Compiled by Anne Johnson
Emily Paquette, a licensed acupuncturist in Zionsville, is partnering with Anne Johnson to present a monthly workshop on Yoga + Acupuncture at Simply Yoga. Each workshop includes an acupuncture demonstration for those who are interested in trying a few points.
Paquette and Johnson share the benefits of acupuncture and provided information about what clients can expect when they receive a treatment.
What can you tell those who are curious about acupuncture?
Emily: Acupuncture stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine, an ancient healing practice. TCM describes human bodies as microcosms of the whole natural world. Just as nature involves the circulation of air, water, earth and heat, the human body can be understood as a system of circulating energies. This energy runs through meridians which are pathways up and down the body alongside muscles and tendons. Lying on these meridians are a series of acupuncture points, which can tap into the nervous system and muscular tissues to instigate natural responses in the body. Small filiform needles are used to direct these responses into a healing pattern.
What can someone expect in an acupuncture appointment?
Emily: TCM aims to treat the root of an issue rather than symptoms, so a thorough intake is important. To create an individualized treatment, I’ll ask questions about diet, pain, sleeping habits and stress levels, just to name a few. The patient will lie on the table, fully clothed, and I administer acupuncture needles in various places on the body. Depending on what and who is being treated, the number of needles can range from one to 20. Needles remain in for about 25 minutes, which is a really nice time to relax, even take a nap. People often report lowered stress levels at the end of treatment.
We have to ask, does it hurt?
Emily: Everyone responds to acupuncture differently. Some people can go through a complete session without feeling a thing. Most commonly, when the needle first goes in it feels like a slight prick, similar to a mosquito bite. That goes away quickly and is replaced by a number of possible sensations, from nothing, to a slight pressure or warmth. All of these are normal.
How do yoga and acupuncture work together?
Emily/Anne: When you are in yoga poses, you are often stretching acupuncture meridians out, too. You can focus on certain poses to reap more of the health benefits of the meridian stretch. Downward Dog stretches and strengthens many areas of your body at once. Acupuncture meridians on your arms and shoulders, which provide you with heart and lung health specifically against allergies, cold and flu viruses, anxiety and insomnia are worked in this pose.
LEARN MORE
Learn more at www.paquetteacupuncture.com and www.simplyyogaindy.com.
Contributor Anne Johnson teaches kids, tots, expectant and new mothers yoga at Simply Yoga in Zionsville. As a 200 RYT registered yoga teacher, engineer, and children’s book author, Anne enjoys sharing wellness information with others.
NEXT WORKSHOP
The next Yoga + Acupuncture workshop is from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. May 3 and will focus on seasonal allergies. Participants can bring a friend for free. Register online at www.simplyyogaindy.com.
