Re: acupunture and chinese medicine?

Neomi,

I am in a similar situation. Over the past two years, I have been on and off seeing a licensed acupuncturist (English speaking, not Oriental, in a beautiful hoity-toity (sp?) office that I can barely afford to keep up w/ treatments), and WAY BEFORE I got my (positive) candida results back, she diagnosed me with a DAMP SPLEEN and a LIVER QI STAGNATION. They mirror a Candida diagnosis; however, in Chinese medicine, they don't believe in Candida. They believe in dampness in the body which would (in western medicine) create the environment to let Candida get out of control. Chinese medicine attempts to clear out the stagnation in the liver and dry the spleen up. I think it's something like the "Triple Burner Theory" or something like that. Spleen, liver, gallbladder (don't know if that's exactly the triple burner, but...all connected in Chinese Medicine).

Generally, the treatments don't hurt; however, some acupoints related to my spleen or gallbladder have sent electrical shock-like feelings through my body from head to toe (though she treats me in the legs and feet regions which correspond with spleen, gallbladder, etc.). Sometimes I had her take the needle out, and other times I'd be "strong" and let the feelings pass (they did in about 15 seconds). That means I REALLY needed that meridian "unblocked". I wouldn't worry about it, and you probably won't get it like I do; apparently, the more treatments you get, the more you are attuned to your Qi.

While I can't say that it's helped my candida 100%--yet (I also haven't been too good w/ my diet lately), I will say that, when I went regularly, it reduced my two-a-month hormonal migraines. (I'm currently taking a break from acupuncture w/ 7 more purchased sessions in a package to go). It costs me $650.00 for 10 sessions. (I'm in Orlando, FL, by the way.)

I DO feel really good leaving acupuncture; like totally at ease, relaxed, crazy drivers don't bother me driving home, things don't upset me as much, and I have a renewed sense to treat my body well. It's a weird feeling, and maybe all psychological, but I like it nonetheless.

Good luck; and if I can answer any questions, let me know!
Amy =)