Does Acupuncture hurt?
I’ve always wanted to know the answer to that question. Well, Always might be a bit of a strong sentiment. My first word was not acupuncture. Or ac-cue. Hmmm. Actually, I don’t know what my first word was.
Anyways, that is not my point.
It always seemed a strange thing to do – sick needles in your skin for healing. I’ve had enough experience as a kid playing with a pin knowing that it is possible to stick it in your hand – right on the edge of the skin and you can freak others out including your kid brother – without pain. So I understood the concept.
And since my benefits plan and my husband’s benefit plan covers acupuncture, it is free for me, so why not try it? Interestingly, my benefits will pay for $500/year and my husbands will also pay for $500/year. They will only pay $200/every second year for vision correction for my -.75 and -.50 eyeballs. I know it is the insurance scam – give you a big list of benefits that very few people will partake in and limit the benefits that most will need. But seriously, people – between contacts and needles, it is an easy choice. One of them helps me get to work in the morning – it’s time to adjust the $200/year thing so people can afford vision correction!
Wow… off point today (no pun intended).
Regardless, I have now visited the acupuncturist 3 times. The experience of having needles inserted is a briefly painful experience that leaves me feeling almost paralyzed when the needles are in. Mentally paralyzed, guys, not really paralyzed – like I cannot move until they are removed. The first experience made my legs feel heavy and pinned down. When the needles went in, it was like a little stab of pain that instantly subsided.
After the insertion, you lay quietly and let the energy flow – don’t fight it. You lay there snug on a massage table with a heat lamp warming you gently, not a care in the world. And I drift, fall asleep, and relax.
After a dampness diagnosis based on tongue, pulse and described symptoms, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, dairy, wheat, raw vegetables and any fried foods. Seriously? That is my entire diet. (well, except the alcohol part – I tend to stay sober most of the time.) What the heck?! I’m losing weight because I don’t have any food in the house to eat!
February 1st, 2014 Extra-Ordinary: Dying for a grilled cheese sandwich.
PS: Happy Chinese New Year All!
The Daily EO 