[whiteaa]

Hey guys,

It's been a while. I hope everyone with me in Eastern America found a way to keep pain minimal during the blizzard!

Since I've been off this forum, I've gotten pretty sick of western medicine. My doctors barely listen and when they do give me anything it either doesn't help, makes my symptoms worse, or only gives me side effects. Currently I am med-free and I don't remember the last time I felt this alert! Zero changes in my pain since dropping my meds, too.

In light of that, I've been considering pursuing eastern medicine, particularly acupuncture, massage, and herbalism. Has anybody else tried these or have tips on which essential oils and modalities have been most helpful?

Take care and stay warm (if that is what helps you)!

[Littlepaw]

Hi there,

It is good to see you back. I'm glad you are not getting kick back from dropping your meds.

I have found alternative modalities to be a helpful adjunct. Especially acupuncture. I know it is not for everyone and my pain doctor says it works for some people for pain and not for others, but if you are interested certainly give it a try.

It helps that I have a practitioner who I've seen for a long time for various complaints. I have come to trust him and he knows my system already. He is very gentle and mindful about not treating too aggressively in the area of my foot though we do put needles there sometimes for blood flow. Acupuncturists are like everyone else and have various skill levels. If you don't know one already try to get recommendations and if it isn't working you may try a different practitioner. I have sometimes seen someone else in my guy's practice and I swear it never does anything.

Acupuncturists sometimes use different techniques, one where needles are just placed and another where they are twisted till they feel heavy or sharp. I didn't like the twisting even before I had CRPS so maybe ask about that ahead of time.

I have gotten both ART - Active Release Therapy and massage for myofascial work to help with various muscle imbalances, which was really important when my gait was off.

The one supplement I always come back to is PEA Pure (palmitoylethanolamide). It down regulates microglial activity and is used for neuropathic pain in Europe. Dr. Pradeep Chopra talks about it and I have taken it pretty much from the beginning. It is a bit pricey and I have to order from overseas but I feel it's also worthwhile. It certainly hasn't made me any worse.

Sending hugs for the week,