A New Step in My Recovery Journey: My First Acupuncture Session

As someone who has faced the battle of breast cancer head-on and is still navigating recovery, I’m constantly looking for new ways to take better care of myself. Today, I tried something I’ve been curious about for over a year—acupuncture.

This morning, I had my first session with Lauren Barrett, L.Ac—an acupuncturist, herbalist, artist, and energy medicine practitioner. 

https://lauren-barrett.com/aboutlaurenbarrett

Walking into this appointment, I had serious hopes but also some skepticism. Could this ancient practice really help with the lingering pain from radiation treatment? Could it bring me the relief I so desperately needed?

Why Acupuncture?

Since finishing my cancer treatment, I’ve struggled with persistent shoulder pain, a side effect of radiation. Like many survivors, I’m cautious about medication and its potential side effects, so I’ve been exploring alternative therapies. Acupuncture seemed worth trying—but it also felt a little intimidating.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to stimulate energy flow, or “qi.” It’s said to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being. While I’ve read about its benefits, I didn’t fully understand just how much it could do until sitting down with Lauren today.

My First Experience

From the moment I walked into her space, Lauren made me feel at ease. She started by listening to my story, my struggles, and my goals for the session. Her calm demeanor and willingness to educate me made all the difference. I wasn’t just a patient; I felt like I was embarking on a partnership for my healing journey.

When the session began, I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the needles. Would they hurt? Would I feel uncomfortable? To my surprise, the process was painless. In fact, I hardly noticed the needles after they were in place. What I did notice, however, was a profound sense of relaxation.

By the end of the session, something amazing happened: the sharp, constant pain in my shoulder had lessened. For the first time in months, I felt genuine relief. It was subtle but unmistakable.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Lauren explained that acupuncture offers a wide range of benefits, not just for pain relief but for overall health and wellness. Here are a few I learned about today:

1. Pain Management: Acupuncture is often used to treat chronic pain, whether it’s from injuries, arthritis, or—as in my case—side effects of cancer treatment.

2. Stress Reduction: The process naturally calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. I walked out of the session feeling like I had been on a mini vacation.

3. Improved Sleep: Many people report better sleep after acupuncture, something I’m eager to experience in the coming days.

4. Boosted Immune System: Regular sessions can strengthen the body’s natural defenses, which is crucial for someone like me, still healing from the toll of cancer.

5. Enhanced Energy and Mood: By improving energy flow, acupuncture can help lift fatigue and stabilize mood—two areas I’ve struggled with since treatment.

Looking Forward

I’ve signed up for six more sessions with Lauren, and I’m so excited to see how this journey unfolds. After just one visit, I already feel hopeful. This experience has reminded me that healing isn’t just about tackling pain; it’s about finding joy in taking care of yourself, exploring new possibilities, and letting go of fear.

If you’ve ever considered acupuncture but hesitated, I encourage you to give it a try. Whether you’re managing pain, stress, or simply looking to feel more balanced, this ancient practice might be exactly what you need.

As I move forward in my recovery, I’m learning that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And today, thanks to Lauren Barrett and the incredible practice of acupuncture, I’ve taken another step toward living fully and joyfully again.

Final Thoughts

Recovery is never linear, and there’s no single solution that works for everyone. But opening yourself up to new experiences—like acupuncture—can lead to incredible discoveries. For me, this was more than just a pain-relief session; it was a reminder that healing is possible in ways I never imagined.

To anyone walking a similar path: keep exploring, keep learning, and above all, keep taking care of yourself. You’re worth every moment of care and kindness you give yourself.

Here’s to healing, hope, and the journey ahead!