lea
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by lea on Dec 31, 2006 12:49:37 GMT -5
I have been receiving acupuncture treatments along with Chinese Herbs for almost 1 year. Between this and Carolyn's diet I have greatly improved. My pain is minimal, even around ovulation and menstruation. I find that I am very sensitive to the "bad" foods and when I cheat a bit my body tells me. The goal with acupuncture should be to reduce the amount you need as you go. My goal is to gradually reduce the number of treatments I need i.e) try going a month without, then 2 months, then 3 etc. Right now I have 2 treatments a month ( before ovulation and before menstruation) I also take herbs ever day. I can honestly say that I have had 2 months of absolutely no pain, even during intercourse and I felt like a new person. Now, I have let my diet slip and I am paying for it, but I hope this gives some of you out there hope that pain free is possible. I still have not become pregnant after two and a half years of trying but hopefully reducing the endometriosis will help make IVF successful for us. Take care and have a happy new year!
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Post by scarlett on Jan 17, 2007 12:50:50 GMT -5
I just had my first acupuncture session today and I thought it was great. Apart from anything else it is great to be doing something positive.
I didn't find the needles sore at all, although my practioner said some people do. She said she can use pressure instead of needles in cases where people can't tolerate the pain (rare).
She did some rebalancing and tested whether my 'pulses' were equal on both hands. Then she inserted some needles in my feet and also in my back. It was fine and I felt good after it, although no major after effects good or bad.
I'm going for another session next week. She said I could come for 3 or 5 or just that 1 I had, it was up to me. I think I will get a few sessions and then go back if I do end up having IVF. I have read on the net that having acupuncture during IVF increases the success rate. Has anyone found this?
Together with the diet changes I've made I feel positive about using the acupuncture to help me with endo. The practioner said she's known people's endo get smaller and more under control through acupuncture, although never completely go away, which I knew anyway. She also said she'd had some people get pregnant who had various fertility problems. So here's hoping!
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Post by lindseyb on Jan 22, 2007 11:03:29 GMT -5
Just wanted to give an update lately of my endo, schooling, and treatment. I've been in my Masters program for just about 2 years and I have 2 left. After reading some of the posts above, I just wanted to comment on a few different things; first, not all acupuncturists are good healers. If you are seeing a practitioner, and it has been a few months with no results and you are whole heartedly following the regime you should be, its time to find a new one. A few members mentioned diet, that is so important. One of the most important aspects to decreasing pain, is changing what you eat, one example, is dairy. Dairy is not good for endometriosis sufferers. I have some great books that explain the dietary changes you should take if you would like. Feel free to email me if you are interested (lbehlen@gmail.com) The next topic I wanted to touch on is pain with needles. Of course every person is different, everyone has different levels of pain that their sensory nerves pick up on, but for the most part, acupuncture should NOT be painful. The only feelings you should get are feelings of tingling, energy, or what we call "arrival of qi". If you are getting acupuncture and feeling a lot of pain, there are three different possibilities; #1. Your practitioner is using too large gauge needle for your body, so ask them to use a smaller gauge #2. You may have high stress (and who with endo doesn't!) Therefore, you are going to be more sensitive. Try to relax and meditate for a little while before your treatment as well as asking for a smaller gauge #3. Maybe you need to find a different acupuncturist!
Keep in mind, each practitioner in every profession is going to be different from the last. Just like Western medical doctors, massage therapists, ect.
Which brings me to my next topic, massages. I know they can get pricey, however some cities that have massage schools! This means, lower prices! I usually get a massage the week before I begin my cycle and I've noticed it really helps decrease the symptoms.
Finally, one member mentioned taking herbs, THEY WORK! If the first doesn't work, try again. They take a while to begin working, so give them a chance. Not all acupuncturists are trained in herbology though. If they are not, or they send you out to buy your own herbs... so one of three things, find an acupuncturist who is trained in herbology, find an herbologist, or you can email me and I can talk to you about different options.
I wish everyone the best, remember if you have an specific questions, feel free to email me directly (it's hard for me to check this site often).
Best Wishes, Lindsey
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apple
Full Member
Posts: 214
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Post by apple on Jan 22, 2007 17:43:12 GMT -5
My experience with acupuncture as follow: I had a very hard time a couple of years ago when I Lost my dad and my endo got out of control, side effects of my treatment were so bad that ended up in the hospital. So once I was out of the hospital I went back to acupuncture (I used to go before) for almost a year. My general being got better, some of the pains as well (back pain, shoulder pain, stomach pain) but pain during my periods was still quite bad. So it helped but not as I expected regarding pain during my period. I was also seeing a naturopath at the same time so it is hard to say (both of them cover by my insurance, which was quite good money wise). Last year I went to see a Dietitian so that he can check the diet plan I was doing to help with my endo, you know pretty much what is suggested on this site. Anyway since I mentioned to her that I was having fertility issues she suggested to see an acupuncturist that she went to when she tried in vitro, she went to see him to improve success and side effect of the drugs. Anyway it took me awhile to make an appointment and I finally went to see him. He was more expensive that the one I used to go but since was recommended and I had my insurance I tried, anyway my insurance was only enough for some months and herbs are not covered but I decided to try for 6 months to give a real chance. At the end I could not find much improvement with this doctor and I did not get pregnant. This doctor said that because of my condition it may take 6 months to 1 year but since I did not notice any improvement after 6 months I decided to stop. Both of the acupuncturist that I've see were Chinese and supplement their treatment with herbs. I do like eastearn approaches, I am taking Tai chi and I am reading a book about Feng Shui (quite interesting) but for my particular case it did not work as expected regarding the pain during my periods and infertility issues. But it works for some people so do not be discourage I'll say same as lindseyb try for awhile and give it some time.
