acupuncture

I had my first acupuncture appointment yesterday.  I went in to the appointment with zero expectations.  And thankfully I was simply amazed with the entire experience.

I spent the first part of the appointment filling out a "fertility" questionnaire.  The questionnaire was broken-up into different sections that identified my areas of imbalance.  I think it had about 100 questions overall.  I will not even begin to pretend that I understand any of the science behind acupuncture.  You are going to have to look elsewhere for that information!  I then sat down with the acupuncturist to discuss the results of the questionnaire.  I have never spent as much time discussing my medical history as I did yesterday with the acupuncturist.  I was simply blown away with the time she spent to get to know me.  I was nervous discussing so much detailed information but it was actually really easy to talk to her.  It is rare to find such attention in the medical / healthcare profession.  Though I believe I have also found that same attention at the REs office.  I consider myself lucky in that regards.  The acupuncturist tried to get a clear picture of both my physical health and my mental / emotional health.  The treatment began once she got a clear picture of my medical history and the expectations I had for these acupuncture sessions.  I was a bit nervous.  I think it was more anxious anticipation then any sort of nerves regarding the process itself.  The acupuncturist began by checking my pulse (for a long time I might add) and then examining my tongue (no idea about that one).  Then came the needles.  I think she used about 20 needles in all.  I lost count.  I would feel a slight prick when the needle was inserted.  Then she would adjust the needle until I told her that I felt some sort of sensation.  Some of the needles went in to the skin fairly deep and others were barely through the skin at all.  I then got to lay in the dark for 30 minutes while the needles worked their magic.  It was a bizarre experience.  I really could not feel the needles.  I really thought that I would be unable to turn my brain off during those 30 minutes.  Yeah.  Wrong again.  I was so calm and relaxed.  I did not want those 30 minutes to end.  I could feel weird sensations through my body and even noticed my pulse rate increase and decrease at various moments.  I felt tucked away in my own secret world where no one could find me.  I did not want to leave.  I thought maybe I would fall asleep but no luck in that area.  I'm almost glad I didn't fall asleep.  Once the 30 minutes were up the acupuncturist returned to the room and removed all of the needles.  This is the part where I was amazed at how many needles were actually in me.  I had no idea.  I really could not feel a thing.

I left that appointment in a completely different mood.  I truly felt alive.  I had some hope.  But most importantly I was completely calm about the future.  I spent the day embracing my mood.  Even Kara noticed the difference as soon as I walked in the door that evening.  Does acupuncture work?  I don't know.  But I am okay with spending some money each week if it helps to improve my overall mood and reduce the significant amount of anxiety I have been experiencing over the last several months.  Perhaps the benefits are all in my head.  I'm okay with that.  However, the acupuncturist swears that I will see benefits (both fertility related and emotionally related) from the process as long as I am invested in it.

Mary