Acupuncture Treatment for Tremors
A tremor is a rhythmical, involuntary oscillatory movement of a body part that is most commonly seen in outpatient neurology practice. Pharmacological treatments for tremors remain ineffective in general. There are several types of tremors, but essential tremor is the most common type. This is usually a bilateral, symmetrical postural tremor. Depending on how far the arms are extended, their amplitude can range from a few millimeters to 10–15 centimeters. Head tremors can occur alone or in combination with a hand tremor. Fine motor skills are particularly impaired, as are coarse motor skills like drinking from a cup or glass, leading to significant difficulties in everyday life. It is possible for patients with advanced essential tremors to become incapable of feeding themselves. Additionally, patients may have unsteadiness in tandem gait due to mild cerebella ataxia. As fingertips approach a target, intention tremor amplitude increases. Cerebellar dysfunction is the cause of intentional tremors. The cerebellar disease usually manifests as dysarthrophonia and swaying, broad-based gaits in affected patients. Many people with intentional tremors have multiple sclerosis, but idiopathic cerebella degeneration can also be the cause. Tremors caused by cerebellar lesions do not have an effective treatment. The intensity of Parkinsonian tremors fluctuates and increases as mental effort is exerted. Many years after the onset of the disease, the tremor usually becomes bilateral. At first, pharmaceutical replacement of the deficient neurotransmitter dopamine alleviates tremors effectively.
Various treatment modalities are available for tremors, and the majority of them depend on their type and underlying cause. The treatment is tailored to the patient individually, based on the objectively measurable severity of the tremor, the degree of disability or impairment experienced by the patient, including embarrassment when in social situations, and his or her preferences.
All types of tremors can be treated with acupuncture for tremors because it directly stimulates nerve regeneration. With the use of acupuncture points for tremors, nerve and endocrine control can be optimized, inflammation can be reduced, scar tissue can be reduced, sleep can be improved, and anxiety and depression can be better tolerated. Consequently, acupuncture can significantly reduce the tremor by directly improving fine motor control. Many patients in our office experience great improvement after receiving acupuncture. Their ability to eat and write is restored, as well as their ability to hold a cup for a drink or button a cloth with less difficulty.
