Has anybody had any experience of Acupuncture in dealing with Atrial Fibrillation?

[BrezelMan47]

Has anybody had any experience of Acupuncture in dealing with Atrial Fibrillation? Maybe for those where it worked will not not be needing to view this forum, and wont see this question.

acupuncture.org.uk/public-c...

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Some acupuncturist won't treat you if you take an anti coagulatant or anti platelet medication.

I have a different heart problem but because I am on clopidogrel I couldn't find an acupuncturist willing to treat me.

[BrezelMan47 in reply to Milkfairy]

They obviously have their reasons, and at least they aren't simply trying to take money fro those looking for answers. As AF is to do do with electrical impulses, then as acupuncture works on electrical pathways (as I understand it), then there maybe some sphere of influence that could be worked on?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to BrezelMan47]

The reason is that even the fine acupuncture needles can cause bleeding or a blood clot if a person is taking anticoagulant or antiplalet medication.

[gladliz]

I have Afib, am on Warfarin and have had Acupuncture. This was a good few years ago and was for shoulder problems not anything to do with the heart. I had no problems with bleeding etc and my acupuncturist was very well qualified and knowledgeable. (My Drs wife, an ex nurse). Everyone is different and react in different ways to treatment but if you want to persue this choose a reputable practitioner and discuss fully with them.

[Suze43]

I have just embarked on a course of acupuncture for my paroxysmal FastAF. I am not happy with the side effects of bisoprolol and would like to stop taking it asap. I have only had two sessions of acupuncture so far so it is early days but it is definitely reducing my anxiety and my heart rate has been stable. I am on apixaban and there have been no bleeding issues as the needles are very, very fine.

[BrezelMan47]

Hello again. Luckily, things have moved on for me, as in addition to the good 24hr ECG results, my Echo scan came back as all being well. I've seen the Acupuncturist twice now, and all went well there, and I've been off the Bisoprolol for about 3 weeks now, and it's great. That stuff is pure poison for me! In addition, I'm seeing a Herbalist, whose medicene is successfully reducing my blood pressure. I'm doing all I can to keep off the various medications & their side effets, and I wish many of the poor people who write on this forum could do the same.

[Suze43]

Glad to hear you've had good news with test results and you must be delighted to be free of the bisoprolol. My hospital ECG was completely normal and they are confident I have no underlying heart conditions ... just occasional faulty electrics. I've been put on the list for catheter ablation though it is likely to be a 12 month wait. Meanwhile the plan is to reduce and stop the bisoprolol and then use it as 'a pill in the pocket' if needed.

Are you going to continue with the acupuncture? Also, looking ahead, how are you feeling about further covid vaccinations?