Yogyakarta — A 2026 study by Kenan Nalendra Wedhasmara, Puspo Wardoyo, Leny Candra Kurniawan, and Amal Prihatono from the Institut Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Malang reports that acupuncture therapy significantly reduced symptoms of hyperhidrosis in a clinical case at the CD Bethesda Acupuncture Clinic in Yogyakarta. Published in the International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research, the findings highlight a potential low-risk alternative for managing excessive sweating, a condition that affects daily life and mental well-being.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating beyond what the body needs to regulate temperature. It commonly affects the palms, feet, underarms, and face. While not life-threatening, the condition can severely disrupt daily activities, social interactions, and professional performance. Many individuals with hyperhidrosis experience anxiety, reduced confidence, and even depression due to persistent discomfort.
Conventional treatments for hyperhidrosis include medications, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical procedures. Although effective in some cases, these methods can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nerve complications, and muscle weakness. As a result, interest in safer complementary therapies, including acupuncture, continues to grow.
The study conducted by Kenan Nalendra Wedhasmara and colleagues focused on a single patient case to explore how acupuncture could help manage hyperhidrosis. The patient, a 46-year-old man, had experienced excessive sweating on his palms for several years, along with symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue.
Researchers used a qualitative case study approach, applying traditional acupuncture diagnostic techniques that include observation, listening and smelling, patient interviews, and physical palpation. Based on these assessments, the condition was interpreted through the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a deficiency in heart-related energy regulation.
The treatment plan involved six acupuncture sessions conducted twice a week. Needles were applied to specific points associated with restoring balance in the body’s internal systems. The therapy was complemented with heat stimulation and lifestyle recommendations, such as adequate rest, stress reduction, and maintaining overall health.
The results showed clear improvements after the six treatment sessions. The patient no longer experienced excessive sweating in the palms. Additional health benefits were also reported, including improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, increased energy levels, and better overall well-being.
Clinical observations confirmed these changes. Physical signs of stress and fatigue decreased, and the patient’s condition stabilized across multiple indicators. Importantly, no side effects or complications were observed during the treatment period, reinforcing acupuncture’s reputation as a safe therapeutic option when performed by trained practitioners.
According to Kenan Nalendra Wedhasmara of Institut Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen Malang, acupuncture works by restoring internal balance rather than simply suppressing symptoms. This holistic approach targets the underlying causes of excessive sweating, offering a more comprehensive form of treatment.
The study also supports broader theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which link sweating to the balance of internal organ systems. Disruptions in these systems—especially those related to the heart, lungs, and kidneys—can lead to abnormal sweat production. Emotional stress is also recognized as a major trigger, which aligns with modern medical understanding of the nervous system’s role in sweat regulation.
Although this research is based on a single case, it contributes valuable insights into how acupuncture can be integrated into modern healthcare practices. It also aligns with previous studies suggesting that acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, helping regulate stress responses that contribute to hyperhidrosis.
The implications of this research extend beyond clinical practice. For patients, acupuncture offers a more accessible and lower-risk alternative to conventional treatments. For healthcare providers, it opens opportunities to combine modern medicine with traditional approaches. Policymakers and health institutions may also consider supporting integrative treatment models that improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects.
As Wedhasmara and his colleagues suggest, further studies involving larger patient groups are needed to confirm these findings and develop standardized treatment protocols. However, this case study provides an important foundation for future research and practical applications in managing hyperhidrosis.
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