How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)treats anemia

Condition analysis:
Anemia is a common affliction that affects millions of Americans. However, you may not realize you are anemic unless you do a blood test. Anemia presents with several common symptoms that you may not even realize are related to anemia. Ask your doctor for a blood test if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Low energy even after a good night's sleep
Dizziness
A pale undertone beneath the skin
Concentration problems
Muscle cramps
Tingling hands and feet
Headache
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing after moderate exercise
 
Anemia can be caused by several factors. Dangerous forms of anemia include sickle-cell anemia and leukemia. These life-threatening conditions should be closely monitored and addressed by a doctor. However, the far more common version of anemia is caused by nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and vitamin C.

Instructions:
Anemia Treatment Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): In allopathic medicine, there are many different types of anemia: aplastic anemia, thalassemia, sickle-cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin-deficiency anemia, and many others. A specific type of anemia has a certain specific cause and thus, need a specific type of treatment. In TCM, however, anemia is seen as a sign that the body is failing to produce adequate amounts of good quality blood and/or that the circulation of life force known as chi or qi has slowed down or become blocked. This qi is the life-giving energy of the body and without it, the body dies. To treat anemia, TCM physicians utilize different types of techniques to stimulate certain vital organs to manufacture adequate amounts of good quality blood as well as help restore the normal circulation of qi and remove any blockages to its flow. The symptoms the patient exhibit determines the type of treatment used.

Acupuncture for Anemia: Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used TCM treatments for anemia. It is a procedure that involves the insertion of long, thin needles into various points on the skin to normalize the circulation of qi. When the needles are inserted, they pierce the skin and stimulate vessels known as meridians in which qi travels throughout the body. In the treatment of anemia, acupoints associated with the liver meridian is selected for treatment. In TCM, the liver is the organ system that stores blood. It also is responsible for the regulation of blood flow all over the body.