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Neuropathy

How to Treat Lumbar Stenosis With Acupuncture and TCM

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By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.

 

man holding his lower back in pain
Lumbar Stenosis can cause lower back pain and weakness.

Lower back lumbar pain? Sciatic pain that radiates down the legs or causes tingling or numbness in the legs? These can be signs of lumbar stenosis, a nerve condition affecting the spinal cord in the lower back. Acupuncture and TCM offer lower back pain treatment for spinal stenosis of the spine.

 

What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

The lower part of the spine, known as the lumbar region, consists of five vertebrae situated between the ribs and the pelvis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal has become more narrow over time, compressing the nerves that travel through the lower back and into the legs. This can cause back lumbar pain, or lower back pain.

This condition is similar to cervical radiculopathy, in which compression of nerves in the upper spine cause neck pain and shoulder pain.

Although lumbar stenosis can affect younger individuals due to congenital factors, it is most often seen in people over the age of 60 as a degenerative condition.

Spinal stenosis can be related to a  slipped disc in back (also known as a bulging disc in back or herniated disc in back).

As we age, changes in the spine develop gradually over years, even decades. The disks that cushion the vertebrae lose their sponginess, shrink in height, and may bulge into the spinal canal.

Bone spurs can also form, and the spinal ligaments may thicken. These changes are all part of the body’s natural aging process, yet together they can create a narrowing of the central canal. When this narrowing causes inflammation or compression of nerves, it can lead to the symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. 

 

Top 5 Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Back pain, or what is known as “sciatic pain,” that radiates down the legs, are the most common symptoms of spinal stenosis. The pain is usually most pronounced when standing or walking for long periods of time and feels better when you sit down or bend forward to stretch the legs and low back.

 

  1. Leg pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks
  2. Cramping in the calves when walking, often requiring frequent breaks to walk any significant distance
  3. Pain radiating down one or both legs, hip pain, a sensation similar to sciatica
  4. In severe cases, loss of motor function in the legs or issues with bowel or bladder control
  5. Pain that improves when bending forward, sitting, or lying down

 

Spinal stenosis can affect your gait, by causing numbness or weakness in the muscles in the calf that lift the front part of the foot; that leads to feet slap when walking. This is also known as “foot drop,” “slap gait,” or “steppage gait.”

In some cases, lumbar spinal stenosis can also cause sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction (ED), pain during sex, difficulty with arousal, or an inability to orgasm.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is sometimes accompanied by other age-related conditions. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips over another (typically L4 over L5), and degenerative scoliosis, which causes a mild curvature in the lower back, may occur alongside spinal stenosis. 

In rare cases, lumbar spinal stenosis can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, severe numbness in the legs, or intense weakness that affects your mobility, seek medical help right away.

 

Medical Diagnosis of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

woman holding her buttocks as she gets in her car, in pain
Spinal stenosis pain can radiate down the leg and into sciatic nerve area.

A healthcare provider will begin with a thorough physical exam, assessing sensation, strength, and reflexes to identify any signs of spinal stenosis. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans provide detailed insights into the structure of the spine, allowing doctors to pinpoint areas where the spinal canal may be narrowed or where bone spurs could be pressing on nerves. In some cases, further testing may be recommended, including nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or a myelogram to examine nerve function and muscle response.

 

Medical Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Treatment for spinal stenosis usually involves pain management through medication.

 Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. For some people, steroid injections may also be recommended to reduce swelling. In cases where nerve pain or muscle spasms are present, specific medications maybe be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.

If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include removing bone spurs and widening the spaces in the spine to relieve nerve pressure, known as decompression, and sometimes spinal fusion to stabilize the lower back. This type of surgery is often recommended only when other measures have not been successful, except in emergency cases like cauda equina syndrome.

Acupuncture and TCM can help relieve back pain, leg pain, and hip pain, without the unwanted side effects that can come with taking pain medications and steroid injections.

 

Can Acupuncture Help Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Woman with acupuncture needles and electroacupuncture wires hooked up
Electroacupuncture for back pain.

Acupuncture is now widely recognized as an effective way to manage pain without side effects or dependence on drugs.

In a randomized study involving 80 patients over the age of 50 with lumbar spinal stenosis, acupuncture was compared to a sham acupuncture treatment over 24 sessions across 8 weeks. Results showed that the acupuncture group experienced a significant improvement and greater reductions in pain intensity, symptoms, and dysfunction compared to the sham group.

