My roommate wanted to fall asleep. I gave him benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCl, first used for allergies such as itching with the side effect of drowsiness). Benadryl basically makes your body overwork itself, hence the drowsiness. He was skeptical and was wide awake hours and hours later.
I have an allergy medicine that comes in two forms, two different pills with the same ingredient/strength. They work the same for me. He tried one and said it didn't really work, I told him I had something a bit stronger when i'm feeling overwhelmed and he attested that it worked much better for him.
He also does the same thing with name brand and store brand acid reflex medicine. Same active ingredients, yet one works and one doesn't for him, because he believes one will and one won't. For all I know its the placebo effect working in both directions.
On-topic: I know a few people who have received acupuncture, and with someone else in this thread its a smorgasbord of reviews in every direction.
---------- Post added 2013-01-27 at 01:47 PM ----------
Chiropractic is referred to as not very effective? I have heard by many it works wonders, but along with acupuncture its all rather anecdotal. I figured it had at least some basis in moving the muscles/joints in a way similar to massaging (albeit usually less relaxing). This also makes me wonder about massages.
Its not really pseudo science. Sure it doesnt do what they actually claim but acupuncture has been proven to have pain relieving properties due to the adenosin getting released from the needles puncturing. The needles makes it a very localized area so ideal for regional pains. Though it doesn't last for long it can be coupled with other treatment.
To stimulate appetite its bullshit.
Last edited by Catta; 2013-01-27 at 02:01 PM. Reason: wrong chemical
"In life, I was raised to hate the undead. Trained to destroy them. When I became Forsaken, I hated myself most of all. But now I see it is the Alliance that fosters this malice. The human kingdoms shun their former brothers and sisters because we remind them what's lurking beneath the facade of flesh. It's time to end their cycle of hatred. The Alliance deserves to fall." - Lilian Voss
http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/arti...513#qundefined
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD0032...w-side-effects
http://images.dieutridau.com/thongti...re-does-it.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769056/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...29FF969.d04t01
TL;DR: Acupuncture can relieve chronic pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, but it is highly variable. My guess is that it works mainly through placebo and relieving of pain through other types of pain(like how people can resort to cutting themselves to relieve emotional pain).
Tbh, I'd rather slam my hand in a door than let someone stick a bunch of needles in me.
"In life, I was raised to hate the undead. Trained to destroy them. When I became Forsaken, I hated myself most of all. But now I see it is the Alliance that fosters this malice. The human kingdoms shun their former brothers and sisters because we remind them what's lurking beneath the facade of flesh. It's time to end their cycle of hatred. The Alliance deserves to fall." - Lilian Voss
The good thing with acupuncture being that they aren't many detrimental side effects i can think off barring someone who doesn't clean the needles.
---------- Post added 2013-01-27 at 04:24 PM ----------
Those who cut themselves do not only relieve emotional pain. A chemical pain relief happens as well.
"In life, I was raised to hate the undead. Trained to destroy them. When I became Forsaken, I hated myself most of all. But now I see it is the Alliance that fosters this malice. The human kingdoms shun their former brothers and sisters because we remind them what's lurking beneath the facade of flesh. It's time to end their cycle of hatred. The Alliance deserves to fall." - Lilian Voss
Chiropracty is dangerous also, its based on no scientific principle, its not regulated or controlled, you are essentially letting some amateur mess around with your spine.
Some studies show overr 50% of patients using chiropractors end up feeling worse than before the treatment, and a significant proportion end up with quantifiable adverse side effects, sometimes quite serious.
Steer clear of quacks, of which all chiropractors, acupunturists and homeopathy practioners fall into the category, and go to property medical professionals.
If you have problems that need medical attention go to a doctor and ask for a referral to a qualified physiotherapist.
---------- Post added 2013-01-27 at 08:25 PM ----------
It has absolutely zero basis in anything remotely scientific or medially proven. its pure quackery, and dangerous quackery at that. Do NOT let unqualified amatures mess around with your spine.
I have acupuncture treatments very frequently, due to my insurance company demanding them, but they haven't helped with my pains at all.
Wouldn't call it bahumbug tho.
Haha Only the biggest one in the country. Both my regular doctor and orthopedic doctor first suggested it to my insurance company, and then the insurance company told me to drag my ass in there. These are no butchers either, the orthopedic doc has treated some world class athletes successfully (f.ex. Beckham), one of the top of his field worldwide.
As much as YOU think they're not legitimate treatments, there are medical professionals who disagree with you.
Its scientificv fact (well as much as any body of evidence can be termed a fact), that actupuncture is not effective, and is dangerous in same cases (right up to punctured lungs and infections from needles beign left in or snapping off). Any decent medical practioner should know that, and I'd lodge complaints against any doctor who recommended it and report them to the relevant professional body. At worst they are incompetent and believe it, at best they are fobbing you off with a placebo.