Acupuncture

[Guest guest]

in S.D.,

What relief you must have felt knowing that something as simplistic as

walking can make a difference in your life!! I know that walking is a great

therapy for depression, makes sense that it works setting you on track!

take care, wendy in canada

[Guest guest]

Kathy wrote:

Part of my therapy for coping with my feelings of depression around Steve's

OCD included accupuncture. I found this very helpful, particularly with

releasing suppressed feelings of sadness. Of course this is just

anecdotal, but I feel this helped me to avoid taking anti-depressants

myself.

I also used acupuncture when I was suffering from debilitating panic

attacks after Kelsey was born. I was taking Xanax briefly but wanted to get

off it because of the history of addiction in my family background. So I

stopped and saw the accupuncturist instead. He also gave me an herbal

supplement which definitely worked to get me sleeping again. (My body was

on overdrive and seemed like it was overheating. The supplement " took the

heat out " in just a couple of days so I could sleep again.) I think getting

better was a combination of the accupuncture, supplement, massage, and

nuggets of wisdom this wise accupuncturist gave me.

I know this may sound a little out there to some of you, but he suggested I

take daily walks between 7 and 9 am to set my biorythms. It helped a lot.

And when I was starting to feel a little anxious with Kelsey's OCD, I

resumed this practice and it really kept me on a more even keel.

Take care,

in S.D.

[Guest guest]

I am trying acupuncture again. It helped with some of my symptoms early on

in CFIDS and again when I was in a deep crash another point. This time,

though, I found myself utterly exhausted after the first treatment, and now

I'm wondering about the harm/good ratio of this. I feel confident that I

have found a good practitioner who is realistic about CFIDS and not scamming

me, but I just wonder what other people's experiences have been. Generally I

have been given a diagnosis by acupuncturists of " blood deficiency, " which is

interesting because, although the system is completely different, it matches

up with the thick blood/low blood volume research.

Peggy

[Guest guest]

Peggy,

I've been doing acupuncture and chinese herbs for 2 1/2 years now. I started

after my relapse when I did not have health insurance and was told by a

" holistic " MD after $600 in tests that there was nothing wrong with me that

couldn't be cured with acupuncture and yoga . It was kind of the holistic

equivalent of the IAIYD brushoff. My allergist had also fired me, said after

4 years that the shots werent helping me.

I am somewhat better now than I was then, but I see the acupuncture as more

of a maintainance thing. Its not going to cure me (at least not quickly),

but it can keep me from getting worse and can treat the symptoms. I used to

go every week and it was helpful in learning to live with my limitations and

understand my symptom fluctuations. My case is complicated by being in the

middle of menopause now. I've learned to see how the hormone fluctuations

trigger flares in the other symptoms. My immune system gets more

dysfunctional when I have pms.

My chinese herbs are prescribed by Dr. Wu, who is an MD and a dr of oriental

medicine, so I am being closely monitored. On occasion, he sends me to the

MD to get antibiotics when its time for that. It's interesting when they ask

me about symptoms based on my pulse and the symptoms show up a few days

later.

I think when I first started, they were trying conventional approaches for

people who werent so sick on me. The acupuncturist would give me a big jump

start but then I would crash again. Then he backed off and went for treating

the immediate symptoms and a more slow strengthening. He's helped a lot with

the neck and shoulder pain, sinus problems, etc. They got a new

acupuncturist in the fall and she's young and enthusiatic and trying more

stuff out. I have more energy for a few days after I've been there. I'm

comfortable with going every two weeks now.

My chinese diagnosis is something about weak kidneys(adrenals), liver,

spleen mostly. One nice thing about oriental medical practitioners is that

they want to hear about your emotional symptoms, bad dreams, etc. Its all

part of one mind/body system that they are treating as a whole. They help me

sort out when my emotions are depressing my body from when my sick body is

depressing my mind.

Beverly

From: Peggomatic@...

>

>

>I am trying acupuncture again. It helped with some of my symptoms early on

>in CFIDS and again when I was in a deep crash another point. This time,

>though, I found myself utterly exhausted after the first treatment, and now

>I'm wondering about the harm/good ratio of this. I feel confident that I

>have found a good practitioner who is realistic about CFIDS and not

scamming

>me, but I just wonder what other people's experiences have been. Generally

I

>have been given a diagnosis by acupuncturists of " blood deficiency, " which

is

>interesting because, although the system is completely different, it

matches

>up with the thick blood/low blood volume research.

>

>Peggy

>

[Guest guest]

Laurie tried acupuncture (with a Korean trained one) and it helped her. She

had to discontinued it because inconvience.

