Another way to manage pain

[zumbamama]

I was happy to read this article, maybe my friends will listen to me now when I tell them to try acupuncture.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/01/military-turns-to-acupuncture-for-war-zone-care/

[Anonymous]

Maybe. But this is the same military that tried to develop a bomb that would turn the enemy gay.
There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture works better than placebo. Your friends might do well to maintain their skepticism.

[Anonymous]

Zumbamama I have a question for you. I am in very open to acupuncture though I have never tried it. My question is, for something like tight muscles (shoulder, neck, back area) and pain in that area, does acupuncture work like massage to loosen the muscle, or just mask the pain? I assume acupuncture may increase circulation, reduce the inflammation, etc. - so in that way it would actually treat some of the pain. Is that right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe. But this is the same military that tried to develop a bomb that would turn the enemy gay.
There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture works better than placebo. Your friends might do well to maintain their skepticism.

I haven't read the article that OP referred to, but there is plenty of scientific evidence that acupuncture works. For instance, there are several studies that show that acupuncture aids women in overcoming infertility. By the way, I neither practice nor use acupuncture -- but I have looked it up.

[Anonymous]

fwiw, i loved acupuncture and would still go if i could afford it. i have chronic head and neck pain as well as some other random concerns. felt great after acupuncture. some acupuncturists have different kinds of training. mine must have head some massage training because he would do a little mini massage of my head and neck and it was great.

[zumbamama]

There is tons of evidence, whether one chooses to acknowledge it or not. I have enough personal experience from having acupuncture and having pain meds to know that it works for many, many things.

[zumbamama]

Anonymous wrote:Zumbamama I have a question for you. I am in very open to acupuncture though I have never tried it. My question is, for something like tight muscles (shoulder, neck, back area) and pain in that area, does acupuncture work like massage to loosen the muscle, or just mask the pain? I assume acupuncture may increase circulation, reduce the inflammation, etc. - so in that way it would actually treat some of the pain. Is that right?

Yes, it can get rid of pain. But as with any health practice, you need someone who knows what they are doing. You are right about the increase in circulation and reducing inflammation. I would talk about chi flow, but I know I will probably just get a bunch of rolling eyes....better to speak to an actual acupuncturist. Personally, I would rather try a few needles and nip the pain in the bud than dull it for a few hours with Vicodin.

My approach to pain is acupuncture, massage, spinal alignment, yoga, rest, hydrotherapy, ROUTINE stretching and hydration. Sometimes I can knock out my pain with a massage and dip in the jacuzi, sometimes it needs the whole works. That's just me though! I recommend all the above!

It does suck that it is so expensive though...I hear ya.

[zumbamama]

another case is my mom. She went to the dr. for 2 years trying to correct her lazy eye. I talked her into acupuncture. She found an American trained MD/Acupunturist and her lazy eye improved over several weeks. On her last session, the Dr/Acu was out of town and she had a Korean-trained acupuncturist who used extra long needles, and more that time. Her eyes have been normal for the past 5 years.

Is that documented evidence for the public to learn? No. But it still worked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe. But this is the same military that tried to develop a bomb that would turn the enemy gay.
There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture works better than placebo. Your friends might do well to maintain their skepticism.

[b]Who paid to western medicine research and documentation? tax payer.
Why federal goverment does not pay for aternative medicine research and documentation? Because politician hands are in Pharmaceuticals lobbiest pocket.
This is not hard to underestand it! [/b]