I’ve decided to give acupuncture a try. With the weather changes lately, my symptoms are ramping up again. I had been doing better with a strict diet and supplements, but I can feel things starting to slip. I’m heading to my first appointment this afternoon. The acupuncturist is also into Chinese herbal medicine. I’m hoping it doesn’t turn into a hard sell for me to buy herbs. I may be open to that idea later, but I just started a new med last week and don’t want to get too many new things going at once.
Does anybody have any insight good or bad on acupuncture? I’ve already done a search through the archives here. I’m just wondering if anyone has any input.
I had my first treatment - no magic yet but we’ll see. She was very thorough - I was there for 3.5 hours. She convinced me to try the Chinese herbs. I really like her. She has a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Physics. She worked for 17 years as a pharmaceutical research chemist before deciding to pursue her education and career in oriental medicine. I like the fact that she knows the science behind both Eastern and Western medicine. I’ll keep you all posted…
Thanks for keeping us updated, Marci. And please keep us updated! I once considered going to a Traditional Chinese medicine person but didn’t in the end because he told me it wasn’t possible I had migraine (!)and wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain that it was indeed possible and why. That wasn’t a good start to the relationship!
It would be very interesting to hear how you get on.
Hello
My husband has had dizziness from 3-27-08 after a nights use of an Cpap machine (sleep apena) His dizziness is a rocking sensation…Like everyone else we had 2 visits to an Ent Dr with all the test…Mri…Tilt Table test…Vng test…Fistula testing…Posturagraphy… ect ect ect . Will finally see an Neurologist next week to rule out MS. We tried Acupunture which I think he said it may of help a little after 2 days of the therapy…We did 4 treatments for $200 and decided it didn’t help enough to carry this on. Did an herbal treatment for 6 weeks and that was a lost cause also. Our next trip will be to Memphis to seek an Otoneurologist at the Shea Clinic. What bothers him the most is looking up and since he is a auto body teck…sanding really gets him on a quick drunk!! Both ENT drs say its not ear related but he sure was fine before the Cpap machine entered our house that night!! Anyone out there have this type of experience??? Desperate in trying to get my husband back…I miss him a lot!! megansmom
I haven’t been here in some time. I came to this site when it first got started. I read still and send many people here from other sites. I wanted to say that I have been going for acupuncture for a few weeks now, the results are amazing for me. I follow the diet to a tee also. My Dr told me that about 70% of people respond to this while the other 30% don’t. She told me that I should see some results in 4 treatments otherwise she would be wasting my time.
The first visit I could feel the dizziness coming and I was nauseated. After the sesson that had gone, I was amazed. I would say this is a treatment that should be a must for us MAVers as there have been some good studies done in the use of acupuncture.
It is great to hear you are having positive results from acupuncture! I’m hoping for the same. I go for my second treatment on Tuesday. The first didn’t do anything for me good or bad, but I plan to stick with it for a while to see what happens. Maybe I’ll go with the 4 treatment rule you mentioned from your doctor.
I am even more optimistic about the herbal treatment my acupunturist/herbalist started me on. I’ve been feeling better since starting them on Monday. However, it is too soon to tell if I am just having a “good” week or if the herbs are making a difference. I committed to giving her at least two months to work her magic because it will take at least that long to know for sure. I feel like I’m on a constant rollercoaster ride with my symptoms, so it is difficult to tell if something is working or not.
Please keep me posted on how the acupunture is working for you and I will do the same.
I am also glad your having some good results. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I have actually been thinking of trying Accupuncture in the near future. Hopefully it’s not too expensive??
Have a question…since we have MAV (sort of speak)…did you tell the Accupuncturist that you have migraines or were you more specific with stating you have something that is les known called Migraine Associated Vertigo?
Have a question…since we have MAV (sort of speak)…did you tell the Accupuncturist that you have migraines or were you more specific with stating you have something that is les known called Migraine Associated Vertigo?
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Joe,
In my experience, I was asked a LOT of questions about all my symptoms plus other bodily functions. :oops: We talked for 2-2.5 hours before my treatment. She explained that in oriental medicine, they consider all of the symptoms and health concerns and attempt to treat the root of the problem. The treatment is customized for each patient. Good practitioners will not have a specific treatment plan for all patients with migraine. The gal I went to seemed to see a pattern in my symptoms and didn’t seem surprised by any of them.
In terms of cost, a treatment in my area ranges from $50 - $70. The treatments can take anywhere from 15-90 minutes depending on the patient. From what I have read and been told, most patients do not need more than 10 treatments, often less.
If you decide to try it, make sure you ask around and find a good practioner. I’m sure there are a lot of quacks out there.
Yes I told her all about the MAV. She said it really does not make a differnce as its being caused by migraine activity. Mine was so bad that the Dr confessed she did not think she would be able to help me, I think she was surprised when I got rid of some symptoms on the first visit. I have to say that I tried this before and it didn’t work. I feel it was the person I used the first time so when you search don’t get discouraged if you don’t see some results.
I knew ths gal was good when she showed me her experience 15 years, her clients glowing remarks and the fact that she was not going to waste my money, she said 4 visits and if I felt even the slightest result we could move on, if not than we would stop. There have been some good studies to support acupuncture and migraine. We already know it works wonders for sprains and pain of joints, heck even some insurance cover it now. I pray those here that try it fall into that 70% we deserve a break. One thing I see alot of MAVers over look is the diet, its sooooo important and could change your life.
I know its hard but I can’t take meds so for me it was a must that I try it. I’m sure by now you have heard of the book Heal Your headache, get it because it has an extensive list of triggers, one of the best books around. I was emailing the Dr of this book and with his encouragement that I would see results, I got on board and did the diet.