pierce the soul...
I hurt my hip running in the woods trying to escape some very aggressive wasps, it had been sore some time before and when I ran kicking and screaming down the path I really tore something. Damn wasps. I had scheduled an acupuncture appointment with Susan for the following day for my sinuses and also mentioned the pain in my hip to her. She told me to remain standing and put two needles in my hand. Yep, 2 small needles….she asked me if it was better, and….. it was! Allot better! I could twist and bend and wow!, the tightness was instantly alleviated. I told her I loved her and then vowed to blog about her, this is that blog.
Here are some frequently asked questions Susan and I thought you may be wondering about:
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Eastern explanation:
The life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.
Western explanation:
Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
I often combine acupuncture with microcurrent therapy. This is based on the principle that, application of current that is similar to the body’s bioelectric current enhances the tissues response to healing and repair, regulating the disturbed bioelectric frequency of the injured cell. This way, new healthy cells replace the injured ones. Microcurrent therapy is most effective for soft tissue inflammation, muscle pain and chronic pain.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle, almost as thin as a hair. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness.
How much does it cost and how long is a session?
The initial consultation and treatment is $75 and lasts 1 ½ hours and the follow-up treatments last 1 hour and are $65. Most insurances cover acupuncture, but it depends on your plan. I bill out any insurance that covers out of network acupuncture coverage. I am only in network with Cigna.
Will I see immediate results? How long will they last?
Most people experience results immediately, if not the next day or within the first 2 treatments. Results last varying with the individual. Initially the results last one or two days. Subsequent treatments should provide longer-lasting and greater degrees of improvement. The response will accelerate as the treatments progress.
Why/how is it helpful specifically with running injuries? (Ex: Does it heal the damage or just control the pain?)
Acupuncture promotes pain-killing and healing processes at several levels. It increases local blood circulation, stimulates immune function and promotes an anti-inflammatory and tissue healing response. Acupuncture has healing and pain-relieving effects on local injuries, and systemic effects in promoting physiologic homeostasis and calming the stress response. It effectively treats acute and chronic soft-tissue injuries, as well as flare-ups of old injuries. As far as running injuries, it effectively treats knee and ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, ITB syndrome…
Can it help with stress and fatigue?
From a Western viewpoint, acupuncture works to alleviate stress by releasing natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, called endorphins. In addition, acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol (stress hormone) and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.
Acupuncture can also help increase your energy level. Fatigue could be kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach digestion deficiency or liver stagnation.
I know your fatigue is from being a running mother, but if needed I can run lab work to see if anything else is going on such as anemia or infections. I also offer adrenal saliva testing to check cortisol levels and rhythms, GI panels (stool analysis) to check for gut infections, and hormone testing. I provide herbal formulas and dietary recommendations as well.
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I have been seeing Susan for about 8 years and my allergies are seriously under control, and without all those antibiotics too! I also see her for tension headaches and was a serious life saver during my pregnancy, can you say 10.6 lb baby boy? WHAT?
Here is her link and information, try it!!!
Love zak