Individual Acupuncture with Sophie
I’ve lost count of how many individual acupunctures with Sophie I’ve had. I don’t think they are sticking to the limit of 10 sessions for chronic pain patients anymore. In fact, Sophie told me today that Acupuncture is currently no longer under the Pain Management Program. That’s because the in-person version of Kaiser’s Pain Management Program isn’t operational yet. And probably will not be for the rest of 2022. By that time, Francis will be retired and gone from Kaiser. Sophie didn’t know that Francis is retiring!
Linda felt well enough today to take me, so I appreciated that. Masks are required, but there was NO one at the door to check temperature, squirt hand sanitizer, or ask me where I was going. I did a “pre check-in” at home on the computer, so that made it easier when I got inside. I didn’t have to show my Kaiser card or anything.
Sophie talked about allergies abounding this time of year. She suggested wearing a face mask, not for COVID, but to keep from breathing in the green growing things in the air, especially on windy days. Yes, that makes sense. I’m not sure that I will, though, since I’m planning to walk every day in May for The 30-day Richard Osborn Challenge. I’ve never worn masks when I’m walking outdoors, anyway.
She told me they have a new acupuncturist now, a Korean man with 20 years’ experience. She set me up with a May appointment for the Ear seeds, placed on your ear to serve as tiny acupressure devices. They’re a type of auriculotherapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that focuses on areas in your ear. They’re thought to promote comfort and relaxation.
And Kaiser is allowing group acupuncture again! So she set me up for a June appointment and she, herself, will be facilitating that group session.
It seemed like the 35 minutes went by very quickly! I don’t think I went to sleep, but I was very relaxed. The Eastern music was perfect. I did mindful breathing the whole time, and my nose didn’t itch or anything. I know the fully relaxed feelings will go away in a day or two, but the feeling is so wonderful.
I’ve sent out “Suburban Married Lady: Book III. The Challenge” to my four beta readers, so I can really have a relaxing weekend before starting my walking again on Sunday.
