According to the National Lymphedema Network, "acupuncture is contraindicated in lyphedema patients, particularly in the affected limb, due to infection risks. Those few patients who have tried [acupuncture] have reported no benefit or reduction in the lymphedema.".
Please note that this statement was from 1998, and many advances (and more information) have been realized regarding "alternative and complementary medicine".
I have read about the benefits of acupuncture for many conditions, but it does not seem to be recommended for swelling, for fear of infection at the site. If you are interested, you would need to talk with your doctor specifically about your individual treatment plan, as perhaps it could be part of your long-term management (after you use the sleeve and glove for a predetermined amount of time). Bottom line: if acupuncture is "approved" by your doctor, I have not found any information that it could take the place of the sleeve and glove, unfortunately.
Please talk with your doctor, and keep us updated!
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According to the National Lymphedema Network, "acupuncture is contraindicated in lyphedema patients, particularly in the affected limb, due to infection risks. Those few patients who have tried [acupuncture] have reported no benefit or reduction in the lymphedema.".
Source: lymphnet.org: FAQ, 1998.
Please note that this statement was from 1998, and many advances (and more information) have been realized regarding "alternative and complementary medicine".
I have read about the benefits of acupuncture for many conditions, but it does not seem to be recommended for swelling, for fear of infection at the site. If you are interested, you would need to talk with your doctor specifically about your individual treatment plan, as perhaps it could be part of your long-term management (after you use the sleeve and glove for a predetermined amount of time). Bottom line: if acupuncture is "approved" by your doctor, I have not found any information that it could take the place of the sleeve and glove, unfortunately.
Please talk with your doctor, and keep us updated!
February 13, 2011 - 9:28amThis Comment
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