I gather this is a controversial subject but I can only pass on my own experiences.
For many years I suffered lower back pain diagnosed as osteo-arthritis. To complement natural remedies I was treated by conventional physiotherapy (exercise, manipulation, massage ultra-sound pulse etc) for 3 yrs. Then 1 of my physios had training in medical acupuncture (MA) for pain relief. I was in agony when I had my 1st treatment. 2 hours later my husband commented that I was chatting as usual - the pain had gone!!!!!!! & I hadn’t registered it. I was back pain-free for the remainder of my (rationed) physio treatment. My physio gave me details of a local doctor (ex-anaesthetist) who trained her trainers.
In November 06 I went for assessment by Doc Martin. Not everyone is receptive to acupuncture. I am among the lucky ones!!!! I had 6 weekly treatments, followed by a couple of fortnightly sessions & I am now going 3 weekly, changing shortly to once a month.
The controversy.
Apparently there are 2 types of Chinese acupuncture:
o Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA)
o 5 Elements acupuncture (5EA)
I was unaware of this until this week when I was discussing fora such as Neurotalk & Patientslikeme with Doc Martin. He wanted me to make clear that there are differences between the 3 treatments & that any discussion of acupuncture as treatment/therapy should be predicated by the appropriate description.
I am receiving 5EA. Doc Martin recommends a website www.5elements.com run by Neil R Gumenick.
My overall condition has improved immensely – to the extent that people who see me regularly comment I look 10 years younger & how much more mobile I am. People who haven’t seen me for a few years but know I have PD tell me they have to look closely for signs.
I hope forum members find this useful. We are each unique & this must be taken into account when trying any new venture.