Resolving the Symptoms of Anemia Using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

A lot of people are pleasantly surprised when they hear that Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can be used to treat anemia symptoms like pale complexion, weakness and fatigue. These traditional Chinese medicine modalities have been used for thousands of years to treat several blood conditions including anemia. Anemia is actually the most common blood disorder in the world that can cause shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

It has been shown in numerous clinical studies that acupuncture raises the serum ferratin levels of a person and lowers TIBC pr Total Iron Binding Capacity. TIBS is a way to measure the body’s capacity to bind iron.

These studies all used the three leg mile (hsu san li) acupoint which has a history of helping strengthen the body to a point that the person can walk an additional three miles after walking all day. The treatment of this acupoint is known to better the function of the spleen.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners including acupuncturists believe that one of the functions of the spleen is to process food. When the proper acupoints are stimulated, the body’s ability to absorb iron and nutrients is improved. The proper treatment of those acupoints (including the three leg mile point) can resolve the anemia related symptoms of shortness of breath, palpitations, paleness, and tiredness.

A proper diet also needs to be implemented along with acupuncture when addressing anemia. Acupuncture, however, is the catalyst that can boost the function of digestion and absorption of the body.

Acupuncturists know the locations of the pressure points that need to be needled when treating a certain condition. The needles used for acupuncture therapy are not the same as hypodermic needles used to draw blood or inject a vaccine. Acupuncture needles are ten times thinner than these needles and may vary in length.

The acupuncturist may apply certain stimulation techniques once the needles are inserted into the skin. He can twist the needles in certain directions or lift it up and down for a few times to generate a more powerful stimulating effect.

Patients usually complain that iron supplements tend to make them constipated.

Acupuncturists need to also determine the underlying cause of their patients’ anemia in order to implement the right kind of treatment that will result in numerous long-term benefits for their patients.

Chinese herbs and acupuncture are reliable ways to boost nutrient absorption and resolve the symptoms of anemia.