I take Michael Walker's recommendation and make an appointment for an acupuncture treatment. I've asked him for alternative medicine procedures that won't interfere with traditional treatment but will help with chemo side effects. Most specifically, nausea. Feeling nauseous 24/7 doesn't really appeal to me, so any help I can get, I'm in!
My appointment is for Monday, July 10th at the Royal Oak campus. It's a rainy day. A day where you want to stay in bed. I'm a little apprehensive about needles being stuck in me, but if it will help with the side effects, I'll suck it up.
I arrive early to fill out paperwork - will I ever get away from that?!? I meet with the acupuncturist and we begin. She explains the concept of acupuncture. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on various points on the body’s surface to influence physiological functioning of the body. Acupuncture mobilizes and regulates qi and blood to invigorate the physiological function of the muscles, nerves, glands and organs. It's interesting to me when I ask her how long the needles will stay inserted. She explains that the length of time depends on time of year. Since it's summer and we just had the summer solstice, the needles will not need to stay as long. It has to do with the earth's pressure. I'm all for not keeping them in any longer than I need to!
The needles are small, I find comfort in that. She begins by placing two on each calf. I feel a really tiny poke - nothing at all. She proceeds to put one on the top of each foot. Then one goes in the top of my head and finally one in each ear. She tells me the one's in the ears will help with anxiety and stress. Um - can she just keep those in my ears permanently - lol! I honestly don't feel them once they're in. She turns on meditative music and leaves me. I'll be left for a half an hour. I meditate and nap and feel peaceful.
She comes back and removes all the needles and I'm good to go. She tells me it may take a few sessions, very few people get 100% improvement. It's a build up effect. I've decided to schedule appointments prior to each chemo treatment. Every little bit helps is my motto! Onward and upward!
