Hua Shou. Expression of the fourteen meridians. (Tokyo, 1716)
A friend made the resolution to have more “first time”s in her life this year. There is something to first time experiences that nudges our personal growth along, intentional or otherwise. While not making a formal resolution, I include the intention to try something new in my decisions. In the East Bay it’s fairly easy to try new restaurants; recently I’ve enjoyed Flora, Aunt Mary’s, Quince and Actual Cafe. My career path is meandering down a new path with volunteer work at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and Monterey Bay Aquarium. For physical well-being I’m racking up firsts: a sacro-iliac belt, an adjustment by a chiropractor, ultrasound treatment and now acupuncture. The goal is to find something that will eliminate the need for my first back surgery.
Many friends have suggested acupuncture. However, my limited understanding of how the practice works has been holding me back from making my first appointment. I understand the biochemical pathways targeted by medicine, while the pathways used by acupuncture elude me. It seems other scientists share my curiosity about the biological mode of action for acupuncture. The authors of a recent neurobiology study actually refute the traditional theory of Qi used in acupuncture:
Rats with damaged spines can walk again thanks to acupuncture. But it’s not due to improvements in their energy flow or “chi”. Instead, the ancient treatment seems to stop nerve cell death by reducing inflammation.
Despite my craving for a reconciliation between contemporary biology and the ancient practice of acupuncture, I’ve decided to have a first experience with the needles. There are numerous acupuncture clinics in the East Bay and San Francisco, so it wasn’t difficult to find a reputable practitioner. My first acupuncture appointment will be tomorrow morning at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley. Good fortune is on my side, as there is a promotion this week and my visit will be half off — only $15!
I’m glad you finally decided to try acupuncture! I really hope it helps your back. If I were you I’d try EVERYTHING before getting surgery… that’s what I did with my sinuses… Please try everything you can before going under the knife! I hope you are well! Love you! :)