Re: have you guys tried acupuncture?

[Guest guest]

Quincia, I also tried acupuncture (this was about ten years ago). I went for about two months, and while I found the treatments themselves to be very relaxing (I would often doze off while lying there with the needles in my back) I never experienced any change in my NCCPs or in my swallowing ability. The acupuncturist I saw agreed with me that if it was going to work, I would be seeing some improvement after 4-6 weeks, so we discontinued the treatments after two months with no change in symptoms.

I am VERY curious about this statement that you made:

I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment is about 85%~95%.

Could you maybe provide us with some of this documentation? I am honestly shocked by this, as hundreds of us in this group have conducted internet searches and many of us have had conversations and consultations with doctors who are considered to be "the best minds in achalasia" (such as Rice, Richter, Patti, and others), and I have a hard time believing that they wouldn't have mentioned if there were a non-invasive treatment that is successful in 85%-95% of patients.

I would be very interested in seeing if this high rate of success is a verified fact, or if it's simply a statement that someone made with no documentation whatsoever. I know others in this group have tried accupuncture as well, and I have yet to come across anyone who found relief from their symptoms, and that makes me really doubt that accupuncture is successful in nine out of ten patients.

Don't get me wrong -- I would LOVE for this statement to be true! However, I'm not naive enough to believe it to be the case, and it would be misleading to make a statement like this that newcomers to the group might see and believe. I would hate for someone to put off a more conventional treatment (and risk damaging their esophagus to the point that an esophagectomy is their only option) just because of a misleading statement they read in our archives.

Debbi in Michigan

hi, guys, any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment take effect slowly. you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist and have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer that other kind of diseases. I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture. thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your stories with us. I am really appreciated. lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you. Quincia

[Guest guest]

Hi Q (is it OK to call you that rather than misspell/mispronounce

your name??)

I did about 10 acupuncture treatments 4 years ago. I felt it did help

my stress level (I was getting married at the time/ planning a

wedding and that kind of thing) and kept my spasms at bay. I would do

it again if I felt like my symptoms were returning.

That being said, I would certainly never consider it a 'cure' and I

would NOT recommend putting off the myotomy. Even though the

acupuncture may alleviate some symptoms, A is a progressive disease

that will NOT go away. I would think of it more as a complimentary

treatment - with the myotomy. Surgery is of course a scary thing and

always sounds so huge but I had a mytomy 17 years ago next week and I

would do it all again. I've lived pretty well and swallowed well for

that time - and now with the lap myotomy - it's minimally invasive,

you're only talking a day or 2 in the hospital and about 2 weeks off

of work.

Good luck with whatever you try and keep us posted. We're all here to

learn from each other.

Happy New Years to all!!

Happy Swallowing!

- in Va.

>

> hi, guys,

> any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am

a

> typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out

there

> of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am

> currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once.

I

> did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me

I

> need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the

> difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical

treatment

> take effect slowly.

>

> you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem,

I

> hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of

> stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you

experienced

> great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your

> life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist

and

> have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after

stress

> and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and

go

> beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when

the

> disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from

> individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are

> major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in

> esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of

> stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our

> hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the

> hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us

from

> being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication

> starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this

> disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in

> Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the

fact

> that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical

> literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four

most

> difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be

longer

> that other kind of diseases.

>

> I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are

many

> successful stories and the successful rate of this type of

treatment

> is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for

> myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture.

>

> thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me

> realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your

> stories with us. I am really appreciated.

>

> lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you.

