All The Points
Tall Guy: “What’s going on, you’re less sparkly”
Me: “I’m not sure, I’m just a little off”
A few months ago, that started a deep conversation at dinner. He was right, I was feeling not myself, nothing was wrong per se, but just “meh”. I’ve never really been one to feel overly anxious or stressed, but over the last 6 months, or maybe even a little longer, I’d started feeling more anxiety and more out of sorts.
It was that long conversation with the hubster that reminded me that I can’t be my best wife, partner, sister, daughter, friend, colleague, leader….my best me, if I wasn’t putting my mind/body/soul health and wellness first. It didn’t hurt that I had some FSA money that I knew I wasn’t going to use…so I decided to give acupuncture a try.
Enter Moss Acupuncture which is near me and extra interesting because in addition to pain and stress/anxiety, they also can focus on using acupuncture to help with fertility (no mini McKnights on the way just yet…but I’m not as young as I used to be!).
So I went.
It. Was. Amazing.
Well, first I burst into tears when Mia asked why I was interested in starting acupuncture. There was something so calming about the office, and about her presence, that I felt safe….and a RUSH of emotion.
In my couple of months of acupuncture, we’ve targeted specific pains (like the stress I carry in my upper back), as well as generally getting my hormones and my “qi” ("chi”) regulated.
I LOVE acupuncture. I’m feeling more settled and less anxious.
I was super freaked out before starting - hello - needles going into your body, something we usually try to avoid.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Does it hurt? It doesn’t hurt. I mean, it is a very very thin needle pricking your skin, but the prick is momentary. Sometimes they zing for a second, which means something is happening, yay!
What do you do? Here’s what my session looks like: I arrive, Mia takes me into the treatment room and we talk for a few minutes. We talk about what’s going on, what I’m feeling, how I’m sleeping, what I’m eating, what am I hoping for out of today’s session…even that part is super therapeutic. Then she looks at my tongue, and takes my pulse. Depending on the goals of the session I lay face up or down on the heated bed. The points go in and I get anywhere between 10-20 points
General treatment (non pain specific) I get points: on the top of my foot by my big toe, inside each ankle or achilles, inside each knee, on each hand between my thumb and fore finger, on each ear, one in my forehead, and one on the top of my head
Upper Back/Shoulder blade focused I get points: inside each ankle or achilles, inside each knee, 12 points in a v in my upper back, on the top of my head
Putting in the points only takes about a minute or two, then the lights are dimmed, the music comes on, and I rest for 20-30 minutes.
THIS IS THE HARDEST PART Relaxing. When you’re left to rest and relax, the goal is to clear your mind and focus on your breathing. It. Is. So. Hard. For me it’s like the end of yoga, when you’re supposed to calm your mind. I stress out about knowing I’m going to have to calm your mind. But the trick I learned was the super focus on breathing in and out. And now, sometimes, I fall asleep!
What does it feel like after? It’s different for everyone. The most noticeable thing for me is that my tongue feels heavy and lazy. After some I sessions I’m a little groggy and fuzzy headed, and when we work on my back - it feels like all the tension is gone.
I can’t recommend it enough. I’m so happy I bit the bullet and decided to try something out of my comfort zone. I look forward to going, and I have noticed feeling less anxiety and stress.
Feeling better is absolutely the best part.
But it also feels good to know it’s noticeable to those in my life, like a few weeks ago, the Tall Guy casually mentioned “You look good, you look like yourself again”.
If you’re in SF and looking to start acupuncture, check out Moss Acupuncture and say “Hi!” to Mia Weinberg!
How do you care for yourself? I’m always looking for new ways to positively work on my mind and body wellness!
-Katy