the pokey man

Yesterday I went to the acupuncturist for my carpal tunnel issues. Here's a comparison to what two of my co-workers went through and what I get:

Co-workers: sling and metal contraption that limits movements. This has to be worn for 2 months, then there's a check up and if there's no improvement it's worn for 4 more months. If there's still no improvement they recommend surgery.
Me: 30 minutes poked with needles while soft music plays on speakers. This will happen once a week for 4 weeks at which point the doctor says it will either be cured or 80% better. No surgery.

Co-workers: workmen's comp, hateful stares from the boss as comp insurance comes in to photo the workstations, forced time off with comp pay (only a percentage of regular pay)
Me: I take it easy for 24 hours after the treatment. No time off.

Co-workers: Insurance and comp pays the bills
Me: Ah, the rub. Turns out our insurance doesn't cover poking. But the total for the exam and the treatment was only $110.00. Compare that to the exam, x-rays, slings, MRI's and assorted peripheral of Western medicine and I'm still coming out ahead.

Here's a nutty thing: like a skeptic meeting a psychic I didn't believe much about this stuff until the doctor popped off with the proof. While taking my pulse he asked me "How's your appetite?" Sacre bleu! Ever since the friend's wedding I haven't been hungry -- I thought it was due to the altitude in Colorado, but it's been hanging on for the past week. "Your digestion is week," he said. He could tell just by taking my pulse.

Pussycats, I'm sold.