How I did it: I started seeing a new primary care doctor who practices at a clinic that does acupuncture, reiki, and other complementary/holistic forms of health care and she referred me to the acupuncturist I now see. I have had 3 hour long sessions so far that are primarily treating depression, anxiety, and sugar cravings. I have had some success with acupuncture. after each session, acupuncture magnets or tiny needles were left in my ears to help with sugar cravings, and for the first 3 days or so it does definitely help. When the needles are being inserted I generally feel much more relaxed and sometimes feel various sensations at the locations of the needles, such as warmth or like energy is being released from specific needles. I would definitely recommend trying it out- acupuncture is used to treat a large number of ailments, from chronic pain to digestion problems to depression. 

Lessons & tips:

• Try to relax when the needles are being put in. The most pain I've felt is as if something sharp touched me for a second- like a pin touching me (not poking me) for a few seconds. The vast majority of the time I felt a moment of painless pressure and that's it.
• I have been told that some acupuncturists are much better than others. Find someone who is licensed and has good reviews.  
• Once the needles are placed you will be left with the needles in for a period of time. I do not feel the needles at all once they are in and it does not hurt at all when they come out. I like to do breathing exercises during the treatment to try to relax. 
• Consider asking your acupuncturist what their diagnosis is. My acupuncturist told me for example I have a hyper active liver meridian and weak digestive system. The diagnosis was made solely by looking at my tongue for a few seconds and feeling my pulse on both wrists. I don't know how they do it, but it's really cool! 

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May 27, 2012, 08:09PM PDT | 0 comments | 5 cheers