On 4/28/2008
mulls427 wrote:
Hi all :))
Has anyone tried acupuncture for chronic pain issues after radiation and chemo for squamous cell base of tongue? I'm over two years out with clean pet scans Thank God but still on pain meds etc.
Thanks,
Mike
hi mike,
its great news that you are two years clear, i really hope you get to read this post as i'd love to encourage you to try acupuncture.....chronic pain is wonderfully responsive to acupuncture treatment.......its the sole reason i went back to university to study it!
i'm sorry the other respondent thinks acupuncture didn't work.........four sessions with no result at all sounds like a poor treatment plan .....it doesn't mean acupuncture can't help him or you mike.......maybe a different practitioner is the answer.
i've seen incredible results.....sometimes quickly....sometimes gradually....it depends whats causing the pain....a good acupuncturist should acurately diagnose the source of the pain and have some rough idea how many treatments will be needed.
acupuncture like all medical interventions has to be studied in depth and tailored specifically to each patient.... firstly through a correct diagnosis in terms of traditional chinese medical theory based on signs and symptoms, tongue exam, pulse diagnosis, bodily functions assessment, mood, temp, sleep, appetite etc etc then correct selection of appropriate points/treatment plan..
mike, find a professionally registered ,licenced/insured/degree level or higher , practitioner of traditional chinese medicine. many professional acupuncturists have studied for nearly four or five years including western medicine, herbal meds, massage, cupping, research and continue throughout their careers...... ask about their training and their experience with your condition...its important to trust and feel comfortable with your acupuncturist
many people approach acupuncture as a last resort having tried everything else, naturally these people are vulnerable to quick fix quacks....its best to acknowledge these concerns but also to realise that initially pain relief can be gradual over days or weeks as the body responds. happily most patients will feel some relief during the first treatment , but pain can return if things like
eg. poor circulation, fibrosis, muscle weakness, spasm/blood deficient, swelling,stiffness, blockage, stagnant toxins etc etc........
the treatments for pain are aimed at the cause, acupuncture stimulates the body to take care of its self to the best of its ability......some people need building up as part of this process with herbs or changes in diet or lifestyle...and time to heal.....
the needles are not magic, they stimulate energetic changes in the body which encourages your body to function properly because the energetic pathway of qi/energy of the damaged/disease area is energetically re-regulated and restored to normal.....inciting physical healing and decreasing of pain as nerve fibres are desensitised....basically the pain receptors are given a new healthy signal/instructions/songsheet to sing from as the qi is regulated, the body's fluids and signals move........the qi holds the bodys instruction/pathology manual....when the qi is obstructed/deficient it becomes disordered...there is pain.... i think you should check acupuncture out for yourself....good luck and take care.......p.s with dedication qigong-tai chi does the same job