Alternative Medicine

[nailit]

I know that medics like Sqad and others would dismiss 'alternative' medicine as quackery and put any benefits down to the placebo effect. I also know that this type of thread pops up periodically on AB. But been talking to a bloke tonight and he swears that acupuncture has taken away his knee pain (arthritis). He was careful NOT to say that it has taken away his arthritis, only the pain. I also seem to recall JTH telling me on here that it helped with her back pain (going from memory here, havnt looked back through my threads).
Im sceptical of things like Reiki, homeopathy etc but I seem to come across a lot of people that acupuncture seems to have helped.
Any experiences? Thoughts?
Thanks.

[ummmm]

Not personally but my aunt used have it for sciatica and swears by it.

[bednobs]

acupuncture helped me with pain. whether it did something physical or just psychologically helped me to cope is debateable

[jackthehat]

Hi, I did......and it did. :o)
I worked with a chap who had severe osteo-arthritis is his knee. So much so that he elected to have his tibia broken and his lower leg pinned back together (he was in one of those awful external metal cages which screwed through to the bone).
Once the cage came off he went for daily treatments of acupuncture and claimed to be pain-free very quickly. His surgeon was mightily impressed with his rate of healing and the fact that he took no conventional pain-relief.
The trouble is that most evidence is anecdotal *but* if you think you have an issue that may benefit from it I'd certainly advise you to at least give it a try.

[Buenchico]

Acupuncture is recognised as a valid form of treatment (for some conditions) by the NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/

[kvalidir]

My Mum has it for her back pain from arthritis and injury years ago, my man has it for facial pain from a car accident from years ago, my dad had it to help with his stress when quitting his addictions and knowing all three of them to be unfanciful folks I'd have it.
My Mum interestingly reacts really badly to Reiki it makes her feel horribly ill ( my Grandmother is a Reiki Master) but a lot of people swear by it.

[jackthehat]

Absolutely, Chris.
Mine was a course offered by NHS, at the Outpatients Department at the hospital.

[Sqad]

nailit.....you are quite correct.
Acupuncture doesn't work.
Homeopathy is quackery.

When one has chronic pain, sciatica, arthritis etc, when all elase fails, one turns to "alternative medicine" and bingo, the pain eases and disappears. What is actually happening is that the diseased process has come to a natural end and "alternative medicine" takes the credit.
e.g acute sciatic will take 5-7 weeks to subside, whatever you take and whatever is done , so the panacea taken at 5-7 weeks will take the credit.
It is nonsense.

[jackthehat]

Homeopathy is certainly quackery.

Acupuncture works.

[jno]

Rescue Remedy seems to work but I've not seen other homeopathic remedies that do.

[gness]

Nailit....after years of suffering from severe cystitis regularly....having holidays ruined and being on the verge of having to resign from a job I loved because of the time off work I gave homeopathy a try in desperation......
It worked.....I sat in my conservatory after just one visit and not only felt better but could see the bloating fade away...the calm and release from pain was amazing...
That was in 1991....after years of pain, bleeding and more than just discomfort and I have been cystitis free ever since....
I have a friend who suffers as I did and refuses to try homeopathy....so I have no sympathy for her at all....
The same for acupuncture......treated by a consultant at Addenbrooks for lower back and leg pain that made climbing stairs almost impossible.....one session and it worked...
I have no time for the....all in the mind brigade.....both worked for me and for pain now I will always go for acupuncture first.....x

[Peter Pedant]

try it and see

didja see Jerry Kyle and mystic meg the psychic - who fingered the wrong fella
the fella wivda broken toof is what done it
and er - he hadnt the thieving son had

and some people still swear by psychics

if it works for you - go for it

[Baldric]

Mrs B had a 'Frozen Shoulder' a few years back and was referred to an Acupuncturist by her Doctor.
Swears by it now, would go again if ever needed.

[rowanwitch]

Acupuncture worked for a persistent headache that despite ct., mri, lumbar puncture and other investigations my gp and a consultant neurologist had got nowhere with . The lady concerned had studied for three years in China she was English though. When my depression flared she also diagnosed it and treated it with moxibustion. For a few days I had complete respite, and with repeated visits the periods where I felt well extended. I think because it works on pet animals and horses I am tempted to believe it has real benefits

[237SJ]

Personally, I believe that it might releave the symptoms but it does'nt help the cause

[237SJ]

*relieve* (Jeez)

[rowanwitch]

I am not sure about acupuncture being used in the western medical setting by physics etc who have learned a few key points for specific problems. It should be part of a holistic approach. For instance back pain can come from a variety of sources. If you just put a needle in the point for that part of the spine it wouldn't help if it was tension from walking badly to protect an injured knee.

[jakep]

The first time my therapist inserted an acupuncture needle in my shoulder the muscle felt as if it was alive and gripped the needle VERY hard. The pain was excruciating. I went totally hysterical and cried for a while. She said “ well, that needed to come out”. That was the start of a road to recovery.
I also had a course of reflexology specifically for monthly migraine. I have never had a migraine since and only occasional headaches.
I am a convert.

[nailit]

So apart from one medics opinion (Sqad) acupuncture doesn't work?
But for everybody else it does?
Interesting!

[ummmm]

Nailit - Sqad doesn't think autism is real either.

[237SJ]

I have a couple of friends who swear by Bowen Therapy. It remains to be seen if is effective but they appeared to be happy with the results