Exploring Acupuncture

There does appear to be some evidence that acupuncture could help to alleviate the symptoms of both Raynaud’s and Scleroderma. Not all of this is anecdotal; with acupuncture described as a reasonable treatment option for Raynaud’s by one study. Other published research also seems to suggest that it has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for some participants living with Scleroderma as well as Raynaud’s. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that comes from ancient, Chinese medicine. It is all about stimulating and balancing the flow of energy around the body to promote healing and wellbeing. During treatment, an acupuncturist will insert fine needles into the skin upon specific points of the body. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is a complementary therapy, meaning that it is not intended to replace prescribed medications, but can be used alongside these to complement their effects. There are many alternative therapies available that may be helpful for There different people, and as ever, it is important to consult your doctor are before trying anything new. different types

Understanding acupuncture of acupuncture. Western acupuncture

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based upon the premise that Qi (pronounced chee), an energy or life force, flows around the body, along pathways called meridians. Meridians are linked directly to the internal organs and systems of the body, and also connect the acupuncture points where needles are placed during treatment. is often used following a medical diagnosis, with the aim of stimulating sensory nerves to produce a therapeutic effect, Traditional acupuncture is believed to improve wellbeing by such as pain stimulating and restoring this flow of Qi within the body. When the relief. body is healthy, Qi flows smoothly; however when this is interrupted or the Qi cannot flow properly, ill-health may result.

Acupuncture for Scleroderma “For pain relief, the needles can be placed directly to target and treat the actual site of pain”

Lorna Withers, accupunturist In traditional Chinese medicine, it is Wei Qi that lies at the heart of the immune system. This is our protective, or immune Qi, that is said to circulate below the skin surface. When we are in good health, this helps to fend off disease. If Wei Qi is low, this process is affected, making us more susceptible to illness. Prevention is a key aspect of Chinese medicine, and it is believed that maintaining this balance promotes wellbeing. Acupuncture is widely used to treat rheumatic diseases with some reported success, although there is currently little published data in relation to Scleroderma. Although no large-scale trials have been carried out, some smaller studies have documented the possible therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for people with systemic sclerosis, including in relation to digital ulcers, respiratory function, fatigue and skin thickening. For the treatment of autoimmune conditions where the immune system is overactive, needles can be placed with the aim of triggering or enhancing the body’s natural ability to self-heal. Although this is a holistic therapy believed to restore balance within the body, acupuncture can also take a targeted approach, based upon the premise that the process of self-healing can be guided with precision directly to where it is needed, according to the points where the needles are placed. For example, A study from 2014 treated Scleroderma patients with gastro-intestinal involvement by using a TENS machine on specific acupuncture points, with favourable results.

Acupuncture has also become a widely-recognised intervention for relieving chronic pain. The reported analgesic effect is thought to be partly due to the stimulation of endogeniods opiods, the body’s own pain relief. Pain can also be treated by placing needles at local trigger points, for example upon the hands and the wrists for Raynaud’s pain. As well as treating pain points directly, needles may also be used to target the meridians, with the aim of helping to restore the flow of energy. If you decide to try acupuncture, talk to your practitioner about your condition and the different ways that this affects your life, since this may help them to understand Scleroderma and possibly tailor your treatment to maximise any benefit that you may feel afterwards.

Acupuncture for Raynaud’s phenomenon “To treat Raynaud’s, needles are placed on local points such as on the hand and the wrist, over a course of regular treatments.”

Lorna Withers, acupuncturist There is some evidence that acupuncture may help to alleviate Raynaud’s symptoms with positive outcomes recorded in certain cases, including increased localised circulation and reduced inflammation. In 1997, a study from Germany described Traditional Chinese acupuncture as a reasonable alternative treatment for patients with primary Raynaud’s, after the majority of participants experienced a significant improvement. Although the data does seem to suggest that acupuncture has the potential to help treat Raynaud’s, the fact is that relatively little research into the extent of its efficacy has been published, and no systematic reviews have ever been carried out. More research is therefore needed to look in depth at the possible therapeutic benefits of acupuncture for people living with Raynaud’s as well Scleroderma. In the meantime however, the evidence appears positive, so it may be worth a try. In a study from 2012, a 30-yearold woman with primary Raynaud’s was treated with acupuncture, with twice-weekly Helping acupuncture work for you sessions over a two-month If you are considering trying acupuncture for the first time, period. Improvements were think carefully about what you would like to get from your recorded in pain severity, joint treatment before you book. Different acupuncturists work stiffness and skin colour; and in different ways, and it is important to choose carefully to ensure that you get the maximum benefit. Do not be afraid to ask if the practitioner has any experience of treating your condition or symptoms. Even if we assumed that acupuncture researchers also noted that acupuncture might have an anti-inflammatory could help, its effectiveness could still be dependent on your therapist effect. understanding Scleroderma and its impact. Some practitioners will place the needles and then leave the room for most of the session. You may prefer this approach if you wish to practice relaxation or meditation during this time. Others may stay with you after the needles are placed and use the time to provide a safe space to talk about your condition or any health or emotional issues that you may be dealing with, that could be affecting your overall wellbeing. It is important therefore to talk to the practitioner about what you can expect from your appointment before committing to the booking. If you are unsure, it may be best to hold off and try someone else, since it is important that you are comfortable with both the service and your surroundings in order to get the most out of your appointment. Acupuncture is sometimes available on the NHS, however in practice people often pay privately for treatment. A session could last from 15 minutes to around one hour depending on your practitioner and in general, a course of several treatments is likely to be more beneficial than one single session.

