Just read your request for info on acupuncture. I have had TM for 8-1/2
years. Last January I started having acupuncture treatments with a licensed
doctor from China. She felt very positive about being able to help me with my
pain and weakness. She literally tried everything--13 extensive treatments.
Some of the treatments were just needles inserted from the back of my neck to
various locations down my back, around my hips, legs, and ankles. Then, some
of the treatments included a stimulator on the ends of the needles, which was
very similar to the therapy used when I first became sick at the Bryn Mawr
Rehabilitation Hospital. Only there it was a machine they moved back and
forth over certain parts of my back and legs to stimulate the muscles.
Neither procedure had a positive impact on me.
The doctor also used several herbs in pots which she laid on my spine. These
herbs were concentrated into what looked like a cigar. She lit the end of the
herb stick and laid the burning stick in the pot. The heat from the stick was
suppose to go into the body and releave some of my symptoms. I believe the
treatment is called a "moxey pot". This procedure was very warm and
comforting. However, the end result was negative.
Another procedure she used was to place cups over my back. There were around
ten of them. The cups were similar to suction cups. She heated up the
centers and placed them on my back. Somehow the heat created a suction and
pulled my skin up into the center of the cup. This was uncomfortable to say
the least and also caused large areas of bruising.
Also, I was on multiple herb vitamins while going through the acupuncture
treatments. They were extremely expensive and also had a negative outcome.
I was involved with acupuncture for almost five weeks. At first I went two
times a week, then three times a week. The treatments cost approximately
$100.00 for each session--I had 13 sessions. The vitamins cost approximately
$250.00. I can truthfully tell you, Jeff, that I personally came away with a
bruised, sore body at the end of the entire process. Along with the bruised,
sore body, I felt a great depression starting. I wanted this to help so much
and was extremely disappointed when it didn't.
However, I can tell you that I personally know of a person where acupuncture
helped tremendously. My family doctor's wife had several treatments for a
chronic condition she suffers with and the treatments turned out to be very
successful for her. I believe acupuncture works for certain problems--maybe
muscular-type problems. For me, as I stated earlier, they were disappointing.
I honestly believe I put too much faith in what the doctor felt she could do
for me. She truly believed she could make a difference. It was a big let
down.
I know this isn't what you probably want to hear, but I felt I had to be
truthful. If you have any more questions you would like me to answer, please
feel free to contact me.
PatS.
W2SMITH(AT)aol.com