Before having worked at Montana Family Acupuncture I had never actually experienced acupuncture myself.  In college, I had the opportunity to tag-along with a friend of mine to several of her treatments, so I was somewhat aware of what to expect.  After applying for a job at the clinic centered around oriental medicine, I was offered a chance at my very own acupuncture experience.  Brett and Kim, both  licensed acupuncturists, wanted me to be sure this work environment would be the right fit for me.  I agreed to their suggestion.

The treatment  was truly a pleasant surprise.  I was told to eat a little something before hand and dress in comfortable clothing.  Okay, I’ll admit, I was a leeetle bit nervous seeing Brett grab the first needle.  Breaking into a cold sweat, I waited for the first precise needle placing to work its way into my forearm.  Doing my best to look away, I waited.  All done. Then, glancing back at my arm I realized, this isn’t bad at all!  There was a slight sensation, but nothing painful.  Gradually, Brett worked the tiny silver spikes around my legs, feet, hands and ear.  Once everything was in place, I sunk further back into the lounge chairs in the community treatment room and chilled.  Thinking to myself, ” I can get used to this.” Once I was fully “cooked” as they say, the needles were carefully removed.  My session was over and I was told to go home and relax; even take a nap if I felt so inclined.  Let the treatment continue to do its thing.  Hey, this sounded like the icing on the cake.

Pulling my shoes and socks back onto my feet released the marvel of calm from my fingers all the way down to the tips of my toes.  Any unwanted tension was gone. Getting up to walk out of the room was a little tricky since my legs felt a bit like jello.  In fact, all of my muscles felt loose.   I thanked my future employers for their generosity and out I went.  Climbing onto my Schwinn cruiser bike I peddled away in a quiet state of bliss.  I soaked in the effects until 3:15 when it was time to pick my children up from school.

I prepared myself for the possibility that the warm return of my children would bring an abrupt end to this calming day.  Instead however, I noticed continued stress relief throughout the afternoon and evening.  It is refreshing to know that one has the option to try something other than potentially harmful medications to reduce the effects of stress or pain.   I look forward to learning more about the fascinating ways acupuncture can help treat both chronic and/or acute conditions that each one of us will inevitably face in our lifetime.  I know I’ll be back for more!  Hope to see you at the next community acupuncture treatment at Montana Family Acupuncture for a different kind of happy hour in 2015.

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