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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Sports Injuries

By Ira Wahrman | Published June 16, 2025

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: A Historical Perspective on Sports Injuries

For over two millennia, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have played a crucial role as primary healthcare systems for billions of people in Asia. Long before modern Western medicine arrived in China, practitioners of Chinese medicine treated traumatic injuries ranging from fractures to sprains and strains to infected wounds, utilizing these ancient practices on battlefields throughout history.

I recall my own experience years ago while living in China. After a severe foot sprain during a mountain hike, my father-in-law took me to a Chinese Medicine Traumatology hospital. They realigned the bones in my foot and ankle, providing herbal remedies that alleviated pain and swelling. Remarkably, I was back on my feet within days, which sparked my interest in treating sports injuries. I found that patients often respond quickly to treatment, and timely, proper care can prevent the development of chronic pain.  Since then I have been happy to work on sports injuries in my acupuncture practice.  First in Rego Park and now in Mamaroneck.  All times of sprains and strains, severe brusing, etc.

Typical Treatment for Sports Injuries

Many individuals suffer from sports-related soft tissue injuries, characterized by pain and swelling in the affected areas. Traditionally, the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—has been the go-to approach. This method involves resting the injured area, frequently icing to reduce swelling, and applying compression and elevation.

However, recent studies suggest that complete rest and prolonged icing may hinder recovery. Dr. David Mirkin, who introduced the RICE method in 1978, has revised his stance based on new evidence. Before I found Chinese medicine and acupuncture I followed this method without question, but I have since learned that excessive icing can prolong healing and even increase the risk of chronic pain. It can restrict blood flow, depriving surrounding tissues of oxygen and potentially leading to long-term complications. Chinese medicine offers a more nuanced and effective approach to managing sports injuries.

Summary of Sports Injuries and Their Treatment

Sports injuries, often referred to as sinew or soft tissue injuries, are prevalent among individuals engaged in competitive sports and repetitive tasks like typing or gardening. These injuries can also occur from actions like twisting an ankle while walking down the street. Sinews include soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments that connect and support joints. These tissues experience significant strain during physical activities, which can lead to a range of issues.

Types of Sinew Injuries

  • Mild Strain/Sprain: Involves microscopic tears in tendons and ligaments, typically healing within a week with proper treatment.
  • Severe Sprain: Characterized by complete tears causing joint instability, requiring further medical evaluation.

At any time while reading the next section you come to a description of a treatment you are unclear about please follow these links.

Acupuncture Moxibustion
External Herbal Medicine: Poultice, Liniment, Soaks Bodywork
Cupping Gua Sha

The Three Stages of Sports Injury Recovery

Stage 1: Acute

This stage starts at the moment of the injury: a jammed finger, twisted ankle, twisted knee, or tripping on ice and injuring your hip. This stage is characterized by pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation. This is the perfect time to treat with Chinese medicine to speed recovery. In China, this often includes fractures. In this country, if there is a fracture, patients are advised to go to the emergency room first. Once cleared, Chinese Medicine treatment can be applied to speed recovery.

Overview of Stage 1:

  • Timing: This stage starts immediately after an injury and can last up tp 7 days.
  • Symptoms: Swelling, redness, pain, and possible heat from inflammation.
  • Treatment: Focus is on restoring circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation, and enhancing joint mobility. Application of heat should be avoided to prevent worsening inflammation.

Treatment Principles:

  • Normalize Circulation: Reduce swelling and inflammation to restore blood flow.
  • Promote Qi and Blood Flow: Alleviate pain and improve mobility.
  • Encourage Movement: Strengthen the area to prevent re-injury while enhancing circulation.

Stage 1 Treatments:

    • Herbal Poultices and Plasters: Effective in reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation, serving as an alternative to ice.
    • Bleeding and Cupping: Techniques to eliminate stagnant blood and fluids, restoring Qi flow.
    • Acupuncture and Massage: Stimulate movement of stagnant fluids.
    • Trauma Liniment: Applied externally for soft-tissue injuries, typically three times daily. 
    • Internal Herbal Medicine: Used to complement external herbal medicine treatments.  Used to increase blood and fluid circulation and to stop pain.
    • Movement & Exercise: Gentle exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent muscle atrophy.

