Everything I know. About Acupuncture.

I have never been a skeptic regarding acupuncture, but I'd never had occasion to try it. The doctor I'm seeing recommended it, and actually has a room in his clinic that's being rented out by an acupuncturist.

That's my hand, holding a fresh needle after my treatment on Thursday.

So I've had acupuncture four times now.

I did not know what to expect the first time, because I've read very little about it, and don't know anyone who's had a series of treatments.
But my mind was open... something that's been around as long as acupuncture has to have some validity or it wouldn't still be around.

The needles are very thin. Long, but small.

Although most people associate needles with pain, the insertion of the needles really isn't painful. At the most there's a slight sting with a few of them, but with most of them, I just feel a little tap as she puts the needle in.

Within about five minutes after the needles are placed, my knee begins to feel very warm. It's almost like someone has put a heat lamp over the area, the circle of warmth is very focused.

After treatment, the area remains warm. As I write this on Thursday evening, it's nearly 9:00. The treatment was over at 1:30. The warmth faded about 6:30, but the pain relief is still with me. It's surprisingly effective. I don't know the science behind why it works, although the little I've learned is that stimulating those points causes my body to release endorphins, which help fight pain and help me feel good.

(Nice scars, huh? Shoulda seen them in July.)
You may recall last week that I asked for a needle to show to my kids at work, and Gina was uncomfortable with that idea.

She was fine with the idea of taking a few pictures for me, though, and I'll be printing them up for the kids who'd like to see them.

Several of them are very curious about the surgeries I've had and the way their anatomy works. Although what I've gone through hasn't been a lot of fun, it has definitely been a learning experience for me. And for the people around me, too.

And although any self-respecting educrat will tell you that you can only learn through textbooks, standardized curriculum, and plenty of testing, I can tell you that kids never stop learning. They can certainly turn off and not absorb the things you're trying to teach them... but I know they've learned quite a bit from me. And not just about clumsiness and surgery. :)

I know for sure that some of my kids will be fascinated with the pictures and with my explanation of how acupuncture has worked for me.

I don't know how fascinated YOU are.