A couple of years ago, as mentioned previously on this blog, I encountered a series of medical maladies. I suffered all kinds of aches, pains, infections, discomforts, fatigue. The list went on. Some things were diagnosed. Some things were treated. Some things left the doctors scratching their heads. The experience was stressful. I was not well. I saw my primary care physician a dozen times in the course of a year. I saw specialists. I even went to the ER once, because I wasn’t getting answers and wasn’t getting help. The ER visit didn’t help either.
In the process, I decided to try alternative medicine.
My mother was always holistic in her approach to healthcare. She was NEVER sick. Well, okay, at 65, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died one month later. But, before that, she was never sick. I’m not sure when my mom converted to alternative health care. I know that she had a hysterectomy (partial, I believe), when I was young, elementary school age. I think that had something to do with her views. At some point along the way, she stopped drinking sodas. She stopped eating junk food. She eventually starting using whole-wheat flour. She later tried to avoid any flour. She constantly extolled the virtues of healthier eating. Chemicals in food and in the environment became a concern for her. My mother was notorious for passing out articles she’d find on various health topics. For example, she ranted about aspartame for years. She warned of hydrogenated oils long before the widespread concern over trans fat began. My mom was generally introverted, much more so than I, but on the topic of health, she could get on a soap box at times, especially with someone she thought might listen. Admittedly, I ignored her most of the time.
In the face of various medical symptoms and no answers from the traditional doctors, I eventually realized I needed to broaden my perspective. I was hesitant, concerned and unsure what to do. Somewhere along the line, alternative medicine became more appealing.
I started with a chiropractor. I had seen one previously for a bad crick in my neck. He fixed that. So, I went back to ask questions and try an adjustment. I didn’t get answers that satisfied me and the adjustment made no impact. However, in conversation, the chiropractor casually mentioned an acupuncturist that was going to trade services with him. I didn’t ask any questions. I didn’t even get the name. But, I remember at the time, that word, ACUPUNCTURIST, seemed to linger in the air, as if waiting for me to take notice.
I prayed about it. While I was in the ER, waiting on blood work results, it was seemingly clear to me that I was going to get nothing from that trip. I prayed almost constantly in my ER exam room, interrupted only when a tech, nurse or doctor came in. Before I left that place, I knew my next stop likely would be at an acupuncturist’s office.
I found Hwa Tow Acupuncture & Herbs by searching online. Arriving for my first appointment, I was unsure about my choice. The ambience was Asian. As such, it was unfamiliar to me. I had no idea what to expect. Would it hurt? Would it work? Is acupuncture valid, or is it just all hooey? How can tiny needles really do anything anyway? But… The place was clean. There was a Bible on the waiting room table. The receptionist was nice. As it turns out, she was the acupuncturist’s wife. It seemed okay to me.
The acupuncturist, Jeff (his American name no doubt) is from Taiwan. I liked him right away. He was pleasant, courteous, direct and matter of fact. He took some basic information about my symptoms. He didn’t waste much time. I got on the table and he inserted the needles. For my symptoms, I got several in my back and legs. Eventually, I got them in the hands and arms and feet too. The needles didn’t hurt. On two occasions, Jeff attached the needles to a device that sent electric pulses through my body. The first time was jolting. It was hard to tolerate, but my body settled down after 15 minutes or so. His efforts made a significant improvement in my pain symptoms. But, I didn’t see further improvement following the last couple of sessions. At twice a week visits, the expense was adding up quickly. So, I stopped.
I eventually found other ways to manage the pain. Prayer and relaxation were the primary methods I used. Thankfully, the pain symptoms I had improved tremendously over time.
Later, when I decided to address my digestive problems, I encountered the same lack of resolution from the western medicine efforts I tried. So, I went back to acupuncture. As much as I liked Jeff, and I would certainly go back to him, I wanted to be able to communicate the details of my complicated digestive issues more easily. So, I searched for a native English speaker.
