Acupuncture is effective for treating lymphedema. Improvements in alleviating discomfort, softening tissues, increasing mobility and reducing the size of the affected limb are usually evident from the first treatment on. There are no negative side-effects and the gains are long-lasting. It enables the patient to return to suitable exercises in comfort. Herbs that open and promote flow in the small vessels are helpful. Treatment aims at restoring the functioning of the circulatory system to absorb and get rid of the stuck fluids.