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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.
How to Treat Cirrhosis With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Tired all the time? Upper right abdominal pain? Itchy skin? Muscle cramps? These can be cirrhosis of the liver symptoms. Acupuncture and TCM can help relieve liver pain due to cirrhosis and help to improve liver function.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a serious and progressive condition characterized by the scarring of liver tissue, which can lead to liver failure over time. This condition can be caused by various factors, like chronic viral hepatitis infections, primary biliary cirrhosis, and long-term alcohol overuse (alcoholic cirrhosis).
Other conditions that cause cirrhosis include: cystic fibrosis, autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis (iron buildup), and primary biliary cholangitis (hardening of the bile ducts).
The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxifying harmful substances from the body, producing bile to aid in digestion, and storing nutrients. When cirrhosis of the liver occurs, these functions are significantly impaired, which can lead to a wide range of health problems.
Cirrhosis of the liver symptoms can vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease. Many people have liver cirrhosis without realizing it, as it is possible to have cirrhosis for years without being symptomatic.
Top 10 Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis symptoms include:
- Bruise easily, bleed easily
- Nausea
- Fatigue, drowsiness
- Lack of appetite
- Itchy skin, pruritus
- Edema in legs, edema in ankles, edema in feet
- Jaundice – yellow eyes, yellow skin
- Spider veins
- Pale fingernails, clubbed fingers, red palms
- Cognitive difficulties, slurred speech
Cirrhosis can affect menstruation, causing irregular periods or no period, and cause female infertility. Cirrhosis can also affect sexual function (erectile dysfunction/ED), libido and male fertility.
In its early stages, cirrhosis may present with mild or no symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose without medical testing.
An enlarged spleen can be a symptom of liver cirrhosis.
As the condition advances, cirrhosis symptoms will usually worsen, signaling the need for intervention.
4 Stages of Liver Disease
It is important to recognize the stages of cirrhosis of the liver. Early intervention can help slow down the progression of liver disease.
- Stage I: Steatosis (Fatty Liver) – The first stage involves inflammation of the bile duct or liver. Abdominal pain is often the first sign. If not treated, the inflammation can damage the liver. Symptoms and inflammation are usually treatable at this stage, preventing progression to stage II.
- Stage II: Fibrosis (Liver Scarring) – Many people don’t notice symptoms until stage II or III. In this stage, scarring begins to block the normal blood flow in the liver. The liver doesn’t function properly, but with treatment, it can still recover and slow down the disease.
- Stage III: Cirrhosis – Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This happens over several years due to untreated disease or infection. The liver becomes hard and lumpy, making it difficult for blood to flow through it. The blocked blood flow can also affect the spleen, causing additional issues.
- Stage IV: Liver Failure – At this final stage, the liver stops functioning. Immediate medical intervention is needed to prevent fatal outcomes.
Early diagnosis and treatment for cirrhosis are crucial to prevent further liver damage and manage cirrhosis effectively. Acupuncture and TCM offer an alternative treatment for cirrhosis to help restore liver function.
Medical Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, managing liver cirrhosis symptoms, and preventing complications. The specific approach can vary depending on the underlying cause of cirrhosis, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Common conventional treatments and strategies used to manage liver cirrhosis include medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
For cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C, antiviral medications can help reduce liver inflammation and prevent further liver damage.
Diuretics are often prescribed to reduce fluid retention and swelling (edema) in the legs and abdomen (ascites). Paracentesis is a procedure that drains excess fluid from the abdomen in cases of severe ascites.
Beta-blockers decrease the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus) by lowering blood pressure in the portal vein.
Frequent blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasounds), and endoscopies to monitor liver function and detect complications early.
In cases where cirrhosis progresses to end-stage liver disease and liver function is severely compromised, a liver transplant is sometimes the only option. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor.
For alcoholic cirrhosis, abstaining from alcohol is crucial. Medical support, counseling, and rehabilitation programs can aid in alcohol cessation.
Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise, are essential for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) related cirrhosis. Eating a balanced diet low in sodium to reduce fluid retention and avoiding alcohol and substances that can further harm the liver.
By combining these treatments, healthcare providers aim to manage cirrhosis effectively, improve the quality of life, and extend the lifespan of individuals with this chronic condition. However, some of the medications recommended for cirrhosis, such as antiviral drugs and diuretics, can potentially cause harm to other organ systems and do not serve to address the deeper root causes of liver dysfunction. Acupuncture and TCM offer a holistic treatment for cirrhosis that takes the whole body into account.
Can Acupuncture Help Cirrhosis?
According to TCM theory, the liver is responsible not only for removing toxins from the bloodstream and body; it also disperses nutrients and medicinal substances throughout the body.
