Chinese treatments

[Kingsleybones]

Good morning everyone. Has anyone tried acupuncture / Chinese medicine in conjunction with western methods for treatment of cirrhosis? Of course I understand that this would need to be done with the consent of the consultant but has anyone tried it?

[RodeoJoe]

Interesting. I'm normally very sceptical of alternative medicine, but I've heard good things about acupuncture regarding pain relief. Not sure how it can help cirrhosis but also not sure it could do any harm.

I'm interested to see if anyone else can contribute to the discussion.

[Miche49uk]

Hiya kings I had acupuncture for years and due to dips where alcohol was misused she did treat points for the liver and boy did they hurt! (Near the base of 2 toes) and she would advise what not to eat etc... but I don't have Cirrhosis as far as I'm aware.. but I haven't been for way over a year.. it is amazing stuff though and she got rid of awful sciatica and helped me get and stay pregnant as I have stage 4 endometriosis so I'm a big fan. She used to be a surgeon so she's not daft medically

[Hayls48]

Hi I was diagnosed with severe pbc 6 years ago which did not respond to treatment. I was recommended to a Chinese herbalist by a friend. I had acupuncture, acupressure massage and herbs. The practitioner I visited was a trained medical doctor and trained in Chinese medicine. I discussed my options with my liver specialist prior to starting any Chinese treatment. He was happy for me to try it and I had three cycles of treatment. They did not harm me I found them thoroughly relaxing and pleasant, the Chinese doctor advised me that she would not be able to cure the disease however significantly improved my symptoms. The herbs I took as a tea were not pleasant and as my illness progressed and I was listed for transplant I stopped taking the herbs. I did however continue with the acupuncture, acupressure massage, on two occasions I had cupping also. It certainly helped with the itching that I had and gave me restful sleep and a little more energy.

If I can help with any questions you may have please feel free to msg me. Wishing you well xx

[Miche49uk in reply to Hayls48]

I forgot about the cupping I used to call them crop circles lol, glad it helped you too x

[kat54 in reply to Miche49uk]

What is cupping?

[Miche49uk in reply to kat54]

Cupping, they are like glass round empty spheres with I assume a mechanism to pump air out of them whilst on your skin so they stay on.. so like suction used to keep them on, I had them on my back

[mrsmerlin]

Hi

Dunn I know but hey ..

I have used acupuncture for other conditions very successfully. For some reason it never crossed my mind to use it for my liver. I will look into it with my physio - I get it on the NHS.

Watch this space

Rita x

[CastorOyl]

I have. I see an osteopath who has trained in Chinese acupuncture, have done so for about a year now. I have AIH and can honestly say without his help I would have walked under a train by now. I see him on a fortnightly basis, sometimes the points are sore, sometimes not. It has helped lift my mood, stopped the bed wetting, which was A very distressing symptom. My AST levels are usually lower after I have seen him and I definitely feel better mentally, physically and emotionally after each session.

My consultant knows nothing about it as he only advocates pharmaceuticals.

[Miche49uk in reply to CastorOyl]

Yes it's a holistic approach treating whole body, sometimes I had points bleed, I also had spoken ball things on my ears but I can't remember why! She could tell just be looking at my tongue whether I'd been eating healthily or had alcohol even! It's good stuff, she trained for 4 years, I'd always leave happier than when I arrived x

[GoldArrow]

I frequently use a tens machine (post tx) for back pain. This also has settings for acupuncture and cupping simulation which I've found beneficial.

I haven't considered actual acupuncture though owing to the infection risks.