Acupuncture

Not a long shot at all Abrn. I had acupuncture for a year and, although there's no way of being certain because I don't know what would've happened had I not, I'm convinced it helped; as were the people in the group who I went with. I don't think it's scientifically proven and it may even be psychosomatic but anecdotally there's lots of evidence that it helps, and for sure our highly qualified practitioner believed in it totally.

Effect varied from person to person but we all felt it was worthwhile. Good luck with it.

Hi Abrn

Several people have had acupuncture and I'm sure they'll be along to advise soon.

I remember Beesuit mentioned Auricular Acupuncture specifically for xerostomia.

Linda x

Hi.

Yeah I  remember that. 

I'm going next Wednesday and looking forward to it.

They asked when my treatment finished which was October. 

I'm feeling very hopeful as the spray and everything else is ok only if you have them in your hands constantly. 

Not any good if you're at gym or even work 

Hi 

i had acupuncture last year and the start of this year for dry mouth lack of saliva .i honestly do think  it helped to kickstart my saliva which I would say is now 90% in fact I can eat a packet of plain ready salted crisps now in about 20 mins result I would say !

like my acupuncturist said you have to go with an open mind and willing for it to work  if you are  skeptical like she says you will blocking the energy channels .

good luck and please repost back , on my blog I have pictures if my needles going in plus I also had then in my index finger tops.

Hazel xx

Well now 

I am a complete disbeliever! 
Before all this started I might just have maybe given the sense behind acupuncture a fleeting consideration. 
As for homeopathy...... please! Give me a break! 

However

I talked to Hazel RadioactiveRaz who tried it and after bravely posting a photo of her be-needled face on her blog and pronouncing that maybe there was something in it I decided to look for a practitioner. 
it’s quite difficult to find somebody who understands the protocol as most therapists tend to concentrate on pain relief and sports injuries. 
I found a lady who knew exactly what I was talking about and proceeded to put needles in my ears and index fingers. 
I was surprised as I had geared myself up for having lots of needles delivered all over my face. I didn’t say anything and fully expected to not return 

But blow me down!!!!! By the time she had finished my nose was dripping and by the time I got back to the car my mouth was full of saliva. 
Improvement  has continued but like  MikeO it may be coincidental. 
I did some research on the back of my experience and there is a technique called Auricular Acupuncture which has had much research into it’s efficacy on xerostomia. 
The jury is still out but there is much anecdotal evidence. 
The good thing about it is that the points are easily taught and a lay person with no other training can administer the treatment. 

Hi Dani

Glad I converted you lol .ps the jars if honey were payment well received !

If you  can find an acupuncturist I say give it a try 

Hazel x

We are definitely going to give it a try after the recommendations from Beesuit and RadioactiveRaz.

Ive not searched to see if there is a practitioner in the North East but I’m sure there will be.

I had this as one of my many questions at Ken’s first consultant appointment since finishing treatment. I didn’t actually get to ask it as it was very clear the 6 people in the room just wanted rid of us as they were running 2 hours late. I was very disappointed with that consultation. As an aside, my breast cancer care team seem a lot more engaged and interested than Ken’s H&N cancer team!

However I purposefully had my notebook open and in full view and the nurse noticed the question on acupuncture and briefly mentioned it. The consultants then stated it was too soon to consider that as Ken’s saliva may come back to a satisfactory level by itself. I wanted to ask about the NHS funding 6 complimentary therapies but I’ll wait till next time and push that.

Even if the NHS won’t fund it, it is definitely something Ken will be trying as the saliva issue is one of the things that is getting him down. The other being the huge damage to his tongue that still hasn’t repaired 8 weeks post treatment which is making eating very difficult.

Onwards and upwards though!

HiyA

Give the acupuncture a go, I had it a few years ago to treat a judo injury. The most amazing feeling and results,hospital said surgery in 6 months with limited use of arm, therapist 6weeks back fighting and no probs since

There's something In it, innit.

I've a friend who has "crippled" herself playing hockey.  She has acupuncture and swears by it; so-much-so that she is representing England in the veterans in South Africa this summer.  I've been talking to her about it should I need it for pain and she has been very positive about the effects.  Worth as go!

It certainly is Peter, it's not a "faith" cure it does actually work.my doc stopped my pain killers and used accupuncture. I would float on air after it

Of course please be advised that you may still need to take a pain killer if prescribed. All depends on the individual

Paul