Since having mentioned that I was going to try acupuncture out, it was the most requested blog post for me to write, so here I am a little over 1 month later and 3 sessions completed ready to dish! I wanted to do this in a sort of Frequently Asked Questions style and you’ll have to excuse that there really aren’t any photos from my sessions because truth be told if I saw someone’s post with needles sticking out of them I would be too freaked out to give it a try!
via
Why did I go?
Why did I go?
I think it makes sense to start out with why I wanted to try acupuncture! Simply put, I was stressed! This was one of the busiest summer’s I’ve ever experienced – between work, travel & our business I felt like I was constantly going and not really stopping for anything. I was getting headaches pretty frequently – more than likely from stress and didn’t feel balanced at all. I talked to a few friends that had tried acupuncture and they all said the same thing – it helped zen them out! Yoga & meditation didn’t work for me, so I decided I’d make an appointment and see if it could help!
Did it hurt?
Did it hurt?
Short answer, no! Long answer, it’s not the most appealing sensation because you are being pricked by a lot of needles. After a short period of time you sort of forget that you have needles sticking out of you and you start to relax, at least I did and for me clearing my head is not the easiest thing to do!
How long are the sessions?
How long are the sessions?
My first session was an hour and the other two were an hour and half. It’s a time commitment that’s for sure and unfortunately each time I stupidly scheduled something right after the appointments so I was looking at the clock a lot before the appointment began, but after I was able to relax. I believe it’s customary to have these long sessions because it takes a little while for them to properly place all the needles in (about 10 minutes) and then the rest of the time you’re relaxing and focusing on your breathing.
What is the first session like?
What is the first session like?
The first session was about 10 minutes of “get to know you” with the acupuncturist. You express why you’re there and what you’d like to achieve. I found it so incredibly interesting that she asked to see my tongue. Apparently you can tell a lot about a person’s health and well being from the color of their tongue. Before we even started talking about the “why” she asked to see my tongue and it was incredible how accurate she was with things that were bothering me and here’s a shocker – that I tend to worry too much!
Did it help?
Did it help?
I went in with the mindset that it was absolutely going to work for me, that it would help relieve my stress and zen me out! So the question is – did it help! ABSOLUTELY! Had I not gone in with the feeling that this would help relieve some of my stress, then I’m not sure it would have worked. I left each session feeling so incredibly light. Each session was a bit better than the one before.
My first session: I didn’t fall asleep, but with my eyes closed and focused on my breathing I was able to rid my brain of so many thoughts. Just things that were clearly taking up space that needed to be released. You know that feeling when you’re trying to go to sleep, but your mind is racing – well it was exactly like this, except it wasn’t bothering me that my mind was racing because it was as if all of these thoughts needed to come out! After the session I went to dinner with some friends and they kept commenting on how “flighty” I looked. I laughed because I was felt so clear headed and zen! That’s all I kept saying – I just feel so zen!
My second session: Knowing what to expect I was really excited! Unfortunately as soon as the acupuncturist left – I had to go to the bathroom. Focusing on my breathing for an hour and trying to push the feeling of having to pee out of my brain was really hard!! The crazy thing, about 20 minutes into it, I was so focused on my breathing that I did forget about the bathroom and was able to doze off! I was wondering if I’d be face up for all the sessions, but she had me lay down face first – like you do when you get a massage and we started with acupuncture on the back. I can’t tell you how relaxing this was – partly because I was finally able to go to the bathroom! I fell asleep – like deep sleep to the point where she came back in the room and I didn’t realize that she had taken all the needles out and it was time to go!
I met Gary for dinner after this session and he told me that I was literally glowing! Again I felt so light and clear headed. He couldn’t stop laughing because I was just talking a mile a minute about EVERYTHING! Later that night we went to a friends surprise party and I’m pretty sure that I convinced all of our friends to try acupuncture!
My third session: Feeling like an old pro, this was almost like a tune up! I was relaxed, ready and excited to have this done before the two weddings we were about to do! After this session I felt like I had really cleared my self of the stress that I was feeling and she told me that I could wait a few more months before the next one.
Would I go again?
Would I go again?
Absolutely! Hands down without a doubt it was worth the money for me! I would feel the effects of the acupuncture days after the sessions. This clarity that comes from feeling like nothing is on your mind or if something is on your mind it’s not going to stress you out. I also feel like it’s part of the reason – aside from our amazing mattress – as to why I’ve been sleeping so well. My mind doesn’t race with tons of thoughts!
Overall thoughts ||
Overall thoughts ||
I’m now a firm believer in acupuncture working! I think for me I wanted it to work, so maybe it was a little bit of mind over everything else here. I do feel a lot less stressed and more centered so I’d say it was a success. I will definitely be going again for some “tune ups” here and there!
Have you ever tried acupuncture? Would you?
