Iron-Deficiency Anemia

In Western medicine, iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which, due to insufficient iron levels, there is a significant lack of red blood cells in the body, resulting in low hemoglobin levels and low oxygenation of the body and organs. Anemia comes in many forms and is the most common blood condition in the United States, affecting around 6% of the population.

Symptoms of anemia in Western medicine are fatigue/lack of energy; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath and headaches; difficulty concentrating; dizziness; pale skin; leg cramps; insomnia; very heavy and painful menstrual flow.

The most common treatments for iron-deficiency anemia in Western medicine are iron supplements and a change in diet or nutrition. The change in diet would be to eliminate most dairy products and to begin to incorporate more dark, leafy greens, seafood, and lean, red meats. In severe cases, iron injections can be prescribed as well.

Traditional Chinese Medicine doesn’t use the term “anemia” and instead this condition would be treated under a more general description of “blood deficiency.” Primarily an Earth element condition, the focus for iron deficiency anemia would be directed towards the stomach and the spleen, which generates and controls the blood.

Traditional Chinese Medicine symptoms differ slightly in their description from Western: pale complexion, lips, nails; weak and thready pulse; pale tongue; dizziness; blurring vision; insomnia; numbness of limbs; irregular menstrual flow, poor digestion.

TCM treats blood deficiencies by way of acupuncture/acupressure, massage, diet, and herbs. Herbs that can be used to treat anemia should only be consumed if the client’s doctor has deemed it to be non-interfering with any medications that the client may be on. Herbs used would include astragalus, spirulina, burdock, dandelion root, and ginger.

Massage is indicated for anemia as it helps to dilate blood vessels,increase red blood cell count, and improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body.
If giving a Swedish style massage, a lighter pressure should be used unless deeper pressure is signed off on by a doctor.
Tuina is also incredibly beneficial for anemia and can actually help to increase hemoglobin levels and the red blood cell count.

During a massage, focus should be directed towards the spleen and stomach meridians, which are Earth element meridians, potentially including acupressure points along those meridians if the client is comfortable with that. Excellent points to include are Stomach-36, Stomach-34, Spleen-6, and Spleen-9. Burning moxibustion on those points can be beneficial as well, as the moxibustion will bring the Qi to those points and reinvigorate the flow of Qi through those meridians.

Including abdominal massage is also beneficial for anemia patients as it helps to increase circulation and oxygen flow through the intestines and the stomach.

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