The Human Pincushion

I don't sew. I don't quilt. I don't do any of that crafty stuff that would require me to own or use a pincushion.

Until today.

Today I transformed into my very own human pincushion when I went for my first acupuncture treatment for headache relief. Dr. Yang started out sticking needles in my feet, hands, and arms, and I thought, "Gosh, this isn't bad at all. I get to lie here in the dark and relax while some soothing Chinese music plays overhead." It didn't hurt, but it did make me hungry for some eggdrop soup and crab rangoons.

About 30 minutes later, Dr. Yang returned and asked how my head felt. I told her it was the same. Oops. That was a mistake, because apparently that was the cue for her to up the treatment and stick needles in my head! Eek! And, yes, it hurts about as much as it sounds. Needles in the head are not fun.

After another 30 minutes of lying perfectly still with needles all over my body, Dr. Yang said I was done. She gave me some homework: some patches to wear on my legs and feet and temples (which she so kindly circled for me in bright green marker so I wouldn't mess it up) for 24 hours in order to help my energy flow. She told me I had a lot to work on and I needed to relax (at which point I chuckled because David is always telling me to relax).

So.... for now, I'm hopeful that acupuncture will be my saving grace. I see Dr. Yang again on Wednesday. And this time, I'm taking my helmet.

Categories: life or something like it