Case Study: Recently, a patient came into the acupuncture office in Mamaroneck with a twisted ankle she sustained during a volleyball match.  She could not walk on her own and needed crutches.   The ankle was swollen, bruised, and felt warm to the touch. The night before, she visited the emergency room, and it turned out there was no fracture. Acupuncture and bodywork were administered above and below the injured area to encourage circulation and reduce swelling. A poultice of powdered herbal medicine mixed with water was applied to the injury and wrapped in gauze. The patient was advised to leave the poultice on for 6 hours and then remove it. An herbal liniment was applied three times a day for one day, and she returned for treatment the following day. Forty-eight hours after the initial sprain, she was able to walk around with minimal pain. Swelling was greatly reduced, and the inflammation was gone. (Case continued below in Stage 2)

Stage 2 (post acute)

If treated properly at the outset, you may not experience Stage 2 symptoms and can quickly return to normal activities. However, if the injury was severe or Stage 1 issues persist, Stage 2 treatment may be necessary for complete recovery.

Overview of Stage 2

  • Timing: Begins within a week post-injury and can last up to three weeks.
  • Symptoms: Reduced swelling and pain, possible residual swelling, and stiffness from tendon spasms.
  • Treatment: More direct and aggressive than Stage 1, utilizing warming herbal medicines and vigorous bodywork.

Stage 2 Treatments:

      • Massage, Acu-Pressure, & Liniments: Employment of deep massage techniques and appropriate liniments to relieve blood stasis and pain.
      • Acupuncture: More targeted interventions to address swelling and stasis.
      • Stage 2 Poultices: Helpful in dispersing residual swelling.
      • Herbal Soaks: Soaking the affected area in herbal solutions to aid recovery.
      • Movement and Exercise: Focus on range of motion and strengthening exercises while avoiding vigorous activities.

Case Study (continued): As mentioned above, the patient returned to the acupuncture office in Mamaroneck with significantly reduced swelling, decreased pain, and no more heat coming from the injury. She still had restrictions in movement and stiffness. Due to the stiffness, the patient was given an herbal soak to boil and soak her foot in twice a day for two weeks. She can come in twice a week for acupuncture and bodywork. After each treatment, an herbal poultice was applied, and the ankle was wrapped. Liniments were rubbed into the joint three times a day. After two weeks, the ankle was back to normal as if nothing had happened.

Overview of Stage 3

  • Timing: Typically 3-4 weeks after injury but can last up to 6-8 weeks for tendon and joint injuries.
  • Symptoms:  Swelling and inflammation has typically decreased.  Stiffness and discomfort may persist.  Often the area will feel cold to the touch or is sensitive to cold, humidity or weather changes.  
  • Treatment:  Treatment is given to strongly warm the injured area and drive out cold with moxa, warming soaks and liniments.

Stage 3 Treatments:

      • Massage, Acu-Pressure, & Liniments: Utilizing warming liniments to alleviate blood stasis and pain.
      • Acupuncture: Focused on addressing swelling and stasis.
      • Stage 3 Poultices: Effective for dispersing residual swelling.
      • Herbal Soaks: Promotes recovery, using warming solutions.
      • Moxibustion: Used to heat painful areas, particularly effective for discomfort worsened by cold.
      • Cupping and Gua Sha: to pull fresh blood into the area, relax stiffness and to warm the tissues.
      • Internal Herbal Medicine: Aimed at enhancing circulation and nourishing damaged tissues.

Most patients who end up in the acupuncture clinic for pain come with injuries and pain conditions that would be considered stage 3. This can include arthritis in the hip, chronic knee pain that worsens with weather changes, and lower back pain from a car accident five years ago that never fully healed, among others. A combination of all the above treatments will greatly speed recovery.

Case Study: Recently, a patient came in with neck pain that has persisted for ten years. The patient was in a car accident ten years ago. He initially iced the area, and the pain went away. Over the years, the area has become stiffer. When it’s cold outside, the area feels tighter, and he experiences a sharp pain that radiates across his back. Acupuncture, bodywork, and moxibustion were applied three times a week for three months. During that time, cupping was performed three times. Internal herbs were given to address his digestion, sleep, and neck stiffness. An herbal ointment was applied twice a day, and at night, a sticky herbal plaster was placed on the neck. Exercises were prescribed to be performed daily to increase movement of neck.  After three months, the pain and stiffness were completely gone, and he returned to all his normal activities.

Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for thousands of years to treat all different types of injuries.  These treatments can help you get back to the things you love doing in a much faster time.  Get back to work, enjoy being with family, get back to your hobbies and favorite physical activities.

For further information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it can help you improve your health and help sports injuries, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click below to schedule a free 20 minute consultation to see if acupuncture and Chinese medicine are right for you.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

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Can Acupuncture Help With Infertility?