----- Original Message -----

From: <Peggomatic@...>

[Guest guest]

the accupunture is going well. i have only had three treatments spaced a

week apart. i was feeling extremely better until this last treatment.

however, i was in remission from the atd's. it could be the combination of

both. i did a big no no. i went to order atd's on wednesday (i was out of

course... waited until the last moment) and the doc was closed. being that i

was on my way out the door for a road trip, i haven't had atd's for a few

days. i have to call on monday and get some quick. i felt like shit on my

road trip. i am hoping she'll say that she was going to cut my meds anyway

(i got a blood test the day before the trip) and tell me it was a good thing

to take a break from the meds.....hahahaha in a perfect world. i have been

on atd's for 9 months!!!! maybe the break was good. don't know. muscle

achiness has come back with a vengeance. and i am so thirsty. my heart

palpitations were gone in the second treatment, when she treated my

perecardium. my resting heartrate, while not perfect, feels fine.

i am down to one cup of coffee (8 oz.) and monday is my birthday... so i am

quitting coffee for good then. smoking has to wait until my last day at work

(i put in my notice for the 31'st being my last day). so the first of april

is my quit date. i know better than to try before then (all my co-workers

smoke). so wow this is long winded. accupunture is going well, i think.

mary margaret

oh yeah i have been bad about taking supplements. this week was turned

upside down because my boyfriend got the 'good' job we've been hoping for so

that i can go back to school. it's all so exciting, but i have forgotten to

take care of myself . i am on chinese herbs from the accupunturist

too..... another thing i've let slide...

[Guest guest]

Crystal:

Yes, I've had progress. But I have to say that the real turnaround

came when I changed my diet to the candida erradication diet (I did

this in December). My symptoms of " damp " cleared up, and also my

signs

of excess " heat. "

Many of my symptoms have disapeared or are way way lessened (chronic

diarrhea, athlete's foot, skin rash, most notably).

My acupuncturist also put me on a liver cleanse diet for a week. Is

your acupuncturist doing nutritional work with you, too? (I did the

liver cleanse prior to going on the candida erradication diet).

I believe I have immune system problems (I believe that some of the

health problems I've had most acutely and also chronically over the

past year are because excesses and deficiencies of the past are

catching up with me, and they're compromising my immune system). I do

think she's helping me with that, but that it will take a while to

see

the full results.

I have to say that one reason I keep going to her is that she's the

one health care provider who seems to really treat me as a whole

person, rather than just someone who presents one symptom after

another. She's been so supportive personally that I feel better

emotionally after a visit.

I found that just having one health care provider who was truly

working *with* me (rather than saying " I don't believe in the

so-called yeast connection " and couldn't present me with treatment

options that made sense or would help me heal) made so much

difference

psychologically.

Good luck,

Sharon

> Sharon:

> I was interested in your comment about acupuncture as I'm currently

seeing an

> acupuncturist for what she calls " liver blood stagnation " amoungst

other

> things. What has your experience been/ how long/any progress?

> Crystal

>

> In a message dated 4/4/00 10:26:46 PM Central Daylight Time,

sharon@...

> writes:

>

> << I have had acupuncture to support

> the work I've been doing on cleaning my body of the

symptoms/illness. >>

[Guest guest]

I have done acupuncture at various times - the first time, weekly for a year.

The second time, weekly for about three months. Most recently, just a

couple of visits. I also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and learned

the basic principles of the meridians. My experience has been similar to

that of others on this list - I WANT it to work, since I believe it works

very well for other conditions, but don't feel that it has fundamentally

caused much improvement. It did selectively help with symptoms during the

year-long stint. It almost eradicated the migraines I was having, and also

the sinus problems. However, it didn't even touch the fatigue, sleep

disorder, constant flu-like symptoms, dizziness and vertigo, etc., etc.

Occasionally, it has given me a little boost. That's about it. When I

studied TCM, I went to a workshop by a good acupuncturist who had written

papers about M.E., and he said that acupuncture, in the case of CFIDS/M.E.,

must be seen as a form of exercise/exertion, and unless it is used really

mildly it can be severely fatiguing.

Peggy

[Guest guest]

Jackie, I tried it for six months after my initial

diagnosis. It helped my FM pain and gave me increased

energy for about 24 hours, then I would need it again.

I finally stopped due to expense - my insurance only

covered 20 sessions and I was going 3X per week. I'd

recommend it for specific pain but not for CFS

overall.

