Carnival Acupunture

[cruiseonthebrain]

I had my first dry needle session today. It was a little unnerving but I think it helped. I see Carnival offers acupuncture on our cruise in a few weeks. I have not been impressed by Carnival's spa services in the past, but I am obviously going to be in a bind since my physical therapist and pain management doctor won't be cruising with me.

 

Has anyone done acupuncture on Carnival for sciatic pain and what did you think?

[Karlou]

I'm not sure how they are for sciatic pain. I have the impression they "specialize" in motion sickness. A trained acupuncturist should be able to do it all, though.

I have had treatment for migraines and I feel as though I need another round. [emoji12]

I would be curious to know someone else's experience as well.

[cruiseonthebrain]

I'm not sure how they are for sciatic pain. I have the impression they "specialize" in motion sickness. A trained acupuncturist should be able to do it all, though.

I have had treatment for migraines and I feel as though I need another round. [emoji12]

I would be curious to know someone else's experience as well.

 

Thank you so much for sharing this!! Your answer makes a lot of sense- I really could not figure out why they would use acupuncture for pain on a cruise and not other "safer/more trusted" methods of pain relief. I think I was just hoping and wishing that I may be able to move around in 2 weeks.

[cb at sea]

I doubt it's anything that will hurt you, but I wouldn't expect it to help much, either....If you really need pain relief, try a pain specialist...they can do a therapeutic epidural...sure helped my son!!!

Edited December 31, 2015 by cb at sea

[Pesh]

I don't think they do acupuncture on-board for actual medical issues. IIRC, they offer acupuncture for "lighter" things like fat loss and motion sickness. I don't think their acupuncturists are able to treat actual medical conditions. I could be wrong, but makes sense if you think about it.

[cruiseonthebrain]

I doubt it's anything that will hurt you, but I wouldn't expect it to help much, either....If you really need pain relief, try a pain specialist...they can do a therapeutic epidural...sure helped my son!!!

 

Surprisingly the epidural series did not help me, but, so far, the dry needling has. I saw "acupuncture" on the spa list and got excited. But it really does sound like it is more for sea sickness.

[Karlou]

Surprisingly the epidural series did not help me, but, so far, the dry needling has. I saw "acupuncture" on the spa list and got excited. But it really does sound like it is more for sea sickness.

 

 

Acupuncture gave my husband relief from sciatic pain. He goes for a few sessions when it flares up again. Perhaps you could get your treatments at home right up to your departure and it will be enough to hold you until you get home again. It wouldn't hurt to ask at the spa, though.

By the way....a lot of people are sceptical about acupuncture and I was, too, until I discovered that it really did help my migraines. I go for a "refreshment" every couple of years when I start to feel the symptoms again.

[cruiseonthebrain]

Acupuncture gave my husband relief from sciatic pain. He goes for a few sessions when it flares up again. Perhaps you could get your treatments at home right up to your departure and it will be enough to hold you until you get home again. It wouldn't hurt to ask at the spa, though.

By the way....a lot of people are sceptical about acupuncture and I was, too, until I discovered that it really did help my migraines. I go for a "refreshment" every couple of years when I start to feel the symptoms again.

 

Good advice! I was really skeptical too. But I have been in so much pain that I was literally willing to try almost anything. I was so disappointed that the shots did not help. But the dry needling has been amazing. How long did relief last between sessions for your husband? How many sessions did he have before he had long lasting relief? I know it will be different for everyone but I am crossing my fingers and hoping and praying right now.

 

I think I am going to take your advice and schedule a few more sessions before the cruise and maybe e-mail and ask a few questions of Carnival before hand. Thank you!

[balcony bound]

When we cruised on the Sunshine in November, I noticed that the list of acupuncture treatments was quite extensive. At the time, DH was suffering from a frozen shoulder, and treatment for that condition was on the list. I don't remember the others specifically, but based on what I remember from the list they should be able to accommodate you.

[cruiseonthebrain]

When we cruised on the Sunshine in November, I noticed that the list of acupuncture treatments was quite extensive. At the time, DH was suffering from a frozen shoulder, and treatment for that condition was on the list. I don't remember the others specifically, but based on what I remember from the list they should be able to accommodate you.

 

Great to know! Did your husband get the treatment?

[dizkid]

From Carnival's FAQ page:

 

"Acupuncture ($)

We offer acupuncture for those with health concerns (back pain, arthritis, digestive orders and more) or searching for a different way to relax. It is administered by our onboard, licensed acupuncturist. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. May not be offered on all ships.

