In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lyme disease is looked at as a blood deficiency, meaning you have either too little blood or your blood is too weak to function properly. When blood is deficient in Chinese Medicine, it causes your Qi (energy) and Yun (fluids) to be affected. This can lead to a weakened immune system and put you at greater risk for an illness like Lyme disease.
Treatment for Lyme disease using TCM can include Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs work to stimulate the flow of blood and qi to help bring your body back to a balanced state. Individuals with Lyme disease often experience joint pain, and Acupuncture can be effective in treating this discomfort by stimulating specific points that can reduce inflammation and provide some relief.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through a bite from an infected tick. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, joint pain, and muscle aches. Severe cases of Lyme disease can lead to neurological and heart issues. If left untreated, Lyme disease can become chronic and recurring. Treatment may include antibiotics, herbal remedies, and other holistic treatments like Acupuncture.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Fatigue – If Lyme disease is left untreated, you may experience extreme fatigue. Acupuncture can help boost the energy of your blood to help fight against this symptom.
- Headaches – A headache can be a sign of low blood flow to your brain, which is common with Lyme disease. Acupuncture can help stimulate blood flow and bring your body back to a state of balance.
- Joint Pain – Lyme disease can also cause inflammation in your joints, which can lead to pain. Acupuncture can help reduce some of the pain associated with Lyme disease.
- Rashes – A rash may appear as one of the first symptoms of Lyme disease. This rash can appear anywhere on the body and is often red, purple, or pink in color.
- Swollen lymph nodes – Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of a bacterial infection. Acupuncture can help reduce the swelling associated with Lyme disease.
Causes of Lyme Disease
- Tick Bites – The main way to get Lyme disease is through a tick bite. Ticks are small bugs that can transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
- Proximity to animals – Lyme disease can also be transmitted from animals like dogs, who can carry ticks on their body. Pets that are outside a lot are more likely to carry ticks.
- Tick habitats – Ticks prefer moist, warm areas with lots of vegetation like forests and grassy areas. You can reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease by avoiding these tick habitats.
- Tick season – Ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, so this is when you need to be extra vigilant about protecting yourself from ticks.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Tick-borne Illness
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine like we offer here at Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab, that can help reduce some of the symptoms of Lyme disease. It can stimulate blood flow and bring your body back to a state of balance.
Chinese Herbs are another treatment option that can help reduce symptoms of Lyme disease. Chinese Herbs can be used alone or it can be combined with Acupuncture. They are often more suitable for chronic diseases that acupuncture can’t treat.
Herbal Remedies for Tick-borne Illness
- Chinese Peony – is often used in TCM as an antiviral herb to help combat the early stages of Lyme disease. It can help reduce swelling in the lymph nodes as well as aid in blood flow.
- Chinese Damask Rose – is another herb that can help prevent the spread of Lyme disease. It can help speed up your immune system, helping your body combat the infection faster.
- Bamboo Shoots – are commonly used in TCM as a blood-thinning herb. They can be useful in reducing joint pain and other symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
How To Find An Acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a growing field and there are many acupuncturists to choose from. You can start looking for local acupuncturists on the web in your area. We offer the best and 100% safe Acupuncture there is. Our Acupuncturists are not only properly trained, but are board- certified acupuncturists. When you visit us, they’ll usually ask you questions about your current health and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Our certified acupuncturists will also perform a physical exam to understand more about your health and how acupuncture can help you. Remember, not all acupuncturists are well-trained the same way as ours. Make sure the acupuncturist you choose is licensed with your state and has experience treating diseases like Lyme disease.
Other Helpful Tips for Managing Tick-borne Illness
- Speak with your doctor – Your doctor can help you identify if you’ve contracted Lyme disease, as well as the best way to treat the disease. They can also work with you to develop a long-term treatment plan for symptoms that may linger after you’ve been treated.
- Stay informed – Keeping up with the latest research and studies can help you inform any decisions you make on your care. You can also follow blogs and websites written by people with Lyme disease.
- Protect yourself – The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to protect yourself from ticks. This includes wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when you’re outside, as well as using insect repellent.
Understanding The Risks of Acupuncture
While Acupuncture is generally safe, there is always some risk of complications. These can include infections and adverse reactions to acupuncture needles. If you are using acupuncture to treat an illness, it’s important to find an acupuncturist who is properly trained like our experts at Santa Cruz CORE.
Acupuncture is a great option for those suffering from tick-borne illnesses. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help combat symptoms. When done correctly, Acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment method, while also reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is based on several hundred years of use and research. Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to manage a variety of health conditions, including pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, as well as reduce inflammation in the body.
While TCM utilizes a broad range of natural and synthetic remedies, acupuncture is a procedure that is often used to treat just a few problems, most typically chronic pain or muscle spasms.
It’s also used to strengthen organs and treat disorders like infertility and respiratory illnesses. The two most important parts of using acupuncture are knowing how and where to do it.
References
- Art of Wellness Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 14 Jan. 2022, https://myartofwellness.com/how-to-treat-lyme-disease-with-acupuncture-and-tcm/.
- Wilson, John W., and Lynn L. Estes. “Tick-Borne Infections.” Oxford Medicine Online, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199797783.003.0155.
- “Lyme Disease.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Jan. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/
