Love to hear from anyone who has used accupuncture

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GreenCowgirl
GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
edited June 2014 in Alternative Medicine

After gettting biopsy results yesterday that I have a second DCIS I am looking at alternatives.  I have been considering accupuncture for all over wellness and have wondered if anyones else had given it a try. I already leave a very natural and Organic life so need to ding the hole in my health puzzle.

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited January 2013

    Waaay before I was dx'd with BC, I had acupuncture for lower back pain. 

    My practitioner was an older East Indian, board-certified physician, who had studied and practiced acupuncture for years. It was covered by Kaiser, so I thought "Why not?"

    The first thing I noticed was that laying on my stomach made my back hurt worse. And that the hole in the acupuncture table hurt my cheeks, so the following week, I came in with a horseshoe-shaped soft pillow half filled with buckwheat hulls. That made the pressure on my face lessen, and before he started, I used tons of pillows under my abdomen to straighten out my spine.

    Inserting the needles didn't hurt, except where he stuck them into my feet. A needle stuck into thin tissue right over bone just plain hurts.

    I went for weeks and weeks and weeks...and unfortunately, got no relief. I just got tired of being stuck all the time, and quit going. (There WAS that one time where he forgot to remove a needle before I got dressed....Surprised)

    But having said that, I do believe there are applications for which acupuncture is helpful, and I would not hesitate to try it again should the occasion arise.

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited January 2013

    My onc referred me for a course of acupuncture as a complementary therapy to help with my fatigue after my first recurrence. I found it helped relieve my symptoms and, coincidentally, also helped relieve the hot flushes, as the pressure points used are the same for both problems. However, my therapist did tell me that it doesn't work for everybody, so I guess you just have to give it a go and see how you get on with it. Good luck!

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  • rosyFL
    rosyFL Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2013

    I think it's worth a try.  I used it for migraine headaches, allergies, sciatica and a few other things along the way with good results.  A good acupuncture doctor can do wonderful things to help you on your road to recovery.  I wish I could find one here where I am, but no luck.  I had a wonderful Chinese doctor, with 25 years experience in NY. 

    I just keep thinking how unfair this disease is. 

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2013

    Yes, I whole heartedly agree, this is bs, unfair on soo many levels.  I have always taken very good care on my health, but as i educated myself more, i find new things to experience.  I am pro food/nutrition and feel eating a clean diet can do soo much for us all.  I take several herbs and vits i feel are worthy as well.  I know of a lady that has practiced many different form of chines medicine for 20 years and have been thinking about visiting her.  I was all ready going to see her for my crazy hormonal swings)(maybe pre-menopause)?

    But having had breast cancer i dare not take anything hormonal, so I am eating well, working out, trying to control stress and looking for more options .  Being proactive about my health makes me feel good.  I have spent most of my life taking care of everyone around me, soo time for me;)

    Nancy

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  • rzxcd
    rzxcd Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2013

    I started acupuncture for hot flashes and boy it really cut them down, I still have them but not as manyas before. I do know that since I started this I have been able to sleep a whole lot better. I also used for leg cramps I was getting desperate and the legs have clamed quite a bit so for whatever its worth it works for me.

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2013

    I tride accupuncture last week and it was really interesting.  The woman had great training and really seemed confident as well as spent 2 hours with me.  I had shooting sensations in my legs and the points really seemed to pulsate.  She said i had adrenal fatigue and low energy in liver and kidney.  I was having night time feeling of heart racing as well as jumping out of my skin any time my hub entered the room.  Both things have stopped, so i feel it is worth it andi will go back again.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2013

    I went for acupunture by a skilled woman.  I think the Chinese medicine she sold me helped most bcz 2 fibroids in left breast that were scaring me disappeared during that time, the acupuncture was a plus.  We were moving my phlegm. lol  My foods were to be a lot of veggies in soups and such, not much raw.  I wish I could afford to have weekly sessions.

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited February 2013

    Blubird  How wonderful about the fibroids!  I wish i could go weekly too.  I have gone once so far and really like it.  She has 20 years exp and extensive training here and in China.  I would love to have one more seesion prior to surgery.  I also saw they do a facial acupuncture that is like a facelift, celebs do it before big events.  I am very curious .

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  • forest
    forest Member Posts: 25
    edited February 2013

    THE CANCER CENTER AT MY HOSPITAL PROVIDES UP TO 6 FREE ACCUPUNCTURE TX TO REDUCE SE FROM CHEMO.  I HAVE A LIST OF 6 DIFFERENT DR. TO CHOOSE FROM. SHOULD I MAKE APPT FOR DAY AFTER CHEMO?.

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited February 2013

    I did Acupuncture regularily with a great woman for my Rheumatoid, but when she moved away her replacement just wasn't as good so I let it lapse.

    It worked really well for pain and stiffness, but the bit I loved most was the face acupuncture which really worked for me. It looked like I had just had a facial, and lasted for days.

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited February 2013

    oooooh, that sounds amazing.  I will have to treat myself after i get through surgery this week. 

