What's The Strangest Thing You've Tried That Has Helped Your AS?
There are so many different tips and tricks out there to help manage AS. But a lot of them are pretty similar - stretching, eating healthy, bathing etc.
I was wondering if anybody had tried something very niche and not spoken about so much that has helped them and their condition.
The most 'out there' thing that has worked for me is Moxibustion - an ancient Chinese therapy technique where herbs are burnt in an attempt to 'smoke out' the pain.
I discovered it whilst working in China and experiencing a flare up. A Chinese co-worker suggested it to me and gifted me a full moxibustion kit. It's essentially a belt with compartments in that you put the burning herb pods inside and tie back up. You then wrap the belt around the affected area and let it burn away.
I didn't have any high hopes for it, but to my surprise it actually did relieve a lot of my pain and the smell of it was very calming and relaxing too!
It isn't something I do all the time, but I do enjoy doing it every once in a while to mix things up if I need some pain relief.
What is the most unusual thing that you have tried that has helped your condition?
I normally have bad lower back pain if I stand a bit longer. What I do is to squeeze the pelvic floor muscle gently and secretly and imagine the energy running smoothly from down end along the spine to the crown. After 5 minutes, my pain usually can go away.
A doctor specialised in Chinese medicine told me the method. It's the Chinese medical theory about meridian. There is a major one running from belly button down to back end and go up along the spine to the top of the head, which rules the back. Any part of the back paid is due to the weak energy about this major meridian route. It is said if there is a pain, there is a block. So if we could make the energy flow smoothly, the paid would be diminished.
Believe or not, it works for me. I wonder if it works for any others?Hi
,
That sounds really interesting and I'm so glad that you have found it works so well for you!
I have heard a bit about this meridian theory from when I was living in China - I really wish I learned more about it when I was there now!
I'll definitely do a bit of research into it and see if I can use it to help with my pain.
Thanks for the suggestion,
James (Community Member)would like to know how's it going with you. Please keep me updated.
Curcuma longa and astragalus
I'll have to look those up, thanks for sharing! I also regularly put turmeric in my meals!
Acupuncture has been very effective for me!!! I go every 3 weeks and also on Chinese herbs.
Hi
,
So glad to hear that you have benefitted from acupuncture! I had a few sessions of that myself but it was always with a different person and I found how helpful it was really depended on who was doing it!
What kind of Chinese herbs do you take?
Best wishes,
James (Community Member)
