[Ycart]

I just started and am loving the way I feel. I don't have any chronic physical pain, which acu is great for. Just don't want to have to keep relying on meds.

Please share stories if u have them. I may use this topic as a log of treatments and how my body reacts to them.

Sent from my iPhone

[addcolin]

Many years ago, I went to one session to stop smoking.
Boy, stopped me in my tracks, my twin stopped for only 3 years, but started as if a beginner.
I am sure acu reinforces the main desire you have at the time, so being totally sure this is your cure, then . . . everything good will come to you. . . here's hoping!

[roads]

My mdoc sent me originally to help clear my body of prednisone, which I'd been given for severe infamitory-induced headaches. I reacted violently to high pred levels but had to taper off, even though it was practically killing me!

Acupuncture got me thru it. After that, adoc added depression treatment (I was med-resistant), also treated hi blood pressure.

[PositiveKarma]

Hi there,

I actually work in an acupuncturist's office! (A receptionist). Been a firm believer in it for years. While acu. is effective for many things it's also excellent for depression and anxiety. Works wonders for me!

Not sure if you know how acupuncture works or not, but in case you didn't or were wondering, below is what I tell patients. If you already do know then please disregard. Just thought I'd share for those who might want to know:

Our bodies are made up of energy comprised of a variety of meridians. When this energy (Chi in acu.) becomes out of balance we become prone to illness and any pre-existing physical, mental and emotional conditions become exacerbated. This is why we notice symptoms such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, fertility issues, migraines, etc.. Your energy is out of whack and needs to be realigned.

Acupuncture treatment realigns your energy bringing you back into a balanced state. This is done by placing needles in the meridians associated with your condition. The more treatments you have the better you'll feel over time. Also, it's very relaxing and patients often comment about how good and refreshed they feel after treatment.

Also, there are a variety of Traditional Chinese Herbs (TCM) and teas acupuncturists can make and prescribe to help with anxiety and depression (as well tons of other conditions). Don't think all acu's do this though. Think it depends on their training. The doctor's at our office do. And, they taste AWFUL! They're very bitter but they do work!

Just thought I'd share,

~ Peace and healing energy to all ~

Positive Karma

[ickydog2006]

Karma- do you think it helps for those who don't believe in chi or the energy being out of balance theory, or do you have to believe that is why it works for it to work? I was just wondering because I don't believe in the 'why it works explanation' given, but I do think that it does seem to help some people.

[PositiveKarma]

ickydog,

Hmmm... good question. Please keep in mind I am not an acupuncturist. I'm simply a receptionist in an acupuncturist's office. I'm not a doctor. However, having said this, I'll give it my best shot.

Do I think acu works for people who don't buy the, "Balancing the Chi Theory"? Yes! I can only guess it's because this is what acupuncture really does. I've seen a number of patients come in for their very first appointment only to shrug off the explanation I've given, dismissing it as a bunch of hogwash. However, after their treatment (or a few later) they almost always admit to me, "You know what? I wasn't sure about acupuncture or this energy stuff. But it's working and I feel so much better. I think you might be right." And well, of course if one believes in something he/she will receive better results- no matter what it is a person believes. Gosh, I'm really not sure how else to answer your question. I hope this helps.

[ickydog2006]

Yes that actually helps a lot.

[PositiveKarma]

ickydog,

Okay, good. Glad I could be of some help.

[RoamingMind]

Originally Posted by Ycart

I just started and am loving the way I feel. I don't have any chronic physical pain, which acu is great for. Just don't want to have to keep relying on meds.

Please share stories if u have them. I may use this topic as a log of treatments and how my body reacts to them.

Sent from my iPhone

Hi,

I'm really impulsive today and didn't read any one elses comments, so If I say something that steps on anyone please understand and I apologize in advance.

I have a friend that is an Acupuncturist and a Dr. of Chinese medicine.
I try to go for treatments and make it a part of my treatment plan.
Yes, it does help. And you don't need to have any beliefs. All you need to do is have a clear mind and acceptance.

