Content on this website is intended for general information only. For answers
to your specific questions or to schedule treatment, we invite you to
contact us at 301-588-5858.
Acupuncture and Natural Medicine for Kidney Disease
Kidney disease (also known as renal disease) affects millions of adults in the United States and is a
leading cause of disability. While there are many causes of kidney
disease, the effects can be broadly classified as either inflammation
(glomerulonephritis) or scarring (glomerulosclerosis) of the filtering
tubes within the kidney. Either of these effects can cause significant
problems with kidney functioning. If kidney problems are severe,
treatment may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Causes of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease arises most commonly as a late complication of
diabetes or
hypertension.
Both type I and type II diabetes can lead to kidney disease. Management
of blood sugar levels is currently the best known strategy for
prevention of this complication of diabetes.
Autoimmune
conditions can sometimes lead to kidney problems. These causes of kidney
disease include
lupus, Goodpasture's Syndrome, and IgA nephropathy. Sometimes, kidney disease can arise after
a systemic bacterial infection. Infectious causes include bacterial
endocarditis and acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN).
1Many
medications may cause kidney problems as a side-effect. Kidney
side-effects may be more likely if a patient is taking multiple
medications or has pre-existing
liver
or kidney problems. These drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen,
lisinopril, ramipril, candesartan, cisplatin, methotrexate, vancomycin,
tobramycin, neomycin, gentamycin, indinavir, ritonavir, cimetidine,
omeprazole, and many others.
2,3 Although ACE inhibitors for
blood pressure control are in this list, there are some conditions in
which ACE inhibitors may help to reduce future kidney problems.
Analgesic nephropathy refers to kidney damage which may occur from frequent or daily use of
pain-relief medications.
4
This condition occurs in 4 out of 100,000 individuals and leads to
gradual and irreversible kidney disease. For patients with
pain-management concerns, the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests seeking out alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments for pain.
Radiocontrast dye used in some medical imaging studies can rarely cause kidney
damage. Kidney damage can be caused by exposure to toxins such as lead,
and also by certain genetic conditions. Additional causes include
cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, as well as
liver conditions.
How We Can Help
Maryland Holistics provides care for chronic illnesses which can slow
the progression of many disease conditions. Our therapeutic strategies
include
acupuncture,
nutritional support,
meditation training, and
coaching for a healthy lifestyle.
Our
gentle and effective pain-relief methods are often very valuable for
patients who have both pain and kidney concerns. This is because
pain-relief medications are frequently a contributing factor to kidney
disease, and our services can help to reduce the need for pain-relief
medications.
When one physiological system is not functioning properly, or is
affected by the presence of a toxin, infection, or illness, this causes
hardship on other systems in the body. The body must compensate in
various ways, and the level of compensation required is called the
body's level of
allostatic load.
Our specialized methods can help to reduce inflammation and allostatic
load in conditions affecting one or multiple organ systems. This results
in patients feeling better and being healthier overall. Illnesses
involving multiple organs will often progress more slowly or may begin
to heal. Sometimes an illness goes into remission for a while, allowing
the patient to enjoy more years of health.
In some cases of kidney disease, the primary health concern cannot yet
be adequately addressed or cured with today's medicine. In these cases,
our multidimensional natural health strategies can often still offer
some help. Even temporary relief of symptoms is often very beneficial
for patients' overall outlook and experience. In some cases, our
services may delay or prevent some complications of an illness.
You May be Interested In:
Contact Our Office
Conditions A-Z (list and web links)
Pain Relief
About Acupuncture
Before Your Visit
Testimonials
Information for Physicians
Directions
About Dr. Eric Windsor
Biochemical Research on Acupuncture
How We Work with Lab Tests and Imaging
About Maryland Holistics
Maryland Holistics LLC is the private practice of
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac., L.Ac.
Our serene, professional office is located in Ellicott City, MD.
Maryland Holistics has provided care to thousands of satisfied customers
since opening in 2009. Dr. Windsor is a preferred provider in the
CareFirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, and United Healthcare networks.
3525 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ste E
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 301-588-5858
Fax: 443-308-5690