Expert: John R. Cross - 3/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dr. Cross,

I would appreciate your advice.

Recently, my blood test showed elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. My doctor examined me, determined an enlarged prostate.
Based on the test and exam, I had a prostate biopsy.

I was fine. However the prospect of having a prostate biopsy every time my PSA level is abnormal does not satisfy me.

Could you please recommend sets of acupoints for me to work with for:

a) Enlarged prostate and
b) To reduce PSA level in my blood

Thank you very much for your time

B.

ANSWER: Hi - thanks for the question. The prostate gland is essentially linked to kidney energy in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine - also to the Base or Root chakra. To help the gland AND help the PSA level associated with it, the acupoints need to be on the Kidney meridian and the Base chakra. The points need to be gently stimulated a couple of times a day for about two minutes each point. The Base chakra (Conception 1)is found on the perineum between the testicles and the anus, but it is a little indelicate as well as being awkward to massage. A very good substitute is Conception 2 which is to be found just above the symphysis pubis bone on the central line - this point will be quite tender so don't attack it with too much gusto initially. As well as this point there are a group of kidney meridian points found around the inside of the ankle bone. One is just below the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus -KI 6, another two are just to the side of the Achilles ligament - KI 3 and KI 4). The final kidney point is KI 27 which is situated underneath the very medial edge of the clavicle. It will take a few weeks to accomplish harmony within the prostate but be patient - JRC

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Dr. Cross, for a comprehensive and prompt reply.

After the initial several weeks, what is the maintenance protocol for both an enlarged prostate and reducing the PSA level?

Thanks again.

ANSWER: Very difficult to answer - it all depends on the symptons that prevail then - please contactr me again at the end of May and tell me how you are - JRC

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Cross.

Thank you. I appreciate your time.
The specific reason I asked the question on the maintenance protocol is that the next PSA blood test will be in more than 2 months. But I understand what you are saying.

While on the subject of the length of treatment, I would greatly appreciate your comment on the following:

1.   Acupressure and reflexology, although not the same, but are having similar roots in Meridian therapies.

In acupressure, the point treatments are measured in terms of the length of a onetime treatment, as well as the frequency of treatments per day or per week, etc.

In reflexology, the authors express it in these terms: if a point is sensitive - treat it as long as you can, and as frequently as you can, it will not harm.

If I understood the difference correctly, why the discrepancy?

2. In acupressure, is there such thing as to over treat or over stimulate, and is it harmful. OR is it just unnecessary, in acupressure, to treat longer and more frequent than recommended?

Thanks again.

Answer
Oh dear - you've opened up a can of worms!! In my humble opinion (just based on 40 years experience and 6 books) I see no logical difference between acupressure and reflexology! An acupoint is, after all, a reflex or reflected point of an internal organ or system. I combine the two every day in both my clinical work and teaching. I am afraid that there is quite a lot of bunkum written about both disciplines with doyens in each one holding on to their belief systems.

The other aspect of your query is harder to answer i.e. can you overtreat? As long as the general rules are obeyed, the simple answer is that you cannot overtreat - the body takes what it wants and no more. A sign that there is possible overtreatment is that you will become VERY tired within a couple of hours. If that occurs just ease off the time or frequency of treatment. Sorry to be vague about the PSA - but there are scores of acupoints and reflex points) that one could use and it really does depend on how you are feeling at the time. Hope this helps - JRC