 

From the Cloud 9 PDF online:

"ACUPUNCTURE, the Point of Well-Being Practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing alternative therapies and is often used to complement and enhance the benefits of traditional medicine. Our on board acupuncturist is certified to safely and effectively treat a variety of conditions, and can help alleviate your symptoms. Package pricing available. See the on board acupuncturist for more information.

Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms of the following conditions: Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Bone Pain, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Cold / Flu, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Gastritis, GERDs, Headaches, IBS, Insomnia, Joint Pain, Nerve Pain, Rhinitis, Sciatica, Sea Sickness, Sinusitis, Smoking Cessation, TMJ, Weight Issues, and more.

First Acupuncture Session / 50 minutes ..................................................................................... Additional Session / up to 45 minutes

First Facial Rejuvenation Session / 75 minutes ......................................................................... Additional Session / up to 60 minutes

Edited December 31, 2015 by dizkid

[balcony bound]

Great to know! Did your husband get the treatment?

 

No, he didn't. He isn't opposed to acupuncture at all, but I think the timing was bad for us when we realized they could treat him. He did get successful treatment soon after the cruise though!

[riffatsea]

I am not sure why they have acupuncturists at the spa area instead of in the medical area near the doctor?

Of course a trained acupuncturist can treat medical conditions since that is what Chinese medicine is for where acupuncture comes from!

I go regularly at home but have not used the people on the ship as I have felt OK on board.

If my knee started acting up and I was in pain I'd go quickly to get relief. Sciatica is something that needs more than 1 treatment to make it feel better so if your doc at home says to try it on board I'd make 1 appt. to see how it goes. It is true they won't have your whole medical record but they should still know how to help.

[cruiseonthebrain]

From Carnival's FAQ page:

 

"Acupuncture ($)

We offer acupuncture for those with health concerns (back pain, arthritis, digestive orders and more) or searching for a different way to relax. It is administered by our onboard, licensed acupuncturist. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. May not be offered on all ships.

 

From the Cloud 9 PDF online:

"ACUPUNCTURE, the Point of Well-Being Practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing alternative therapies and is often used to complement and enhance the benefits of traditional medicine. Our on board acupuncturist is certified to safely and effectively treat a variety of conditions, and can help alleviate your symptoms. Package pricing available. See the on board acupuncturist for more information.

Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate symptoms of the following conditions: Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Bone Pain, Crohn’s Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Cold / Flu, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Gastritis, GERDs, Headaches, IBS, Insomnia, Joint Pain, Nerve Pain, Rhinitis, Sciatica, Sea Sickness, Sinusitis, Smoking Cessation, TMJ, Weight Issues, and more.

First Acupuncture Session / 50 minutes ..................................................................................... Additional Session / up to 45 minutes

First Facial Rejuvenation Session / 75 minutes ......................................................................... Additional Session / up to 60 minutes

Thank you dizkid- you rock!!!

[cruiseonthebrain]

No, he didn't. He isn't opposed to acupuncture at all, but I think the timing was bad for us when we realized they could treat him. He did get successful treatment soon after the cruise though!

 

I hope it worked and he is feeling better. I love your cruise critic name!

[cruiseonthebrain]

I am not sure why they have acupuncturists at the spa area instead of in the medical area near the doctor?

Of course a trained acupuncturist can treat medical conditions since that is what Chinese medicine is for where acupuncture comes from!

I go regularly at home but have not used the people on the ship as I have felt OK on board.

If my knee started acting up and I was in pain I'd go quickly to get relief. Sciatica is something that needs more than 1 treatment to make it feel better so if your doc at home says to try it on board I'd make 1 appt. to see how it goes. It is true they won't have your whole medical record but they should still know how to help.

 

Thank you for the sciatica information. I think it's a bit ironic medical/ pain management options may be more available to me on a Carnival ship than they are at home:-)

[FloridaGram]

Thank you so much for sharing this!! Your answer makes a lot of sense- I really could not figure out why they would use acupuncture for pain on a cruise and not other "safer/more trusted" methods of pain relief. I think I was just hoping and wishing that I may be able to move around in 2 weeks.

 

This is not so, they can treat anything. I was on a Carnival cruise last fall and had terrible knee pain. I had had a meniscus tear repair in August but the muscle pain never went away. I found out that my nerves had been sending the signal so long for the pain that they never "reset" after the surgery. I had one acupuncture treatment and the pain went away! I had signed up for several because it was cheaper that way. I got the rest but the first one did the trick!

