How to Treat Cellulitis with Acupuncture

Acupuncture can treat a lot of medical conditions and symptoms. Among others, acupuncture can successfully treat cellulitis in combination with antibiotics. Cellulitis, an unaesthetic deposit of fat (usually on the thighs, bottom and belly), can prove quite difficult to eliminate. Some women use aesthetic surgery to get rid of cellulitis, but this can be expensive and aggressive to the body. Acupuncture remains a healthier alternative. In this old Chinese technique, acupuncturists insert needless in specific areas of the body to stimulate circulation and the flow of energy as well as to boost the immune system.

  • Discuss with your doctor the possibility of using acupuncture as an adjutant for your current treatment for cellulitis. If your case is too severe, acupuncture might not prove a wise choice. Though some physicians do not trust alternative medicine methods, most know about acupuncture and will not oppose following an acupuncture treatment. They might also be able to recommend some good acupuncturists.

  • Though acupuncturists are not usually doctors, they do need to be qualified to apply the treatment. Find a certified acupuncturist in your area and discuss treating your cellulitis. Visit the website of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture to search for an acupuncturist at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/.
  • Talk to the acupuncturist about all your concerns. You should ask what types of needles he uses and whether these are sterilized or disposable. Sterilized needles have been used before but are sterilized in the same manner as surgical instruments to make sure there is no risk of transmitting illnesses or bacteria from one patient to another. If you are not comfortable with sterilized needles, ask for disposable needles used only once. All acupuncture procedures need to be done under sterile and professional conditions by certified practitioners. Don’t try acupuncture at home if you don’t have specialized training.
  • Ask the acupuncturist where she will insert the needles. Most acupuncturists advise against inserting needles in the area affected by cellulitis. Instead, they typically insert the needles in certain parts of the body that stimulate circulation and boost the immune system in order to fight the cellulitis infection and get blood pumping into the fat area.
  • Even if you see some improvement, don’t stop your treatment with antibiotics. Use acupuncture as a complementary method and not as the sole treatment for cellulitis. If your condition doesn’t get better or gets worse, stop the acupuncture treatment and discuss the issue with your therapist and physician.
  • If the acupuncture treatment proves effective and you’re happy with the results, continue getting an acupuncture session from time to time to prevent future problems. Acupuncture will not only help you avoid cellulitis in the future, but it will also help you body on the whole because it creates a state of relaxation and strengthens the immune system.