My First Acupuncture Experience

So, I finally did it. I finally went and got poked with needles for FUN. That’s right, I tried acupuncture. Crazy, right?

I’ve honestly always been interested in acupuncture but have been nervous at the thought of it. So when Ballard Acupuncture Center reached out and offered for me to come try a session I immediately said, “Yes!” Okay, it wasn’t quite immediate because I was nervous, but after sharing my concerns with the team, I knew it was something I had to try. It’s really not scary at all!

Acupuncture is an age-old treatment first used by the Chinese over 3,000 years ago and utilizes an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine (you can read more about the acupuncture process here).

What I was most concerned about, as I’m sure many of you are too, is the needles: How big are they? Does it hurt? Will I feel them? Let me alleviate any worries you may have now: The needles are ultra-fine and it feels nothing like a pin prick or getting a shot. You may just feel light pressure or areas of heat as the needles are inserted.

Regardless, when I went in I was so incredibly nervous – I had so much fear of the unknown but, Avigail Cohen, L.Ac., the owner of Ballard Acupuncture Center and licensed acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner, made the experience so enjoyable and quelled my fears. The appointment was about an hour and a half, which first started with a consultation about all aspects of my life. By talking through my bodily concerns, Avigail was able to determine what areas of the body to place the needles. Avigail also took the time to answer my questions and continue to calm any lingering fears I had about needles.

At the end of the consultation, I climbed up on the table and the acupuncture began. There is only one needle I remember in particular – one that went into my left hand near my thumb, but otherwise everything was smooth sailing. The worst part for me is that my brain was still somewhat freaked out thinking that needles were being placed on my body. For me, it was a mind game at this point. I had to keep telling myself it was okay (cause it was!) After Avigail had finished the procedure, she let me lay in the room (with the needles still in) and a heater on. It was relaxing, and while I didn’t fall asleep I can see how easy it would be to drift at future appointments.

Created in partnership with Ballard Acupuncture Center