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Post by Tiff on Mar 27, 2007 19:00:03 GMT -5
It was interesting to read everyones experience with acupuncture! I have been concidering it for a few years but costs and not knowing who to go to has delayed me going. How much has everyone spent for acupuncure? I was curious how much on average it is per session. Also I would like to know how to pick the right acupuncturist, I do not know anyone who has had acupuncutre and thought maybe someone had some advice on how pick wisely instead of picking the first name in the phne book!
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Post by camille on Mar 28, 2007 8:51:30 GMT -5
My sessions are $50, plus the cost of herbs, which are usually about $10. If I buy a package, it is 5 sessions for $200. I found my acupuncturist because he is right outside the door of my apartment building. He also though, met my criteria - and many acupuncturists will give a free consultation. (It would be nice if all medical professionals did this!) I wanted to go to someone who specialized in acupuncture, rather than going to a spa-like setting where there are a lot of different services. I also wanted full body acupuncture, rather than just auricular (?) - in the ear, or localized. I believe a lot of different health care professionals are being trained in this kind of acupuncture and I wanted someone who would really have an Eastern philosophy, a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach. Some of his advise has been contrary to the advice given here, or what may seem logical to me but, so far, I believe his methods have been the most effective in terms of alleviating symptoms.
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Post by Tiff on Mar 28, 2007 15:44:56 GMT -5
Alright after a whole day of searching and a few weeks of asking friends and family I have found a acupuncture school. My question now is if I should trust students working on me. This institute only allows 4th year students to work on patients, in return the student get enough hours of work for their license. Does anyone have a suggestion on if I should try it? Or has anyone ever been to a school for acupuncture and had a good experience?
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Post by Tiff on Mar 28, 2007 15:46:42 GMT -5
Thank you Camille for responding to my post, it helped to give me a good idea of what it should be costing.
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misa
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by misa on Mar 30, 2007 11:16:27 GMT -5
I get acupuncture for liver qi stagnation, blood stagnation and kidney something, excess heat?? I cant remember. My acupuncturist is a tradtional chinese med physician. I will let you know how it goes. So far ive had my 8th session and I have yet to have a period due to some imbalances but it is coming in 10 days (I chart) so I will let you know the difference it has made. So far it has cured my sweating and acne and anxiety. Gwosh I was messed up!
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Post by Tiff on Mar 31, 2007 11:42:55 GMT -5
Well I got an appointment and went in on Thursady for the first time. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I usually tend to get most of my pain on my left side and I have to say as soon as they put a needle in my left hip area it was like immediate relief. It came back about an hour after the appointment but the fact that I did see relief is enough for me to try it again. I am trying to get back in for next Wednesday right after my period starts to see if it will help. BUt so far I am pleased with the little bit I have had.
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Post by denna on Apr 9, 2007 1:22:11 GMT -5
is acupuncture painful?
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Post by Tiff on Apr 9, 2007 8:04:39 GMT -5
I felt the needles in certain places of my body, but none were actually painful! It is different and you need to have an open mind if and when you decide to try it. I really enjoyes my session and found it to be relaxing.
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misa
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by misa on Apr 11, 2007 8:45:41 GMT -5
Had my first period on acupuncture. The lower back pains were quite bad, I was sweating from the intense pain. They werent as sharp as usual. I didnt have any pelvic pains as I usually do, I didnt have any pains on urination and I can do a bowel movement without too much pain now. (sorry if thats gross n too much info lol, that was my BIG problem with endo, not being able to go to the toilet!) I told her about the lower back pain and she put some needles in and the pain dissapeared. Today is cycle day 2, the pains should be the worst today but I do not have one pain. I dont feel like Im on my period. It is great!
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Post by Tiff on Apr 11, 2007 10:56:09 GMT -5
Yay Misa I am so glad to hear that Accupuncture is working for you.
So you can do Accupuncture when you are pregnant? What would the advantages be of it?
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misa
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by misa on Apr 12, 2007 13:33:32 GMT -5
Hi Tiff! You can have acupuncture while pregnant, it helps you maintain a healthy pregnancy and avoid miscarriage, morning sickness and tones the uterus. You must be treated by a professional acupuncturist who knows you are pregnant and who has experience. Acupuncture can also turn a breached baby All too cool
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