Poke. cringe. poke. cringe. poke. Ahhhh. That feels WEIRD. okay, better now. poke. poke. whhhoa…read more Wow, I'm awake. How long has it been? I'm ready to go, go, go!
I've gotten a couple of acupuncture treatments at Grassroots (with/from Marit), and... well, I've definitely been enjoying the unique experience.
Grassroots has a sliding scale ($15-35) fee and they want you to come in as much as you need to and feel better. There is not as much one-on-one interaction as I'd imagine you'd get on a more expensive appointment at a clinic that doesn't offer "community acupuncture," but you can always schedule a time to talk and you do get a chance to check in before the needles go in.
So the "big thing" that has kept me from trying it for many years is: Fear of pain and needles. Was it a worthwhile worry? Not really. I think it feels like a pinch when they're inserted, but that doesn't last longer than a couple seconds. Some areas are more sensitive than others. I did have a weird experience the first time where the needle in my left hand (near thumb) felt like a shot of pain went through my palm and then a hot marble rolled around in the skin of my palm for a little while... but that went away within about a minute. And it was kind of cool in a weird kind of way.
Wondering what all happens when it comes to an appointment?
1. Go to their website and set up a first appointment with their handy online scheduling system. (Please note that there's a $10 processing fee for the first appt, so the scale for that day is $25-45.)
2. Come in with paperwork filled out or fill it out there. Chat with the practitioner for a little while and then head into the treatment room. For return visits you can either hand money to the practitioner at the desk or (if they're not there) make/grab a small orange envelope with your name on it (sitting on desk) and deposit the payment (cash or check, let them know if you need change) in the black comments box near the restroom before heading into the treatment room. (I do believe they also accept insurance.)
3. Choose one of the 8 cozy recliners in a big room separated into two sections (by a curtain). Put your shoes, coat, purse, etc in the basket next to your recliner. Roll up your pants so the leg up to the knee is exposed. Recline. Relax. Wait a moment for the practitioner to arrive and/or finish helping another patient.
4. Talk to the practitioner (quietly) about what aches you, your current stress level, bowel movements, etc. This information helps them learn how you're doing and where to put the needles.
5. Relax and... experience. They ask you if you need to be "woken" at a particular time and, if you don't, you can be there as long as you need to (as long as they're open, of course). Apparently some people feel "done" pretty quickly. My experience so far is that I start feeling either drunk/dizzy or like waves of heat/energy are washing through me, and... pass out. About 1-1.5 hours later I wake up and am ready to go, go, go!
6. Catch the practitioners eyes and attempt an "I'm cooked, please take them out now" look. They briefly check in with you as they remove the needles.
7. Go eat some dinner or space out for several hours or whatever! I believe Marit said it's normal for blood sugar to drop during/after the session, so make sure you have some food or a good beverage or something after your treatment. So far I find myself to be in something of a daze for a few hours after.
I'm not sure what kind of lasting benefits I have received from acupuncture, but my shoulders do feel a lot more loose today than they did yesterday. It feels good. I also like the experience and like the place I'm in after, so I definitely plan to go back for more.
Cool bonus: They are located across the street from Theo Chocolate Factory, so the street usually smells like delicious chocolate.
/end of Inna B's wordy review #700