By Ira Wahrman | Published June 11, 2025

From 2013 to 2016, I worked in an acupuncture clinic that specialized in women’s health. During that time, I saw many women and couples who were trying to become pregnant. Some were trying acupuncture and Chinese medicine on its own, while others were using acupuncture to assist with IVF or in vitro fertilization. Since opening my own acupuncture clinic in Mamaroneck in 2017 to today, I have continued my work with patients trying to conceive on their own and others coming in for combined treatment with IVF. After working with couples for many years, I have found a few things to be true: infertility and the lack of children can cause a major disruption to a marriage. Additionally, if the couple chooses to go the IVF route, it can become very expensive.  Having children should be a happy experience.  It should not be an experience filled with stress and anxiety.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has helped many couples conceive successfully.  

 

Here are some statistics:

  • Approximately 1 in 6 couples worldwide experiences infertility.
  • About 12-15% of couples in the United States are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex.
  • The prevalence of infertility increases with age, with about 10% of couples under 35 experiencing infertility compared to 25% of couples over 40.
  • Among women, the infertility rate is around 13.4% for those aged 15-49.
  • Among men, the infertility rate is around 9% for those aged 15-49.

Causes of Infertility from a Western Medical Perspective

Ovulatory Disruptions – Challenges with egg release from the ovaries can stem from multiple factors including:

  • Hormonal imbalances, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Abnormal prolactin levels interfering with reproductive processes
  • Thyroid dysfunction (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
  • Additional potential triggers include:

       – Extreme physical training

       – Nutritional disorders

       – Endocrine system tumors

Uterine Complications – Structural and functional issues within the uterus can impede fertility:

  • Uterine polyps
  • Anatomical uterine abnormalities
  • Cervical structural problems
  • Uterine fibroids which can:
    • Block fallopian tubes
    • Prevent fertilized egg implantation
    • Disrupt reproductive organ functionality)

Fallopian Tube Disorders –Key reproductive pathway challenges include:

  • Salpingitis (tube inflammation)
  • Blockages resulting from pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Scarring that prevents egg and sperm interaction

Endometriosis – A condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, potentially:

  • Interfering with ovarian function
  • Disrupting fallopian tube effectiveness
  • Compromising overall reproductive system performance

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – Characterized by:

  • Ovarian function cessation before age 40
  • Unexplained reproductive system shutdown
  • Potential triggers:
    • Autoimmune disorders
    • Genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome)
    • Cancer treatment side effects

Pelvic Adhesions – Scar tissue formation resulting from:

  • Pelvic infections
  • Appendicitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Abdominal or pelvic surgical procedures

Cancer-Related Fertility Challenges –Reproductive system cancers can:

  • Directly reduce fertility potential
  • Compromise reproductive organ functionality
  • Treatment methods like radiation and chemotherapy may further impact reproductive capabilities

What does Chinese medicine say about infertility?

From a Chinese medicine perspective, there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to any condition, particularly infertility. Remember, Chinese medicine does not treat any disease; it works by treating people and their unique health conditions. All cases of infertility often have one or a combination of these four causative factors.

  • Lack of Blood and Body Fluids: Hundreds of years ago, before modern medicine, there was little understanding of hormones and how they function. If you look at the function of hormones in the body, there is significant overlap with what Chinese medicine calls blood and body fluids. Chinese medicine examines the signs and symptoms of a patient, as well as observing the tongue and pulse, to determine the state of the blood and fluids in the body. Blood and body fluids nourish all the tissues in our bodies; they are our hormones. The health and strength of our body are determined by the status of these substances, including the eggs in the ovaries. They are the oil that keeps our bodies running and healthy. 

     

    Lack of blood can show up as anemia, but not necessarily. Signs that the body lacks enough blood to nourish its tissues include cramping during menses, muscle cramping in general, dry eyes, dry skin, thin hair, lack of menstrual bleeding, a pale face, poor sleep, cravings for sweets and meat around the menstrual period, dizziness when standing from a sitting position, cold hands and feet, and some types of insomnia, to name a few.

    Lack of body fluids can manifest as vaginal dryness, some forms of constipation, weak digestion, poor immunity, weakness, and fatigue.

