Acupuncture

[BrokenMan]

Some advice, please.

As I said in other post, my wife's been diagnosed recently with fibromyalgia - its a chronic fatigue syndrome with extra pain thrown in. Sometimes her neck and back are really bad, and I can see the pain is draining her badly.

It was her brother - he's a doctor - who first suggested acupuncture to her. Then my mother said how acupuncture was the only thing that helped her bad back. And now both our families - and my son (who should know better) - are constantly badgering her to go get some acupuncture.

Now, I know nothing about acupuncture - I simply don't know what to make of it. I certainly don't want to encourage Sue to wander off into some kind of occult healing ritual, but on the other hand, I wouldn't want my ignorant superstition to obstruct her way to something that may be genuinely helpful.

It may be that I'm going to get a whole of conflicting opinions back on this thread. That's fine - I'd be grateful for your advice. But I'm particularly interested if anyone has any experience of people they know using acupuncture.

[topshot]

I have no experience with it, but I'm not aware of occultic leanings. It seems to be gaining prominence in the west. I'd rank it with chiropractic - it's not considered part of the normal medical field but a lot of people swear by it.

[warrior]

I have had accupuncture treatments and they were somewhat helpful but are not intended to be a one time event.There is an Eastern religion connection.I am not an expert but seems it has to do with your body communicating with other parts of the body to bring healing.If it helps and you don't mind long needles stuck everywhere-ok.yet the background of it like other oriental arts bothers me a bit.I suppose if you can get past that and know that God heals ultimately.it is fine to go ahead.Perhaps you can ask a christian doctor or pastor for their perspective.Medically,I am not skilled to answer from that perspective either.Tough call,hope you are not confused.Other input here please to maybe clear this up?

[IsshouFuuraibou]

Medically, it's stimulation of specific nerves in a specific way to cause another desired effect related to the same or another part of your body. Basically it is engineered signals to the brain that could occur naturally, but are induced by the accupuncturist.
Historically, it deals with the Chinese philosophy of Chi(Ki) and using point pressure to manipulate the flow back into a "harmonious" state.

Most modern medical doctors know it more in the sphere of the medical style rather than the Chi style.

If it helps, and you can find a good doctor for it. (Maybe even a christian one) Go for it.

[Brandon]

Before she tries something you aren't familiar with, have you tried a physical therapist? My wife recently started going to one for her migraines...she's gone 3 times and it seems to be helping. He is helping her with posture, and stretches and exercises she can do doing the day to train her neck muscles to hold her head in a new way...definitely would recommend trying that....and it's covered by most insurances as long as your primary physician gives you a referral.

Brandon

[BrokenMan]

Originally Posted by Brandon

Have you tried a physical therapist?

I guess this will sound a bit dumb, but I've never heard of one. Could you fill me in?

By the way, thanks everyone for your thoughts - I really appreciate them.

[Brandon]

Here's a definition:

The use of exercises and physical activities to help condition muscles and restore strength and movement. For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm and shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer surgery.

Talk to your primary doctor and ask him/her about it. They can usually refer a patient and have it covered under your medical insurance (at least in the US).

For my wife, he massages a point on her neck and stretches that spot. He also applies heat with a heating pad to loosen the muscles. He taught her a few stretches she can do to help relax those muscles.

It is definitely worth the $0 I've paid

[BrokenMan]

Thanks, Brandon. It sounds like you're getting value for money.

Sue is going to the doctor again tomorrow, so I'll mention it to her.