Has anyone used acupuncture?

toatsmagoats

I'm going for an initial consultation this weekend, and I'm just curious about what I can expect to happen.  I believe it's going to take 1.5 to 2 hours and I was told to wear loose clothing... that's about it.

Has anyone done it before?  Did it help whatever condition you were dealing with?  What can I expect to happen during my first appointment?

Kari78

I use acupuncture to treat migraines and it has certainly helped. I used to get debilitating migrains about 1X a month and since I've been seeing an acupuncturist I've had maybe 3-5 in 6 years. The first appointment is long because it's an evaluation of your overall health. They should be checking your tounge as it indicates some particular issues in Chinese medicine.  Hopefully you'll get a full session after the evaluation. Mine does about 20 minutes of massage, then needles and then I am left alone to meditate, sleep, whatever for 20-30 minutes. Good luck!

BeachBaby07

I tried it for infertility and only lasted one session. I was willing to try anything and I didnt like it. I also got some bad headaches after so I decided not to do it. The needles in my face freaked me out and I didnt like the tingly feeling. My friend does it for her sinuses and she loves it. 

anotherNJbride

I've had acupuncture twice, both times done by a friend who is licensed in acupuncture and massage. The first time was after a massage and I told her I felt a cold coming on, she used a few needles and I rested for about 10 minutes. I never got the full-on cold. I can't say for 100% if it was because of that or what, but I know my body pretty well and was surprised that it didn't progress.

The second time was when I was stuck in prodromal labor (irregular contractions heightening in intensity but not becoming regularly spaced apart) and was ready to try ANYTHING to get myself into true active labor. It was the 5th day of contractions and the day after being sent home from the hospital at only 2cm.  The whole session lasted maybe 45 minutes and was difficult because I was having contractions, but it was probably the most relaxed I was during the course of my labor.  Again, I can't say for sure if it worked, but the next morning my water broke and I was already up to 6cm.

I don't enjoy it, to be honest. It doesn't hurt, but it is kind of weird. I don't think I would do it regularly because I currently don't have a need for it, but I do I believe in the science behind it and know many people who have had positive experiences in treating things like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, sinus problems, and fertility.

toatsmagoats

Kari78:

I use acupuncture to treat migraines and it has certainly helped. I used to get debilitating migrains about 1X a month and since I've been seeing an acupuncturist I've had maybe 3-5 in 6 years. The first appointment is long because it's an evaluation of your overall health. They should be checking your tounge as it indicates some particular issues in Chinese medicine.  Hopefully you'll get a full session after the evaluation. Mine does about 20 minutes of massage, then needles and then I am left alone to meditate, sleep, whatever for 20-30 minutes. Good luck!

Oh wow - sounds like it's definitely working for you!   How long did it take before you started noticing an improvement?

By the way, I'm so glad you mentioned the tongue thing because I had read about it but I wasn't sure if they really did it.  Better make sure I brush well that morning haha!

krryg

Yes, I am a huge fan of acupuncture. I went once a week for months after I herniated discs in my back. I saw resoles in about 3sessions, I give credit to acupuncture helping to heal my back.

melbride2005

I did it for a year while dealing with infertility.  I'm assuming it helped because it eventually worked - I got to a point where I didn't want to give it up because I was afraid if I did and didn't get pregnant I'd blame myself for not continuing.

It was fine - it didn't hurt or anything - but I wasn't able to relax at all while I was there.  I was going twice a week.  I had a lot going on so I guess that was a main reason why, but it did nothing for me in that department.

My brother has gone to treat chronic neck pain and said it has helped. 

Kari78

toatsmagoats:

Kari78:

I use acupuncture to treat migraines and it has certainly helped. I used to get debilitating migrains about 1X a month and since I've been seeing an acupuncturist I've had maybe 3-5 in 6 years. The first appointment is long because it's an evaluation of your overall health. They should be checking your tounge as it indicates some particular issues in Chinese medicine.  Hopefully you'll get a full session after the evaluation. Mine does about 20 minutes of massage, then needles and then I am left alone to meditate, sleep, whatever for 20-30 minutes. Good luck!

Oh wow - sounds like it's definitely working for you!   How long did it take before you started noticing an improvement?

By the way, I'm so glad you mentioned the tongue thing because I had read about it but I wasn't sure if they really did it.  Better make sure I brush well that morning haha!

 Yes, they do check! It's weird at first, but I don't show her all the time or anything so whatever.  Def do a tounge brushing! lol  I would say it took a few months to see improvement, it was like I just got them less & less frequently. Now I just do maintanance so once every few months.

Aug26Bride

I did it twice a week for about three months for severe seasonal allergies. It was amazing, I rarely suffer from allergies anymore or need meds. 

The first time they checked my tongue, and my palm. My sessions were veryrelaxing, he would put the pins in, put a heat lamp on and left me there for a 20 min nap.

I recommend trying it to anyone who is looking for a alternative treatment. Good luck!  

MrsGabbs4Ed

I used it for infertility a few times.  I don't think it helped but it definitely relaxed me! I remember going home after one treatment and sleeping for about 12 hours straight!  Best sleep I ever had!