Does anyone do acupuncture? Does it actually work?

[Anonymous]

I just started acupuncture, and was wondering if anyone has used it for a specific issue, & the issue actually resolved, as a result? I'm really trying to move away from traditional Western medicine, and look for alternatives.

[Anonymous]

Everyone's different. A lot of people have been helped by accupuncture, but some say it didn't make a difference.

All I know is that when I had tight muscle down my IT band towards my calf, the accupuncturist stuck a needle in my calf where the tightness was, and it hurt like a m*er, but after they pulled it out after 2 seconds, man, it felt soo much better.

I've been seeing one for sciatic issues for many months, and I think it's helped.

[Anonymous]

Helped my TMJ. Within a small handful of sessions, all of my horrible daytime pain was gone. I had 10 sessions in all (it’s so relaxing!) and haven’t had to go back in 6+ months. I went to a community acupuncture clinic to keep costs down.

[Anonymous]

I went to one session bc I heard it help with hurrying up childbirth as I was heavily pregnant and tired of waiting. It did not trigger labor but it did lead to probably the most restful sleep I experienced while pregnant.

[Anonymous]

I've used it, my 80+ yr old mother used and my dog has used it.

Whether it is effective depends on the practioner and the individual. If you don't have positive results after a few sessions, it's probably not going to be effective this time but may later.

The first time I received treatment was when I was pregnant and had really bad nausea. Although needles are not always placed at the site of problems/discomfort, in this case, the last needle was right above my stomach. I felt my midsection relax when she did it. It was incredibly helpful.

My next round was about 15 years later. I'd had repetitive injuries to my ankle, had surgery and, 6 months later, had a lot of compensatory stress on the opposite side. Again, it was really helpful.

My lean, 86lb Lab was suffering from arthritis. Medications were no longer effective in treating it. After just 1 session with the veterinarian doing acupuncture, his limping was reduced by about 80%. After 2 sessions, it was gone. After 4 sessions, we moved to maintenance of once every 3 months. He never needed arthritis/pain medication again.

[Anonymous]

I have used acupuncture for sciatic pain, joint pain and osteoarthritis.

It is amazing. But you must sit still and rest for days after in order for the magic to really work. I usually get it on a Friday and stay in the whole weekend. I must have repeated sessions, sleep, water and no heavy impact or stressful activities such as running, dancing, Zumba, biking.

I swim, go to a spa or sit in a hot tub after. It is really good for calming the nervous system.

[Anonymous]

I have had it for anxiety and infertility. Worked very well.

[Anonymous]

Worked well for my chronic sinus headaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Worked well for my chronic sinus headaches.

Interesting. But, I wonder if this is wise as a sole treatment method as the build-up of congestion can cause an infection and hearing issues. Was the acupuncture treatment done in conjunction with other treatment such as antibiotics ?

[Anonymous]

Helped me quit smoking. Cut the withdrawal symptoms at least in half.

Relieved a severe eye inflammation in a neighbor’s cat.

Didn’t help my back pain.

[Anonymous]

FWIW it did not help me with my chronic sore shoulders and neck. I viewed it as low risk/potentially high reward so I gave it a shot.

I went because my grandmother said it made a huge difference for her joint pain in the years before she passed.

[Anonymous]

My dad did use acupuncture in the earlier stages of his Parkinsons (along with typical medical care). He felt it did offer some relief.

After a few years as things progressed-he didn't feel he was having positive effects. But he definetely did for a few years.

[Anonymous]

I did it for fertility. It absolutely changed my cycle and reduced my monthly cramping in a major way. Like the pain went from and 8 or 9 out of 10 down to a 2 or 3. I had zero expectations and was quite surprised.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone done it for frozen shoulder?

[Anonymous]

I thought it was a huge waste of time and money.