So, I tried Acupuncture
by McKenzie McLoughlin
An inside look at Campus Health Services newest program
Afraid of needles, but excited to try something new, I volunteered to try out Campus Health’s newest offering — group acupuncture.
What did I know about it before I did it? To be entirely honest, not much. Everything I knew came directly from that one episode in Parks and Recreation so I was ready to learn more of the history and practice.
Acupuncture 101 — the basics
I met with Stephanie Selman, a Licensed Acupuncturist at Campus Health Services. As she explained, acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine. She explained in lots more detail, but the one sentence that stuck was this
“Acupuncture is the placement of needles to affect a therapeutic change. This is done by manipulating qi or the energy force that is within us all.
Before we got started, she made sure I was comfortable and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture:
Q: What does it treat?
A: Most everything. Some of the most common ailments include headaches, joint pains, digestive upset, stress, anxiety, etc.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Sometimes it does. However, Stephanie has a light style that is painless about 95% of the time.
Q: How does it work?
A: Using traditional Chinese Medicine, an assessment is made in two areas. The first being the Meridian diagnosis. Meridians are points on a pathway of electrical currents. Acupuncture points are specific locations of higher electrical conductivity. Acupuncture stimulates the movement of the mind as well as the movement blood flow.
Getting started
After our Q&A session, I felt ready to jump in! Stephanie took a look at my tongue to learn more about my overall health and sleep and decided on a needle for each arm.
Suddenly, there the needles were!
I felt no pinch or prick
Aside from being queued to take a deep breath, I had no idea the needle was inserted. . .
What I did feel was a sense of calm wash over me… well, as calm as one can be when you are being filmed 😉
We then decided to try ear points. There are a myriad of spots in your ear that an acupuncturist can target and these are often felt a bit more than say a point in your arm.
After a deep breath, I did feel a small pinch but nothing too crazy.
Stephanie informed me she targeted the points in the ear for self expression. Expecting it to release some creative energy from me, I instead found myself wanting to cry. Not because of pain, but because it had been awhile since I had a good cry. I was told this is normal and can happen when we bottle up our every day stresses. I decided that night, I would turn on Homeward Bound and let myself have a good cry!
Then, the last and final piece, removal of the needles.
No really, that was it.
She just took them out. I felt it even less than the insertion. Super simple.
All that was left was a tingling sensation of energy balanced with calm, relaxed vibes. I was ready to take on my day!
So would I do acupuncture again?
Absolutely! I am looking forward to scheduling a session and leaving the cameras behind.
Accupuncture at Campus Health Services
Want to try it for yourself? Here’s how:
- Where: Health Promotions Office on the first floor of the HLC
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursday starting at 12pm
- Cost: $15 a session
To make an appointment call 928–523–2131
With a variety of services like massages, counseling, and now acupuncture, Campus Health Services has your back!
