An itching sensation ensues when the skin starts to tingle and the urge to scratch is very strong. Most cases of itching are not serious but the uncomfortable sensation can eventually result in too much scratching that can injure the skin. Acupuncture is a Chinese healing modality thousands of years old that can help relieve the itching sensation. It is recommended that you talk with your doctor first before getting acupuncture treatment.
Causes of Itching
There may be so many possible causes of itching – some may be caused by dry skin and in some severe cases, it may be due to damaged nerves. There are four classifications of itching according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, these are psychogenic, neurogenic, neuropathic and pruriceptive. Chemical imbalances in the body, especially the ones involving norepinephrine and serotonin may lead to psychogenic itching. This type of itching may be relieved with antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs. Neurogenic itching can occur when the patient suffers from kidney or chronic liver disease, neuropathic itching can result from damage to the nervous system, Pruriceptive itching can be caused by damage to the skin due to conditions such as inflammation, eczema, drug reactions and hives.
It is the job of acupuncturists to evaluate the symptoms of their patients in order to customize a plan of treatment that will treat their patient’s specific needs. Since acupuncture treatment is really based on the symptoms and physiology of the patient, patients may get different treatments for basically the same health problems. Acupuncturists can identify the acupuncture points that are often utilized to stop itching. The Gall Bladder point 31 point, for example, situated on the thigh is needled to address itchy red skin. The Urinary Bladder 17 point is essential for itchy skin problems such as eczema, and is found on the back near the spine. The Urinary Bladder 13 point, very near to the Urinary Bladder 17 point, is treated to address acne and hives as well as generalized itching.
Effectiveness
The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology posted studies in 2010 assessing case studies and scientific research on the treatment of acupuncture for itching. The studies stated that acupuncture therapies decreased the duration, distribution and intensity of itching. The conductors of the study, however, said that since the studies only involved low numbers of episodes or were single-case studies, they weren’t the kind of studies that can truly validate acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating itching. More testing and research are needed to prove acupuncture’s effectiveness.
Considerations
In spite of the millions of Americans who get acupuncture treatments, very few cases of side effects have been reported. Acupuncture is considered to be a safe treatment although it can have adverse effects if it is performed by an inexperienced or untrained acupuncturist. The effects may include punctured organs due to improperly placed needles or poor sanitation. To guarantee safe care, you need to check the credentials of the acupuncturist and stop relying on a diagnosis from an acupuncturist who has no traditional medical training.
Scott Paglia is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Bellingham, WA and provides master level pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Whatcom County, WA.
Acupuncture is a very good medical option for addressing several uncomfortable issues and conditions related with being pregnant.
Lack of breast milk
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture – when given combined with a Guinness beer each day can result in moderate to good effects in the enhancement of the production of milk.
Mastitis (Blocked milk duct)
When given at the earliest possible time, acupuncture combined with herbal compresses and vigorous self-massage can help accelerate the healing process of a woman suffering from a mastitis infection. This kind of infection quickly develops and so one should not procrastinate in getting treatment and should likewise proactively address this condition at home.
Induced Labor
A lot of women quickly progress into active labor even after just a single session of acupuncture. Occasionally two or three sessions in a week may be needed post due date.
Cervical Ripening or Labor Preparation
Around the 37th to the 40th week of pregnancy, acupuncture performed once a week can help prepare a woman for labor by strengthening and increasing her vital energy and helping the smooth flow of blood and emotions during the process. When a woman undergoes cervical ripening acupuncture protocol, induction may not be needed.
Breech Presentation
Clinical trials have revealed that moxibustion can help turn a baby who is manifesting breech. Moxibustion is ideal if it is performed everyday for 10 to 14 days between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy.
Back pain
Acupuncture is a fundamental treatment for any type of body pain, including back pain. It is simply one of the best, if not the best, choices humans have for alleviating pain of any kind. Moxibustion and cupping can also be given when back pain is burdening a woman that is pregnant.
Restless legs
Studies have revealed that acupuncture can help relieve the occasional agonizing frustration related with restless legs. Combined with acupuncture should be the addition of more calcium in your diet for this condition.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can be caused by certain hormones released by the adrenal glands. These two emotions can impact the amount of blood and nutrients the embryo receives during pregnancy. And so, the removal of stress or utilizing stress-releasing techniques such as acupuncture is imperative.
Depression
When the emotions are balanced, the pregnant woman and her unborn child can both enjoy good health during the entire term of the woman’s pregnancy. Some acupuncturists may even combine acupuncture therapy with singing lessons conducted by a singing teacher skilled in proper breathing techniques to treat pregnancy and/or post-partum related depression.
Headaches
A lot of women may develop headaches during the end of their first trimester. For the relief of body pain and headaches, acupuncture can be given them during those periods. For anyone getting headaches that may not be related to fatigue or dehydration, acupuncture can be a good choice of treatment.
Morning sickness or Nausea
One to five sessions of acupuncture per week may be needed based on the degree of your nausea to bring back your ability to eat and restore your quality of life. Acupuncture is always a very good medical option for this condition, especially if you keep your blood sugar levels at a safe level.
Sub-Chorionic Hematoma or Spotting
Moxibustion and acupuncture can help eliminate or lessen uterine bleeding
Prevent miscarriage
Sessions of acupuncture one to two times a week can help prevent early pregnancy loss or miscarriage by increasing circulation the embryo, eliminating stress and decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity.
Kine Fischler is a licensed acupuncture physician and the clinical director of Willow Tree Wellness Clinic in Portland, OR.