  • Poor Digestion: Your stomach is where all your blood and body fluids are produced to nourish the tissues of your body. Your food is turned into nourishment for every part of your body in the stomach. Healthy digestion ensures that all parts of your body receive the nourishment they need and that waste is removed properly. In some cases chronic loose stool is all that may be necessary to derail a couples hopes of starting a family.  The stronger the digestive function the stronger your reproductive health will be.  
  • Stress: Like poor digestion, stress can impact your health and fertility in many ways. Poor sleep, poor digestion, anxiety, and depression are all products of stress. Stress can even disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. A relaxed body is a suitable place for new life to grow.
  • Poor Circulation and Blockage: From a Chinese medicine perspective, there can be a blockage of fluids or blood. Often, a blockage of one will lead to a blockage of another. It is common to have both blood and fluid blockages simultaneously, as seen in cases of fibroids, for example.
    • Blockage of blood will manifest as dark menstrual blood, lack of menstrual bleeding, and in many cases, excessive menstrual bleeding, clots in the menstrual blood, purple veins under the tongue, sharp or stabbing menstrual pain, and in severe cases, growth of tissue, including endometriosis or adenomyosis, as examples.
    • Blockage of fluids will manifest as a heavy sensation in the body during menses, fatigue, abdominal bloating during menses, vaginal discharge, a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen during menses, a thick tongue coating, cysts, fibroids, etc.

  • Cold Accumulation in the Uterus: Cold, in general, will cause circulation in the body to slow. Cold is characterized by a feeling of cold or a lack of warmth in an area. Symptoms of cold affecting menstruation and fertility include a cold lower abdomen, waist, and buttocks, painful periods that respond to warmth. Cold can affect all aspects of health, not only the menstrual cycle.  To ensure the body is warm enough to create a new life all cold influences on the body should be eliminated or greatly reduced.  These include iced drinks, iced foods or deserts, cold left overs, etc.  Just doing this alone can help. to transform health.

The goal of treatment is to make both patterns of trying to conceive as healthy as possible by focusing on these keys to success:

  • Balancing digestion
  • Healthy, nutritious food
  • Improving sleep
  • Regulating the menstrual cycle
  • Balancing emotions
  • Reducing stress
  • Removing cold
  • Changes to diet and lifestyle

How Acupuncture May Benefit Reproductive Health

Acupuncture presents various potential advantages for individuals facing fertility issues through several interesting mechanisms:

Hormonal Balance
Traditional acupuncture methods may help foster a more balanced hormonal landscape. By potentially affecting critical reproductive hormones such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), these therapies could assist in optimizing the intricate endocrine system essential for conception.

Enhanced Blood Flow
Boosting blood circulation to reproductive organs represents another promising aspect. By potentially increasing blood supply to the uterus, ovaries, and testes, acupuncture may create more favorable conditions for reproductive health and heighten the chances of successful conception.

Stress Alleviation
Emotional and physical stress can greatly affect fertility. The well-known relaxation benefits of acupuncture may help reduce anxiety and promote a more favorable internal environment for reproductive functions.

Improvement in Reproductive Cell Quality
Recent studies indicate that acupuncture could positively impact the quality of eggs and embryos, especially for those with particular reproductive health issues. This may provide extra support during fertility treatments.

Men’s Reproductive Health
For male patients, specialized acupuncture techniques targeting the lower abdominal area may enhance sperm production and mobility, providing a holistic approach to reproductive health.

Other Chinese Medicine Therapies For Infertility

Chinese Herbal Medicine: As with all conditions, Chinese medicine does not treat infertility; it treats patients. A thorough, in-depth look is taken at a patient’s health history, sleep, digestion, urination, menstrual cycle, pain conditions, skin, appetite, etc. All aspects of health are considered, and an herbal formula is designed to make each patient as healthy as possible while also addressing the main complaint of infertility. Herbs are used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to help with blockages in the reproductive system. External herbal medicine in the form of foot soaks is also employed to increase circulation, relax the body, and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Moxibustion: Applying heat to acupuncture points strengthens organ function, dispels cold, and increases blood and fluid movement. Moxibustion is often used when the patient has poor digestion, cold sensations during menses, and obvious cold signs, including sensitivity to cold, a cold abdomen, weak digestion, and fatigue. Moxibustion helps to warm the body, soften hardness (e.g., fibroids), and restart the body’s own self-healing ability. At the office in Mamaroneck, moxibustion is used extensively for the treatment of infertility.

Bodywork: Chinese Massage, or Tuina, is a therapeutic practice that can target specific points in the body to enhance blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This not only alleviates pain and inflammation but also promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in internal organs. In treating infertility, Tuina therapists focus on acupressure points linked to the reproductive system, employing techniques like pressing, kneading, and tapping to improve fertility, regulate the menstrual cycle and help with other women’s health complaints. There are techniques employed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and ease pain.