This is so interesting! I never would have thought to do this, but you have me convinced I need to at least look into it!
I am all for it and have thought of doing it myself. We have one at our Health System and I have spoken too her in passing a couple times. Get this….our Vet is certified and recommended it for our Daisy girl and her disc problems. Amazing! So glad you found it beneficial!! xo
I've heard lots of wonderful things about acupuncture from people for various reasons. It's an incredible practice and I'm glad that you got so much benefit out of it!
Okay–you have convinced me to try it!!
So glad you had a great experience! My chiropractor does acupuncture and we keep talking about doing it but haven't yet. You "zened" me out just reading this post, lol!
I think it's fabulous when us women make time to take care of ourselves! This was a cool description of how it works . . . glad you felt some stress relief!
That's awesome you had a great experience. I have always thought about it but the needles scare me haha! Good to know that they really don't hurt though. And how wonderful that you are feeling less stressed…definitely worth it!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
I have always heard god things about acupuncture. It's a great alternative to medicine, and I know it helps with a lot of issues including allergies, and insomnia. I am so glad you had a positive experience!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I'm so happy it worked for you, I'm definitely interested in giving it a go! My dad works with a lot of people who swear by it and say that its helped them with a lot of physical ailments as well!
I'm so happy it worked for you, I'm definitely interested in giving it a go! My dad works with a lot of people who swear by it and say that its helped them with a lot of physical ailments as well!
I'm thrilled that it worked for you !! I'm full of tension and I know that I'm stressed and need a way to unwind and clear my head. I may consider giving acupuncture a try. Thanks for sharing Biana 🙂
I really want my dad to try out acupuncture! I hear so many wonderful things about it! Loving this post so much because its someones actual testimonial! SO happy to hear it worked for you and that you deff would try it again!
xoxo,Victoria
coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
I've always wanted to try acupuncture and am so glad you did this review! It sounds amazing!
So happy to hear you had a great experience with it! I have a reference from someone local and really want to try it!
I definitely have always been intrigued by acupuncture especially since I'm such a high-strung, stressed person! LOVED reading about your experience…now I want to book an appointment!
rosyoutlookblog.com
I've totally wanted to try this out and now i feel like i have more reason to. i don't mind needles at all and think i could just totally relax. but i'm sure it takes some getting used to!
xoxo cheshire kat
Amazing! I've been wanting to try acupuncture, and have heard only great things. It's hard for me to de-stress and relax too, and I think this would be great once I get into the mindset and let it all go. Loved this review gurlie, and so glad it helped you get through such a busy time <3
Green Fashionista
I have often wondered about acupuncture but I'm not going to lie, I'm not a fan of needles and I think one of the Final Destination movies really turned me off of it. I feel like there's no way I'd be able to relax but maybe I should just give it a try once and see what happens! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
I've done acupuncture before but it's been awhile! I may need to give it a try again.
Zelle
Southern Style
I completely understand the headaches and the busy schedule. Sometimes for me it feels like I'm drowning but I still need to get things done. I haven't tried acupuncture before but with your experience I think I will consider going for a session. Great post and glad you enjoyed the treatment.
stylenbeautylounge.com
I completely understand the headaches and the busy schedule. Sometimes for me it feels like I'm drowning but I still need to get things done. I haven't tried acupuncture before but with your experience I think I will consider going for a session. Great post and glad you enjoyed the treatment.
stylenbeautylounge.com
So glad this worked for you– taking an 1.5 hours of your day for YOU is so worth it! Hopefully gone are the days of eye twitches and headaches! XOXO, R
I'm so glad that this worked for you. I have been thinking of trying it because I am always stressed out and I have a terrible time turning my brain off. But I'm terrified of the needles. Just thinking about them makes me feel ill. I do feel like it could help with me stress and anxiety I have. What place did you go to (if you don't mind me asking)?
Love this post. I've always been afraid to try acupuncture, but now you've inspired me to go.
~Samantha
goldcoastgirlblog.com
I've always been super curious about acupuncture and have heard great things from it. I just recently spoke to a patient about how they were recently diagnosed with cancer and went to see someone and they asked to see their tongue..without knowing a single thing about the person, he told her that she had toxins filling her body and she needed to get rid of it. I totally think I'll try acupuncture at least once to see how I like it :)! Thanks for sharing!!
This is awesome! I've never even thought about trying acupuncture for stress before, but now you have me googling places in my city!!
Okay…you have me wanting to try this out! I've heard it's also great for fertility…definitely going to look up acupuncturist in my area! Thanks for sharing your experience!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Wow! Interestingly enough, I'm intrigued and would probably do this for sure!
This was so interesting, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm terrified of needles, so I'm relieved to hear that it doesn't hurt. I might have to look into this myself – with the holidays coming aka family stress, I could stand to chill out a bit!
