have you tried acupuncture?

Like many other treatments, alternative or traditional (allopathic), it depends on the individual. I suffer from major depression and go to support groups for people with depression, bipolar, OCD, etc. Some people get great results from a medication, while someone else gets no results or very bad side effects. Again, it depends on the individual.

I tried acupuncture for chronic fatigue, but it did not help. Possibly, that is because I felt anxious about being stuck with over a dozen needles. I have talked to others who reported good results and told me how relaxing acupuncture is.

For muscle pain, you might want to see a massage therapist. Another idea is to go to a physical therapist. There might be exercises the PT could show you to lessen the muscle pain. They also use heat wraps, ice packs and ultrasound. Good luck.

Yes, for migraine, it didn't work.

It is supposed to work by "unblocking chi (ch'i or qi) by inserting needles at particular points on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang. Chi is an energy that allegedly permeates all things. It is believed to flow through the body along 12 main pathways called meridians."

Chi is a supernatural "energy" that cannot be detected or measured by any scientific apparatus. It violates all we know about energy, there is no explanation for how it manifests or where it originates. Only those with special powers can manipulate it. Energy can be defined as measurable work capability, so the word is even used out of context.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is not based on knowledge of modern physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, anatomy, or any of the known mechanisms of healing. Nor is it based on knowledge of cell chemistry, blood circulation, nerve function, or the existence of hormones or other biochemical substances. There is no correlation between the meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine and the actual layout of the organs and nerves in the human body."

Further, the ancient Chinese had no idea about clinical trials, epidemiology, placebo effect.

Under clincal trialing, accupuncture does not perfrom any better than placebo, except marginally better for lower back pain, which could be put down to biases or other influences in the trial.

Much easier, cheaper and more effective to take pharmacutical pain killers. In your situation, I suggest a visit to a medical specialist.

Good luck.

The placebo effect is at work when you get any pain relief from acupuncture.

Yes it worked really well for me when I had shingles...

My daughter has had it and it really helped her a lot

Yep, it really sucks ! ! ..dont try it.

Happy Christmas