Acupuncture…

[PenelopeClearwater]

Has anyone tried acupuncture? Just wondering what experiences people have had with it, as I’m interested in trying it.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Have you tried our search box? It is a question that comes up frequently xx

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Dizzytwo]

I haven’t, but I’ve been having issues with the FA-UK website. I set up my account and had the confirmation of approval, but it wouldn’t let me log in… I’ll try again - thank you!

[JayCeon in reply to Dizzytwo]

Momo - am I right in saying that using the search box only comes up with public posts, so far less and less detailed?

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to JayCeon]

Yes thats right. If a person locks a post It wont show up in the search. I am almost sure thats correct lol.

But if I'm wrong I'm sure I will be corrected.

[JayCeon in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hehe - complicated! Sleuthing around, I found that if I click on "Posts" and use the search box there, I get many more results than when I use the "Search HealthUnlocked"-Search Box up right (3.588 posts for "PIP" as opposed to 1.617 public posts). Is that the key?

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to JayCeon]

Glad you found what you were looking for. But again this would only apply to unlocked posts on all forums. Happy reading.

[JayCeon in reply to Dizzytwo]

If that were the case, then I wouldn't have found what I was looking for, LOL!

I wasn't sure, so I checked again:

The number of public posts for "PIP" on all HU is 6142, using the 'normal' search box, not 3.588.

And when I use the Search Box under "Posts" (when on this Community, e.g. above) it says "Search posts on Fibromyalgia Action UK" (see below), not "Search HealthUnlocked". There is a "Posts" button when you go on "Search HealthUnlocked" too, but that one will only bring unlocked ones, that's true.

And when I open the posts that come up, some are unlocked, some are locked: Bingo!

An additional workaround would be clicking on any post on a subject and then the "Related Posts" on the right... These are also public AND private.

"Search posts on Fibromyalgia Action UK" search box in "Posts"

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to JayCeon]

Glad you found what your looking for. Its enough for me reading and replying to out members on this forum. I have no energy to read post from all the other forums on HU. Not really sure why you wish to do that. I do join other forums but only if I've been diagnosed with something other than fibro. Like I said before. Glad you found what you were looking for.

I was not aware that locked posts to this community could be found in the box by others on HU forums other than here to be honest. Not much point in making a post private then.

[JayCeon in reply to Dizzytwo]

Sorry, I'm still not making myself clear - 2 misunderstandings here!

Like you I haven't got time to read posts from other forums, what I was looking for is to be able to find locked posts on our forums. That isn't possible via the "Search HealthUnlocked"-search box. It is only possible via the "Search posts on Fibromyalgia Action UK"-search box. To get to that search box we first have to click on "Posts".

So it's also exactly not the case that our locked posts can be found on other forums. (*phew*).

Got me yet?

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to JayCeon]

Oh yes I got you ok. Thank you for your enlightenment.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Dizzytwo]

Locking a post AIUI is to prevent Google and other search engines indexing posts. However, searching within HU will provide results across all forums on here.

But, other nugget is that HU search index only indexes the first post so replies are not searchable which is something I highlighted to them as being chocolate teapot quality material.

[JayCeon in reply to desquinn]

Thanks for joining in! - I did the same re. indexing replies, and also asked if they could detail the difference between site and community search on "Learn more..." which they have immediately perfectly done...! (or did you support that too?)

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to JayCeon]

no they are there own support and I have just learned by asking or osmosis

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I have found it helpful for localised pain, but made no difference to my general fibromyalgia pain.

I was on the waiting list for another session on my neck/shoulders before covid, and the nurse who did the clinic has now retired and noone replaced her 😒

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I have awful pain in my neck and shoulders, which I have usually addressed with massage, but my local massage place shut down during lockdown, so I thought I might try an acupuncture place nearby! I hope you find something to ease your pain 💙

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I see a wonderful remedial massage therapist when I'm really bad (would love to afford to go more regular), as well as massage she uses hot stones, cupping and other techniques

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I keep hearing about cupping, but don’t really understand what it is - my local acupuncture place seems to offer that, too. I’m planning on making an appointment to discuss what would be best for me (and find out the cost…)

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I don't really understand it either, other than it can help to draw the toxins out - and left me with nice round bruises across my back lol

[Nelly1]

I tried Accupuncture for my fibromyalgia and it did not help at all. But I will say that different things work for different individuals! I also tried cupping with no success.

As the Accupuncture and cupping failed I did try Tuina which is a gentle kind of massage and that really helped. This was at a Chinese clinic in Reading. To be honest I think I have tried just about everything and the Tuina and Hydrotherapy were the only therapy’s that worked for me, good luck in finding something that relieves your pain.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Nelly1]

I haven’t heard of Tuina - I shall look into it, thank you! 😊

[Gigiruth]

I have used acupuncture in different ways. Nhs for symptoms which helped a bit and Chinese holistic acupuncture that treats the whole body. It was for another condition unconnected to fibro but did improve my general health over a number of weeks. Expensive for a whole course as private. Check out the experience and type of acupuncture.Accupressure is without needles ( they are very fine anyway)

I liked hot stones I had at a spa for achy back shoulders.It made me sleep well.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Gigiruth]

Hot stone massage is so good when it’s done right. My local place shut down 😔

[Horner in reply to PenelopeClearwater]

Yes but so expensive

[welovespinach]

Acupuncturist i see uses a fibromyalgia protocol, which is recognised and referenced in journals, and for me its like having a reset button pressed.. Helps relax everything, calms my fibromyalgia and i feel less pain and stiffness for at least 3 or 4 days post treatment.My acupuncturist is qualified in 5 elements acupuncture... For me acupuncture is my go to, because it offers great relief and its drug free!

