Accupuncture vs Massage Therapy

I've done both, my husband accupuncture.

Accupuncture for different reasons over the years. It was helpful in calming my fibro cystic breasts, promoting better digestion, dealing with pregnancy related back problems, tinnitus, and aiding a sore shoulder. It had some unexpected fringe benefits- clearer skin, improved energy, improved sleep, improved mental accuity, and improved patience (these things are hard to quantify, but believe me, all true).

Hubs went for smoking cessation and de-tox. He said it also promoted a sense of calm for him, improved his joints. Another thing it cured him of was wincing like a little girl when getting into the ocean. He isn't overcome by the cold of it anymore. The accupuncurist said it had something to do with balancing his heat.

I enjoy the massage, but find the accupuncture longer lasting. Needles hurt a pinch at best.

Best,
F. B.

This may sound crazy, but for a college paper I had to attend a different religious ceremony. So a class mate and I went to a Budhist temple. OMG, I felt like a wet noodle coming out of there, so relaxed it was actually better than a massage. It was a chanting session, we took it very seriously and we were very respectful. It was the coolest thing I have ever done. I would love to go back. For stress, that worked for me and her.

Accupunture, needle less for my 5 year old. Did wonders with his ADHD. he said that it made him feel calm, and he liked going. We noticed a huge difference as well. Things just got easier. I felt like we were not going agianst the grain with him 100% of the time.

Good luck

I truly love and need my massages. I think they really help me with stress and my migraines. In fact, I am trying to get an appointment for tomorrow. I have never tried acupunture, but have always wanted to try it atleast once. I am interested in reading the responses.

HMD to you also!

Over the years, I 've done about 50 sessions of Acupuncture, enough to know if it worked for me or not... AND.. looking back, I think the massage, for which I have also had a lot of, worked much better.. In fact, I went to Acupuncture for anxiety and although I felt calm to some degree, I always felt much better after the massage.. Does it hurt you ask.. it depends on the needles they use.. IF they use the fine Japanese needles (which are more expensive and thus, the reason they avoid using them) then I found it to be seamless, LESS.... when once the needles are in and they kinda jiggle them around to get the CHI flowing.. :) the other needles, although still fine, don't hurt in as much as depending upon the area that they are administering to (like say around the ankle area) then those areas can be tender... overall, I don't think it ever hurt, but was a slight discomfort here and there, nothing to fear though.. well in my opinion..

what's really helped me with anxiety has been the massage AND.. some light meditation.. oh it needn't be some OM session for hours in a cave :) just taking 5 to 10 minutes out of your busy day to calm the mind... I also do this right before I get up in the morning or during my morning cup of coffee... I just sit quietly and breathe and actually take that time to remember all the things I thankful for.. (that's just my ritual)

Acupuncture can get expensive, however if you have insurance that is willing to pay and a provider who will accept, then I would try it.. if not, I personally don't think for the amount of sessions it takes to feel the difference is worth the cost, when massage is more effective..

why did I personally go so many times?? I was just young and naive and kept thinking, oh this is eventually going to work.. it does have it's merits as some will suggest to you... and while I like alternative means.. if money is an issue.. then stick with the massage and meditation..

good luck

I love an occasional massage, but acupuncture helped me avoid nausea and fatigue during my radiation treatments when I had breast cancer. It also fixed both the arthritis in my knee AND my tennis elbow (like TOTALLY fixed it). It helped with weight loss. I absolutely loved going. I felt so relaxed and calm afterwards. It didn't hurt at all. Luckily, my insurance covers acupuncture, so I took full advantage of that. It was fantastic and a lot cheaper than knee surgery!

I have two different friends, who both swear acupuncture helped them get pregnant after NOTHING ELSE WORKED.

Each person is different and how it has helped them or not.
Each person has a different experience with it, just like with massage.
I have had acupuncture. It helped me. It was for bad morning sickness that I had with both my pregnancies.
It does not hurt.
It is relaxing.

I personally don't like massages.

Just try acupuncture. That is the only way to see if you like it or if it helps you or not.
But go to a good one.

I LOVE getting massages. The idea of being poked with needles does not appeal to me. I suppose if/when I am in severe enough pain I will be willing to try it, but until then I'm not doing it. Massages are enjoyable. While I have heard people say that acupuncture works, I have never heard anyone say that they enjoyed it.

I started acupuncture after I got some pretty bad whiplash in a car accident and it's amazing. It doesn't hurt like you think it would-the needle is so tiny. There might be a dull ache when they hit the 'chi' but it's a good kind of pain and doesn't really last long. It's amazing and has helped me with my whiplash significantly. It also helped me finally go into labor with my firstborn after 10 days late. Most places have a combined acu/massage deal and if you do that, have the acupuncture first and then the massage. It's the BEST of both worlds!