Acupuncture was a major life-changer for me in a very difficult time. I would like to share my experience because it is something that can help with different types of issues. These included chronic pain, stress, insomnia, and respiratory problems just to name a few.
What is Acupuncture:
Acupuncture works by balancing your “chi” (flow of energy) through pathways known as meridians. This is done by strategically placing needles throughout your body. It can range anywhere from 5 to 20 needles. The process is painless although it can seem intimidating.
My Experience with Acupuncture
To give you a back story, I moved to New York seven years ago. I had no job lined up, very little money, and was in a completely different environment to my hometown in Arizona. Where I pretty much ate whatever I wanted.
When I moved to New York. I began to have reactions to pretty much everything I ate. It would cause me to have bloating, cramping and even anxiety because the symptoms were just too much. I began to wonder if maybe it was the water I was drinking since New York water has fluoride in it. I stressed trying to figure out what was different in my diet.
I sought the help of multiple Gastroenterologist. I got tested for Chron’s disease (negative), allergies, and almost had an endoscopy. One of the gastroenterologists prescribed a medication that when I looked it up it was to treat stomach muscle spasms, I had to take it three times a day. I was also put on the FODMAP diet where I had to avoid certain trigger foods. I ate bland food so I wouldn’t get any symptoms but even then, I couldn’t control what was happening.
I decided to try acupuncture since my medication was not working and I was willing to try something “natural”. I reached out to an Acupuncturist I found on Yelp and purely by chance, I found a doctor that helped me.
What to Expect
The first thing is to get an evaluation. He checked my tongue, hands, pulse and asked my symptoms. He determined what the issue was and I started my first treatment. I fell asleep during my first visit and every visit after that. The type of relaxation I got from the needles is amazing.
How Acupuncture Changed my Life
He treated me for my stomach symptoms as well as stress since they all seem to be connected. It seemed as though my stress was causing my illness and my illness was causing more stress so it was a horrible cycle that I don’t wish on anyone. By the third visit, I was feeling so much better. I even stopped taking my medication and haven’t taken it since.
I have had a couple of minor episodes here and there that I have had treated but nothing like the nightmare I experienced. I rave about this Dr. because he helped me so much. I cannot even imagine what I would have done if I didn’t get Acupuncture.
On a side note, I have also seen my acupuncturist for two other things. One was for back pain. He used needles and cupping to help heal the pain. Second, was to help induce my labor since I was past 40 weeks pregnant and my OBGYN was trying to get me induced. I have to say it worked! It took three visits but my labor started the night of my last visit.
Trying Something New
I hope my experience might help open your mind to alternative ways of healing. In my case, medication seems to try and mask the symptoms while acupuncture actually helped heal the root that was causing the problem. I realize that everyone’s body is different but I think if you have tried everything this might be worth a shot.
How to Find a Good Acupuncturist
Research is key! I started by looking up acupuncturist in my area (Yelp.com) and then looking at multiple Dr review sites. ZocDoc is a good option to find Acupuncturist in the area that takes your insurance and you can even book an appointment. Also, follow your guy and intuition, you should go with someone that you feel comfortable with if you get a bad vibe, find a different doctor. I like my Doctor because he is really kind and understanding, he listens and seems to care about helping.
Thank you for reading. Do you have tried alternative medicine?
If you would like to check out other posts about self-care and/or motherhood click here.
2 Responses
Well when i met this acupuncturist from miami, i am not aware what are the capabilities of acupuncture, after few sessions it was remarkable that my health is doing well and i feel great rather than before. i know it is not only caused by placebo effect but i can’t discuss anymore what are the other details because it sounds like a diary, but yeah i am in good hands of a respectable acupuncturist. hopefully people that are scared of needles don’t need to be frightened how it looks hahaha, they should try it first and they would not regret it for sure.
Sorry for the delay. I think acupuncture looks intimidating but once people get pasted the needles they will realize how helpful it is. I’m glad it’s worked out for you.