- Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)11704 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 295, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
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How to Treat Perioral Dermatitis With Acupuncture and TCM
By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Qineng Tan, L.Ac.
Itchy red bumps around mouth, nose, or under eyes? Perioral dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that shows up as a red, bumpy rash on the face. Acupuncture and TCM offers a holistic way to help get rid of perioral dermatitis.
What Is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a type of face rash that primarily affects the area around the mouth (perioral), though it can also show up around the nose (perinasal dermatitis) and eyes (periorbital dermatitis). This condition is most commonly seen in women aged 20–45, but it can affect men and children as well. It’s considered a form of rosacea or a rosacea-like condition by many dermatologists, though it has its own distinct features.
Unlike acne, the red bumps in perioral dermatitis don’t contain pus, and unlike eczema, the rash is not typically scaly or flaky. It often appears suddenly and can be persistent, sometimes lasting for weeks or months.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal therapy, offers a natural approach to different types of dermatitis that focuses on healing the skin and addressing underlying imbalances that cause this condition.
Top 5 Symptoms of Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues that cause skin rashes or other skin conditions, such as: acne, herpes, rosacea, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, discoid lupus, and papula sarcoidoisi. The most common signs of Perioral Dermatitis include:
- Red, inflamed bumps around the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Burning or itching sensation in the affected area
- Dry, tight, or peeling skin
- Clear fluid or pus in some bumps (though usually not like acne)
- Rash that spares the skin directly around the lips (creating a clear border)
Typically, perioral dermatitis will become worse with use of corticosteroid creams or heavy moisturizers.
It is important to recognize this condition, so that it can be treated appropriately.
What Causes Perioral Dermatitis?
The exact cause of perioral dermatitis is not fully understood, but several triggers and contributing factors have been identified. People who already suffer from eczema may be more prone to developing perioral dermatitis, because eczema can affect the skin barrier. Here are some of the things that might trigger an perioral dermatitis outbreak or flare up:
Topical corticosteroid use – This is the most common trigger. Long-term use of steroid creams, even over-the-counter hydrocortisone, can lead to this rash.
Hormonal changes – Many people who menstruate notice flare-ups around their menstrual cycle or during times of hormonal fluctuation.
Use of heavy facial creams or cosmetics – Occlusive skin products may block pores and irritate the skin.
Fluoridated toothpaste – Some people find their symptoms worsen with fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Environmental triggers – Sun exposure, wind, and heat can aggravate the skin.
Microbial imbalance – Overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast on the skin may play a role.
Stress – Emotional stress can weaken the immune system and disrupt skin balance.
Dietary factors – Some people report flares related to certain foods, like spicy foods or alcohol.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Perioral Dermatitis
In a conventional medical setting, diagnosis is typically made based on a visual exam and patient history. A dermatologist may ask about what kinds of skincare products you use, medications (especially steroid use), and recent lifestyle changes.
Standard treatments include:
Discontinuation of steroid creams – Although this may cause a rebound flare, it is essential to stop steroid use.
Topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory creams – Such as metronidazole or clindamycin.
Oral antibiotics – Like tetracycline or doxycycline, especially for more stubborn cases.
Skin care guidance – Patients are usually advised to stop all current products and switch to a minimalist routine with gentle cleansers and no makeup.
While these treatments can be effective, they don’t always address the root cause, and relapses are common—especially if underlying imbalances are not corrected.
TCM for Perioral Dermatitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine sees perioral dermatitis not just as a skin problem, but as a sign of deeper internal disharmony. In TCM, the health of the skin is closely related to the health of the Lung, Stomach, and Spleen organ systems. When there is heat, dampness, or toxicity trapped in the body, it can manifest as inflammation on the skin.
For example, a rash around the mouth is often related to Stomach Heat or Spleen Dampness, especially if digestion is weak or the diet is rich in spicy or greasy foods. If the rash appears around the nose and cheeks, Lung Heat or Wind-Heat may be contributing factors.
