I was hoping to discuss the different healing professions that are commonly collectively referred to as "Alternative Medicine".

I have used some with a lot of success, and in particular a couple of them.

I have used a chiropractor over many years (and am long overdue for a visit). Maybe some others would like to discuss their experiences there.

I have also used a Naturopathic Doctor. It is my understanding that these practitioneers have actual medical school type training, and in some states there is a movement for them to acheive the status of an MD or a Nurse Practitioneer/PA. What I found most helpful with using the service of a ND is mainly the excellent counseling they provide. My first use of one was about 8 or 9 years ago. I think they are best for their preventive medicine knowledge and the use of good diet and natural herbs and remedies. They are very good also in assisting in the diagnosis of some underlying medical conditions. I will try later to relate some of the reasons and experiences I have had with an ND.
PB

PB; There are tons of websites I have visited regards my Degenerative Disc. Disease.
Acupressure
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Reiki
Imagery (Dad used this in the last day's of his Cancer, it helped)
Juice therapy (grapes, the dark ones)
massage
reflexology
meditation/yoga...my Shamanic drumming also
helps.
Massive doses of herion...HAW HAW (could not resist)
"Yours"
Dave

PB: Forgot to mention Deepak Chopra! He is the MAN, does not write in knee-deep esoteric, arcana, even I can understand him.
Dave

Actually Dave the ND I have seen, has most of those things in his quiver. The guy I saw was like a master of so many of the alternative ways. Indian (ayervedic?, chinese, herbals, etc.). I will try to post something about this profession. NDs are a cross between Western and Eastern medicine. They are very knowledgeable about Western diagnostics, but prefer eastern treatments, if that made sense. Interesting profession.
PB

Pharmboy hi,
This herbal stuff interests me . Do you know if there are any natural or herbal dieuretics? Dieuretic's that might help if your feet swell from opiate edema. My Mother had the problem of ankles, legs swelling. As she got older she had a good reason for swelling CHF. But I'm wondering if i could take an extra dieuretic pill for my foot swelling? I have potassium pills that I take for the one water pill I am prescribed to take, But my feet swelled after getting on the patch which of course puts an opiate in your blood 24-7 I think thats the reason for it, My Dr, She hasn't given permission to take an extra and I haven't ask don't ask me why I haven't lol just forgot actually..Thats why I'm asking about any natural dieuretics, has anyone ever heard of any?..Thanks,
Alpha

Hi Amigo Al
I was just scanning some of these forums and ran across yours. I don't know of any herbal dieuretic that might help you. But I just wanted to warn you that alot of herbal medicines et al should not be mixed with medications you are on already. Whatever you decide just check with your doc first. There can be some really nasty side effects, up to and including a fast trip to the ER. So just before you ask first, ok? Even if it's at GNC or somewhere like that, I'd still run it by your doctor.
Just trying to look out for ya, amigo
te quiero
Amiga, Becky

well i know this thread is older but this is something i can chime in on. my mother is an acupuncturist/master herbal practicioner. you can imagine how thrilled she is that i take hydro! seriously, when i have a major issue with my back like when it goes out she has helped me many times with acupuncture. it is really a mystery to me as to how it works. acupuncturists can help with many issues western medicine has no answer for. they do need a huge amount of education, many many clinic hours and have to pass a national board exam which is like an 8 hour test. just thought you all should know that so you may want to try it. it may make you more comfortable to know it's not some random idiot sticking needles in you! she treats many CP patients and they get some relief. not all acupuncturists are licensed herbal practioners though. that is a an additional level of education. they are then able to dispense certain herbs that manufactuters will not sell to the public. i hope somebody finds this info useful and gives it a shot. hopefully it can bring some relief to your suffering.

I really do want to post more about Naturopathic Doctors, but, at least the one I have seen (and I am long overdue for seeing him) had many arrows in his quiver. One being accupuncture. Now I never asked him to use it on me, but I might give it a try sometime. I do think there is definitely a place to these many types of alternatives. I do know he told me you have to be well trained to give accupunture therapy legitimately.
PB

yes you do have to be well trained. in additon you have to carry insurance just like an MD does. There are so many things it can help with right down to "female issues". Thus her frustration with my continues use of hydro. which i have been keeping to myself since my last scolding. i am trying to let it go for good and am a HUGE believer in kratom and it works wonders for me. with that said sometimes i just gotta have my hydro! i also get massage therapy done as often as i can afford it which also helps with the muscle spasms and back pain i battle with.

msbobbi
First, I don't think I ever said Welcome to you? If not welcome, and after that last post even moreso.
I've never had acupunture, but have wanted to so badly. I truly believe in it. I worked for a man (a millionaire that just about owns Sarasota Florida--okay a small stretch, but only small) so he can afford doctors all over the world. But he goes to his acupunturist and swears by the results. Needles don't scare me...pain, that's another thing. Low tolerence there. But I truly believe it doesn't hurt. I just can't afford it. Don't they typically charge more than say your regular Dr? I have probably been sent down the wrong road on that info, too, but I would think the training would be so very extensive that they would almost have to charge more. I'd love to see one just for my knee. How long after a procedure do you see results, do you know? Maybe you can ask your mom? I imagine it differs from case to case..but I would absolutely LOVE to try it.
Also I hear there are great improvement cosmetologically? (sp) Like the folks that use botox, etc....I'm NOT planning on that kind of needle mind you, but I read (or was it on Oprah?) something to that extent.
Thanks for the info. Your mama would be proud!!
B2

hi 5465! thanks for the welcome. being the new kid on this particular board i appreciate it! to address your questions. not it's not painful it is just a little prick and then you feel nothing. don't even know there is a needle there! as far as prices go i am sure that varies by where in the country you are located but i think my mother charges $60 per session which i know is cheaper than my doc's charge! it should work for a knee issue it works for just about everything, even fibro. you should get some results right away and then it will continue to get better with each session. also depending on where you are look for a school that teaches it they have students who can treat you for cheap! hope this helps.

I know the needles I have seen are micro thin. I am someone who has to cringe and look away for a regular shot in the arm. But I will say acupunture needles I have seen don't intimidate me the same. However, I have never had on put into to me either...so....
PB

When I first started having back problems in the early 90's I tried accupuncture and it was great! I am a big whimp and I can honestly say, there was no pain from the needles. The Asian that treated me knew his stuff and after four sessions I felt a big difference that last me for nine months. Once I went for a treatment with a headache and I mentioned it to him. Well, he stuck a needle between my eyebrows and in four minutes (I watched the clock) my headache was gone and didn't return.

I am a big fan of accupuncture and sing its praises!


ADR

ADR do you know if medicare will pay for that? I've tried everything else. I was going to go to another anesthesist and also be treated for PM. I had changed my mind and was just going to let my PCP treat me and he told me yesterday he won't do it that I have to keep my appointment. I told him I called them after I got a copy of pain contract and all the paper work in the mail that I called them because on the paper work they wanted me to sign a paper saying I was responsible as third payee, meaning after medicare and state medacaid, to pay the rest of bill. Well he said they can't do that if they accept medicare. I thought they couldn't either.