In modern life, people’s livers have to work much harder to process all of the chemicals and other toxins to which we are exposed on a daily basis. When the liver is overtaxed, it cannot provide adequate energy and nutrition, and it may not be able to eliminate all of the toxins.
This buildup of chemicals and unhealthy “food” substances in the liver contributes to the formulation of scar tissue in the liver.
Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin or skin rashes indicate that the liver is trying to purge toxins. When the liver cannot expel enough of the toxins, they will begin to affect the kidneys, too.
Medical treatments that aim to get rid of rashes or other symptoms may help the person feel more comfortable, but they do not help the root cause of the problems in the liver; they only cover them up. The use of antiviral and antibiotic medications, likewise, may seem to be taking care of infections, but they are potentially causing further damage to the organs.
In TCM, internal pathogens like cold, damp, and stagnation affecting the organ systems contribute to disease. Liver disease is not only about the liver, but also the kidneys, heart, stomach, and spleen. Symptoms like stomach distension, edema in the legs and feet, varicose veins or spider veins, and jaundice occur because of deficiencies in the various organs.
An acupuncturist will listen and observe each individual’s symptoms carefully to see which organs are affected. The TCM treatment plan will then involve acupuncture treatment and herbs to help strengthen all of the organs (heart, kidney, spleen and stomach), not just the liver.
A review of 15 studies in China in which TCM was used to treat liver cirrhosis concluded that acupuncture is effective both as a primary treatment and an adjunct treatment for chronic liver disease, helping to relieve symptoms and improve liver function.
If acupuncture treatment is sought before there is too much liver damage, TCM can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce painful symptoms.
One study showed that four weeks of electro-acupuncture treatment helped to reduce muscle cramps in liver cirrhosis patients.
Acupuncture helps to treat the underlying conditions that cause cirrhosis, including hepatitis, and fatty liver disease.
Another study showed that patients who received acupuncture treatment in addition to conventional treatment for liver cirrhosis showed less liver fibrosis (scarring) and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms than patients who only received conventional treatment.
Most doctors will advise patients with liver disease to quit drinking and cut out certain foods. Acupuncturists have expertise in nutrition that allows them to give each patient personalized care when deciding what dietary changes need to be made. Acupuncture treatment can also be very helpful when people are ready to cut out alcohol and eat the right foods to help improve liver health.
Acupuncture Near Me for Cirrhosis in West Los Angeles
TCM has been used to help improve liver health for many centuries. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help address liver problems of all kinds. At Art of Wellness, we are able to help patients improve liver function and feel better through acupuncture, customized herbal formulas, and individualized nutritional 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.
How to Treat SIBO With Acupuncture and TCM
by Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea? These can be SIBO symptoms. SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, can cause bloated stomach, abdominal cramps and pain. Acupuncture and TCM can offer alternative SIBO treatment and bloating relief.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which an abnormal increase in the population of bacteria occurs in the small intestine.
Unlike the large intestine, which is rich in bacterial flora essential for digestion and immune function, the small intestine typically contains relatively few bacteria. When these bacteria proliferate excessively in the small intestine, they can disrupt normal digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
Problems with gut motility also contribute to SIBO symptoms. Peristalsis is the process by which the smooth muscle tissues in the intestine move food matter through the gastrointestinal tract. When peristalsis isn’t happening the way it should, this is known as dysmotility. This can lead to stagnation of food matter in the intestine, which allows for an overgrowth of bacteria to build up. This in turn can causes hydrogen and methane gas to be produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates that are stagnant in the small intestine. This excess gas causes painful bloating and distension of the abdomen.
SIBO can cause a range of digestive symptoms, such as bloated stomach, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients from food, which can result in unwanted weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly common among people suffering from SIBO.
Other symptoms, seemingly unrelated to the gastrointestinal system, can include: fatigue, headache, low fever, and rosacea.
SIBO is often associated with other health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and diabetes.
Acupuncture and TCM can work as an adjunct or alternative treatment for SIBO symptoms.
This can lead to hydrogen and methane gas being produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates that are stagnant in the small intestine. This excess gas can cause painful bloating and a distended abdomen.
What Causes SIBO?
A wide variety of different issues can play a role in the development of SIBO. Many conditions may cause problems with the secretion of gastric acids, with motility of the small intestine, gut immune function, and structural issues related to surgeries, injuries, or other abnormalities of the intestine.
Conditions that may contribute to SIBO include:
- Gastroparesis due to diabetes, or connective tissue disorders, viral infection, or ischemia
- Cirrhosis
- Chronic renal failure
- Scleroderma
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Recurrent rounds of antibiotics
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- GI tract surgeries that create structural abnormalities
- Immune deficiencies of T-cell or antibody responses
What’s the Difference Between IBS and SIBO?