TCM also considers emotional stress and hormonal imbalance as key factors in skin conditions. Emotional stress can create stagnation in the Liver system, while hormonal changes may disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, leading to heat and inflammation.
Can Acupuncture Help Perioral Dermatitis?
Acupuncture and TCM therapies aim to treat the root cause of perioral dermatitis while also calming the skin and promoting healing.
Acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and rebalance the organ systems involved. Specific acupuncture points may be used to clear heat, drain dampness, and support the Spleen and Lung.
Chinese herbal medicine can be customized to each patient’s individual pattern. Herbal formulas will be customized for each individual, depending on the presentation.
Dietary and lifestyle recommendations are often part of treatment, helping patients avoid inflammatory foods, support digestion, and reduce stress.
Facial gua sha and herbal washes can be used as topical therapies to calm redness, promote lymphatic drainage, and soothe irritated skin.
In many cases, patients find that their rash improves significantly with a few weeks of consistent acupuncture and herbal therapy—without the side effects of antibiotics or topical steroids.
While studies specifically on acupuncture for perioral dermatitis are limited, research shows that acupuncture is effective in treating other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea. These studies demonstrate that acupuncture can reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and modulate the immune system, which are all key factors in healing perioral dermatitis.
A review found that acupuncture reduced itch, redness, and lesion count in patients with atopic dermatitis. Another study noted improvement in acne symptoms with acupuncture and herbal medicine, especially in women with hormonal imbalances.
Acupuncture Near Me for Perioral Dermatitis in West Los Angeles
If you’ve been struggling with persistent or recurring perioral dermatitis and are looking for a more holistic, drug-free way to manage your symptoms, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer a safe and effective alternative. By treating both the surface symptoms and the internal imbalances, we help the skin heal from the inside out.
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture, we specialize in treating chronic skin conditions like perioral dermatitis using the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Every treatment is tailored to your unique constitution and lifestyle, so you can heal naturally and prevent future flare-ups. If you’re dealing with red, itchy bumps around your mouth or face, don’t wait—reach out today to schedule your consultation and get started on the path to clearer, calmer skin.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Cervical Radiculopathy With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Neck pain? Stiff neck? These could be signs of cervical radiculopathy caused by a pinched nerve in neck. Acupuncture and TCM can provide neck pain relief and address the underlying causes of cervical radiculopathy.
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This is often referred to as a “pinched nerve.” This condition can lead to neck pain, weakness, and other symptoms not only in the neck but radiating into the arms and hands as well.
Cervical radiculopathy can be caused by several different factors, most of which involve some form of nerve compression in the neck.
One of the most common causes is a herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc in neck, or bulging disc in neck. This happens when the gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior, putting pressure on a nearby nerve root. This can happen due to injury or degeneration over time.
Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a common age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your neck. As the discs and cartilage between the cervical vertebrae wear down, this can cause neck pain and stiffness.
Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are also common causes of a pinched nerve in neck. As we age, the spinal discs lose water content and shrink, leading to decreased cushioning between the vertebrae. This can cause the bones to rub against each other and lead to the formation of bone spurs, which can press on nerves and cause radiculopathy.
Another potential cause is spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis can result from a variety of factors, including thickened ligaments or overgrown bones, and leads to pinching or compression of the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column.
Additionally, trauma or injury to the neck, such as from car accidents or sports injuries, can directly damage the vertebrae or discs and result in a pinched nerve.
In more rare cases, tumors or infections in the spine may also cause cervical radiculopathy by compressing nerve roots.
Top 5 Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
Pain in the neck and shoulders and headache are the most common symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy. Poor reflexes and muscle weakness can also occur with a pinched nerve in the neck.
- Neck and shoulder pain – sharp or burning pain that starts in the neck and may radiate down the shoulder, arm, and hand
- Neck Stiffness – difficulty turning or moving the neck, neck muscle pain, muscle spasm in neck
- Numbness or Tingling in the shoulder, arms, or hands due to nerve compression.
- Muscle weakness in the arms or hands, trouble gripping or lifting objects.
