Finding Relief

This week’s question, posed by our Wednesday Fox, is “Have you done/would you do acupuncture?”

Since I’m Asian, it would be logical to assume that I’ve experienced this medical technique, but since I’ve lived all but the first year of my life in Midwestern USA, this hasn’t been part of my background. The first time I heard about it was when my dad mentioned taking my mother for a treatment just after they were married. Mom grew up in Japan, and in her family acupuncture and other types of alternative remedies are very common. The last time I visited my relatives, my uncle hired a seitai masseuse to come to his home so help us loosen our muscles after the long flight. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well!

In the past twenty years or so, the Western world has become more interested and accepting of treatments that my relatives take for granted. For the past twenty years I’ve gone to a chiropractor regularly for everyday aches and pains, and I use aromatherapy to minimize suffering for respiratory problems and to help me sleep. Practitioners of acupuncture, as well as shiatsu and seitai massage, cupping, and herbal medications have become easier to find. A few years ago, when I took my mother to an appointment regarding her constant back pain, the doctor (an MD) recommended, among other things, that she try acupuncture. And when my hubby had difficulty recovering from his back surgery, my department head told me he found relief when he saw an acupuncturist at one of our hospitals. Apparently, these techniques are being accepted even the traditional medical circles.

All of this is to say, no I haven’t yet experienced this type of treatment, but I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. As I continue to age, my aches and pains increase. If they can’t be managed with current treatments, I’ll definitely look into it, especially if it means I can put off taking pills or undergoing surgery.

 

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