Self Care - Acupuncture

Being healthy is more than just eating right, it's taking care of ourselves in a holistic way, also referred to as self-care.  As basic as this concept of self-care seems, I know we can often become our own lowest priorities. Self-care includes, working out, eating healthy, avoiding dangerous habits like smoking but also it could be little things like taking a hot bath, getting a good night sleep or relaxing with a cup of tea.  These things aren't just important for our physical health, but our mental health as well.  That's what makes us feel calm, grounded and happy.  Acupuncture also falls in the self-care category.  Though it's an additional cost for me, I want to be my top priority, so I'm willing to spend a little money to make sure I'm the healthiest I can be.

My sister has been getting acupuncture for awhile now and raved about it.  I never really thought much about it and I also questioned whether it worked or what I would get out of it.  Well, things are about to get personal... because after talking to my sister, I realized I do have a few things that could possibly be helped.

When I went onto the website for Copley Acupuncture, I was blown away at all the conditions Marcy White can cater to.  I mean really, check it out.  So, in reviewing the list, I realized there are a couple of health issues that are ongoing for me, even after much work on my own.

• My skin - I definitely have problem/acne-prone skin.  It's much better now than it was years ago, thankfully. That may be due my diet being much better, drinking tons of water and being really diligent about washing my face every night before bed (even after a few drinks!).  I also use quality products, so generally speaking I fare well.  But, I can always get some help in that area.
• Digestion - do you even want me to go into this?  Let's just say it's been an issue for years.  It's really the main reason I got into nutrition and was motivated to change my eating/lifestyle habits.  Again, much, much better than even a year ago, but not totally there yet.
• Depression - womp, womp - I know, but I do definitely get the winter blues like clock work every February.  By March I have my whole life-change-plan in place with a new state to move to, then come April I forget all about it and skip off to the Cape for the summer.  So, why not try to stay ahead of it and attempt to avoid the February misery.  

One huge factor I will really emphasize here is do your research!  Only go to a licensed acupuncturist.  Do you really want someone not licensed sticking you with needles??  I hope your answer is hell-to-the-no.  With any doctor, practitioner, provider, etc. be SMART and absolutely do not take any chances.

Well, let me just say right now - I loved my session with Marcy.  Not only did she genuinely want to hear about why brought me there,  but she was enthusiastic to tell me about the history and evolution of acupuncture, which is extensive.  Beyond that, we soul-mated about nutrition, the healing powers of natural foods and remedies - basically we couldn't stop talking.  She explained to me that the end-all-be-all of acupuncuture is to bring the body into balance.  BALANCE.  I love that idea.  Much of what I live for and strive for is balance.

So far, I've only had one session with Marcy but I'm going back again this week.  She explained to me that at first it helps to go back regularly to kick start the treatment.  Once you've been doing it for awhile you can spread out your appointments.  So, for now I'm aiming for once a week.  I plan to see how I feel after a month and then figure out how to move forward.  I will keep you all posted on my experience.

How do you all take care of yourselves?

I hope you do a little something just for YOU today!

Love, Lizzie