- Neck pain and headache, headache that starts with neck pain
Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy
Diagnosing cervical radiculopathy can be challenging because its symptoms—such as neck pain, numbness, or tingling radiating down the arm—can overlap with other conditions like muscle strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or even heart problems.
The complexity of nerve pathways makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact location and cause of nerve compression based on symptoms alone. The pain can vary in intensity, and some patients may not experience obvious arm symptoms, leading to confusion in initial assessments.
Western medicine typically relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging to confirm cervical radiculopathy.
During the clinical evaluation, a doctor will perform a physical examination, testing the strength, reflexes, and range of motion in the neck and arms. A Spurling’s test, where the head is turned and pressure is applied to the top of the head, may be used to reproduce symptoms and help localize the nerve root affected.
To confirm the diagnosis, imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are often used to visualize the spine and detect any structural issues, like herniated discs or bone spurs, that could be compressing the nerve roots. An electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study may also be performed to assess how well the nerves are functioning and to rule out other conditions affecting nerve function.
Conventional treatments for cervical radiculopathy, or treating a pinched nerve, generally focus on reducing pain, managing inflammation, and restoring normal function.
NSAID medications like ibuprofen or naproxen are usually recommended to reduce pain and inflammation around the pinched nerve. Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation around the nerve root and offer temporary relief. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed to ease muscle spasms and reduce pressure on the pinched nerve.
Physical therapy exercises designed to improve neck mobility and strengthen supporting muscles, can potentially help relieve nerve compression. Using cervical traction devices to gently stretch the neck and reduce pressure on the affected nerve may be helpful in some cases.
In severe cases where non-surgical treatments don’t work, surgical options may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve by removing or repairing the affected disc or vertebra.
Acupuncture can be an effective modality for treating neck pain and stiffness due to cervical radiculopathy, without the unwanted side effects of taking pain medications and muscle relaxants.
Can Acupuncture Help Cervical Radiculopathy?
Acupuncture offers an alternative for patients suffering from neck pain who want to avoid surgery and the side effects of medication. Acupuncture treatment stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and alleviates pain by influencing the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and improving blood circulation to affected areas.
Acupuncture functions in multiple ways to help relieve nerve compression pain. It can help reduce swelling, or edema, that contribute to nerve compression. It also helps to relax muscle spasms. Acupuncture helps to increase blood flow to nerve roots.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can yield favorable outcomes, often comparable to conventional drug therapies. For instance, one randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided similar pain relief to drug therapy, making it a viable, safer alternative for pain management in cervical radiculopathy patients.
Additionally, some research has demonstrated the benefits of combining acupuncture with other conservative treatments, like cervical manipulations, to enhance therapeutic outcomes. In clinical trials, this combination has proven effective in reducing pain and improving mobility.
Acupuncture, used to complement other modalities, can be used as a valuable tool in the management of cervical radiculopathy, offering an effective, low-risk option to relieve pain and restore better mobility.
One case study of a patient with a C6/7 disc prolapse and radiculopathy showed that over a course of six acupuncture sessions administered within four weeks, significant improvements were observed in both pain and range of motion. Pain levels dropped from 8/10 to 2/10.
Acupuncture Near Me for Cervical Radiculopathy in West L.A.
At Art of Wellness Acupuncture and TCM in West Los Angeles, we have over 35 years of experience helping people find relief from all types of pain conditions related to nerve compression and neck pain, including herniated disks, spinal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, and cervical radiculopathy. Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai provide specialized care for each individual patient, including herbal remedies, therapeutic Chinese massage, and electroacupuncture to help relieve pain.
*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 Baker’s Cyst With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Swelling behind knee, lump behind knee, pain and swelling behind knee, knee stiffness? These can be Baker’s cyst symptoms. A Baker’s cyst in knee joint occurs when swelling in the knee forms a fluid-filled sac. Acupuncture treatment can help relieve Bakers cyst knee symptoms like knee pain and stiffness.
