- Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)11704 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 295, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
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Recent Posts
- How to Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Nutcracker Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Rosacea With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Perioral Dermatitis With Acupuncture and TCM
- Lymphatic Drainage With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Turf Toe With Acupuncture
- How to Treat Nerve Pain With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Watery Eyes With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Ovarian Cysts With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Dystonia With Acupuncture and TCM
- Can Acupuncture Help Bad Breath?
- How to Treat Atopy with Acupuncture and TCM
- Plantar Fasciosis Treatment With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Protect Yourself When Air Quality Is Poor
- How to Treat Spinal Headache With Acupuncture and TCM
- How to Treat Sarcoidosis With Acupuncture and TCM
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Acupuncture
How to Treat Dupuytren’s Contracture With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cal, L.Ac., Ph.D.

Fingers bent and can’t straighten? Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which the tissues under the skin of the fingers get thick and tight, making it hard to open your hand fully. Acupuncture and TCM offer alternative treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture to help improve mobility in the fingers and hand.
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a progressive condition that causes the fingers—most often the ring and pinky fingers—to bend toward the palm, eventually interfering with hand function. Although it often develops slowly over several years, the impact on everyday activities can be significant.
What Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a connective tissue disorder that affects the palmar fascia—the fibrous layer beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Over time, this tissue thickens and shortens into tough, cord-like structures that gradually pull the fingers into a bent position.
This condition most commonly affects the ring and pinky fingers. While the condition is typically painless, it can significantly limit hand function, making it difficult to perform daily tasks like grasping objects, typing, or even shaking hands.
It is more common in older adults, particularly men, and often develops in both hands, though one may be more severely affected. Patients may also notice small nodules or puckering of the skin in the palm during the early stages.
Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture
In the beginning, the condition might present as a small lump or thickened band of tissue in the palm. These fibrous cords become more pronounced over time, leading to increasing difficulty in extending one or more fingers.
Typically, the ring and little fingers are affected. As the disease progresses, the fingers are pulled inward toward the palm in a flexed position. This flexion limits hand mobility and can make everyday tasks, such as putting hands in pockets or wearing gloves, challenging. Additionally, the skin on the palm may appear puckered or dimpled, reflecting the tightening of the underlying fascia.
Top 5 Signs of Dupuytren’s Contracture
- A small lump or nodule in the palm or thickened bands or cords of tissue under the skin
- Difficulty fully extending one or more fingers
- Fingers (typically ring and pinky) pulled into a bent position
- Loss of hand function or reduced range of motion
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin on the palm
In the early stages, symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture may be subtle and not interfere much with hand use. As the contracture progresses, everyday tasks can become increasingly difficult.
What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Although the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors are known to contribute to the development of Dupuytren’s Contracture. Genetics seem to play a significant role; people with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and epilepsy, have been linked to a higher incidence of Dupuytren’s. Lifestyle choices like smoking and heavy alcohol use may also contribute to the formation of these fibrous hand contractures by promoting inflammation and poor circulation.
Conventional Diagnosis and Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture
A medical diagnosis of Dupuytren’s Contracture typically involves a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms. One common clinical assessment is the “tabletop test,” in which the patient tries to lay their hand flat on a surface. Inability to do so often indicates the presence of contracture.
In early or mild cases where the fingers are still mostly functional, doctors may suggest observation. However, if the condition progresses to the point where hand function is compromised, treatment becomes necessary.
Conventional treatments include steroid injections to reduce inflammation in nodules, enzyme injections such as collagenase to weaken the cords and allow manual extension, and needle aponeurotomy, a technique that involves breaking up the thickened tissue with a needle. In more advanced cases, surgical removal of the diseased fascia, known as fasciectomy, may be required. Though these interventions can be effective in the short term, recurrence is common, and recovery—particularly from surgery—can be long and uncomfortable.
Can Acupuncture Help Dupuytren’s Contracture?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dupuytren’s Contracture is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances that obstruct the flow of Qi and blood through the meridians of the hand. The condition corresponds with what TCM describes as “Bi syndrome,” or painful obstruction syndrome. According to TCM theory, this condition often arises from external pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness invading the meridians and causing stagnation. Over time, this stagnation leads to blood stasis and the formation of hard nodules and fibrous bands that contract the hand.
Additionally, internal imbalances—such as Liver Qi stagnation, which impairs the smooth flow of energy and affects the sinews, and Kidney deficiency, which weakens the bones and tendons—may underlie the development of this condition. These factors contribute to the gradual stiffening and deformity of the hand over time.
A TCM approach to treating Dupuytren’s Contracture focuses on restoring the proper flow of Qi and blood, relaxing tendons, and softening nodules. Acupuncture can help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve the tightness and rigidity in the fascia. Local needling around the palm and forearm is often combined with other points along the meridians to address systemic imbalances.
Moxibustion, the therapeutic application of heat using the dried herb mugwort, is sometimes applied over the affected area to dispel Cold and Dampness and improve local blood flow. This can help relieve stiffness and improve finger mobility. Tui Na, or Chinese medical massage, may also be used to manipulate the hand and fingers, helping to break up fibrous tissue and restore range of motion.
Herbal medicine—both internal formulas and topical liniments—can be customized to nourish the blood, dispel stasis, and promote tendon health.
Cupping therapy may also be incorporated to stimulate circulation and relax the contracted fascia. These methods, used together, provide a comprehensive, non-invasive way to manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression of Dupuytren’s Contracture.
One case study reported significant improvements in a patient’s hand mobility, along with reduced pain and thickening of tissue, after a series of six acupuncture treatments supported by moxibustion and herbal therapy.
Another published case study described how acupuncture and electroacupuncture helped a patient reduce the thickness of nodules and regain finger extension.
Research into acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating fibrotic and musculoskeletal disorders suggests that this modality may be especially well-suited for managing connective tissue issues. Acupuncture can promote fibroblast remodeling, modulate inflammation, and improve microcirculation—mechanisms that are directly relevant to the treatment of Dupuytren’s.
Acupuncture Near Me for Dupuytren’s Contracture in West Los Angeles
If you’re noticing a thickening in your palm or your fingers are beginning to curl inward, you don’t have to wait until surgery becomes necessary. Early intervention with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may help restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and potentially slow the progression of Dupuytren’s Contracture.
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West Los Angeles, we create personalized treatment plans that address the whole person—targeting both symptoms and the root imbalances underlying them. Contact us today to learn how we can help you regain full use of your hands with the help of TCM.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Nutcracker Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.

