My First Experience with Acupuncture

Last Wednesday evening I accepted an invitation to something called "Community Acupuncture" at a local salon. I had never tried acupuncture and I was very curious since I had heard so many positive things about it. I understand the theory because I practice acupressure and EFT so it all makes sense to me. Still, there's something about needles that is a little scary. And I was aware that "Community Acupuncture" meant that I would not be in a room by myself. What if I'm the only one who is Freaking Out!!  How embarrassing would THAT be??? Still, I'm happy to say that my curiosity won out.

I first checked that the person who was doing the acupuncture session was qualified to practice Chinese Medicine and I felt comfortable with what I learned about her. I arrived on time and the salon was beautiful. There were a couple of people peacefully enjoying their session, reclined, with their eyes closed. Chinese music played in the background. Ellie, the practitioner, introduced herself and led me to a room where she asked me about myself and what I would like to focus on. I rambled on about some digestive issues which started when I turned 50. We also talked about me being in the process of menopause and some of the symptoms associated with that including symptoms of insomnia that look like waking up at 4AM every morning in the spring and summer (??) and not going back to sleep (which incidentally leaves me quite wiped out). She took my pulse, checked my tongue and said that I have a liver and spleen chi difficiency. And then proceeded to invite me to make myself comfortable in the room with the other two patients. She placed a needle in my third eye (forehead), one on each earlobe, one in each wrist, one below each knee, two down each leg, and one in each foot. Going in, I only felt a slight "zing" but once the needles were in I felt practically nothing except for an immediate relaxation response which was very pleasant. After about 30-45 minutes of being very still and relaxed she removed the needles and encouraged me to pay attention to how I felt in the next week. Whew! I did not freak out!!

Interestingly enough my symptoms have improved with just one session and I have returned for another session last night. Again it went well so I will be continuing to go for at least 6 weeks. This week I haven't been doing my usual "wake up at 4AM for no known reason and then can't get back to sleep" ritual! That in itself is a blessing!!

I will continue to keep posting about my results.