Hello,

I live in the Bay area of California and just went to my first
acupuncturist appointment in Berkeley. It was really intense for me.
But then, I've always been a very sensitive individual.

I was given Xiao Yao Wan at the end of the session and have been
taking only 16 pills a day, and can't believe how relaxed I feel
compared to normal. Also, since my appointment, I keep finding myself
wanting to give in to sleepiness, ..where I used to be chronically
tired, but never gave into my own exhaustion, staying up late, with
anxiety and waking up early to my kids.. sensitive to the noise. I'm
normally very high strung. All of the sudden, I find I can lay down
at any time and fall asleep.(not that I ought to make a habit of this!)

I was also very anxious at my appointment and felt extremely
"protective" of my own inner stagnancy of qi. Does that make sense?
I was really surprised at myself.. knowing my own desperation for
healing, with so many years of pain, and then going into a mini-panic
as soon as I felt the needles go in, and MOVEMENT, ensue. I was
frustrated with myself for having that inner "fight" with the
Movement, while laying there. Wish I would have just relaxed and let
it "flow".

I started dripping with sweat and realized I was trying like mad to
hold back tears and an emotional wave that came over me. I had all
kinds of stomach action going on that I'd never felt before. It was
quite the fascinating experience. I think I also feel more pain than
most because a couple places began to hurt too much and I actually had
those needles pulled out when I couldn't take the throbbing anymore.

Interestingly, my 11 year old daughter was in her first appointment,
as well, directly across the hall from me, in another room and the
practitioner chuckled as he told me she was like mellow jello, as she
lay there. My daughter, who deals with daily headaches and occasional
disastrous migraines.. from birth, was given Zhi Bai di Huang.

We both walked out and within minutes, our heads had little light pain
throbbing going on.. just slightly annoying.. not horrible. Hers more
intense than mine. Lastly, we both wanted to just SLEEP, but we had
to drive home before the crazy freeway traffic came into being!!

I know so little. Would love to hear any thoughts on this stuff.

Thank you for letting me share.

amy