Expert: Michael M. Zanoni, MS, LAc - 8/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: Good afternoon,
I had an acupuncture treatment 3 days ago for anxiety/depression.
Since then I have been experiencing heat all over my body, even during the night. I feel worse.  The needles were place in my wrists, feet, between the eyebrows.  Please can you advise. Not sure if I want to go back.

ANSWER: Dear Stella -

I am sorry that you are experiencing this anxiety regarding the acupuncture treatment.  Although I don't know exactly what acupuncture points your practitioner used, from the general areas you mention there are points that I would select for anxiety and depression.

In terms of the sensation of heat all over your body, this may or may not be related to the acupuncture.  Very infrequently, a patient will have sensations of Heat in their body post-treatment.  This can actually represent a positive step if proper follow-up is conducted.

You didn't mention if your practitioner gave you an herbal formula to take after the treatment.  If so, and depending upon the formula, it might be causing the heat sensation or it might reduce it depending on the diagnosis.  

I hope that I don't sound wishy-washy in my response, but I can only answer in general terms.  What I would suggest is that you go for another treatment and ask the practitioner to use what is called the "NADA 5 needle technique" where 5 small needles are placed at acupuncture points in one ear.  This often works very well for anxiety.  In terms of the heat sensations, talk about this with your practitioner; any qualified acupuncturist will be able treat those sensations.

Also, don't overlook the possibility that the heat sensations are coincidental and were not caused by the treatment itself.

I wish for you health, happiness, and Love in all things - - -

Mike Zanoni, L.Ac.
Honolulu

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

QUESTION: Dear Mike,
thank you for your speedy reply. I forgot to mention the acupuncturist left what she called an ear seed taped in the upper part of my ear. Is it possible that this may be causing the heat. When I first started with my depression/anxiety I was experiencing the heat problem, mainly down my arms, but drinking green tea made it better. There are periods during the day when I feel ok, but the heat comes back, and a disturbing thought/feeling will also make it return, especially in the heart chakra.
She noted after taking my pulses that my kidney energy was very weak and very deep.
thank you,
v.best wishes
Stella

ANSWER: Dear Stella -

I don't believe that the ear seed would be causing the problem.  You didn't mention your age, but this in many ways sounds like a variation of peri-menopausal symptomology. Perhaps you could discuss that direction with your practitioner; she may have some ideas.  The heat problem and location you describe coupled with the pulse findings suggest that an herbal formula might be very useful combined with acupuncture.

Truly, I wish you well in this part of your journey.  Thank you for allowing me to be a small part.

Mike Zanoni
Honolulu

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

QUESTION: Dear Mike,

I am 65 - I don't think the acupuncturist I saw prescribes herbs.  Could you suggest something I could try please? If not, is there anything I could buy from a health shop?

many thanks,
Stella

Answer
Dear Stella -

Unfortunately, I cannot make specific recommendations to you about herbs or something from the store.  This is a situation where someone knowledgeable needs to make an actual diagnosis.  Talk with your acupuncturist; she may have someone she refers patients to for herbs if she does not provide them.

Mike Zanoni