A Baker cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, or synovial cyst, is a fluid-filled growth that develops in the back of the knee joint. In some cases, a Baker’s cyst causes knee pain, stiffness, and swelling; in other cases, there may be no Baker’s cyst signs and symptoms at all.
What causes Baker’s cyst? Usually, it is due to a knee injury, such as a cartilage tear, or arthritis in the knee joint. These types of problems cause inflammation in the knee, which can lead to the production of more synovial fluid than usual.
Synovial fluid is a thick, clear substance, similar to egg whites in consistency, that is present in the joints of the body to help lubricate their movements. It is produced by the synovium, a sort of bubble that surrounds joints like the knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips.
When the synovium becomes swollen and inflamed, due to injury or overuse of the joint, it may produce excess synovial fluid. In the case of a Baker’s cyst, the synovial fluid can build up in the knee joint, and form a bump, lump, or growth in the back of the knee.
People who have a history of knee injury, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis may be more prone to developing Baker’s cysts.
Bakers cyst treatment is usually only indicated if a person is experiencing significant pain or limitation of movement. Acupuncture treatment can provide an adjunct or alternative Baker’s cyst therapy to help promote healing and relieve Baker’s knee symptoms.
Top 5 Baker’s Cyst Symptoms
Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash
Many people have a baker’s cyst knee without realizing it. If there is no pain, a person may not notice the lump behind knee.
Baker’s cyst signs and symptoms include:
- Knee pain, pain in the back of the knee
- Knee stiffness, stiff knee joint, especially when straightening the leg
- Swollen knee, swelling in knee joint
- Swelling goes away when knee is bent
- Pain and stiffness are worse after standing for a long time
More severe baker’s cyst symptoms could include redness and swelling, as the cyst gets larger.
In some cases, a baker’s cyst can rupture. If this happens, there may be swelling, redness, and a warm sensation in the calf area. Rupture of a baker’s cyst could cause pain or numbness in the calf, lack of blood flow to the lower leg, as the ruptured cyst could trap a nerve or artery in the knee or lower leg.
In extreme cases, a ruptured Baker’s cyst could lead to compartment syndrome, which could cause intense pain, foot drop, edema in the lower leg, and possibly, even an inability to move the foot or toes. If you believe your Baker’s cyst has ruptured, you should seek emergency care.
While, in most cases, a Baker’s cyst will eventually go on on its own, it is best to get a diagnosis and discuss your options. Acupuncture and TCM offer treatment of Baker’s cysts that is non-invasive and can help improve healing and prevent regrowth of the cyst.
Baker’s Cyst Treatment
Baker’s cyst signs and symptoms can be similar to those of a blood clot, or even a tumor. So, while a doctor can often diagnose a Baker’s cyst simply by palpating the area, they may also order imaging tests to be sure.
In many cases, doctors will prescribe over the counter pain medications and allow time for the cyst to go away on its own. You may be advised to limit activities that might aggravate the knee inflammation. Resting and elevating the knee for a few weeks might be recommended.
In some cases, a doctor may give cortisone injections to reduce knee swelling, or perform needle aspiration to drain the fluid from the cyst.
Surgery is generally only suggested in situations in which the knee pain has become chronic and inflammation does not seem to be going away.
Unfortunately, these medical treatments for Baker’s cyst may help bring relief, but it is quite common for the Baker’s cyst to come back again. Acupuncture treatment is not only a good way to bring symptomatic relief, but can help prevent the recurrence of Baker’s cysts.
Acupuncture has long been considered an excellent modality for treating knee pain due to all types of conditions. TCM offers an adjunct or alternative treatment for knee pain, without side effects that can come with pain medications or steroids.
Can Acupuncture Help Baker’s Cyst?
Acupuncture and TCM treatments with Chinese herb formulas have been used for centuries to treat knee injuries of all kinds.
According to TCM theory, arthritis in the knee that causes pain and stiffness is caused by stagnation that blocks the smooth flow of blood and Qi (life force energy). Acupuncture and herbs are used to address the underlying causes of blockages.
