Early this year I started attending appointments at my local acupuncturist. My dad had been going for a few years now and recommended I go before I started cancer treatments in hopes that it would lower my side-effects.
At first, it was super difficult to relax as you watch yourself get poked with one needle after another. I will admit the pokes are a bit uncomfortable but nothing most people can’t handle.
My needles were placed all around my body for my “trouble areas”- trying to prevent side effects such as nausea, indigestion, and joint pain. What I found interesting was that the needles weren’t placed where you would initially think. I had them on my ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, etc. After asking, they explained they placed the needles on the pressure points rather than the actual locations in pain.
I will admit I wasn’t all-in on this adventure when we started. I wasn’t sure how much this holistic method would help but it blew me away. There have been times I would be laying on the table and suddenly my stomach wouldn’t hurt anymore, or my headache would just magically disappear.
I have become a big believer in this form of care and would recommend it to anyone interested. However, I will mention that you have to be able to sit still for an hour or so while the needles do their thing. At first, I wasn’t able to do that but now in the relaxing setting they create for you, I can easily fall asleep.
So if you’re on the fence about trying acupuncture, I recommend it. Be prepared for a little bit of a crazy experience at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a relaxing oasis.