In a memorable instant eight months ago, I jumped up and landed too hard on my left foot. Since then my ankle reacts with something between shooting pain and slight twinge when I put weight on it.  I wore a brace. I took SAIDs for a while, and rested for a while, but staying off my feet is a fast track to plumpness–or in my case, I should say even more plumpness–plus everything I do involves feet. I even type at a standing desk usually, though not at this moment.

You are thinking, What about doctors? I saw a PA who recommended a podiatrist who was useless. He didn’t even touch my foot. He shone a light on it, and watched me walk. He wanted me to wear orthopedics and hard shoes. He thought running was always bad and that feet don’t age well since humans are “supposed to” die at 35.

Many people think this. It is a logical fallacy I have discussed before.

As an adherent of McDougall’s  Born to Run, I feel running is therapeutic, but when it actually hurts, I hesitate. I realize medical science might find something by imaging the foot, but my PCP will insist I go through a podiatrist, and they are mostly adherents of the Nature-failed-when-it-came-to-feet school. Even in Boston, dealing with a bunion, I had this problem. I seethe when these guys even talk, because they speak untruth, in the spirit of our zeitgeist, which feels alien to an older person such as myself.

So I decided to try an alternative, either acupuncture or chiropractic. I feel acupuncture has less of a down side, as in, the worst that will happen is nothing. I don’t feel that way about chiropractic. These feelings are based on nothing more or less substantive than web searches.

My husband and older son tried acupuncture about a decade ago, and it has changed. My practitioner uses the needles to apply electric current, replacing the manual manipulation of the needles required by acupuncture of yore. He also practices cupping, which uses a vacuum to stimulate circulation. The vacuum was once created by burning something in a cup which is then placed on the skin. Machine seems better. The third method he uses is a sort of deep foot massage.

The benefits of acupuncture may stem primarily from the logistics. The doctor, highly recommended, is personable and attentive, and exudes mastery. He diagnoses with touch and intuition, important since he hardly speaks English. The room is darkened most of the time, with soothing pentatonic background music. I sometimes doze. When I leave I feel relaxed and refreshed, as if I had visited a salon.

After three treatments, I’m not sure whether acupuncture is helping my foot. It’s certainly improving my mood.