Raynaud's Disease
Acupuncture for Raynaud's in North Vancouver
With Raynaud's, fingers or toes turn white or blue in the cold or with stress, then throb and tingle as they warm. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as complementary support, alongside care from your physician.
Overview
Raynaud's is a condition in which small blood vessels in the fingers and toes, and sometimes the nose or ears, narrow too much in response to cold or stress. The skin turns white or blue and feels cold and numb, then turns red, throbs or tingles as blood flow returns. Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) is common and usually mild; secondary Raynaud's is linked with another condition, such as an autoimmune disease, and can be more severe.
Keeping your whole body warm, avoiding sudden cold, managing stress and not smoking are the foundations of care, and some people also need medication. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your attacks, triggers and medical assessment before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Fingers or toes that turn white or blue in the cold
- Numbness, coldness or pins and needles during an attack
- Throbbing, tingling or redness as they warm up
- Attacks triggered by stress or by holding something cold
- Cold hands and feet much of the time
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for Raynaud's usually uses points on the arms, legs and body chosen for your pattern, and moxibustion may be used for gentle warmth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cold hands and feet are often linked with yang qi not reaching the limbs, so treatment focuses on warming and circulation. Chinese herbal medicine may be suggested after a review of your medications.
A few small studies suggest acupuncture may reduce how often Raynaud's attacks happen for some people, but the evidence is limited. Acupuncture is complementary care alongside warmth, lifestyle measures and any treatment your physician recommends.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She often combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your circulation together with stress, sleep and digestion.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about your attacks (how often they happen, which areas are affected and what triggers them) and your medical assessment, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. Some people like to start before the colder months. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted over time.
Stress can trigger attacks. See our emotional well-being page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your physician if Raynaud's starts after age 30, affects only one side, or comes with joint pain, skin thickening, rashes or tiredness, as these can point to an underlying condition. Seek prompt care for sores, ulcers or skin breakdown on your fingers or toes, or an attack that doesn't settle after warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Raynaud's Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.