Stick a pin in it

To be completely honest with you, the idea of accupuncture used to scare me slightly because of the idea of having pins stuck into me, it also brought about a good amount of skepticism. Now though, I love it and believe it is one of the main things that has improved my condition. 

Before I tried it for myself, I'd had friends and colleagues say how accupuncture has helped their migraines or their sleep issues, but I was skeptical and thought there maybe a healthy dose of placebo going on. However, now I've had it myself and know a little more about it, that skepticism is gone and replaced with a new found respect for the ancient medical practice. Accupuncture has been around for centuries and has been adopted by 'modern medicine' for use in a few different areas, including long term pain. As to how it works, I have a very limited understanding that revolves around my particular issues, but here's what I've managed to get my head around; accupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system in a controlled manner, utilising different points on the body to stimulate different sensory nerves. This ties neatly into the cause of my gut brain disconnect - a disregulated and over active nervous system.

What I find incredible, is during the hour or so session with my accupuncturist, it is the only time where my smart watch detects a reduced pulse and large reduction in stress, large enough to place me into a restful state that charges the 'body battery' feature; the only other time this happens is when I'm sleeping, and even then that isn't very restful! For me this is data lead evidence of the incredible impact that accupuncture is having. In terms of my physical response, I will not lie the initial 24-48 hours my symptoms do increase to more difficult levels, but after that they reduce down significantly and actually improve for the few weeks after my session. Now due to the nature of my condition, my accupuncturist has had to build me up slowly and I am still having what is probably quite light in terms of accupuncture, my sessions are also spaced out adequately to allow my body to see most benefit and reduce risk of over loading it. In the meantime however, I do use a device called 'Nurosym' every night (except after accupuncture or when I forget...!). This device works on accupuncture principles and uses electro impulses to, again, help regulate the nervous system. 

All in all, accupuncture has definitely been a huge marker for my turn around and beggining of my recovery, and if you have ever considered trying it it is definitely worth giving it a go!

Ta ta for now! 

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