I admit I didn’t really know what to think, or what to expect. Of course I’ve seen treatments done on TV, I’ve read about them and knew what acupuncture was…but it’s a little different to suddenly be the one having it done on your OWN body!

At the beginning of my 1st treatment, the Practitioner took a VERY thorough medical history and asked me many questions, most about the issues I wanted specifically to work on, but about other areas of my body as well. She took my pulse several times and also asked to see my tongue at least 3 times…

Then it was time to lie back on the nicely cushioned table, close my eyes and let the needling fun begin. To be honest, I barely felt those needles that went into my scalp or forehead. There was a rustling sound of the needle packages being opened, a cool swab of alcohol, followed by a firm tap into my skin and then the Practitioner wiggled or adjusted the needle to where exactly she wanted it positioned.

When she got to my hands however, I jumped a bit in my skin. The placement of the needle was fine but it was the re-positioning and adjustment that literally hit me right to the nerves. I can’t really explain it, but it was like the core of a very sensitive nerve was suddenly touched, and an immense short burst of pressure applied. I jumped. It happened on my hands, shins and feet…I hardly felt the needles go into my belly.

These sensations are normal I was told…perfectly normal. Most people mention some kind of “pressure” feeling.

Once all the needles were placed, I was covered with a light sheet, the blinds closed a bit more and left alone…I had the sounds of a fountain and some music playing in the background. I didn’t fall asleep (I was very, very relaxed) but lay there listening to my breathing and focusing on relaxing every single part of my body. I figured this was a moment that I was given to just simply be.

Thirty minutes went by and I heard the soft whoosh of the door to the room being opened. The needles were gently removed, I opened my eyes to soft lighting and the Practitioner asking me how I felt. How did I feel? Relaxed. Languid. Peaceful. Most of all though, I felt this strange sense of positivity engulf me and I felt I had something to believe in, something that may in fact give me some sort of relief. I left that 1st appointment very satisfied, and in fact, had my 2nd appointment earlier tonight.

We are working on my tummy; my bowels and digestive system together with helping me sleep more peacefully.

Do I believe in non-traditional forms of medicine? I believe there is hope and energy in whatever we seek to help ourselves with. I figure millions of people can’t be wrong in claiming acupuncture has worked for them, so I don’t have anything to lose. It’s just one more step I’m taking to gain control over my body and how it feels. I alone have the power to help myself…and I choose to try whatever I can….