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  • TurboGirl40
    TurboGirl40 Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2013

    Hi there...I used accupuncture in hopes of it reducing my anxiety after my initial diagnosis.  It really did help to calm my nerves (while I was trying to figure out what to do, waiting between Dr. app'ts, etc).  Just be sure to find a reputable accupuncturist in your area.

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  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited March 2013

    I have been doing accupunture for side effects from chemo and to help me sleep.  It is working!  I love it. Now maybe I will have to look into that facelift with Accu.

    Enjoy

    Balsie

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited March 2013

    Has anyone used accu after masectomy, and if so how long did you wait post surgery?  I also have tissue expanders in,s o no way will i be laying on my stomache.  I am hoping for some pain relief and overall sense of calm and being back in control of life.

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2013

    Hi Green Cowgirl, I haven't had a mx, but I've had many accupuncture treatments over the past ~20 years.  It isn't always necessary to lie on your stomach, and I'm sure a good practitioner would be able to treat you while you're only lying on your back. 

    Hope you find some relief soon!

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  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited March 2013

    When I go in for accupunture I lay on my back.  I would highly suggest this for you!  I have had great comfort from treatments.

    Enjoy your day

    Balsie

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  • blanviper
    blanviper Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2013

    I started acupuncture to alleviate side effects from Tamoxifen and it has helped A LOT. Hot flashes and insomnia almost eliminated. My practitioner let me find a comfortable position for me depending on whether I was up for laying on my stomach or not (had revison surgery at one point). I'd recommend it.

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited March 2013

    Thanks for all of the input, i will be making an appt and i bet she can figure out some way to get me taken care of.  First time she did the needles in legs ,hands and ears, then let me rest awhile.  She came back removed those and had me flip to my stomache and did a few on the back of my neck and let me rest a while again. 

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2013

    Yes, I'm sure she can figure out a way to treat you knowing your limitations. If you can lie comfortably on your side, she might be able to get at points of your back that way. I had acupuncture txs when I was nine months pregnant (baby was two weeks late --- we were going for inducing!). There was no lying on my stomach at that point, so it's definitely doable. I'm glad to hear you already have a practitioner -- good luck, and hope it brings relief soon!

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  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited March 2013

    Gemini - just curious - did the acu bring on labor?

    I had acu during my chemo for migraines and severe stomach pain. It really helped. Would love to do it as a preventative. It's a goal.

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  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited March 2013

    I am continuing to see the great benefits of Accupunture!  Wish I would have known about this a long time ago. 

    ~Enjoy your day

    Balsie

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  • Sharon1942
    Sharon1942 Member Posts: 272
    edited March 2013

    I had acupuncture before my last 2 chemo treatments & my nausea was practically eliminated! Insurance didn't cover it, but it was worth every cent!

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  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 687
    edited March 2013

    I had acupuncture on my non-BC side which has stopped neck pain and improved arm movement. Is it ok to have needles in BC side? Can it impact on lympoedema?

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  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited March 2013

    kyliet~ I was wondering the same thing.  I have been told not to even have my blood pressure taken on that side.  I have never had any issues with it.  The accuouncturist did put a needle on that side in my hand and upper arm at the time I didn't know she was putting them there.  Mentioned later that I am not suppose to do that.  I did not have any reaction from the needles. I am just thrilled that A is helping so much.  I too wish medical would cover it. 

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  • gemini4
    gemini4 Member Posts: 532
    edited March 2013

    sdstarfish -- I think the acupuncture did help a little with the labor, but in the end it was a gel that the hospital put on my cervix to ripen it that seemed to do the trick. My theory is that my daughter didn't want to be a Scorpio so she waited two weeks for the sign to change to Sagittarius! ;-)



    I'm starting tamoxifen soon, and I plan to treat the side effects (knock wood, maybe I won't have any!!!) with acupuncture.



    So glad to read that it has helped others keep the SE's at bay!

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited April 2013

    A friend of mine that had a terrible car accident says her insurance pays for accu, she get 12 a year or something.  They paid 70% of the fee.  So i wonder if we should request doc scrip or tell them it is for pain management.  I am not sure, so i plan to call the accu lady i went to a few months ago and find out.

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  • balsie
    balsie Member Posts: 391
    edited April 2013

    I just found out that my insurance will cover 1/2 of the cost.  Yeah!! I have to ask if there is a limit of how many times I can go.  

    Enjoy!

    Balsie

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  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 237
    edited April 2013

    I talked to my accu gal today and she does not file, claims, i have to do that myself.  She found most clients insurance would pick up 60%.  I am going to call my ins today and see what they have to say, seems like a well guarded secret, right.  we would not want to make it easy for us ladies to access the pain relief we need!

    Balsie, Awesome, makes it much more doable now. 

    Nancy

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  • blanviper
    blanviper Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2013

    I have been doing acupuncture to treat the side effects of Tamoxifen and it has really helped a lot by cutting down the hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. I didn't have a full nights sleep until I started going. Totally recommend it.

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  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 687
    edited April 2013

    I saw my Onc yesterday. He said it was up to me but he didn't think acupuncture in BC arm was good. He said he had seen patients who had got late onset lymphedema after having acupuncture. I love the acupuncture so will make that area a 'no go' zone.

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