Acupuncture — Ahhhhh
When the acupuncture needle goes into the sore spot in the back of your neck, and it quivers like Jello briefly, and you feel as if a bolt of lightning just flashed through you, it means, according to my acupuncturist, two things.
- I was in a great deal of pain.
- He hit the right spot.
And, just for the record, by the way, the needles do not hurt. Acupuncture actually feels relaxing, and almost euphoric. The needles are not pointed and sharp. They go in easily into specified acupressure points that almost seem as if they were made for just a thing. All 2,000 of those acupressure points on your body. First, let me say that my acupuncturist is highly trained — and a medical doctor. Don’t bother with anyone less qualified. And acupuncture is covered by my medical insurance — probably yours too.
The acupuncture spots on my shoulder and back had similar reactions to the quivering on my neck — but that’s more common. Highly unusual, he said, to see a neck react so dramatically. However, I’m not out of the woods yet. For one, I’m a little sore from the release. And two, since I will be out of town, at the lake for a month, I won’t be able to come back for a follow-up. The body, will want to go back to this “tight” state for awhile. So, he still recommended steroids. I filled the prescription, but have not taken them yet — but it’s still early in the day …
Heat, he says, not cold — as that will tighten everything up again.
I spent exactly five hours in Doctors offices today — that includes the time, most of it, in waiting rooms. My husband told me I looked so relaxed when I got home. I said, “Maybe, it’s because I got to sit down and read magazines all day and not chase four boys.” I have never spent so much time on myself, since I had children, 11 years ago.
The MRI took the most time — waiting for the insurance authorization. I know it will show nothing unusual — the doctor just wanted to run it as a precaution. (’ll let you know.) He’s pretty sure it’s just a pinched nerve. And, can I say, that an MRI can be quite a meditiative experience — if you let it. Yes, it kind of freaked me out at first to be closed in — but then I realized, I couldn’t get out — no one would make me get up and get them water, change a diaper, or pour milk for exactly 25 minutes. So I used the time to consult with my guides. Other than not being able to swallow, the experience was very Zen.
Why, or how could acupuncture feel relaxing? I’m not sure, but the main reason may have to do with the idea that dis-ease is created by blocked energy in the body. Acupuncture releases the energy, and balances the systems of the body. You’d be surprised the types of medical conditions acupuncture can be used to treat. I was treated once for a very large ovarian cyst, which completely disappeared over night. My OB went back to the lab to find out if there was some mistake with the ultrasounds. There wasn’t.
Acupuncture can also treat allergies, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.
Related posts:
Susie- glad you felt some relief from the acupuncture. However, there are many highly trained and qualified people who do acupuncture that are not doctors and I would not discount going to any acupuncturist because they are not doctors. All of my acupuncturists that I have ever gone to over these last 25 years or so have been wonderful and none of them have been doctors.
I think for most symptoms like you have, having worked on many people over the years with very similar complications,is that time and relaxation and rest are key. And sometimes also a change in lifestyle. I know that’s hard because you have very active little boys, but even so, maybe there could be things you could do, even just litttle things.
Acupuncture is great, so is massage and so is craniosacral therapy, which I practice as well. CST helps with a lot of soft tissue problems and also could be another tool in your drawer!
I do hope you start feeling better and better and who knows- the time up at the lake may be just what you need!
xo
Regina — I wish you lived close — I’d be a client for Crainial Sacral. And yes, very little time to rest.
And good point about the non-doctor acupuncturist. But that said, you still must be careful and check credentials.
Absolutely- no question about checking credentials and also, in FL, acupuncturists are known as acupuncture physicians. That may not be the case in every state but here, they go through a pretty rigorous schooling and licensing system.
Susie- I wish we lived closer too! I’d have you up and going in no time!
xo
LOVE acupuncture for the sole reason that you have to lay on the table completely still for a long period time. I find myself tired some days and looking for a reason to lay flat. Seems like taking a nap would be too logical, but if I can get acupuncture, I have a great excuse for laying down. Gee, I’m stupid for paying $60 to lay quietly!
I went to a traditional chinese medicine doctor, and his accupuncture HURT LIKE HECK!