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I would like to share an idea for CFS patients who are contemplating alternative treatments but have been discouraged by the price. I find alternative treatments (such as acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, etc) difficult to commit to financially because:
The clinic was a tertiary institute which trains students in Chinese Medicine. Although my consultation was with a student, the entire process was overseen by a experienced acupuncture professional who ultimately decides where the needles are placed. Having tried a full cost acupuncture service recently (around 10x the price) I have to say that the student service compares favorably.
I thought I would share this experience so other CFS patients could inquire with their local naturopath college, acupuncture school, or any otherwise-expensive-treatment, whether they offer a similar low-cost service.
I appreciate that CFS is a complex illness and many alternative treatments make no appreciable difference at all. However, at $10 per consultation I thought there isn't much to loose! Perhaps just some time and post-exertional fatigue!
- the cost per consultation is high. Often $80-$200+ because treatment is generally not subsidised;
- it takes a long time to get results. Sometimes 6 weeks+, so you can burn a lot of money before knowing whether the treatment works; and
- many CFS patients cannot work full time so don't have money to spare
The clinic was a tertiary institute which trains students in Chinese Medicine. Although my consultation was with a student, the entire process was overseen by a experienced acupuncture professional who ultimately decides where the needles are placed. Having tried a full cost acupuncture service recently (around 10x the price) I have to say that the student service compares favorably.
I thought I would share this experience so other CFS patients could inquire with their local naturopath college, acupuncture school, or any otherwise-expensive-treatment, whether they offer a similar low-cost service.
I appreciate that CFS is a complex illness and many alternative treatments make no appreciable difference at all. However, at $10 per consultation I thought there isn't much to loose! Perhaps just some time and post-exertional fatigue!