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How to Treat Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Left side abdominal pain that is tender to the touch? Feeling full after eating a small amount? Signs of anemia, bleeding easily? These may be enlarged spleen symptoms. Acupuncture and TCM can help with splenomegaly, along with spleen function and swollen spleen symptoms.
Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged spleen. In conventional medical wisdom, the spleen is an organ that stores and filters blood, regulating the amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are in circulation.
The spleen removes waste products and damaged blood cells from the bloodstream. It also produces antibodies (white blood cells) that fight germs and infection.
The spleen is located inside the left side of the ribcage, just above the stomach. Usually, the spleen is about the size of your fist—on average, about 12 centimeters long.
People often will not be aware of an enlarged spleen, but in some cases, there will be noticeable signs, such as pain in upper left abdomen and feeling “full.”
Spleen function is considered very important for overall health and happiness in TCM. Acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbs can provide an adjunct or alternative treatment for enlarged spleen.
Enlarged Spleen Symptoms
The most common swollen spleen symptoms include:
- Left upper quadrant pain, pain behind left ribs, left abdominal pain (upper abdomen), left side abdominal pain
- Pain that radiates to the left shoulder
- Feeling full even when you haven’t eaten
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Anemia, low red blood cell count
- Bruise easily
- Bleeding easily
- Fatigue
- Catch colds frequently or suffer from other infections often
If you experience tenderness or serious left abdominal pain and feel dizzy, and/or have a rapid heartbeat, it is important to seek care immediately. These could be signs of ruptured spleen, which can lead to internal bleeding that could be life-threatening.
Enlarged Spleen Causes
There are several different conditions that can cause the spleen to become enlarged. What causes a big spleen, or should we say, bigger spleen?
Some of the health issues that can cause splenomegaly include:
- Liver cirrhosis, or other liver disease
- Viral hepatitis, Mononucleosis, or other viral infections
- Different types of hemolytic anemia
- Blood cancers, including: polycythemia vera and other myeloproliferative neoplasms, Leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease
- Blood clot near the spleen or liver
- Autoimmune disorders, including Lupus or Sarcoidosis, or rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Malaria, or other parasitic infections
- Bacterial infections
- Gaucher disease or Niemann-Pick disease
Medical Treatment for Enlarged Spleen
The treatment of splenomegaly in Western medicine primarily depends on addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
When an enlarged spleen is caused by infections like viral hepatitis or mononucleosis, the focus is typically on treating the infection itself. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to manage viral hepatitis, while mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, usually requires supportive care. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, particularly when there’s a risk of the spleen rupturing, patients may be advised to avoid contact sports or strenuous activities.
For blood disorders that cause an enlarged spleen, treatment typically involves managing the specific blood condition. For example, in hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced, treatments may include blood transfusions, corticosteroids to suppress the immune system, or medications like rituximab.
In conditions like polycythemia vera, where there’s an overproduction of red blood cells, treatment might involve phlebotomy (removing blood from the body) to reduce blood volume, or medications like hydroxyurea to suppress the bone marrow’s production of blood cells.
When liver disease such as cirrhosis is the cause of splenomegaly, the treatment approach focuses on managing the liver condition. Cirrhosis management may include lifestyle modifications such as reducing alcohol intake, using medications to control liver damage, and managing complications like portal hypertension. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be considered. Controlling the liver condition can help reduce spleen enlargement.
In cases where the spleen enlargement is due to cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapies to address the cancer. The goal is to reduce the size of the spleen by shrinking the cancerous cells that are contributing to its enlargement. In certain situations where the spleen is significantly enlarged and causing symptoms, or if it’s not responding to other treatments, splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) might be recommended.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can also cause splenomegaly. Treatment for these conditions often involves immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, or biologic agents that target specific parts of the immune system. By controlling the underlying autoimmune disorder, the symptoms associated with spleen enlargement can often be managed effectively.
When does an enlarged spleen need to be removed?
In some cases, if the spleen is severely enlarged or if it’s causing significant symptoms or complications (such as a high risk of rupture), a splenectomy may be considered. This surgical procedure involves removing the spleen entirely. While splenectomy can relieve symptoms and prevent complications, it also has long-term implications, as the spleen plays an important role in the immune system. Patients who undergo splenectomy may require vaccinations and prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infections.
