Accupuncture?

[sbk]

I have sciatica, which some medications help but as I am not particularly fond of the permanent cure (ooh, spinal surgery, no thanks ) I have been researching other options. Several people I have talked to have suggested acupuncture. Anyone have a recommendation? Someone they trust rather than just some scary, dirty place with needles?

[Dodeskaden]

Dear SBK,

This is a trifle off-topic so please forgive if you've already explored this. I also have sciatica, and what has actually worked for me is chiropractic care. I know that still leaves you to find a recommended practitioner in Thailand.

For the last three months I was was also treated with acupuncture, which is just always a good thing, but was not particulary geared to lower back stuff beyond being comforting, and good for the entire organism.

If you have any particular acupuncture concerns, from several experiences I'd be happy to respond. I think I can also give you an email for the wonderful person I just saw in the states, for a more professional view.

Best,

Dodeskaden

[Khutan]

My advice Find a good Physiotherapist.

The abount of times you will wonder if ALL the needles are REALLY claen, may give you a bit of a headache.

[sbk]

Exactly mattnich, my first worry about acupuncuture! Like most people, I find needles a bit scary and the idea of dirty ones even more so.

Dodeskaden, you found chiropractors to be of more help? Apparently there is one in Surat Thani recommended to me by a thai friend, perhaps that is worth a shot more than acupuncture.

thanks for the advice!

[Dodeskaden]

Dear sbk,

You've no idea how happy you just made me--I go to Surat Thani province in two days. So, can you give me the name and address of the recommended chiropractor? And, um, any English spoken? Even if not, it shouldn't be too difficult to point at a chart or skeleton. If you are going soon, let me know. Otherwise, this I really will check out.

I only go to a chiropractor to whom someone else has been. Not the case with acupuncture, my last practictioner I found in the phone book. However, at first I would only let her treat me with moxa--a medicinal herb that burns very hot and feels good. By the end of the session I was ready to offer her my firstborn.

Every acupuncurist I've been to either designates your own set of needles, uses disposable needles, or is happy to show you the steralizer.

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best regards--and whatever, [FREE ADVICE ALERT: don't even consider surgery till you've explored the other options]

dodes

[sbk]

She said the name of the dr is Tanee and the office is on the main road between Taksin Hospital and the Pantip Ferry office (sorry, thats about as clear as it gets!).

From her description it is a a chiropractor, she had similar back pains and visited this dr quite regularly and said the pain doesn't bother her anymore. My friend is Thai so she doesn't know if the dr speaks english or not, sorry.

And, to be honest, the idea of someone operating on my spinal cord scares the heck out of me!

[Boon Mee]

sbk~

I have had a lot of experience w/acupuncture. Some twenty years or so ago, I broke my neck in Singapore - cervical discs C1 C2 & smashed C3. The company I work for offered to send me back to Houston for treatment/recovery but I chose to be treated there. I was paralyzed totally on my right side - whole body.

I'm glad I chose to be treated in Singapore. Had a combination of western & Chinese medicine w/heavy emphasis on acupuncture. I totally credit the acupuncture for regaining 90% of my right side. Still have a little residual weakness on that side but within 9 months I was back at work.

In summation, I highly recommend acupuncture done by a qualified practioner. Have never gone to a chiropracter and not sure what they do lasts from what I've heard.

Good luck!

Boon Mee

[Davidcharles]

Acupuncture can work wonders if done properly by a Chinaman whose family have done it for Generations......BUT be sure he uses needles that are in sterile packs and are only used once!

It should do Sciatica a power of good. Try it.

[seville]

Hi SBK,

There is an American women her name is Alicia Cheung on Samui or at least I think she is still on Samui that does Acupucture. Try e-mail [email protected] for her information.

Her boyfriend was running a sailing outfit on Samui by Big Buddha pier the phone number there is 66-6-274-7340. I don't know them personally, but give it a try.

[KevinN]

But as DODE said;;;"and good for the entire organism." but I think she needs a spell checker,,mine said "O R G A S M "

[sprq]

Bangkok's Hua Chiew Chinese Medicine Hospital is new, clean and efficient, and does acupuncture in very reassuring, spotless surroundings.

The doctor I'm seeing is Chinese and speaks Thai, whilst the Thai nurses speak English sufficiently to help.

From Siam Square go down Bumrungrad Road until the crossroads immediately after the bridge over the railway. Turn right, and it's on your left after 50 metres.

Tel 02 223 1351

Enjoy.

[Ajarn]

When I first came here, I'd been a chronic sufferer of sciatica for many years, Chiros were encouraging, but I never got more than temporary relief. As soon as I got settled in Chiang Mai, I went to Rinkaew Povich Thai Massage. The first session of two hours relieved a lot of pain. The next day, I went back for two more hours. From that day forward, my sciatica has never returned. I think if you find a skilled practioner, they can really do some amazing things.

As an alternative to accupuncture (which I did 4 times per week for one year to help in my paralysis), I might suggest the 'buzz machine' as I call it. Small electrical pads are connected to meridian points and stimulate the area with pulsed elecricty. I found this quite good for relaxing muscles in my back.

Good luck, sbk. Back pain really ######s up your day, I know.

[drummer]

Anyone have any reccomendations?

[donna]

I second Hua Chiew. I've been there myself. Disposable needles, Doctors speak mainly Chinese or Thai. The hospital itself is only about a year old and is spotless.