Finding Calm in the Heart with AFib

When your heart skips a beat, it might sound romantic– but when it happens too often, feels strange, or interferes with your day-to-day life, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib for short, is a condition that causes the heart to beat out of rhythm. It can be scary, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous if left untreated. But the good news is, there are many ways to help manage it– and one of them is acupuncture. 

What is AFib? 

Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that is more commonly seen in older adults, but can occur to younger people too. Normally, your heart beats in a steady rhythm, like a drum keeping time in a song. But with AFib, the upper chambers of the heart start to beat irregularly. This makes the heart beat out of sync, which can lead to poor blood flow, fatigue, and increased risk of stroke. 

AFib can feel different for everyone. Some people may not notice it, while for others it can feel very uncomfortable. 

Other Common Signs and Symptoms of AFib:

• A racing or fluttering heartbeat

• Feeling tired or weak

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Shortness of breath 

• Chest discomfort or pain 

• Feeling anxious 

• Limited ability to participate in physical activity 

How Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness Can Help

Conventional medications and medical procedures for AFib such as beta-blockers, blood thinners, ablation, and cardioversion (controlled electrical shocks) can be scary, feel invasive, and increase feelings of stress. Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment that works to calm the nervous system and boost your body’s natural healing capabilities, so you can feel at home in your body. 

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves placing very thin needles into specific points of the body to help balance energy, reduce stress, and support your body’s natural healing systems. Acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system which includes getting you out of “fight or flight” sympathetic state and into “rest and digest” parasympathetic state.  This balancing effect can help regulate heart rate, blood pressure and cardiovascular function.  Alyson Kramer, licensed acupuncturist and founder of Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness, utilizes a combination of traditional acupuncture points as well as auricular acupuncture to help target the vagus nerve.  With the right treatment plan, including the appropriate amount of treatments for your needs, often people are able to become symptom free.

Research has shown acupuncture can improve symptoms of AFib and overall quality of life for those diagnosed with AFib. Although acupuncture is not a replacement for medications and other treatments your doctor may recommend, it can be a safe, helpful part of your care plan. In addition to acupuncture, here at NEAW, Alyson can also provide individualized Chinese herbal formulas to help support your heart health.

A patient recently shared this about her experience at NEAW: 

“In July of 2023 I was diagnosed with Chronic AFib. Over a period of 10 months I underwent 9 procedures under anesthesia, two of which required overnight stays.  The AFib worsened.  I could not walk or climb stairs unassisted.  I could not drive. The cardiologist wanted to send me to MGH for a 6 hour procedure, I would be sedated, but awake.  I fell into such a depression. I felt like an invalid dependent on pharmaceuticals and specialists.

I knew of Alyson, so I started seeing her twice a week in April 2024.  I rarely experience rapid heartbeat.  I’ve had 3 follow ups with the cardiologist, no signs of AFib. Gone. I am myself again, gardening, shopping, cleaning the house, taking care of the animals.  Alyson gave me my life back. There truly is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank her.”

You Deserve to Feel Better

Living with AFib can feel overwhelming at times, but you are not alone. At NEAW, we are here to support you along your journey to feeling better –in body, mind, and heart. 

If you are curious about adding acupuncture to your care plan, you can reach out to our care team to ask any questions you may have and get your initial consultation booked with our acupuncturist. On behalf of the entire team at NEAW, we look forward to being a part of your care journey.