Kim's Life as a Migrainer: The Power of Acupuncture

Fun fact: acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine. It is about 5000 years old and originated in China.

One of the first uncovered documents that describe the healing technique showed diagnoses and treatments. This document know as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, dating back to 100 BC.

It gained popularity in the US in 1972 by President Nixon when he visited China

It is a highly individualized, patient centered medicine.

There are about 300 acupuncture points on the body and the needles used are as thin as a strand of hair. Acupuncturists look at how root imbalances affect the whole system.

On my journey to find relief from these migraines acupuncture was suggested to me before. I ruled it out because I am not fond of needles and I have to admit I was rather a sceptic about the practice. I could not see how putting needles all over the body would help. Now I have tried a lot of medication to get my migraines under control. Some have worked quite well but after a time I would develop side effects that got so bad that I had to stop and you get to a point when you will try anything to give you relief. I also was looking for a remedy that did not involve pills so it was finally time.

I am seeing an amazing acupuncturist who was taught in the ancient practice (this is key) and got her diploma right in China. She is a wealth of knowledge and is such a caring person. I see her regularly and it amazes me that not only does she treat my migraines but is treating me for an abundance of other issues including weight loss and anxiety. On a typical session I will lay on my side and she proceeds to put needles all over my body. The go from my feet and legs, up my back and around my stomach, to my hands, wrists and arms, around my ears and all over my head. I literally look like a pin cushion when she is done. The needles are so thin I barely feel them but I know the ones that I do feel are the problem areas that are flaring up particularly bad at the time of treatment. She will even put electrical current through the ones that go in my hands so I twitch during the session. The treatment lasts about 45 minutes and during that time I find myself relaxing and fall into a state of calm and quiet. My mind stops racing and I have even fallen asleep.

One thing I have noticed working with my acupuncturist is that I am not self conscious about my body with her. One thing you have to understand is that you are in a state of semi undress and she rubs down my back with liniment oil after the treatment. I am not one who goes for massage as I don't like people touching my body so for her to do this goes to show the extent of the relationship we have. There is a complete sense of trust and knowledge that she is not judging me. In fact she is supportive and knows I am trying everything to get healthy that we have developed a very strong state of trust and friendship.

I have not found a difference in my migraines with the sessions but I have noticed a big difference in my anxiety and binging. It has also helped with the other side effects from the migraines and I really notice it when it has been a long time between sessions. So even though I was a sceptic when I first started I am a total convert. I highly recommend it.

I think one of the most important lesson I have learned on my journey to health is to not be afraid to try different things. Never stop searching and asking for help. You never know what you will find that may surprise you.