I didn’t really believe in acupuncture until recently – but it has been the most helpful treatment for my vestibular issues. For those of you who don’t know, I woke up a few weeks ago with unilateral hearing loss and loud ringing in one ear, in addition to some blurred vision in one eye and a headache. After multiple doctor appointments, second opinions and lots of frustration in the search for answers, I found out that my symptoms were stemming from vestibular issues caused by fluid in my ear canal. The symptoms are still bothersome, but I have been feeling so relieved and really grateful for my overall health. That first week was definitely one of those moments where I had a major perspective shift – and all of the things that I stress about on a day to day basis seemed completely trivial compared to what I was currently going through. The lesson here, of course, is that I have way less control than I think and to not take anything for granted.
If you’re new to holistic healing and acupuncture as a type of treatment, it can definitely seem terrifying. Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine-based approach to treating various conditions by triggering specific points with needles. The practice is based on the idea that the human body is filled with and animated by an invisible life force called Qi – and we experience optimal mental, physical and emotional health when the Qi is flowing well and going to all the right places. When it’s flowing incorrectly, or “blocked,” that’s when we experience illnesses. (If you practice yoga, this idea of Qi is similar to pranayama and breathwork!)
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas on the skin’s surface in order to influence tissues, glands, organs and other bodily functions. Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians and these pathways are what create Qi. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it’s thought to improve the flow of Qi and, as a result, overall health. It aims to help people achieve mental, physical and emotional balance, which can provide relief for many different illnesses and symptoms such as chronic pain, migraines, digestive issues, menstrual cramps, hypertension, stress and anxiety, insomnia and nausea.
Acupuncture isn’t a miracle cure-all, but I definitely think it’s a worthwhile treatment for people experiencing musculoskeletal pain, headaches, low mood and energy, etc.; it always leaves me feeling balanced and harmonious!
Have you tried acupuncture as a holistic healing treatment, or are you thinking about giving it a try? I’d love to know what you think!