Another study on acupuncture for spinal stenosis included patients experiencing chronic back and leg pain due to spinal canal narrowing, specifically with L5 radiculopathy, which often leads to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and limited mobility. This study took place in Japan, with patients who had been referred to a hospital for surgical treatment, but were given acupuncture treatment instead.

Participants in the study received a series of acupuncture treatments, where needles were inserted at specific points to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief responses. The outcomes showed that patients reported significant pain relief and improved function over time, suggesting acupuncture can be an effective alternative for managing spinal stenosis symptoms.

Importantly, the study highlighted that acupuncture could help patients avoid prolonged use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which are commonly prescribed for pain but may harm liver health with extended use. By reducing dependency on medications, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that aligns with the goal of supporting overall wellness, including protecting liver health. This makes it a promising option for patients seeking a natural, long-term solution to manage their spinal stenosis symptoms effectively.

One study demonstrated significant pain reduction and quality-of-life improvements after 10 acupuncture sessions, with effects lasting up to six weeks post-treatment. Other trials have found that acupuncture led to greater improvements in pain, mobility, and patient satisfaction than conventional therapies alone, especially in the short term.

Preventing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

While lumbar spinal stenosis may not be entirely preventable, especially with the natural aging process, there are steps you can take to support spine health:

  • Engage in regular exercise, including aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, to keep muscles strong and flexible.
  • Practice good posture and safe lifting techniques to protect your spine.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce extra strain on the lower back.
  • Avoid smoking, as it accelerates spinal degeneration.

 

Physical therapy, staying active, and using home remedies like ice packs, heating pads, or massage can all help alleviate discomfort. 

 

Acupuncture Near Me for Lumbar Stenosis Near Me

At Art of Wellness Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in West Los Angeles, Drs. Tan and Cai have over 35 years of experience in treating pain conditions of all sorts, including low back pain, hip pain, sciatic pain, and more. They will work with each patient on an individual basis, looking at their imaging and test results and combining their knowledge of orthopedic medicine with TCM to create a unique treatment protocol. TCM views the whole person and provides holistic treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis to relieve pain and improve function.



*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.


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How to Treat Wrist Pain With Acupuncture and TCM

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By Qineng Tan, L.Ac. Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.

 

Older woman's hand holding her wrist as if in pain.
Wrist pain can happen because of injury or a chronic condition.

Wrist pain when you bend it? Is it hard to open jars or doors? Popping sound in wrist? Pain at the base of the thumb? Wrist or fingers swollen? Wrist pain can be caused by a variety of joint issues, including tendinitis of wrist, or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Acupuncture and TCM can help treat the root cause of wrist pain.

The wrist is a complex joint composed of several small bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. In medical terminology, the thumb side of the wrist is the radial wrist (wrist pain on thumb side, radial thumb pain, or inner wrist pain), while the little finger side is the ulnar wrist (wrist pain on pinky side, ulnar wrist pain, or outer wrist pain).

Injuries, such as a wrist fracture, are a particularly common cause of acute wrist pain, as people will often try to catch themselves with an outstretched hand when falling, which can easily lead to wrist injury. Wrist fractures can result in wrist pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the wrist normally. 

Fractures may also damage nearby ligaments, nerves, and tendons, which can complicate healing and prolong discomfort. Proper alignment and stabilization are essential for healing, and if not treated correctly, a fracture can lead to chronic pain and arthritis in the wrist.

Acupuncture treatment can certainly be helpful for reducing inflammation, relieving acute pain, and helping to speed the healing of a wrist fracture.

Other, more chronic conditions can also cause wrist pain.

 

Top 5 Causes of Wrist Pain

woman typing on computer keyboard
Typing and other activities can cause wrist pain.

Certain chronic health conditions that build up slowly over time can ultimately lead to wrist pain and dysfunction. Some of these include: 

 

  1. Arthritis of the Wrist – Osteoarthritis of the wrist and rheumatoid arthritis can both be causes of wrist pain. Osteoarthritis is typically caused by wear and tear on the cartilage of the wrist joint. This condition usually develops slowly over time, especially in individuals who have experienced previous injuries or repetitive stress on the wrist. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the wrist joints, leading to pain, warmth, and eventual joint damage. Both types of arthritis can severely limit the range of motion and strength in the wrist, making even simple activities painful.

 

  1. Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) – Repetitive stress injuries in the wrist are caused by continuous or repetitive movements, such as typing, gripping, or lifting, which can strain the tendons and ligaments in the wrist. Over time, this repetitive strain can lead to inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility. Carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis (discussed further below) are common forms of repetitive strain injury that cause wrist pain. RSI often requires rest and modification of activities to allow the wrist to heal, as continuous stress can worsen the condition and lead to long-term issues.

