Thursday, May 15, 2008

I'm still skeptical, but...

I had my first appointment with the acupuncturist today. I think it went well. I left feeling pretty comfortable about continuing with this sort of treatment for a while. So that's good, I guess.

The doctor was really personable. He's probably in his thirties, well-spoken, and an unabashed Christian. The walls of the different rooms in the office had Bible verses either stenciled on them, or as part of some piece of art. He gives all credit to God for the healing he believes happens to his clients. All I can tell you was that he seemed so very sincere and just really sweet natured.

I was able to move forward in faith when I saw that the Bible verse on the wall behind his desk was one of my favorites:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11
That seemed to be a little sign to me. So, after our consultation, he asked me if I wanted to begin my acupuncture treatments today. I said yes, and he proceeded to give me an examination. It seemed a little hokus-pokus to me, but whatever. He had me hold a metal piece in my right hand that was connected to some machine he was using, and then he used another piece attached to the machine to touch the meridians (that's what he said!) on my body. Then he showed me on the computer how my organ functions were lower than the ideal ranges. Once again, it seemed a little different to me, but I am willing to give this a try. He also said I have a "cold uterus", and he recommended that I not drink chilled beverages or walk on cold floors.

He prescribed some herbal pills for me to take three times a day. All told, I will be taking 24 of these herbal pills on a daily basis. Lucky for me, they are small and easy to swallow. He also wants me to start charting my basal body temperature every morning.

The acupuncture session was a breeze. He put a couple of needles in both of my lower legs, one in my abdomen, and one in each of my upper arms. Then I laid there for twenty minutes. That was it!

I have another appointment on Monday. He wants me to give this a try for three months and see what happens. I think I'm up for that.

8 comments:

Paula said...

Thats awesome that he is a Christian and bold about sharing it. I like the guy already!
Might as well give it a try, it won't hurt and hopefully you'll have success.

Pixel Fairy Princess said...

Oh Joannah ~
I know what you are thinking - but try not to be skeptical. Dan's Cousin is a Acupuncturist and Chinese Medical Doctor in San Francisco. When she decided to do that some 15 years ago - everyone thought that she was crazy - but now she is the family physician :D
Ladybug hugs,
;D

Jiinkin Design Team said...

I so hope this is a wonderful thing for you!!

Jacquie said...

Re: the basal body temperature. If you try it out, makes sure you get a digital one (so much easier than trying to read those little lines) and try www.fertilityfrienddotcom. It's free and quite helpful.

Good luck.

OH MY #6 said...

I am hoping and praying for ya!

Lea

wzgirl said...

Just wait til' he asks you to put smoky mugwort on your pulse points....

I loved acupuncture & think about going back for more all the time. Although giving up cold foods and drinks was a challenge at times. I am a big salad girl.

K said...

Good for you! As a doula, I've seen how accupunture has helped so many of my clients. As for your uterus being cold, that is very valid. Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, author of Childbirth Without Fear, studied this and discusses it in his book.

There are many things that constrict bloodflow throughout our bodies, making them cold, and some of these things are caffiene, fear, niccotine, and cold foods and beverages.

I highly recommend Elizabeth Noble's book Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year, too, since there are things you can begin pre-conception. I read it as part of my doula studies and even though I wasn't pregnant, did the exercise for back pain and was relieved and then after doing it for a couple week, cured, of back pain associated with years of gymnastics. This also inspired me to take her three day course to teach others.

Unknown said...

Hi sweet lady, I got your comment on my blog and had to come over and see how you are doing. I'll keep reading and staying in touch. It's such a rough road and hard at times to have hope. Jeremiah and so many other verses about every gift coming from the Lord, how His timing is perfect and that our battles belong to the Lord help renew my spirit when I'm discouraged and the pain of waiting gets overwhelming.