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Alternative treatments on a budget: $10 acupuncture

Messages
51
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 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
I recently saw an advertisement for an acupuncture school that only charges $10.00 (~USD 8.00) per consultation. I was somewhat skeptical but, after giving it a try, I was thoroughly impressed!
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!
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
You also can get extremely cheap massages done by students in these schools eg Naturopathic collages

I think the Naturopathic collage I used to attend also run a student clinic for consultation too (which appointments are supervised by experienced Naturopath).
..........

Also if one doesnt have a student clinic near you and if one is serious about trying out various naturopathic treatments etc.. consider getting some health insurance which will cover it some. I have health insurance but without the hospital cover (as my disability pension covers hospital etc) and it saves me LOTS of money (if everyone used health insurance like I do, the companies would go broke). I This also gives one cover for one ambulance trip too so is a very good thing to have.
 

ukxmrv

Senior Member
Messages
4,413
Location
London
I've been seen at these colleage before but the types of treatments never helped me to any great extent so I have given up. The people are usually nice and interested but it's hard to explain sometimes to more than one person at a time. I find my brain cannot concentrate very well like that. Also thing to watch out for is that sometimes the treatment rooms are noisy and cramped.
 
Messages
51
You also can get extremely cheap massages done by students in these schools eg Naturopathic collages

I think the Naturopathic collage I used to attend also run a student clinic for consultation too (which appointments are supervised by experienced Naturopath).
..........

Also if one doesnt have a student clinic near you and if one is serious about trying out various naturopathic treatments etc.. consider getting some health insurance which will cover it some. I have health insurance but without the hospital cover (as my disability pension covers hospital etc) and it saves me LOTS of money (if everyone used health insurance like I do, the companies would go broke). I This also gives one cover for one ambulance trip too so is a very good thing to have.

Thanks Tania, that's really helpful.

I will check what student naturopath and massage clinics are available in my area

I have a basic insurance policy that covers 80% of specialist visits. However, I never knew there were policies that cover naturopath treatments. I will certainly check this out

I'm based in New Zealand. After a series of earthquakes, many of our insurance companies are nearly broke as it is (another CFS patient will probably be the 'straw that broke the camels back')!
 
Messages
51
I've been seen at these colleage before but the types of treatments never helped me to any great extent so I have given up. The people are usually nice and interested but it's hard to explain sometimes to more than one person at a time. I find my brain cannot concentrate very well like that. Also thing to watch out for is that sometimes the treatment rooms are noisy and cramped.

Thanks for sharing your experience and sorry to hear you've had limited success with these treatments.

I think I'll give them a go anyway since, at the very least, it gives me an excuse to get out of the house. I'll try not to get my hopes up though
 

Wayne

Senior Member
Messages
4,300
Location
Ashland, Oregon
However, at $10 per consultation I thought there isn't much to loose! Perhaps just some time and post-exertional fatigue!

I've found a local acupuncturist who does 3 sessions for $45, and have noticed more and more acupuncturists have similar rates for group settings. My own results are generally mixed, although I occasionally feel much better for a day or two following a session. Although the noticeable effects are usually temporary, I think the continual fine tuning is helping keep me afloat.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
I'm based in New Zealand. After a series of earthquakes, many of our insurance companies are nearly broke as it is (another CFS patient will probably be the 'straw that broke the camels back')!

Have you tried going to Dr Ros??? Vallings, the NZ ME/CFS specialist. I was going to go and see her when I was in NZ for a short time but never got there.
 
Messages
51
Have you tried going to Dr Ros??? Vallings, the NZ ME/CFS specialist. I was going to go and see her when I was in NZ for a short time but never got there.


Yes, thanks. She is an excellent diagnostic Doctor, though very traditional when it comes to treatment. I think her base treatment protocol is Amitriptyline, B12 injections, fish oil and a pinch of salt to boost blood pressure.

I have been on this protocol for about a year now (minus the Amitriptyline which caused bad postural hypotension). It's been helpful, but not nearly enough to get me across the line!

If you're ever in NZ again, you may want to also consider dropping by and visiting:
  • Dr Tim Ewer (Nelson)
  • Dr Bernard Willis (Auckland)
These doctors both take a special interest in CFS and practice alternative treatment options (such as IV).
Oh, and Dr Vallings has just written a book:
http://wellmecfs.wordpress.com/chro...diagnosis-management-by-dr-rosamund-vallings/
 
Messages
51
Have you tried going to Dr Ros??? Vallings, the NZ ME/CFS specialist. I was going to go and see her when I was in NZ for a short time but never got there.

Oh, and sorry to waffle on, but have you seen Dr Richard Schloeffel (in Aus)? I read this interview with him and thought it was promising:

http://www.mindfood.com/at-health-mind-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.seo

He seems to have a good treatment success rate, considers the underlying causes and specialises in under-25s

Thanks!