Achievements:
I completed one treatment for a patient with hip flexor pain and pain/tightness of the IT band (outer side of thigh). He told me before we started that his previous acupuncturist needled aggressively, loosening the muscles within minutes. I accepted the easy challenge, but just to make sure his first treatment with me was a satisfactory one, I offered electrical stimulation applied to the needles. He accepted, and I admit I enjoy hooking and stringing people up. The battery pack can have 2 or 4 wires attached. Once each clip on the end of a wire is hooked to a needle, it's kind of fun to find a way to drape the wires over the patient's body, to prevent any downward pull on the needles. And then the game: "Let's see how high I can dial this up." Ha ha, seriously - I ask the patient to tell me when they feel a light tapping on the needles. And then if they want to go a little higher, I oblige. Anyway, another fun treatment, and he left feeling much better.
Disappointments:
I have another stop-smoking patient who is running into the same problem as many others. They love their habit too much to change it. I believe many smokers who seek acupuncture know they really should stop, and are ready to take action. But even though they are concerned about their health, they love their routine. He instantly noticed the cigarettes tasted horrible after beginning treatment. He even noticed that taste as I inserted the needles the second time. And he could go longer without smoking. But he sought out coffee after a while, in HOPES of stimulating his cigarette craving! Clearly not ready for acupuncture. When you don't enjoy smoking, you are ready to start treatments.
Struggles:
It's getting cold out, and between constant hand washing, alcohol wipes, and my circulation, my hands are always cold. I'm very sorry, patients! I hope it benefits those of you afraid of the first needle; I get to numb the spot first, by touching you.
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