Unless the spleen is ruptured, in most cases, a splenectomy is not necessary. Trying a holistic approach with TCM and acupuncture may be able to help relieve symptoms and improve spleen function.
Can Acupuncture Help Enlarged Spleen?
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a different few of key organs and organ systems than we are used to in modern medicine.
In TCM, the spleen is considered vital to the digestion of food, working in harmony with the stomach. The spleen is also partially responsible for the transport of blood and water throughout the body, delivering nutrition to the muscles.
The spleen is also vital to the proper excretion of waste. When there is a buildup of excessive fluids or “dampness” in the body, it is often due to a deficiency of the spleen.
Fatigue and a sense of fullness after eating are considered signs of spleen deficiency, which can affect whether or not other organs are getting the nutrition they need.
Problems with the spleen may also be related to the liver and/or the stomach, so the acupuncture practitioner will carefully look at all of a patient’s presenting symptoms to determine the appropriate diagnostic pattern and course of treatment.
In TCM, organs are related to certain emotions, and the spleen is connected to anxiety. Thus, worrying, overthinking, and other manifestations of anxiety are believed to negatively impact the spleen.
TCM treatment to help strengthen spleen function may focus on clearing stagnation and dampness, and improving circulation of blood and Qi. Your acupuncture provider can develop a course of treatment with acupuncture and herbs to address the underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, while also helping to relieve any symptoms of splenomegaly.
Acupuncture for Enlarged Spleen Near Me in West Los Angeles
If you are experiencing enlarged spleen symptoms, acupuncture and TCM offer holistic approaches that can support spleen function and address the root causes of various health issues. At Art of Wellness, our experienced practitioners can help tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how TCM can benefit your health and well-being.
*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 Bone Spurs With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Heel pain when walking? Numbness in arms or legs? Hip pain? These can all be signs of bone spurs, or osteophytes—bony projections that develop around joints or along the spine. Acupuncture and TCM can help alleviate pain and tingling related to heel spurs and bone spurs on spine,and help to prevent further growth of bone spurs.
Bone spurs are essentially extra bone tissue that grows around the edges of bones. This happens most commonly where two different bones meet in a joint. Bone spurs can grow in many areas: knees, hips, bone spurs on feet, shoulder, ankle, or bone spur in back.
What Is the Root Cause of Bone Spurs?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes cartilage to wear down over time. Sometimes bone spurs develop as the body’s way of making up for loss of cartilage in a particular area, trying to fill in the gap.
Bone spurs can also grow due to pressure on a bone, which can either be due to repetitive stress from movement (sports, dancing, etc.), extra weight because of obesity, or wearing shoes that rub or pinch the heel or top of the foot.
Maybe you’ve noticed foot spurs on heel. Heel spurs often relate to plantar fasciitis—inflammation in the ligaments of the foot that causes heel pain. Bone spur heel can develop as the body’s reaction to plantar fasciitis, causing sharp pain in the foot.
You might feel a lump or bump growing on the top of your foot or on one of your toes. Bone spurs in foot or heel are very common, especially as people age. The older you are, the higher your risk of developing bone spurs.
Having flat feet can also increase the risk of bones spurs on feet, as this condition puts extra stress on the many small bones and joints in your feet.
Osteophytosis of the spine can develop in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine), potentially causing pain, stiffness, and nerve compression, leading to tingling or numbness in the arms and/or legs.
Bone Spur Symptoms
Many people have bone spurs without realizing it, because bone spurs don’t necessarily cause pain. In other cases, bone spurs can cause serious, debilitating pain, making it difficult to walk.
The most common signs of bone spurs include:
- Stiffness
- Redness and swelling around the bone spur
- Stiff joints
- Weakness in limbs
- Tingling or numbness in limbs
- Corns on the toes
- Difficulty standing or walking
Heel Spur Treatment
Bone spurs are typically diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests help determine the size and location of the bone spur and assess the extent of any associated damage to surrounding tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, or nerves.
Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to provide temporary relief from pain.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended. Procedures such as a bone spur removal (osteophyte excision) or joint replacement (in cases of severe osteoarthritis) may be performed. In some cases of heel spurs, this is combined with plantar fascia release surgery.
Most bone spurs, however, do not require surgery. It is possible to relieve pain and pressure caused by bone spurs and prevent them from growing bigger. Acupuncture and TCM can help by addressing the root cause of bone spurs.