Injuries like a torn meniscus in the knee, or damage to the cartilage of the knee are very common, and it is also common for a person who has suffered such an injury to develop a Baker’s cyst later on. Full healing of cartilage can be helped with specific herbs that bring more nutrients to the damaged tissues.
Once a pattern of inflammation has begun, it can be difficult to get the swelling to go away. Small movements can trigger the inflammatory response if the area is not fully healed, and if other lifestyle habits are also causing a person to be prone to inflammation.
Chinese medicine looks at the situation holistically, treating the situation with acupuncture treatment, cupping, herbs, and nutrition, so that overall inflammation is reduced, and swelling and pressure is reduced, as well.
Herbal patches that are applied topically may be used in addition to herbal teas taken internally, to help relieve knee pain and swelling.
Cupping can also be helpful for healing and prevention of Baker’s cysts. One study compared patients with a popliteal cysts who were treated with acupuncture and cupping to patients who were given injections of prednisone. Both groups had high rates of effectiveness in terms of relief from the cysts, but recurrence of Baker’s cyst was significantly lower in the group that received TCM treatment as opposed to steroids.
Acupuncture Near Me for Baker’s Cyst, Los Angeles, CA
If you or someone you know has been suffering from knee pain and stiffness, due to a knee injury, arthritis, or diagnosed with Baker’s cysts on knee, it is worth seeking help from an acupuncturist experienced in working with orthopedic injuries, like Dr. Tan at Art of Wellness in West Los Angeles. TCM treatment for Baker’s cyst and other problems with the knee joint can not only help to relieve pain and increase range of movement; it can help prevent knee pain from coming back in the future.
*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 BPPV (Vertigo) With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac. Ph.D.
Dizzy when lying down? Waking up dizzy? Head spinning sensation when you move from one position to another? These could be BPPV symptoms. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vertigo cause. Acupuncture and TCM offer an alternative or adjunct BPPV treatment to help relieve positional dizziness.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo, a condition characterized by a feeling that the room is spinning.
BPPV is an inner ear disorder that affects the vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance. BPPV causes you to feel dizzy. The words “positional vertigo” in the name refer to the fact that the dizziness happens after you move your head, either by tilting or turning it, or you get dizzy when getting up from laying down.
Unlike some other forms of vertigo, BPPV is considered relatively harmless; hence the word “benign” in the name. However, its sudden and unpredictable nature can be very unsettling, and have a real impact on your daily life.
BPPV occurs when small calcium particles called otoconia, which are normally located in the inner ear, become dislodged and migrate into one of the ear’s semicircular canals. When these particles move with changes in head position, they can disrupt the normal flow of fluid in the canals, sending incorrect signals to the brain about the body’s position. This mismatch between visual and vestibular signals leads to the characteristic symptoms of BPPV.
What Causes BPPV?
In most cases, doctors do not find a clear BPPV cause when patients see them about recurring dizziness. However, it is possible for certain conditions to possibly cause BPPV. These could include:
- Head injury, head trauma
- Migraine headaches, vestibular migraine
- Meniere’s disease
- Labyrinthitis
Migraine associated vertigo is common, and vice versa; people with BPPV are more likely to experience vestibular migraine, or a migraine headache due to problems with the inner ear. Patients who have BPPV treatment in the form of repositioning, as discussed below, may also be more likely to have migraines afterwards.
Top 10 BPPV Symptoms
That dizzy, spinning sensation is the primary, recognizable symptom of vertigo, but when a person has BPPV, there may be other signs, too. These are the most common symptoms of BPPV:
- Dizziness: Sudden and intense episodes of dizziness, often triggered by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed or tilting your head back.
- Vertigo: A spinning or whirling sensation, as if the room is rotating around you. This sensation is usually brief but can be severe.
- Light-headed: feeling faint or dizzy.
- Nystagmus: Involuntary, rapid eye movements, typically triggered when changing head position. These eye movements are a hallmark of BPPV and can help doctors diagnose the condition. It may feel like you’re seeing wavy lines or objects around you “jumping” or moving.
