Acupuncture – My Next Adventure

I had my first two Acupuncture treatments this week. I went to see a lovely lady at the wellness center that I often go to. She specializes in women’s health and infertility.

On our first consult she shared a bit about herself and I was happy to hear that she too suffered with endometriosis for much of her life until she discovered Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She went to medical school in China and was educated in both Eastern and Western Medicine.

It was so refreshing to chat with somebody who has dedicated her life to natural healing and balance within the body as a whole. She explained to me that the main purpose of our sessions was to get the “Qi” in my body balanced.

She compared Qi to “Prana” — a more familiar term I picked up from years of yoga. I understand Prana to be our “life force”. Our breath is the pathway to this 🙂

I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first visit and was a little nervous when I laid down. She talked to me as she put in the needles, I think to get my mind off of what she was doing. The needles didn’t hurt, but I could tell that they were there. She did something to create a tingling sensation on the needles, then placed a warm lamp over me.

She walked me through a simple meditation — focus on the breath, count each breath in and out. If my mind wandered, bring it back, start the count over….. breathe….. and focus on the energy inside of me — flowing through me. Then she left me for twenty minutes.

The Spleen’s Role in Endo & Infertility

She told me that she wants to focus primarily on restoring energy to my Spleen. My Spleen? Not an organ that’s been on my radar on my healing journey, but after learning more, I think it definitely deserves more attention.

She gave me an awesome book to read called The Infertility Cure by Dr. Randine Lewis. Within the first couple of chapters Dr. Lewis writes about the spleen, digestion and immunological systems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen system manages most energetic processes within the body. The Spleen transforms the food we eat into Qi, blood, and other types of usable energy, which makes it a key player in a healthy menstrual cycle.

The Spleen is also responsible for producing certain hormones such as thyroid hormone and progesterone (both of which I am lacking in!)

When the Spleen is imbalanced then often times thyroid abnormalities, auto immune issues, allergies, digestive disorders, bleeding and menstrual difficulties arise.

Does this sound like you too?

The Spleen’s Digestive & Emotional Connection

Spleen energy manifests in the gastrointestinal system so it is greatly affected by what we eat. Sugar and refined carbohydrates damage the Spleen and damp, greasy foods block it up.

When the Spleen is strong then we have a lot of physical energy, when it’s weak we feel tired and depleted.

In TCM the organs are associated with different emotions and the Spleen is associated with worry. It is believed that over thinking can inhibit the energetic processes of the Spleen.

This helps explain why excessive worry causes digestive disruptions. When we have too much information clogging up our minds then this energy backs up causing a disruption within the emotions of the other organs in the system.

In my past couple of visits my Acupuncturist emphasized the importance of maintaining peace amidst the chaos of life to keep the Spleen (and overall system) in line. Did I mention that I love her? 🙂

Since the Spleen is linked with digestion and elimination, then Speen issues manifest as loose stools during menstruation. The Spleen is also involved in many cases of luteal phase defect and spotting prior to menstruation (this sounds like me!)

On the Positive Side?

Exercise is beneficial for the proper functioning of the Spleen. This is something that I admit I have slacked on, but as the weather warms I look forward to being able to spend more time outside – hiking, walking the dogs…. 🙂

Acupuncture is supposed to help clear the blockages along the pathways to a balanced system. Following my first two appointments I was wiped out! I asked my Acupuncturist about this and she said that this reaction is normal and has to do with tired kidneys, resulting in tired adrenals…. discussions for another day 🙂

I’ve also noticed large waves of emotional releases this week — another sign that the treatments are working. In order for things to flow better the blockages need to be removed and this includes emotional blockages — worry, fears, negative, self defeating thoughts….. Out.

I find the concepts of TCM to be quite intriguing and in line with my primary purpose for overall balance. Once I come to this place of balance then I’m sure my body will welcome in new life.

What about you…. Have you tried acupuncture? Did it help you? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear from you….

Much love,
Aubree.