accupuncture

Re: accupuncture

Liz w — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:38:43 GMT

[quote user="Simon Neuhoff"]

Acupuncture is one of the "complementary medicines" that I reserve judgement on - rather than dismiss out of hand. If the needles are stimulating nerves and neurotransmitters - or inhibiting them - then I can see a possible mechanism of action. So whilst I do not refer for acupuncutre or encourage clients to go for acupuncture I am not one to rubbish it - as opposed to homeopathy say!

[/quote] I've done a fair bit of acupuncture. The Western veterinary Acupuncture Group teaches the scientific mechanisms and rationale. However, I have also done a traditional Chinese Medicine course, and although I don't use that approach, I will use some of their recommended points for certain situations as well. I initially did it as a low-cost approach to work in the vet world but with complete flexibility, and wasn't particularly convinced by how effective it would be. However I have had some 'miracles', where the acupuncture has been the only change over a long period of time, and the change has been overnight following the needling session. I have had some cases which haven't appeared to improve at all, but the majority show an improvement in movement, and demeanour - and it's the behavioural changes that the owner's notice the most.

Re: accupuncture

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:27:40 GMT

[quote user="Simon Neuhoff"]Seeing as he was also a former Olympic cyclist and suppsoedly well thought of[/quote] Out of interest only as to who it was can you remember his name?

I was once referred to a physiotherapist/osteopath/quack (after I tore an ACL) who is well thought of by those of limited medical knowledge round these parts, his whole demeanour came across as more like a barber or second hand car salesman. However not to belittle him for that as he had a whole string of letters after his name but despite expecting some exercises to rehabilitate my knee he proceeded to shine his new toy laser on my knee for the half hour session. Needless to say the power of placebo was lost on me and that didn't make a blind bit of difference either. Faith reduced even further in para-professionals I just got on with my own rehabilitation programme i.e. carry on as usual! Always works a treat.

Re: accupuncture

Simon Neuhoff — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:30:25 GMT

I have had acupuncture once- I thought I was seeing a physiotherapist in order to sort out a persistent knee niggle. Turns out the chap recommended to me by my bike shop was a osteopath and acupuncturist. Seeing as he was also a former Olympic cyclist and suppsoedly well thought of I let him crack on - didn't seem to make a blind bit of diffference though.

Re: accupuncture

Martin Atkinson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:04:01 GMT

About as useful as hypnotherapy under sedation I'd say and that is if you believe acupuncture is anything better than snake oil to start with.