Dietary Therapy and Lifestyle Adjustments: Diet and lifestyle are significant parts of health. They can either make or break a treatment. Everything you are doing outside the treatment session is either building health or diminishing it. Patients will receive dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve overall body function, focusing on increasing their chances of conceiving naturally.

Conclusion

For further information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it can help you improve your health and help with infertility, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click below to schedule a free 20 minute consultation to see if acupuncture and Chinese medicine are right for you.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

 

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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine For Controlling Asthma

By Ira Wahrman | Published June 2, 2025

Asthma is a chronic condition that impacts the airways in your lungs. It causes inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of these airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out. This leads to various breathing issues, with common symptoms including:

  • Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation.
  • Shortness of Breath: A feeling of not being able to catch your breath, particularly during physical activity or at night.
  • Coughing: A persistent cough that often worsens at night or in the early morning.
  • Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or squeezing in the chest.

Asthma symptoms can vary in intensity and may flare up at different times. Triggers often include allergens (such as pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander), irritants (like smoke or pollution), cold air, exercise, or stress.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of asthma in the United States in 2021 was 7.7%. This translates to approximately 24.9 million people with asthma.

Chinese Medicine and Asthma Management

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to asthma management, focusing on therapies that address the underlying imbalances contributing to the condition.

 

Understanding Asthma Through the Lens of Chinese Medicine

There are a few basic categories of asthma, and each category is treated differently. Each of these types of asthma has its own unique triggers and treatments. Some types of asthma are triggered by external stressors such as weather, allergens, and environmental toxins, while others are internally triggered through stress or overexertion. In the treatment of asthma, we focus on the patient, who has a unique presentation of symptoms, and treatment is always customized to meet the individual needs of each patient. Some patients will cough during the day, while others will cough more at night. Some patients will have yellow phlegm, while others will have white or clear. All symptoms need to be differentiated to create a custom treatment for patients.

  • Allergic Asthma: Triggered by seasonal allergies, pet dander, dust, etc.
  • Weather-Induced Asthma: Triggered in cold, hot, humid, or dry weather.
  • Stress-Induced Asthma: Triggered by stress.
  • Exertion-Induced Asthma: Triggered by exertion during exercise.
  • Toxin-Induced Asthma: Similar to allergic asthma, with some overlap.  These toxins include air pollution, mold, etc.

How Acupuncture Might Help with Asthma

  • Aims to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, strengthen Lung Qi, and resolve phlegm accumulation.
  • Reduces inflammation: Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation in the airways, a key factor in asthma.
  • Adjusts the immune system: Some research suggests acupuncture may help regulate the immune system’s response in asthma.
  • Relieves symptoms: Acupuncture may help ease asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
  • Promotes relaxation: Acupuncture may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Other Chinese Medicine Therapies for Asthma

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine: As with all conditions, Chinese medicine does not treat asthma; it treats patients. A thorough, in-depth look is taken at a patient’s health history, sleep, digestion, urination, menstrual cycle, pain conditions, skin, appetite, etc. All aspects of health are considered, and an herbal formula is designed to make each patient as healthy as possible while also addressing the main complaint of asthma. Herbs are used to clear phlegm, stop coughing and wheezing, and strengthen lung function and immunity.
  • Moxibustion: Applying heat to acupuncture points to strengthen Qi and dispel cold. Moxibustion is often used when asthma worsens in the winter and there are obvious cold signs, including sensitivity to cold, white phlegm, cold body, weak digestion, fatigue, etc. Moxibustion helps to warm the body, transform phlegm, stop coughing, and strengthen organ function. At the office in Mamaroneck, moxibustion is used extensively for the treatment of asthma.
  • San Fu Tie or Heavenly Moxibustion: Instead of burning moxa, a medicinal paste is applied to various acupuncture points. The medicinal paste contains warming herbs that cause mild skin irritation. This paste is left on for a few hours. This particular treatment was first recorded during the Qing dynasty in China and has been shown to be very helpful for asthma and other chronic lung conditions that worsen in cold weather. For best results, this treatment is conducted three times per summer for three summers in a row.  Totally 9 treatments over three years time.
  • Bodywork: Chinese Massage or Tuina is a therapeutic practice that can target specific points in the body to enhance blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This not only alleviates pain and inflammation but also promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in internal organs. In treating asthma, tuina therapists focus on acupressure points linked to the respiratory system, employing techniques like pressing, kneading, and tapping to improve respiratory function. 
  • Cupping: Using suction cups to improve blood circulation and alleviate stagnation. Cupping is excellent for increasing circulation and is frequently used to help with chronic lung conditions. Cupping is helpful to break up excessive mucus in the respiratory system.
  • Qigong: Various breathing methods, static postures, and movements can be very helpful in the treatment of asthma. Deep, even breathing, which is trained in qigong, can do wonders for asthma.
  • Dietary Therapy: Diet is a significant part of health. It can either make or break a treatment. Everything you are doing outside the treatment session is either building health or diminishing it. Patients will receive dietary advice to improve overall body function, focusing on improving their symptoms of asthma and overall health.

