When to try Acupuncture...

I get a lot people who want to try acupuncture, but keep putting it off and could never figure out why. When they finally come in, they feel so much better and ask themselves "why didn't I do this sooner?"

We have this idea that we need to be already healthy or healing, before we come get a treatment - which is ridiculous. But this is a pervasive thought, not only for patients but for practitioners. We might even be worse about it.

• "I'll go get acupuncture once I'm working out regularly again."
• "I'll get a treatment when I'm over the worst of this cold and on the mend."
• "I'll come see you when I'm sleeping better."

These are all things I've heard, and a few I've even said. When I look at them now, I realize how silly it is to put it off. Acupuncture helps with energy, it helps with sleep, it helps with immunity. Why in the hell am I waiting?!?

One thing I tell people is that if we aren't doing things that we know we should, that we know make us feel better and heal, then that in and of itself is a pathology. That pathology can be treated with acupuncture. It's most likely a qi stagnation or qi deficiency (or both) that's causing the issue. Don't wait for it to get better and you are eating healthier again before seeking treatment. Get acupuncture so it can help you get to that healthy space and continue to move forward!