I found Kim at Center for the Healing Arts. I’ve gotten needles in the face, ears, head, arms, hands, stomach, legs and feet. Similar routine of Q&A and needles. Kim takes plenty of time on the Q&A, which I appreciated, given the complexity of my longstanding digestive dysfunction. Again, the needles do not hurt. I can think of a couple of occasions when I have had stiffness in my hand after a needle was placed between the thumb and forefinger. Once, she used moxibustion, a technique in which a strong smelling, smoldering root heats the ends of the needles.
One of the most remarkable things I can say about Chinese medicine is the herbs. The most impressive was an herbal blend for intestinal issues. When I first went for treatment, my digestion was horrible. My stomach gurgled nearly constantly. Loudly! Those herbs stopped the noise and rumbling within 30 minutes, consistently. At first, I had to take five capsules at a time three times per day. But, I gradually decreased the dosage. Now, I keep them on hand, just in case, but rarely need them. I regularly take a Chinese herbal blend for sinus congestion that works as well or better than any over-the-counter or prescription medication I have taken. My intention is to keep this stuff on hand as long as I can get it. And, I have taken another herbal blend with noticeable results as well. Those herbs are good stuff. And, I have never noticed side effects from them, whereas I have often noticed side effects from OTC and prescription meds.
To me, the needles are interesting. I do not get an immediate result from them. So, it’s hard to sense exactly what they do. However, the immediate effect in the moment is relaxing. In fact, it’s probably worth it just for the relaxation.
My understanding of Chinese medicine theory is minimal. The gist, as I know it, is that energy from the environment flows through our body along pathways called meridians. The energy can become blocked for various reasons. Blockage causes illness. The goal of Chinese medicine, via the herbs and needles, is to release the energy, i.e., to eliminate the stagnation, restore the flow and thereby promote health. Admittedly, my conceptualization is rudimentary at best. And, my ability to apply the theory to my own experience is minimal.
At the same time, I am convinced that there is something to all this. While it seemed like hooey to me at first, I now believe that energy around us flows through us and relates to our wellness. Although I can’t really understand it well, I am sure that whatever those needles do has an impact on my health. Over time, my health has improved dramatically. I have seen marked differences in symptoms of pain, fatigue and digestive dysfunction. I have no doubt that the efforts to improve the flow of energy has been useful for me. Personally, I am intrigued to better understand the process, though I have not yet devoted the time to study it. Nevertheless, I do not hesitate to suggest acupuncture to friends and family members whose medical matters are not resolved via traditional means.
In the process, I decided to try alternative medicine.
My mother was always holistic in her approach to healthcare. She was NEVER sick. Well, okay, at 65, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died one month later. But, before that, she was never sick. I’m not sure when my mom converted to alternative health care. I know that she had a hysterectomy (partial, I believe), when I was young, elementary school age. I think that had something to do with her views. At some point along the way, she stopped drinking sodas. She stopped eating junk food. She eventually starting using whole-wheat flour. She later tried to avoid any flour. She constantly extolled the virtues of healthier eating. Chemicals in food and in the environment became a concern for her. My mother was notorious for passing out articles she’d find on various health topics. For example, she ranted about aspartame for years. She warned of hydrogenated oils long before the widespread concern over trans fat began. My mom was generally introverted, much more so than I, but on the topic of health, she could get on a soap box at times, especially with someone she thought might listen. Admittedly, I ignored her most of the time.
In the face of various medical symptoms and no answers from the traditional doctors, I eventually realized I needed to broaden my perspective. I was hesitant, concerned and unsure what to do. Somewhere along the line, alternative medicine became more appealing.
I started with a chiropractor. I had seen one previously for a bad crick in my neck. He fixed that. So, I went back to ask questions and try an adjustment. I didn’t get answers that satisfied me and the adjustment made no impact. However, in conversation, the chiropractor casually mentioned an acupuncturist that was going to trade services with him. I didn’t ask any questions. I didn’t even get the name. But, I remember at the time, that word, ACUPUNCTURIST, seemed to linger in the air, as if waiting for me to take notice.
I prayed about it. While I was in the ER, waiting on blood work results, it was seemingly clear to me that I was going to get nothing from that trip. I prayed almost constantly in my ER exam room, interrupted only when a tech, nurse or doctor came in. Before I left that place, I knew my next stop likely would be at an acupuncturist’s office.