Benefits of Chinese Medicine for Asthma

  • May reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
  • Can improve airflow and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
  • May strengthen the respiratory and immune systems.
  • Can complement conventional medical treatments.

What do The Studies Say About Chinese Medicine For Asthma?

Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer promising avenues for relief from the multifaceted symptoms of asthma. By focusing on the individual and their unique symptom profile, practitioners can tailor treatments that address specific needs, potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

For further information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it can help you improve your health, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click below to schedule your first session.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

 

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Understanding Postherpetic Neuralgia: Relief Through Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

By Ira Wahrman | Published May 29, 2025

Over the years, I have encountered many patients suffering from Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), both in my Mamaroneck office and during my training in Beijing with my teacher. I vividly remember the first time I witnessed my teacher treating a patient with postherpetic neuralgia back in 2011. I was amazed at how quickly the patient experienced relief. Many individuals sought him out specifically for relief from the intense, searing nerve pain associated with this condition. His treatment approach, which consisted solely of acupuncture and cupping, often left patients feeling significantly better after just a few sessions. The rapid results during my time in Beijing made a lasting impression on me, especially considering the debilitating nature of pain from shingles and PHN. However, there is hope in Chinese medicine for those seeking relief.

What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Postherpetic neuralgia is chronic nerve pain that occurs after the resolution of a shingles infection. It stems from nerve damage caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for shingles and chickenpox. It is essentially severe nerve pain following a shingles virus infection.

How Does It Happen?

  • Shingles Rash: Shingles leads to a painful, blistering skin rash in a specific nerve distribution known as a dermatome.
  • Nerve Damage: In some individuals, particularly older adults, the nerves may remain damaged even after the rash and blisters have healed.
  • Ongoing Pain: This nerve damage results in persistent pain in the area where the rash occurred.

Symptoms Of Postherpetic Neuralgia

  • Pain Types: Burning, stabbing, or aching sensations.
  • Duration of Pain: Pain that continues for months or even years after the shingles rash has healed.
  • Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch, where even light clothing can cause discomfort.
  • Other Sensations: Itching or numbness in the affected area.

Who’s At Risk?

  • Individuals over 50 years old.
  • Those who experience severe shingles rashes.
  • People with weakened immune systems.

How Common Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Approximately 10-20% of people across all age groups who have shingles will develop postherpetic neuralgia.

What Does Chinese Medicine Say About Postherpetic Neuralgia?
According to Chinese medicine, both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia that follows are often caused by what we call damp heat or heat toxins, which block qi and blood circulation. In Chinese medicine, there is a saying: If there is a blockage of circulation, there will be pain. If there is no blockage, pain will not exist. This blockage also manifests as an accumulation of damp heat and heat toxins. The symptoms that are a manifestation of this dampness include aching pain, itching, and numbness. The burning sensation is clearly a manifestation of heat and toxins in the body. The extreme sensitivity to touch is also a symptom of dampness and heat trapped in the skin. All treatment aims to remove the toxins and heat from the skin layer while increasing local blood and qi circulation. As always, all aspects of health are considered, including sleep and digestion. This holistic approach allows for quicker and more lasting relief.

Can Acupuncture Help With Postherpetic Neuralgia?

  • Pain Relief: Acupuncture is renowned for its ability to alleviate pain, regardless of its origin. It releases endorphins, which help diminish the perception of pain.
  • Nerve Modulation: Acupuncture has been shown to positively influence nerve pathways and decrease irregular nerve activity resulting from injured nerves.
  • Enhanced Circulation: Acupuncture promotes healing and reduces inflammation in affected areas by improving circulation. This relaxation allows painful tissues to begin calming.
  • Stress and Anxiety Management: Acupuncture is effective in managing symptoms related to stress and anxiety.
  • Overall Health Improvement: Enhanced sleep and digestion lead to better recuperation for the body.

What Does The Research Say?
Studies have explored acupuncture, cupping, and electroacupuncture as treatment options for postherpetic neuralgia. Research suggests that acupuncture can reduce pain intensity, relieve anxiety, and improve the overall quality of life for patients.