>

> Quincia

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbi,I think that Quincia might have meant that acapuncture in general was rated as being 85% successful, as opposed to being successful in Achalasia, but I am sure that Quincia will come back to us on that one.I agree that we would all love to find a miracle cure, and it is the right thing to do to keep on trying, with experiences and suggestions. That is one of the important reasons for this site. Meanwhile I reckon we all have to trust in the most up to date treatments available and do the best we can.I found 's letter very interesting too. I agree with you , that we should be treated as whole beings and not just a condition and hope you will share your future experiences with us. It can sometimes be the smallest thing, the smallest tip, that changes someone's life.With love to everyone from Ann in the rainy western half of England (the East has lots of snow) xxxx>> Quincia, I also tried acupuncture (this was about ten years ago). I went for about two months, and while I found the treatments themselves to be very relaxing (I would often doze off while lying there with the needles in my back) I never experienced any change in my NCCPs or in my swallowing ability. The acupuncturist I saw agreed with me that if it was going to work, I would be seeing some improvement after 4-6 weeks, so we discontinued the treatments after two months with no change in symptoms.> > I am VERY curious about this statement that you made:> I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment is about 85%~95%.> > Could you maybe provide us with some of this documentation? I am honestly shocked by this, as hundreds of us in this group have conducted internet searches and many of us have had conversations and consultations with doctors who are considered to be "the best minds in achalasia" (such as Rice, Richter, Patti, and others), and I have a hard time believing that they wouldn't have mentioned if there were a non-invasive treatment that is successful in 85%-95% of patients. > > I would be very interested in seeing if this high rate of success is a verified fact, or if it's simply a statement that someone made with no documentation whatsoever. I know others in this group have tried accupuncture as well, and I have yet to come across anyone who found relief from their symptoms, and that makes me really doubt that accupuncture is successful in nine out of ten patients. > > Don't get me wrong -- I would LOVE for this statement to be true! However, I'm not naive enough to believe it to be the case, and it would be misleading to make a statement like this that newcomers to the group might see and believe. I would hate for someone to put off a more conventional treatment (and risk damaging their esophagus to the point that an esophagectomy is their only option) just because of a misleading statement they read in our archives.> > Debbi in Michigan> > hi, guys,> any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a > typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there > of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am > currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I > did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I > need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the > difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment > take effect slowly. > > you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I > hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of > stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced > great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your > life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist and > have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress > and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go > beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the > disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from > individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are > major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in > esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of > stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our > hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the > hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from > being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication > starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this > disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in > Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact > that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical > literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most > difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer > that other kind of diseases. > > I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many > successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment > is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for > myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture. > > thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me > realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your > stories with us. I am really appreciated. > > lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you. > > Quincia>

[Guest guest]

Ann wrote:

I think that Quincia might have meant that acapuncture in general was rated as being 85% successful, as opposed to being successful in Achalasia, but I am sure that Quincia will come back to us on that one.Ah, okay, THAT part of it I can see.... accupuncture *IN GENERAL* is 85%-95% successful. But even in that sense, the statement would only be applicable to conditions which are treatable with accupuncture. (I doubt anyone would try to say that accupuncture can cure a broken bone, or cancer, or any number of other conditions.)

I wholeheartedly believe that accupuncture can treat some conditions -- I wouldn't have tried it myself if I didn't believe in it -- and I wouldn't hesitate to try it again as a treatment for migraines, arthritis, infertility, or something along those lines. And while it didn't help me with mine, it may help some of us when it comes to NCCPs (as experienced). But when it comes to the crux of our problem -- swallowing -- that's where I just don't see accupuncture as a solution to the problem.

Thanks for pointing out the different way of reading the original statement, Ann! Hope your dreary weather clears soon and that you and yours have a very Happy New Year!Debbi in also-cold-and-dreary-and-rainy Michigan

[Guest guest]

Hi Quincia:

I too, work with an accupuncturist and TCM specialist. He helped me a lot --

actually

worked with me for a 1 1/2 years and then encouraged me to see a western

specialist. My

accupuncturist was central to my getting diagnosed and to my getting surgery to

manage

it.

He did a protocol that actually Carolyn from Truckee posted on the website

sometime in

the past year and it was helpful short term, but not long term. The treatments

helped to

soothe my symptoms.

Your TCM specialist's theory makes sense to me in terms of my own life

circumstances and

somatic tendencies. Nonetheless, now that I have achalasia, I am glad I have

gotten the

western surgurical treatment to help me.

