Acupuncture for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues that causes swelling, most
often in the arms and/or legs, and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can
occur when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed. Lymphedema can develop
right after breast cancer treatment or weeks, months, or even years later. For many people,
available treatments for lymphedema are not effective. Recent evidence suggests that
acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of lymphedema. The purpose of this study is to
determine the effects of acupuncture on chronic lymphedema. This study will look further at
whether acupuncture can reduce lymphedema and help us to understand immune changes that may
be associated with improvements in lymphedema.