Acupuncture

Mary Ann

In the fairytale, Sleeping Beauty, the princess Aurora pricks her finger on a spindle needle, and her entire life changes as she falls into a hundred-year, deep sleep.  I, too, have been pricked by needles, and my entire life changed as well.  For me, acupuncture is what has changed my life!

During the Covid epidemic, I developed a pain in my hip.   When we could go to doctors again, I went to an orthopedist. I was sure that I would have to have a hip replacement.  I was already for the diagnosis.  After x-rays, an MRI, and a physical exam, I was told I had just a little arthritis. Whew!  However, I still hurt.  The ortho doc sent me to physical therapy and to an acupuncturist.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.”  The Mayo Clinic website (mayoclinic.org) explains acupuncture in even greater detail.

Hmmm, acupuncture!  I have heard about it.  Was it voodoo medicine or was it now mainstream medicine?  I was going to give it a chance because I didn’t want to be in pain anymore.  The ortho group gave me a recommendation for a local practice. I called and made an appointment.  I was ready for this adventure into alternative medicine.

My acupuncturist, Eileen, was a very caring practitioner.  She spent a long time trying to learn about me and my medical concerns.  She patiently took me through each step of the process explaining what she was going to do.  To begin, I was on my stomach, face down on a massage table. Then Eileen began to insert the needles.   Some needles went in without any pain.  Other needles did prick for a moment as they were inserted, but the pain quickly dissipates.  Eileen constantly asked about my comfort and would adjust the needle if it were uncomfortable. I wore my own clothes, and my top or pants were adjusted to insert the needles – all very respectful.  Once the needles were in place, I was given a call button in case I need help.  Then I quietly rested for about 15 minutes or so in a darken room with New Age music playing in the background. Eileen returned and removed the needles. The needles did not hurt when removed.  I flipped over, and Eileen did another set of needles on the front of me. Again, I rested for 10 minutes or so doing the same procedures, and then the session ended.  Eileen said it sometimes takes a couple of sessions to see results.  

I was pleasantly surprised how the acupuncture helped my pain.  After a few sessions, the pain ceased.  I have continued working with Eileen for the last two years, and she has helped me with a variety of issues.  For example, if I have sinus issues or allergies, she had needle placement to treat those conditions. Eileen always takes time each session to review my current state of health.  I may look like a pin cushion, but I don’t care because I am not in pain and many other conditions have improved.    

 If you have a fear of needles, or you are not seeing improvement, acupuncture may not be for you.  However, it is worth a try.  Check with your primary doctor for his or her thoughts.  Acupuncture is better than giving people opioids for pain. Mainstream doctors are now recommending acupuncture.  Nevertheless, you want to make sure that your acupuncturist has been properly trained.  Eileen went to school for three years and frequently takes recertification classes.  She is certified by the state. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can give you additional information on acupuncture certification and finding qualified practitioners.   

Acupuncture is not covered by Medicare unless it is given by an MD for back pain. I would also check out your insurance before you begin treatment. The procedures run around $100 per session, at least, in my area.  The NCCAOM is lobbying to change insurance coverage.  With time and more research, I hope that this Eastern medicine will integrate with traditional Western medicine to help people. This has been my story, and I am very thankful for the needles that changed my life.