Over the last month I have been getting a weekly massage to try and release the tension in my neck and shoulders. The tension usually starts to build up when I do a lot of running and apparently being a woman predisposes me to holding my stress and tension in my back, shoulders and neck. If I let it go too long I usually end up with that uncomfortable feeling in my shoulders that I just can’t stretch out .. and then comes a few headaches!
When I had my massage last week the therapist asked me had I tried acupuncture before. Who me?! I have been known to have to lie down to have an injection .. you know, with a needle … and a blood test! I don’t really like that feeling when the room goes a bit fuzzy and your head starts to spin. Nope, I don’t do needles.
 |
| This is not me but I’m sure there were this many needles! |
But, being the brave, challenge taker that I am I decided that I would give the acupuncture a go. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to ensure the free flow of the body’s energy in order to bring the body into it’s natural balance according to www.acupuncture.com.au . Yes, it is entirely possible that my body is not in balance! Maybe even my mind but let’s leave that alone!
I must say, the whole event was pretty painless and yes, I did feel every little needle prick as they were gently implanted into my skin. See, I admitted that they tried to be gentle!
As I have quite an intense dislike for needles I tried to focus on the relaxing part of the process. Lots of inhaling and exhaling and trying to allow myself to relax.
When I asked the acupuncturist if it was normal that I felt like there was electricity running through my legs and that I felt I couldn’t keep them still, he was very reassuring .. this is normal. It is my body’s energy ( Qi ) being allowed to flow freely through my body with no blockages ( tension ). Feels pretty weird actually, like you are not in control .. and I like being in control, especially of my own body!
After the whole process, my arms and legs felt so heavy that I had to sit down in the waiting area for a while! Again, this is apparently normal!
I know that hundreds of people swear by acupuncture, but what did I think of the whole experience? I definitely do think that it released some of the tension in my neck and shoulders. I will no doubt require a few more needle sessions as I am now starting to feel some of the niggles start again.
Will I willingly go back again and have the needles stuck in me? Yes, I think that I will. I’m all for giving it a fair chance seeing as though it’s been around for thousands of years and as I said heaps of people swear by this practice! Am I looking forward to it .. not really. I think I will try to sleep this time!
Would I recommend it? Personal preference really, whatever floats your boat. It certainly won’t hurt ( apart from a few pin pricks ) to try something a bit different if you feel that you need to try something else to get results.
What about you? Have you tried acupuncture? Are you a devoted fan or are you just not ready to be pinned like a voodoo doll?
Just in case you are wondering, I visit the fabulous people at Go2 Human Performance. I have been going here for years now and they are a great team!
*This is not a sponsored post. I just find these guys are really helpful and I have also recommended them to my clients.
