ACUPUNCTURE ~~ Anyone tried it??
 

I have seen from time to time where some of the posts have mentioned acupuncture or it might be in the signature.

What did you have it for?

How did the therapist treat it?

Did it work out for you?

Thanks!

Hi Steph,

I have been going for acupuncture for 5 years now and I love it!!. Originally I went because of chronic hives and an elevated liver enzyme. Now I go for piece of mind. It truly helps.

Karen

Hi Steph:
I did it twice a week during chemo, because I was advised by other women that it might help. All I know is that it helped keep me sane (and working!) and that it was incredibly relaxing and good to have some non western, hands on non clinical treatment. I didn't continue, partly because of cost, partly because I no longer needed it. Then my accupuncturist moved to Europe, so I haven't done it again.
I think it can be really good for your head and body, if you find the right practicioner and have good chemistry. It's mysterious and can be painful, but I always left feeling better than when I went in.
Linda

Great Alternative Therapy
 

Hi Steph,

I had acupuncture years ago after a terrible car accident for migraines, back problems and insomnia. It really helped to stop the frequency of migraines and back spasms, helped me to relax and even cleared up a lot of sinus problems I was having.

It works by using the natural pressure points in the body. Each pressure point focus' in on the targeted area you want to treat which is not typically the same area that lies underneath the needle, it generally is a distant area that the pressure point treats. You lay on a table while the acupuncturist locates the proper pressure points and that is where he/she places the needles and lets them stand for a certain amount of time. They usually have very soothing music and aroma therapy going on in the room as they do this (very, very relaxing, I always fell asleep). The needles are completely painless or at least they always were in my case. A good acupuncturist will talk to you about diet and nutrition as well.

There are plenty of good books available that are all about using the pressure points of the body to relieve pain and stress and to treat certain conditions without having to use acupuncture, instead you use your hands or have someone else to locate the pressure points and to apply the pressure/massage technique.

I hope this helped some and that if you decide to try it that it has as many healing properties for you as it did for me.

Nicola

I did it during my first round of chemo 3 years ago, and I am actually getting ready to start it again soon. I plan to go once every 3 weeks.... I loved it. But, I recommend steering clear of the chinese herbs (if your accupuncturist is also an herbalist) - as they can be incompatible with chemo if you are not careful.

Steph...
 

I tried it once when I was taking a Co-Dependency course several years ago (the instructor was an acupuncturist and asked us if we would like to try it for relaxasion (sp) and it sure worked). I would like to try it again, but haven't gotten around to it. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

I did acupuncture through treatment as well-- I had been going to an acupuncturist prior to dx for anxiety issues.

As for dealing with chemo symptoms, I felt relief from the acupuncture. A bonus was that the acupuncturist was a 10-year cancer survivor, so he was great in many ways.

Jen

I did it once a week during chemo. I still do it once a month. I will probably switch to every two months soon, but I plan to continue taking accupuncture. My asthma is much, much better. I stil have pain from Arimidex. WOuld it be worse if I stop accupuncture? I don't want to find out.

I had it at Cancer Treatment Centers of America during radiation treatment. I had to have my arms up over my head for about 25 minutes during rads, which caused me discomfort from the scar tissue I have in my chest caused by tram flap reconstruction. I only had the procedure once, but changed to chair massages for my back, which was like heaven.

Lu Ann

Thanks for the info, ladies
 

Had my first acupuncture treatment today and it was overall a good experience. It was basically painless or one the very thin needle being inserted she adjusted if I said it was stingy. But hardly felt a thing for the most part. And only one tiny drop of blood on my leg.

The young lady spent a long time with the intake/history form and understanding all I have been through in the past 7 years. Her mom passed away from cancer a few years back so she was very interested to see that we are able to survive as stage IV for an extended period.
I went more for drainage and "damp" control, which also translates to allergy symptoms. I can tell a real difference after the treatment.

This is a more interesting subject then I thought it would be. My gal is a Chinese method practitioner. There are several other schools of acupuncture.

Hi Steph,

Glad to hear that your first experience was a good one.

I started seeing an accupuncturist in April for lingering neuropathy in my toes. After 2 treatments, I felt about a 75% improvement and was thrilled. I continue to go to her once a month for relaxation and overall health issues.

Donna