Since we are in the mood for alternative treatment today, I want to say something about acupuncture.
I am a convert. Of sorts.
Ten years ago I would laugh in the face of anyone who claims acupuncture works. I was literally dragged into an acupuncture clinic to try to solve a sleeping disorder which I have had since I was a kid. It didn't work.
However, a few years later I had a serious back problem. I just woke up one morning and couldn't move. I was actually unable to stand up. I called the doctor who said I had to come over as soon as I could move, but had to expect at least three weeks of recovery before I could walk upright again.
Only problem was...I was supposed to get married 7 days later. So I somehow managed to get into the car and go see the acupuncturist (is that the right term?) and lo and behold with her help I was back on my feet in 3 days. I think it does help that she was also a "real" physiotherapist but all she did was stick needles all over my body for 30 minutes each day for three days.
After this I saw her regularly for a while because I needed help with my sleep problems and massive stress problems. This did not have the desired effect. I did feel that the treatment helped, but it did not last and it did in no way help me solve my problems (eventually I resorted to sleeping pills, which did solve my problem after 3 years...)
So while I have actually experienced "being healed" by acupuncture, I am not 100% convinced that it can solve everything they claim it can. It seems to work fine for muscle problems, aching in joints, and stiffness and other related things, though. As a supplement to regular medicine (and particularly physical activity) I think it is the real thing. I no longer visit my acupuncturist but I would probably do it if I experience muscle problems again.
Has anyone else tried it?