Can Acupuncture Help Bone Spurs?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bone spurs are viewed as the result of imbalances within the body, particularly related to deficiencies in the Kidney and Liver organ systems.
What deficiency causes bone spurs?
According to TCM theory, the Kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, which nourishes the bones. This concept of the “kidney” is very different from the way we think of it in modern medicine; it is more of a functional concept of how water is metabolized in the body, and how it relates to growth, development, and aging. Kidney deficiency can lead to weakened bones and the development of osteophytes.
Herbs that nourish the kidney system will be combined with acupuncture treatment. Specific acupoints can be used to stimulate the parathyroid gland, which plays a role in calcium utilization.
Acupuncture treatment can help provide pain relief for many orthopedic conditions that cause joint pain or bone pain, including tennis elbow, bursitis/hip pain, and arthritis.
One case study of a woman suffering from heel pain that had not resolved with conventional treatments of local steroid injections. After receiving regular acupuncture treatments over a course of six months, the patient reported that her pain had gone from an 8 on the pain scale to a 3. Radiology imaging showed, after the course of acupuncture treatment, that the bone spur was no longer in evidence.
Your TCM practitioner may recommend eating a diet that supports bone health, including foods that are rich in calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. Foods that nourish the Kidneys, such as black beans, walnuts, and seaweed, will usually be emphasized.
Acupuncture Near Me for Bone Spurs in Los Angeles
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine provide a holistic and effective way to manage and treat bone spurs. Drs. Tan and Cai at Art of Wellness in West L.A. have over 35 years of experience helping people find relief from bone pain due to all kinds of conditions. Whether you’re dealing with heel spurs, spinal osteophytes, or foot spurs, TCM can be an integral part of your treatment plan, offering a natural and holistic approach to long-term bone health.
*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 Pelvic Pain With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Abdominal pain or groin pain? Painful urination or menstrual pain? Bloated stomach? Pain during sex or pain after sex? These can be signs of an inflamed pelvis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPP or CPPS). Acupuncture and TCM offer a way to treat many different causes of pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is often related to problems with the reproductive organs (uterus or ovaries). Sometimes it can be due to a pelvic infection, pelvic congestion syndrome, or pelvic inflammatory disease. In other cases, chronic pelvic pain can be caused by problems with the digestive tract or urinary system.
Determining the cause of pelvic pain and finding an effective treatment can sometimes be challenging. TCM and acupuncture offer a holistic approach to treating pelvic pain.
Top 10 Causes of Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can arise from a multitude of conditions, each presenting its own set of symptoms.
Common causes of occasional or intermittent pelvic pain are menstrual cramps and ovulation pain (mittelschmerz).
Various types of pelvic pain are associated with pregnancy, as well, particularly hip pain, groin pain and pressure, bladder pressure, and uterus pain.
A gallbladder attack can cause severe pelvic pain.
These are some of the most common causes of chronic pelvic pain in women or AFAB:
- Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing severe menstrual pain, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and fertility issues.
- Ovarian Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can develop on the ovaries, often leading to bloating, pelvic pain, and discomfort during bowel movements.
- Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys can cause excruciating pain in the lower abdomen and groin, painful urination, and blood in the urine.
- Uterine Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and frequent urination.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs that causes lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, and pain during intercourse or urination.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infections in the urinary system can cause pelvic pain, a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC): A chronic bladder condition causing bladder pressure, pelvic pain, and a frequent need to urinate.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the intestines, leading to severe abdominal pain, fever, and digestive issues.
- Colitis: Inflammation of the colon, often causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A gastrointestinal disorder that leads to cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.
Sometimes pelvic pain can be caused by muscles or ligaments, such as tightness or spasms in the pelvic floor.
Pelvic adhesions, scar tissue, or fascia in the pelvic region can cause pelvic pain and inflammation.
Generalized pain disorders like fibromyalgia or ME/CFS, can flare up in the pelvic area.
For some people, PTSD and other mental health conditions can trigger pelvic pain.
Typically, medical treatment for pelvic pain involves the use of NSAIDs, or pain medication, to help relieve symptoms. Sometimes doctors will prescribe antidepressant medications or opioids to deal with persistent pelvic pain.
