My First Acupuncture Experience

Lately, my back has really been bothering me. I've always had a little back pain due to slight scoliosis, but it's really been acting up the past few weeks. I'm sure sitting at a desk all day doesn't help either. I have been getting massages once a month since 2010, but they only help for a day or two. Yoga was really beneficial during January, but I need a permanent, longer term solution. 

I did a little research and stumbled upon acupuncture. I'm fairly familiar with how it works but never seriously considered doing it myself. I always thought Chinese medicine was a little too different for me. But after reading up on it and finding a location about a mile from work (with appointments after 5pm!), I decided to bite the bullet and make an appointment.

                                        

I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have never had a fear of needles, so I knew that part wouldn't bother me. I think I was most worried about laying completely still for a long period of time while they were in me. 

When I got to the location, it was a small, re-done house close to downtown. The acupuncturist greeted me and took me a small room. She went over the liability forms and procedures with me and then asked me about why I was there. I explained my issues and problems and informed her that I do run quite a bit as well. I was happy to discover that she is a runner as well and just finished the LiveStrong Full Marathon last weekend! So I'm glad she could relate to my aches and pains.

She described the procedure and let me see the needles beforehand. They're very flexible, thin, and aren't like shot needles at all. Before the actual acupuncture part, the Doctor described two additional procedures that she does before putting the needles in. One technique is called Gua Sha and the other is called Cupping. 

According to her website:

"Gua Sha is the use of friction through heavy rubbing with either a metal, plastic or bone device, to bring toxins to the body’s surface.  It is mainly used to stimulate circulation and relieve pain."

"Cupping is the use of glass cups and fire to create suction.  This action draws toxins away from the body, and at the same time improves circulation to muscles and soft tissue."

After Dr. Kung described these procedures to me, she warned me that they could leave a little bit of bruising and a "rash-like" experience for a few days. But she reassured me that both techniques were completely optional. Seeing as how I wanted to get all of the benefits out of my time, I told her to go ahead and try them. 

Neither one was painful, just a tad uncomfortable. The Gua Sha was done with a Water Buffalo bone and felt like someone was running the edge of a smooth piece of plastic over my back. The cupping was done with 8 round jars and felt like cold chip-clips were clipped to my back (like large clothes-pins). Check out the aftermath photo below...

It definitely looks worse than it was/is. The best way to describe it is...hickeys! Hickeys don't hurt...they're just not attractive. She said the marks would go away in a few days. No tank tops or bathing suits for me for a while!

After those 2 procedures were done, she put about 4 needles in each ankle, 2 in the back of my knee area, and I believe about 12-14 in my back/shoulder/neck area. Even though the needles are tiny and thin, I could still feel a small sensation and prick each time she inserted one. But once again, it was never painful, just a tiny pinch and it went away immediately. After I was fully pricked, she sprayed something similar to Icy Hot on my back and I felt an instant cooling sensation that turned into heat. For the most part, my back was fairly numb and it was time to relax. 

She put on some tranquil music and left the room for about 25 minutes (she did check on me a few times). I was so relaxed and I would have fallen asleep if I had about 10 more minutes on the table. After the allotted time had passed, she returned and removed the needles. I got dressed and felt great! 

Today my back feels less tight and doesn't have that burning sensation I usually get after sitting at my desk for a long period of time. She suggested I come back again next week for another session, but she does gradually ween her clients off. So at first, I'll go weekly, then bi-weekly, monthly, and then hopefully just as needed. 

Overall, it was a good experience and I'm glad I tried it. I want to give it a few sessions to see if there is any long term relief and if it actually is working, or if I'm just mentally thinking it is. Stay tuned!