Bloody pee? Left side pain between your ribs and hip bone? Dizziness when you go to stand up? These can all be signs of Nutcracker Syndrome, or a compressed vein on your left side. Acupuncture and TCM can be used as an adjunct treatment for Nutcracker Syndrome to help relieve pain and improve blood flow.
What Is Nutcracker Syndrome?
Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS) is a rare vascular compression disorder that occurs when the left renal vein (LRV) becomes compressed, most commonly between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. This compression impedes blood flow from the left kidney, causing increased venous pressure that can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Symptoms of Nutcracker Syndrome
The most common symptoms of NCS include chronic pain in the left flank or abdomen and/or blood in the urine.
Many patients also experience pelvic pain or a feeling of pelvic congestion, especially women during menstruation.
Men may develop a varicocele, a swelling of the veins within the scrotum. Other symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, orthostatic intolerance (feeling lightheaded upon standing), and in some cases, headaches resulting from spinal vein congestion.
The most common signs of Nutcracker Syndrome include:
- Chronic left-sided flank or abdominal pain
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
- Pelvic pain or congestion, often worsening with standing or during menstruation
- Varicocele in men
- Fatigue, occasional dizziness or syncope
- Orthostatic intolerance (lightheadedness upon standing)
- Headache
Because these symptoms can be non-specific and vary in intensity, NCS is often difficult to diagnose.
How Is Nutcracker Syndrome Treated?

Diagnosis of Nutcracker syndrome usually begins with imaging studies. A Doppler ultrasound is often used as an initial screening tool because it is non-invasive and effective at detecting abnormalities in blood flow. More detailed imaging with CT or MRI scans can confirm the compression of the renal vein and rule out other potential causes. In some cases, venography with pressure measurements is necessary to definitively diagnose NCS, as it can directly measure the pressure gradient across the compressed vein.
In Western medicine, treatment options for NCS depend largely on the severity of symptoms. For mild or moderate cases, especially in children and adolescents, conservative treatment may be advised. This can include observation, weight gain to alter the angle between the arteries, and medications such as ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure and reduce proteinuria.
For more severe cases, particularly when quality of life is affected or there is significant hematuria or kidney function compromise, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical options include transposition of the renal vein, renal autotransplantation, or endovascular stenting. Each of these carries its own risks and benefits, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
While these interventions focus on the anatomical problem, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a complementary approach that addresses the systemic effects of the condition.
Can Acupuncture Help Nutcracker Syndrome?

