Live your life, write well, edit often. One of my favorite quotes to date. Why? Because it showcases the fact that you always have the ability to change your life by what you do daily. Sometimes it’s choosing to disregard what others expect and to do something that you think is best instead. Essentially, living life on YOUR own terms and doing what you think is best.
So why am I sharing this quote? Because it’s the only thing that has helped me and still helps me today. In fact, I recently took this mentality into mind when I chose to go to acupuncture instead of following Western medicine. And I wanted to share a bit about my experience about it so that you have a better idea of what it is so that you can decide whether you want to “edit” your life and insert a bit of acupuncture in.
But What Is Acupuncture?
For those who are unfamiliar with the practice, acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles through the skin. It’s a practice that is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and for many, it’s seen as an alternative to Western medicine. Some have used it to reduce chronic pain, reduce stress, and reduce the frequency of migraines. But there have been multiple studies which have suggested it to be of benefit for: traumatic brain injury and fibromyalgia. It has also been used for those with lower back pain, neck pain, menstrual cramps, stress, depression, and a variety of other reasons (which are listed in depth here!
Keyword: Suggested.
And that’s just it. Nobody will tell you that acupuncture CURES any chronic pain and/or condition. You have to try it out yourself and see what you think.
**Fun Fact: Gwen Stefani actually tried acupuncture for migraines during each of her pregnancies. (https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/drs-oz-roizen-acupuncture-for-migraine/article_db51698f-4bbd-5715-b7ca-a9151c6fe323.html)
But Why Wouldn’t You Not Try it Out?
According to the National Institute of Health, relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. The main concern you should be worried about is the use of sterile needles and proper delivery of treatments.
Essentially, acupuncture, when done properly and in-sterile environments with sterile needles is considered to be generally safe.
And this is why it is so important to research before choosing a facility. Do your research, find out whether it’s covered by insurance, and if not, google the names of the places. Ask around and find the best place that is not only affordable, but that is done “the right way.”
But Doing It the Right Way Is So Expensive!
Although acupuncture is typically around $70 per session (the initial consult is more), some insurances cover certain facilities and/or discount the cost. In order to find out whether it’s covered, call the number on the back of your insurance card. And if there’s no coverage, there’s an affordable option that I’ve gone to! It’s called community acupuncture.
It’s exactly what it sounds like. In community acupuncture instead of having a whole room to yourself, you have several other individuals in a room. It’s about $20-$40 per session, which in many cases is a lot less expensive than your co-pay. And it’s really not that awkward… Read my experience!
My Experience
So now that you know a bit about what acupuncture is, who it is for, and a bit about safety protocol, I wanted to share my opinion of whether acupuncture was worth it for myself. Why did I go? Where did I go? What happened after a few sessions? It’s all below. Read and see!
Why Did I Try Out Acupuncture?
Over the past year or so, I’ve had one thing after the other which you may have seen me mention on my Instagram and/or blog. Last year, I went to a neurologist because of excruciating migraines that lasted for days at a time. (In fact, you can probably see the migraine in my eyes if you look at a few photos on the gram.). While I went through every procedure in the book to figure out why, I was left with no answers and only left with what my neurologist said. He gave me a guideline of the steps that I could take in tackling the migraine, which I’ll explain in a later post, but one of them was acupuncture.
And this wasn’t covered by insurance…figures.
So at the time of my diagnosis, I just rode it out. I got blue light glasses and started utilizing this light. I eliminated time off the screens and tried to reduce stress. And while it did make it a lot better, oftentimes I found that I’d be hit with another migraine.
Here Are Some Purchases I’d Recommend:
Just as an FYI… I didn’t buy these exact glasses. I bought designer prescription frames online and had them add in Blue Light Protection as I wear them constantly. But these are cute, and my friend ordered a few non-designer ones that she loves!
During this time, I also injured my finger (mowing the lawn…no joke). I went to another doctor and got frustrated. But like the neurologist, I felt as though there just had to be something else.
And that’s when I started to seriously look into acupuncture. I figured that if I could tackle on several different issues at once and eliminate them non-medically then I would. Like I said, my whole principle is always saying “why not” and doing it anyways.
After Deciding…
After my decision, I had the hardest time choosing where to go. My insurance didn’t cover it (figures?!) so I couldn’t afford the $70 per session every week for 6-12 weeks. I started asking around, and found something called community acupuncture.
Community acupuncture… What Is it?
It’s the same as every acupuncturist that you would go to…the only difference is that you are in a room with many instead of just yourself. Which is fine, especially given the low cost (in comparison to normal acupuncture appointments!).
So What Did I Think?
I went for at least six treatments of 45 minutes each. Since that time, I haven’t gotten one migraine.
And for this reason, I’d highly recommend going and oftentimes recommend it to my friends who are in pain. In my own personal opinion, there’s not much of a risk associated with acupuncture. I’d personally rather try holistic treatments than go on a medication for life. So essentially, I’d highly recommend going in with a “why not” mentality as there’s really not much you can lose other than a few bucks. Acupuncture is relatively safe, it’s quick, and in my mind, it’s a WHOLE lot cheaper and more effective than some medications that are on the market without any side effects.
And if it didn’t work, the next step I’d probably take is adding in yoga to my strength training routine. (See Here for a Recent Study!). Just more of an excuse to buy this adorable leopard yoga mat below… (wink wink).
So long story short, if acupuncture or yoga doesn’t help you… then at least you tried before trying medication. You just never know. It may be worth it.
To End Things Off…
In your life there will be many different situations that will test you. Some will leave you feeling uncertain and unsure of what to do. You may feel stuck and mentally paralyzed, unsure of what step to take next. While one part of you wants to do what you’ve been doing and stay safe, another part knows that you need to try something new. That something new can be the very reason your life gets better than it used to be. So go for it. Whether it’s acupuncture or something else. We got this. Let’s do this.