Acupuncture: Myth or Magic?

Growing up my mother always discounted acupuncture, chiropractors, and anything that wasn't traditional medicine. Soon after I got married, my wife hurt her back and decided to go to her favorite doctor, a chiropractor. I took her and out of curiosity and watched. I was absolutely horrified.

The doctor had her lie on a table, that he then unlatched, separating it to put a knee into her back and began jumping up and down on her. This scared the heck out of me, I didn't say a word. I didn't stop him. I knew at that moment that personally, I would never see a chiropractor.

How I found out about acupuncture

That was 30 years ago and I have had plenty of time to see the world we live in change a bit. Nowadays, so many people are staying away from pharmaceuticals and doctors and using holistic medicines.

Over the last few years, I've had a few friends that have said acupuncture helped them. While considering it, I talked to a fellow friend with back problems. She had a friend who swore by acupuncture and recommended a doctor in my area.

Why I tried acupuncture for my PsA symptoms

So, I made an appointment. My issue? I suffered from psoriatic arthritis in my lower back and two herniated discs. I found myself at the point where I couldn't wash more than two plates at the kitchen sink before the pain set in. Yes, I literally had four minutes to wash dishes before the pain started. If I left one more minute pass, it would get so bad I had no choice but to sit down for twenty minutes.

Acupuncture versus traditional pain management techniques

When I saw traditional doctors for my pain, I was given epidurals, muscle relaxers, gabapentin, and tramadol. When the tramadol stopped working, I googled to see if I could take a second one. What I found scared me. It said I could take two but not to take more than four or the medication could allow you to stop breathing. I began looking for alternatives.

Why I'm an acupuncture advocate

After my first acupuncture appointment, I walked out in a daze. I was so relaxed I could've sat in my car and fallen asleep. I drove home and slept like a baby. After two months of treatment, I noticed that I could stand longer. It's important to note that this is not an overnight fix, it takes time. After about 6 months, I started getting acupuncture treatment every week and found myself standing 10-20 minutes at the sink. After one year of treatment, my appointments are every three weeks and so far, so good.

So I will leave it up to you, acupuncture: myth or magic? My vote goes to the latter.