which are classic signs of Spleen Qi deficiency and dampness accumulation. These indicators, along with her physical symptoms, confirmed that she had the Chinese medicine diagnosis of Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation.
Acupuncture Treatment Plan for Edema
Our primary goal in this edema acupuncture case report was to strengthen our patient’s Spleen Qi and resolve the dampness that had accumulated in her body. We selected acupuncture points specifically aimed at tonifying the Spleen and promoting fluid transformation. Her acupuncture treatments included the following key points:
- ST36 (Zusanli): This point is one of the most important for tonifying the Spleen and boosting overall Qi. It also helps in draining dampness and promoting healthy digestion.
- SP9 (Yinlingquan): Known for its ability to resolve dampness, SP9 is a crucial point for treating fluid retention and edema.
- CV12 (Zhongwan): This point strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and promotes better digestion and transformation of fluids.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao): A powerful point for harmonizing the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, SP6 is effective in transforming dampness and improving fluid metabolism.
- ST40 (Fenglong): This point is used to resolve phlegm and dampness, aiding in the body’s ability to clear away excess fluids
Acupuncture Treatment Duration
We treated the patient once a week for eight weeks. During each session, we adjusted the points slightly based on her progress, but the focus remained on strengthening the Spleen and transforming dampness. In addition to acupuncture, we advised her on dietary changes that would support her Spleen Qi, such as avoiding cold, raw foods and incorporating more warm, easily digestible foods like soups and stews.
Results and Patient Outcome
After eight treatments, our patient experienced a remarkable improvement. Her edema had reduced by 60%, making the swelling in her legs, arms, and face far less noticeable. She also reported feeling more energetic and mentally clear – two additional benefits of addressing the underlying Spleen Qi deficiency. Most importantly, she was able to return to her garden with ease, once again enjoying the activities she loved.
In addition to the physical improvements, our patient in this edema acupuncture case report expressed a deep sense of relief that she had found a treatment that worked without the adverse side effects she had experienced with diuretics and other medications. Acupuncture, by addressing the root cause of her condition rather than just the symptoms, provided her with lasting relief and improved her overall well-being.
Edema Acupuncture Case Report
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating edema by addressing the underlying cause from a Chinese medicine perspective. By strengthening the Spleen Qi and transforming dampness, our patient was able to experience significant relief from her swelling, regain her energy, and return to the activities she loved. Acupuncture is a safe and holistic treatment option for edema, offering a natural and side-effect-free approach to improving health and quality of life.
Next Steps
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Focus Keyphrase: Edema Acupuncture Case Report
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A 2011 edema acupuncture study concluded that acupuncture reduced lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. The study, conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, specifically demonstrated acupuncture’s role in lowering post-surgical arm swelling.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema (swelling) occurs when the lymphatic system becomes damaged, leading to fluid accumulation. The lymph network regulates the return of fluids to the bloodstream. Breast cancer surgery often impairs the lymphatic system due to the removal or radiation of lymph nodes under the armpit. As a result, swelling of the arms and sides of the body is common after treatment.
The researchers at Sloan-Kettering recognized the limitations of current treatment options for lymphedema, noting that they were only “marginally beneficial, rarely reducing arm swelling in any meaningful way.” This edema acupuncture study concluded that acupuncture was safe and that some of the women in the study showed a 30 percent or more reduction of lymphedema-related arm swelling.
Edema Acupuncture Study
In the study, patients qualified as having lymphedema when the affected arm was 2 centimeters more swollen than the unaffected arm. Study participants received acupuncture twice a week for four weeks.
The following acupoints were used for treatment:
- Local points on the arms: LI15, LI4, TW14, and LU5.
- Supporting points on the torso to improve the lymphatic system: CV12 and CV3.
- Distal points on the lower legs to reduce swelling: SP6 and ST36.
Acupuncturists retained needles for 30 minutes.
Edema Research Conclusions
Results were documented, including a six-month follow-up. There were no adverse side effects from treatment, and the researchers concluded that “acupuncture appears safe and may reduce lymphedema associated with breast cancer surgery.”
Acupuncture Reduces Edema
While this edema acupuncture study focused on lymphedema, acupuncture also reduces swelling in the legs, abdomen, arms, torso, and face caused by other imbalances in the body. We use local points in the affected area as guides, directing the body’s healing attention to the particular areas of swelling. In addition, we incorporate torso and leg points to strengthen the body’s innate ability to regulate water metabolism – which reduces swelling system-wide.
