My experience of acupuncture and massage.

[jennydog]

Recent comments on this site prompt me to write about my recent acupuncture experience.

It is 2 years since my ablation and I have had occasional mild AF which I can control with 100 flecainide as a pip. In the last year my mobility has deteriorated markedly. My feet do not pick up. I am on week 77 since referral to a consultant and have recently had a diagnosis of stenosis in my neck ( narrowing in spinal column )

Several months ago my plumber told me that his bad back had been cured by acupuncture. I decided to try it and booked an appointment. What I did not realize was that this involved 45mins Chinese massage followed by 15 mins acupuncture.

I knew from this site that some spas won't do massage on AF sufferers because it can trigger arrhythmia. Chinese massage is done with you wearing light trousers and t-shirt, lying on your stomach. The acupuncture is totally painless, involving 10 needles in your back and lower legs

About 2 hours after the first treatment I had an AF episode. Normally this would have put me off completely but the NHS waiting lists are so long in North Wales that I decided to persevere as it meant that I was taking control in the absence of any other treatment. I have had 6 treatments so far and NO more AF. The therapist feels that the acupuncture has a calming influence. I'm not sure that my mobility has improved, but it's no worse and I await a consultation with a spinal surgeon.

[jeanjeannie50]

Sounds interesting Jennydog. Please let us know how you get on long term. I'd certainly give this a try if you reported back next year to say that you still hadn't had any AF attacks. How often were you getting them before the treatment?

Jean

[jennydog in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean, I had tended to have runs of episodes, sometimes daily or weekly for a few weeks then maybe nothing for a month. I had been aware of runs of ectopics throughout the summer and missed beats when taking my pulse - this was new and disconcerting.

It's over 8 weeks since I started the acupuncture and my heart feels secure right now i.e. NORMAL. The therapist has a BSc in Chinese medicine and obviously knows what he's doing. He's in his 30s, 6'4" tall so his massage is firm but never painful. He is very calm and, importantly, he listens to what you say.

I was a bit wary about the needles but didn't even see them until I asked. I haven't felt them once. Some local physiotherapists are now doing acupuncture but I understand that their training lasted 6 weeks as apposed to my therapist's 3 years.

I certainly think that it's worth trying. My daughter-in- law is a neurologist and she tells me that her American grandmother says that it's the only thing that has helped her arthritis.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to jennydog]

I had acupuncture many years ago, so agree it's totally painless. Will look forward to a later update from you. I've not heard of St Asaph, so guess it's nowhere near my favourite holiday destination in North Wales, which is Cader Idris/Dolgellau?

[Elaine1951]

Interesting.

[Hidden]

I'm in North Wales, who did you go to see Jennydog? Sounds interesting!

[jennydog in reply to Hidden]

He's Matthew Budd at Tweedmill Retail Outlet, St Asaph.. He does free assessments before starting any treatment. Www.mill- acupuncture.co.uk.

Acres of parking which is a huge bonus!

[Hidden in reply to jennydog]

Thanks Jenny! I've heard of the Tweedmill Retail Outlet, must give him a ring... and shopping at the same time, sounds fab!

[Hidden]

I have acupuncture weekly for various problems, certainly not pain free but tolerable, never caused any arrhythmias. Also medical massage without heart complications.