Q I am a diabetic patient, and I heard that getting acupuncture is dangerous because it hinders wound healing. Is it safe to receive acupuncture treatment?
A Acupuncture treatment is safe for diabetic patients as long as their blood sugar is controlled to some extent. The risk is low because the Korean medicine doctor carefully selects sterilization procedures and needle placement. However, if blood sugar is very high or if there are already ulcers or infections on the feet, medical treatment must be prioritized first.
Detailed Answer
Safety of Acupuncture Treatment in Diabetic Patients: Acupuncture treatment is reported to be clinically safe when blood sugar is adequately controlled (based on HbA1c less than 9%). Since very fine, sterile, disposable needles with a diameter of 0.16–0.30 mm are used, the needle marks are extremely small. Precautions: ① Avoid intensive acupuncture on the extremities of the feet and hands (areas with reduced sensation), and primarily use meridian points on the upper and lower extremities (above the knee, above the elbow). ② Postpone treatment if immune deficiency is severe (during infection, open wound). ③ Notification of the risk of bleeding when taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin). By fully informing a specialist Korean medicine doctor of your diabetic condition, a safe treatment plan can be established.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, diabetes falls into a category similar to Sogal (diabetes mellitus), where a deficiency of Jin-eum (body fluids) and Heo-yeol (heat generated from fluid deficiency) are viewed as obstructing the flow of Qi and blood. At Dongjedang, we check the immune and blood sugar status of diabetic patients during the initial consultation and safely insert needles primarily at acupoints in the proximal lower extremities (above and below the knees) rather than the extremities. Do-chim (straight needles) and pharmacopuncture are also used as needed, but sites with a high risk of infection are strictly avoided. We recommend checking blood sugar levels before treatment, and you must report any symptoms of hypoglycemia immediately.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I have severe peripheral neuropathy that has lasted for over 10 years. Can I see results from Korean traditional medicine treatment? I am worried that it might be too late.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I am experiencing numbness and pain in my hands and feet after chemotherapy. Is Korean traditional medicine helpful? This is chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I have a herniated disc along with peripheral neuropathy. Can they be treated together? The symptoms overlap, so I am confused.
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Can I exercise if I have peripheral neuropathy? What kind of exercise is helpful?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I have no sensation in my feet due to peripheral neuropathy. Is there anything I need to be particularly careful about in my daily life?
#Lifestyle Management