 

  1. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (also known as Quervain disease or styloid tenosynovitis) affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb become inflamed, leading to pain and tenderness, particularly during movements that involve gripping or pinching. This condition is often the result of repetitive thumb movements, such as those used in typing or texting. De Quervain’s disease tenosynovitis can cause sharp pain on the radial (thumb) side of the wrist, and people may find it difficult to grasp or hold objects.

 

  1. Tendonitis (or Tendinitis) of the Wrist – Tendonitis of the wrist refers to inflammation of the tendons that cross the wrist joint. It is commonly caused by repetitive motion, excessive strain, or sudden injury. Tendonitis can affect various tendons depending on the type of movement that led to the condition. Pain and swelling are typical symptoms, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch. Wrist tendonitis is often seen in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive tasks with their hands and can result in decreased wrist function and grip strength.

 

  1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of neuropathy, or nerve condition, caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression leads to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with repetitive wrist movements and can be exacerbated by activities that involve gripping or bending the wrist. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and reduced hand function.

 

Other possible causes of wrist pain could include: bursitis (small, fluid-filled sacs that form between bones), ganglion cysts (fluid-filled cysts that form near joints), or Kienbock’s disease (in which the lunate bone of the wrist begins to break down).

 

Treatment for Wrist Pain

When a patient presents with wrist pain, diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination to identify the specific cause of pain. The doctor will assess the patient’s range of motion, grip strength, and any areas of tenderness or swelling in the wrist. Imaging via X-rays, MRI or ultrasound may be used to confirm a diagnosis, especially if a fracture, ligament tear, or nerve compression is suspected. 

For nerve-related issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve conduction study (NCS) or electromyography (EMG) may be conducted to assess the functionality of the median nerve. This can help differentiate between arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, or specific tendon and nerve issues.

Conventional treatments for wrist pain depend on the specific diagnosis. In cases of arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy are commonly recommended to manage pain and improve joint mobility. 

For fractures, immobilization with a cast or splint is typically required, and surgery may be necessary for more severe breaks. Repetitive stress injuries like tendonitis or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis often respond to rest, ergonomic modifications, and anti-inflammatory treatments. 

Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons can be helpful. In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist splints are often used to keep the wrist in a neutral position, particularly at night, and corticosteroid injections may be administered, aimed to reduce inflammation. 

If these methods do not relieve symptoms, surgical intervention, such as carpal tunnel release, might be recommended to decompress the median nerve.

While typical treatment usually involves pain medication, rest, and possibly physical therapy, acupuncture treatment can be an excellent adjunct or alternative treatment to relieve wrist pain.

 

Can Acupuncture Help Wrist Pain?

acupuncture needling on thumb side of wrist
Acupuncture treatment can help relieve swelling and pain and improve function in the wrist.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can offer natural pain relief for injuries and chronic pain conditions, by reducing pain and inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting the body’s healing process.

According to TCM theory, the health of the internal organ systems is related to the rest of the body parts. For example, the spleen is responsible for transforming Qi and blood. If the spleen is weak, it can cause blockages in blood flow that create stasis, stiffness and pain in the limbs and joints. The liver governs the tendons of the body. When the liver is not functioning well, often due to emotional stress, than there may be pain and dysfunction in the tendons and joints.

Therefore, an acupuncturist does not only treat the painful area, but also looks at the deeper root cause and addresses them with acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbs, and other therapeutic modalities, to help relieve pain and inflammation and bring about healing.

A systematic review of trials showed that acupuncture treatment led to significant pain reduction for patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis affecting the wrist. It also concluded that acupuncture brought about pain relief and functional improvement for patients with tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

One study separated patients with carpal tunnel syndrome into two groups: one group received pain medication for wrist pain and the other group had 12 acupuncture treatments. Comparatively, the acupuncture group had greater reduction in pain, tingling, and numbness and greater functional improvement.

Studies of MRI results after acupuncture have suggested that acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome actually has a positive impact on nerve function in the wrist and changes the way the brain and nerves are signaling pain.

A trial involving patients treated for De Quervain’s disease tenosynovitis with five acupuncture sessions over the course of two weeks showed improvement in pain and grip strength, and the results were still maintained at a ten week follow up visit.
The combination of acupuncture and moxibustion can be particularly helpful for treating Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Overall, the evidence shows that acupuncture and other TCM modalities can be a relatively low cost, non-invasive way of helping to treat wrist pain, without surgery or the unwanted side effects of pain medications or steroid injections.

