Acupuncture/tremor

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Expert: - 1/3/2010


Question
I have a familial tremor in my left hand. It is difficult to write neatly and my hand becomes sore from trying to grip the pen to stop the shakiness in my penmanship.  Would acupuncture help me with this? My doctor gave me a medication that helps the tremor but I don't like the way it makes me feel.

Answer
Ruth,

I have treated a couple of cases of familial tremor and honestly I did not get good results.  I believe there are a few reasons for this, including my lack of experience with the condition and lack of patient compliance with herbal and nutritional recommendations.  Both of the cases I treated also desired to be free of the medication they were taking for the exact reason you are.

I do believe there is hope for you however.  While consulting colleagues and researching information on the condition for my cases, I came across many examples of and many practitioners who had success of varying degrees in treating familial tremor.

My suggestion is to find an experienced acupuncturist and be willing to take the time and put the effort into the herbal, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations they make.  At the same time, keep working with your doctor to help you get better results from medications you are taking while minimizing the side effects, and let your doctor know you are working with the acupuncturist to help you manage the tremor.

I with you the best.

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Tamsen 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.

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