As a little girl, I had a Pavlovian like reaction when my mom would tell me that I had a doctor’s appointment. At the mere mention of the word doctor, I would feel a wave of panic and terror wash over me and begin to cry. It was not the pediatrician who frightened me, though. My reaction had to do with my fear of needles, and it seemed as if nearly every visit to the doctor involved needles of one sort or the other. In one of my less than finer childhood moments, I recall having to be physically held down, in order for an injection to be administered. That’s how much I despised needles.
As I transitioned into young adulthood, I thought that my history with needles was behind me (pun intended), but I was wrong. Enter countless injections, blood tests, and IVs, during five years of infertility treatment, during my late 20s and early 30s. It was one of life’s most twisted jokes on me by far.
During that same period, though, I made peace with needles of a different kind. Acupuncture. When my reproductive endocrinologist suggested acupuncture to help me to cope with the emotional and physical rigors of infertility treatment, I could not imagine voluntarily choosing to be poked and prodded even more than I had been. At that point, though I was open to trying anything that may help me become pregnant. Since I already felt like a human pincushion, I figured a few more needles wouldn’t hurt, literally or figuratively. This time, I was right.
That began my foray into the world of acupuncture. After I completed infertility treatment, I did not return to acupuncture until after my world imploded seven years ago. A friend suggested it to help ease the depression and anxiety that had a stranglehold on my mind and body, and again, I was willing to try anything that would help me feel better. It definitely made me feel more relaxed and centered, both during the session and afterward, so, I have returned to it periodically, when I am in need of relief of some kind.
This afternoon, I sought out acupuncture once again, and it left me feeling truly grateful. I am grateful to the practitioner who expertly placed the acupuncture needles in various spots on my body to help relieve the underlying pain that has plagued my left shoulder for weeks on end. As I stretched out on the heated table, I felt relaxed and calm, even with all of those needles sticking out of me. I certainly have come a long way from having to be held down on an exam table for one shot!
Afterward, the discomfort in my shoulder had subsided significantly, and I felt really peaceful, yet also re-energized. Apparently, it showed, because when I stopped to get a manicure and pedicure on my way home, the receptionist at the salon asked if I had just come from a massage. When I explained that I had been at an acupuncture session, she laughed and said, Well, you are glowing. Simply glowing! That is the kind of side effect that I don’t mind at all.
So, I am grateful for the inner and outer glow that comes with physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being, and I am grateful for the acupuncturist who shared this gift with me. Plus, we had a great conversation about Blanton’s bourbon, which was an absolute bonus and more reason to appreciate him. Cheers!
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
That's Another Story 
Leave a Reply