Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Today I learned about acupuncture. I’ve had acupuncture before and responded well to it, but I never really thought about how and why it works.

Acupuncture originated in China and other Asian countries in the 12th century. It has been practiced in China for more than 3000 years and was spread to Europe and the United States from the 16th to the 19th century. The history of acupuncture research was initiated in the 18th century and developed rapidly since then. Trained practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin with the intention of restoring and balancing the qi or energy of the mind and body and promoting health

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Charest holds a Masters of Oriental Medicine degree and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Today, she had me lay on my left side and inserted needles in my ears (new one for me), my butt,(for the sciatica) my right hand and my right foot. She put a heat lamp on and turned out the lights, leaving me to relax for 1/2 hour. Before she left the room, she explained that one of our goals was to stimulate my spleen which is responsible for blood flow. This treatment will, she believes, help reduce the neuropathy in my feet. I will go 1-2 times per week with the hope of getting relief.

In the meantime, I’ll pass along her advice on blood flow…Do NOT sit with your legs crossed–it cuts of the flow. I keep catching myself (even just now as I typed this LOL) and will have to work on this!

After a quick lunch with Sue to prepare for a meeting later in the week (more about this later), I went home to rest before taking off to meet Anna Cooke and her photographer for the “Don’t Be Cruel” campaign.

The idea behind the campaign is to encourage people to report animal cruelty. It is a sad fact that in our local communities, dog fights and the mistreatment of animals occurs and we can only change things with the help of our community members. I should have more pictures and updates on how the campaign will unfold in late February/early March.

Tomorrow I will drop Miss Delilah off for her sedated stretching session on Wednesday and report for blood work and probable chemo at 9:45 am. While wearing the chemo pack Tuesday through Thursday, I can’t take a bath so you know that I’ll be soaking in bubbles later tonight! Isn’t it ironic that we only really appreciate something when we can’t have it………