Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that has been used for centuries to restore balance and promote well-being. It is based on the belief that there are unseen energies or forces that flow through the body along meridians. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chee). When these energy channels are blocked, sickness can result. Acupuncture works to unblock these pathways, allowing the body to heal itself. Although acupuncture is most commonly associated with relieving pain, it can also be effective in treating a wide variety of other conditions. Mounting research is beginning to validate what traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have known for centuries – acupuncture is an incredibly effective form of treatment!
Community-Based Acupuncture vs Private Treatment
One of the great things about acupuncture is that it is relatively affordable and accessible. Check with your health insurance provider to see if they cover acupuncture treatments. Many plans now offer some coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture. Also, look for community-based acupuncture clinics in your area. These clinics typically offer treatments on a sliding scale, so you can pay what you can afford, regardless of your financial situation.
Consider private treatment from a licensed acupuncturist. Private treatments may be more expensive than community-based ones, but they can also be more customized to your individual needs.
No matter which route you choose, acupuncture is a great way to improve your health and well-being!
My Experience with Acupuncture
My first acupuncture session was life-changing. I chose to visit a community-based acupuncture clinic in Seattle called The Pin Cushion. I filled out some paperwork, was told the sliding scale was $20-$50 with the first session adding $10. I paid $35 and was directed to a room downstairs with several recliners and tables. I chose a recliner in the middle of the room since there were only 2 options at the time. The place looked busy and some relaxing music played in the otherwise quiet room.
I told the therapist about my anxiety, and lower back discomfort. The therapist began working right away. They placed some acupuncture needles in my hands, feet, lower leg and some on my face and ears. The therapist asked if I could pull my shirt down to expose my chest just beneath my clavicle and said they normally don’t utilize this part of the body in community-based treatments. The therapist said that he could tell, I needed it. He placed one needle beneath my left clavicle and my eyes instantly began to weep. This wasn’t from pain but more so a sense of peace. Then, just as suddenly and surprisingly, I felt a warm flushing sensation fill my entire body, accompanied by a near-instant sense of calm. He placed another needle on my right chest, again matching the previous one.
I’d never experienced anything like it before, and I knew right away that acupuncture was a genuine healing approach. I looked up the point that was used in my therapy later on, and it was called the “Sea of Tranquility” point. This point is said to be beneficial for those with anxiety, heart palpitations, and insomnia. It felt as if my anxiety had vanished for weeks after my therapy session. It was as if all of the tension I had been holding in my body for months had been released in one fell swoop. After just one community-based acupuncture treatment, I was hooked!
If you’re considering giving acupuncture a try, I highly recommend it. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and affordable way to improve your health and well-being. Whether you choose to go to a community-based clinic or see a private practitioner, you’re sure to benefit from this ancient Chinese healing art.
You can find a licensed provider by checking out the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. You can search by your zip code and a radius from your home. I can’t stress enough the importance of making sure your provider is licensed to perform acupuncture. Not every provider is listed here but its a great place to search for one if your interested in trying acupuncture.
Have you ever tried acupuncture? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