Acupuncture is widely known for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, and it has been used effectively to treat symptoms similar to those experienced by NCS patients. Although specific research on acupuncture for NCS is limited, there is growing evidence that acupuncture can help relieve flank pain, regulate blood flow, and improve autonomic function.
According to TCM theory, Nutcracker Syndrome can be understood as a combination of Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and deficiencies in the Kidney and Spleen systems. The Kidney in TCM governs water metabolism and structural integrity, while the Spleen is responsible for transporting fluids and maintaining overall balance in the body. When these systems are out of harmony, blood flow becomes sluggish and can lead to congestion and pain, like the impaired venous drainage seen in NCS.
Treatment with acupuncture typically involves selecting points that invigorate blood circulation, strengthen Kidney and Spleen Qi, and relieve pain.
Moxibustion may also be used to warm the Kidney area and promote circulation. In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can play a vital role. Customized herbal formulas may be prescribed to address individual patterns and promote healing.
Acupuncture Near Me for Nutcracker Syndrome in West Los Angeles
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture near Santa Monica, we offer a holistic approach to healing. For patients suffering from Nutcracker Syndrome, acupuncture and TCM offer a non-invasive, supportive pathway to symptom management and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your side, hematuria, or other related symptoms and are looking for a natural, integrative approach, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West Los Angeles. We are here to help you find relief.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Perioral Dermatitis With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac.

Itchy red bumps around mouth, nose, or under eyes? Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that shows up as a red, bumpy rash on the face. Acupuncture and TCM offers a holistic way to help get rid of perioral dermatitis.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a type of face rash that primarily affects the area around the mouth (perioral), though it can also show up around the nose (perinasal dermatitis) and eyes (periorbital dermatitis). This condition is most commonly seen in women aged 20–45, but it can affect men and children as well. It’s considered a form of rosacea or a rosacea-like condition by many dermatologists, though it has its own distinct features.
Unlike acne, the red bumps in perioral dermatitis don’t contain pus, and unlike eczema, the rash is not typically scaly or flaky. It often appears suddenly and can be persistent, sometimes lasting for weeks or months.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal therapy, offers a natural approach to different types of dermatitis that focuses on healing the skin and addressing underlying imbalances that cause this condition.
Top 5 Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues that cause skin rashes or other skin conditions, such as: acne, herpes, rosacea, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, discoid lupus, and papula sarcoidoisi. The most common signs of Perioral Dermatitis include:
- Red, inflamed bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Burning or itching sensation in the affected area
- Dry, tight, or peeling skin
- Clear fluid or pus in some bumps (though usually not like acne)
- Rash that spares the skin directly around the lips (creating a clear border)
Typically, perioral dermatitis will become worse with use of corticosteroid creams or heavy moisturizers.
It is important to recognize this condition, so that it can be treated appropriately.
What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not fully understood, but several triggers and contributing factors have been identified. People who already suffer from eczema may be more prone to developing perioral dermatitis, because eczema can affect the skin barrier. Here are some of the things that might trigger an perioral dermatitis outbreak or flare up:
Topical corticosteroid use – This is the most common trigger. Long-term use of steroid creams, even over-the-counter hydrocortisone, can lead to this rash.
Hormonal changes – Many people who menstruate notice flare-ups around their menstrual cycle or during times of hormonal fluctuation.
Use of heavy facial creams or cosmetics – Occlusive skin products may block pores and irritate the skin.
Fluoridated toothpaste – Some people find their symptoms worsen with fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Environmental triggers – Sun exposure, wind, and heat can aggravate the skin.
Microbial imbalance – Overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast on the skin may play a role.
Stress – Emotional stress can weaken the immune system and disrupt skin balance.
Dietary factors – Some people report flares related to certain foods, like spicy foods or alcohol.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis
In a conventional medical setting, diagnosis is typically made based on a visual exam and patient history. A dermatologist may ask about what kinds of skincare products you use, medications (especially steroid use), and recent lifestyle changes.
Standard treatments include:
Discontinuation of steroid creams – Although this may cause a rebound flare, it is essential to stop steroid use.
Topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory creams – Such as metronidazole or clindamycin.
Oral antibiotics – Like tetracycline or doxycycline, especially for more stubborn cases.
Skin care guidance – Patients are usually advised to stop all current products and switch to a minimalist routine with gentle cleansers and no makeup.
While these treatments can be effective, they don’t always address the root cause, and relapses are common—especially if underlying imbalances are not corrected.
TCM for Perioral Dermatitis

