A lot of people interested in acupuncture treatments usually inquire if the treatment can also help treat blood conditions such as anemia. A lot of them are pleasantly surprised to hear that acupuncture as well as Chinese herbs has been used in Asia for thousands of years to treat anemia symptoms including pale complexion, weakness, and tiredness. The fact is, anemia is the most common disorder of the blood according to Western medical physicians. Severe forms of this condition can lead to shortness of breath and palpitations.

Based on the most recent scientific studies, acupuncture has shown to actually raise the serum ferratin and decrease the TIBC or Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) of a person. The TIBC test is needed to rate the ability of the body to bind iron.

The conductors of these studies utilized just a single acupuncture point the Chinese refer to as zu san li, which in English literally means three leg mile. The zu san li, has long been used by acupuncturists to reinforce the body in such a way that a person can still walk an extra three miles at the end of a day’s walking. This acupoint according to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) studies has the responsibility of improving the function of the spleen.

TCM has a saying that the abdomen takes in the food while the spleen processes the food. When the correct acupuncture points are stimulated it boosts the absorption of nutrients which means better iron absorption. The three leg mile acupoint can treat the symptoms related to anemia including shortness of breath, palpitations, paleness, and tiredness.

The person’s diet naturally needs to be addressed as well although acupuncture can serve as a catalyst that can help improve the digestion and absorption of the food the person eats.

Besides the insertion of needles in the leg to treat anemia, acupuncturists may also needle certain anatomical locations and sensitive acupoints required to resolve symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. Needles used may vary in thickness and length depending on what kind of result the acupuncturist and the patient need.

The acupuncturist utilizes several specific stimulation techniques once the needle is inserted. The needles may be lifted up and down a certain number of times or twisted in specific directions. A study done several years ago involved needling procedures in which certain lift and thrust techniques were used to activate the energy of the acupoint to improve the strength of the patient.

Iron supplements to tend constipate anemia patients. The underlying cause of the anemia needs to also be treated in order for the patient to enjoy long-term balance and health.

Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are two of the most effective ways for an anemic person to boost his/her nutrient absorption and resolve his/her symptoms of anemia for good.