Best, Jennie

<french@...> wrote:

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for CFS? Isn't it

> supposed to improve

> blood flow and enhance immune response?

>

> Jackie

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, a good friend of mine tried acupuncture for several months. It helped

her when she was doing it; but there were no long term benefits. -

[Guest guest]

Jackie Naiditch wrote: Has anyone tried acupuncture

for CFS

Annette's reply: I tried acupuncture twice a week

during the 2nd or 3rd year of my illness. At that

stage there I did not feel any benefit. It almost felt

as if it was trying to spark something off that wasn't

there.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Jakie,

In reply to your question:

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for CFS? Isn't it supposed to improve

> blood flow and enhance immune response?

>

> Jackie

I found it helped with my concentration and thinking abilities.

Adam

[Guest guest]

I tried it about 6 years ago. Besides relaxing me and lightening my wallet it

did nothing.

Phil

Jackie Naiditch wrote:

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for CFS? Isn't it supposed to improve

> blood flow and enhance immune response?

>

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

I had tried acupuncture and chinese medicine from about six to eight weeks

into the illness until nine months, that is until two weeks ago. It did

nothing for me but lighten my wallet as well and I came to dread the thought

of being stuck with one more needle. I had used it earlier for sinus

trouble, didnt help me there either...what about homeopathy? anyone try

that? That DID help my sinuses for about eight years but quit working two

years ago which was why I tried acupuncture...didnt try it for CFS yet. what

do you think?

Judy

Re: Acupuncture

> I tried it about 6 years ago. Besides relaxing me and lightening my wallet

it did nothing.

>

> Phil

>

> Jackie Naiditch wrote:

>

> > Has anyone tried acupuncture for CFS? Isn't it supposed to improve

> > blood flow and enhance immune response?

> >

> > Jackie

> >

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Hot off the press- summer's here!

> School's out and it's sizzling hot. Whether you're planning a

> graduation party, a summer brunch, or simple birthday party,

> shop GreatEntertaining.com before your next celebration.

> 1/4473/4/_/531724/_/959777116/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> This list is intended for patients to share personal experiences with each

other, not to give medical advice. If you are interested in any treatment

discussed here, please consult your doctor.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Judy -

I tried homeopathy for about a year under the care of

a naturopath. It was before my CFIDS diagnosis.

Thinking back, it was the healthiest I've felt in

about 10 years! I still use homeopathic remedies for

earache, sore throat, and aches with pretty good

results.

Best, Jennie

--- judy <baumelj@...> wrote:

> I had tried acupuncture and chinese medicine from

> about six to eight weeks

> into the illness until nine months, that is until

> two weeks ago. It did

> nothing for me but lighten my wallet as well and I

> came to dread the thought

> of being stuck with one more needle. I had used it

> earlier for sinus

> trouble, didnt help me there either...what about

> homeopathy? anyone try

> that? That DID help my sinuses for about eight years

> but quit working two

> years ago which was why I tried acupuncture...didnt

> try it for CFS yet. what

> do you think?

> Judy

> Re: Acupuncture

>

>

> > I tried it about 6 years ago. Besides relaxing me

> and lightening my wallet

> it did nothing.

> >

> > Phil

> >

> > Jackie Naiditch wrote:

> >

> > > Has anyone tried acupuncture for CFS? Isn't it

> supposed to improve

> > > blood flow and enhance immune response?

> > >

> > > Jackie

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > Hot off the press- summer's here!

> > School's out and it's sizzling hot. Whether you're

> planning a

> > graduation party, a summer brunch, or simple

> birthday party,

> > shop GreatEntertaining.com before your next

> celebration.

> >

>

1/4473/4/_/531724/_/959777116/

> >

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> > This list is intended for patients to share

> personal experiences with each

> other, not to give medical advice. If you are

> interested in any treatment

> discussed here, please consult your doctor.

> >

> >

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi - oh the whole nine yards - fatigue, depression, brain fog, fluish

feelings, dizziness... All of it.

<< you did not state which of your symptoms you are trying to

address, so

I focused on your friend.

Good luck.

