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speckofdust
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Default Jun 07, 2019 at 07:49 PM
  #1
I tried to find an existing thread regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine, but I couldn't find anything...

Is anyone interested in sharing experiences with TCM? What herbal combinations have you tried? Did you find the herbal concoctions helpful? Did you pair TCM with anything else like acupuncture, cupping, etc.?

I just started (two days ago) taking a combination of herbs that my acupuncturist created for me, and I'm interested in learning more about it, and finding out what other's experiences have been/are with TCM and/or acupuncture (especially for chronic pain) and other "non-traditional" treatments.

My new "cocktail" includes Gui Zhi, Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, plus 12 others.

PS - I was "diagnosed" with a Qi deficiency.


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Last edited by speckofdust; Jun 07, 2019 at 08:22 PM..
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Default Jun 07, 2019 at 10:23 PM
  #2
Quote:
Originally Posted by speckofdust View Post
I tried to find an existing thread regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine, but I couldn't find anything...

Is anyone interested in sharing experiences with TCM? What herbal combinations have you tried? Did you find the herbal concoctions helpful? Did you pair TCM with anything else like acupuncture, cupping, etc.?

I just started (two days ago) taking a combination of herbs that my acupuncturist created for me, and I'm interested in learning more about it, and finding out what other's experiences have been/are with TCM and/or acupuncture (especially for chronic pain) and other "non-traditional" treatments.

My new "cocktail" includes Gui Zhi, Zhi Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, plus 12 others.

PS - I was "diagnosed" with a Qi deficiency.

My TCM doc is wonderful. We did some herbs a while ago but only short-term. I don't recall the name. i have an issue with some Chinese herbs because many (not all) include some potentially harmful ingredients. Though obviously plenty of Western meds do too....I don't take those either. However, acupuncture has greatly improved my health and I'm still continuing it. I tried cupping once. I didn't like it and won't try again.

I rarely discuss my TCM experiences because people either mock me as believing in "witchcraft" or get angry with me because they feel threatened by holistic care for some reason.

Thank you for sharing
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Thanks for this!
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Default Jun 08, 2019 at 04:49 AM
  #3
@SilverTrees is your acupuncture treatment for chronic pain? I'm asking because that is the main reason I'm doing it, and my three sessions so far have been painful. The needles, as tiny as they are, have going in and coming out. Also, while in, they have been very uncomfortable. The AP says it's normal for people being treated for long term chronic pain to experience this, and she says it will become less painful and uncomfortable over time. I'm wondering if that's the case?

Also, you mentioned the herbs. Some contain bad ingredients? Do you know what I should watch out for? I looked up all of the ones in my cocktail, and they are all flowers and roots, except one that is made from fossils.

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Default Jun 08, 2019 at 08:22 AM
  #4
I'm intrigued by the concepts of "Cold Wind," "Liver Wind," "Dampness Obstruction," etc.

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Default Jun 09, 2019 at 08:02 AM
  #5
After further research, I'm also getting into crystals, as they seem to complement the TCM (plus, they're pretty). I just bought some amethyst and topaz (my crystal sign), and I'm looking forward to incorporating them into my full immersion into TCM.

Anybody want to share your experiences with TCM, including Acupuncture, Tai Chi, herbs, etc. Any and all replies are appreciated!

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Default Jun 09, 2019 at 07:47 PM
  #6
Also, if anyone has input, but doesn't feel comfortable posting on this thread, please pm me.

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Default Jun 12, 2019 at 12:01 AM
  #7
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Originally Posted by speckofdust View Post
@SilverTrees is your acupuncture treatment for chronic pain? I'm asking because that is the main reason I'm doing it, and my three sessions so far have been painful. The needles, as tiny as they are, have going in and coming out. Also, while in, they have been very uncomfortable. The AP says it's normal for people being treated for long term chronic pain to experience this, and she says it will become less painful and uncomfortable over time. I'm wondering if that's the case?

Also, you mentioned the herbs. Some contain bad ingredients? Do you know what I should watch out for? I looked up all of the ones in my cocktail, and they are all flowers and roots, except one that is made from fossils.
Sorry for the delayed response @ SpeckofDust. I do not have chronic pain, unless you would count migraines. I used to have frequent migraines and they were awful...increasing in frequency and severity. I did not like taking the Rx prescribed by the MD (I really try to avoid taking any drugs if I can) and they kept increasing the dose b/c it was becoming less and less effective. That was the primary reason I sought acupuncture (as well as sinus infections a very long time ago...now cured). My TCM doc cured my migraines after ~ 2 months. Seriously! They were caused by hormonal imbalance. My cycle is now like clockwork and no more headaches!!! My period pain is now absent or minimal on just the first day. (I'm not on the pill or anything....was not good for body or mind)

I had a treatment today and asked my doc about your pain issue with the needles. I don't have that problem. Once in a while they hurt just a little bit or I feel more pressure in certain points but usually it's very comfortable for me. But I'm not in chronic pain like you. My doc, whose opinion I really trust, said that is normal and to be expected for you given that you have chronic pain. I did not mention PC or anything like that....kept it completely anonymous just so you know.

As far as the ingredients of herbs go, it sounds like you did your research so you should be fine. I read something about talc and some other problematic ingredients but perhaps that was not accurate. I only took one TCM herb for a while just because that was all I needed. i really don't know much about them at all.

Also, I have noticed that not all acupuncturists are created equal (like any practitioners, right?). I had one in the past who wasn't great....not bad but not nearly as skilled or informative as my current. It's worth checking their specific credentials and experience and areas of focus. My current doctor is actually from China and has a PhD in TCM. He is truly excellent. I continue to go because his needles help me with my immunity and depression and anxiety. We talk about lots of things....exercise....foods to have and avoid etc.

Your TCM doctor probably mentioned this already....since you have chronic pain there is likely chronic inflammation in your body. So you'd want to avoid dairy, fried foods, alcohol, sugar, processed foods etc. There is a school of nutritionists (as well as many MDs) now calling the gut the "second brain." Very important to consider diet when we are unwell or even just to prevent illness.

Sorry if any or all of that was repeat info for you. I just wanted to help. I sincerely hope the acu helps you to feel better. With regular treatments (at least 2x/week) I'd be surprised if you don't start to feel better. Though I'm just a patient of course! TCM has done wonders for me.

Peace and healing energy to you
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Default Jun 12, 2019 at 12:09 AM
  #8
I forgot to say before, I randomly met a TCM student (not affiliated with my doc) about 6 months ago who asked if I ever have pain during my acu sessions. I said no, not usually. He said his teacher said that there should be some significant pain with the needles because that is more effective. So perhaps that is a good sign for you whereas my doc is going too easy on me?
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