Lymphedema and acupuncture

mellee

Anyone with lymphedema get acupuncture? I went in to a TCM doc for hot flashes, and had my first acupuncture session. I told her I had lymphedema. She put two needles in the affected arm, and it didn't seem to be a problem, but I'm wondering if I should be concerned. I'm very careful with the arm, never get blood drawn from it, etc. It seems like it might be smart to avoid needles, but then when I did research, I saw that there are studies on acupuncture for lymphedema with good results. Anyone discussed this with their MO or TCM doc? I'd love to hear what you found out.

ksusan

I'm interested as well. I have had acupuncture that avoided my arms and the radiated area and used ear points instead.

Spoonie77

Ive had acupuncture with the same therapist, who specializes in cancer related treatments, for the past eight months. Not only did it help with my hot flashes, majorly, but it also helped reduce the pain I was experiencing with my lymphedema in my breast. It didn't make the Lymphedema go away but it made the symptoms it gave me less severe and more manageable.

I never had any issues with the little needles in my affected side. I guess I would ask your team if you are concerned before you go.

The only reason I never questioned the needles affecting my lymphedema is because I was referred to my acupuncturist by my lymphedema therapist specifically. So maybe if you already see a lymphedema therapist ask them for a specific reference?

Anyway I very much hope acupuncture helps you ladies. It really helped me.

mellee

Thanks, Spoonie! That's really encouraging. I did acupuncture again today and let her put needles in my affected arm again and so far it seems fine. I'm really hoping the treatments help.

mellee

I want to follow up on this. I've since talked to several physical therapists who specialize in lymphedema, a lymphedema surgeon, and my excellent primary care doctor and they all think it's highly unlikely that acupuncture needles would cause a flare up. The needles are so small and they're placed so superficially that they don't think that's what caused my problem.

godisone

Acupunture hels with the circulation of the fluid and i believe it must be very helpful. Do share your results with us and let us know of any positive outcomes and pain relief that you received. Also, i needed to ask that if this kind of alternate medicine has helped you with mental peace as well as i am in dire need to combat my anxiety and my doctor has asked me to take help from alternate medicine.

mellee

Hi Godisone, I've put a pause on acupuncture for now because of my arm flareup. I'm in PT 3 times per week and just don't have time. But I have heard that acupuncture and particularly the traditional Chinese herbs they use can help with stress and anxiety.

Also personally, I find that magnesium is helpful (although the effect is subtle) for physical tension and agitation. I take magnesium glycinate (tablets) and also drink Natural Vitality Calm.

gailmary

just wondering if anyone else has tried and had luck using acupuncture to relieve pain of lymphedema. Having a terrible time with pain in arm. Elbow bursitis and back strain and now the lymphedema. I got Heart palpitations from any of the topicals. Oh haven't tried CBD though. Oxy helped but dr won't refill. Even prednisone caused heart palpitations.