ET & Acupuncture

[annem22]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone explored eastern medicine for their MPN and if they’ve had any success in terms of bringing down their platelet levels.

[Hidden]

Hello, I would say that anything that makes your stress levels drop and brings your body into harmony and balance is worth a go. At the very least you would feel better generally. Eastern medicine works on the whole body, clearing blockages and allowing energy to flow smoothly around the meridian system. Personally I haven't tried acupuncture, my history is with shiatsu and health kinesiology, which both access the meridians but without the needles. HK also allows for emotional blockages to be cleared. I trained in both around the beginning of my MPN journey and I believe it's helped me get on with my life, but then we are all different and different things resonate so it may not be for everyone. I am now post PV MF, taking Ruxolitinib, but was diagnosed 19 years ago so not doing too bad. Hope this helps, but I'd say if you find a therapist, take a moment to gauge your gut reaction, it's our best way to get an idea of what's right for us. Let us know how you get on if you decide to give it a try. Good luck, Christine

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Anne, never tried it myself, sorry, so can't give you any advice, other than to say check with your haematologist first, and make sure you check the credentials of the person you choose. Best wishes, Maz

[stillkicking]

Hi Annem,

I have had no experience of acupuncture, but like what CT_1958 said regarding lowering stress and being in harmony and balance. Stress can be a killer in its own right, and having an MPN can make us angry, frustrated, stressed, depressed, and make life very miserable indeed! If we can find something, be it Eastern, Western, having our hair cut, having a gentle shoulder massage, enjoying a good book, or watching a comedy, or looking at the flowers in the garden ... that makes us happy and peaceful even for a moment, than that is a very good thing. I suspect it won't necessarily lower platelets, but it will make us more able to cope and life more worth while.

Best Wishes,

Peter

[Mal42 in reply to stillkicking]

Hi Annem

I have PV I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago, my symptoms weren't recognised for a long time before that. I had a lot of venesections, became anaemic, was put on Hydroxea, my haemo felt I wasn't doing well enough on this after several gentle increases in dosage, and wanted to try Rutoxilib. I was very fatigued (I do have CFS as well, so what is what?) an Accupuncturist was recommended by several people. To begin with I went every 2 weeks I am now on once a month. My bloods have so improved, hct 39 - 42 as were other values, I feel so much better. I do think its worth a try. I would say find one by recomendation if you can. Mine is very experienced. Who knows if this will last, fingers crossed and good luck to you.

Mal

[annem22 in reply to Mal42]

Thank you and so glad to hear you’re feeling better.

[stillkicking in reply to Mal42]

Hi Mal,

So pleased to hear that you are improving. Fatigue is a rotten thing, I am struggling with it myself, and it is wonderful that you are feeling much better.

Best Wishes,

Peter

[Indigo42916]

I am using acupuncture now twice per month primarily to address inflammation /pain. It is important to find someone trained in treating cancer patients. Larger citiies are more likely to have them.

Also for me I see it as stress management.

Take good care.