Traditional Chinese Medicine sees perioral dermatitis not just as a skin problem, but as a sign of deeper internal disharmony. In TCM, the health of the skin is closely related to the health of the Lung, Stomach, and Spleen organ systems. When there is heat, dampness, or toxicity trapped in the body, it can manifest as inflammation on the skin.
For example, a rash around the mouth is often related to Stomach Heat or Spleen Dampness, especially if digestion is weak or the diet is rich in spicy or greasy foods. If the rash appears around the nose and cheeks, Lung Heat or Wind-Heat may be contributing factors.
TCM also considers emotional stress and hormonal imbalance as key factors in skin conditions. Emotional stress can create stagnation in the Liver system, while hormonal changes may disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, leading to heat and inflammation.
Can Acupuncture Help Perioral Dermatitis?
Acupuncture and TCM therapies aim to treat the root cause of perioral dermatitis while also calming the skin and promoting healing.
Acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and rebalance the organ systems involved. Specific acupuncture points may be used to clear heat, drain dampness, and support the Spleen and Lung.
Chinese herbal medicine can be customized to each patient’s individual pattern. Herbal formulas will be customized for each individual, depending on the presentation.
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are often part of treatment, helping patients avoid inflammatory foods, support digestion, and reduce stress.
Facial gua sha and herbal washes can be used as topical therapies to calm redness, promote lymphatic drainage, and soothe irritated skin.
In many cases, patients find that their rash improves significantly with a few weeks of consistent acupuncture and herbal therapy—without the side effects of antibiotics or topical steroids.
While studies specifically on acupuncture for perioral dermatitis are limited, research shows that acupuncture is effective in treating other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea. These studies demonstrate that acupuncture can reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and modulate the immune system, which are all key factors in healing perioral dermatitis.
A review found that acupuncture reduced itch, redness, and lesion count in patients with atopic dermatitis. Another study noted improvement in acne symptoms with acupuncture and herbal medicine, especially in women with hormonal imbalances.
Acupuncture Near Me for Perioral Dermatitis in West Los Angeles
If you’ve been struggling with persistent or recurring perioral dermatitis and are looking for a more holistic, drug-free way to manage your symptoms, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer a safe and effective alternative. By treating both the surface symptoms and the internal imbalances, we help the skin heal from the inside out.
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture, we specialize in treating chronic skin conditions like perioral dermatitis using the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Every treatment is tailored to your unique constitution and lifestyle, so you can heal naturally and prevent future flare-ups. If you’re dealing with red, itchy bumps around your mouth or face, don’t wait—reach out today to schedule your consultation and get started on the path to clearer, calmer skin.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
Lymphatic Drainage With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Persistent swelling in your arms, legs, or other areas of your body? This could be a sign of lymphedema, a condition caused by the buildup of lymphatic fluid. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a gentle and effective way to promote lymphatic drainage and support the body’s natural detoxification process.
What Is Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system is a complex network of nodes, tubes and ducts that move lymph fluid through the body, carrying immune cells (like T cells, B cells, and NK cells) that fight against bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and damaged cells.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to properly drain lymph fluid, leading to fluid retention and tissue swelling. When the system is blocked or damaged, lymph can accumulate in the tissues, causing swelling and discomfort.
Top 10 Symptoms of Lymphedema
Signs of lymphedema, or lymphatic edema, can develop slowly over time or come on quite suddenly. At first, you may notice that a part of your body is a little swollen, or that your arm or leg just seems a little bit more swollen and stiff than the other one. Your clothes might seem a little bit tighter.
You might notice that you can’t see veins in your limbs, when you used to be able to. Your joints just may seem stiff. It can be easy to attribute mild symptoms of lymphedema to hot weather, general inflammation, or simply aging.
As lymphedema progresses to more severe stages, you may begin to notice that the affected areas are always stiff and swollen, firm to the touch, and that the skin in those areas is becoming noticeably thicker.
Common symptoms of lymphedema include:
- Swelling in the arms, legs, fingers, toes, face, or trunk
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area, restricted range of motion
- Aching or discomfort in the swollen limb
- Recurring infections in the affected area
- Hardening or thickening of the skin (fibrosis), redness, itchy skin, rosacea
Symptoms of lymphedema may worsen over time if they are not addressed. Acupuncture and TCM offer a holistic way to treat lymphedema and manage the underlying conditions that cause swelling.
Common Causes of Lymphedema
There can be many different factors that lead to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. A few of the most common causes of lymphatic edema include:
- Surgical removal of lymph nodes (commonly due to cancer treatment)
- Radiation therapy that damages lymph vessels or nodes
- Infections that cause inflammation and blockage of lymphatic vessels
- Cancer that spreads to or blocks lymph nodes
- Injury or trauma to the lymphatic system
- Congenital malformations or underdeveloped lymphatic vessels (primary lymphedema)
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle that impair lymph flow
Treatment for Lymphedema

