Chiropractic And Acupuncture

[AnnaLost]

I went to see a chiro today, first time in over 10 years. I used to go regularly and am a strong believer in the philosophy of a healthy nervous systems equaling a better chance of healthier living. Not to mention relief of pain and tension from subluxations.

After the adjustment I found myself very emotional. I was crying, but I couldn't figure out why. It dawned on me that I could turn my head without pain and I was reacting to the relief. I came home and actually took a nap, fell asleep immediately and woke up awake, if that makes sense.

Anyways, I really like this lady and in our discussion she reccomended I see an acupuncturist. She said she could help with the nervous system, helping open things back up to allow for healing to take place, but that acupuncture would help with the glandular stresses I am suffering. She said that acupuncture can help reduce cortisol production (definitely a thing I've got happening) and help my adrenal system stabilize.

Has anyone else used acupuncture? What were your experiences? I'm not nervous about the needles, but I am scared of screwing my system up worse.

 

[AnnaLost]

Well, no one replied but I thought I'd give an update.

I went to the acupuncture appt today. It was a very mellow space, and totally not what I expected. The room was a communal room, with recliner chairs all around the walls, facing inward. There was enough space that I didn't feel "up in someone's grill" and the people that were there were all reclined and resting, listening to music on earphones or snoozing. Like I said, a very, very mellow atmosphere.

She took my pulse and looked at my tongue, then had me stretch back and starting putting the needles in. I didn't feel them at all, except one on my foot, which she then moved slightly and the discomfort went away. She told me to lie back and relax, listen to my music or read my kindle and she'd be back in an hour.

I sat for about 5 minutes, thinking it wasn't doing anything and then I felt her hand on my shoulder. Apparently I had fallen asleep! I couldn't believe it. She said that was a very good thing, took the needles out, and helped me to stand. I left, feeling rested and calm, but not quite sure what exactly happened?

I've been feeling a bit floaty since, if that makes sense, and my anxiety is feeling very...dispersed? I can't hold on to thoughts that would normally make me wind up. I'm curious how I will sleep tonight, though the lady said that symptoms normally get a little worse before they get better, so that makes me a little nervous. I'm going back next week, in combo with the chiropractic (one immediately after the other). I don't feel worse, so sure, I'll give this a shot. Anything has to be better than what I have been dealing with, right?

 

[City Slicker]

Hi @AnnaLost - I have done both acupuncture ad chiropractic. I find both extremely helpful. I have tried the Chinese Acupuncture as well as Japanese Acupuncture. Again, I found both helpful although I found the Japanese acupuncture more relaxing because of the way the practitioner works. Plus the needles are smaller.

Both assist me with relaxation and I didn't find either process making my symptoms worse although I have a similar response to Chiropractic as you did only I don't cry. I walk home from my sessions and I allow a bit of introspective sadness which I attribute to a release of the tension and stress that I carry in the neck and shoulders.

Hope you find it continuing to be assistive to you and your work.

 

[ms spock]

Chiropractic didn't really help me. Acupuncture was okay, but I haven't done it for a long time now. I am doing the Alexander Technique and I am having similar reactions to you - emotions afterwards - like you are for chiropractic. I hope it keeps working for you.

 

[AnnaLost]

Thanks everyone. I'm scheduled for another round of chiropractic and acupuncture next week. I still haven't slept any better, but I am feeling just a bit more awake despite the lack of sleep. I've definitely noticed I'm not as negatively emotional. I even had the courage to give notice to my second job, which was causing me a tremendous amount of stress. I didn't technically need the income, but it was nice to have something to set aside, in case of emergency. But - not worth the stress and ill health that came with it. :banghead:

 

[Crow]

I started accupuncture a few years ago and it blew my world apart. Just what you described but really intense. I stopped after three months I had to quit. At my T's urging I tried again with another acupuncturist and have been seeing her for over a year once a month. The difference? The first person was concentrating on raising my chi. With ptsd this is dangerous, like adding kerosene to a small fire. My current practitioner has only uses needles in four points in my feet. She focuses on helping slow things down and contain the eractic energy from the ptsd.

Talk to your acupuncturist. He/she may never have worked w ptsd before.

 

[AnnaLost]

@CrowFeather The acupuncturist I'm seeing said almost exactly the same thing to me, so I may have stumbled on the right one! She said she needed to slow my system down, to let it have a chance to "reset" correctly, and that it could take awhile. She wants me to come in once a week for the first month and then re-evaluate. I felt much more emotional after the chiropractic adjustment, but my mobility has already improved, so I'm curious how this will play out and if it helps. Thanks for the reply and the kind words!

 

[DogwoodTree]

One of my Ts is practically begging me to try acupuncture, but haven't worked up the courage yet (I hate needles). Thx for this thread...very insightful.

 

[AnnaLost]

One of my Ts is practically begging me to try acupuncture, but haven't worked up the courage yet (I...

I didn't even feel them going in. It was wild. The only one I felt was one in my foot, and that was after it was in, like a slight itch. She adjusted it and the sensation went away. :-)

 

[The Wife]

In my experience chiropractic and acupuncture are excellent choices for everybody, not just PTSD sufferers. The benefits may not be immediately noticable and certainly not after only one treatment. Stick with it though, it is only good!

 

[MelanieH]

I've looked into this extensively! The military is starting to take this approach to treating PTSD seriously. I really hope that more people try acupuncture and can cut down on pharmaceuticals. I know it won't help everyone but from what I've read and seen it's worth trying. Please do your research first and talk to the acupuncturist to make sure they are familiar with treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Google "Acupuncture for PTSD" and educate yourself before seeking treatment so you know what to expect. I'm new so I cant post links yet so search YouTube for "Ear acupuncture 'changing lives' of those affected by PTSD" posted by Mark Davenport.