I've always been so interested in Acupuncture and if it works for others, I'm so glad this has helped you!! Stress is such a killer!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Interesting! I have a fear of needles so I've always hesitated… but you've made me think about trying it! Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
I truly believe in this art. I SO WISH I had a good one near me for my bicep tendon & my knee pain.
My brothers best friend moved to Dallas to go to a school to do this – the training was INTENSE! When he comes home, he works on everyone in the family & its amazing.
I most definitely need to try this!
I've been waiting for this post! And wow, I'm so excited that you had such a great experience!! I really want to go now. I think I might try it in January once things slow down and I have some free time!
I loved acupuncture. I tried it for fertility reasons and stress. It helped me so much. I would love to do it more often.
That's so awesome that you tried acupuncture, that it worked for you, and that you're going to continue to do it! I hate needles, but if it's just a light prick I bet that I could handle it!
Love hearing your thoughts on this. In some ways I get a similar experience from yoga, but I know that acupuncture has so many more uses besides stress-relief that I want to explore that I don't get from my practice. Love that you're loving this and have found a tool that works for you!
Find acupuncturist is on my list of things to do! So glad it was so beneficial for you.
I have never really thought about going before because of how much I hate needles. After being pregnant and getting poked and prodded with all kinds of needles lately, I am thinking at least these ones are supposed to make you feel good not bad. I have a friend that goes to clear her skin and it really works for her. I would be willing to try it now. I am so glad it works for you!
Well, you have me convinced! I've been having horrible tension headaches lately and I'm wondering if this will help.
I love acupuncture! It is so relaxing! I need to get back. Glad you enjoyed it!
Ohh I'm so glad you shared this! I know you said it doesn't hurt, but it still makes me so nervous because I'm such a baby with needles. Also, so interesting that she could read so much of you by your tongue!
I'd love to try out acupuncture! I've heard some many amazing things about it!
This is so good to know! Kellen and I have talked about going but just haven't. I could use a major stress reliever right now.
I have always been curiuos about this! Glad you had such a good experience
amemoryofus.com
Wow. This is seriously amazing. I'm glad it's done such wonders for you. Thanks for all the information. I definitely want to try it now!
Loved hearing about your experience- I have always wondered what it would be like and if it really works. Do you mind telling me how much it was?? That would definitely be a big factor.
xo, Kristina
Medicine & Manicures
Ive always wanted to try acupuncture! Anything to get me to relax haha! I knew a girl that would get this down a lot and they would even slit her ear and drain some blood out… which I was like uhhhh I dont know about that part haha!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I'm so glad you did this post! I've always wanted to try it, but never have. My mom has done it for migraines and she swears by it! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
this is really helpful-and I am glad to hear your personal thoughts / experience …I always like more 'natural' remedies for aches/pains/and what not.
Thanks girl!
Katelyn
theyellowspectacles.com
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us, beautiful! I will definitely look into sessions, it sounds quite amazing and pretty shocking that you don't feel the needless, too. I'm also really impressed with the fact that she was able to tell a lot about your health by looking at your tongue, having a science degree, we weren't even taught this! I guess this is a perfect demonstration of the huge space between alternative and western. Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you're having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
thestylecontour.com
I have tried it several times but a lot of time ago… I really believe in it!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MILITARY COAT AND MAXI DRESS
I've been curious about acupuncture for a long time now- and your experience makes me want to try it even more! Thanks for sharing this, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I've been waiting for this post after you mentioned getting it done! Needles dont necessarily bother me, so I bet I would really like this! Totally need to find a place around here and do some research. (;
So interesting! I've never seriously considered going but maybe I'll have to give it a try in the next couple of years. I have serious levels of stress/anxiety about a LOT so I think it would really help. I also have a lot of migraines/headaches so I'm curious if that would help. Too crazy about her wanting to see your tongue! I had no idea!
This is so intriguing! I'm so afraid of needles! Just the thought of getting poked gives me anxiety. Lol. Does the needles leave marks on your face?? Or holes?? Or are they super tiny? Who knew your tongue gave info about your health! So neat! Thanks for sharing!
I've been wanting to do acupuncture for so long but always felt nervous about it. Reading your posts, it gave me courage. I might try this weekend!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
great post! i've always wondered what acupuncture would be like, so im glad you liked it and it helped with your stress. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I had a much similar experience with Acupuncture and found it helps my anxiety quite a lot! Such a great post!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
this is such a great, detailed post B! glad it worked for you. i am a huge fan of acupuncture.
I'm so glad you posted this! I've always been curious about acupuncture and if it would help me destress. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Happy Friday ! Your the second person I've heard say how much they like the Bumble & Bumble Don't Blow It Out ! I may have to try it out soon. Enjoy your weekend !
I love this honest review about it!!
This is a well detailed experience.. Am i so looking forward to trying it out.
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how did I miss this post?! i LOVE acupuncture and get so excited when others try it and it also works for them.