I want to try this, had it for a trapped nerve, unfortunately they had picked the wrong nerve and it didnt do much good other than a good bit of relaxation

They have said I can try again and i will once I have finished physio!

One thing I am finding really helps is a gentle back massage, as I carry alot of tension in it

Thanks

Ro

Its always trial and error with acupuncture or any therapy depending on each person since each person react differently, so we have to try it personnally to see if it will work for us personnally.

I have had accupuncture many, many times. I does'nt work all at once, you need 2-5 treatments to see a big difference with your pain level and energy. I had a cruise I wanted to go on but I was worried I would'nt be able to keep up the pace. I had accupuncture 3 times before the trip. I managed okay. Most chiorpractor clinics do accupuncture.

I see a chiroprator who uses acupuncture on some of my visits. My experiences have mostly been good. I usually have more energy for a few days, the pain is a little more of tolerable for 4-7 days. I had one time where I moved while the needles were in and it caused pain shooting down my leg and it stayed sore for several days after. Now I stay still and haven't had any problems like that since. So overall I would rate the experiences as a 7 of 10.

I had excruiting fibro in my shoulder blades several years ago. I found an amazing accupuncturist trained in China who gave me total relief after 6 sessions.

Here is what she explained to me:

1. Accupuncturists trained in China, have to go to university to learn this for FIVE years before using a single needle. Then they have many years of supervised practice before fully qualifying for certification.

2. Accupuncturists trained in China, learn over 500 points in the body. People trained in North American only learn up to 50 main points.

3. Accupuncture, like medication, needs several treatments to work. Think of it like antibiotics, you may start to feel better after a few doses but are not cured until you finish the medication.

4. My accupuncture experience was sort of spiritual to me. She would find these little knots to stick the needle in. If she was "hitting home" I could feel these little knots actually "reaching out and sucking" the needle in. It was really the strangest sensation. If I did not get that feeling, she would pull the needle out and try again.

5. Once I experienced relief, it never came back.

6. The accupuncture did not help for my hips.

In conclusion, I believe in accupuncture. It has existed for over a thousand years. It is used as normal practice in China and in order to do so, must have some merit. Make sure that if you try this method, you find someone very qualified. Ask lots of questions and open your mind.

I've used acupuncture off and on for years now.
For me it is very beneficial.

There is a lot that goes in to that for me though.
For Fibro?
Yes, it helps. No doubt about it.
For digestive issues?
Yes, it helps, alot.

When I say a lot goes in to it, though. There are so many factors for me.
First, there is my acupuncturist. There is an emotional and spiritual connection between us.
My trust of him, has to be complete.
I can't imagine it working as well as it has without that level of trust and understanding.

He listens to me. Talks to me. Asks me. He guides me and encourages me. That's essential I believe in the success I have had.

My best suggestions in finding an acupuncturist or other alternative medicine professional is this...
Talk to them, interview them, find out if you have a connection with them, if you feel like they listen.
Spiritually, also, make sure that your beliefs are compatible. Spirituality is part of traditional medicine. Only in Western medicine does spirituality get put on hold.
If you are a tried and true Christian who is not comfortable with pagans, Buddists, Hinduist, etc. Then you may want to seek out a Christian practicioner.
Same goes the other way. If you are pagan, Buddist, etc... a Christian practicioner may not be your best choice.

Mine is an interesting combination with some foundation in Christianity, however, he studied in Japan and has a good Buddist foundation as well, his wife is pagan and he understands me and my needs because of it.

I wonder if medicare will cover acupuncture?? I hear it works miraculously!

I go regularly to an acupuncturist. I don't know how much it helps with my pain but it does help me emotionally. I cannot seem to find a good antidepressant so I figure this is a good alternative. She also helps me with digestive and energy level issues.

For me, acupuncture has helped w/my TMJ (actually unlocked my frozen jaw when all else failed). It is excellent to get rid of a bad headache. It reduced a ganglion cyst on my ankle. And, it really helps w/pain mgmt for dental work. My nerves are all crossed so novocaine doesn't completely numb the area. Novocaine & nitrous oxide together don't get rid of all the pain. So, I get semi permanent acupuncture in my ear a day or two ahead. Then at dentist's, I get the usual shot of novacaine & a couple of whiffs of nitrous oxide.
Acupuncture is not that effective for FM over all & that may be b/c I can't afford to go on a regular basis as my ins does not cover, even tho I go to an md who only does it in the ear.

It has helped my shoulder and neck area a great deal. I was suppose to start fibro specific acupuncture but my insurance doesn't cover it and I'm totally broke.

My medical Dr. is the one who does the acupuncture. The Dr. she trained with is doing many research studies with acupuncture and fibro.

I spent over $1000 on acupuncture. The rest of one hour while the needles were in me helped, but I don't think the acupuncture did.

It works for me, I love it but it is something that I have to continually do. It works as long as you are doing it, but stop and the pain all catches up with me within a couple of weeks. Highly recommended, although you MUST have an eastern trained therapist - I tried a couple of them that said they knew what they were doing and the pain was excruciating. Accupuncture should not hurt, if it does then your therapist is not doing it correctly.

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I have done several acupuncture treatments, it is only a temporary fix. The relaxation and calmness is great.

Loan

I already posted a response on here regarding my accupuncture experience but wanted to add more.

When I went for my accupuncture treatments, once my therapist had inserted all the needles, she attached wires that were attached to a machine. When she started the machine, they provided a deep vibration, similar to a TENS machine (but deeper reaching with the needles). This lasted 20 mintes and was followed by Chinese massage for 20 minutes (which greatly differs from Swedish massage which is most common).

I believe it was a combination of all three treatments that helped me. Also, during the treatment, she played soothing meditative music.