Acupuncture

[Moonriver]

Has anyone tried acupuncture to help get rid of AF and if so what were the results? I believe there have been some studies on this?

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Hi Moonriver, I did try acupuncture to decrease the frequency of my AF episodes, which it did. Primarily I knew there were some studies that it would lower blood pressure, and so I wanted to address the underlying issue that likely started my AF (and also address the underlying issue of my hypertension: poor stress management). I knew that the acupuncture would be good for that. I did it every couple weeks for a full year. In the end I had a couple of acupuncture sessions in a row after which I went into AF in exactly 48 hours. I decided to take a little break, and managed to find other ways that also kept my blood pressure low and so now I don't feel the need to do it as my blood pressure is good, and I totally changed my type A personality so that I stay calm, and together with a few other lifestyle changes are keeping my AF almost completely dormant these days. It is certainly worth a try to do the acupuncture! Yoga, meditation, reiki.....all good. Be well!

[Moonriver in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thanks for the info Grandma. Are you on heart meds? I see you said your af is quiet now. How did you change you A personality to someone calmer?

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Moonriver]

Hi Moonriver, I am on Losarten for my blood pressure and Xarelto for my anticoagulant. Nothing else. I made the conscious decision to swap out characteristics that were not in my best interest like changing impatience to serenity, and releasing my need to control situations has been substituted with the freeing feeling of being ok with changes or plans that weren't my idea. When I feel old reactions beginning I breathe deeply and calmly and appreciate the feeling of peace vs the old feeling of living in a tense or revved up state. Gratitude and grace are my goal each day. This feeling of contentment also makes for wonderful sleep. My insomnia has vanished as I adopted better exercise and clean eating. All this has made for a calm and happy heart.

[Japaholic]

I have acupuncture weekly, it help with any stress /anxiety brought on by my AF which in turn helps reduce my AF. I call it complementary medicine as opposed to alternative medicine.

[Shirlgal]

I have had acupuncture weekly for the last 5/6 weeks to help with aches and pains and trying to come off the Codiene/OMeprazole which I have been taking these for far too long.... which it is helping with. I also take 150mg of Magnesium and the Magnesium spray on my knees which helps plus low dose Multi Vit without Vit K, Probiotics all ok by my Docters as on Warfarin...but being checked weekly for INR..ANYway I did all this with my DRs blessing and the acupuncture is helping. I have PAF or (lone Atrial Fibrallation) and on lowest dose of Adizem and 3mg /4mg Warfarin... My blood pressure and anxious nature has been helped I am sure together with a CaffieneFreeandGlutenfreediet I have tried and presently doing and feel better...... again with discussion with the Drs...theres lots of information out there on alternative..read about the benefits of Magnesium to us AF.

I am seeing my Heart specialist over the next six weeks and going to try to come off Warfarin and go on an alternative if I can....as I want to lose some weight but its difficult with Warfarin and the restricted use of various foods and keeping the diet consistant..but do check with your Drs as we are all different and on different pills and potions..and different type of AF...take care whatever you do

[Moonriver in reply to Shirlgal]

I have used acupuncture on my knees for osteoarthritis and it certainly reduced swelling and pain.