 

The girl who did it was actually a doctor from China who was working on the ship to learn English better. But she worked as an acupuncturist, not an MD, because she was not licensed to work outside China.

 

I would highly recommend you do it if the person doing it is from China. I am not sure about any other nationality.

[welshcorgie]

I am going to book my son for acupuncture for his crohns as soon as we board. He is uncontrolled and the pain meds aren't working very well. He does go to a pain clinic. He is willing to try it on the cruise. Anyone else had it for crohns control? Oh, the meds for crohn's other than pain meds don't work for him either and he has tried everything. We are grasping at straws, hoping for a miracle. Say a prayer that this works.

Edited January 1, 2016 by welshcorgie

[cruiseonthebrain]

This is not so, they can treat anything. I was on a Carnival cruise last fall and had terrible knee pain. I had had a meniscus tear repair in August but the muscle pain never went away. I found out that my nerves had been sending the signal so long for the pain that they never "reset" after the surgery. I had one acupuncture treatment and the pain went away! I had signed up for several because it was cheaper that way. I got the rest but the first one did the trick!

 

The girl who did it was actually a doctor from China who was working on the ship to learn English better. But she worked as an acupuncturist, not an MD, because she was not licensed to work outside China.

 

I would highly recommend you do it if the person doing it is from China. I am not sure about any other nationality.

Thank you- I am definately going to check as soon as I am onboard if not sooner!!! This could be my saving grace for cruising!

[cruiseonthebrain]

I am going to book my son for acupuncture for his crohns as soon as we board. He is uncontrolled and the pain meds aren't working very well. He does go to a pain clinic. He is willing to try it on the cruise. Anyone else had it for crohns control? Oh, the meds for crohn's other than pain meds don't work for him either and he has tried everything. We are grasping at straws, hoping for a miracle. Say a prayer that this works.

 

My heart goes out for your son. Crohns is miserable. Please let me know if acupuncture helps!

[riffatsea]

@Cruiseonthebrain.

Where do you live?? I am asking because here in California there are many acupuncturists available and I know there are others in many states.

I am well informed about these things as my son practices Chinese medicine and has 2 clinics here in San Diego. He has colleagues in many other states.

@welshcorgie

Any condition, like Crohns, where the patient has had it for a while , takes more than 1 treatment like sciatica.

IF there is a new injury , like you've just pulled a muscle and are in pain, then the acupuncture works right away ! I hope your son finds something that works for him!

[cruiseonthebrain]

@Cruiseonthebrain.

Where do you live?? I am asking because here in California there are many acupuncturists available and I know there are others in many states.

I am well informed about these things as my son practices Chinese medicine and has 2 clinics here in San Diego. He has colleagues in many other states.

@welshcorgie

Any condition, like Crohns, where the patient has had it for a while , takes more than 1 treatment like sciatica.

IF there is a new injury , like you've just pulled a muscle and are in pain, then the acupuncture works right away ! I hope your son finds something that works for him!

 

I miss living in SoCal so much!!!!! We are in the Charleston SC area. Any info much appreciated!!!

[welshcorgie]

Thanks! I will let you know.

Edited January 1, 2016 by welshcorgie

[welshcorgie]

@Cruiseonthebrain.

Where do you live?? I am asking because here in California there are many acupuncturists available and I know there are others in many states.

I am well informed about these things as my son practices Chinese medicine and has 2 clinics here in San Diego. He has colleagues in many other states.

@welshcorgie

Any condition, like Crohns, where the patient has had it for a while , takes more than 1 treatment like sciatica.

IF there is a new injury , like you've just pulled a muscle and are in pain, then the acupuncture works right away ! I hope your son finds something that works for him!

My son is 30 yrs old and has had it since 15 yrs old. He has no colon left. If he can have any positive results at all with it I will be extremely thankful. We live on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border an hour north of the Twin Cities so if you know of anyone that has worked with Crohn's patients please let me know. I am an RN. Medically he has tried everything and also experimental drugs. This would be a godsend!

Edited January 1, 2016 by welshcorgie

[riffatsea]

DS(dear son) is spending the the weekend in NYC so will ask when he returns on Monday.

I wish this site had private messaging. IF you guys use Trip Advisor you will find me on the San Diego forum as Riff.

Edited January 1, 2016 by riffatsea