Over the years I have often discussed the effectiveness of different therapies with my friends. I have never heard of anyone who wasn’t happy with acupuncture. Have you tried it?
The basic idea is that by stimulating parts of the body other body parts or organs will improve, recover or be stimulated in order for good health to be achieved. There are lots of different kinds of acupuncture and acupressure, including Traditional Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, Korean acupuncture, Thai massage, Shiatsu, and now also Western acupuncture and Parallel acupuncture, to mention a few. Most of these therapies use needles but some use pressure (for instance thumb pressure) as well or instead.
Acupuncture and acupressure usually work on the idea of meridians, sen-lines or energy lines in the body connecting different areas, so that by treating the thigh and the arm you can impact on the stomach or back and so on. Sounds strange?
Well, my friends tell me they don’t understand the science, but they know it works. For my own part, acupuncture has always been the most magical of therapies. Deep, long lasting treatments that have addressed seemingly unresolvable health issues: many years ago I had terrible chronic bronchitis. Acupuncture cured it. Now, acupuncture is rebalancing me and restoring my energy levels. It feels nothing short of miraculous.
No other therapy that I know of has as many anecdotes as acupuncture – perhaps because it is so hard to understand and explain. A friend of mine knows of a midwife who can turn the baby in the womb with acupuncture. Another friend knows an acupuncturist who specialises in infertility problems. Back problems, energy deficiencies, headaches, migraines, bad knees, hips, arthritis, chronic pain, digestive and respiratory issues – they can all be treated with acupuncture.
Amazing, isn’t it? The important thing is to build a relationship with your therapist, let him or her get to know about your lifestyle, your values and your health issues. They might ask you questions you haven’t considered or that might seem irrelevant, but go with it and think deeply before you answer.
What’s more amazing is that acupuncture can deal with period pains, and pre-menstrual syndrome. I use acupuncture in conjunction with other holistic therapies to great effect, and find that it helps me maintain a good balance and also supports my monthly cycle and everything that comes with it.
A session starts with a consultation followed by the treatment. If I’m having needles, they are inserted ever so slightly into my skin and then I’m left to rest for around 20 minutes. If I’m having pressure, then I’m given a deep massage-like treatment. As I relax and breathe into the treatment, I can tune in and feel the changes taking place. Again, it’s amazing.
My acupuncturist says the biggest problem he has to deal with is people going too long with issues, and that it’s much easier for him (and cheaper for the client) to sort them out early. So my advice is to find a good acupuncturist and book an appointment – it might be the best health decision you ever make.
Make sure your acupuncturist is properly trained and insured, and that clean needles and equipment is used. Check out our local listings, and ask your friends. Good luck!
Finding the community of Cycle Harmony has made a huge difference to me. I am delighted to be writing to you from the Red Tent and hope to share thoughts and experiences you recognise, or find useful to ponder upon. I look forward to working with you all in exploring what it is to be women, and hope to hear from you. ~ Vild
I love getting acupuncture. My chiropractor is very holistic and practices lots of modalities, and acupuncture is one of my faves. you can feel it working instantly.