In some cases, physical therapy, such as pelvic floor therapy, may be recommended.
TCM and acupuncture offer an effective alternative treatment for pelvic pain.
Can Acupuncture and TCM Help Pelvic Pain?
It can be difficult to find relief from pelvic pain. Many conditions that cause pain in the pelvis and reproductive organs are often overlooked by medical practitioners. For example, many women and AFAB suffer for years before finally getting a diagnosis for endometriosis.
Pelvic Pain in Women and AFAB
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pelvic pain conditions like endometriosis are viewed as imbalances within the body’s organ systems, particularly the liver and kidney.
Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is often linked to Qi and blood stagnation, potentially caused by pathogenic factors such as cold and dampness, as well as emotional stress leading to liver stagnation. Acupuncture and herbal treatments aim to restore balance by promoting the flow of Qi and blood, influencing hormone production naturally.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce menstrual pain and regulate cycles, with high success rates and low recurrence when used consistently over time. Herbal remedies further support this process by providing essential nutrients and reducing inflammation.
Acupuncture and TCM have proven effective in treating various pelvic pain conditions, including uterine fibroids and PCOS. Clinical research demonstrates that acupuncture reduces prostaglandin levels, alleviating cramps and regulating the menstrual cycle. Techniques such as electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture have shown high efficacy in managing dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Urinary Pain Relief with TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the bladder’s function is closely connected to the kidney and spleen, which supply yang energy to warm and support the bladder. Deficiency in Kidney Qi, often due to prolonged illness or repeated untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs), can weaken the bladder, making it unable to hold urine effectively. This can also lead to bladder contraction and increased sensitivity.
Painful urination may arise from physical trauma, such as difficult childbirth, which impacts both physical and emotional health. Additionally, emotional distress can cause stagnation of Liver Qi, particularly if it leads to excess heat, further disrupting bladder and pelvic floor functions.
When treating interstitial cystitis (IC), an acupuncturist assesses a range of symptoms to determine the underlying causes of bladder pain. For example, fatigue, tinnitus, and cold extremities indicate Kidney Yang deficiency, while symptoms like constant thirst, allergies, warm hands, and anxiety suggest excess Kidney Yang heat.
Treatment protocols typically include acupuncture to alleviate bladder pain and balance organ system functions, supplemented by techniques like moxibustion and electro-acupuncture. Studies have shown that regular acupuncture sessions can significantly reduce urinary frequency and alleviate pelvic pain symptoms.
Pelvic Pain Colitis
In TCM, colitis and ulcerative colitis are viewed as conditions caused by imbalances that lead to heat, dampness, or blood stasis in the large intestine. TCM treatments focus on using acupuncture and herbs to reduce inflammation, clear heat, and eliminate dampness. Acupuncture points are selected to relieve symptoms like pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
For diverticulitis, TCM emphasizes diagnosing the root causes of symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. According to TCM theory, these symptoms can be linked to stagnant Qi or blood and pathogenic forces like dampness, heat, or cold. Treatment often involves strengthening the spleen to improve nutrient absorption and energy conversion, which is crucial for resolving diarrhea and other digestive issues. Acupuncture and moxibustion are used to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and boost immune function. Dietary changes, guided by TCM principles, are also essential to address excess heat or dampness in the gastrointestinal system and maintain overall health.
Pelvic Pain Kidney Stone
In TCM, kidney stones fall under the category of “Shilin” conditions, characterized by difficult urination. Herbal medicines are used to balance electrolyte minerals, which helps prevent stone formation in the urinary tract.
Acupuncture provides an anesthetic effect, helping to relieve the intense pain associated with kidney stones while other treatments work to reduce and prevent new stone formation. Acupuncture and acupressure can alleviate severe pelvic pain caused by various urinary and reproductive system conditions, as well as reduce anxiety and depression associated with severe pain.
Not only is acupuncture an effective modality for treating pain conditions, but many people find emotional relief, too, when a practitioner is willing to listen carefully and validate their experience. Drs. Cai and Tan at Art of Wellness have over 35 years of experience helping patients with all types of pain. Their caring and attentive bedside manner goes a long way towards helping patients feel more comfortable and confident in their own ability to heal.
Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain Near Me in West Los Angeles
At Art of Wellness near Santa Monica, Dr. Cai has unique expertise in treating women’s health issues of all kinds, including menstrual pain, female infertility, PCOS, and endometriosis. With acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, our acupuncture practitioners are able to help people find relief from pelvic pain of all kinds.
*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 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Foamy pee, or bubbles in urine? Urinary frequency, or maybe peeing less than usual? Swollen hands and feet? Low back pain? Fatigue? These can be symptoms of chronic kidney disease, or CKD. Acupuncture and TCM can help relieve CKD symptoms and improve kidney health.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted through urine. When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot perform these functions efficiently, leading to a buildup of waste and fluid in the body.
Common symptoms of CKD include foamy urine, foamy pee, bubbles in urine, peeing more or less than usual, fatigue, edema, and swollen hands and feet. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for managing and slowing the progression of CKD.
There are different stages and types of CKD, each with varying degrees of kidney damage and associated symptoms. Early stages may present with mild symptoms such as changes in urination patterns, such as foamy urine or peeing more or less than usual.
As CKD progresses, individuals may experience more severe symptoms, including fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet (edema), and even high blood pressure. CKD can be caused by various underlying conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis.
Each type of CKD has its unique characteristics and requires specific management approaches to prevent further kidney damage.
Acupuncture and TCM offer an adjunct or alternative treatment for CKD that can help not only to relieve kidney disease symptoms, but address the root cause of kidney problems.
Types of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
While all types of CKD are related to poor kidney function, different kinds of chronic kidney disease develop due to a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of kidney disease include:
- Diabetic Kidney Disease, or Diabetic Nephropathy: This type of CKD is caused by damage to the kidneys due to diabetes. About half of all people with Type 2 diabetes also develop CKD. High blood sugar levels can harm the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function over time. High blood pressure, swelling of hands and feet, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite are potential symptoms of diabetic nephropathy. The combination of diabetes and CKD can lead to other complications, including retinopathy, gastroparesis, neuropathy, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive decline.
- Glomerulonephritis: This is a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the tiny capillaries called glomeruli; these are where waste is filtered out of the blood. This can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying conditions. Symptoms of glomerulonephritis can include blood in urine, nausea, skin rash, joint pain, swollen face or swelling in legs, jaundice, and troubling breathing.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts can enlarge the kidneys and reduce their function over time. PKD symptoms can include: pain in side or back pain, sense of fullness in the abdomen, headaches, and kidney stones.
- Interstitial Nephritis, or tubulointerstitial nephritis: This type of CKD involves inflammation and swelling around the tubules in the kidneys. It can be caused by infections, allergic reactions to medications, long-term overuse of pain medications (analgesic nephropathy), or autoimmune disease, such as Kawasaki disease. Symptoms of Interstitial Nephritis can include: fever, blood in pee, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, and mental confusion.
- Chronic Pyelonephritis: This is a chronic inflammation of the kidney tissue, often due to repeated bacterial kidney infections, or UTIs. This condition most commonly presents in people, who have a structural abnormality that causes urinary obstructions that can lead to vesicoureteral reflux, when urine from the bladder backs up into the ureters and kidneys. Chronic kidney stones, or enlarged prostate can also cause pyelonephritis, as can urinary procedures like cystoscopic exam or catheterization. Painful, burning sensation when urinating, fever, bloody urine, fishy-smelling urine, and pain in the low back or groin pain can all be signs of chronic pyelonephritis.
Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the different types of CKD can help individuals seek treatment earlier and adopt lifestyle changes to help manage the disease effectively.
Acupuncture treatment and other TCM modalities, herbs and nutrition, can be very helpful for managing CKD and its symptoms.
Top 10 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms
Many people are suffering from chronic kidney disease without being aware of it. The symptoms of CKD can vary widely, and often don’t show up until chronic kidney disease has progressed to more serious stages. Some of the most common symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:
- Foamy Urine or Bloody Urine: Presence of bubbles or foam in the urine, indicating excess protein. Some types of CKD may also cause there to be blood in urine. Fishy-smelling urine can also be a symptom of some types of kidney disease.
- Changes in Urination: Peeing more or less than usual, which can include frequent nighttime urination or reduced urination.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy due to the buildup of waste products in the body.
- Edema: Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or face caused by fluid retention.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension that is difficult to control, which is associated with kidney damage.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach, which can be a result of toxin buildup in the blood.