I have changed my ways -- at least I think so, regarding pacing myself, choosing

against

fear and learning to relax.

Hope this helps.

Peggy from Lompoc, CA

>

> hi, guys,

> any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a

> typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there

> of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am

> currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I

> did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I

> need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the

> difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment

> take effect slowly.

>

> you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I

> hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of

> stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced

> great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your

> life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist and

> have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress

> and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go

> beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the

> disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from

> individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are

> major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in

> esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of

> stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our

> hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the

> hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from

> being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication

> starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this

> disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in

> Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact

> that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical

> literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most

> difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer

> that other kind of diseases.

>

> I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many

> successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment

> is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for

> myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture.

>

> thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me

> realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your

> stories with us. I am really appreciated.

>

> lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you.

>

> Quincia

>

[Guest guest]

Debbi wrote:

Ah, okay,

THAT part of it I can see.... accupuncture *IN GENERAL* is 85%-95%

successful. But even in that sense, the statement would only be

applicable to conditions which are treatable with accupuncture. (I

doubt anyone would try to say that accupuncture can cure a broken bone,

or cancer, or any number of other conditions.)

What is "successful?" If people report that they feel better is that

success? In this way acupuncture could be successful even with cancer.

This kind of thing comes up even when looking at studies on success

rates for myotomies. Not all researchers use the same standards. Some

studies use questionnaires before and after, and compare how the

patient's own rating of symptoms has changed. If there is a

predetermined amount, or greater, of improvement in the ratings it is

considered a success. Other studies use barium x-rays or manometry

before and after to determine success. It should be noted that the same

patient could be a success in one study and not in another. It can also

be that what is considered a success in a study is less than you would

hope for when having a myotomy. Even so, we all know that myotomies are

95 percent successful. ;-)

I have not commented on this before because I have nothing better to

offer, about myotomies, than to say that studies report about 95

percent success. If asked what that means I could offer some response,

but it would be a confusing distraction in some discussions. Likewise

for long term success rates. Another issue with these kind of studies

is how are the patients chosen to be in the study. A study of patient

from places like TCC and Mayo may not be a good indicator of what to

expect from surgeons in lesser institutions. Perhaps there is a study

that answers that.

notan

[Guest guest]

1 1/2 years ago I had a computer monitor fall on my shoulder, long story short, by April of this year - before I was told I had achalasia...I was doing accupuncture 2 times every month. Unfortunately the symptoms of A continued, I was diagnosed, the accupuncture helped alot for my shoulder pain, but not for the symptoms of A. I still receive the accupuncture therapy 2 times a months, but since my myotomy, the symptoms of A are down to a few chest spasms and signs of a little bit too tight wrap...no biggie comparateively to what I was experiencing. My suggestion still is to continue working with the GI, keep options open and don't let the symptoms of A go too far. Good luck, and Happy New Year to all! CrystalPeggy Cordero <pegster@...> wrote: Hi Quincia:I too, work with an

accupuncturist and TCM specialist. He helped me a lot -- actually worked with me for a 1 1/2 years and then encouraged me to see a western specialist. My accupuncturist was central to my getting diagnosed and to my getting surgery to manage it.He did a protocol that actually Carolyn from Truckee posted on the website sometime in the past year and it was helpful short term, but not long term. The treatments helped to soothe my symptoms.Your TCM specialist's theory makes sense to me in terms of my own life circumstances and somatic tendencies. Nonetheless, now that I have achalasia, I am glad I have gotten the western surgurical treatment to help me.I have changed my ways -- at least I think so, regarding pacing myself, choosing against fear and learning to relax.Hope this helps.Peggy from Lompoc, CA>> hi, guys,> any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a > typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there > of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am > currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I > did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I > need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the > difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment > take effect slowly. > > you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I > hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of > stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced > great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your > life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a

internalist and > have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress > and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go > beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the > disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from > individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are > major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in > esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of > stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our > hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the > hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from > being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication > starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this > disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are

many in > Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact > that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical > literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most > difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer > that other kind of diseases. > > I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many > successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment > is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for > myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture. > > thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me > realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your > stories with us. I am really appreciated. > > lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you. > >

