 |
| pic from google images |
But it didn’t hurt, and I paid for it, and there weren’t any actual knives involved. Ok so I didn’t really get stabbed but I did have about 9 really sharp needles inserted into my body. This past Saturday I had my first experience with acupuncture. My cousin had been before me and assured me that the needles did not hurt. I had heard good things about acupuncture and its benefits in controlling pain and anxiety. I had also heard it could be beneficial for weight loss. So of course I was intrigued.
I had to fill out some forms including what I hoped to treat with acupuncture. I listed Weight loss Anxiety/Stress, and my right ankle in that order. Before the stabbing, I mean treatment, began the acupuncturist went over my forms. We talked mostly about my diet and how acupuncture could assist me with losing weight if I had a healthy diet and exercised but could not make me lose weight by itself, duh… The acupuncturist drew a diagram of a plate with the biggest section made up of veggies, the smallest section being made of meat and fats and the middle sized portion representing whole grains. The lesson: everyone, holistic and western medicine, is on the same page when it comes to eating right.
After going over the forms and talking more about my diet, stress and how I hurt my ankle I was lead to the room where I’d be repeatedly stabbed with little tiny knives, I mean receive acupuncture therapy. It was very serene and spa like with cool green hues and the beds with the pillows placed just where you need them, under your knees and neck.
I laid on the bed, shoes and socks off, pants’ legs rolled up and arms exposed in my tank top for easy access to all of my pin cushiony parts. I tried to relax and deep breath but my palms keep sweating in preparation of the first needle.
Right smack in my forehead it went. No pain at all. I could only feel it when he moved it. It kind of felt like a hair being moved on my forehead, until he pushed it in a little more until I could feel pressure. About two minutes later I was a human pincushion with one needle in my forehead, one in each forearm, and three in each of my lower legs. Then I rested.
I laid with the needles in me for 20 minutes or so. I tried to relax but my mind wandered quite a bit. Then I started to really feel my body. I mean I could feel the actual weight of my bra on my chest. I have never noticed that before. It was quite heavy. I started to freak out and then realized sticking a bunch of needles in your skin could make you a little more self aware.
Before I knew it time was up. The needles were removed and it was time to pay. Afterward I did feel kind of sleepy. The therapist said he’d given me a treatment that would make me a little “loopy”. He also said he chose spots for the needles that would help me relax, boost my metabolism, and decrease my sugar cravings. Later that day, I forgot I was supposed to have less sugar cravings as I bought some candy. I guess I need a few more treatments. Lol
Over all I had a great experience with the acupuncture. I know that any result from the treatment happens over several treatments. I will be going back a few times to see how it works for me so stay tuned.
Have you ever done anything out of the norm, controversial, or even painful in an effort to have a more Joyful life in the long run? Or, am I the only one who is willing to get stabbed while Chasing Joy.
This is interesting. I received PT treatments for my tennis elbow earlier this year. When I told someone about the iontophoresis treatments I received. They told me the two stick-on electrodes I received was actually a form of acupuncture. In the long run it really worked. I am curious to learn what you ultimately thought of your treatments?
I think we are mentally linked because I have been thinking a lot about holistic medicine!
I've never tried acupuncture myself but as a nurse I've always been curious about it. Was it easy to relax with the needles all over? I never realized they left them in place. Good for you for trying something new to better yourself!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
Wow! I'm so impressed with you right now. I'm a little scared of acupuncture, I won't lie. But the way you describe it makes it sound almost doable. I will be staying tuned to see how everything turns out.
Stopping by and following from Thoughtful Thursday!
I have had acupuncture for a shoulder injury and it was tremendously helpful.
I am so glad you wrote about this! I have been wanting to try acupuncture, but I was afraid to do it. Maybe I will look into it a little more and stop being chicken!
I think massage (especially the deep tissue) can be something people endure pain to get joy.
Some of the things I have done are waxing, I'm not talking about just eyebrows. 😉
I say if the outcome is positive then it certainly can be worth the efforts (but not really getting stabbed). lol
You got Stabbed LOL!!!!!
Acupuncture is next on my list but last year I got my first of 3 deep tissue massages.
When I'm stressed/anxious, my appetite is awful. I barely eat anything. I actually have to force myself to eat when my nerves are getting the best of me. So I wasn't really surprised when immediately after each massage I would be extremely hungry. The massage itself was wonderful. The massage therapist told me that some of the places on my body that were sore were not the sources of the pain. It's hard to really "relax". I didn't know what relaxing was until my massage was finished and I had time to lay there with no tension in a quiet space.
Love this post!! And your title cracked me up! 🙂 I'm not that adventurous, but I do have joy!