Intervention and treatment of upper limb lymphedema with traditional Chinese medicine

doi:10.12032/life2019-0720-408

Life Research

2019, Vol. 2

Issue (4): 160-164 DOI: 10.12032/life2019-0720-408

Hypothesis

Intervention and treatment of upper limb lymphedema with traditional Chinese medicine

Qiuhua Li¹, Yuehai Ma¹, Ning Wang¹, Ying Hu², Zhaozhe Liu^3,^*(

)

¹The Second hospital of Liaoning University of Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning
²Shengjing Hospital of China Medicine University, Shenyang, Liaoning
³Northern Theater Command General Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning.

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Abstract

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor in women. Because of the clearing of axillary lymph nodes and the radiotherapy of lymph node region, lymphatic dysfunction occurs and lymphatic fluid retards in the interstitial space. These will lead to a series of pathological changes, such as tissue edema, chronic inflammation, tissue fibrosis and fatty fibrosis. Lymphedema is a chronic disease with the feature of slow progression and is currently incurable. The timely treatment and proper care can alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life. The internal and external treatment of Chinese medicine intervention is beneficial for upper limb lymphedema, and the purpose of this research is to share our clinical experiences.

Key words： Breast cancer Lymphedema Traditional Chinese medicine

Received: 31 May 2019 Published: 19 July 2019

Corresponding Authors: Liu Zhaozhe
E-mail: lzz_summer@126.com.

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	Li Qiuhua
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Cite this article:

Qiuhua Li, Yuehai Ma, Ning Wang, Ying Hu, Zhaozhe Liu. Intervention and treatment of upper limb lymphedema with traditional Chinese medicine. 90Life Research, 2019, 2(4): 160-164.

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https://www.tmrjournals.com/lr/EN/10.12032/life2019-0720-408 OR https://www.tmrjournals.com/lr/EN/Y2019/V2/I4/160

Fig. 1 Illustration of bandage binding therapy.

After a tubular bandage is worn and a cotton pad is wrapped around the tubular bandage, the low-elastic bandage is used to perform gradient pressure dressing on the affected limb.

Fig. 2 Local acupuncture therapy.

Before pricking blood with cupping, Ashi acupoints are chosen for the acupuncture in the swelling upper limbs.

Fig. 3 pricking blood-letting therapy.

Pricking blood with cupping is conducted at nodules and cords to remove blood stasis and reduce tissue fibrosis.

Fig. 4 Pre-treatment and Post-treatment of Lymphedema.

A. Before treatment, swelling, severe fibrosis and anatomical deformity appears in affected forearm and hand. B. After treatment, the swelling, fibrosis and anatomical deformity are improved significantly in affected forearm and hand.


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