Acupuncture, which literally means “needle piercing”, is at the heart of Oriental Medicine. It involves the insertion of thin, fine needles into specific points (acupoints) on the body. The points used depend on your condition and what you’re practitioner is treating you for. The acupoints correspond to specific organs like the liver, the pancreas, the heart, etc. They are located along the meridians - energy pathways – in which qi, or chi - energy – flows.
I like to think of energy like electromagnetic blood and the meridians as the circulatory system of energy.
I know what many of you are thinking, “I’m afraid of needles. Does it hurt?”
Honestly, acupuncture has never hurt me. I’ve felt some mild discomfort at times but not from the piercing of the needles, but rather the emotional or physical issues that are brought out by the insertion of the needles. Usually, I feel very calm, relaxed and safe during an acupuncture treatment. I’ve been known to fall asleep during a session – that’s not unusual, just so you know.
The greatest thing about acupuncture, and I believe, Oriental Medicine in general is that every practitioner I’ve gone to (all 3) have totally understood what I meant when I told them my symptoms. Acupuncturists take a whole-body approach. They look at you as a whole being and not as a symptom here and an injury there. They take the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual into context.
On your first session, you will probably fill out a boat-load of paperwork. You’ll be surprised at the listing of symptoms and the questions they ask. You may even be more surprised that your acupuncturist will most likely UNDERSTAND you and not think you’re weird – or crazy – even though after you fill out the paperwork you may think you are.
More and more acupuncturists are dealing with patients who have Fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that acupuncture is very helpful in dealing with stress-related disorders, weight loss and addictions, depression, reproductive problems, fatigue and pain management.
The good news is that more and more insurance companies are also covering acupuncture benefits. Mine does. Of course, they want the acupuncturist to be licensed and working under the supervision of a doctor or traditional medical facility. Common licenses for acupuncturists in the United States are:
Many acupuncturists, like the ones I’ve seen, will also provide you with Chinese Herbal Remedies as a supplement to your treatment. The treatment is usually given in the form of raw herbs that you must cook in a clay or earthenwar pot – as metal can interact negatively (and perhaps add toxicity) to the mixture. Generally you double boil the herbs to make your tea. (That’s just boiling it twice and draining out the water each time.)
Chinese herbal tea made from this ‘prescription’ is often bitter and tastes very unpleasant. I drink mine with one hand on the cup and one holding my nose shut. It is also very fast-acting for many people. You will notice a difference quite quickly. It may not initially be for the better if you’re cleaning out toxins. Side effects are often mild – like nausea, dizziness and/or headache. If they are too difficult to bear, your practitioner should be able to make your prescription weaker or add something to assist you.
Acupuncture is a cooperative process. It requires that you make a commitment to it and to eating better, drinking your water and taking care of yourself. I am happy to have rediscovered this wonderful treatment. Although it can be expensive, even with insurance, you may find a school of Oriental Medicine nearby that has a student clinic. Usually they are supervised by licensed acupuncturists as well – and they are very affordable. Hopefully, you will consider trying it if you can - and haven't already. It just may help you feel a world better.
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