-
What? You've Never Tried Acupuncture? Larry's First Experience
I remember one of my first acupuncture treatments. I was lying on the table with a dozen or so needles sticking out of me when all of a sudden I was overcome with an irresistible urge to laugh. I wasn't thinking of anything funny. It just welled up from somewhere deep inside of me, and before I knew it I was laughing out loud, a deep belly laugh. As I began to learn more about how acupuncture works I discovered that one of the effects it has on the body is to release endorphins, which are the body's own natural pain–relieving, pleasure–inducing neurochemicals. I must have gotten a major dose!
Contrary to all the images people often have of how scary and painful acupuncture is, I found it to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences I'd ever had. Not only did my symptoms improve, but I experienced a sensation of calm and well–being that was new to me. This led me to search out any books or articles I could find on the subject. Of course, 20 years ago there weren't nearly as many books, in English anyway, as there are today about Chinese medicine. But over time I became convinced that I wanted to study this ancient healing art. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I have the privilege of working with patients in a variety of settings — from private practice to detox clinics — and senior centers and the main reason I find that people have for not trying acupuncture is a fear of needles. Of course, when most people think of needles they think of getting an injection, or worse yet, something like a root canal. We have been conditioned to expect the worst, when in fact acupuncture needles are so much smaller, thinner and more flexible than needles used for injections that there is really no comparison. When acupuncture needles are inserted most people feel barely a pinch. A good practitioner has a technique that minimizes any discomfort. For persons who are especially sensitive there are techniques that feature fewer needles, extrafine needles and/or shallower insertions. Most patients tolerate the needles with no problem whatsoever and are generally surprised to find that what they expected to be a big deal was really an experience that turned out to be quite pleasant and enjoyable.
While I can't guarantee everyone will have fits of laughter like I did, I can assure you that the vast majority of people who try acupuncture enjoy it so much that they come back for more. People often say they can't believe they endured their painful symptoms as long as they had when relief was just a few treatments away.
Acupuncture is good for so many things including preventing illness. Acupuncture has a balancing effect on the body that relieves stress and strengthens the immune system. Acupuncture works with Western medicine to help people heal faster and more completely. Acupuncture treats the whole person: body, mind and spirit. No wonder it's been around for over 3,000 years! Isn't it time you tried acupuncture? After all, "health is wealth". Why not invest in yours now?
© 2002 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
Back to Article Topics