Quincia>

Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

[Guest guest]

Dear Peggy,I have to say to you that three big words stood out for me from your letter - "choosing against fear".This is something that I have been striving for for all my life and doing the best I can (as I keep repeating I know, but nobody can do better than their best).I believe that fear is just about the biggest enemy in most of our lives and if we try to defeat that as far as possible, it is a "DOOZY" of a way to go !!!!!I think that your phrase "Choosing against fear" should be this Group's slogan for 2006 and we should all help each other to be positive and brave.Happy New year Peggy, and keep Choosing Girl !!!!Loads of love from Ann in England ( where it is still 2005 )> >> > hi, guys,> > any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a > > typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there > > of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am > > currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I > > did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I > > need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the > > difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment > > take effect slowly. > > > > you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I > > hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of > > stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced > > great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your > > life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist and > > have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress > > and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go > > beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the > > disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from > > individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are > > major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in > > esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of > > stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our > > hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the > > hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from > > being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication > > starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this > > disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in > > Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact > > that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical > > literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most > > difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer > > that other kind of diseases. > > > > I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many > > successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment > > is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for > > myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture. > > > > thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me > > realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your > > stories with us. I am really appreciated. > > > > lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you. > > > > Quincia> >>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Ann for your kind words. Working on choosing against fear is the

assignment of

my existence, I think.

Happy and healthy 2006 and love to you from wet and rainy Lompoc, CA, USA

> > >

> > > hi, guys,

> > > any of you who is suffering from Achalasia try acupuncture? I am a

> > > typical Chinese. There are many Chinese medical literature out there

> > > of which record case of this rare disorder and its treatment. I am

> > > currently seeing a acupuncturist. so far, I was acupunctured once. I

> > > did not feel great improvement; however, the acupuncturist told me I

> > > need to be treated for at least a month, twice a week to see the

> > > difference. I think it is reasonable since Chinese medical treatment

> > > take effect slowly.

> > >

> > > you know, since Achalasia is a nerve/muscle disorder or problem, I

> > > hope acupuncture may help. I also realized after reading a lot of

> > > stories from you guys, for those who have Achalasia, you experienced

> > > great stress from your life like I did in certain period of your

> > > life. When I talked to my acupuncturist who is also a internalist and

> > > have 30 years experience in medical field, he mentioned after stress

> > > and fatigue are accumulated to a certain level, it will exceed and go

> > > beyond limit our brain and nerve system can control. That is when the

> > > disorder occurs. This kind of disorder behaves differently from

> > > individuel to individual. some are minor like headache; some are

> > > major lke spasm in stomach. it is pretty rare it is happening in

> > > esophagus, especially LES. Also, when we are under great amount of

> > > stress or being affected emotionally for a long period of time, our

> > > hormone and immune system would go out of balance. some of the

> > > hormone help to stimulate muscle movement; immune system keep us from

> > > being weak. Once all above happen at the same time, complication

> > > starts showing up. There is no explanation about the cause of this

> > > disorder in Western medical literature. however, there are many in

> > > Chinese medical literature including its treatment. despite the fact

> > > that it is treatable as it is stated in those Chinese medical

> > > literature, Achalasia with other eating disorders is one of four most

> > > difficult medical condition. Therefore, the treatment will be longer

> > > that other kind of diseases.

> > >

> > > I did a lot of research on the internet and I found there are many

> > > successful stories and the successful rate of this type of treatment

> > > is about 85%~95%. I am going to give it a shot before I go for

> > > myotomy. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried acupunture.

> > >

> > > thank you and I feel so graceful to find the group and it lets me

> > > realize that I am not alone. Thank you for all for sharing your

> > > stories with us. I am really appreciated.

> > >

> > > lastly, happy new year and my best wishes for all of you.

> > >

> > > Quincia

> > >

> >

>