Frankenstein

Oh my goodness, am I exhausted. I went back to work last week, but Tuesday was the first day with students, and I have been on a sprint since then. The beginning of the school year is always chaotic and busy, but somehow I forget that every summer!

In the middle of all the back to school stuff, I started seeing a new acupuncturist. It feels a little bit like when you start seeing a new doctor or new hairdresser - sort of like adultery. But, I hadn't been seeing results from acupuncture for a long time, and I decided it was time to change things up.

My previous practitioner practiced Japanese style acupuncture, and I started seeing her in April of 2010. She is a lovely woman, with LOTS of experience. We grew close over the last year and a half, and I feel a little bit bad about seeing someone new. I didn't call her and let her know. I just haven't contacted her. Should I email her? It sort of reminds me of Sex and the City, and the post-it note breakup.

In case you have never done acupuncture, here is a little mini-education. I'm no expert this this is what I have been told.

Japanese acupuncture - more subtle approach. Fewer needles. Thinner needles. No manipulation of the needles.

Chinese acupuncture - more agressive approach. More needles. Larger gauge needles. Manipulation of the needles both manually and sometimes with electroacupuncture. Also includes the use of Chinese herbs in treatment.

So this past week or so I started electroacupuncture and the herbs. Let me tell you, it has been an experience.

My experience with acupuncture has always been positive, and that hasn't changed to switching to my new practitioner. The treatment usually doesn't hurt, although my tootsies and mitts are a bit sensitive. But, the electro part is pretty wild. They attach little electric leads to specific needles, on specific points, and then work up to a level of current that doesn't hurt, but is definitely felt. I mentioned to my practitioner that I felt a little bit like Frankenstein. She laughed and replied, "You wouldn't believe how many times people say that."

The herbs are a different story. Although she said I am not taking the MOST disgusting tasting herbs out there, these are pretty bad. They come in powder form. and are mixed specifically to the specifications that my practitioner ordered. I combine them with as little hot water as possible, and drink them down like a shot. I gag and cough every single time. I can't describe how gross I find them. But, since I am benched this cycle anyway, I figured I would give it a chance.

It never ceases to amaze me the lengths I will go to to make this baby happen.

Now if I could just make the exercise and weight loss piece happen....