We have been studying acupuncture for a few lessons now and we think there will be more lessons soon. We started with a bit of theory and then the teacher showed us some acupuncture points. One of us was the patient and the teacher inserted the needles to different acupuncture points. Then we practiced inserting the needles to napkin packets. It was more difficult than we thought because the needles were so thin. There are different kinds of needles and it depends on the place what kind of needle will be used. Also the size of a patient needs to be considered when selecting a needle. The skin of a back is thickest and you can use long needles there. After studying we started practicing with each other. One of use was the patient and the patient could say where he wanted the needle to be inserted. Mostly we inserted needles to our hands and legs. Some of us were scared of the needles because they are so long, but we weren’t. The needles were long but so thin that it didn’t hurt. Only when the needle hit the nerve you could feel numbness and pressure. Then you knew the needle was in a right place. You could also stimulate the nerve by moving the needle a bit. Before starting you had to take care of hand hygiene when you were inserting needles. Acupuncture lessons were really interesting and we learned a lot. We hope there’ll be more lessons soon.

Tuina massage is massage with different kind of forms and techniques. Tuina massage is based on yin and yang energies and acupuncture points. We have been practicing the massage for four lessons now. There are many techniques, for example grasping. It’s a technique where you lift the muscles and then turn them. We have also learned how to make patient’s joints more moving by doing some circle movements. Last time we pressed acupuncture points on our faces and massaged our faces and ears. We practice with a pair and we massage each other. It’s nice to learn by practicing with each other. We have massaged our backs, legs, arms and stomachs. While you practice you also get a free massage so it’s win-win situation!

The acupuncture needles - different kinds of needles.

The teacher inserts a needle to Miika's leg. The point is good for lower back pain.