The Hidden Advantages of Acupuncture

When I first announced that I wanted to explore alternative methods of treating my cancer and to find better methods of relaxing, a friend suggested I try acupuncture. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. I held the common belief that acupuncture was only for people experiencing pain. As I felt fine, I really didn’t see how this was going to help me. Still I figured I had nothing to lose. After just one treatment I discovered a whole new world of feeling great.

I set up the initial consultation which consisted of me answering some questions, mostly about the foods I craved, sleep issues, allergies and the like, followed by the actual treatment. First, I was asked to lie down on a soft table as the acupuncturist took my pulse and checked my tongue for color and coating. He then began to place tiny needles into various pressure points on my body – mainly my hands, arms, legs and feet. Contrary to popular belief, this didn’t hurt a bit. I felt little pricks and tingles, but nothing painful or uncomfortable. He put on soft music, asked if the temperature of the room was to my liking and quietly left me to relax for about 30 minutes. He checked on me periodically to make sure I was doing ok. And boy was I ok! I had never been so relaxed in my entire life. It was soothing, serene and extremely therapeutic. The weight of my body seemed to disappear and I felt as if I was gently floating above the table. I was able to calm my thoughts and ease into a peaceful state of mind. Afterwards, he carefully removed each needle and allowed me a few minutes to adjust before getting up from the table. After we decided on weekly treatments, I left the office with my skepticism squashed.

I couldn’t believe how great I felt not only during the procedure but afterwards as well. I noticed a boost in my mood that lasted well into the week and I just felt “lighter” in a sense. My sleep also improved and became more consistent, which was a welcome change to the usual tossing and turning I experienced. I found I was thinking more clearly, focusing better and enjoying a harmony in my life that I never knew existed. The weekly sessions also allowed me to have a block of time all to myself without any interruptions, distractions or feelings of guilt.

Maybe you’ve considered giving acupuncture a try. Whether it’s for pain management, stress relief, a chronic condition or just seeking deeper relaxation, acupuncture can be a positive addition to your well-being plan. While I definitely recommend it, I do have some tips on how to make the most of the experience.

• Make sure you choose an acupuncturist carefully. This should be someone you feel comfortable with and who has experience and certification. Randomly picking a name out of the phone book without doing any research could end up being more harmful than helpful. Ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations and review references or testimonials from other clients before making a decision. 
•  The price of acupuncture can vary, depending on the practitioner and length and frequency of visits. Your acupuncturist should work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs without hurting your wallet. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for treatments so be sure to check with your carrier to see if it’s covered under your plan.
• Be sure to enter each session ready to surrender. Turn your cell phone off or leave it in the car. Don’t eat anything prior to your appointment that might upset your stomach or aggravate your body. And use the restroom beforehand. Leave behind or take care of anything that will hinder your ability to relax.
• Always be honest with your acupuncturist about how you are feeling and keep them updated on any changes in your life. You want to feel the maximum benefits from your sessions and this is only possible if you’re entirely truthful about your state of being.

If you do choose to add acupuncture to your life, do your best to take it in completely. Too often we don’t allow ourselves to fully enjoy an experience and therefore we miss out on different levels and hidden aspects of joy. Convincing yourself that you deserve to feel good will bring you closer to the peaceful relaxation and balance that acupuncture can provide.

The Art of Change

Deciding to make lifestyle changes is hard, whether it’s the foods you eat, the products you use or the thoughts you think. Throw in cancer and it gets even harder and more imperative. With so many options, it’s tough to know if you’re making the right choices.


It was the beginning of 2008, once the reality of my diagnosis set in, when I really decided to start making serious changes in my daily life. I began by doing a little research and quickly found myself overwhelmed with all of the information out there. It was like sitting in the middle of a room surrounded by a mess to organize. I didn’t know where to begin. Thankfully, I had help. My husband was my biggest advocate, supporting me and helping me to navigate the overload of options. He was also one of my biggest obstacles. He quickly mounted a plan to completely cut all sugar, alcohol, dairy and meat from my life, while simultaneously attempting to shove broccoli down my throat every chance he got. I understood that his attempts were just his way of having some control over a situation that made him feel helpless. Still – it was annoying. He would look at me as if I was putting a gun to my head every time I ate a piece of candy. And in rebellion, I would go to the opposite extreme, exerting my own control over my life by binging on sugar and denouncing broccoli, stating that it made me feel better. The truth was it didn’t make me feel better. I knew my eating habits weren’t healthy and I wanted to change, but not so drastically that it made me miserable. What I eventually realized and was able to convince my husband of, was that balance is the key to making changes you will stick with for the long term.


Choosing one thing at a time to work on can help you stay focused and ease you into the transition. So, how do you decide where to begin? I like to make a list of goals, then break them down into smaller goals and start with the least difficult. For me, that was red meat. I didn’t eat that much red meat anyway, so giving it up was fairly simple for me. And, by choosing something that was easy for me to change, it felt like I had accomplished something and kept me motivated while moving on to the next item on my list. Another thing I learned was how to balance removing something from my life by adding something new. Since red meat was out I added more vegetables, many of which I had never tried before. Learning new ways to prepare the vegetables made the transition more exciting as well.


It’s important to remember to start off small and to try reducing before eliminating completely. I started eating less dairy by trying out milk alternatives like soy and almond milk and opting for organic yogurt. By replacing regular milk with a milk alternative it felt more like I was making better choices and less like I was giving something up. It also helps to treat yourself after you’ve accomplished a goal. Being healthier and feeling better doesn’t have to be your only incentive to continue with changes. Small rewards can go a long way. Again, moderation is important here. Indulging in old habits will just defeat your purpose. One thing I incorporated into my life was the special occasion treat. For example, I don’t eat red meat, but I allow myself to have a few pieces of corn beef and cabbage around St. Patrick’s Day. I‘ve eliminated most candy, but I still enjoy a vanilla butter cream egg from Mary Sue around Easter. And I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, but I still use a Natty Boh when making beer bread. Following these practices will allow you to create lasting change and give you a feeling of control over your life.


And remember, making changes is supposed to make you feel good. Be sure that you’re changing for the right reasons and not just because you feel pressured by outside sources. Making yourself happy should be the primary goal. Quitting anything in your life for anyone other than yourself is not the way to reach your happy medium.