Everything You Need to Know About Acupuncture

I’m really not a fan of needles. And it’s not just when I get shots. When Pete, my mini doxie, gets his shots, I always look away. 

So when I told Bryan I wanted to try acupuncture he said, “Are you sure?” Yep. I’m going all in. {Ugh, I hate that phrase. Anyone else?!}

Since I started seeing an integrative medicine doctor and learning more about holistic health, I’ve been curious about acupuncture. I’ve read countless articles about its benefits and have seen numerous people post about it on Instagram, so I knew it was about time that I tried it out for myself. 

Before I tell you all about my first acupuncture experience, I want to make sure we’re all on the same page. Here are some quick FAQs all about acupuncture. 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that has evolved over THOUSANDS of years. It treats the whole person and the root of an imbalance. According to Dr. Vincent Pedre, MD, a Board-Certified Internist and Functional Medical Certified Practitioner, “acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system through peripheral afferent fibers (nerve fibers that carry signals to the central nervous system) to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals (such as endorphins and enkephalins) and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.  The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, thus promoting both physical and emotional well-being with minimal side-effects.”  

What does acupuncture help? 

Acupuncture helps improve various aspects of physical, mental and emotional health. The World Health Organization has endorsed acupuncture treatment for over 40 conditions, including all types of pain, high blood pressure, digestive issues, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety, and much more. 

Is there medicine on the needles, and does it hurt?

The needles are sterile, single-use and disposable, and there is no medicine on them. Since they are pliable and hair thin, it doesn’t hurt. These aren’t like the needles you get when you’re getting a shot. They don’t go deep into your muscle. 

There is definitely sensation as the needles sit in your skin, but it’s very relaxing. Only one needle on my leg caused a little bit of pain, but it wasn’t anything too intense. It was more of like a dull ache. 

Is an acupuncturist licensed?

This was one of the first things I researched before making an acupuncture appointment. Yes, acupuncturists must be licensed. No Joe-Schmo off the street can just stick needles in your back and call it acupuncture.

Licensing is regulated by the State Board of Medicine. In Pennsylvania, acupuncturists complete a bachelor’s degree and an accredited three-year masters program that includes 2,000 hours of diagnostic and theoretical study, as well as 660 hours of clinical training. They also have to complete a series of three National Board exams administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

My Acupuncture Experience

So why did I seek out acupuncture? My anxiety has been through the roof lately. I’ve heard that acupuncture can help with anxiety so I figured I’d give it a shot. 

Since I don’t know anyone personally in my area that has done acupuncture, I did a quick Google search and found raving reviews about MaryFatimah Weening at Present Sage Acupuncture in Narberth, PA. MaryFatimah offered me a complimentary treatment, so I made an appointment as soon as she had an opening. 

When I arrived, MaryFatimah gave me a tour and brought me into one of the acupuncture rooms for a consultation. We talked for an hour about EVERYTHING. Physical and mental health history, family life, social life, work life, my diet, everything. She really took the time to learn about my specific concerns. She explained to me that Chinese Medicine believes that every aspect of our body and life is based on energy. When energy gets blocked or stagnant, we can have negative symptoms. Acupuncture helps move that energy and relieve the blockage. 

Then it was time for the needles. OH BOY. I was there to help my anxiety, but I was feeling more anxious than ever. But eventually that all went away.

After lying down on the table and listening to soothing music, I began to relax. MaryFatimah popped in needles on my stomach, arms and legs. She explained everything as she was going, so I wasn’t surprised. Immediately, my entire body was relaxed. Not in a “I can’t feel my legs, I’m numb” type of way. More of like a state of complete bliss. I can’t make this up, and I’m not being paid to tell you this. Once all the needles were in {it took about 3-5 minutes}, she moved them each a slight bit, which didn’t hurt at all. It was more of a tingly sensation. 

Then it was time for the needles to do their work. She told me that she would be leaving the room for 20 minutes, and advised me to just relax and enjoy the experience. Usually I can’t spend more than a few minutes meditating, but for whatever reason the 20 minutes FLEW by. I was completely relaxed the whole time and didn’t feel any symptoms of anxiety. 

After 20 minutes, MaryFatimah came back into the room, removed the needles and I flipped over to my stomach. She then added needles to my back, back of my legs, and back of my arms. Same thing as before. She moved the needles ever so slightly, left me alone to relax for 20 minutes, then came back in and removed them. 

When the treatment was complete, I got dressed and met MaryFatimah in the lobby where she gave me a whole list of tips to help with my anxiety and digestive issues. She even recommended a nearby health foods store, which I can’t wait to visit!

So what did I think about acupuncture? AHHHH. It felt SO good. I felt results right away, but sometimes they can take up to 12-24 hours. It felt kind of like a high without being on any drugs if that makes sense. I left feeling extremely relaxed, and mellow. The effects lasted the day after as well. I raved on and on about it to Bryan and now he’s interested in trying it too. 

Although I can’t speak to whether I think acupuncture works for pain {since I wasn’t there for that}, I highly recommend acupuncture if you suffer from stress and anxiety. You’ll leave feeling SO much better. 

Present Sage Acupuncture provided me with a complimentary treatment.
As always, all opinions are my own.