It's great for a wide variety of conditions, it's truly amazing.
And I'm not a fan of needles yet It's nowhere near as bad as one would think. The needles are very tiny and she knows how to encourage you and make you comfortable enough so you barely notice them.

She is part of a trend called community acupuncture. I highly recommend that you see if you can find one in your area. I'm on a really really tight budget and she charges based on your income level. Ranging from $15-$40 a treatment. If I can ever afford to pay $40 I'm going to give her $50 instead

On a side note she's been a wonderful friend and even helped me through my suicide attempt

Try it, but don't expect it to cure you in one session.
Keep an open mind, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to be healed.

[Seshat]

Thanks to the OP and everyone for these posts. My T has suggested acu for me a couple of times, but I've been feeling a little reluctant because of the not-being-a-fan-of-needles thing that RoamingMind mentioned, lol. Just wanted to say these posts are making me reconsider and I might look into making an appointment.

[PositiveKarma]

Seshat,

I understand your reluctance to try acu. due to being afraid of needles. A lot of the patients who come in are and are extremely nervous. RoamingMind is correct. The needles are very fine. I often tell patients they're about the thickness of a cat's whisker. Also, they really don't hurt at all. Most of the time you won't even feel when they're inserted, and if you do, what you'll feel will be similar to a mosquito bite. It might burn for a moment, but then the sensation quickly subsides.

Also, an important part of a treatment is that you are to be relaxed. I can't speak to how other Dr.'s or offices work, but at ours, the Dr.'s give the patients a bell after all needles are inserted and you're comfortable on the table. If at any time a needle is bothering you, or you're uncomfortable, the Dr.'s want patients to ring the bell. Then they come in and either remove the needle bothering you altogether or reposition it, or you, so you are able to relax and enjoy the treatment. Believe it or not, many patients fall asleep during their treatments and look forward to it because it's so relaxing and refreshing.

Also, one more thing. It's possible... possible... you might bruise from one or more needles after a treatment. This doesn't always happen though. Each of us are susceptible to bruising differently and sometimes medications (blood thinners, baby aspirin, etc...) can cause one to bruise easily. You might bruise after one treatment, and not another, or you may never bruise at all. If this does happen it's no cause for concern. It's just the blood rising to the surface and the bruise will fade within a day or two. I tell patients this because when they do bruise they sometimes call and cancel their next appt. fearing something went wrong. Unfortunately, this can be common with acupuncture, but is nothing to worry about.

Just thought I'd share. Hope this helps. Only you will know what is right for you. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

[CherylEmery]

There are many acupuncture centres available inthe market. But I suggest you to choose a known arthritis clinic, because if you end up with an unskilled practitioner you may find yourself in a lot of trouble.

[Gus1234U]

i'll just drop my 2 cents here... i had a series of acupuncture about 10 yrs ago now, that started me on the path to healing from a devastating brain injury (toxic reactions to 23 psych meds). i went to stop smoking, because i was so suicidal it was scaring me, and i thought if i could do just one positive thing, i might have something to hold on to.

imagine my astonishment, when i not only stopped smoking in one treatment, but began to see my OCDs, Phobias, Anxieties, etc, all fade and diminish~! i could walk under the open sky without weeping, for the first time in a decade.
in order to continue to be able to afford my treatments, i began to clean the acupuncturists office in exchange for them. i started walking part there, then all the way there (2 miles), and then back~! 4 miles, when before i couldn't walk 100 ft. i lost 8 inches, tho no lbs, converting fat back to muscle and bone. i actually walked the soles off my shoes .

well, long story short, this acu doc told me about an auditory brain repair program called holosync. it is sold in a therapeutic format at http://centerpointe.com. i began to use it, and 7 yrs later, i was in complete remission from everything except my PTSD, which is much improved. AND i am now regaining my memory, which was damaged by psych meds.

i hope people will be open to trying new things. at the least, there may be a 'placebo effect', just from feeling positive about doing something.
best wishes~
Gus