Studies have suggested that acupuncture can provide symptomatic relief and decrease arm swelling in breast-cancer survivors who have lymphedema.9,12–16 de Valois et al. showed improvements in well-being related to reducing lymphedema-related symptoms and a range of psychologic problems.
Is acupuncture good for lymphedema?
For many people, available treatments for lymphedema are not effective. Recent evidence suggests that acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of lymphedema.
Does acupuncture help with lymphatic drainage?
Lymph drainage concerns relieving lymph nodes of infected material that causes them to swell, a symptom frequently seen in ear infections, mononucleosis, lupus and most chronic illnesses. Acupressure and acupuncture may assist in reducing lymph node swelling and relieve associated illnesses.
What should you not do with lymphedema?
Avoid trauma or injury to the affected area. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. No new tattoos in the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area.
Can Chinese medicine help lymphedema?
Traditional Chinese medicine has shown effectiveness for prevention and treatment of inflammation and alleviating swelling. The combination with Western medicine may offer improved methods for lymphedema treatment. The history of prevention and treatment of lymphedema in China is long.
Can acupuncture help lymphedema in legs?
The researchers concluded that acupuncture and moxibustion is safe for people with lymphoedema, especially when needles are not put into the area affected by lymphoedema. They suggest more research is needed to see how much it could help to improve symptoms. ) and published in a medical journal.
Does lymphedema ever go away?
Lymphedema can’t be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but “water pills” usually won’t. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition.
Can acupuncture cause swollen lymph nodes?
Risk of lymphedema: Anyone who has had lymph nodes removed from under the arm should not have needles inserted into that arm. If acupuncture is used on an arm, there is a risk of lymphedema, or swelling caused by an excess of fluid in the arm.
Can chiropractors help lymphedema?
Lymphatic System
If your chiropractic center has an inversion table, this can also help with lymphatic drainage. In addition, some chiropractic providers are also experienced with lymphatic massage. … The chiropractor knows where they are located, and gentle lymphatic massage may help with conditions such as lymphedema.
Can Diuretics make lymphedema worse?
Although diuretics can be helpful in reducing certain types of swelling in the body — such as swelling in the legs due to heart failure — they have no impact on the excess lymph in arm, hand, or other area of the body affected by lymphedema.
How do you get rid of lymphedema fast?
There’s no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
…
Examples include:
- Exercises. …
- Manual lymph drainage. …
- Compression bandages. …
- Compression garments. …
- Sequential pneumatic compression.
Is walking good for lymphedema?
Exercises. Gentle exercises, such as walking, are a great way to help the fluids in your body move a little better. Try to go for a walk every day, if you can.
What is the best exercise for lymphedema?
Resistance training may be the best choice of exercise for reducing lymphedema. Resistance training is the most frequently investigated form of exercise for lymphedema patients, and appears to show the greatest lymphedema-specific benefit.
Is lymphedema a contraindication for acupuncture?
Using acupuncture on limbs with lymphedema is contentious.
Lymphedematous tissue has a higher risk of developing infection, and so use of needles is contraindicated. In fact, therapists trained in acupuncture are specifically taught to avoid these high risk areas entirely.
Does acupuncture help fluid retention?
Acupuncture for Fluid Retention
Acupuncture can assist with the reduction of fluid retention or oedema by encouraging blood flow and the movement of fluid through the body. This further helps to reduce joint inflammation and swelling of limbs.
Does acupuncture help swelling?
One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.