Anyone out there ever struggle with fear, doubt, sadness, tiredness, purposelessness, isolation or hopelessness?

Ever been “stuck in a funk”?

You are not alone.

Everyone faces these dark places at some point, perhaps more extensively in our culture these days. I’ve dealt with occasional periods of anxiety, malaise and fatigue in my life and acupuncture is one of the most effective tools that I’ve found to lift me out of those states and move on.

Last week, it was 105 degrees outside—every day—wildfires were spreading rampantly through Colorado and events in my personal life were feeling as overwhelming as the heat that was suffocating everyone around me.

The running script in my head went something like this: “People are losing their homes and animals are dying in the wildfires, I’m so hot and irritable, I’m sick of Colorado, people get sick and die, I’ll never be successful enough, I don’t have enough money, I’m disappointed with my partner, nothing good ever happens to me…blah, blah, blah….”

While it’s true that there is much suffering in the world and I’m not exempt from any of it, if I’m so stuck in the muck that I can’t see through it, I’m useless to myself and anyone else.

I always amp up my yoga and meditation practices during these times, take extra care with my diet, call close friends and take good care of myself but, sometimes, I need a little more help than that to be lifted out of the state I’m in.

That’s where acupuncture comes in. After counting the hours until my acupuncture appointment last week, when I finally got there, my practitioner gave me a hefty treatment, including one of the most powerful points on the body, called windows of the sky.

Imagine a dirty window that no light can get through. Even though the sun is shining brightly outside, it feels dark inside and when you look out the window, all you see is dirt and grime. Even the gorgeous trees and flowers look dull and ugly. This is what can happen to our perception if we are having a particularly hard time, get stuck on an obstacle or have been out of balance for too long.

Windows of the sky points are indicated if someone can’t see a way out of their problems or can only see what isn’t working in their lives. An acupuncturist will choose these points if she thinks her client needs a revelation, a vision of her future or is simply ready to see the divine, to see that a different way of being is possible.

I’ve got to tell you, that sh*t works like a charm.

Since my treatment, I’ve been restored to the land of the living, so to speak. I feel compassion and love for my partner again, grateful for the choices I’ve made, inspired and passionate about my work, excited about where I’m headed and best of all, back in touch with my connection to spirit. With my attitude so uplifted, I have attracted two new clients because now I am truly able to be of service. Five days later.

When your windows to the sky is clean, you:

1. Suffer way less.
2. See the good in your life.
3. Feel connected to your spirit.
4. Attract/allow positive experiences to come into your life.
5. Are able to serve in the highest possible way.

There are  a lot of effective ways to engage with dark times, clean the “funk” from your eyes, see more clearly and feel the presence of your spirit. Acupuncture is one way.

It is particularly helpful if your best efforts aren’t inspiring you enough to adore the gift of your life and as Rumi says, “kneel and kiss the ground”.

Sound good?

Licensed Five-Element Acupuncturist, Kate Sciolino, helps her clients to feel great and have that certain sparkle in their eyes. They report relief from symptoms, increased energy, focus, relaxation and less use of the snooze button. When not blogging, she maintains a private practice in Boulder, CO, and teaches classes, both locally and online, on how to live a healthy and inspired life. Visit my website www.acupuncturekate.com or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

 

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Editor: Bryonie Wise

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