Can Acupuncture Help Our Elderly?

Last week, we compared the cost of acupuncture to the cost of Western medicine and touched upon the massive costs of Western prescription drugs for the average American. No part of the population has been hit harder by the rising costs of prescription medications than the elderly.

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

A common question for those considering acupuncture treatment for the first time is to ask, “How much does acupuncture cost — especially in relation to Western medicine?”

It’s a question that can be answered on a number of different levels. My thoughts immediately go to quality of life for those who aren’t finding relief using our society’s default approach to medicine. In our culture, we pop pills, treat symptoms (rather than root causes) and if things get really bad, have surgery. But if you’re still suffering through daily experiences with pain, low energy, emotional distress or a million other nagging conditions, what’s the cost of that? What do you miss when you’re always sick or weak … or are distracted by pain or symptoms? How many side effects do you have to deal with from prescription mediations before looking for a better way? How much do you have to struggle before you’re worth the cost of a better life? To me, the real “cost” is in not seeking natural and effective treatment methods to have a healthy body and well being.

Testimonial: There Is Hope For Meniere’s

“Six years ago I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Menieres is known as an inner ear disorder that causes a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, tinnitus/ringing in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss, and episodes of vertigo/spinning. Unfortunately, the origin of Meniere’s disease is presently unfounded and for that reason, I was faced with many variables and ‘what ifs’ in the scope of coping with this disorder or the hopes of ever getting better and being ‘attack’ free.”

The Mystery of Meniere’s Disease

Recently, a woman came into my office who had been struggling with headaches, vertigo, nausea and balance. Her ears frequently filled up with fluid. Her general practitioner had diagnosed her with Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes these symptoms. She was taking antihistamines like candy, and it was still not helping her. Her doctor told her that her only options were surgery and ear injections. But with surgery, the results weren’t guaranteed. And with injections, there was a chance she would lose her hearing.