acupuncture?

[m4star]

After multiple recommendations from others with IBD (Crohn's or Colitis) I've decided to try acupuncture. I made an appointment for tomorrow but I'm a little nervous. Has anyone tried it (not just for IBD)? Any comments/suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks and I'll let you all know how it works out.

[Peggy]

m4star,

I have been going to an acupuncturist for 1 year now to be treated for a condition that western medicine was not able to help me with. After six months, my lab values showed dramatic improvement and my medical doctor is in total disbelief. I do still have the condition but the improvement has been marked.

I highly recommend acupuncture and CHinese Medicine. As I understand it, they treat the human body in it's entirety rather than treating isolated organ systems. The key is getting everything in balance. Pulses are important...I think there are like 8 or more pulses that he checks at the beginning of my appointment. They also look at your tongue. These things tell the general condition of your different organ systems. At my appointment today my "spleen" system was weak so he treated me alittle differently. I also take Chinese herbs as part of the treatment.

Certainly, acupuncture is worth a try when other treatments fail. I don't see how it can hurt you to try it. I was alittle intimidated by the needles at first, but they really don't hurt. Occasionally you will feel a pang of discomfort but that is rare. I find it very relaxing.

My suggestions would be to relax, keep an open mind, and ask questions if you are unsure about what they are doing. The approach is very different from Western Medicine.

Good Luck!

Peggy

[Don]

I have a friend who just received her degree in Chinese medicine. When she told me that she wanted to use acupuncture on me, I freaked (the needle thing). The needles were so small that I didn't even feel them. Also, there is increasing research evidence that acupuncture works on many medical conditions, especially pain-relief from chronic conditions. I would put some of your fears aside and keep an open mind. If it doesn't seem to be working, drop the treatment or get a new acupuncturist. I would also ask a lot of questions about maintaining a proper sterile environment (e.g., make sure new needles are used, etc.) Blue Cross/Blue Shield in our area will even recommend an acupuncturist for you. Good luck!

[m4star]

Thanks for the support. I am not nearly as nervous today about my appointment. Actually I'm really excited. I'll post tomorrow and let you all know how it went.

Thanks again!!

[BlueMoose]

Maybe not the response you were looking for, but my dog repeatedly had problems with one of his shoulders...limping for days after a lot of running. We finally took him to a vet that did acupuncture on the shoulder and he hasn't had any problems since. That was over a year ago.

Chrisi http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[m4star]

Just wanted to update you all on my acupuncture appointment yesterday. It went really well. I was totally impressed with how thorough and compassionate my acupuncturist was. He asked me so many questions and really took his time to listen to what I was saying. It was the way medicine should be- with lots of communication and caring. The whole appointment took almost 2 hours!!

Also I was blown away by what he could sense or feel in my body just by taking my pulses. He knew I had a slight headache and that foods have been tasting odd to me since I've been out of the hospital without me mentioning that at all. And just so you all know, I'm a skeptic by nature so I was really impressed by the whole experience. The needles weren't bad either. No pain, only interesting sensations ranging from a numbing to electric. I was so relaxed with the needles in me that I could have fallen asleep! And last night I slept better than I have in over a month. This morning I feel calm, centered, and very mellow.

I made another appointment for 2 weeks from now. I am definitely impressed.

Melinda