For those suffering from the debilitating effects of postherpetic neuralgia, acupuncture offers a hopeful path to relief and improved well-being.

What Other Chinese Medicine Treatments Can Be Helpful For Postherpetic Neuralgia?

  • Cupping: Cupping is often used to draw out toxins in the skin and increase circulation. Cupping cannot be used with active shingles lesions. It can be applied once the shingles scabs have fallen off.
  • Moxibustion: Moxibustion is an effective therapy for postherpetic neuralgia. It may seem counterintuitive, but moxa is very helpful for treating damp heat and heat toxins in the skin, reducing pain and increasing circulation.  Moxibustion is also particularly effective in working with health conditions effecting the nerves and nervous system
  • Internal Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is often used to improve the overall health of a patient, enhancing digestion, sleep, urination, etc., while also helping to reduce pain on the skin and in the nerves
  • External Herbal Medicine: Topical herbs can be applied to reduce heat and itching of the skin and promote healing.
  • Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling: With all health conditions, certain causative factors can create a health problem or greatly exacerbate an existing one. By working with diet and lifestyle, the effects of treatment are greatly magnified. For post herpetic neuralgia, diet and lifestyle need to be carefully examined to discern aggravating factors.

For a greater understanding of the treatment therapies used and how Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, works, please visit this link: Introduction to Chinese Medicine

Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer promising avenues for relief from the multifaceted symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia. By focusing on the individual and their unique symptom profile, practitioners can tailor treatments that address specific needs, potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

For further information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it can help you improve your health, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click below to schedule your first session.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

 

 

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Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Offer Relief for Fibromyalgia?

By Ira Wahrman | Published May 13, 2025

Can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Offer Relief for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed, it can lead to a frustrating and isolating journey for those who live with it. Many individuals seeking relief from their pain and discomfort often turn to Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Ira Wahrman, a licensed acupuncturist working Mamaroneck, New York, has helped many patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia throughout the years.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. Often referred to as an “invisible illness,” its symptoms are not outwardly visible, making it difficult for others to understand the profound impact it can have on daily life. Research indicates that fibromyalgia affects approximately 2–4% of the population, with women being diagnosed more frequently than men.

Common Symptoms

The hallmark of fibromyalgia is widespread pain, but the condition encompasses much more. Here are some of the most prevalent symptoms:

  • Chronic widespread pain: A constant dull ache lasting for months. Often, the pain is mainly felt in the muscles but can manifest in the joints as well.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired despite adequate sleep and rest.
  • Sleep disturbances: Unrestful sleep, insomnia, or sleep apnea. Patients often say they feel like they did not sleep at all.
  • Cognitive difficulties (“fibro fog”): Issues with focus, memory, and concentration.
  • Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch, light, or temperature.
  • Mental health issues: Depression and anxiety.
  • Digestive disturbances: Constipation, abdominal pain, loose stools, alternating constipation and diarrhea, etc.
  • Headaches or migraines.

The severity of these symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, making the condition unpredictable and sometimes overwhelming.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, but researchers believe it arises from a combination of factors, including:

  • Abnormal pain processing: Heightened sensitivity to pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Genetic factors: A family history of fibromyalgia or related conditions may increase risk.
  • Infections or illnesses: Certain infections might trigger or worsen symptoms.
  • Trauma: Physical or emotional trauma may contribute to its onset.

It is essential to note that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune or inflammatory disease, although it often coexists with other chronic conditions. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the focus is not solely on fibromyalgia but on the individual and their unique symptom presentation. No two cases are identical; therefore, treatments will vary significantly. If ten individuals with a fibromyalgia diagnosis were in the same room, they would likely receive different treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. Here are two cases below showing how different the presentation of fibromyalgia can be.

Case Studies

Patient 1 Patient 2
Female, 60 Female, 25
Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia
Systemic pain described as tightness and aching with pain in both the muscles and joints. Systemic muscular pain described as aching and throbbing, with a perception of warmth in the muscles.
Insomnia Loose stools
Anxiety Profuse menstrual bleeding
Constipation Anemia
Fatigue Persistent sadness
Frequent urinary infections Frequent nausea and abdominal pain.
Menopausal with night sweats and hot flashes Extreme fatigue
Frequent bloating and acid reflux Frequent dizziness

Despite both being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, these patients exhibit vastly different symptoms and will require distinct treatment approaches. Each treatment is tailored to address the unique set of symptoms experienced by the patient.

