LLN ARTICLES

Acupuncture with Lymphedema presented by Beverley De Valois, PhD, LicAc, FBAcC

Beverley event regDr. de Valois has studied uses of acupuncture for many years. She has treated cancer survivors and lymphedema patients, and found improvements in quality of life outlook, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. Some patients have discovered new energy and improved their self-care after acupuncture treatment.

The use of needles in a limb affected by lymphedema is a controversial topic. Dr. de Valois explained that the needles used in acupuncture are very fine, and she has seen only a low occurrence of mild adverse events, like minor bruising, bleeding, pain, tiredness, and one allergy to the moxibustion smoke sometimes used to heat the needles. She typically avoids using acupuncture in areas of the body known to be affected by lymphedema, finding positive effects can be achieved by applying the needles in other areas. Her philosophy is to ‘treat the root’ of a health issue ‘rather than the manifestation.’

Dr. deValois’ book, Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal and Transformation will be published this summer.

Webinar by Nasreen Starner, OTR/L, CLT – March 11, 2023

Review by Sharon Shepard, patient and LLN board member;

and Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA, CI-CS

Lymphedema patients have long hoped for a surgical or pharmaceutical “cure” for this life-long chronic and debilitating condition. The microsurgery field has developed several procedures that offer great promise, but may set up unrealistic expectations for patients. Pre- and post-operative sessions with certified lymphedema therapists are essential for most patients undergoing lymphatic surgery. Nasreen Starner, OTR/L, CLT, works with lymphatic surgeons at Cleveland Clinic in this cutting-edge field. For more information, see supermicrosurgery for the Treatment of Lymphedema.

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About Us

The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network is a 501 (C) (3) organization of individuals who are lymphedema patients, or who have an interest in lymphedema.
5290 Matt Hwy
Suite 502-135
Cumming, GA  30028

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