- Blurred Vision: the inner ear is connected with the eye muscles, so this imbalance can affect vision, and even cause foggy vision, double vision, and/or sensitivity to light.
- Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining balance, especially when getting up from a lying or seated position. This can lead to unsteadiness and an increased risk of falling.
- Nausea: Some people with BPPV may experience nausea or vomiting, particularly during severe vertigo episodes.
- Fatigue: The unpredictability of BPPV attacks and the effort required to maintain balance during episodes can lead to feelings of exhaustion.
- Anxiety: BPPV can cause anxiety, as individuals may fear the sudden onset of vertigo and its potential impact on their daily activities.
- Tinnitus: Some individuals with BPPV may experience ringing in ear or buzzing in the affected ear, or even hearing loss.
BPPV Treatment and Diagnosis
There really are no lab tests that confirm a diagnosis of BPPV. A doctor will usually perform a test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, in which you are asked to turn your head and lie down, and then sit up again 20 to 30 seconds later. During this test, the physician will carefully observe for signs of nystagmus, the rapid eye movement that is one of the classic signs of BPPV.
A doctor may perform other tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out other possible causes of vertigo.
Sometimes, doctors will recommend a wait and see approach, as many times, BPPV symptoms will resolve on their own in a matter of weeks or months.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatments can include vestibular suppressant medication. Medications for BPPV aim to provide vertigo treatment that reduces symptoms of dizziness and nausea.
Benzodiazepines, like Valium, may be prescribed because they can help reduce acute vertigo and the sensations of motion sickness. These medications can be habit-forming and have side effects. They also have to be reduced gradually, because of withdrawal symptoms.
Antihistamines, like Benadryl, may be recommended, as they can also reduce feelings of nausea.
Anticholinergics are vestibular suppressants that block receptors in the nervous system. They are used to treat many conditions that involve involuntary movement. However, they can cause a lot of side effects and worsen other conditions like prostate problems, irregular heartbeat or rapid heartbeat, glaucoma, dementia, and depression.
None of these medications address the root cause of dizziness.
The preferred treatment for BPPV is usually a canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) can be done with one of a few different maneuvers that doctors can perform to try to move the particles in the inner ear that are causing BPPV. These are often helpful in the short term to relieve vertigo, but often patients do have a recurrence of BPPV symptoms again.
For some people, repositioning is not a good option—if you have problems with your cervical spine, or serious cardiovascular problems, for example.
Acupuncture and TCM offer an alternative treatment for BPPV that can relieve dizziness and other vertigo symptoms without any unwanted side effects.
Can Acupuncture Help BPPV?
According to TCM theory, phlegm is one of the pathogenic forces that can take hold in the body, along with things like dampness, dryness, etc. Phlegm builds up when fluids in the body are not being transported and moving the way they should; they get caught in an area and become condensed and thick, causing blockages of energy and movement.
The San Jiao, or “triple burner,” is an important concept used in TCM theory; the San Jiao controls the movement of fluids in the body. In cases of vertigo, phlegm and heat become stagnant due to the malfunctioning of the Jiao. This causes phlegm to be pushed upwards in the body.
In TCM, we may diagnose BPPV and other vestibular problems as having their root cause in a buildup of phlegm in the head that is causing a blockage in the inner ear.
Wind is another pathogenic force that can get into the body and cause problems that seem to come and go. Some cases of dizziness may be due to wind in the head.
Thus, the TCM protocols for BPPV treatment will aim to clear dampness, phlegm, and wind, and get fluids and Qi energy moving again.
Herbs can play an important role in treating vertigo. Chinese herb formulas that warm Yang energy and strengthen the kidneys and spleen can help to clear phlegm.
Use of specific acupoints with acupuncture treatment can help relieve vertigo—sometimes patients feel much less dizziness, even after one treatment. Not only can TCM treatment for BPPV help improve vertigo right away, but regular acupuncture session can help prevent bouts of dizziness from happening.
