Have you decided to try acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, or other holistic techniques?
Good idea!
The aim of these different Chinese Medicine modalities is to get your Qi - or life force energy - flowing properly in order to restore balance between body and mind and promote optimal health. When Qi and blood are flowing freely, we feel energetic, vital, and healthy, both physically and mentally. Everything just functions better: your sleep, digestion, and how you feel in your body.
Photo credit Natalie Granger
On the other hand, when Qi stagnates, we can feel tired, sore, fatigued, irritable, or depressed. Symptoms like acid reflux, respiratory issues, sinusitis, insomnia, menstrual or hormonal disorders, and others can appear.
In my case, I started out by trying acupuncture for the first time about 20 years ago, due to recurrent urinary tract infections that I couldn’t cure with traditional medicine. After months and months of taking antibiotics, I decided to give a acupuncture a try, even though I was terrified of needles.
I didn’t know what to expect, but right from the first session, I felt a deep and pleasant sense of relaxation and well-being. After five sessions, I felt almost reborn, and the infections basically never returned.
Although I had resolved my issue, I continued with "maintenance" sessions every two or three weeks because I just felt so good afterwards, and they seemed to keep things running optimally. Moreover, I noticed that my anxiety levels decreased, and I felt calmer and more focused at work.
Over time, I became more and more passionate about Chinese Medicine until, ten years later, I decided to change careers and officially immerse myself in the world of alternative medicine.
Me and a few colleagues with our teacher at the Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China in 2017
For several years, I continued to have regular acupuncture sessions, and I must say it has helped me a lot with various health issues, such as joint pain, digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, and sleep problems, among other things.
From my experience and that of my clients, I can confirm that Chinese Medicine truly works. It seeks the root causes of problems and brings the entire system back into balance, rather than just treating the symptoms superficially.
It’s worth noting that acupuncture isn’t the only modality Chinese Medicine offers. For those who want to try Chinese Medicine without the use of needles, there are other techniques such as:
• Cupping
• Acupressure
• Tui Na (a type of Chinese massage)
• Gua Sha
• Auriculotherapy (ear reflexology)
• Dietary therapy
• And more :)
So, if you’re thinking of trying out one (or more) of these techniques to work on the root causes of a health issue, here are 5 tips to help you prepare and get the most benefit from the experience:
Prepare your medical history: What do you want to work on? If there’s a form to fill out, take the time to provide as much information as possible. This will allow for a more targeted and personalized treatment. If there’s no form, still prepare your medical history: note surgeries, illnesses, medications, and the problems you wish to address.
Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev
2. Drink plenty of water on the day of the treatment: Stay hydrated before the session. This helps with energy flow, as well as blood and lymphatic circulation, making the treatment more effective by helping the body better transmit the “signals” it receives. Even afterward, drink more water than usual to help your body eliminate toxins and support healing.
Photo credit: Ethan Sykes
3. Wear comfortable clothing: Areas like legs, arms, and abdomen might be treated, so choose loose clothing that can easily be moved or lifted. If there’s a part of your body you don’t want treated, communicate it to the therapist.
4. Don’t arrive starving: Before any energy treatment – massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, etc. – it’s a good idea to eat a snack or light meal 2-3 hours beforehand so you don’t feel drained or weak afterward.
Photo credit: Anastasia Zhenina
5. Give yourself time to relax after the session: It’s normal to feel very relaxed or even tired after a treatment. This is a sign that your parasympathetic nervous system has been activated, which is necessary to trigger the healing process. If possible, avoid stressful activities after the session. Give yourself time to relax to allow your body and mind to fully absorb the benefits of the treatment.
And finally, try and immerse yourself in the experience…Turn off your phone before the session and take this time just for yourself, without distractions. Breathe deeply, stay present in your body, and slowly let go. The more you can quiet your mind, the more you’ll encourage deep healing.
Photo credit: Haley Phelps
Do you have any other suggestions for what to do before and after a healing session?
Leave a comment below, I’d love to know how you prepare!
Here's to your health!
A big hug,
Teressa @ Joyful Heart Acu Wellness
#chinesemedicine #alternativemedicine #acupuncture #holistictherapies #reflexology #chinesemedicinerome #naturalhealth #Tuina #auriculotherapy #cupping #acupressure #massage #naturalhealing
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