My Ruby Slippers: A New Look

In my previous post "Where Are My Ruby Slippers", I concluded I traded in my slippers for red heels. I would follow the new road that Life presented to me: no cowardly lion, no brainless scarecrow, no heartless tin man, no Glenda.  One of the first steps on the road to full recovery was throwing away the traditional medications that doctors prescribed for cancer prevention, acid indigestion, muscle pain and nerve damage.  I would find a more holistic, natural way to return my body to its natural state of wellness. 

Naturally, the medical community was pessimistic about my personal approach to total health. Two oncologists debated that there is no cure for cancer. Of course, I proved them wrong.  The most recent alternative healing method I added to my wellness plan is acupuncture.  Why?

First, acupuncture is a 3,000 year old ancient healing art that continues to be practiced globally. It helps with problems that are muscular, stress-related, systemic and hormonal. 

I will attempt to explain briefly how it works. Acupuncture treatment involves the placement of thin, long needles on specific parts of the body so that balance can be made in the body.  For me, the practitioner placed the needles on my head (no, it didn't hurt one bit), left foot, toes, left knee (again, no pain), wrists and arms. 

Various methods of twirling and vibrating the needles are also involved in the treatment. The positioning depends on the patient and the problems a person is experiencing.  Ancient Chinese healers believe that the body contains different channels of energy that assists a person in proper body functioning.  When the needles are positioned on the accurate place, then the energy becomes stimulated by the needles, and creates its own path for the positive energy to flow. 

Acupuncture not only relieves physical pain, but also aids in the mental / emotional health of a person by reducing one's stress level, nervousness and anxiety. 

Personally, after only two sessions, I found relief in the following areas: 

• digestion of food
• decreased nausea / vomiting
• improved bowel movements (from twice daily to four times)
• improved sleep 
• more energy
• relief in muscle spasms in the chest and stomach areas
• improved upper body mobility
• healed cracked, bleeding left foot 
• restoration of sweat glands in arm pits (Doctors said this would never be reversed following radiation.)
• relief from side-effects of radiation (nervousness, anxiety, spasms, nausea, difficulty sleeping)
• ability to work out again in moderation (cardio machines, jogging, zumba classes)

I have taken important baby steps to total wellness.  I may not be able to wear my new red, sexy heels yet, but I envision that one day I will dance the tango with a charming dance partner.  Who knows?  Maybe one day I'll appear on Dancing with the Stars as a guest performer?  After all, I beat cancer and ANYTHING is possible!