In my previous post, I introduced my experience with therapy. In this post, I’d like to talk about acupuncture. Together, they’ve become a one-two punch for stress management.
How I Started
During a session with my therapist, I casually mentioned I was having GI issues (I told you, we’re going to skip the courting and get right into it–we need to talk about All. The. Things). We discussed the medical care I had had to date which consisted of several visits to a gastroenterologist, trips to urgent care, and a trip to the emergency room. It also included a cat scan for good measure. PS: Colon cancer runs in my family. Therefore, the doctor ordered an expedited colonoscopy. Thankfully, it came back clear. Frustratingly, it meant I had zero explanation for my symptoms.
I started researching and learned there was a connection between digestive issues, gut health and stress. Also learned two other salient points:
- gut issues are common in women (surprise, surprise) and
- most people aren’t even aware that what they are experiencing can be traced back to gut health.
Obviously, as an executive with a demanding job and two tiny humans, the gut-stress connection resonated with me. Separately, I was in on-going physical therapy for a neck strain–initially caused by lifting weights. Apparently, exacerbated by stress.
When I considered both of those things together, I had a light bulb moment: long-term stress had manifested itself physically. Finally. To no surprise, my therapist made the same observation. Accordingly, she suggested acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture?
According to Mayo Clinic:
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
Acupuncture was a way to address the physical symptoms I was experiencing as well as a way to assist with stress management. Though I didn’t know much about it, I eagerly agreed to give it a go!
So How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is holistic and is used to treat the whole person–mind, body, and spirit.
At the start of each session, I spend a few minutes discussing the latest happenings in my life with the acupuncturist. This gives him a qualitative assessment. Then, he checks my pulses to get his own read of what’s going on in my body and what needs to be addressed. The pulse readings provide a baseline. Based on those two data points, he decides a plan for treatment.
Next, the practitioner inserts the needles into the relevant areas. Then, I lay quietly with needles in place for ~20 minutes. I usually meditate during this time. Sometimes I even fall asleep; it’s that relaxing. Subsequently, the acupuncturist will return, remove the needles, check my pulses again, insert another round of needles(different points), and then I lay quietly for a few more minutes. Finally, he removes the needles and checks my pulses one last time. The goal is for pulse readings to improve by the end of the session.
And…?
After my very first session, my neck felt way better and my GI issues were slightly improved (not entirely resolved). More importantly, however, I felt amazing! Like a new person. I was incredibly relaxed and…not as tense. I was hooked!
I’ve since continued treatment. I go weekly, right after therapy. Acupuncture is part of my wellness and stress management routine. After a session I:
- am less tense
- more relaxed
- have more energy
- feel renewed
In general, acupuncture has improved my overall quality of life and I couldn’t recommend it more.
If you’re dealing with a physical ailment and Western medicine has been ineffective or if you’re looking for a way to manage stress, consider giving Eastern medicine a try!
PS: I glossed over stress and stress management in the interest of time. Will absolutely revisit and discuss in more detail. It’s such an important topic and one that needs to be discussed more often. Particularly for women. Stay tuned.
[…] work, family, home search. Accordingly, I’ve had no consistent self-care practice. No gym, no acupuncture, no therapy. The three-legged stool of my stress-management regimen was missing. Not to mention […]