- Loss of Appetite: Lack of desire to eat, which can often be accompanied by unwanted weight loss.
- Muscle Cramps: Painful muscle contractions, usually due to electrolyte imbalances.
- Itchy Skin: Persistent itching caused by the accumulation of waste products in the body.
Low back pain, groin pain, and joint pain call all be symptoms of certain kinds of CKD.
People with CKD are more likely to have develop gastroparesis, weak stomach contractions that cause acid reflux, or regurgitation.
These symptoms can vary in severity and may develop gradually as kidney function declines. Early detection and management of CKD are crucial to slow the progression of the disease and maintain kidney health.
Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Kidney Disease?
In TCM, the kidneys are considered the foundation of life, responsible for storing vital essence (known as “jing”) and governing water metabolism, growth, and reproduction. TCM practitioners diagnose CKD by carefully observing and evaluating symptoms, as well as checking a patient’s pulse and tongue to determine the specific imbalance affecting the kidneys.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of qi (life force energy) and promote healing. Studies have shown acupuncture can improve kidney function, reduce proteinuria (excess protein in urine), and alleviate symptoms like fatigue and edema in CKD patients.
Acupuncture is also beneficial for lowering blood pressure and managing side effects from conventional treatments like dialysis.
Chinese herbs are often used in individually tailored formulas to address the underlying imbalances contributing to CKD. Herbs like Rehmannia glutinosa and Astragalus membranaceus are a few specific herbs that have been found effective in improving kidney function and reducing inflammation. Herbal formulas are combined based on each patient’s specific condition and symptoms.
TCM dietary recommendations focus on foods that support kidney health and balance yin and yang energies. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, while avoiding high-salt, high-sugar, and animal protein-rich foods, is suggested to alleviate symptoms and prevent further kidney damage,
Other TCM treatment for CKD might include moxibustion (burning a herb called mugwort near acupuncture points to stimulate circulation), cupping (creating suction on the skin to promote qi flow), which can help remove excess fluids and toxins from the kidneys, and gua sha (scraping the skin to stimulate circulation). These therapies can help improve kidney function, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
By addressing the root causes and symptoms of CKD through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and other therapies, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing chronic kidney disease and supporting overall kidney health.
Acupuncture Near Me for Chronic Kidney Disease in Los Angeles
The TCM view of kidney function allows experienced practitioners like Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness to help patients with chronic kidney disease to optimize their health while relieving symptoms. If you or someone you love is suffering from kidney disease, it can be helpful to add acupuncture and herbs as an adjunct treatment for CKD in addition to conventional medicine.
*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 Edema With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Swollen feet and ankles? Fluid retention in legs? These are signs of edema. Acupuncture and TCM offer natural diuretic herbs and alternative treatment for swelling in legs and feet.
Edema refers to when excess fluid in body tissues, or water retention, leads to swelling. Edema most commonly causes swollen ankles and swollen feet. But edema can occur in many parts of the body.
Blood vessels have tiny valves that work to push blood from the lower body back up to the heart. When this process isn’t working properly, blood and other fluids will gather in the legs and cause swollen feet and ankles.
Edema causes puffiness under the skin, and when you press on the skin, it leaves an imprint. The skin may be shiny and stretched because of water retention.
Other edema symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and a swollen belly or distended abdomen.
Everyone experiences edema once in a while; for example, after a long airplane flight, which causes fluids to pool in the legs and feet, or the day after eating particularly salty foods, which can cause water retention. Edema is also common during pregnancy, when increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can cause edema in the legs.
Occasional edema can often be prevented or remedied by reducing salt intake, drinking more water, and wearing compression garments.
Some health conditions can cause edema, in which case, both the underlying issue and the edema itself need to be addressed.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help relieve swollen ankles and feet due to water retention, as well as helping to address the root cause of edema.
Causes of Edema
Edema can happen when a person stays in one position for a long time and fluids build up in the lower body due to gravity. This type of swelling can be helped by getting up and moving around regularly and/or wearing compression socks that prevent water retention from causing swollen ankles and feet.
Cardiovascular issues having to do with heart function or the health of blood vessels can cause edema. When the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, it can cause fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, and feet. Venous insufficiency, or weakness in the veins, can prevent blood from being pushed back to the heart properly, which leads to varicose veins and blood buildup in the legs.
