The Next Option

I drove up the Tourist Road on this foggy winter evening in the hills, feeling a little nervous. What was in store for me?

When I arrived at the house, I was led into a room - a chair opposite a desk, with a long chair next to it. I looked closely at the bookshelves and words such as 'herbs', 'natural', 'yoga' and 'acupuncture' jumped out at me.

I began to relax a little as I talked through my problems - Psoriasis and PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). He was deep in thought for a few minutes and my nerves returned. What if he couldn't do anything to help?

'Concentrated herbs,' he eventually declared. 'I will prescribe a special mix of herbs for you, because the tablets won't be strong enough. Acupuncture too. Does that sound okay?' I nodded. He is confident about fixing the PCOS; the psoriasis not so much. Then he told me to lie down on the long chair and began the acupuncture treatment straight away.

Three needles in each leg, one in each foot and one in each arm. I braced myself, but the needles didn't hurt as they went in, although some gave me a dull aching feeling until they settled in. As he came over to insert the needles into my arms, my stomach grumbled. Really, really loudly.

'Oops, sorry,' I said and laughed nervously.

'That's okay, I knew that would happen,' he replied. 'Those needles in your legs are actually in your stomach meridian.'

'Oh.' (For the purpose of writing this, I do wish I had thought of something deep and brilliant to say at that point, but I couldn't think of a thing).

By the time it was all over, it was dark outside. I drove back down the hill, now even foggier and colder, and I felt better. I felt like I was doing something to help myself.

Chinese medicine is the next stage of trying to fix my two big problems. The psoriasis is annoying, itchy and uncomfortable and I have tried all sorts of medicated options, plus a failed gluten free diet. The PCOS is something that can be patched up - I took medication in order to fall pregnant the first time - but I want to do things more naturally this time around, if possible. I want to find a solution to my problems, rather than quick fixes that just cover up the issues for a short period of time. And the Chinese herbs? Well, they are horrible and I gag every time I have to take them (dissolved in hot water, with a dash of honey to ease the revoltingness a little), but they are worth a shot.

I will be back up the hill for more acupuncture. Fighting my way through the fog, searching for the answer.


Megan