What Is Acupuncture And What Does It Do For Your Body?

Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Kidney Disease? Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been around for thousands of years. The practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and balance the flow of energy or qi.

Acupuncture is believed to help the body heal itself by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and releasing natural painkillers. In addition to its use for pain relief and stress reduction, acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). While Western medicine typically focuses on treating the symptoms of CKD, acupuncture takes a more holistic approach by addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to the disease.

Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Kidney Disease?

Research has shown that acupuncture can be beneficial for people with CKD. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture can improve kidney function, reduce proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), and relieve symptoms such as fatigue and edema (swelling).

Acupuncture has also been shown to lower blood pressure, which is a common complication of CKD. Acupuncture can also help with some of the side effects of traditional kidney disease treatments, such as nausea and vomiting from dialysis or medication. Additionally, acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to support kidney function and slow the progression of the disease.

What Can Physical Treatments Do For Kidney Disease?

In addition to acupuncture, there are several physical treatments that can benefit people with CKD. These include massage therapy, tai chi, and yoga. Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, while tai chi and yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical and mental well-being.

 Exercise is also important for people with CKD, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program. Depending on the stage of your CKD, your provider may recommend low-impact activities such as walking or swimming.

How Long Should You Use Acupuncture Daily To Treat Kidney Disease?

The frequency and duration of acupuncture treatments will depend on the individual and their specific health needs. Acupuncture treatments typically last about 30-60 minutes, and most people receive treatments once or twice a week. For people with CKD, treatment may be more frequent or longer in duration.

The duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the CKD and the individual's response to acupuncture. Some people may see improvement in their symptoms after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment over several months or years.

Does Other Alternative Medicine Help Treat CKD?

In addition to acupuncture, there are other alternative medicine therapies that may be helpful for people with CKD. These include herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and qigong (a Chinese practice that combines movement, meditation, and breathing exercises). Herbal medicine can be used to support kidney function and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and nausea.

Dietary therapy involves making changes to your diet to reduce the workload on your kidneys and promote overall health. Qigong can help reduce stress and improve circulation, which can benefit kidney function. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying any alternative medicine therapies, as they may interact with medications or other treatments you are receiving.

What Other Eastern Medicine Treatments Help With Chronic Kidney Disease?

In addition to acupuncture, there are several other Eastern medicine treatments that may be helpful for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These therapies are based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and are believed to help balance the body's energy or qi.   Moxibustion is a therapy that involves burning a herb called mugwort near acupuncture points on the body.

The heat from the burning herb is believed to stimulate circulation and promote healing. Moxibustion has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including CKD. It can help improve kidney function and reduce inflammation.

Cupping is a therapy that involves creating suction on the skin using glass cups or bamboo jars. The suction is believed to stimulate circulation and promote the flow of qi. Cupping has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including CKD. It can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and relieve pain.

Gua sha is a therapy that involves scraping the skin with a smooth tool, such as a spoon or jade stone. The scraping is believed to stimulate circulation and promote the flow of qi. Gua sha has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including CKD.

It can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve kidney function.   Herbal medicine is another form of Eastern medicine that can be used to treat CKD. Herbal medicines are made from plants and other natural substances and are believed to help balance the body's energy or qi. Some herbs can be used to support kidney function and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and nausea.

It is important to note that while these therapies have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, there is limited scientific research on their effectiveness for treating CKD. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any of these therapies, as they may interact with medications or other treatments you are receiving.