Kidney disease and liver disease can contribute to edema. Damaged kidneys are less able to remove excess fluid, leading to swelling. Conditions like cirrhosis can increase pressure in blood vessels and reduce proteins that keep fluid in the bloodstream, causing edema.
Blocked or damaged lymph nodes can prevent lymph fluid from draining well, causing localized edema. This is known as lymphedema. Lymphedema can be related to cancer treatments, when lymph nodes are removed.
People may experience edema after a stroke or cardiac event like a heart attack.
Side effects from some drugs, including those for high blood pressure and corticosteroids, can cause fluid retention.
Conditions such as cellulitis or arthritis can cause inflammation and localized swelling.
When there are underlying conditions like cirrhosis, kidney problems, and vascular issues, they must be addressed in order to resolve the edema.
Treatment for Swollen Legs and Feet
Conventional medical treatments for edema typically focus on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. Typical medical treatment for edema may include:
- Diuretics to help the body expel excess fluid through urine.
- Compression stockings to help reduce swelling by promoting fluid movement in the legs.
- Elevating the affected limbs above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling.
- Lowering sodium in the diet can help prevent fluid retention.
- Regular exercise to improve circulation and help reduce swelling.
- Addressing heart, kidney, or liver issues can help manage edema.
Using diuretic medications may seem to alleviate swelling in the short term, but these drugs create a kind of dependency. As soon as a person stops taking the diuretics, the water retention will return.
Chinese herbal formulations can act as natural diuretics, while addressing the root cause of edema.
By integrating acupuncture and TCM into your treatment plan, you may find a holistic approach that addresses not only the symptoms of edema but also its cause, providing lasting relief from edema swelling.
Can Acupuncture Help Edema?
TCM theory for the treatment of edema goes back over 2000 years. The Yellow Emperor wrote about edema treatment in his medical text before 100 B.C., describing the disruption of fluid movement in the body. In the second century A.D., another well-known Chinese doctor Zhang Zhong-Jing detailed treatments for edema with herb formulas, which are still considered classics today.
Edema can be related to imbalances in Yin and Yang. Yin edema affects the spleen and kidneys, while Yang edema affects the spleen and lungs. Yin edema symptoms tend to start in the lower body, with swollen feet and ankles, while Yang edema symptoms tend to start in the upper body, with the tendency to have tight, shiny skin.
According to TCM, the organ systems of the Spleen, Kidneys, and Lungs must be balanced in order to restore proper functioning of fluid metabolism. An acupuncture treatment protocol would be directed towards clearing wind, heat, dampness, and other pathogenic forces, while balancing Yin and Yang, and regulating Qi and Blood.
Different pathologies of edema can be described by TCM diagnoses, including:
- Blood stasis
- Qi stagnation
- Damp heat
- Heat toxins
- Wind-cold or Wind-heat in the lungs
Recent research shows that ancient herb formulas can help regulate fluids and have a positive effect on vascular function.
Moxibustion, a TCM modality that involves warming acupoint areas by burning mugwort herb near the skin, is often used to help relieve edema. Moxa treatment can help improve blood flow by warming and dispersing dampness and phlegm and invigorating the spleen and kidneys.
One study of patients suffering from swelling in legs and ankles showed that moxibustion helped relieve swelling in the legs.
Breast cancer treatment often involves radiation treatment that affects the lymph nodes, or the removal of lymph nodes, which can lead to lymphedema. This type of lymphedema often affects one arm, or both arms. It can also affect other parts of the body.
One study involved using acupuncture treatment twice a week to help relieve lymphedema after cancer treatment. More than half of the patients experienced a significant improvement in lymphedema, as measured by arm circumference. The conclusion was that acupuncture is a safe treatment that can help reduce swelling.
Acupuncture treatment improves blood flow and the movement of fluids in general, while nourishing the kidneys and spleen. Moxibustion can be used to further stimulate the flow of blood and Qi.
Acupuncture Near Me for Edema in West Los Angeles
Edema is a common problem, but it requires an individualized approach, as it can have many different root causes. Experienced acupuncture practitioners like Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness in Westwood, CA can help patients find relief from edema swelling and water retention in legs through a combination of acupuncture, moxa, herbs, and personalized nutrition counseling.
*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.