Acupuncture part two #MicroblogMonday

Despite a rather disastrous less than positive first acupuncture experience, I decided to go back. I figured that it makes sense to try it a few times and give it a proper chance before making my mind up one way or the other and I've since been to two more sessions.

It has gotten somewhat better, maybe because I've gotten used to it now and I find I'm able to relax a little more. That said, I still don't really get what the hype is about to be honest and I often feel like a pin cushion lying there covered in needles!

The last time I went the acupuncturist gave out to me because I haven't been going often enough which she says means it won't be effective. So I've decided for this month I will do it properly and try to go every week. And then I'll probably just quit in February. She also recommends I do Osteopathy, more alternative stuff. Not sure if I will though, it's expensive and even less evidence that it does anything.

I've also decided to cut down on dairy a little just to try that for a few weeks. So I now eat my porridge in the mornings with oat milk, and it's quite nice actually. It tastes weird in tea though so I stick to normal cow's milk for that!

Acupuncture fail #MicroblogMonday

A few friends had recommended acupuncture to me and I decided to give it a go last week. It began with a consultation where I was given lifestyle and dietary advice. Normally I eat a big dinner at lunchtime in the canteen with colleagues and then in the evenings I just have something smaller like a salad or Abendbrot (Bread and cold cuts, a typical German supper).

However, my chinese acupuncturist told me that I'd been doing it all wrong, that I should be eating a warm meal in the evenings (her suggestions: soup or noodles) and that I need to cut out dairy completely (milk, cheese, yoghurt and even chocolate).

After the consultation she put the acupuncture needles in (some painfree, some hurt) and left me in the room for about 20 minutes. One of my friends had told me that acupuncture makes her feel like she's floating so I was expecting some sort of amazing experience but I didn't find it particularly relaxing. (And I couldn't help being reminded of that time Charlotte from Sex And The City tries acupuncture but can't quiet her mind).

Afterwards I went to work and at the end of the day I felt a bit itchy under my top below my neck, and while scratching I realised that the acupuncturist had forgotten to remove one of the needles!! So that also didn't exactly warm me up to the whole experience!

To be honest I suppose I just feel a little cynical about the whole thing and wonder if it's actually worth doing or if it's all just a placebo effect. I know some people rave about it but I think it's not for everyone. Spending the money getting a massage would be a lot more enjoyable and relaxing! I guess I could cut down on dairy a little but there's no way I'm giving up chocolate!