 

Acupuncture Near Me for Wrist Pain in Los Angeles

 

Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness in West L.A. have over 35 years of experience helping people recover from sports injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and orthopedic pain conditions of all kinds. Acupuncture treatment for wrist pain can be used in addition to your medical protocol to help speed recovery and bring about pain 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.

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How to Treat Raynaud’s Syndrome With Acupuncture and TCM

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By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac. Ph.D.

 

Raynaud's syndrome - hands in mittens to stay warm
Numbness in the fingers when exposed to cold is a sign of Raynaud’s syndrome.

Fingers numb? Numbness in fingers and toes? Fingers turning white, poor circulation in fingers, cold fingers and toes? Raynaud’s disease, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, causes poor circulation in the extremities due to constriction of the blood vessels, usually triggered by cold weather or stress. Acupuncture can help relieve Raynaud’s disease symptoms.

Raynaud’s disease is a condition characterized by occasional narrowing of the blood vessels, primarily in the fingers and toes. The small arteries that supply blood to the skin of the fingers and toes (and sometimes, to the ears and the tip of the nose) become constricted in cold conditions.

Raynaud’s syndrome causes the tips of the fingers and/or toes to turn white due to the lack of circulation, and there may be numbness in fingers or tingling in toes. A “Raynaud’s attack” or episode lasts until the person warms up, at which point, there may be a burning sensation, and the affected skin may flush and turn red as blood flow returns.

Raynaud’s can occur in two forms: primary and secondary.

Primary Raynaud’s, also called Raynaud’s disease, is the more common form and isn’t usually related to another medical condition. Raynaud’s is considered to be an exaggerated response to cold, emotional stress or anxiety, leading to spasms in the small arteries.

People with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon usually begin to experience symptomatic episodes during their teenage years. Women are more likely to have Raynaud’s. 

Secondary Raynaud’s is less common but more serious. It is associated with other diseases, typically autoimmune diseases or connective tissue disorders, like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, or lupus

Secondary Raynaud’s can be linked to conditions that directly damage the arteries or affect blood flow, like carpal tunnel syndrome. In these cases, it is considered a symptom rather than a separate condition.

 

Raynaud’s Syndrome Causes

massage feet to keep them warm
Massage your hands and feet to warm them when they start to feel cold or numb.

For most people with Raynaud’s syndrome, there is probably a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors at play.

Vascular abnormalities, or dysfunction in the blood vessels, involving excessive narrowing (vasospasm) and poor dilation in response to stimuli, may be involved.

Overactivity of the nerves controlling the blood vessels (sympathetic nervous system) may cause spasms.

Raynaud’s can tend to run in some families. If someone is already susceptible, then the numbness in fingers and toes may be triggered by cold temperatures, or a stressful situation. Smoking cigarettes can also cause Raynaud’s symptoms.

In secondary Raynaud’s, underlying autoimmune conditions can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels.

An injury to one of the limbs, like a broken wrist, or damage to the tissues from frostbite, could also trigger Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Some prescription medications, such as beta blockers, ADHD medications, medications for migraine headaches, and even some cold and flu medicines, could cause Raynaud’s symptoms.

Acupuncture treatment can help to relieve Raynaud’s syndrome symptoms and also address the underlying condition that may cause Raynaud’s. 

 

 Top 10 Raynaud’s Disease Symptoms 

Raynaud’s symptoms may show up differently for each person. Symptoms of Raynaud’s disease can vary in severity and may include:

 

  1. Skin changes color: pallor (pale skin, white skin, or yellow skin) in the affected fingers or toes during an episode
  2. In rare cases, Raynaud’s phenomenon can affect other areas, such as the nose, ears, and lips.
  3. Some people may experience Raynaud’s in their nipples, which can cause a severe throbbing pain.
  4. Bluish discoloration (Cyanosis) as blood flow decreases
  5. Affected areas feel cold and/or numb during an episode
  6. Throbbing or tingling in the fingers or in the toes
  7. Sensitivity to cold temperatures, leading to more frequent episodes in cold weather.
  8. In severe cases, recurrent or persistent episodes of reduced blood flow can lead to skin sores or ulcers, particularly on the fingertips or toes.
  9. Changes in the texture and color of the nails, including nail beds that turn white and then blue during an episode.
  10. Some individuals may experience joint pain, particularly if there is an underlying connective tissue disorder.

Emotional stress, anxiety, or rapid changes in temperature can trigger Raynaud’s symptoms.

