Over the last several years, I’ve suffered from a medical malady that I just couldn’t seem to shake (ulcerative colitis). It’s a pretty unglamorous affliction so I tended to “suffer in silence” but it was truly a thorn in my side, so when I met a holistic healing practitioner through my Yoga Teacher Training, I decided to schedule a consultation. I knew Dr. Gumman practiced Acupuncture and Ayurvedic Medicine and, while I didn’t know what his prescription would be for me, I knew that conventional medicine wasn’t working so figured I had little to lose.
I was nervous that first visit – I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of acupuncture and sort of didn’t expect to actually receive it that day. I think I was hoping he’d just give me some recipes and a few vitamins and I would come back later if I wanted to get more serious. But, after a brief conversation, he suggested I change into a hospital gown so we could get started – and he meant the full deal, acupuncture complete with electrical stimulation!
Since I had my eyes closed the whole time, I really can’t tell you how the needles are inserted (and, since the sight of ‘needle entering flesh’ gives me the willies, I’m not planning to look anytime soon), but it was quick and really didn’t hurt much – like a tiny bee sting. After he had me all pinned up, he turned a warming lamp on my feet, started a Guided Meditation CD, gently placed a bell by my left hand (in case I needed anything), then turned off the lights and left me alone for thirty, wonderful minutes.
In that thirty minutes of time… set aside just for me… just for my healing, I forgot about any momentary pain and truly retreated. The meditation took me to a favorite place, where I was surrounded by people I loved, who were all radiating love and healing energy toward me; the room was quiet and the lights dim; I might have even dozed off.
The best part is, over the next two weeks, my colitis flare-up ended and, as a bonus, my blood pressure had dropped well within normal ranges (it tended to run high, even on medication). This is the most success I’ve had with ANY treatment to date AND it comes with a 30 minute bonus rest period once a week!
So, is my progress the result of tiny needles, herbal supplements (prescribed by Dr. Gumman), or that little bit of inner peace I’m now getting on a regular weekly basis? I have to think it’s a combination of all three – my body has been treated through acupuncture and supplements, my mind has been treated through meditation, and my spirit has been treated to a small dose of regular, uninterrupted retreat!!!
Namaste,
Kelley
