I hate needles. But I’ve oddly grown to love acupuncture — you can read about my first acupuncture experience here. I was super excited when a friend of mine that works for the gorgeous acupuncture studio Wthn invited me in for free a session.
It. Was. Glorious.
I wanted to take this post to both review my experience at Wthn but also chat a bit about acupuncture. As with all wellness treatments please know that this blog post is in no way saying that you *need* acupuncture in your life. I truthfully don’t go all that often due to the cost. But it is an interesting tool and treatment to know about that could help you with a myriad of conditions. Just wanted to give that little PSA 🙂
How Does Acupuncture Work:
According to John Hopkins Medicine:
Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
The way I think of it is when something “bad” is happening to your body, be it digestion issues, anxiety, or tension, it’s because there is a block in your Qi. Acupuncture can unblock that using different points throughout your body that correspond to different ailments. It’s not always the same spot as where the pain is — you might receive an acupuncture point on your foot that has nothing to do with foot pain.
Does it Hurt!?
Not really.
For some spots, I barely feel a little “tap” of the needle going in. Sometimes I feel an instant sense of tension relief — the point on my scalp used to freak me out to think about. But now it’s my favorite and feels like a metaphorically exhale when that needle goes in. I LOVE it.
Every so often you’ll feel a slight prick from one of the needles, especially if it’s somewhere you hold tension as I do in my upper back. To me, it’s less painful than tweezing or threading my eyebrows. I find the pain doesn’t linger and in every treatment, I’ve ever received I’ve always been told that if anything feels uncomfortable it can be adjusted.
It’s nothing like getting a shot or having blood taken! According to Wthn, 40 acupuncture needles could fit inside one hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are TINY!
About Wthn:
Wthn is a super modern acupuncture studio.
In the front is a huge store with tons of different wellness products. It’s always fun to browse around. In the back is a beautiful waiting area and then the various treatment rooms.
At the beginning of the session my practioner, Caitlin, asked me what I wanted to focus on. I’ve been feeling super anxious and unfocused lately (hmmm… I wonder why…) and have also been experiencing a lot of tension in my upper back. Anxiety is something I often want to focus on in acupuncture sessions but I’ve also in the past received treatment for digestion issues and a hip injury.
The way acupuncture works is after the needles are in, you hang out relaxing for 30 or so minutes, depending. The first time I went to acupuncture that surprised me for some reason.
One of my favorite things about Wthn is that they offer a guided meditation during that time through headphones. If you’re anything like me and struggle to be still, this is so helpful. Caitlin chose a meditation for me that was all about focus and led me through some breathing exercises and had calming music.
A Note About COVID-19:
Currently Wthn is following strict COVID-19 safety protocols which you can read about here. I was temperature checked upon walking in and had to fill out a COVID-19 related health form. Masks are required at all times both by clients and staff. Please note that I am not a doctor or medical professional but acknowledge that there is a risk in participating in any activity right now. Of course please be safe and use your discretion.
What it Feels Like After:
It’s hard to describe the feeling I get after acupuncture. The best way I can describe it is I feel like I just took the best yoga class ever, but without any of the physical exertion or sweat 😂
I always leave feeling super grounded, I can even hear it in my voice.
When I received treatment last week I didn’t feel like I was in full-out crisis mode beforehand, if that makes sense. So I can’t tell you that it OMG cured me of my anxiety. But I always feel a very obvious shift in my body after acupuncture.
Visit Wthn:
20 W 22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
Full disclosure: I received a free session from Wthn but was not asked to write about the experience. As always, all opinions are my own.
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