Thoughts on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

I was misusing these terms. Complementary medicine is used in addition to traditional medicine - like acupuncture. Alternative medicine is used instead of traditional medicine - like herbal remedies, prayer, etc.

I am not so sure about alternative medicine. I think they are outside my comfort zone.

Complementary medicine has made me skeptical in the past. But I think my horizons are expanding for many reasons. I joined a support group during chemo and someone suggested Reiki for stress reduction. I tried it once and it made me relax. I tried it a few more times but decided I didn't like the woman doing the Reiki so I quit. She actually had me try expressive arts as well. Which in looking back, was helpful.

I have several friends who have tried acupuncture, Reiki, and massage for stress and pain relief. I was a weinie and didn't try. Acupuncture involves needles of which I have never been a fan. Reiki I considered but never thought that much of it again. Massage I would do but I was told not to have any massage because of my back and lymphedema issues. Sometimes I would kill for a hot stone massage...

Now I am going to acupuncture regularly. I think it is helping me with stress and with relaxing more. I am not sure yet on back pain. I had acupuncture on Saturday and then Sunday afternoon and evening (and this morning) was in a lot of pain. But that could be from sitting through a movie yesterday as well. But I think acupuncture has its uses.

If I ever have more cancer treatments (I was going to say 'If I ever have cancer again' but since they never know if it goes away I decided that wasn't right) I will definitely incorporate more acupuncture and Reiki into my treatment. They would complement my other treatments. But on the other hand, why wait? Maybe I'll try it sooner. I guess I am a convert.

Acupuncture anyone?

Last night I went to a support group meeting where there was a presenter on acupuncture. I have never been a fan of acupuncture. Its not that I doubt its efficacy. Its just the needles. I can't look at needles while being inserted or while they are in someone's skin. (They turn my stomach.) I hate it during flu season where they always show people on TV getting shots. I have to close my eyes. I am a wimp. That's it.

But at last night's meeting I learned a lot about acupuncture and spent time looking at the walls while people had needles in them. I found that my health insurance will cover it. The acupuncture practice is conveniently located. Perhaps it might help my tennis elbow, and possibly my back pain and some other issues.

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years so it definitely works. It is only that here in the West we are a little slow about accepting it. I have nothing against it and enjoyed learning more about it.

My next step is to call my insurance company and clarify a few things. First of all the acupuncturist who was there said I would have to pay him and then get reimbursement from my insurance company. But online my insurance company says it must be billed by a registered acupuncturist - does this mean he must bill them or I can request a refund (and how do I request the refund).

I will also talk to my physical therapist this morning and get his opinion. He hasn't been too thrilled about the way my elbow is healing (or not healing - which doesn't surprise me because nothing ever seems to heal up and go away for me).

Then I will see about setting up an appointment either with the guy from last night or with a woman affiliated with the non profit I work for. She might be a little more convenient and I wouldn't mind giving her the business as she is an independent who is supporting herself.

Finally I will come up with a blindfold to wear at the sessions so I don't have to look at the needles at all. Maybe I can over come a personal fear to help my health.