Acupuncture is Safe
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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Reference
Acupunct Med. doi:10.1136/aim.2011.004069. A safety and efficacy pilot study of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic lymphedema. Barrie R Cassileth, Kimberly J Van Zee, Yi Chan, Marci I Coleton, Clifford A Hudis, Sara Cohen, James Lozada, Andrew J Vickers.
Focus Keyphrase: edema acupuncture study
A 50 year old woman came to our office complaining of lower leg edema. She was taking a water pill and had tried other medications without success. This edema acupuncture case study describes how we were able to reduce her lower leg swelling.
The Problem
Edema (a.k.a. swelling) can happen any place in the body. But it is most common in the lower legs, ankles and calves. Our patient did not have any liver, heart or kidney disease that could explain the swelling. In fact, she was active and healthy overall. She had developed the swelling after giving birth to her third child 10 years earlier, and had not been able to get rid of it since.
In this edema acupuncture case study, our patient’s lower legs were extremely swollen, all the way down to the ankles. Compression socks helped a little, but they were uncomfortable and did not give long term relief.
The Solution
Chinese medicine recognizes various causes for edema. One of them, which happened to be the cause for our patient, is called Spleen Qi Deficiency leading to Damp Accumulation. The body is unable to regulate water metabolism properly, leading to water accumulation (swelling and edema). Acupuncture strengthens Spleen function, boosting the body’s ability to regulate water. This directly leads to a reduction in swelling.
The acupuncture points used in her treatment included SP9, SP3, ST36, LI10, GV20 and Yintang. Other points were used at different times during the course of her treatments. After 7 sessions (once a week) her edema was 90% resolved. She returned for monthly maintenance, at which time the edema went away completely.
A side benefit in this edema acupuncture case study included a boost in our patient’s energy levels and weight loss of 10 pounds. In addition, she started exercising more regularly (something she loved but has reduced when the leg swelling started).
What To Expect
All needles are sterile, single-use and hair thin. Our patient in this edema acupuncture case study was not bothered by the points, and most likely you won’t be either. She found the treatments quite relaxing. And while she did not fall sleep during her sessions (which many of our patients do) she always felt calm and peaceful during and after her treatments.
Next Steps
Come in and try acupuncture if you are encouraged by what you have read in this edema acupuncture case study.
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WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR EDEMA TREATMENT.
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Edema Acupuncture Case Study
We have a high success rate treating edema. This case study is fairly typical for how edema responds to acupuncture treatment. Feel free to call us if you have specific questions about your edema.
Are your legs always swollen? Maybe it’s your face or hands that are puffy and tight. This condition is called edema. The Raleigh Acupuncture edema treatment can significantly relieve and often resolve your swelling. Read on to find out how.
Raleigh Acupuncture Edema Treatment
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Acupucture Relieves Swelling
Chronic swelling in the body is due to water accumulation. When the body processes fluids correctly, it circulates just like blood. In Chinese medicine, the Spleen manages water regulation. When the Spleen Qi (energy) is weak, water collects and causes edema. It most often occurs in the lower legs, but swelling can happen anywhere in the body.
Acupuncture relieves edema by addressing the root cause, poor water metabolism. We use specific acupuncture points to strengthen your Spleen function. When the Spleen is working correctly, it naturally circulates water in the body, resolving edema.
Finding the Root Cause of Edema
When you come for acupuncture, we conduct an intake, ask you questions about your health, look at your tongue and feel your pulse. This information gives us a good understanding of how your internal organs function.
While most cases of edema involve Spleen Qi weakness, other organs may also be affected. For example, Kidney Qi deficiency often plays a role in swelling. Then, following the examination, we determine your Chinese medicine diagnosis, which identifies the organ imbalances responsible for your edema.
Acupuncture Treatment Plan
Once we establish your pattern diagnosis, we create a treatment plan to correct the imbalance. You receive your first acupuncture treatment the same day, which begins the healing process. The number of treatments you need depends on the severity of the imbalances in your body.
For example, acupuncture can correct some patients’ edema in three treatments while others may need six or nine. However, no matter how many treatments you need, you will start feeling the benefits of your treatment after just a few sessions.
Next Steps
If you have edema, come in for acupuncture. The treatment will reduce swelling and improve your health at the same time.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Watch Video About Our Edema Treatment.
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
