AboutTamsen Staniford, L.Ac. Expertise Please ask me about acupuncture and oriental medicine, nutrition, dietary supplements, and herbs. I am always happy to answer questions about how any of these areas relate to your health and well-being, specific conditions, or simply if you would like some information. I specialize in acupuncture for palliative care, acute injuries, chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, bone health, and western supplements.
Experience I am a licensed acupuncturist in the state of California and hold a Master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. This degree includes training for acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, exercise and bodywork. I have work for a decade in the natural products industry both at the retail and manufacturing levels. I have worked using acupuncture in private clinics, community clinic settings and in inpatient care facilities; including hospice and supportive housing residences. I currently practice in San Francisco in a private clinic, making house calls for home bound patients, and working on grant funded community acupuncture projects.
Education/Credentials Master's in Traditional Oriental Medicine, Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator, Reiki Practitioner.
Past/Present Clients Everyone from the stressed out worker, to the detoxing substance user, to the dying, to the new mother. Acupuncture can help them all.
Question I had back surgery Oct 08. Prior to surgery, I was a weight lifter, and occupation included lifting heavy item. I had suffered from a slight, occasional numbness in my thigh, however after surgery, 8 months later, by spine is healed (as shown in x-rays,etc.), but I cannot stand for longer than 5-7 minutes without my thigh getting a burning sensation followed by complete numbness. After sitting the circulation returns...I have been to several doctors who prescribed Gabapentin and now Lyrica. I do not wish to take meds or cortisone shots that may have side effects. I would rather go the natural route. Can any vitamins/ herbal supplements or acupuncture help cure this? Was diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica. I am sure it is not a weight problem, I do not wear tight clothes and have went through physical therapy after surgery....worried that this is a permanent condition and it will cause permanent nerve damage. Can you suggest any natural treatments?
Answer Nerve pain can be very difficult to control, either with conventional or natural medicines. I would not suggest going off your medications; rather, I would recommend using herbal medicine as an adjunct with a few goals in mind. First, help reduce inflammation directly of the nerve and of the surrounding tissue impinging the nerve. Second, relieving the pain. Third, easing any concerning side effects of the medication. Herbal medicine and acupuncture alone would not likely control the pain to your satisfaction.
If you chose to use acupuncture, the most promising option is electroacupuncture, which can help reduce nerve pain. Non-acupuncture electrostimulation (TENS for example) has also been shown to help change the body's response to nerve pain signals.
For both options you really need to work with a licensed acupuncturist (or whatever the equivalent certification in your state is) who has had rigorous oriental medicine training, a lot of clinical experience, and experience working with MDs in an integrative fashion. You want to make sure that both practitioners are working together to help you get the best results.
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I'm sorry, I didn't see that you were not currently taking the medication you were prescribed. This is the perfect opportunity then to start off with acupuncture and herbal medicine to see how well it may work on its own. It would be fantastic if it works well, and if not then you know that you have the pharmaceutical option if needed.
In the meantime, you could think about starting yourself on some anti-inflamatory herbs like turmeric (containing a high standardization of curcumin, the active ingredient) or Zyflamend (an herbal blend containing turmeric). The acupuncturist can also write you a tailored herbal prescription that will work best for your condition based on their examination and diagnosis.
