Greg, I researched and tried acupuncture a few years ago. I went into it with an open mind. The acupuncturist educated me for 1.5 hours before placing the first needle. After one hour of needling in various areas from head to toe, all I got from the experience is a chronic itchy spot at the center of my hairline at the top of my forehead. No relief at all from pain or stress. So I actually experienced a minor net loss. To the acupuncturist's credit, I asked him if additional sessions might yield positive results, and he said he would be happy to try, but conceded that the results may be less than hoped for. In retrospect, I really don't see how acupuncture can work with quads as it is fundamentally based on Qi (pronounced 'chee'), the energy flow throughout your body. If you have a significant spinal cord injury, isn't your Qi necessarily screwed up? I have posed this question to several Holistic Medicine practitioners and none has made an argument to the contrary. I welcome any insight in this regard. I have heard of some individuals with SCIs who have experienced positive results from acupuncture, but I wonder if the results were more placebo effect than physiological. In spite of my comments above, if it's only going to cost you $30 to try it out and you get a massage as well, it is worth a shot as everyone and every injury is different. Heck, the massage alone is worth $30! Good luck! Steve
_____ From: Greg [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 5:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [QUAD-L] Acupunture Has anyone tried acupuncture for pain and or tingling? My insurance covers it with a $30 co-pay, that and massage. Not great coverage, but if it helps, it's worth $30. Thanks, Greg