Conventional treatment for lymphedema typically focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. This may include a recommendation to wear compression garments like sleeves or stockings to encourage lymph flow. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): A specialized massage technique performed by trained therapists to move lymph fluid manually.
Gentle, regular physical activity may be recommended to help stimulate lymphatic circulation.
Machines known as Pneumatic compression devices, such as inflatable sleeves worn on the limbs, can mimic manual drainage.
In some cases, procedures to remove excess tissue or improve drainage pathways.
While these methods can help manage the symptoms, they often need to be maintained consistently and may not address the underlying systemic imbalances.
TCM View of Lymphedema
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lymphedema is viewed as a disruption of the body’s natural flow of Qi (vital energy) and fluids. According to TCM theory, the spleen plays a central role in fluid metabolism. When the spleen Qi is weak or deficient, it cannot properly transform and transport fluids, leading to dampness and phlegm accumulation. This internal dampness can settle in the limbs and cause swelling.
Lymphedema may also be related to stagnation of Qi and blood, particularly in the channels (meridians) that traverse the affected area. External factors like trauma, surgery, or radiation can block the flow of Qi and blood, creating what TCM refers to as “blood stasis.”
Key TCM patterns that may contribute to lymphedema include:
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Damp accumulation
- Qi stagnation
- Blood stasis
Can Acupuncture Help With Lymphatic Drainage?

Acupuncture helps to regulate the flow of Qi and blood through the meridians. When specific points are stimulated, they can promote circulation and encourage the movement of stagnant fluids.
Herbal medicine and acupuncture treatments can strengthen the spleen’s function of fluid transformation and transport. Strengthening the kidneys also helps resolve chronic dampness and supports the body’s ability to detoxify.
Research has shown that acupuncture has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. For patients experiencing pain, heaviness, and aching due to lymphedema, acupuncture can provide relief.
A healthy lymphatic system is essential for immune function. Acupuncture has been found to modulate immune activity and may help reduce the frequency of infections associated with lymphedema.
Gentle massage techniques like Tui Na and Gua Sha can be applied along the meridians to manually stimulate lymphatic drainage. Unlike deep tissue massage, these methods work with the body’s energy system to promote gentle, effective movement of fluids without overwhelming the tissues.
One study of women who had breast cancer related lymphedema found that twice weekly acupuncture sessions over the course of four weeks helped reduce swelling in their arms.
A review of studies on acupuncture treatment for cancer patients showed that acupuncture not only helped with lymphatic swelling, but also helped to relieve anxiety and depression, nausea and vomiting, and chemotherapy induced neuropathy.
Acupuncture Near Me for Lymphatic Drainage in West Los Angeles
Lymphedema can be a chronic and frustrating condition, but there are holistic options that go beyond symptom management. Acupuncture and TCM offer time-tested methods to support lymphatic drainage, strengthen the body’s natural detox systems, and relieve discomfort. If you’re living with lymphedema or chronic swelling, reach out to us at Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West Los Angeles. We’d be happy to create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel lighter, more comfortable, and more energized again.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Dystonia With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.

