Acupuncture could be a useful additional treatment for vulvar leukoplakia for females in pursuit of treatments other than those traditionally applied to their situation. However, this treatment requires prior consultation with a healthcare provider if other treatments are being taken concurrently. It should be administered by an acupuncturist who is a licensed and experienced practitioner for better response and conditions.
Vulvar leukoplakia is a condition where white patches form on the vulva, which causes pain and discomfort. Usually, the cause of vulvar leukoplakia is obscure, but some of the presumed causes include chronic irritation, hormonal imbalances, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Traditional, conventional treatment of Leukoplakia of Vulva has been the use of topical creams corticosteroids, and other medications that are more aimed at decreasing inflammation and symptomatic relief. More and more patients are turning to alternative modalities of treatment, such as acupuncture, to avoid pain and expedite recovery.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most ancient forms of traditional Chinese medicine, practised over thousands of years to cure several health problems. It is carried out by introducing fine, sterile needles into points on the body, which is called an acupuncture point. Stimulation of such points causes stimulation of the natural healing process in the human body. In TCM, the human body has an energy force called "Qi" (pronounced as "chee") that flows along pathways known as meridians. This energy flow imbalance is thought to cause disease or pain. Applying stimulation to certain acupuncture points may help restore this balance and enable the free movement of Qi to aid in both physical and emotional healing.
How Acupuncture Could Help with Vulvar Leukoplakia
Though there is not a great deal of research specifically done on acupuncture in vulvar leukoplakia, it could provide a variety of benefits for women with this condition, mostly through symptom relief and stress alleviation.
- Reduces Inflammation and Pain
One of the most common symptoms of vulvar leukoplakia is inflammation. It is known that such inflammation can cause discomfort and pain in these affected areas. Acupuncture is used for its supposed anti-inflammatory effects, which are numerous studies that indicate a cut-down effect on inflammation with acupuncture. By pricking at appropriate acupuncture points, the practitioners might further reduce the inflammation response at the vulvar site, thereby reducing or minimizing the discomfort, pain, and swelling.
- Enhancement of Circulation for Healing
Based on the logic of how Acupuncture is done, it aids in enhancing blood circulation to the spots where the needles are placed; therefore, improvement of circulation shall help conditions like vulvar leukoplakia that usually have changes to the skin accompanied by irritation aid in healing and, therefore, repairing the skin properly. It facilitates the transport of nutrients to affected tissues for optimal tissue health.
- Stress and Emotional Well-being:
Living with a chronic condition like vulvar leukoplakia is emotionally draining. Stress, anxiety, and depression all exacerbate physical symptoms and lead to an overall sense of discomfort. Acupuncture for Vulvar Leukoplakia reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. Most women feel relaxed and balanced after acupuncture treatments, which may in turn help them cope better with the emotional burden of living with vulvar leukoplakia.