Symptoms of SIBO are very similar to IBS symptoms, and it is possible for a person to have both IBS and SIBO at the same time. The difference between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome is that IBS is a functional syndrome stemming from issues in the large intestine, whereas SIBO occurs in the small intestine.
One review of studies showed that the incidence of SIBO among patients with IBS is much higher than among people who don’t have IBS symptoms. The exact link between IBS and SIBO has not yet been clarified by medical science.
Medical Treatment for SIBO
In Western medicine, the treatment of SIBO typically involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at reducing the bacterial overgrowth, addressing the underlying causes, and managing symptoms.
Along with trying to find and address any underlying conditions that may be causing or contributing to SIBO, the mainstays of conventional treatment include antibiotics and medications to help improve gut motility.
The primary treatment for SIBO is the use of antibiotics to reduce the bacterial load in the small intestine. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include rifaximin, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin. These antibiotics are chosen for their ability to target the small intestine bacteria while minimizing disruption to the rest of the gut microbiota.
Unfortunately, while antibiotics may help reduce bacteria, but they can also come with unwanted side effects. Rifaximin can cause bladder pain, urinary frequency, difficulty urinating, and cloudy urine. It can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, dizziness, headaches, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, and problems sleeping.
Antibiotics do not necessarily ease symptoms like gas and bloating, and can cause constipation and black, tarry stool.
Prokinetics are medications that help improve gut motility, ensuring that food and bacteria move efficiently through the digestive tract, which can help prevent bacterial stasis and overgrowth. Common prokinetics include erythromycin in low doses, prucalopride, and metoclopramide.
Dietary modifications will usually be recommended to help manage SIBO. Patients are often advised to follow specific diets such as the low FODMAP diet, which reduces the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that can feed bacterial overgrowth. Other dietary approaches may include the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) or an elemental diet, which involves consuming easily digestible, nutrient-rich formulas.
It can be difficult for people to follow a SIBO diet, and many physicians are not able to spend the time with patients that is required to properly support these behavioral changes. Without dietary support, the antibiotics and prokinetics may not do enough to get rid of SIBO.
Successful treatment of SIBO often requires addressing any underlying conditions that contribute to bacterial overgrowth. This could involve treating gastrointestinal motility disorders, managing chronic pancreatitis, or addressing structural abnormalities such as strictures or diverticula.
By understanding the underlying causes and employing a comprehensive treatment strategy, conventional medicine aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the recurrence of SIBO. However, due to the chronic nature of the condition and the complexity of the gut microbiome, many patients seek complementary treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine to support their overall gut health and enhance the effectiveness of their treatment plan.
Can Acupuncture Help SIBO?
Chinese herbal medicine has its own way of helping to relieve SIBO, improve motility and digestion, and soothe uncomfortable stomach pain and bloating.
TCM theory views stagnation of Qi and blood as being one of the primary pathogenic forces in the body that causes pain and disease. In the case of SIBO, weakness or stagnation of organ systems, such as the stomach, liver, and spleen, is often part of the diagnostic pattern.
Diet, herbs, and supplements may all play an important role, in addition to acupuncture treatment for SIBO. Digestive enzymes and/or probiotics may be helpful in some cases. It may be necessary to eliminate some foods for a time to help control excessive fermentation and bacterial proliferation that is causing the gas and bloating.
There are foods and herbs that can work as natural prokinetics, to help improve gut motility and aid in proper absorption of nutrients. Ginger, turmeric, and peppermint oil are a few easy-to-find products that can help with digestion. There are also classic Chinese herbal preparations that can work even better than pharmaceutical prokinetics to help relieve constipation and indigestion.
A review of trials in China using Modified Runchang-Tang (MRCT) showed that in a sampling of over 2000 patients, this herbal formula worked better than conventional laxatives for relieving constipation.
Another review found that Modified Chaihu Shugan powder (MCSP) worked better than chemical prokinetics to help resolve symptoms of dyspepsia, or indigestion.
In addition to specific Chinese herb formulas that can help relieve digestive issues and work to get rid of unhealthy bacteria, there are other well-known common herbs that can also be helpful:
- Black cumin
- Garlic
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Thyme
- All-spice
- Bay leaves
- Mustard
- Rosemary
Acupuncture practitioners have generally received much more specialized training in nutrition than conventional doctors. Your acupuncturist will be able to make dietary recommendations that are specific to your symptoms and condition.
Acupuncture for SIBO Near Me in Los Angeles
Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness in West Los Angeles/Santa Monica have over 30 years of experience helping people with all types of gastrointestinal disorders. You do not have to suffer with gas pain and bloating, constipation or persistent diarrhea. Try Chinese medicine as an alternative or adjunct treatment for SIBO and IBS.
*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.