I used to firmly believe that the quickest way to learn something is trial by fire. I learned how to snowboard by strapping on the board and flying down the mountain. Well, almost. Halfway down the run, I said to myself "This isn' so hard" and promptly fell with all of my weight on my right wrist, spraining it and leaving me unable to type or write (or do dishes, hallelujah) for weeks. Even after I could use it, it still hurt. Of course I had heard of acupuncture, but I was skeptical. I mean, billions of Chinese people could be wrong. Take communism.

And the Japanese? After numerous medical mishaps, their system of medicine didn't inspire much confidence. But my friend, a die-hard Californian, convinced me. "Dude," he said "trust me. Go to the needle guy." So, with apprehension and fear in my heart, I booked an appointment with his acupuncturist.

Energy Efficient
The place was small and smelled of moxa - a Chinese herb that smells curiously like another herb known for its calming effects. But the energy in the place was powerful. Even a skeptical Westerner like me could feel that. I was lead into a larger room that was divided into five "rooms" by curtains. I could hear everything that was going on in the other "rooms," and that kept me amused the entire two hours I was there.

What had happened in my wrist, the acupuncturist explained, was that the Chi was not properly circulating. Uh huh. There is no corresponding modality in allopathic (Western) medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, though, there are five main forms of Chi: Matter Energy, Blood Energy, Essence Energy, Spirit Energy, and Body Fluid Energy. The job of the acupuncturist is to keep all of these energies in balance and flowing properly throughout the body channels or meridians. (Chi also circulates through the blood.) There are twelve principal channels, which are connected to the major organs. When a person becomes ill or injured, there is a blockage of Chi. The acupuncturist identifies the blockage and then unblocks it by needling, acupressure, and moxibustion - placing burning moxa on the points.

My acupuncturist worked on my forearm area since my wrist was too tender. In the course of that visit he also needled my abdomen (to gather the Chi in my hara) and my lower back. The lower back thing was an afterthought. Before the session, he had me fill out a detailed medical history and I wrote that I had had sporadic lower back pain for as long as I could remember. He thought we might be able to do something about it. Everything was something that "we" might be able to do something about - I liked that. It made me feel in complete control of my own health.

The Western explanation for why the needling and massage works is that it causes the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones that then stimulate the natural healing capabilities of the body.

Whatever. It worked. My wrist, although not fully recovered after the first visit did seem to heal at a much more rapid pace. But the most startling thing was the back problem. It was no longer a problem. I went back to him three times over the course of as many weeks for my wrist, but he also needled my back. Then he asked me if I could come in every two months or so to get my back "tweaked." That was a year and a half ago, and I haven't had a problem with my back (or wrist) since.

Was it painful? No. Imagine that your muscle is tensed into a hard rock. And then imagine the hot sensation of that muscle releasing all of the tension. That's what it feels like. If your acupuncturist is good, he will intuit how much needling, acupressure and moxa you can take. And, of course, it's up to you to say "ouch!" if it hurts. If you are a lightweight, he will work you up to the point where you can take deeper needling without pain. Communicate with your acupuncturist, and if you don't like him, go to another one. How do you know if he is good? Check that he is certified and ask him how long he apprenticed (the longer they apprentice usually indicates a higher level of skill). And use your intuition - how does the energy in the office feel?

Prevention is the best medicine
Acupuncture works best as a preventative treatment. Go when you are feeling just fine. Your body is healthy, and energy is available to increase the body's own disease-fighting capabilities. Needling actually encourages the body to promote natural healing. Some people report that by going when they are healthy, they experience increased levels of energy and even a heightened state of spirituality. I usually go at least four times a year no matter how I'm feeling.

But most of us won't go just to get an immune system tweak - we wait until our bodies break down. The acupuncturist can still help, but it may take longer and, for long-standing illnesses, require several months of weekly treatment. You can go for just about any non-trauma illness - colds, back pain, sore throat, headaches. You can also go for diseases such as depression, alcoholism and asthma. And if you do experience trauma, acupuncture can speed healing. There really are no side effects except maybe a sense of deep relaxation after the treatment, so take advantage of it. Go home, relax and meditate. For those of you who are skeptical, go anyway. You don't need to believe that it works for it to work. The proof will be in how you feel.

Some dos and don'ts
Eat only moderately on the day of your visit. For one thing, you may have to stay in one position for a long period of time and, if your stomach is full, this can be uncomfortable. Don't over-exercise (including sex) before or after. Don't consume alcohol or drugs before or after. And, most importantly, keep written notes of your progress and any questions you might have. Write down everything, even if you think that it may not have any relationship to your particular ailment. You'd be surprised how your body is connected. This written record will help you to remember on subsequent visits.

Should you needle yourself?
No way, dude. But you can use the acupressure points to relieve stress and increase general well being. Many acupuncturists believe that the ear is a microcosm of the meridians, that is the entire meridian exists on the ear, so you can hit all of the acupressure points by massaging your ears. Massaging your ears increases the circulation in your ear and increases the Chi. That's why your ear gets red and hot. And, yes, you do have the added advantage of sensual pleasure when you have someone else massage your ear.

Begin to massage with moderate pressure. Massage the entire surface of the ear and notice any painful areas. Return to those painful areas and apply more pressure. You can do this as a daily routine or just when you are feeling some sort of pain. I find that this is particularly helpful when I'm stressed out or when I have a headache.

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