Expert: Michael M. Zanoni, MS, LAc - 2/7/2012

Question
Hello,

I recently saw a video on youtube by which a person was cured of mild scoliosis by acupuncture. I wanted to know if this is really possible. I am a 26 year old female with a slight scoliotic spine, about 10 degrees, no back pain as such, but what really bothers me is the kyphoscoliosis. I have my ribcage expanded on both sides which gives me a hunchback. The condition isn't progressing but i'm wondering if it can be reversed. Will it 'derotate' my ribcage?
Also wondering if you know of any good acupuncture doctors in India, especially Delhi? I spoke briefly with one who has trained under Anton Jayasurya who I believe was really good? Just wondering.

Thank you so much for your time and help.

Much appreciated.

Answer
Dear Priya -

I am sorry to hear of your scoliosis.  So often conditions like this cause a woman to believe that people do not see the true beauty inside their thoughts.

In my experience, acupuncture and certain types of bodywork can be helpful in relieving the pain of scoliosis.  Sometimes, if the deviation is lateral and caused by muscle spasm, acupuncture will relax the musculature and allow the spine to assume a more normal configuration. (I believe that this is what you saw on YouTube.) In your case with kyphosis involved most likely there is also an associated deformity of one or two individual vertebrae;  acupuncture cannot correct a structural problem such as this.  What may be possible is to reduce the kyphotic "hunch" somewhat by using acupuncture to reduce muscle spasm.  Over time this may allow your shoulders and ribs to reposition a bit.  Patients tell me that they begin feeling taller and realize that there was pain and discomfort of which they were not aware.  Much of my work with spinal deformity also involves the Chinese modality of tui na, which is a meridian-based bodywork technique in addition to acupuncture.

In Delhi, you might have luck finding a physician who practices both acupuncture and marma-based body therapy; I do not know anyone there.  Unfortunately, we are 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) apart.

I am pleased that you met someone who trained with Dr Jayasurya.  He accomplished much in his life.  I feel that his results had less to do with acupuncture and more with the great love for everyone he expressed.  My intention was to travel to Sri Lanka and study with him, however I chose to delay when the violence got close to Colombo.  Dr Anton died before I was able to fulfill my desire.

Hopefully, my response is helpful.  I wish you the very best in all things of life.

Malama pono - - -

Mike Zanoni
Hawaii