A significant number of individuals with fibromyalgia also experience digestive disturbances. Fibromyalgia and gastrointestinal issues are often linked, with many facing complications like stomach pain, bloating, and constipation. Research shows that up to 70% of fibromyalgia patients may exhibit IBS-like symptoms, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another common digestive issue associated with fibromyalgia.

The Role of Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine adopts a systems approach to treatment, particularly in its view of the body. The spleen and stomach system within Chinese medicine is the root of digestion, producing and providing all the nutrition to the body in the form of healthy blood and body fluids. When digestion is disturbed, it can often manifest as muscle pain, digestive upset, brain fog, and fatigue.

For example, I recently treated a patient with severe loose stools who exhibited noticeable muscle loss throughout her body. By working to improve digestion as part of the treatment plan for patients with fibromyalgia, we often see relief from symptoms of systemic body pain. The body must be viewed as a whole, especially when patients present with a variety of symptoms from various body systems.

The Acupuncture Treatment Process

An acupuncture session typically begins with an assessment of the patient’s condition. It is crucial to discern the quality of pain, aggravating and alleviating factors, and a thorough health history to identify other barriers to recovery, such as sleep, digestion, stress levels, etc. This is followed by the careful insertion of needles to restore energy flow and alleviate discomfort. Sessions usually last around 60 minutes, with the frequency of treatment depending on the severity of the condition.

Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is now recognized as a beneficial treatment for fibromyalgia. Here’s how acupuncture may help:

  • Targeting Painful Areas: Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, helping alleviate pain. These points can be used to target specific areas of pain, or if pain is systemic, acupuncture can help reduce systemic pain.
  • Relieving Back and Neck Pain: Many fibromyalgia sufferers experience back and neck pain. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and muscle tension in these areas.
  • Improving Digestion: Normalizing bowel movements, decreasing symptoms of acid reflux, abdominal pain, and nausea.
  • Overall Benefits: Acupuncture has been associated with reductions in fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, stiffness, anxiety, and fatigue, while also improving sleep and overall well-being.

There are some studies showing the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia:
Efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia:
Link to study

Complementary Therapies for Fibromyalgia Management

In addition to acupuncture, complementary treatments such as cupping, moxibustion, bodywork (acupressure and reflexology), internal herbal medicine, external herbal medicine, and cranial sacral therapy can be beneficial.

  • Cupping Therapy: These techniques utilize suction cups to relieve tension and improve circulation in the muscle tissue throughout the body. Cupping can greatly enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment, often reducing the number of treatments needed to gain relief.
  • Bodywork (Acupressure and Reflexology): These techniques apply pressure to various points, meridians, joints, muscles, tissues, etc., to promote relaxation, circulation, improve digestion, improve sleep, and provide pain relief.
  • Internal Herbal Remedies: Chinese herbs can be beneficial when used alongside other treatments but should only be taken under professional guidance. Chinese herbal formulas are used to treat the presenting symptoms of a patient. Herbal formulas are customized to address all aspects of health, including sleep and digestion, while also working to help reduce symptoms of pain and fatigue. For many cases of fibromyalgia, internal herbs are added to the treatment to intensify the treatment.
  • External Herbal Remedies: After a thorough diagnosis of the pain symptoms, topical herbs can be prescribed. In the treatment of fibromyalgia, since pain is often systemic, herbal foot soaks can be used, which are designed to help address systemic pain conditions. Topical herbal medicine, when used frequently, is an excellent adjunctive therapy and can enhance the treatment process.
  • Moxibustion: Cases of fibromyalgia that have pronounced weakness, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and poor digestion often do really well when moxibustion is added to the treatment. Moxibustion warms and loosens up chronically cold and tight areas of the neck, greatly relieving pain. Moxibustion also balances the digestive system and is used for many chronic disorders. Moxa is used to reset the body’s own ability to recuperate itself.
  • Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling: With all health conditions, certain causative factors can create a health problem or greatly exacerbate an existing one. By working with diet and lifestyle, the effects of treatment are greatly magnified. For fibromyalgia, diet and lifestyle need to be carefully examined to discern aggravating factors.

For a greater understanding of the treatment therapies used and how Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, works, please visit this link: Introduction to Chinese Medicine

Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer promising avenues for relief from the multifaceted symptoms of fibromyalgia. By focusing on the individual and their unique symptom profile, practitioners can tailor treatments that address specific needs, potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

For further information about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it can help you improve your health, please feel free to reach out to Ira Wahrman, L.Ac, at his acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. The phone number is (914) 772-4044. Or feel free to click below to schedule your first session.

https://acusimple.com/bookings/1508

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