>>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/25/00 3:06:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,

annhope1@... writes:

<< Anyone have any

hints and what to look for or look out for? >>

Hi Terri,

Have you looked into Low Level Laser Acupuncture:

~~~What is LLLA useful for? While final word is still forecoming,

it would appear that in most cases LLLA is just as effective as

traditional acupuncture, without the needles. There are indications that

simular levels of influence may be obtained with shorter treatment times,

with equal or less duration of the period of treatment.

http://www.acupuncture.com/home.htm

http://www.omegalaser.co.uk/laser.html

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/11/01 2:54:42 AM Central Standard Time, writes:

.. he's currently taken mtx, but i was wondering if anyone had successfully tried any 'alternative' therapies. i've heard that acupuncture can be helpful in alleviating arthritic elements, but it seems hard to find any further information anywhere!!

Kath,

I have used acupuncture for pain relief from PA and fibromyalgia. It was also very helpful for anxiety and depression. I went to a school of acupuncture here in Houston. I was treated by one of the professors there who specializes in acupuncture for autoimmune illnesses.

I think you have to find an acupuncturist who is knowledgeable about which acupuncture points lessen inflammation in the body - there are lots of acupuncturists out there who are "stop-smoking/weight loss" practitioners - you don't want one of those.

this link gives a list of some acupuncture schools in the US.

http://www.ability.org.uk/acupuncture_schools.html

you can also check your local yellow pages.

another option is an M.D. who is trained in acupuncture. the website for the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has a "Find an Acupuncturist" search feature to help you find an M.D. acupuncturist in your area.

http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/

As you would probably guess, it can take awhile to get relief. I had weekly treatments for about three months before I started seeing significant improvement. I continued treatments for about a year. I also take MTX.

Good luck.

Dwanna

[Guest guest]

I had three acupuncture sessions. It eliminated 90 per cent of the pain, but

did nothing for the swelling in my hand. Perhaps, I should have given it

more time, but the money involved was expensive. Right about this time, I

started on MTX and have no pain whatsoever now . I did feel much better

after the acupuncture.

[Guest guest]

I tried accupuncture but it did not work for me. But, then again the problem

that I was having thanks to Lyme is Piraformis Syndrome, I don't believe the

needles were able to reach deep enough to solve my problems. Try any thing, you

never know it my help. Jeannie in North Carolina

Re: [ ] acupuncture

Hi,

Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes take

now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

Thanks, and healing to all,

Marie

[Guest guest]

Marie,

If you try acupuncture , let me know how it goes. I thought about it for my

neck and between my shoulders.

Sheryl

Re: [ ] acupuncture

> Hi,

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

> nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

> acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes take

> now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

>

> Thanks, and healing to all,

> Marie

>

>

>

> Welcome to

>

> Easy Reference:

> Send a blank email message to:

>

> -Unsubscribe - Unsubscribe from the list

> -Digest - Switch your subscription to a digest

format

> -Normal - Switch your subscription to normal

>

> Please send messages not related to Lyme disease (this includes humor and

information about other diseases) to -Offtopic

>

> The archives can be accessed at

>

> The chat room is always open!

> /chat

>

>

[Guest guest]

The problem with my neck and shoulders is no Lyme related. I have no curve

to my neck and I had a bad fall in 1997, spring my neck. So, maybe it will

work. Did it hurt?

Sheryl

Re: [ ] acupuncture

>

>

> Hi,

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

> nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

> acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes

take

> now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

>

> Thanks, and healing to all,

> Marie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

One thing that I forgot to add when I said that I had tried Accupuncture is that

it is very relaxing. Unfortunately it could not help me. I had to get a BOTOX

injection to weaken the muscle and stop the spasms. Jeannie in N.C.

Re: [ ] acupuncture

> Hi,

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

> nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

> acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes take

> now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

>

> Thanks, and healing to all,

> Marie

>

>

>

> Welcome to

>

> Easy Reference:

> Send a blank email message to:

>

> -Unsubscribe - Unsubscribe from the list

> -Digest - Switch your subscription to a digest

format

> -Normal - Switch your subscription to normal

>

> Please send messages not related to Lyme disease (this includes humor and

information about other diseases) to -Offtopic

>

> The archives can be accessed at

>

> The chat room is always open!

> /chat

>

>

[Guest guest]

No it did not hurt at all!

Re: [ ] acupuncture

>

>

> Hi,

> Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

> nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

> acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes

take

> now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

>

> Thanks, and healing to all,

> Marie

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I had acupuncture it hurt just like a bee stinging me, it wasn't with the

needles but with that other thing

Coleen

G Kuntzelman wrote:

> No it did not hurt at all!

> Re: [ ] acupuncture

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> > Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain/or and fatigue? I have rib and

> > nerve pain my LLMD says is typical; he actually suggested I look into

> > acupuncture so I can get off the Tylenol w. codeine that I sometimes

> take

> > now. What's it like? Did it help you? (Do you feel the needles?)

> >

> > Thanks, and healing to all,

> > Marie

> >

> >

> >

> >