My first acupuncture session

I've always been intrigued and a believer in Acupuncture but never in my life had I felt like I had any reason to go. After talking to a friend at a Christmas party about my ITB, she told me that about 8 years ago she had severe pains in ITB fixed by acupuncture. I then spoke to my doc and she agreed that it could be a good solution.

After attempting to reach several places without success over the holiday, I chose N.A.P. (neighborhood acupuncture project) Not only are they pretty close to me (9min drive today), but they're a low cost center where you pay based on a sliding scale the amount you personally want to pay. the biggest difference is that they have many recliners in in open rooms so you're not on your own in one place. Personally, I couldn't care less if someone is lying a few yards from me getting treatment as thats how my doctor's office is too.

He said that for internal organ ailments acupuncture can help in a little as one session, but for acute pains it takes longer. He did say I should see some sign by the 4th visit ir things are improving. I can accept that.

The visit. (my pain is outside of left knee)
Spent about 10 minutes discussing all things "me" about the pain but also reviewing the rather lengthy questionnaire I filled out prior to. Then it was on to my recliner, next to a lady that seemed to be comfortably asleep about 10-15 feet from me. To me it was kind of fascinating the way he first pushed deep into some areas in my abdomen for discomfort - none for me. He then studied my legs and touched them here or there asking if I felt discomfort. Mostly points under my left knee, outside and above the left ankle, on top of the left foot around the smallest toe. He also tested some inner areas on my right knee, then along my right forearm. Discomfort in upper ankle, several spots by the small toe, and on the right forearm! He then started touching different areas, kind of feeling my pulse here and there, but the way he determined where to touch looked like he was doing mental math, looking back and forth, kind of like when you're playing billiards and are trying to calculate angles.
He then whispered (yes all is whispered to not disturb other patients) that he would put the needles in. He put two down by the left smallest toe. I felt those, like little thorn pricks, but felt nothing on inner right knee, right forearm or inside of left elbow. But the one he put under my left knee sent a jolt of electricity down my leg and all the way up my body. "that hit a nerve!". Very cool. Then it was time to just relax. I dozed off for about an hour coming in and out of naps.

The needles are super thin. Much thinner than a safety pin, syringe, etc. The top half of them is actually a really tight, teeny tiny coil, and I saw him warm that part of with a lighter on one of the needles on the lady lying next to me.

I went ahead and made appointments to go back again on Sunday at 11am and Tuesday at 5pm. I really hope this makes a difference, but if it doesn't, then at least I got some really good naps out of it!

Finally, he also suggested a lotion to put on if it aches, and definitely before and after any run attempts. He compared it to "tiger balm" that some of you may know, but said it's much better as it has additional herbs and goodness that really get things flowing. Its called Zheng Gu Shui (jzung goo shwey). Most Chinese supermarkets should carry it. I'll go tomorrow and get me a bottle. He had a spray one.








the link above says:

"The formula is in a water-alcohol base and is indicated for backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains, to be applied 3-4 times per day."

A simple google and amazon search shows that it costs about $6-10, and amazon reviews make it sound like Christ's 7th miracle. He sprayed some on and massaged it in, and I was able to walk on top of the water of the puddle that was in my way. Not really, but I'll buy one and give it a shot.