Battlefield acupuncture - the ultimate alternative pain relief?

Battlefield acupuncture was originally devised by the American military and as the name suggests is used in combat situations for acute pain relief. Battlefield acupuncture works by affecting the pain reception areas within the brain, re-routing the neural pathways and altering the ways in which the brain and the body respond to pain. It places extremely fine, gold-plated needles upon specific points on the ear. There are over 300 such ear-points, and during treatment the needles will be placed upon five corresponding points within each ear. Brain scans of people receiving this treatment have demonstrated changes in the brain once the needles are placed. Needles can remain in place in-between treatments for a longer-term effect.

Acupressure

Acupressure uses a technique that is similar to acupuncture and aims to restore the flow of energy through the body without the use of needles. It involves applying pressure using the thumbs or fingers upon targeted acupuncture points, in order to relieve symptoms and improve wellbeing. Some practitioners will combine acupressure with acupuncture during treatment, depending on the situation.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a non-invasive therapy that works by warming up targeted areas of the body. It is believed that this will increase the flow of energy, restoring health and wellbeing. Moxa is made from a plant that is grown in China and other parts of Asia. When the moxa is burned, it gives out a form of deep heat that is believed to safely penetrate the human body. Over a course of treatment, this heat builds up within the body and helps to alleviate symptoms. The practitioner will heat the moxa until it glows, and place or move it close to the skin of the affected area, with no direct contact so there is no risk of burning. With thanks to Mark Bovey and Ann Gordon of the British Acupuncture Council for their support in producing this article. For more information or to find a practitioner, please visit acupuncture.org.uk/

Lorna Withers References

Having been in practice for over two decades, Lorna Withers is a highly experienced Appiah et al., “Acupuncture and Raynaud’s Disease”, J Intern Med 1997 (Feb); 241 (2) Feb: 119–124. Karatay S., Uzkeser H. acupuncturist who runs Essex Acupuncture, a long- Beneficial Acupuncture Treatment For established practice located in South Essex. Lorna Systemic Sclerosis which was Nonoffers a range of effective treatments that combine Responsive To Medications. Acupunct traditional Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. She has also added the newer pain relief technique of Electrother Res. 2015;40(3):205-214. Karatay S., Uzkeser H. Beneficial Acupuncture Treatment For Systemic battlefield acupuncture to her expertise. She has also Sclerosis which was Non-Responsive undertaken training with the Upledger Institute in the To Medications. Acupunct Electrother practice of craniosacral therapy which she combines Res. 2015;40(3):205-214. Maeda M., with acupuncture to effectively treat babies, children and adults. We are incredibly grateful to Lorna for Ichiki Y., Sumi A., Mori S.. A trial of acupuncture for progressive systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol. 1988;15(2):133her support in producing this article. 140. Sallam, H.S., McNearney, T.A., Chen For more information, please visit essex-acupuncture.co.uk. J.D,. Acupuncture-based modalities: novel alternative approaches in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysmotility in patients with systemic sclerosis.Explore (NY). 2014;10(1). Urruela, M.A., Suarez-Almazor, M.E. Acupuncture in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2012 Dec; 14(6): 589–597. Komori et al., Microcirculatory Responses to Acupuncture Stimulation and Phototherapy, Anesth Analg. 2009 Feb;108(2):635-40. Kavoussi, B.,

Ross, E. The Neuroimmune Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Acupuncture, Integr Cancer Ther 2007 Sep;6(3):2517. Appiah et al., “Acupuncture and Raynaud’s Disease”, J Intern Med 1997 (Feb); 241 (2) Feb: 119–124.

Omole, F.S., Lin, J.S., Chu, T., Sow, C.M., Flood, A., Powell, M.D. Raynaud’s phenomenon, cytokines and acupuncture: a case report, Acupunct Med. 2012;30(2):139-141 17