Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Needling Question

Every time I tell someone that I am having acupuncture, they ask the same question. I probably don't even need to tell you what it is...

Oh c'mon, you know what it is. Say it with me: "does it hurt?"

The answer? Kind of.

I mean, if someone is sticking you with a needle, you're going to feel something. You're actually SUPPOSED to feel something, that's how the acupuncturist knows she's hit the right spot. It isn't really a pain though, it's more like a jolt. Not pleasant, but not horrible. And once you've felt it, and it's clear the needle is in the right place, it goes away and you don't really feel anything -- at least nothing painful. Instead you just start feeling incredibly relaxed, and very heavy in your body. I always feel it in my hands first, like they are filled with sand and sinking into the table. Then the rest of my body falls with them, and I drift off to sleep. I know from the clock that I am only asleep for a short time, but it feels much longer. Oh, and if the needles are electrified? Then the sleep is even deeper.

Yeah, that's right, sometimes she runs a current through the needles. Specifically, she does it when I am supposed to be ovulating. I think it's a way to threaten my follicles into behaving. You know, a "keep being difficult and I'll turn up the juice" kind of message. Really though, I don't think they would be that threatened. It's more buzzy than shocky -- kind of like a "personal massager." And I wasn't kidding when I said it makes me fall into a deeper. She hits the switch and I am gone. No dreams. No twitching. Almost like I'm under anesthetic.

The fact that I fall asleep, and that I feel such deep relaxation during and after acupuncture gives me hope that the "Making Babies" program might work. When I started on the supplements I didn't really notice a big difference -- except heartburn. When I changed my diet I didn't really notice a big difference -- except missing wine. When I tried, and failed, to do the visualization (a topic for another time) -- I almost chucked the book out the window. The acupuncture though, it makes me think the authors of Making Babies might just know what they are talking about.

Or maybe I'm just a masochist and never knew it...

Either way, I love those needles.

12 comments:

  1. I'm intrigued by acupuncture.
    Since I was a tiny tot I've had a lifelong struggle with needles so I'm not sure if I could go willingly into a situation that requres them to relax.
    I fear the tension in my body would be enough to jettison the small sharp projectiles right into the ceiling.

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  2. Acupuncture is intriguing, at least the way you write about it makes it so.

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  3. I've not tried this yet. I'm deeply interested and think I'm going to set up a sesh or six once I'm ovulating. I'm not much of a relaxer or a meditator, but I think I can get down with this.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  4. OK OK! I'm doing it. You convinced me.

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  5. I love acupuncture but can't imagine it with volts.

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  6. Mind if I pick your brain on this later? I'm not currently trying to give Sam a brother or sister but have been advised to try acupuncture to help with some random weird symptoms post-mold exposure in our old apartment. I'll admit I was afraid to try it but would like to hear more about your experience with it.

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  7. I've had acupuncture before. I found it itchy. Nobody else ever says that they felt that though. But with electricity? I didn't even know they did that. Interesting.

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  8. As an acupuncturist, I get asked this question a lot, and your description describes the experience wonderfully. I've linked your post to my own: The needling question about acupuncture

    Thanks for sharing and good luck on your journey!

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  9. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being.


    Acupuncture Needle Supplier

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  10. Many are really afraid of needles, but acupuncture needles are the exemption. Aside from improving our health, acupuncture can help one person to relax and relieve stress.
    - Shavonda Wallis

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  11. All needling techniques are not the same. Generally, acupuncture needles produce a lot less sensation than getting a shot - for several reasons: the needles are smaller, they are solid vs. hollow, they don't have a cutting edge, and you are not injecting anything. Studies have shown that the use of acupuncture is proven to be effective for several, common health conditions, including headaches and other musculoskeletal problems. Acupuncture Brisbane

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  12. There's no problem with needles, as long as it is used for health treatment. The pain you feel is a sign that it works in your body. I don't think you're being like a masochist, it's just that you appreciate a sensation of relief brought about by needles, which is to relax you and not to harm you.

    -Dot Eastman @ USHealthWorks.com/Stockton-East-Center

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