Acupuncture to break the cycle

After several months with a downward trend, I finally decided it was time to try something different. Although my left hip is generally doing well, because my right hip seems to be failing, the left hip is complaining. It’s become difficult to sleep at night and just to get through the day without pain. My massage therapist suggested I try Acupuncture. She recommended the Alaska Center for Acupuncture and I had my first treatment yesterday. I did feel pain relief right away and was able to sleep for the first time in several weeks. Encouraging but also not a miracle cure by any means. My doctor told me this would be the case and that it takes patience and time to see real long-term benefits.

We talked a lot about the importance of healthy eating and what that actually means. I’ll do a blog post just on the nutritional aspects I’ve learned. But my acupuncture doctor did commend me on avoiding sugar and processed foods and sent me home with two Chinese herbs to help with joint health and pain relief . These include Ox Bone (for joint health) and Bamboo Pearls (to help with pain.)  I’ll keep you posted on my progress and experience with Acupuncture.

I can tell you it was not painful beyond a couple of pin-prick sensations and left me feeling relaxed and hopeful. The doctor is out of town for a few weeks so tomorrow I’m going to the Algone Pain Intervention Center to see if they might be able to help me with a more permanent solution.