INTRODUCTION

· Barbara and I are always looking for ways we can help those suffering from thrombophlebitis. The craniosacral acupuncture work is very helpful in getting things moving energetically in terms of improved fluid exchange, improved delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste products in the affected areas. Herbs, supplements, diet and lifestyle recommendations also have their own role to play in our treatment of thrombophlebitis. We hope the following article gives you a better understanding of thrombophlebitis and how we treat it.

DEFINITION OF THROMBOPHLEBITIS

· Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a vein with clot formation. Superficial thrombophlebitis occurs in veins under the skin, especially the calf.

CAUSES OF THROMBOPHLEBITIS

· In most cases, clots are probably the result of a minor injury to the inside lining of a blood vessel. A microscopic tear to the lining of a blood vessel causes platelets to clump together to protect the injured area. A series of events follows that results in the transformation of fibrinogen into strands of fibrin that are deposited to form a net that traps blood cells, plasma and yet more platelets. The final result is a blood clot.

· A superficial thrombosis or clot may be brought about by trauma, infection, standing for long periods of time, lack of exercise and intravenous drug use.

· Factors that increase the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis include pregnancy, varicose veins, obesity and smoking.

· Factors that increase the risk of deep thrombophlebitis include recent childbirth, surgery, trauma, the use of birth control pills and prolonged bed rest.

· Food allergies have been shown to cause thrombophlebitis.

USEFUL FOODS

Fresh fruits, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, soybean products and whole grains.

FOODS TO AVOID

Red meat, dairy products, sugar, fried & salty foods and processed or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

USEFUL HERBS

· Cayenne – Thins the blood, eases blood pressure and improves circulation.

· Hawthorn leaf or berry – Protects the heart.

· Ginger, skullcap, and valerian root – Dilate the blood vessels and aid circulation.

· Gingko biloba – Improves circulation and brain function and is a powerful antioxidant.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

· Acetyl-L-carnitine – Protects the blood vessels from fat accumulation.

· Coenzyme Q₁₀ – Improves circulation and protects the heart.

· Flaxseed oil – Supplies essential fatty acids that minimize blood clot formation and keeps veins and arteries soft and pliable. Take flaxseed oil with a vitamin E supplement.

· Garlic – Improves circulation and thins the blood

· Magnesium plus Calcium – Magnesium is a natural blood thinner that reduces abnormal clotting. Calcium works with magnesium.

· Pycnogenol or grape seed extract – Antioxidants that restore flexibility to arterial walls and reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis.

· Vitamin C – Aids circulation and reduces clotting tendencies.

· Vitamins A and E – Have an endothelium-protective activity and an anti-peroxidative effect; they act as anti-aggregant factors and increase good HDL cholesterol.

· Vitamin B₆ – Helps prevent arterial damage due to the buildup of homocysteine.

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

· Get regular moderate exercise. Walking, swimming, and other exercise improve circulation and prevent sluggishness in the veins, lessening the tendency to form clots.

· Don’t smoke as smoking constricts the blood vessels resulting in poor circulation and weakened blood flow. This is especially important if you are taking birth control pills.

· Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing that cuts off circulation, such as knee socks.

· Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually treated by elevating the affected limb, applying warm, moist compresses, and bed rest.

REFERENCES

Balch, James F., MD & Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1997

Murray, Michael, ND & Joseph Pizzorno, ND, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991

Tortora, Gerard, J, & Sandra R. Grabowski, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, New York: Harper Collins, 1993

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Compassionate Acupuncture & Healing Arts, 4501 Valley Forge Rd., Durham, NC 27705 Tel. 919-309-7753 Email: compassionateacu@mindspring.com