I fell through an attic and herniated 3 disks in my cervical spine. After a year of horrible pain, steroids injections in my neck and skull, way too many pain medications, my neurologist suggested acupuncture and going to see Deborah Farley at Acupuncture Clinic of Richmond. At this point, I was open to it. I called in to make an appointment and was told what to expect - 1/2 hour meeting first and then a 45 min session (approx.) I was told I could bring my own music if I like (to listen to while in the therapy room). When I got there, it was a welcoming lobby and Deborah popped out of office to say she'd be right with me and to have a seat in another room. When she came in, we went through a pretty in depth question and answer session. This time was VERY informative. She then let me know that for my particular condition, any relief would take at least 6 sessions and she told me why and explained it. She then told me what to expect in the therapy room. She asked me if I like cool or warm rooms and I chose. She told me to get on the table and take off my socks (you should wear pants that are loose so she can get to your calf area.) I was nervous and she said she could put a few needles in certain areas to calm me down. The needles do NOT HURT. After going countless times, I have had 3 times, where a needle had hit me in just the right spot and it gives you a little shock, again not painful. She then asked if I wanted a heat lamp on me for the duration of the visit. (I tend to freeze, so said sure) She gave me a little bell and told me to ring it if I needed her and then told me I would be in here for 1/2 hour. I'll admit I was nervous to have all these little needles in me and was afraid to move and now she was gonna leave?!?!?!? But...I fell asleep within 10 minutes. Yup! Asleep. Woke up to her telling me I was done and it felt like I had just had the best massage!!!! She counted the needles as she took them out (I guess to be sure she got them all) and then told me she'd meet me out front. I got my stuff together and met her up front and she had water waiting for me. She told me to drink lots of water and might get a little sore and stuffy after. After my first session I was hooked. I have since come off disability and have no lasting effects from my injury. I go every 3 months or so for a "check up" and am forever a fan of accupunture! read more