Going into my first acupuncture session, I was excited but a bit skeptical. The idea of sticking needles in my body for relaxation and pain relief seemed slightly counterintuitive. However, my experience was quite the opposite. The acupuncture session was incredibly relaxing and gave a fascinating insight into the interconnectedness of the body. After having the opportunity to try acupuncture for the first time, I wanted to share my experience for those looking to expand their healing journey.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative healing that involves very thin needles inserted into the body. It is an age-old healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine. The needles are placed in various pressure points, energy centers, and other strategic points throughout the body. Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief but can also be used to relieve pressure, stress and other mental blockages. Traditional acupuncture follows the patterns of Qi (also known as Chi) energy throughout the body.
A typical acupuncture session begins with a consultation to better understand your physical or emotional symptoms and lifestyle. The practitioner may examine the painful areas of your body, the color of your tongue, your pulse, etc. The patient is then asked to lay on a massage table where the needles are gently placed throughout the body. The location of the acupuncture needles depends on the individualized treatment plan. After the needles are placed, they are left in the body around 10-15 minutes.
Throughout the session you may experience tingling throughout the limbs, feet or hands. There may also be feelings of deep relaxation that wash over the body. The needles are then removed from the various pressure points. After the session, you may feel a release of muscle tension and continued buzzing throughout the body.
Intake:
Going into the session, I was excited to try a new form of healing for emotional blockages and the physical manifestations of stress that I was experiencing. Also, like many of us, I was experiencing lower and upper back pain. I went into the session knowing a little about the benefits of acupuncture and how it connects to the internal ecosystem of energy and various pressure points.
To begin the session, the practitioner asked a series of questions about my health and any physical or emotional pain that I was experiencing. After talking for a few minutes, I was asked to lay on the table where she checked my pulse and asked to look at my tongue. This is a very common practice in acupuncture as tongue diagnosis gives an idea of the patient’s overall health and the best ways for the acupuncturist to treat you.
Session:
The practitioner then began placing the hair-thin needles into the tops of my feet and ankles. She then moved up through the body placing needles on my legs, arms, and hands. The final needles went on the outside of my ear. With each needle, I felt a slight pressure but nothing painful. A few of the needles on the hands and tops of the feet created a minimal prick sensation. Once they were inserted, I couldn’t feel them at all.
Sensations:
The practitioner then left the room and asked if I wanted to take a quick nap or have her check back in a few minutes. I started to feel a warm tingling sensation throughout my whole body and a deep state of relaxation. The areas where the needles were placed had an amplified sensation of buzzing. The tension in my body released and felt much lighter. I felt a deep sense of connection to my body and the natural flow of energy in the body.
After about 15 minutes, she returned to take the needles out. There was a similar session of a slight prick but nothing painful. Once the needles were removed, there was no lingering sensation of a sting. After the session, my body still felt completely relaxed and the tension causing my back pain significantly improved. Overall, it was such a unique experience that allowed me to connect with the energy of my body and feel a deep sense of relaxation and pain relief.
1. Relief of Chronic Pain
Acupuncture can help stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. The small needles are inserted into the connective tissue of the body which stimulates the nerve endings. The body may respond to this stimulation by sending lymph fluid, blood and other healing nutrients to the affected area.
2. Reduce Nausea and Vomiting
Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of postoperative or chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. The needles are placed in various pressure points throughout the body that may reduce the severity or frequency of the nausea. Acupuncture may also regulate the nerves that effect nausea and vomiting.
3. Deepening of The Mind-Body Connection
Acupuncture traditionally follows the flow of Qi (Chi) energy throughout the body. When Qi is blocked, often there is a disconnection of the emotional mind which can result in physical symptoms. Strong emotions can get trapped in specific energy centers and may affect certain functions of the body. For example, high levels of anger can lead to dizziness or strong headaches. Acupuncture can help release these blockages and restore the natural flow of energy.
4. Reduced Stress Levels
The acupuncture points throughout the body may ease stress by releasing endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are naturally produced hormones that reduce the communication of pain signals. When the body experiences stress, it releases these hormones to control the symptoms in the body. Acupuncture may increase the flow of endorphins and help to reduce stress levels.
5. Improved Sleep
For those that struggle with insomnia, acupuncture may help calm the sympathetic nervous system which can help improve sleep. When the sympathetic nervous system is active, the body goes into a fight-or-flight response which can cause serious sleep disturbances. Acupuncture may help release natural chemicals that calm the nervous system and aid in relaxation and sleep.
Acupuncture is traditionally used as a complimentary treatment and is recommended to be used alongside recommendations from a primary care physician. If you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or infectious skin disorders, it is advisable to avoid acupuncture or seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.
Acupuncture can be an incredible healing method for those seeking to access the body’s natural ability to heal. These 5 benefits are only a few of the potential healing effects of acupuncture. Depending on your individual need, acupuncture may help you restore your well-being and reach your optimal health.
Namaste Health Center's natural medical clinic is based in Durango, CO. We practice holistic, naturopathic treatment techniques.
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