I recently completed my 6th acupuncture treatment and I am feeling terrific; one more to go.

I have a chronic neck problem. It appears that I have arthritis in two of my neck vertebrae. About 3 years ago I had a painful flare-up. It affected my left shoulder and arm. It lasted almost 4 months. I could only get relief if I kept my head in a slightly tilted position. I could not tip my head back and because of that I could not ride my bike and I had a hard time swimming in the ocean (bummer, no body-surfing). In the past two years it flare-up twice, but not lasting as long. In November past, it struck again. I had been receiving chiropractic relief, applying heat and massage. In November I decided it was time to try acupuncture. It has been a God-send. After two treatments I was almost pain free. After four, pain free. During this flare-up I lost strength in my left arm. It has returned to normal. I have one treatment left and then as needed after that.

Has anyone had similar success? I recommend trying it if you have any kind of chronic problem.

...and I do! That is so great to hear! I've had a chronic pain in the left scapula area for a few years now, sometimes it'd be barely noticeable, sometimes tolerable, and sometimes terribly painful! I went to the orthopedist. Shoulder X-Rays and MRI didn't show anything of concern, but the orthopedist found a little arthritis in my neck as well. A few sessions of physical therapy didn't do anything, and the PT thought it was due to bad posture. It is not as debilitating as yours sounds, it's just annoyingly and sometimes painfully tolerated.

I definitely wanna try acupuncture now, though -- thanks for the report!!

Do they do it at the site of pain, or is it elsewhere on the body, etc? Typical treatment and cost, etc?

MC, I had acupuncture when I first got Bells Palsy. It was wonderful. Bells left me with a "pulling" sensation on the left side of my face, like a fish with a hook in its mouth. The acupuncture relieved that sensation. It also helped constant tearing I have in my left eye as a result of the nerve damage that was done. The treatments also left me feeling very serene and relaxed.

Geoff - the needles were placed various parts of the body, depending on the problem site. Also, my acupuncturist started out with a few and increased the number of needles as I got more comfortable with the concept. The treatments generally lasted 45-60 minutes, and cost $75. However, I since have discovered that there's a new place that will even take my insurance. I've been meaning to give them a try, but haven't had a chance.

I highly recommend giving it a try.

First visit was $75, $60 after that. They last 75-90 minutes. I've had 17+ needles at each treatment. The "specialist" treats your "meridiens", or your nerve network that is in the affected area, as well as other areas they deem necessary. I get one needle in the top of my head; one in my foot, hand, legs, but most are in my back - upper, middle and lower - and neck area. After the needle treatment, which is about 30 minutes, I also get massaged (I'm in love with her hands). It really feels quite fantastic.

My insurance company says they will cover it, but there were no acupunturists in my area, so I've submitted the bills and I am waiting for the first reimbursement. Look for a place that advertises TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine. May the Zen be with you.

I suffer from a lot of bad necks,have done for the last 10 years or so but have never thought about acupuncture or a massage!

Maybe i should!

People are afraid of the needles, but they're not the kind of needles you think of. Some of them are the width of a human hair! And it really is quite relaxing.

It's hard to explain, but on my first visit, I had the needles put in, and then she told me to relax and that she would be back in 30 minutes, that I should just close my eyes and relax. I'm thinking, How is that possible? Well, it's hard to explain, but I just sort of floated for 30 minutes! It passed in the blink of an eye.

I have rarely felt so relaxed.

Doesn't it bleed?

And MC, a needle in the top of your head?? What is this, a horror movie or a treatment?

Not really, no. It's bizarre to think that having your body stuck with needles could be pleasant, but it is VERY pleasant.

I used to get needles in the back of my neck, right under my hairline.

Every time I stretch, I get a really bad pain in my neck that feels like it's stabbing my brain.

I was at the boxing Gym yesterday and did my lower back in too.

In six visits I've only had one needle point bleed and it amounted to one drop of blood. If they bleed on my back I've never seen evidence of it. I've only had two that hurt and it only lasted a few seconds.

The one in the top of my head feels a little strange going in. There is not a lot of skin there, but the needle stays in. My last visit I had two in the top of my head. The 2nd one was toward the front and it was for post nasal drip. It worked. My nasal drip has been reduced significantly.

Go for it!

It seems so strange that putting needles in the body can cure pains and stuff.

How does it exactly cure you? What is the medical explanation for its effectiveness?

I don't think it's a cure as much as releasing endorphins in key areas...

I don't fully know the science behind it, but the network of nerves are broken in "meridiens" or areas of the body. By stimulating certain nerves your nervous system is improved. They also attach a device to several needles and send electronic pulse to stimulate the nerve. As a Western culture we have been conditioned to ingest chemicals to cure our ills. Chemicals affect the nervous system: pain relief (numb the nerves); so why not direct nerver stimulation. After all, doesn't it feel great to have a massage, or get your back stratched?

It all has to do with your qi, which is the vital-to-life energy force. When you qi (pronounced chee) is misaligned, you get sick. The acupuncture releases the energy to realign your qi and return your health.

I didn't know I even had a qi.

You learn something every day Mig

It begins right behind your uvula.