Acupuncture for Hyperhydrosis

Hyperhydrosis (also hyperhidrosis) involves profuse sweating of the hands, feet, face, armpits, and other parts of the body more than what is normally needed to regulate body temperatures. Research shows that this condition affects one in 25 individuals in America today, a number of who have sought treatments from nontraditional Western remedies such as acupuncture for hyperhydrosis.

Hyperhydrosis is classified as either primary or secondary. The primary condition has to do with a hyperactive nervous system, specifically the part that regulates sweat glands. However, the exact cause has not yet been identified.

Symptoms are wet and clammy hands and feet and profuse sweating of the face and armpits. Forty percent of people with primary hyperhydrosis acquired it through heredity.

Acupuncture for hyperhydrosis in this category is considered a common treatment, the most drastic remedy being surgery where the nerve concerned is cut or clamped in the spine at the T2 to T4 level.

On the other hand, secondary hyperhydrosis has not responded well to surgery. The reason for this is probably because its cause is often a longstanding medical condition.

Examples of this are chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism or immune disorders. Other triggers for the condition include anxiety disorders, panic attacks, obesity, and menopause.

The symptom of this type of hyperhydrosis is profuse sweating all over the body and the condition can be confirmed by a laboratory exam to test hormone levels in the thyroid.

Acupuncture for Hyperhydrosis – How It Works

An acupuncturist will normally insert hair-thin, metal needles into the skin over the T2 to T4 areas of the spine where surgery for primary hyperhydrosis is performed. The needles are inserted up to the dermatome, the part of the skin where sensory nerves are found.

Healing is directed at managing overactive sweat glands. An acupuncturist may also tell you that the points used to relieve stress and cause you to relax may also lessen factors that make hyperhydrosis more severe, such as anxiety or shyness.

As in other forms of acupuncture, this mode of treatment is based on the traditional Chinese belief that the balance of energy in the body affects harmony as well as physical and emotional health.

The number of points in the skin where needles are inserted should be a decision between you and the acupuncturist. The points of acupuncture for hyperhydrosis may vary from person to person, depending on individual symptoms and state of health.

Acupuncture for Hyperhydrosis: Pain and Safety
Will it hurt? Most people feel minimal to no pain as the acupuncturist inserts the needles. Individuals may, however, experience acupuncture for hyperhydrosis differently. Some report feeling revitalized, while others say it is more of a relaxing experience.

When an acupuncturist inserts the needle improperly, if a needle has defects, or if the patient moves, some pain and soreness could be felt.

As for safety, the FDA approved the needles used in acupuncture for hyperhydrosis back in 1996 for as long as they are:

• sterilized;
• nontoxic;
• labeled as being for single use; and
• used by qualified or licensed practitioners.

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