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.
Next Steps
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Video – Raleigh Acupuncture Edema Treatment.
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
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
