Raynaud’s syndrome affects your blood circulation. When you’re cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour. Some of the symptoms include pain, numbness, pins and needles and difficulty moving the affected area. Some people may also find that their ears, nose or lips are affected.
It is a very common condition, thought to affect up to 10 million people in the UK, many of which are undiagnosed. It can have a significant impact on tasks undertaken in everyday life and Raynaud’s Awareness Month is designed to bring awareness to the condition.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Raynaud’s is caused by the stagnation of Qi and blood and this may indicate a patient suffers from yang deficiency. The stagnation can cause the skin in the affected areas to change colour:
- The skin may turn white or light colour as blood flow is restricted
- Sometimes the skin turns blue as blood vessels react
- The skin may turn red as blood flow returns
There are small lifestyle changes you can do to help with Raynaud’s disease:
- Keep your home warm
- Wear warm clothing during winter, especially on your hands and feet
- Exercise regular as this helps improve circulation
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Don’t have too much caffeine as it may trigger symptoms
- Do not smoke as it can affect circulation
However, for more severe cases, patients may need to try more effective measures, such as TCM treatment.
TCM for Raynaud’s
Acupuncture
Research conducted by the British Acupuncture Council shows acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system and increase circulation. It may also reduce inflammation and acts on areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress. Acupuncture treatments have been found to be beneficial at reducing the duration of attacks in people with primary Raynaud’s disease. It does this by regulating energy and blood flow, as well as reducing stress and tension and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Our range of Phoenix acupuncture needles includes five different handle types in a variety of lengths and gauges perfect for treating patients suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome. We offer bulk buy discounts when you buy 10 or more boxes of standard needles.
TDP Infrared Heat Therapy
Infrared and TDP therapy offers a solution for Raynaud’s by generating a steady flow of heat to the individual. Infrared heat is a deeply penetrating healthy heat source and offers a natural therapeutic solution to the condition. The affected areas require a fresh supply of oxygenated blood flow, to help warm up the areas and allow continuous comfort. By emitting the Infrared and TDP heat energy to the body, the individual can balance the temperature within their blood vessels, reducing the pains associated with the condition, and promoting increased oxygen levels in the affected areas.
Our Phoenix TDP Heat Lamp with Infrared is a fast activating infrared light therapy device. It uses advanced thermal electromagnetic technology instead of just heat or infrared rays which is effective as boosting circulation and promoting blood flow to help treat Raynaud’s disease.
Moxibustion
Another beneficial treatment for Raynaud’s disease is moxibustion. This therapy uses mugwort (Ai Ye), which is dried and burnt like incense. The smoke and heat penetrates the skin and increases yang energy and blood circulation, and can even strengthen the immune system.
We offer a large range of smokeless and pure moxa, as well as the Golden Moxa Kit and moxa belt. Explore the range here.
Alternatively, our Moxa TDP Warming Plasters imitate the effect of moxa and TDP heat therapy remotely. The single-use air-activated warming plaster includes a TDP plate which has 33 minerals and moxa to help the flow of Qi. Each stimulator is made from a hypoallergenic plaster and heats up to 45 – 50 degrees celsius which lasts for up to 12 hours. The plasters are a beneficial way to promote circulation on the go.
If you would like more information regarding the treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome or on any of the products mentioned, please contact info@phoenixmedical.com.
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