Acupuncture isn’t for everyone. In fact, before my Lupus diagnosis, I just didn’t get it. I tried it for allergies and other ailments, and it just didn’t work. But, with the pain of Lupus and fewer options for pain relief, I found myself turning to acupuncture more and more. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Acupuncture
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a clean diet
- Breathed fresh air
- Stayed hydrated
- Smiled and laughed
More details about my physical symptoms:
Whenever my weekly acupuncture appointment comes around, I’m so ready for it. Today, it’s my nerve pain in my legs and the muscle and joint pains in my hips and back. The pain levels subside a bit after each session, but by the 7th day, I’m back to square one, it seems. I really wish the effects could last longer. On top of it, some days I just don’t feel up to driving to get to the appointment, then, afterwards, I don’t feel like driving home due to the hazy after-effect feeling it causes. I’m not sure if everyone who has acupuncture experiences that after-effect, but I do each and every time. It’s a great feeling, almost like a buzz, but more “floaty” and relaxed.
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Calm
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Managed stress response
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
The after-effect of acupuncture isn’t just felt in my Lupus body. I also feel it in my temperament. I could be overwhelmed and stressed out about whatever’s bugging me most on a given day, but after the acupuncture, I feel like I don’t have a care in the world. My first clue is how I get into my car after a session and notice that the traffic doesn’t bother me—at all. I typically hate driving. So, as usual today, I’m calm after acupuncture and ready to ask in my quieted body’s afterglow.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Connected
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Enjoyed sacred space
- Meditated, prayed, visualized
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
A “floaty” body with reduced pain and a calm mind without a care in the world, makes for a great foundation to connect spiritually. Meditation came easily to me this evening as I focused on remembering this feeling. Being in the now, the proverbial present moment, I feel like I’m one with everything. Ahhhhh….
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Apple and wheat-free, gluten-free waffle with butter and honey
- Lunch: Tuna salad over a bed of greens with sliced tomatoes
- Dinner: Grilled pork chops, red potatoes, green beans
- Snacks: Kind bar with almonds and coconuts
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- Acupuncture
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
