Most times I tend to shy away from activities that involve sticking needles and other sharp objects into my body. So when I was assigned to pay a visit to Golden Mountain Clinic a wave of cold sweat washed over me like a torrential rain storm and I proceeded with trepidation. If you spend a lot of time working out and putting your system through strenuous activities like playing sports, practicing martial arts, doing heavy labour or just tend to get tense easily, you should think about booking an appointment at Golden Mountain Clinic. Your body will thank you.
As I sat in the waiting room staring at the licenses and Korean art around me, I kept wondering if the aching pain in my shoulders and back warranted subjecting myself to more potential pain and discomfort by way of needles. It seemed so much more appealing to just pop a couple of advil, wait for the throbbing ache to subside and make a beeline for the beach. Before I could finish weighing out the pro and cons, Dr. Rachel Kang called me in for my consultation.
I haven't spent much time in hospitals so I was intrigued when she started hooking me up to an Organ tester, a machine that gives a clear snapshot of what's going in on the inside and outside of your body. Had this been a final exam, I would have passed with A-pluses!
From the Organ Tester I was whisked away to a massage table, told to take off my shirt and lie face down. This is where Dr. Kang's treatment got interesting. Keep in mind, I have never had acupuncture. While I'm lying on the table, I'm expecting to feel the prick of a needle on my back so I am bracing myself. Instead what I felt was an odd sensation. This deep tissue massage is supposed to make the tissue soft. It felt grand.
Just when I was about to lose myself to the gentle and steady kneading of the octo-machine my relaxation was interrupted with the introduction of phase three. The insertion of the needles. I didn't want to look back. Instead I let the good doctor do what she had to do. Within minutes she had a series of acupuncture needles stuck in me and told me to just lie still and relax for about 30-minutes. What? No pain? Half an hour later the doctor popped back in and started removing the needles. I could feel the treatment working. I think I had elevated to the third level of complete relaxation and was quickly giving in to whatever else was next. I didn't have to wait long. Phase four of the therapy created a sensation I have never felt and probably will never feel again until I return for another round of acupuncture at Golden Mountain. There I was, on the table, face down, receiving my first cupping massage is a unique technique involving glass jars that are heated with a flame and rubbed across your body. Amazing! Just when I couldn't take anymore I felt a slick mixture of oil and strong fingers kneading my back like dough intended for the finest bread. The oil massage, a mixture of Chinese medicinal herbs. Phase six was the magnetic massage which is supposed to help joint pain. Had I any joint pain, it would have disappeared. It's tough to describe, you just have to try it. Phase seven is perfect for anyone who likes something wet and warm. The hot towel massage was just what the doctor ordered. Steaming hot towels, laid across your back. After all this, I was told to put my shirt on and I thought that was it. Had it already been ninety minutes? Apparently not. Phase eight took me to a private room where I got acquainted with the traction machine. This is more of a physiotherapy machine and once you're strapped in, your body is twisted in opposite directions while hanging you at a healthy 45° angle.
As I walked out of the clinic it dawned on me that I had just experienced the ultimate in body relaxation. And I didn't have to feel any shame in walking out the front door in broad daylight.
As far as medical treatments go, acupuncture is probably one of the most enjoyable procedures and Golden Mountain takes the practice to the next level. Before you go for your treatment, you should avoid high states of emotions, heavy meals, alcohol, drugs, etc. Basically anything that will strongly affect your energy balance. Probably best to avoid 3-4 hours before and at least 3-4 hours afterwards.
Address: 8222 19th Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V3N 1G6
Direct: 604.836.0592
Clinic: 604.451.0333
E-mail: [email protected]