I found Hwa Tow Acupuncture & Herbs by searching online. Arriving for my first appointment, I was unsure about my choice. The ambience was Asian. As such, it was unfamiliar to me. I had no idea what to expect. Would it hurt? Would it work? Is acupuncture valid, or is it just all hooey? How can tiny needles really do anything anyway? But… The place was clean. There was a Bible on the waiting room table. The receptionist was nice. As it turns out, she was the acupuncturist’s wife. It seemed okay to me.
The acupuncturist, Jeff (his American name no doubt) is from Taiwan. I liked him right away. He was pleasant, courteous, direct and matter of fact. He took some basic information about my symptoms. He didn’t waste much time. I got on the table and he inserted the needles. For my symptoms, I got several in my back and legs. Eventually, I got them in the hands and arms and feet too. The needles didn’t hurt. On two occasions, Jeff attached the needles to a device that sent electric pulses through my body. The first time was jolting. It was hard to tolerate, but my body settled down after 15 minutes or so. His efforts made a significant improvement in my pain symptoms. But, I didn’t see further improvement following the last couple of sessions. At twice a week visits, the expense was adding up quickly. So, I stopped.
I eventually found other ways to manage the pain. Prayer and relaxation were the primary methods I used. Thankfully, the pain symptoms I had improved tremendously over time.
Later, when I decided to address my digestive problems, I encountered the same lack of resolution from the western medicine efforts I tried. So, I went back to acupuncture. As much as I liked Jeff, and I would certainly go back to him, I wanted to be able to communicate the details of my complicated digestive issues more easily. So, I searched for a native English speaker.
I found Kim at Center for the Healing Arts. I’ve gotten needles in the face, ears, head, arms, hands, stomach, legs and feet. Similar routine of Q&A and needles. Kim takes plenty of time on the Q&A, which I appreciated, given the complexity of my longstanding digestive dysfunction. Again, the needles do not hurt. I can think of a couple of occasions when I have had stiffness in my hand after a needle was placed between the thumb and forefinger. Once, she used moxibustion, a technique in which a strong smelling, smoldering root heats the ends of the needles.
One of the most remarkable things I can say about Chinese medicine is the herbs. The most impressive was an herbal blend for intestinal issues. When I first went for treatment, my digestion was horrible. My stomach gurgled nearly constantly. Loudly! Those herbs stopped the noise and rumbling within 30 minutes, consistently. At first, I had to take five capsules at a time three times per day. But, I gradually decreased the dosage. Now, I keep them on hand, just in case, but rarely need them. I regularly take a Chinese herbal blend for sinus congestion that works as well or better than any over-the-counter or prescription medication I have taken. My intention is to keep this stuff on hand as long as I can get it. And, I have taken another herbal blend with noticeable results as well. Those herbs are good stuff. And, I have never noticed side effects from them, whereas I have often noticed side effects from OTC and prescription meds.
To me, the needles are interesting. I do not get an immediate result from them. So, it’s hard to sense exactly what they do. However, the immediate effect in the moment is relaxing. In fact, it’s probably worth it just for the relaxation. My understanding of Chinese medicine theory is minimal. The gist, as I know it, is that energy from the environment flows through our body along pathways called meridians. The energy can become blocked for various reasons. Blockage causes illness. The goal of Chinese medicine, via the herbs and needles, is to release the energy, i.e., to eliminate the stagnation, restore the flow and thereby promote health. Admittedly, my conceptualization is rudimentary at best. And, my ability to apply the theory to my own experience is minimal.
At the same time, I am convinced that there is something to all this. While it seemed like hooey to me at first, I now believe that energy around us flows through us and relates to our wellness. Although I can’t really understand it well, I am sure that whatever those needles do has an impact on my health. Over time, my health has improved dramatically. I have seen marked differences in symptoms of pain, fatigue and digestive dysfunction. I have no doubt that the efforts to improve the flow of energy has been useful for me. Personally, I am intrigued to better understand the process, though I have not yet devoted the time to study it. Nevertheless, I do not hesitate to suggest acupuncture to friends and family members whose medical matters are not resolved via traditional means.
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