Anyone tried Acupuncture?

command

Anyone here ever tried acupuncture, e.g. for headaches etc? Did it work?

jenniewb

I've been given accupucture twice for different reasons. First as my GP offered it as a form of treatment because I had/have nerve pain in my back and which carries through to my stomach and upper legs. The treatment did cause me pain because the muscles the needles needed to go in were so seized up because my entire back was in pain and all the muscles were constantly seized up, but it wasn't anything more than a dull ache and compared to the pinching feeling of nerve pain it was nothing.


It didn't work though; it was supposed to be administered weekly but the nurse who did the treatment went on holiday twice separately for a week each time and it was also difficult trying to get a free slot as they always seemed to be booked up. What was supposed to be 6 weeks took about 3 months. I think had there been some continuity it might have stood a chance of making a difference. It properly knocked me for six each time though- really exhausting which I found odd as all it was was a few needles in my back!


The second time was an attempt at getting rid of a fibroid type lump on my leg which was painful to walk on and meant I couldn't wear shoes, only flip-flops, great for the summer, not so good with the winter. It worked. The lump had been there for a number of months, the treatment was 3 or 4 times I think and the lump was pretty much on it's way out by the time the last week came. It never came back. I don't think this was what acupuncture was designed for, but it worked. Again, a dull ache but not anywhere near as painful as it was on my back, but possibly because my muscles weren't worked up in pain in the first place.


I've not tried it for headaches, but it it were offered I'd try it. I don't know how long you've had your headaches for but if it's a while (every day for more than 2 weeks for example is a while) you could see if your GP has anything to suggest or wants to rule anything out.


If it's any help; I know when I've had headaches I have found that things like paracetamol will actually cause me to have headaches and then I need to take more...it's difficult but not taking it for a few days my paracetamol borne headaches would eventually go away but not without pain!


Other things which I'm sure you've ruled out but I'll mention anyway are eye strain headaches, stress borne headaches, dehydration, hunger/low blood sugar, lack of sleep and tinnitus.


I've found that aside from dealing with the above, a product called 4Head which is a little silver stick you roll over your temples really helps. I think Boots and Superdrug sell them and they are about £4 but last for a very long time even with regular use.
Massage can help (head massage) but not always free or cheap and you'd really need to find someone who knew what they were doing to get the real benefits of this.


Hope you get something sorted!

catkins

My sister has had acupuncture for migraines as her GP surgery does it for free. It has definitely worked for her.


I too get migraines but my surgery doesn't offer acupuncture and it is quite expensive to get it. Luckily the medication I am on is helping but if they return I will think about acupuncture

Dizzy_Ditzy

I had a headache for nine days that just wouldn't shift, no matter what I tried. Out of desperation more than anything else, I saw my GP and she offered me acupuncture.

Within two hours the headache was gone. The same headache that I'd had for nine days. She warned me prior that it might leave me feeling drained, and my goodness it did, but I didn't have that headache anymore! The drained feeling didn't last for long, by the time I got up the ne t day, I was back to normal again

command

Thanks everyone. The headaches are probably stress related. Although NICE guidelines advise this as a possible therapy, my GP said it is not possible to have it on the NHS for tension type headaches. So I guess I'll have to go private.

SailorSam

It's a long story so i'll cut it short and get to the point.
I had pins & needles.

Retrogamer

I wouldn't go private for it.
It would be an expensive placebo

jenniewb

If your headaches are affecting your day to day life and ability to carry out your job, I'd say that's reason enough to ask for help and for the stress rather than the headache- I'd say treating the headache rather than the stress when you already feel it's caused by stress is a bit like treating a cold with a tissue rather than looking at ways to prevent the cold (eg keeping your immune system healthy). I think the same would go with the acupuncture, you'd just be treating the headache not the cause, acupuncture doesn't treat lifestyle borne stress. But talking therapy can help.

command

It's just dull kind of headaches that are not as bad as to affect the ability carry out job or everyday activities. But they are frequent which kind of make you feel drained. I've got some meds for stress but they are of no help with regards to headaches.

I am usually wary of alternative approaches that have no strong scientific evidence. There must be some evidence - although weak - that led NICE to put acupuncture as part of its guidance. I was interested in experiences of people who have actually tried it to see if it is worth it.

Retrogamer

The consensus with regards to science and acupuncture is it doesn't offer any more benefits over other Placebo treatments like homoeopathy.

I would go back to the GP about the headaches and see what they can offer.

Hootie01

I had acupuncture for migraine and after the second appointment they went.
Never to return.
Just wondered if you have looked at your posture and diet as this has helped me not for headaches..but it might be an idea?
Been on this website a lot http://search.mercola.com/results.aspx?q=headaches and had a look for info for you. There's a lot. We've tried a lot of the advice given by Dr Mercola and have not been let down. Always checked with the doctor and chemist first though.