Acupuncture for Lyme disease symptoms
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. This condition can lead to serious health issues if not treated early.
Top 5 Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Erythema Migrans (EM) Rash: This is a bullseye-shaped rash that appears at the site of the tick bite. It’s often one of the earliest signs.
Flu-like Symptoms: These include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and headaches.
Joint Pain: Many Lyme patients experience severe joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees.
Neurological Problems: These can include facial palsy, numbness, tingling, and problems with memory and concentration.
Heart Issues: Some patients develop irregular heartbeats or heart inflammation (Lyme carditis).
Acupuncture for symptom management
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that can help in the management of Lyme disease symptoms. Research shows that acupuncture can reduce pain, improve immune function, and enhance overall well-being. It works by stimulating specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy, clear heat and resolve dampness. These climatic factors (heat, dampness etc.) are involved in Lyme and various co-infections. Acupuncture points and herbal formulas are selected to bring balance to these conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Patterns and Lyme Disease
TCM views Lyme disease through patterns of disharmony. Four common patterns associated with Lyme are:
Damp Heat: Symptoms include fever, sweating, heavy limbs, and a feeling of heaviness in the body, pain in the joints, brain fog and chronic fatigue. Herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Long Dan Cao (Gentiana) are used to clear damp heat.
Liver Qi Stagnation: Symptoms include irritability, mood swings, a feeling of tightness in the chest and poor digestion. Herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Xiang Fu (Cyperus) help to move liver Qi and alleviate these symptoms.
Wind Damp Heat and Toxin: symptoms include fever, rash, chills, muscle-joint pain and soreness, oral dryness, fatigue and thirst. The treatment uses herbs like Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion) and Yin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) to clear heat and resolve toxin.
Qi and Yin Vacuity with Lingering Damp Heat: Symptoms include chronic fatigue, lack of strength, dizziness, tinnitus, low back and knee soreness, swelling, pain, dry mouth and throat, afternoon tidal fever, malaria flushing and swollen enlarged tongue.
other Herbal Resources for Lyme Disease
Holistic medicine offers natural ways to support the body’s fight against Lyme disease. Here are some recommended herbs and supplements that can benefit the symptoms associated with Lyme.
Lemon Balm: Known for its antiviral properties and ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
Oregano Oil: Contains compounds that have strong antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Olive Leaf Extract: Effective against a wide range of pathogens and boosts the immune system.
Cat’s Claw: An herb that supports the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Probiotics: Help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial when taking antibiotics for Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is complex and presents differently in one person to the next. TCM diagnosis can help identify where to start with managing Lyme symptoms and getting to the root of the pattern.
Lyme disease can be challenging but understanding the symptoms and exploring natural remedies can make a big difference. Functional medicine, holistic medicine and TCM acupuncture offer effective ways to support your health and resolve symptoms.
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