Hyperhidrosis is defined as sweating beyond normal limits needed to keep the body cool. The most commonly affected areas include the hands, the soles of the feet, and the armpits (axilla). It has two forms namely, primary and secondary Hyperhidrosis . It is not known what the exact etiology of primary Hyperhidrosis is – however, the excessive sweating has something to do with the sweat glands of the body overreacting to either the body’s temperature or emotional stress, or even both. Another explanation is that it is a result of an excessive cholinergic stimulation of the eccrine glands. It usually starts during adolescence or even before, and seems to be an inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. In contrast to the primary Hyperhidrosis , the cause of secondary Hyperhidrosis can be attributed to several medical conditions such as Panic Attacks, Anxiety Disorders, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Cancer and Tumors, Menopause and Obesity.

Treatment options are available and abundant; though some are a bit extreme such as surgery; other treatment regimens are natural, such as acupuncture. The use of acupuncture to treat Hyperhidrosis has been said to be successful. Sweat is considered a key factor in identifying disharmony in the body and is identified as a fundamental substance in Chinese medical text. Chinese medicine is often overlooked by western medicine; however, it is interesting to note that there is an alternative aside from radical surgery and drugs.

Acupuncture is considered to be one of the oldest and most commonly used procedures in the world. It is thought to be more than 2,000 years old. It is a family of techniques of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into specific points on the body. It involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. It became popular in the United States in 1971, when James Reston, a New York Times Reporter, wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery. It is thought that around this time Hyperhidrosis Acupuncture was also introduced to western society. It stimulates points in the body thought to be directly related to excessive sweating. The American practice of acupuncture incorporates several medical traditions which include those of China, Japan, and, Korea.

Is it painful? Questions on pain are legitimate questions especially when it deals with needles. People can experience hyperhidrosis acupuncture differently. There are those that go through Hyperhidrosis acupuncture with little or no pain at all for long as the treatment is going on. Some even report to be more energized because of the treatment, while others feel relaxed. Problems can occur though and may be due to a variety of reasons. Improper needle placement, excessive movement of the patient, or defects in the needle can cause soreness and pain during the treatment. This is the very reason why it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified hyperhidrosis acupuncture practitioner or a certified practitioner from a qualified body. For instance, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved hyperhidrosis acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners since 1996. Aside from approving qualified personnel, the FDA requires the use of sterile, nontoxic needles and that they are labeled for single use only. The dangers of ill-trained practitioners or unlicensed ones include infections, bleeding, and puncturing organs. Complications can also result from inadequate sterilization and improper delivery of treatment.