Brazil
Introduction:
Hyperhidrosis is the secretion of abnormal quantities of sweat. Functional disorders (emotional stress) and organic disorders (endocrine dysfunction or nervous system diseases affecting the preoptic hypothalamus as in cerebral tumours or cerebrovascular accident) are possible causes. Generalized hyperhidrosis may also be a feature of menopausal hot flushes, lymphomas and opiate withdrawal. Localized hyperhidrosis usually affects young adults.
Aim:
To demonstrate that Auricular Acupuncture and the use of the point Ext 25 is effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis.
Methods:
Two sisters were treated at the same time. M.S.M., 22, and N.S.M., 16, with hyperhidrosis in their hands, feet, axillae and behind their thighs, for the last 16 and 9 years respectively, both continuously showing mainly in distress, nervousness, anxiety, fear and pain. Other mutual symptoms were insomnia, constipation, hot flashes and cold feet. Two sessions of acupuncture per week for each using Ext 25 and auricular acupuncture (Shen Men, Sympathetic, Kidney, Spleen, Liver, Heart, Lung) one session per week, for five weeks were held.
Results:
After the beginning of the treatment, she noticed a reduction in hyperhidrosis at almost 80%. Although it was not eliminated totally, the disease was considerably better. Before the treatment the sweating got to the point of dripping and now when she sweats, it hardly ever gets to this point.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture using the Auricular medicine and the point Ext 25 is a good and safe method of treatment of hyperhidrosis.