
Q Does acupuncture actually eliminate calcium deposits? I am curious about the effectiveness of treatment at a Korean medicine clinic.
A While acupuncture treatment itself does not directly break down calcium deposits, it aids in calcium absorption and accelerates recovery through improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and pain relief. Clinical reports indicate that *Dochim* (knife needles) release adhesions around calcium deposits to create an environment for tendon recovery, while *Hwachim* (fire needles) promote calcium dissolution. Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture treatments are effective for symptom relief during the acute phase when pain is severe.
Detailed Answer
General acupuncture treatment improves blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces inflammatory substances by stimulating acupoints around the shoulder, making it effective for relieving acute pain. *Dochim* (knife needles) use thick needles to physically release fibrotic and adhesions around calcium deposits, restoring tendon mobility. Clinical studies suggest that *Hwachim* (fire needles) promote calcium absorption by rapidly increasing blood circulation in the tissues surrounding calcium crystals through high-temperature stimulation. Combining ultrasound guidance allows for precise access to calcified lesions, further enhancing effectiveness. In Korean medicine, calcium deposition is viewed as a mass formed by the aggregation of sticky waste products and stagnant blood. When blockages in the Qi and blood pathways running through the arms and shoulders are cleared, waste products are broken down and calcium absorption is promoted. At Dongjedang, the treatment proceeds through the stages of acupuncture → thick needles (adhesion release) → hot needles (inducing new blood vessel formation through heat stimulation), while bee venom and pharmacopuncture are used to reduce inflammation and reinforce an environment that aids regeneration. Herbal medicine treatment aims to clear out sticky waste products and restore liver and kidney function to enhance the tendon's self-regenerative capacity.
Related FAQs
-
Q
I was recommended surgery by an orthopedic surgeon; can I receive treatment at a Korean medicine clinic without surgery?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
Will calcium deposits reappear even after treatment? I am curious about the possibility of recurrence.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I have calcific tendinitis in my shoulder, and it feels like my shoulder is stiffening. Does frozen shoulder occur at the same time?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Can I exercise while being treated for calcific tendinitis? What exercises are good and bad?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Is a cold compress better for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, or a hot compress?
#Lifestyle Management
