Anyone using acupuncture?

Wondering if anyone was using acupuncture to treat side effects/depression/anxiety, etc. while on treatment.  Is there any down side to this while on treatment?  I love acupuncture but don't want anything to interfere with treatment.

[rivll]

I have had acupuncture throughout TX. It helped me a bit with side effects. It is not contraindicated in any way.
In California (maybe the entire US) it is illegal to use the same acupuncture needle twice, even for the same person. They are all prepackaged and sterile.

[2mlbb]

I have acupuncture every Friday morning after my Thursday night shot. I have two therapist. One has an extremely energizing effect on me. Really lights me up. The other one is extremely calming and soothing to my being. I alternate between them each week.

[momof2jewels]

Really?  You feel well enough to go to the office the day after your shot?  I'd love to give it a try.  I used acupuncture a few years ago for headaches and it was very successful.  Even just for relaxation it would be worth it, don't you think?

[2mlbb]

Yes, as I said, both of my providers are so different...I REALLY like them both. They are only 5 minutes from my home. Believe me, I go there and go right home. Have never had a shot without their next morning procedure so I have no idea what it would be like without them. Don't want to know...for me... Also have a gentle massage once a month to move things around and out....Best wishes to you.....

[stormy456]

Hi- I know you read my husband's blog.  I cannot say enough good things about acupuncture during tx.  For my husband at least, it mitigated so many of his side effects.  He had standing 2x/wk treatments - 1 on Friday after his shot, and the other on Monday (when the side effects were the strongest for him.)  He really never felt bad on Fridays, would start to feel the sides over the weekend, then by Monday, when it was kicking in for him, he would go again.  I realize that not everyone can afford this, but during the INC part of tx, acupuncture is especially helpful.  

[rivll]

If the cost is holding you back, there are ways of getting acupuncture for a fraction of the usual cost.
I go to a community acupuncture center, so it is really inexpensive. $15. per session (usually for an hour)
I go to the one in Berkeley, but they are nationwide.Just google community acupuncture and your city and you will find them. The one in Berkeley that I use is really really good. The practitioners are very warm and supportive. I alternate between practitioners too. Sometimes I need to chill...other days, help with the muscle and joint aches.
I am so happy to read of every ones' positive response to acupuncture.

[orphanedhawk]

I used to have massage and acupressure during tx.
Anything that helps with relive the tension seems like it'd be good.
I can't imagine how it'd interfere with tx, I say go for it.

[mythoughts]

I use acu to keep me healthy until I decide to tx. My liver used to ache ALL THE TIME. I've been going to acu every 7-10 days for 10 months and my side never hurts anymore. My urine is lighter and my hormone imbalance has been corrected. I get rashes on my leghs that often last for months. They needled it and t was gone within an hour. It is also very helpful for anxiety. My practitioner is famous for working with HCV patients.

[momof2jewels]

How do you find a practitioner who specializes in HCV?  I was wondering if some acupuncturists would be wary of treating someone with Hep C.  I'm not sure where you live but I live in near Boston, MA.  

[rivll]

Generally speaking practitioners are not known as specialists in one area. One of my favorite practitioners I might feel is specialized because she has worked with a lot of ppl with HCV, but another who a lot of ppl refer to as sports injury specialist is just as effective as the other. In fact, he has helped me a lot with my crippling "arthritis" (don't know what else to call it but it is joint pain related to HCV) If you like I can get some referrals for your area when I go in on Friday. They travel and stay connected to the other acupuncture communities.