Acupuncture Near Me for BPPV in Los Angeles, Santa Monica
TCM is a great modality for helping to relieve dizziness due to all types of health conditions, including migraines, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Meniere’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, sinus issues, ear infections, and the side effects of medications. Acupuncture can be an excellent alternative for vertigo if other treatments have not helped. Dr. Tan and Dr. Cai at Art of Wellness in West L.A. can help get to the bottom of recurring dizziness, so you can feel steady again.
*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.
How to Treat Hashimoto’s Disease With Acupuncture and TCM
By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Goiter, enlarged thyroid? Tired all the time, feeling weak, sensitive to cold? Constipation, weight gain, hair loss? These can all be hypothyroidism symptoms. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes low thyroid symptoms. Acupuncture and TCM can offer an alternative hypothyroidism treatment and address Hashimoto’s thyroiditis symptoms.
Recent data shows that hypothyroidism is fairly common. In the U.S., where it was previously thought that about 5% of the population may have some signs of hypothyroidism, more recent research shows that that number is over 10%. While people of all ages can have signs of hypothyroidism, it is most common among women over 50.
The thyroid and the pituitary gland work to release various thyroid hormones that control metabolism and other processes. The primary thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4); Thyrotropin (TSH) is the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4.
The normal TSH level for most adults is in the range of 0.27 – 4.2 uIU/mL. Lower TSH levels are often a sign that the body is producing too much thyroid hormone, which leads to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which is often due to Graves disease, which is also an autoimmune thyroid disorder.
When TSH levels are high, there is probably too little thyroid hormone, or low thyroid hormone levels. Hypothyroidism is considered “overt” when a person has high TSH levels and low T4 levels. A person is considered to have subclinical hypothyroidism when their TSH is elevated, but T4 is in the normal range.
Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, but because it is a slowly progressing autoimmune disorder, it can take years for symptoms for thyroid to show up.
Hypothyroidism causes, or risk factors for Hashimoto, include: genetics, changes in hormones during pregnancy, and the presence of other autoimmune diseases. It is possible to have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and also have another autoimmune condition, such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Celiac Disease, Lupus, or Type 1 Diabetes.
In some cases, hypothyroidism can be caused by an iodine deficiency in the diet. This is rare in the U.S., though, and iodine supplementation is not helpful in cases of hypothyroidism that are not caused by a lack of iodine.
Acupuncture and TCM are excellent modalities for treating all kinds of autoimmune disorders, because they work holistically to treat both the root causes of the problem, and hypothyroid symptoms.
Top 10 Hashimoto Disease Symptoms
Signs of thyroid issues can take a long time to become severe enough that people notice them and seek diagnosis and treatment. Hypothyroidism symptoms can just seem like “normal” fatigue or other signs of aging.
Sometimes when people visit their primary care doctor, and they run a typical panel of blood tests, thyroid hormone levels are still in the normal range, so no treatment is recommended.
However, hypothyroidism symptoms typically come on gradually, and will likely get worse with time, as the disease progresses.
Hashimoto’s Disease Symptoms include:
- Fatigue, sluggishness, tired all the time
- Drowsiness, sleepy all the time
- Increased sensitivity to cold, feel cold all the time
- Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, puffy face
- Muscle pain, muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, joint pain, stiff joints
- Swollen thyroid, enlarged thyroid gland, goiter, swollen tongue
- Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, foggy head
- Change in menstrual cycle, irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding during period
- Weight gain
- Depression, mental health problems
If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to serious complications. These may include: heart problems or cardiovascular diseases, like irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and high cholesterol.
Hashimoto’s can cause problems with sexual function, libido, and fertility in both men and women.
In rare cases, people with untreated low thyroid levels can develop Myxedema. Myxedema is the term for advanced, severe hypothyroidism, which can lead to:
- Low blood pressure
- Low heart rate
- Low blood sodium levels
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Mental confusion
In extreme cases, Myxedema can lead to a health crisis in which a person may go into shock, a coma, or seizures. Myxedema crisis requires immediate emergency care.
