By Laura Belle: For More Info, Go Here…
Rediscovering mobility in spite of osteoarthritis
My search for an alternative solution to manage chronic pain turned up a mixed bag of research. One clinical trial featured by the Arthritis Foundation from the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine got me thinking about acupuncture. The study found that after 26 weeks, patients with a mean age of 65 years old receiving “real” acupuncture felt significantly less pain and functioned better than patients who had “sham” acupuncture. (According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, sham acupuncture is when needles “do not go as deep and are not used at the same points on the body” as they would in real acupuncture.)
I delved into more research about the history of acupuncture in China and the training required. There are many acupuncturists in my area. However, I was now seeking a practitioner not only certified in acupuncture but also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine — a professional with the experience and credentials to provide me with the greatest benefit possible.
I walked into Dr. Yang’s* office in the winter of 2013, limping in pain. I had chased my two-year-old down the driveway that morning, so my knees were swollen and angry. Chronic pain had me feeling exhausted, anxious, and depressed. I missed my active life and the things that helped me cope with the daily stresses of parenting.
Dr. Yang listened to my history and examined various areas of my body by brushing over them gently with her hands. When her fingers arrived at my knees, she placed slight pressure on some areas and made note of the pain sensations I felt. She caressed the inflammation around my knees gently and declared, “I can help you, but you must be patient.”
I spent the next hour relaxing on my back with needles in my knees, legs, head, arms, and feet. Heat lamps kept my body warm, which Dr. Yang explained was helpful in the treatment process. I walked out of her office that day without a hitch in my step; the pain was gone for the moment. I had found the right practitioner.
