Acupuncture and Cupping

I've been in pain the past few days. I had no idea what exactly caused it but for the 1st time, I had so much trouble with my left back. It became so bad that I couldn't even lie flat on my back!

For a moment, I was going to seek a chiropractor, then a neurologist. I thought there was some bone adjustments needed or there may be something wrong with my nervous system.

Then I got a word of wisdom from my good friend, Tracy to seek help from this doctor who specialises in acupuncture.

In case you don't know what 'Acupuncture' is. Here is the definition found in Wikipedia:

Acupuncture (from Lat. acus, "needle" (noun), and pungere, "prick" (verb)) or in Standard Mandarin, zhēn jiǔ (針灸, needle therapy) is a technique of inserting and manipulating needles into "acupuncture points" on the body. According to acupunctural teachings this will restore health and well-being, and is particularly good at treating pain. For more information on Acupuncture, click right here.

Well, I can't recall undergoing this sort of treatment before but this doctor by the name of Dr Yuan is one experienced Chinese lady, hailed all the way from Beijing. She checked and 'fixed' me up within an hour with those fine needles and glass cups (which looks like glass jars!). I felt a quick relief right away!

This is another TCM treatment known as 'cupping'. Wikipedia defines it as:

"Fire cupping (拔罐) is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient's skin. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) it involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin with a vacuum. The therapy is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" in TCM terms, and is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. Its advocates claim it has other applications as well. To read more about this interesting treatment, click here.

Ok... I felt like I was 'sucked' by vacuum cups all over my back and legs and shoulders. Not a nice feeling but I know it's beneficial to drawing out 'wind' and toxins from my body. It was scary when I see the lit candle so I would pretend it wasn't there!

Well, Dr Yuan wasn't too pleased with my hectic lifestyle and late nights. This was a painful but comforting visit cos I knew I was on the road of recovery when I stepped out of that door.

Ok... I was supposed to be asleep an hour ago - Dr Yuan's advice!