Acupuncture improves essential tremor

It must be Parkinson’s. Not really. It could be essential tremor if you see someone’s hand or head shaking.  Essential tremor is a common movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking or “tremor” in different parts of body, but often in the hands. Essential tremor (action tremor) is distinct from Parkinson’s (resting tremor) although some people many have both. Essential tremor gets worse when you are nervously doing something. The causes of essential tremor is not clear although genetic factors are believed to play an important role and the tremor may be a symptom of other disorders such as overactive thyroid and withdrawal symptoms when stop drinking alcohol. Essential tremor often occurs in adults over 40s. There is no worry about a mild essential tremor, however if the tremor gets worse medical advice is needed. The conventional treatment includes beta blocker (propranolol), anticonvulsant (primidone) and sedatives which all have adverse effects with prolonged use.

A few clinical studies reported amazing effects of acupuncture on patients with essential tremor. One earlier case study in the United State reported that a 38-year-old female patient suffered from tremor of the upper extremities since 2-3 years old and was treated with propranolol and diazepam for many years. She had developed an intolerable head tremor over a year before she was treated with acupuncture. After three acupuncture sessions within one month, the patient reported her head tremor was greatly improved and an unexpected complete resolution of her upper extremities tremor. Five months after last acupuncture patient reported no recurrence of her symptoms without taking any medications. A physical examination including neurological assessment was normal. 

For details please visit the following links: http://neurologyinchinesemedicine.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/benign-essential-tremor-resolved-with-acupuncture-from-online/