reflexology / acupuncture ?

[FarahS]

hi there,

Just interested to know if anybody has found alternative therapy beneficial? Eg reflexology or acupuncture?

In no way am I intending to replace meds and therapy with the above I’m just wondering if there was something else I could do in addition to what I already am doing. It’s a fine line I think re trying to ‘help’ the immune system which is what is hurting us in the first place. Keen to get thoughts and experiences.

thank you

Farah.

[butterflyEi]

Hi FarahS

personally I think that anything that gives us those stress free moments, time for ourselves or time to unwind are good for us. A walk in the countryside works for me or a treat of a pedicure. Enjoy whatever works for you.

[alhw]

I absolutely agree with butterflyEi.

Personally, findings by a reflexologist have been proven by later scans, but just that time for myself is the biggest advantage.

[FarahS in reply to alhw]

hi alhw- thanks for your message. So you found that reflexology didn’t adversely affect your scans or bloods in any way? I’m so cautious of what to experiment these days.

[alhw in reply to FarahS]

Hi FarahS

A qualified and registered reflexologist will never give a clinical diagnosis. I primarily go for relaxation, which helps my mental well being and sleep. I have been seeing mine for a long time and take an interest in the treatment, and have learnt which parts of the body the certain areas of the feet relate to. Recently, an area on the feet seemed to be giving more pain. During a routine scan it was proven I do have an issue in the area of the body that this part of the foot relates to. It is something that can happen with PBC and I have no reason to believe the reflexology caused or exacerbated this in any way.

It is very much an individual choice, you have to do what you feel is right for you!

[Chris21]

I found massage and reflexology beneficial, they help with my achy joints, tight muscles and just a lovely relaxation. Downside is they can be expensive so can’t have them too often.

[Readlots]

I love reflexology. It definitely helped me with PMS. A doctor told my Mum that the worst thing for your liver is stress and reflexology really helps with that.

My dentist actually suggested acupuncture for jaw pain recently. The idea of needles gives me the heebie jeebies so I didn’t follow up that but wouldn’t rule it out.

As you say, alongside conventional treatments not instead of.

[Chippy45]

I use acupuncture...acupressure and massage.Well worth it !

[Michi1]

Since my diagnisis I’ve made significant changes to my diet and lifestyle. Among them, I prioritize sleep, moving my body (but less gard core than before), eliminating what toxins I can from my diet and environment, increasing nutrients that support the liver and detoxification pathways, and I also have done accupuncture and massage at times over these 7 years. My fibroscan score has gone from 8.2 to 3.9. A big part of it has also been relaxation and mindfulness to reduced stress. It’s taken a lot of work but I’ve learned to shift my initial response to a setback from anxiety and frustration to curiosity re how to deal with a challenge. I wish I could tell you which of these things worked but I don’t think it works that way.

If people here want, I could do a webinar for us online about the changes I’ve made. It would be free. What do you think?