PLEASE NOTE :: these are archived forum posts from years past, further discussions should happen on our social media channels.

Request for advice on treating sciatica pain

By Archived User | Updated: Dec 31, 2021 | Published: Dec 31, 2021

Submitted By: garyjp9

My mother is 87 years old and is suffering from spinal stenosis (quite normal for her age) and severe sciatica in her left leg. The pain extends to her foot. She was treated by an acupuncturist with many needles around her body via the "balance method." It only brought temporary relief. Moreover, her left ankle swelled up for the next two days. This happened twice. She has never experienced such swelling before or after and has no heart condition.

---Has anyone ever heard of this type of edema in response to acupuncture?

---She does not like needles. Can sciatica be treated with fewer needles and in a more localized fashion than with the balance method?

Thank you, Gary

Archived Comments

Comment by Archived User


For Sciatic just need 3 needles on the local area: GB30, Huan Zhong & Ashi point, 3 needles at least 2 cun long, and she must bend left hip to acupuncture.

Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.

If the swelling came and went after two days I simply wouldn&#39t worry about it very much. Yes, you can get localized swelling from the acupuncture points or even other tuina/massage techniques in the area - it generally passes quickly. It&#39s somewhat rare either way...


With regards to sciatic treatment - we have a page on acupuncture for low back pain with many of the commonly used points and, yes, there are any number of ways to treat sciatic pain. If she really doesn&#39t like needles she should consider seeing another practitioner as with proper insertion it shouldn&#39t be an issue (i.e. you shouldn&#39t feel the needles) - with heavier techniques it can create tension in the patient and lead to inferior results. Someone who also does tuina (chinese medical massage) and cupping would be preferred over those that do not in my opinion.

Comment by Archived User

Thank you very much for your advice. Gary

Comment by Archived User

Thank you very much for your advice and for the link to your treatment page. I really appreciate it. Gary

Comment by Archived User

Kindly guide me as to Huan Zhong point and how to locate that. I could not find reference to that point on our site

Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.

Huan Zhong is an extra point located midway between GB 30 and GV 2

Comment by Archived User

So kind of you Chad ! :-)

Discuss further on social media:
Share on LinkedIn Share on Bluesky Share on Facebook
Relationships
Acupuncture Points (2 connections)