I've been suffering with OCD for almost 30 years. Although I do have compulsions, I have learned successful behavioral techniques to keep the compulsions under control. It's the obsessive thoughts that really cause the majority of my anxiety and despair. I was on medication for 11 years and have been primarily medication-free since June 2001. Occasionally I use Klonopin when I'm experiencing major anxiety.

This past July I decided to go back on meds. The first night I took the medication I had a bad reaction--both an increase in obsessive thoughts and anxiety, and confusion, lethargy, etc. After that first day I decided I did not want to be on the meds so I didn't take it that second night. I talked with my therapist about alternative medicine. She recommended that I try acupuncture and chinese medicine. I had never heard of acupuncture being used to treat anxiety or emotional issues. After an initial assessment by the acupuncturist (in the form of an interview) she determined that the root cause of my obsessive thoughts is fear and created a treatment plan for me. The plan consists of 6 treatments and then maintenance appointments after that for an undetermined amount of time.

I go to my 5th treatment tomorrow. I am pleased to announce that today I am experiencing my 7th DAY OF NO OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS!!! I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels to just live my life and only worry about normal, day-to-day things. I'm not sure if this clarity and peace of mind will last forever but at this point, I'm just so happy to know that it is possible to feel "normal" again. In addition to acupuncture I've been taking chinese herbs, doing this program, and going to therapy. I'm sure that all of these things collectively are contributing to my success.

I realize that acupunture might not be a desirable or realistic option for many people, but I wanted to spread the word so that people can consider it as a treatment option. I was very skeptical before I began the procedures but figured it couldn't hurt to try. I'm posting here because I wanted to give hope to others who suffer from this extremely painful disorder. Don't ever give up hope. Good luck to all of you!

It's so encouraging to read stories like yours, it really gives me fresh hope. My doctor suggested that I try acupuncture for my anxiety and migraines. He brought me pamplets and told me how much it helped him with various health issues. Its great hearing that you were treated and it was successful. It's great to have options. Thank you for sharing and stay well!!

I am doing acuputure for anxeity and it is a slow process but I am starting to see some results. I have had 3 treatments and I have not had a panic attack at least a major one. I really don't know much about it but I prefer this over medication. I think anyone who is afraid to try meds like me this can be another option. There are no side effects and it works like a meds it is accumulative so be patient.