Adventures with Gastroparesis

As mentioned in previous posts, I will try almost anything in an attempt to feel better.  Hands down, the best thing I have tried is acupuncture.  (Gluten-Free is running a close second.)  I was going twice a week to start and felt the benefits almost immediately.  My reflux was lessening.  My nausea was diminishing and I was developing more energy.  I was also noticing a reduction in bloating.  I would still become severely bloated but the bloating was not as painful.

Now I am going once per week and am still noticing a benefit from the acupuncture.  I notice that I am actually hungry after a session.  Hunger is something that doesn’t happen very often for me.  I also feel more grounded and as if my head is in a better place not only for battling Gastroparesis but also for life in general.

My acupuncturist is wonderful.  He really takes the time to get to know the issues that I have in order to formulate a treatment plan for me.  He has also suggested some dietary changes that would work hand in hand with Chinese medicine and the healing process.  Oddly, almost all of these recommendations matched what my nutritionist had told me.  The acupuncturist also loves to hear feedback on how my body reacted over the week so that he can assess which treatment options are working best for me.

For anyone with Gastroparesis who would like to try acupuncture, I would say GO FOR IT!  Make sure that you do your research and find a credible acupuncturist in your area.  I would be skeptical if he/she did not ask several questions and really get to know your chief complaints or want feedback on how your body is reacting.

If you have been worried about the needles, do not!  When I get an IV, I squirm like there is no tomorrow, try to curl in the fetal position, and turn ghostly white.  However, I haven’t had an issue with the acupuncture needles at all.  They are so tiny that you will barely feel them.

I am curious if others have tried acupuncture and what their reaction is?  It seems that more and more GPers are giving it a shot.

~Millie