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to welovespinach]

Very interesting! I shall speak to the local place and see if they use the fibro protocol - thank you! 😁

I would LOVE to manage this drug free!

[KimiJay in reply to welovespinach]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Definitely Five Element, and absolutely NOT just a physiotherapist trained to put needles in to help muscle pain. Treating the whole person is the key as far as I am concerned. So glad to connect with someone else who finds it as positive as I do.

[Duffy2021]

It’s a bit hit and miss I think. Didn’t help with tennis elbow, but was really good for trapped nerve pain in my neck. Was only temporary though, ultimately had steroid injections for that. My sister in law had fantastic results for migraine, had six sessions and 2yrs on is still pretty much migraine free. I would say it’s worth a try . Good luck 🤞

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Duffy2021]

Thank you. I agree, it must be like any other treatment - different things work for different people. I think with fibro, we get to the point where we will try ANYTHING 😅

[Goldylocks]

I tried acupuncture, spent a fortune but did t help a bit x the only good thing was getting out and talking to the acupuncturist who was lovely x

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Goldylocks]

I’ll see if I can afford it.. then won’t commit unless I know it works for me 😅 thank you!

[catherine19611]

I have, I had accupuncture on its own which did absolutely nothing at all, and they then tried accupuncture with electrodes on the needles, this is very uncomfortable and it only lasted for around 8 hours each time they did it

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to catherine19611]

I haven’t heard of it with electrodes - sounds like something from a movie and not encouraging when the relief is so temporary. I hope you found something else that does help x

[MaameAba]

Hi, I tried it. The first session was wonderful, I came back home walking tall and straight. The subsequent ones got more and more painful to the point I had to stop. Hope this helps. X

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to MaameAba]

Interesting, thank you - if I go, I won’t commit to a long course until I’m comfortable it’s doing good.

[KimiJay]

Have been having Acupuncture for just under fifty years on and off. Now I go regularly about every three weeks. Five element trained people have given me the most relief. Needles no problem at all. Meridians fascinating and you learn a lot about yourself with the right person. My lady, now a firm friend also specialises in helping pregnant and overdue mothers. She would understand gyny probs too and is a good listener for anything. When you are low on energy, it is most help and has made my own fibro bearable for most of the time too. I feel like I would not be alive now without this treatment.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to KimiJay]

Thank you - that sounds really encouraging. I’ve never really considered it before, but I feel very let down by “conventional” medicines!

[KimiJay in reply to PenelopeClearwater]

Conventional medicines me too. My son doesn't trust dentists or doctors now, or scientific research because he feels the pharmaceuticals just want to make money from people's sickness. - If the first acupuncturist doesn't work out for you, try another. Asking around your area for recommendations can be useful.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to KimiJay]

Thank you 🥰

[Chrisbel]

I have been using accupuncture for years as part of dealing with fibro naturally, and find that it works for me. Helps with energy, pain, and brain fog, but you have to find a proper acupuncturist who knows what he is doing. A properly trained doctor of accupuncture would be advisable, as a physio who has been on a 6 week course will not have the experience and knowledge needed for the complexities of fibro.( in my opinion, sorry to say)also you have to be in it for the long haul as it takes time, but definitely worth it

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Chrisbel]

Thank you! Good to know - the local acupuncturist has extensive training in acupuncture, so I feel confident that she will know what she’s doing 😊

[DancingMama]

Hello Penelope, I'm Tricia, I have several things trying to destroy my body these days. Not Covid thankfully. I used to have acupuncture from a GP, at my clinic , it was wonderful for pain also the mental health side of things. I really wish he had stuck around but apparently some big company offered him his dream job & so off he went.

I haven't had it since, I keep thinking I'll go to A local lady but then Covid was here & my mental health went side ways. I hate having anxiety, that's my worst nightmare as it brings on Agoraphobia.

I hope you can find someone.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to DancingMama]

Hi Tricia - sorry to hear about your anxiety, I struggle with it too and it can just take over everything.

Sending gentle hugs and I hope you feel more on your feet soon 💙

[KateAL]

I tried it once it felt like my whole body was on fire. Will not be doing that again.

[Fibrojules]

I have a back massage followed by reflexology once a month which has helps with my chronic pain. Years ago I had a few sessions of acupuncture which was beneficial for me but sadly the place closed down.

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to Fibrojules]

My local massage place closed over lockdown - the hot stone massage was heaven - I love reflexology 💙

[JayCeon]

I'm on my 3rd stint of acupuncture now. The first time, 9 sessions, hurt considerably during and for at least half a day after. I don't think she knew what she was doing. The 2nd time, 1 session, was a specific fibro protocol and it hurt just as much. Cold water got the pain down in the evening.Now I'm having more success, esp. for fatigue/energy with a Chinese acupuncturist - thicker, longer needles, but less pain, sometimes without pain. 20 needles in my front and cupping my back was so-so. That was boosted when she stopped the cupping and put 24-26 needles left and right from my spine from session 7 onwards. However the increased cortisol is making me feel feverish and not helping the pain much, so it's hard to use the extra energy. A few days ago I realized from my symptoms that my serotonin is down (cortisol decreases serotonin), so added 20-25% GABA, and now it's balanced better. The acupuncture increased my energy from 5-10% to 25-30%, but after a 2-week break due to CoV it went back down roughly when I started again, to 20% and then to 10-15%, now uphill again.

It's still a challenge and I'm not sure where it's going to end, but I've tried everything else... It is helping with more than energy, but this is a chart of the gradual energy rise from my Chinese acupuncture sessions up to now. It

Gradual energy rise due to Chinese acupuncture

[PenelopeClearwater in reply to JayCeon]

It’s a Chinese acupuncturist that is local to me, but I haven’t looked into it yet…! I hope you’re improving 💙