Do you use acupuncture?

[awakenedsoul]

I'm seeing an acupuncturist tomorrow. I had treatment on a knee injury when I was 17, and my body really responded well. Now it's over thirty years later, and I'm going to see what it does for my hip. I found a woman on line who has many excellent reviews. The self care I've been practicing has helped a lot, but I'd like to see if doing acupuncture will help unblock the energy in that area.

[Songbird]

I'm recovering from surgery and in a hurry to wean off the pain pills because of their many bad side effects. I have thought about looking into acupuncture to help in my recovery process. My doctor says it may not help, but it won't hurt...

[lessisbest]

I used it once as a preventative for migraine headache when we were on a long trip. My chiropractor was the acupuncturist and studied in China for 3-years. Something else you might want to explore are pressure points and you can find books on the subject and do-it-yourself. I've used this book since 1990.... "Acupressure's Potent Points" A guide to self-care for common ailments - by Michael Reed Gach. My chiropractor used a lot of pressure point treatment as well.

[Molly]

I've had a couple of acupuncture treatments with no results.Then I checked the side effect of my meds. Went off them last week. Will try acupuncture again and hopefully it will facilitate healing.

[ToomuchStuff]

I was given an accupressure treatment by a friend who has medical training in his native Japan. It was a short term relief at best. It certainly doesn't fix all problems.

[Gardenarian]

It hasn't worked for me, but I know people who have had great success. My parents both smoked for over 40 years, and after one acupuncture session were able to quit relatively easily. Another friend has been able to greatly reduce his epilepsy medication with regular acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
I have found treatments to be relaxing, but not helpful for my severe health issues.

[awakenedsoul]

Well, I had my first treatment this morning. She's excellent. She said she'd start with the back, since the pain I described to her is actually a problem with the si joint. The spots where she placed the needles were very tender and I started bawling. It didn't surprise me, though. I've always agreed with the theory that repressed negative emotions can cause back pain.

She told me that for this injury sitting is the worst position. I'd noticed that. I sat on the bus for over two hours today. I also sit when I knit, and when I'm on the computer. So, I'll be changing that. I'm going back tomorrow. I feel a lot of relief already. Her office is beautiful and immaculate. She's very kind and exact.

That's interesting about your parents, Gardenarian. Sorry it didn't work for you. Everyone responds differently. She used some suction cups on my back, too. It felt great. It feels good just to finally be doing something about it!

[Tussiemussies]

Hi awakened, I too believe we hold different emotions in different areas of the body. Your acupuncturist sounds really good. I hope it helps your hip, I know it has been bothering you for a long time now...chris

[Teacher Terry]

I have had really good luck with it for back/neck & headaches. I also use a chiropractor. At one time I was cold all the time no matter how hot it was. He said after he put in the last needle you will be warm shortly & I thought yeah right-I haven't been warm in years. During the 20 min treatment I slowly warmed up & stayed that way.

[awakenedsoul]

Tussiemussies, Thanks. She's excellent. I went for my second treatment today.
Teacher Terry, That's good to hear. That's interesting what you wrote about the warmth. I noticed last night that I felt hot. I wasn't sure why.

I'm feeling a lot more circulation and relaxation in the injured area. It feels like it's opening and spreading out. Before, it felt like cement. I have a feeling I'd be better off walking instead of riding the bike, too.

[Teacher Terry]

I have been walking a hour most days. I did that for years & then switched to swimming after i retired but walking is better for me & helps me with weight control much better. I hope the acupuncture continues to work for you.

[Simplemind]

My son broke his arm when he was about 7 and for weeks after the cast came off he didn't have feeling on the bottom of his arm from his elbow to his ring and pinky fingers. He was in PT for weeks with no result. I took him in for acupuncture and within the first treatment he had a tingly feeling coming back and within the next two treatments full feeling all the way to the fingers. I have had it for shoulder pain and relaxation (amazing) and my husband has had it on his ankle after surgery. We all had the results we were hoping for.

[awakenedsoul]

Teacher Terry, Thanks. I'm amazed with the results so far. That's great that you walk for an hour. I'd like to work up to that, too. I swim regularly. That's been really helpful. The sauna is therapeutic, too.
Simplemind, Wow! Thanks for telling your story. It's a good thing you took your son to a skilled acupuncturist. I've had immediate results, too. Yesterday was my second treatment, and last night I felt so much younger. My back opened up and released, and now when I lay in bed my hip doesn't grab up the way it had been doing. She noticed a big difference in the pressure points in my back today. She told me that when I first came, she could barely touch me without me flinching. This time I enjoyed the treatment. I should have done this a long time ago...

[Gardenarian]

awakenedsoul,
About sitting - I also have back problems and find that when I really need to something that requires sitting (like knitting) I am much more comfortable sitting on the floor (carpet or yoga mat.)

[awakenedsoul]

awakenedsoul,
About sitting - I also have back problems and find that when I really need to something that requires sitting (like knitting) I am much more comfortable sitting on the floor (carpet or yoga mat.)

Gardenarian, I used to do that when I was younger. Thanks for reminding me. I've been standing on my knees at the computer, instead of sitting in a chair. Squatting is good, too.

[Rachel]

So interested in this. I've been considering acupuncture too--mostly for longtime sore shoulder and sore knee. It's great to hear that it's helping some of the people posting here.

I'm just reluctant to spend the amount of money that is involved. I've tried physical therapy for about 6 months now and it hasn't helped, so perhaps acupuncture is the logical next step. These things work so well for some situations and not at all in others.

[awakenedsoul]

Rachel,

That's true. I've always responded very well to acupuncture. I think a lot of it is also the acupuncturist. The woman I see is exceptional. I went for my 6th treatment yesterday and am about 70-80 percent better. It will probably take four more visits. I love it. I'm walking much better, and sleeping without waking up in pain. She tells me to use the heating pad, too. It feels great.

I budgeted $1,000. for this injury. Looks like it will cost $700. I'm going to keep the balance in reserve, in case I need subsequent visits. I feel great after acupuncture. Sorry to hear PT didn't work for you. I hope you find what's right for you.

[Rachel]

That's good news, Awakenedsoul. I like the idea of having a budget in mind, and if I go the acupuncture route I will ask for an estimate for about how many treatments is usual for this combination of issues. I don't want to have an acupuncturist on permanent retainer! Much as I would like to be able to do that!

[Marion]

I have tried acunpcture a dozen times in my life (with different practitioners) and I was disappointed each time. I would only try again if I had an ailment that did not respond to anything else.

[awakenedsoul]

I just went again yesterday. I feel so much relief when she works on the hip flexors. When I was dancing professionally, I used to get a massage every week. It was great for maintenance. I look at the acupuncture the same way. I've really pushed my body hard all of these years. I have to spend extra money and time taking care of it now. I've been making the bone broths and having those each day. They seem to help the joints, too.

Rachel, My acupuncturist told me that it usually takes between one and four treatments for an injury. For chronic pain, it takes longer. It's really helping me. I feel much happier, younger, and healthier...

[Teacher Terry]

So glad it is helping so much!