It is very important to find a qualified therapist. There are licensing rules in most states (www.nccaom.org). The FDA approved sterile single use acupuncture needles by licensed practitioners.
I came to acupuncture, because there is an excellent therapist in my favorite yoga center.
Liz is compassionate, has experience with treating surgery patients, is well read, and we can talk about many topics: http://www.threemountainswellness.com In each session she reminds me to eat healthy, drink a lot of water, has suggestions for sleeping well, and all sort of other cool tips.
The experience of an acupuncture session is individual. Two weeks before surgery I had my first acupuncture session, and was very relaxed afterwards, just what I needed during an incredibly hectic week to get organized with work hand-overs, and to sort out health insurance and doctors appointments. The session was wonderful!
After surgery the experience of every session has been different, sometimes going very deeply into a meditative space, sometimes feeling super strong, sometimes very relaxed, but always balanced. I regained my shoulder mobility quickly, and believe the acupuncture sessions played a crucial role in this.
The skin is swapped with alcohol to sterilize, and then a hair thin needle is inserted. After all needles are placed, some may be connected with electric wires. Does it hurt? I may have 1 or 2 points that do hurt at the time of needle insertion. These points can be different from session to session, but nothing is so bad that the needle would have to be removed. Liz is vigilant to make sure everything is going well. And I LOVE it when she leaves the needles in for longer than an hour!
I'll be back!!!
Thanks for sharing this very useful information on acupuncture. Previously, I had only heard about it but never heard from anyone that could explain how it really felt. The pictures and the detailed explanation of how it’s really like to undergo an acupuncture surgery is extremely useful. I also liked how you have put different links to the important information.
ReplyDeleteHannah Holland @ Berkeley Community ACU
You are welcome. Keep in mind that different acupuncture therapists have different preferences (the sites for the needles, the number of needles, the length of the session, wiring or not).
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