acupuncture for lymphadema?

gfbaker

I posted in the le section, thought I would try here too. Has anyone tried acupuncture for le, and had any success? Or perhaps no success? I'm going to try it next week but its spendy so just curious others experiences.

Thanks for any input!

hrf

Sounds interesting. I'd like to know if it helps.

Member_of_the_Club

I'm assuming you will avoid needles on the affected arm.  Let us know if it helps.

gfbaker

No, I think that the needles are so small it should be okay to use in the affected arm. Well, the acupunturist is part of the cancer center I go to, so they will know.

gfbaker

Okay, so I just got back from my 1st treatment. It is way to early to report any progress, but she did use the needles in both arms and my feet. No flareups from the needles so I'll go for it again next week. I guess I really need to get some weight training for my arms first & foremost. I'll keep you posted.

ToniM14

As an oncology massage therapist, I can 100% tell you that acupuncture is not ever recommended for lymphedema.  It is also never advisable to have acupuncture in the affected limb to treat any problem when you go to see an acupuncturist.  Any acupuncturist who routinely treats breast cancer patient will be aware of this. 

gfbaker

I went to an acupuncturist who is also a naturopath at the integrative medicine part of my cancer center. I have heard both good and bad, and she did discuss that with me. I decided to give it a go since my le is really mild, and with 2 little kids I have gotten plenty of cuts on my affected side with no issues of infection. I do appreciate your concern however. It is also something we are just doing a little of; it won't be ongoing, just to work on getting the protein out of my muscles. I am also going to go back to my PE for some followup there too.