Posted by Amanda Kolter on
URL: https://www.es-forum.com/chinese-medicine-for-ES-in-Seattle-tp3758970p3761401.html

Hi there,

I will respond to all the questions so far in this email.

As for the metal needles, they are such a small amount of metal that I
doubt it would be a problem.  For ES patients, I only use Seirin brand
needles - they are coated in silicone, so metal doesn't directly contact
the body, and the handles are plastic.  If the tiny amount of metal in the
needle shaft were a problem, I would probably not retain the needles, if I
used them at all.  Using moxa (burning mugwort right above or on the skin)
might generally work better than needles for all ES folks - it certainly
does for some others with similar conditions (like chronic Lyme).  Seeds
can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points, as well as just using
acupressure.  Other options for stimulating points are suction cups (made
of glass), and grounding patches - to actually drain charge off of the body
at acupoints by connecting them to a ground outlet (I've not experimented
with this yet but am eager to try).  Herbs could also be used alone,
especially for someone who couldn't handle being in an office for an hour.

In terms of location, yes, the electro-smog in buildings could potentially
be a problem.  The offices are good, as far as they go, but I realize
everyone has different sensitivities.  My advice would be to consult with
me about this case by case.  I could always meet people somewhere, talk to
them about what to do for self-treatment, and prescribe herbs.  As I say,
my goal is to find a way to help people get better.

As for electric stimulation (e-stim) of acupuncture points, this is a very
useful technique for conditions like stroke, to make the nerves active
again - but is something I would never feel comfortable using on ES folks.
 That's not to say it may not be helpful - the "zapper" you mention sounds
like it's a similar idea - but I would be afraid of making someone worse,
and my first job is to do no harm... :)

As for whether Japanese acupuncture is the only way to go - it is not.  In
general, acupuncturists treat the whole person, not just their symptoms, so
a good acupuncturist should be able to help you even if they aren't trained
to treat ES.  (Strictly speaking, we treat people, not conditions - so I
can't "treat ES", but I can "treat people with ES" and improve their
symptoms.  That's a legal thing but also a good way to understand the
difference between holistic and western medicine.)  However, my personal
interest in this subject, and extensive research into these types of
conditions, has given me probably a better understanding than most
acupuncturists have - especially when it comes to accommodating the needs
of ES patients.

Thanks for the questions!  Hope this helps.
-Amanda

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 3:02 PM, Marc Martin <[hidden email]> wrote:


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