Writer’s cramp? Foot cramps and spasms in your calf muscles? Cramps that cause your toes to curl up or big toe to stick up? These are signs of dystonia, a disorder that causes muscles to contract, causing painful spasms and uncontrollable twisting of body parts. Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of dystonia and reduce cramping.
Dystonia is a movement disorder that can affect one part of the body, such as the hand, or several parts of the body, causing painful cramping and involuntary muscle contractions.
Dystonia most often affects the hands, feet, and neck (cervical dystonia or neck dystonia). When the cramping only happens in one area, this is known as focal dystonia, i.e. focal dystonia hand, or focal hand dystonia.
Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of dystonia without injections or surgery.
Top 5 Kinds of Dystonia
Dystonia muscle cramping and spasming can happen in various parts of the body, including:
- Neck (Cervical Dystonia) – spasm pulls the head to one side forward or backward.
- Hand – usually triggered by a certain activity, like writing, playing an instrument, or playing golf.
- Jaw – (Oromandibular Dystonia) – causes trouble with chewing, swallowing or drooling, can happen concurrently with cervical dystonia.
- Eyelids (Blepharospasm) – spasms cause the eyelids to close, can also feel like dry eyes, sensitivity to light. Can be triggered by light, screens, and stress.
- Vocal Cords (Laryngeal Dystonia) – strained voice, only able to speak in a whisper.
For some people, dystonia does not cause pain, while for others, it can become increasingly painful. In some cases, dystonia may plateau; in others, it gets progressively more severe.
Over time, some types of dystonia can lead to the deterioration of joints and arthritis.
What Causes Dystonia?

Medical science is not entirely clear on the specific causes of dystonia. There may be some genetic predisposition for dystonia. Some types of dystonia show up without any seeming correlation to other issues (primary dystonia). Other kinds of dystonia manifest as symptoms of another disorder affecting the nervous system.
Muscle spasms can be a symptom of several different disorders, including:
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
- Brain injury or brain tumor
- Encephalitis
- Tuberculosis
- Carbon monoxide poisoning or heavy metal poisoning
Some types of dystonia can be brought on by a specific physical activity. Mental, emotional, and physical stress can also trigger an episode of dystonia cramping.
Some studies have suggested that there is a problem with motor programming, or a deficiency in the motor cortical network of the nervous system.
Treatment for Dystonia
The most common form of treatment for focal dystonia, such as the kind that causes “writer’s cramp,” is botulinum neurotoxin (BNT or Botox) injections. This is a localized treatment that helps relieve symptoms by blocking the release of chemicals involved in muscular contractions.
Patients feel their muscles relax within a few days or a week. The results of this treatment typically only last for a few months, and then another injection is needed.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical method used to treat dystonia. This involves the implantation of a stimulator that is somewhat like a pacemaker; it is controlled remotely and stimulates parts of the brain that affect muscular contractions.
Acupuncture can be a good alternative treatment modality for reducing the muscle spasms associated with dystonia.
Can Acupuncture Help Dystonia?

TCM theory views most health issues as being related to internal or external pathogenic forces causing imbalance within the organ systems. Organ systems in TCM are interrelated in ways that may seem counterintuitive from the “Western medicine” point of view. For example, in TCM, the actions of the muscles and tendons are related to the liver system.
Pathogenic forces like wind, damp, and heat can arise or attack the organ systems and cause problems. In the case of dystonia, excess wind in the liver affects the tendons and muscles, causing them to be overactivated.
In some cases, dystonia is triggered by emotional stress. If a patient is experiencing anxiety or depression, then that is also a factor that needs to be addressed.
Thus, the acupuncturist will create a treatment protocol designed to use different TCM modalities to address the root cause of the problem and the symptoms. Acupuncture to treat dystonia will address the liver wind and also be used to help relax the muscles. Treatment can also focus on relieving stress and balancing the person’s emotional state.
Acupuncture treatment is often used to help stimulate muscle tone. In cases of dystonia, we will use acupoints on the meridians related to the affected muscles as a way of both suppressing muscle tone and activating it. Some of the muscles related to the area that is cramping up might be hypertonic (tight and rigid), while others might be hypotonic (not active or offering resistance).
One study that looked at acupuncture treatment for cervical dystonia used electromyogram to measure muscle activity, and it showed that shallow placement of acupuncture needles decreased excess activity in the muscles.
Another study looked at patients who had been receiving Botox treatment for their cervical dystonia. They then received a series of 6 sessions of acupuncture treatment. All of the patients reported improvement and two-thirds of the patients intended to continue acupuncture treatments for management of their condition.
Gua sha and other forms of Chinese massage can also be used to help with dystonia.
Moxibustion or moxa, which is a warming herb that is burned near the affected area, can also be helpful to relieve cramping.
Acupuncture Near Me for Dystonia
Dystonia can be a serious disruption to your daily life and activities, making you feel out of control in your body. In some cases, dystonia causes serious pain. If you have been experiencing severe muscle cramping in specific areas, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Art of Wellness for help. Drs. Tan and Cai have over 35 years of experience helping to treat conditions of all kinds that affect the nervous system and cause musculoskeletal problems.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.