Accupuncture

I have made up my mind that I am definetly going to try accupuncture. I have heard some people on this forum have some success and my Primary Doctor also said it could be helpful. If you have had any experience with it, please let me know what to expect.

Hi Ericapeace2000,
I have been going to an acupuncturist for about 6 times now. I think acupuncture helps me greatly. I wish I can relax a bit more. I still don't like the needles. I would love to go every 2 weeks but my benefit plan only pays about once a month. My acupuncturist also is a massage therapist so she gives me a massage at the end of the session as well. My appointment is about an hour every time.

Good to hear. I doubt my insurance covers it so I may only be able to go every other week. I am not thrilled about the needles but if it helps me I dont care.

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Diagnosed GERD, no other medical conditions (this one is enough)

I'd paid out of pocket for a 8 week acupuncture treatment last summer. In my case, I used to feel relief immediately after the treatment for a few hours - but the symptoms would return pretty much the next day. However, it helped in getting the body to stabilize in general.

There have been studies done where they've found that the transient relaxations of LES reduce while one is getting the acupuncture treatment.
ajpgi.physiology.org/content/early/2005/04/14/ajpgi.00023.2005.full.pdf

Plus there are some other studies that were done as well:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17875198?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Thank you fo the links. I am doing better on the PPI and change of diet but I still am having some issues. I would like to eventually step down to a H2 blocker, I hate being on this PPI.

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Diagnosed GERD, no other medical conditions (this one is enough)

I am a supporter of acupuncture. Acupuncture has helped me many times. It is the one of the things I can notice a difference before and after receiving it. For those who don't like needles, you can try "acupressure". Pressing and gently massaging the points with a finger or a stick has the same effect and you can self-administer at anytime.

It helped me learn to relax, which of course helps with the gastro issues. I have been doing it for over a year.

I've just started a course, only had 2 treatments so far. The practitioner has found a "blockage" (energy wise) relating to the small intestine in my case. I haven't felt any change as yet but I've been away (diet harder to control, bed not inclined etc) so had a challenging week. I found some very positive studies relating to acupuncture - may have already posted a link - in particular there is a small study comparing doubling PPI dose or adding in acupuncture. The acupuncture group came off best and didn't relapse.

I'll post again when I've had a few more treatments.

MMM

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New stuff: GERD, Recurrent cystitis/Overactive bladder
Lifelong stuff: Food allergies/intolerance, eczema, asthma

Thank u for your comments, they are very encouraging.

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Diagnosed GERD, no other medical conditions (this one is enough)

I always find it interesting after she treats my various GI issues that I get numbness where the gallbladder was. It last for 3 or 4 days after acupuncture. Must do something!