While I relaxed at a massage a few weeks ago my mind wandered. I tried to simply be, but as always that is a less than comfortable feeling for me. I tried not to think about the things that needed to be done, if my child was ok or how I was going to cope. Instead I thought about me. Novel concept. I rarely take the time in life to think about me. Everything that I do is for someone else. My son, my husband, my friends, or family. I feel a sense of guilt if I take the time to do something for me or even do something as simple as painting my fingernails. However, this time was different. I reflected on the state of my mental health. It was poor. I was tired, cranky and wearing thin. As Anne put it, on the verge of the mommy apocalypse. I didn’t want to travel down that road. Sure, I’d fallen into the hole, but this time I didn’t bring my shovel. I had a bit of an epiphany, laying on the table.
Acupuncture.
It is something I’ve always wanted to try. I have heard so many good things.
So June 26th I ventured out into the world of Oriental Medicine. I have seen the light and it is bright and shining. It is a happy place. I am smiling. I am enjoying my son. I am laughing. I haven’t felt this good in years.
I have had so many stories to tell you guys over the past few weeks. I have refrained because I wanted to make sure this was the real deal. Not some half-baked idea that I thought was good at the time. This is it ladies and gents. I am a changed woman. The depth of how screwed up my body was is difficult to describe without you all thinking I am nuttier than you already do. It all has to do with Qi*, yin and yang, and at the very core what is called the Body Blues. If you are interested in hearing about the ins and outs of Oriental Medicine please, just ask. I would be happy to explain it.
For now I am having bi-monthly acupuncture treatments and taking herbs. I have no clue what all the herbs are, but I drink them in the form of tea and it tastes like ass. So. many. funny. stories.
Basically the water element of my body wasn’t working and at the very heart of that element is the endometriosis. Who knew the root cause of my infertility was what was screwing me up so badly.
I also recommend the book, When Your Body Gets the Blues, by Marie-Annette Brown and Jo Robinson. I will write a whole post about this soon. It is amazing that so many women suffer just like me and don’t really get it.
Within a week of my first treatment I was calmer, the noise in my head quieted and I was a much nicer person. The drawback here is that with the depressive state I lived in I had no interest in food. Now that my body is getting balanced I have rekindled my love of food. I think I’ve gained 5 lbs in the past week.
Look out world… Elle’s back. She’s kickin’ ass and taking names. Ok, maybe I’ll just meditate quietly next to you.
*pronounced Chee
It’s working and thats all that matters. Lots of people swear by acupuncture for all kinds of maladies. I would however like to know what you’re drinking since some herbs can be toxic. I’m sure that you’ve investigated this concoction but for your moms sanity if you haven’t please do. Also I’m having trouble with your dark back ground for responses. It’s almost impossible to see where you left off when typing. I know…”Get a grip, Mom”
Glad you are feeling better. It does sound interesting too.
Very cool!
agreed whatever works…DO IT..congrats on finding what works for you
So interesting to hear what you have to say. I have been contemplating giving it a try and it was recommended to me highly by my sister-in-law….it’s an added expense…but may be worth every cent in the long run. She also felt it made a huge difference with her………….
Oh, I’m so glad you tried it. If I didn’t have to drive 45 minutes to do it, I’d be there all the time. I told our local chiropractor that I would probably pay his entire tuition bill if he went back to schol!
When I first started, I was so out of whack I went twice a week! But I did feel calmer, less stressed, more able to focus instead of my mind always fleeting from one anxious thought to the next. I even talked slower (you have to be very talented to understand Dana-speak…it’s pretty speedy).
Glad it is working. I have thought of trying it, but the nearest spot I can find is a good hour away. We’ve changed our eating to traditional foods and it has helped quite a bit, but I still have swings up and down. Sometimes on the down I wonder if I will ever come back up again. Perhaps something to look into more and please share more as your able!
I am jumping and down cheering you! Well done. Brave women to venture out of what is “normal” medicine. Also brave to drink that “Ass Tea.” (that made me spit coffee out when I read it.) Balance, in life, is essential.
Well, apparently I’m messed up.
I seem to think that having needles stuck in me and drinking tea that tastes like ass might be a good thing … see what you’ve done!
ommmmmmmm…… I will meditate with you…. I have not been to meditation class in weeks. Its so cool your feeling better inside & out
Namaste
As I mentioned to you I strongly and I mean strongly believe in acupuncture. And while undergoing fertility treatment I went 1x a week for several months and it made my whole life different. Even after a few crapped out cycles I was ok because of acupuncture.
I made my mom go, it changed her life. ALmost completely cured her migraines. My hair dresser goes, got rid of her hot flashes.
If I could afford it and had the time I would go back in a heartbeat. The root of my whole imbalance was my hormones. Bad bad hormones. He was a sweet Chinese man who wished me, with his needles, to get pregnant because that would help cure my ails. And the practitioner said I smelled different every time I changed meds…weird huh! I also dropped 15 pounds while doing it.
I am glad it has helped. And I should go back sooner than later.
can’t wait for the stories. congrats elle.
yes, puh-leez share all you have time for on this topic! All you mentioned here is so vital for women!
Cheers to you! Hugs, Esther
hey, I just went to leave you a comment about the hammock, or “clever project”, whichever you would like to call it. You closed the comments while I was out of town a week ;o(
While I’m at it, I’d still like to bring Oleg a pink cookie this summer. I could bring you jam. Send me an email at your leisure. We could take all the kids to a park or something. OR, howabout we hatch a plan against your next door neighbors you dislike, he he he he he he he……….
Oh, this is so so good to hear! I want to hear all about it, please.
I’ve recently started checking out Ayurvedic medicine, which has a similar concept (energy, and the body being out of balance as the source of all illness).
Very very cool. I’m so happy to hear you are feeling better!
I am a big believer in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I felt great after my sessions during infertility treatments. I hope you continue to feel great as well. You may inspire me to go back.
I read your post and thought….”Yes! That is me! You are describing my poor, tired, stressed body!’ Maybe I should give this acupuncture thing a try…. Hmmm…. I had scheduled a massage (something I have never done, but desperate for something), but maybe acupuncture is the route I need to take. I’m interested in hearing more about this book, too! Hang in there. Our sons should meet 🙂
I am also a big believer in acupuncture. Actually, when we were going through fertility treatments, it was recommended. Apparently it also increases pregnancy rates during IVF, by relieving stress, etc. Who knew.