posted
I just started seeing Dr B in upstate NY and he recommends that I start acupuncture (among other things.)
So I start Wednesday, and I've never had acupuncture before so I'm curious not only about other people's results from it but also what the actual process feels like.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Posts: 56 | From RI | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Hi, I just wanted to add that I am about to have acupuncture for the first time too and am slightly apprehensive as to what expect! Anyone out there done it?
Posts: 229 | From United Kingdom | Registered: Jul 2005
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Hi, Mae and MMM!
For me, acupuncture has been wonderful. I started seeing my acupuncturist last February when I was very sick but still undiagnosed.
In fact, it was she who first suspected Lyme.
Like you, Mae, I'd never had an acupuncture treatment before.
She did a very long initial assessment and asked me a ton of questions. I assume she based her treatment on my answers and still does, since no two sessions have been the same.
I wore lose, comfortable clothes, which I think is good, because she ended up applying the needles to my knee quite often (I've got bad Lyme arthritis).
Mostly, the needles don't hurt at all. There have been times when a part of my body has been overly sensitive and I've jumped, but that's only happened two or three times in the past year.
Once the needles are applied, they stay in for awhile, so they can open up the channels. It's REALLY relaxing.
There are other methods she uses, too: moxabustion, something involving spoons or cups.
There was one point over the summer when, because of scheduling thing, I had 15 days between my acupuncture sessions. I could really tell the difference.
One added plus has been that my acupuncturist is certified in Chinese medicine. So now I have that added to my plan as well.
At this point, acupuncture is integral for me, not just optional.
I'm glad you've got an appointment and will look forward to hearing how the session goes.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
When we were searching for answers for my son.....he had acupuncture (2x weekly) for three months. When he had no response this acupuncturist - an MD with a large acupuncture practice who had connections to Georgetown Hospital - told us by mail that he could recommend a good psychiatrist. What a coward duck!
Almost two years later (when he now was being treated for lyme) we went to a good practitioner (Chinese style - trained)......my son was having all kinds of moving pain and just did not want to go thru this again.
(She explained this was a good thing but he was so pessimistic.) She had other lyme patients she was helping.
He has been sick for over 6 years.
For 5 months now he has been going to the Hamptons to see Dr. B. If Dr. B. suggested this my son would listen but when I suggest it he just perceives treatment failure.
Remember those who sound successful are using a combination of alternative and abx treatment.
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Acupuncture to me is like shaking the apple tree!!! You have to pick up the apples off the ground afterward. I had some of it.
It's like a small river, a brook, where a rock or little branch had fallen in that stopped the brook from flowing. Acupuncture gets that hung up branch to flow on and possibly thereby take away a bit of neurotoxin and of pain. It gets the meridians to flow. It can also be accomplished by certain tapping procedures if done properly. Tapping all the acupuncture points.
After you have set things in motion via acupuncture or tapping, often you still have to retrieve the branch and get it out of the body with other means, so it doesn't have a chance to settle elsewhere - and that is not always easy.
It is a great adjunct along with other therapies. When the juices are flowing, things come to life and it's a step forward.
Take care.
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Mae,
I think Valymom raises a good point...to be sure the acupuncturist you're seeing is a licensed one. The training for this is pretty rigorous, I think, and the sessions have given me a new way of viewing my body.
More the way gigi mentioned in her great post.
Sometimes, I'll walk through the door and list three symptoms that are currently bothering. And she'll say: yes, but what about your ----? Something that, to me, doesn't sound vaguely associated with anything I've said.
But she's always on the mark. Seeing the body in more integrated terms.
And yes, I am absolutely on abx (one for bart and another for Lyme) in addition to herbs and supplements.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Andie, Gigi and Valymemom thanks for your responses.
My doctor is actually the one doing the acupuncture (he is certified in medical acupuncture.) I feel good about that because he is an LLMD, so he must know the intricacies of how to get the most benefit for the lyme patient.
I am also doing many other treatments along with the acupuncture. I am on IV Zith, Diflucan, many vitamins/herbs/supplements and I will be starting IV Vitamin C on Wednesday as well. I also do physical therapy once a week.
Thanks again for the advice!
Posts: 56 | From RI | Registered: Aug 2003
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Mae,
My acupuncturist is now reading Buhner's book and has also started gathering Lyme info on the internet.
Please keep us posted about your treatment and how you felt about it.
Andie
[ 27. February 2006, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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