One Of My Favorite Go-To Wellness Treatments – Acupuncture

By Jennifer Manly

I want to start by saying that I am so in love with acupuncture. For me personally it is one of my favorite wellness treatments. I have only been receiving acupuncture for about six months now, but the results I have seen have truly been life changing. It is a magical practice of energy that works within your own body to produce a sanctuary of healing powers that are within us all.

So What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic medical practice that involves putting needles into your skin. The needles are placed into what are known as meridians, which is an ‘energy highway’ in the human body that allows for Qi (chee) energy to flow through and access other areas. According to traditional Chinese medicine, which is where acupuncture originated from, optimal health is the result of your body being in balance from the extremes of the “Yin” and “Yang” of our life force that flows through our bodies. When we are out of balance, that is when illness forms. Acupuncture is the energy that brings the balance back into balance.

Fear Of Needles?

A lot of people who have never tried acupuncture may be concerned with the needles method. Whether you have a fear of needles or are afraid that they may hurt, please note that you have nothing to worry about. For the most part, you don’t even feel the needles going in. There are certain points that may be more tender and, with that, you may feel a slight discomfort. It’s not painful and it’s not scary, in fact, once the needles enter the meridian it actually creates a sense of relaxation to form within your body. Quite the opposite from a trip to the normal doctor’s office for a shot or blood work. Plus, the therapeutic atmosphere at the office of an acupuncturist is a zen-like portal that will make you never want to leave. There are usually salt lamps, crystals and peaceful music that aids to the healing power.

Benefits Of Acupuncture

Receiving acupuncture is more than just putting needles into your body, it’s a whole mind/body connection powered by energy. The list of benefits that acupuncture produces are truly incredible and are beneficial to everyone, really.

Here are a few conditions that acupuncture is great for treating:

Severe or chronic pain
Anxiety
Depression and mood
Digestive issues
Allergies
Headaches and migraines
Muscle spasms
Osteoarthritis
Energy and clarity
Inflammation
Hormonal imbalances, including infertility
Promoting relaxation

In order to get the full benefits of acupuncture, it is best to be consistent with it, especially in the beginning. I recommend once every two weeks, however, depending on your situation, you may want to do more or less. When I began, I was being treated for chronic pain, inflammation and slight depression. Therefore I was going twice a week, every week. As a result, I showed tremendous improvement and could feel it too. Finally I was able to start going only once a week. Then, I got it down to twice a month. If I ever feel like I need a shift in energy, I just set up an extra appointment and it does the trick! I can honestly say that healing my body has been, in large, due to acupuncture and it’s something I will be forever grateful for.

Where To Go

If you’re looking for a place in Arizona, then I highly recommend Red Mountain Acupuncture with Natascha. If that’s not local for you, fear not. There are tons of amazing places to receive acupuncture all over the world. I would just say to do your research and make sure it’s the correct fit and vibe for you and you will be feeling great in no time!

Jennifer is in the process of holistically healing herself physically and mentally after struggling for years with extreme health issues. She is an advocate for self-love and self-care. You can find her practicing Pilates (her new favorite form of exercise), learning to dive into mediation & astrology, finding new wellness tips & tricks, reading & writing or at home with her boyfriend and three dogs watching documentaries on Netflix. You can follow Jennifer on Instagram @jennifera.manly.