Stickin' it to the man

 

I went to an acupuncturist for the first time today. Don't needle me about it (you knew that was coming). I heard that acupuncture could help with the symptoms of Bell's Palsy. So I booked my first session today.

The office was kind of New Age-y. It was shared with a Naturopath. There were a few crystals in the reception area. But nothing over the top. There was also a Keurig coffee machine. I took that as a good sign.

I was on pins and needles waiting for my session (think that's it for the puns...unless I can think of some other ones). He was pretty low key. I'd filled out a pretty extensive questionnaire online before coming so they had lots of background (including the fact that I'm not pregnant or going through menopause). I told the acupuncturist what some of my symptoms were and he told me his recommended plan of several visits (which I think corresponds with the number of visits my insurance will pay for).

When he asked me if I was ready, I told him to stick it (not really...I just thought of that). I laid down on a bed and he inserted several needles into my ear, neck and both hands. Then he attached electrodes to them. I didn't see that one coming, but apparently there is an electro version of acupuncture. 

He flipped on the electricity and left me twitching a bit on the bed in the dark.

It was a bit uncomfortable, but not too bad. I've got a tattoo after all and have felt worse needle pokes. He came back in in 10 minutes and adjusted the charge and left again.  Fifteen minutes after that he came back in and removed the electrodes and needles and said I was done for the day and to make another appointment.

I can't honestly tell you if I feel better or not. My eye had started to droop less anyway and I am speaking more clearly. But the needles did seem to help with the headaches I was having.

I go back tomorrow for another session. I wonder if there will be any side effects.