Acupuncture – A Transformative Experience
Almost immediately, as the thin needles entered my body I felt a tingling that guided me into a state of calm. A wave of relaxation washed over the tight muscles of my body. I became the petals of a flower opening up in the spring sunshine. Moments passed and the medicine women reentered the room to place two more needles beneath my eyes. With each slow minute that passed, I sank deeper into a state of relief. The room was warm. Then a sensation passed through me. I was rising up, floating to the left. I kept the medicine woman’s chant in my mind while taking deep, rhythmic breaths.
She said I was yin depleted. I later learned this was a gentle way of saying, “Too much yang.” In my life naively, I’ve been turned off by the symbol – those ugly, bright tie-dye shirts with it or the gift shops in Woodstock, NY with a weed leaf. But now… I get it.
The yin-yang symbol embodies the philosophy of balance and harmony within Eastern medicine, depicting the interplay between complementary forces – yin (passive, feminine) and yang (active, masculine), essential for maintaining well-being.
The Mexican sorceress put her fingers on my wrists. She closed her eyes and felt the blood moving through my veins. She looked at my tongue. She said it was oily and to stay away from fried fish. She said my toes needed to bleed and I let her. She asked if I was Jewish (no), and she asked if I had night sweats (yes). She said my fascia should be loosened. Initially, due to fear and seeing those girls on the beach with crop circles on their backs, I was apprehensive. But I chose to be open and proceeded with cupping. I was astounded by the feeling! She looked into my eyes and asked about my spiritual nourishment. For my physical sustenance, she suggested water with goji to replenish my body.
I was in Saladita Mexico a few weeks back, on an amazing surf trip. I met the mystical women on my board in the Pacific Ocean. She was missing one finger. Irene approached my friend Lauren after overhearing a conversation about Lauren’s surf incident (four stitches). Irene told us her finger was severed by her leash when she was 12 years old surfing in Taiwan. Irene gently mentioned she’s an acupuncturist and can help with trauma among other healings. Then she paddled away catching a soft wave.
My neck and back have been stiff. I’ve always had trouble. I work at a desk for many hours as a graphic designer. With surfing and a weak core, it has become almost chronic. Many friends have spoken highly of the eastern acupuncture treatment. Why did I wait so long?
Irene the medicine woman is also a M.D. She is a beautiful force and my brief time with her has made a lasting impact on my thinking towards physical and mental health. Dr. Irene Sanches-Celis works with individuals seeking healing therapies – acupuncture, women’s health, psychedelic therapy and she hosts transformation courses remotely. To learn more find Irene on Instagram – @irene.sanchezcelis. Website: irenesanchezcelis.com
And we have our very own healing sorcerer here in Rockaway. Her name is Rebecca Parker, L.Ac. MSOM. She is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist practicing her craft since 2008. Rebecca’s natural health treatments reduce pain and relieve stress. Her tailored care, hones in on each of her patients’ individual needs. The community holds her in high regard. I’m eager to experience her therapeutic magic. Visit Rebecca’s IG account to learn more: @rockawayacupuncture. Website: rockawayacupuncture.com.
For those who are new to this, I encourage you to keep an open mind. By doing so, you may just embark on a transformative journey of physical and spiritual healing.