Raynaud’s disease is generally considered a benign condition, but repeated episodes can lead to more serious problems, like skin sores, chilblains, or even gangrene, which can cause permanent damage to tissues.

 

Raynaud’s Syndrome Treatment

keep feet warm Raynaud's disease
Keep feet warm with thick socks.

Diagnosis of Raynaud’s disease may involve a test called nailfold capillaroscopy. This is a non-invasive test that allows the doctor to see the capillary size and action in the tips of the fingers and nail bed. This can help to determine whether the person has Primary Raynaud’s, or may have a connective tissue disorder, like lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.

The standard medical treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon aims to manage symptoms, improve blood flow, and prevent complications. While there is no cure for Raynaud’s, various medications and lifestyle modifications can be employed to alleviate symptoms and enhance circulation.

Medications that relax and widen blood vessels, known as vasodilators, are commonly prescribed. Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, are often used to help dilate the small blood vessels in the extremities, reducing the frequency and severity of Raynaud’s episodes.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors like sildenafil (which is also commonly prescribed to help erectile dysfunction, ED) can sometimes be beneficial in promoting blood vessel dilation and improving blood flow.

In some cases, topical nitroglycerin cream may be prescribed to increase blood flow to the affected areas.

Endothelin receptor antagonists, such as bosentan, may be considered in cases where blood vessel constriction is severe. These medications target endothelin, a substance that can cause blood vessels to narrow.

Antiplatelet agents like aspirin may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots and improve blood circulation.

If Raynaud’s is secondary to another condition, treating the underlying cause is crucial. For example, if it is associated with an autoimmune disorder, immunosuppressants might be considered.

Lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing Raynaud’s symptoms. Patients are typically advised to dress warmly.

Quitting smoking is strongly recommended, as smoking constricts blood vessels.

 

Can Acupuncture Help Raynaud’s Syndrome?

TCM has acknowledged Raynaud’s phenomenon as a condition of severe cold in the limbs for centuries. According to TCM theory, a deficiency of Qi and blood circulation is the root cause of Raynaud’s symptoms. In TCM, we consider that Qi (life force energy) and blood work together; Qi moves the blood throughout the body, and blood carries the Qi throughout the body.

In TCM, we are always looking at both external factors and internal factors that contribute to a condition. In the case of Raynaud’s disease, cold acts as a pathogenic factor that can be already present inside the body, and then, when a person is exposed to cold temperatures as an external factor, this triggers an extreme reaction.

So, in many cases, a person suffering from Raynaud’s is already dealing with too much cold and poor blood circulation. Herbs can be used to help warm the body internally and increase blood flow.

Some people develop Raynaud’s symptoms in response to stress. In this case, the liver may be involved. In TCM, the liver is associated with strong emotions, and when the liver is distressed, it can trigger muscular contractions that squeeze the blood vessels, restricting blood flow. In these cases, we will use herbal formulas and acupuncture points to help restore balance in the liver.

When there is an autoimmune disease also present, such as scleroderma or lupus, then there may also be blood stasis, and a thickening of the blood and tissues. TCM can address those conditions at their roots, as well.

An acupuncturist will make careful observations about how each individual is experiencing Raynaud’s symptoms, and address it according to the pattern presenting.

 

Top 3 Tips for Managing Raynaud’s Syndrome Symptoms

exercise regularly to help circulation - man running
Exercise regularly to help maintain healthy circulation.

You can help prevent Raynaud’s attacks by keeping your whole body warm, especially your hands and feet. 

  1. Protect your hands and feet. Wear mittens or gloves, thick socks and lined boots, and use hand and foot warmers in cold weather. Consider wearing gloves or oven mitts when reaching into the refrigerator or freezer.
  2. Exercise regularly, both to stimulate healthy blood circulation, and to help manage stress levels. 
  3. If hands and/or feet do begin to feel cold or numb, take action to warm them up immediately by wiggling them, running them under warm water, massaging them, or putting your hands in your armpits or against your abdomen under your clothing.

 

Acupuncture Near Me for Raynaud’s Syndrome in West Los Angeles

It is important to address Raynaud’s disease to avoid damage to the nerves and skin tissue in your extremities, and to be sure whether or not Raynaud’s symptoms are related to an underlying autoimmune disorder. The acupuncturists at Art of Wellness Acupuncture in West L.A. have over 35 years of experience helping people with autoimmune conditions, circulatory problems, and nerve pain and tingling. The combination of herbs and acupuncture treatment can help relieve Raynaud’s phenomenon symptoms and address any autoimmune disease or nerve conditions.

 

 

 




*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.

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