As many of you know, I have been struggling with a bone contusion that developed after a fall in April. It has been a very difficult journey and as a result, I have tried to find any way I can to get my knee back to its full potential. With that being said, one of the recent therapies I have tried was accupuncture.
I have always been interested in accupuncture because of the many healthy benefits it can provide, including pain, anxiety, increased circulation, headaches, and even fertility. Yet, because it involved needles, I steered clear. It wasn’t until my desperation for recovery that I decided to try it out and I am beyond happy I did.
So here is the low down…
My initial appointment was well over an hour. This provides adequate time for the acupuncturist to get to know your needs, your history, and take you through the process step by step. The whole needle thing? Truly no big deal. I am deathly afraid (ironic given I am a nurse), but these needles were hardly felt. Occasionally I would feel one entering as it broke through a high frequency pathway (accupuncture is all about pathways, sort of like an electric circuit), but once it entered, the area would release and it was fine. I was pretty nervous during this process, but my acupuncturist was so kind and checked in with me throughout the entire process. Following insertion, you sit for about 20 min. This is where it got interesting. While I sat, I went through a flurry of emotions, which is very normal. At first I was a little uneasy, then I cried, then I was exhausted and totally relaxed. It was actually sort of beautiful. It just felt like everything I was holding on to, was released and it all felt so good.
Afterwards, they remove the needles, have you lay low for the rest of the day and drink plenty of water.
Mine was also covered with my HSA which was super nice.
My recommendation?
- It all depends on what you need. Since mine was ultimately for pain, that is what was focused on. My acupuncturist actually specializes in pain, so she included some extra aspects to help with that.
- Do your research. Make sure you find someone you can connect with, is certified, and has good reviews.
- Don’t worry about needle fear. It is actually very common and most acupuncturists are used to this complaint.
- Try and choose a week you are able to go more than once. With an initial visit, they typically like to see you once more in two days
- Absolutely try it out!
