Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking or trembling, typically in the hands, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow or Qi (pronounced "chee"). Some of my patients have experienced benefits.
I’m writing this today because a new patient, after his first session, came and said the acupuncture treatments were “life changing.” How wonderful to work with someone who works with his hands, help him play the banjo and get back to his wood-working again!! He continues to get treated and has reported improvement after each session.
Here are potential benefits associated with acupuncture for essential tremor:
Symptom Reduction: Some individuals with essential tremor have reported a reduction in the severity of their tremors following acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture may help modulate neural activity and reduce the hyperactivity of certain brain regions associated with tremors.
Improved Quality of Life: Acupuncture may not only address the physical symptoms but also contribute to an improved overall quality of life for individuals with essential tremor. This was a game changer for my patient from New Milford. He is now able to do his very detailed wood-working pieces and get back to playing the banjo!
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Stress definitely makes tremors worse. Acupuncture is known for its potential to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress can exacerbate essential tremor symptoms, and acupuncture may help manage stress levels, potentially leading to a reduction in tremor severity.
Balancing Nervous system: By stimulating specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore balance and harmony, which could positively influence neurological conditions like essential tremor.
Complementary Approach: Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments for essential tremor. It may not replace medications or other interventions but could provide additional support in managing symptoms. Some patients choose to treat it solely alternatively.
Individualized Treatment: Acupuncture treatments are often tailored to the individual, taking into account the person's overall health, symptoms, and constitution. This personalized approach may be beneficial for individuals with essential tremor, as the severity and presentation of symptoms can vary.
The response to acupuncture can vary among individuals. Essential tremor is different from Parkinson’s disease and easier to treat. Getting to the root of the problem is what we do in Chinese Medicine and treatment may be on-going, but when a patient like this comes in after one treatment, I’m over the moon! Seeing a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) will ensure you get the best quality treatment.