[rainbow8]

Anyone do acupuncture for pain, particularly sciatica? Thanks.

[Gus1234U]

i have had extensive treatments by 3 different acupuncturists, and each one was different. the first was for back pain and involved some REALLY painful suction jars, as well as the usual wires. but i must say, i was free of back pain for 2 yrs after about 18 treatments.

the second one was both a genius and a healer. i experienced so much physical and psychological healing with him, that i took the job of cleaning his office to continue treatments~ sadly, for me, he couldn't make a living in this rural community, and moved away.

the third one specialized in 'sports medicine', muscular and skeletal injuries, etc. i was not needing that, and he did me no good psychologically (brain chemistry and balancing energies).

so, ask for references, get other patients' opinions, if you can... and don't assume that the first doc you try is like all the others~! best wishes~

[splitimage]

I've had acupuncture twice - neither for pain.

The first time, was to help with alcohol cravings, and they put 5 needles in each year. I felt relaxed when the needles were in, but they triggered something in me emotionally and about 15 min. after they took them out, I started crying uncontrollably. This wasn't a case of a few discrete tears. No I'm talking full on bawling, tears flooding, nose running crying. And this lasted for about 5 hours. I was afraid to go back after that.

The second time was with a Korean acupunturist. My room mate swore by him, and I was seeing him for help with stopping drinking. He put needles in what I thought were weird places, like my hands, fingers, and left foot. By the time the treatment finished, my left foot was red and hot to the touch. I asked him about it, and he said it was drawing toxins from my liver. I only went to him once, because I couldn't really afford him.

splitimage

[Gus1234U]

it's true, that there can be weird responses to acupuncture. it is an actual physical treatment, that uses the nerve networks (meridians) to move energies around and affect physical functions. since the brain is a HUGE part of this energy network, it too can be strongly affected by acupuncture Tx.

this is why it's important to get an acu doc who is right for you. sadly, almost no insurance covers this treatment (which can be easily shown to be as effective as 'traditional' medicines). when i lived in CA, their state medical (Medicaid) covered 2 treatments a month (likely because of the high Asian population).