HELLO magazine: Acupuncture
Every week I write a column for Hello Magazine, and am on a mission to cut through the noise and find out what really works, in order to help you become the happiest, healthy version of yourself. I set out to explore everything and anything I can to increase happiness, and promise not to hold back.
Living in a world that’s constantly pushing and pulling us to achieve more, do more or earn more – can be overwhelming to say the least. One thing we can all agree we want more of, and let’s be honest, need, is happiness. The quest to be happy can feel both all-consuming and never-ending, and often we don’t know where to start to reach those desired dopamine levels or feel energised by joy.
There’s a lot of noise out there in the wellness industry, with an abundance of treatments, therapies and professionals on offer – all promising to boost our general wellbeing and in turn make us happier. But what really works? How do you know where to start? This week I tried acupuncture…
Five elements is an ancient form of acupuncture, based on the principle that there are five universal elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) that affect our emotions, personality and health. The idea is that your practitioner will evaluate what your individual make-up is, and then devise a bespoke treatment plan based on that. During your initial consultation you will provide your practitioner with an overview on your health and lifestyle, and the main reason for you seeking treatment.
My first session took place days after a very sudden and painful break-up, where I sobbed my way through the consultation and was searching for anything to help me with the shock and onslaught of painful emotions. The acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, with a view to ‘balancing’ out your energy so it can move freely through you again. When we experience stress/trauma/illness/inflammation, our energy can get blocked which will inevitably throw us off balance. I lay down on the bed, as a tiny needle was inserted through various points on my skin, until slowly it reached a point that I felt a dull ache, and then it was retracted. Some of the points are more painful than others, but overall it didn’t feel like more than a minor discomfort. The needling took around 20minutes, with the final ‘point’ being in my perineum, and strangely it was here that effect really kicked in! An incredible sense of calm washed over me, and my tears stopped almost immediately. I lay on the bed for a couple more minutes, and I left the session in a completely different headspace. I felt calm and completely in control, and it felt as if the shock had been taken away from me. The effect lasted for a full two weeks, before I went back for another session and the process was repeated.
I have also been treated for fatigue, brain fog and inflammation in my body through five elements acupuncture – and each time I felt an instant shift during (or immediately after) the session. In my experience, the results are instant, and can have long-lasting effect if you maintain a course of treatment. After the initial sessions, you can see your practitioner every 3-4 months to sustain the benefits.
I would recommend this for anyone looking to try an alternative route to better health and an increased sense in overall balance and energy. Often just feeling a little bit lighter and brighter frees up headspace for us to enjoy the things we love, and hence creating space for happiness.
You can read my column for Hello magazine here
I was treated by the brilliant Nicky Douglas at Sixth Element, in Marylebone London.
Nicky’s website: https://www.sixthelement.io