Hypothyroidism can develop slowly, with minimal symptoms. However, it is important to get proper diagnosis and treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. As time goes on, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to more complications.
Medical Treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease
Getting a diagnosis for Hashimoto’s disease will usually involve a series of blood tests. As an autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto involves the production of antibodies that mistakenly attack healthy cells. In the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an antibody test may show that the immune system is making TSO antibodies. Thyroid peroxidase (TSO) a protein that is vital to the production of thyroid hormone.
In addition, blood tests will show if there is elevated TSH and/or low levels of T4. If a person has symptoms, or an enlarged thyroid gland, and high TSH levels, then a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s may be made, whether or not the T4 levels are low.
An ultrasound can indicate that there is swelling or inflammation in the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism Medication
The usual treatment for Hashimoto’s disease is hormone replacement. Levothyroxine, under the brand names Levoxyl, or Synthroid, is usually given in pill form. This hypothyroid medication mimics the action of T4 hormone.
For many patients, medications for low thyroid will help to stabilize the TSH and T4 levels, and symptoms will improve. However, for some people, the continued autoimmune disorder process continues to cause symptoms, even when thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range.
In these cases, doctors may recommend surgery. A thyroidectomy involves the removal of some or all of the thyroid gland. After a thyroid surgery, a person will need to continue taking thyroid hormone replacement medication, as they will not produce any without the thyroid gland.
Acupuncture and TCM treatment offer an alternative or adjunct therapy for Hashimoto’s disease, which can help improve immune function and address symptoms.
Can Acupuncture Help Hashimoto’s?
Acupuncture works by harmonizing the Qi (life force energy) of the organ systems of the body. When Qi is out of balance, then some bodily processes happen in excess, and others are deficient. A TCM practitioner observes and listens carefully to each person’s individual experience of symptoms to discover which organs are out of balance.
In the case of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, deficiency of Qi and blood can be building up over a long period of time, and gradually begin to impact organs: mainly, the kidneys, spleen, and heart.
For a while, while the condition is still what conventional medicine considers to be subclinical hypothyroidism, the spleen Qi is weak, and causes some symptoms, like weakness and fatigue.
Then, as the situation progresses, the kidney Qi is affected, and more symptoms begin to occur. Yang Qi is not able to warm the organs enough, so dampness and cold begin to accumulate. This causes symptoms like constipation, swollen joints, brain fog, and memory problems.
Chronic kidney and liver qi deficiency can cause menstrual problems, and infertility.
If the problem continues, then the heart is affected, too, and cardiovascular symptoms begin to arise, like palpitations, respiratory problems, and low blood pressure.
The acupuncturist deduces from the pattern of symptoms which organs are affected, and then uses acupuncture treatment, herbs, and other modalities like cupping or moxibustion to bring more energy to depleted areas and help nourish them.
Can TCM cure hypothyroidism? Not exactly, but research has shown that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for thyroid disorders, whether it is used as an alternative medicine for Hashimoto’s disease, or as an adjunct therapy.
Case studies have shown that regular acupuncture treatment can help stabilize thyroid hormone levels, slow the progression of the autoimmune disease, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
For those who are trying to conceive and are struggling with infertility issues due to thyroid disorders, acupuncture can be a holistic treatment that helps balance hormones and improve fertility. Acupuncture treatment may help prevent miscarriage due to autoimmune conditions.
Acupuncture can also be helpful for pain management after a thyroidectomy procedure.
Acupuncture Near Me for Hashimoto’s Disease – West Los Angeles Area
Acupuncture is an excellent modality for helping to treat many autoimmune diseases and thyroid conditions, including Graves disease, hyperthyroidism, and chronic fatigue syndrome. TCM can also help with menopause and perimenopausal symptoms, which often occur concurrently with hypothyroidism in women over 50. Acupuncture can also help with all kinds of mental health problems like depression and anxiety, which may be related to underlying physical 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.