THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. BUERGER'S DISEASE Buerger's disease is a progressive inflammatory disorder of the blood vessels, mainly in the legs. Its cause is unknown, but it is aggravated by smoking tobacco and seldom seen in people who have never smoked. It causes severe pain, can be seriously disabling and can lead to gangrene requiring amputations. No antibiotics have been found effective for treating the inflammation of the walls of arteries and veins. Anticoagulants are not considered helpful for reducing thrombus formation in this disease. Vascular surgery is not practicable, because most of the blood vessels involved are too small. Onset of symptoms may be gradual or sudden. Coldness, numbness, tingling or burning pain in the feet and legs are usually noticed first. The feet may become reddish-purple colored in a dependent position but very pale when elevated above the level of the heart. Walking may become extremely painful. Exposure to cold temperatures makes the symptoms worse, and most people with this disease feel better in a warm climate. Any slight injury to the feet or legs tends to become infected and enlarged. If gangrene develops, amputation is usually required. Acupuncture can relieve the early symptoms of Buergers disease and retard its progression. Pain is usually significantly relieved after the first few treatments. Some patients require a few treatments every month or two to remain in a state of remission. Even long-standing cases of Buerger's disease have been greatly improved by acupuncture. Treatment for smoking addiction can be given at the same time and is usually successful. Large doses of Vitamin C (5-15 gm. daily) and Vitamin E (400 - 1200 International Units daily) are helpful and should be taken during and after acupuncture. Exercise should be gradually increased as pain is relieved but should not be attempted when thrombophlebitis is present. next