Hi,
With suffering from RA, I was wondering if there is any merit in trying some alternative treatments to aleviate the pain etc.
I'm considering acupunture but was curious if anyone has had good or bad experiences. i.e. does it help and provide a worthwhile benefit?
Thanks in advance,
Michael
I had it but unfortunately it didn't do a lot for me but as seems to be the case with alternative therapies much depends on who does them & if you're responsive. Maybe I wasn't but anything's worth a try, although I put it past my Rheumy first, I would suggest you do too, always best to keep them up to speed! 
Hi---- I agree with NMH's that you should mention it to your consultant first. I've had acupuncture quite a few times for bi lateral carpal tunnel, which has now eased considerably. Unfortunately the improvement coincided with the methx reaching its 12 week windows, so not really sure which was the cause of the improvement. I am however , starting another session of " needles" as this lovely disease has now decided to settle in my shoulders. In my opinion it's certainly worth a try. Good luck. ☺
I am having accupuncture now weekly, I am finding it helful
I had a few sessions of acupuncture, which helped my pain. However, on one occasion I went at the beginning of a flare and it was so painful that the acupuncturist had to stop and remove the needles. He suggested that I should not have it again, in case it stirred things up. I then moved area and I haven't tried it again as I'm a bit apprehensive.
I had acupuncture treatment for allergy! It was of benefit to me. It was expensive, pre booked five sessions and the sixth one free. Went twice. here is medication as well, a lot of them to go with the sessions. Experienced in taking the medication.
My allergy reactions has slowed down. Will I consider another session, yes, if I can fine the money as I am retired now!
I started acupuncture November 3, 2014, and I don't know if it was the acupuncture or if I was just coming to the end of my year-long flare, but I stopped taking my NSAIDs on November 21, 2014 and haven't needed them since. I went to acupuncture 2x/week for 10 weeks and now go weekly. My acupuncturist wants to move me to every 2nd week, as apparently acupuncture is not meant to be a long term solution (and potentially loses its potency after awhile?) but I have to say as someone who couldn't even look at a needle before diagnosis of RA, I think I've become addicted to acupuncture, as I look forward to my appointments. 
I mentioned acupuncture to both my Rheumatologist and my GP and they both said "I don't know if it will make a difference but you can try..."
Hi All,
Thankyou for your responses. It sounds like it could be worth a try.
Am I right in thinking the art of becoming a trained acupuncturist isn't regulated so it comes down to finding a good practitioner? (I know that kind of relates to anything as some people always seem better than others and may have greater experience etc.) But do you just go on recommendations?
It was a physiotherapist who used it on me, not my choice but as part of treatment once he'd got rid of my muscle knots he thought it could help me. In my case I didn't mind him trying but because I wanted to get the ok off my Rheumy, who was so so about it, maybe that had some bearing, I was possibly swayed? Are you under a physio at your hospital? If so ask if yours does it. Otherwise going off recommendation would be your other option. The only thing I would question is if they use single use needles or re-useable sterilized ones. I'd already asked & my Rheumy asked me about the needles & he used single use which both she I was happy with!
I had six sessions of acupuncture on the NHS last year.It helped the pain when the needles were in but as soon as they came out the pain came back.Shame I can't walk round with needles sticking out of me!!!! Hydrotherapy seems to be the best pain relief for me but see how you get on with the acupuncture. Best of luck.
My rheumy said it might help with pain management and she was happy for me to try it, hopefully can get it on NHS
After leflunomide put my liver out of wack, I decided to explore alternatives in treatment for my RD. I think a good combination of regular medicine and holistic approaches are worth a whirl. So I went to an acupuncturist last month. I can tell you that the treatment gave me immediate relief in my hands and elbows. This relief has lasted to some extent ever since--meaning that the aching/pain has not returned to the level it was when I first went. He has also put me on 10+supplements and a strict "elimination" diet (for 30 days) that is meant to cleanse my liver and restore good overall health. It is actually a very healthy way of eating. I have since stopped leflunomide, omeprazole and fiber pills and feel some very positive improvements. I still take Humira and will soon change to Enbrel, which I plan to use. But sooner or later, I may be able to reduce that dose, too.
My Rheumatologist was not in favor of this at all, but I had to take control of my health and decided that I did not want to add any more prescription medications to my daily diet. I also asked my GP about acupuncture and she was very much in favor of the treatment.
It is a very personal decision that I believe was worth it!
All the best to you!
