For three years, I dealt with a stubborn pain radiating from just below my right knee, which was likely the result of overtraining from workouts.

But that’s a pretty dull story and we’re not here for dull stories.

Instead, picture this: Three years ago there’s a casual hike in the Connecticut woods during the summer months with family and friends. Everyone’s enjoying the fresh air, the smell of dirt, the leaves swaying in the wind, and birds calling out to each other. A simple, joyous summer day. Perfect.

But then… like a bolt of lightning from above, a strapping 6’4” man goes down without warning—brought to his knees in an instant, screaming in pain as he clutches his ankle. I call out to him, “Are you OK!? WTF just happened?!? You’re scaring the kids!! Get up…” But before I could further showcase my annoyance to my husband, I too was struck as a ninja spider latched itself to the side of my knee and began pumping it full of what can only be described as fire-venom.

For three years I carried that pain—a reminder of just how much of a bitch Mother Nature can be when you least expect it.

Now, whether that freak spider incident is the true culprit behind three years of knee pain remains a mystery 🤷🏻‍♀️. But whether it was overtraining or some wild arachnid attack, the reality was undeniable—there was pain, lots of it, and I needed a solution.

Now I like doctors, truly. I’m even friends with a few—great people. But when it comes to my body, I tend to go the DIY route first so for a while, I foam rolled, worked out, stretched, applied heat, and temporarily chased the pain away. But like a bad wine habit it always managed to return.

When the pain resurfaced again, I decided to give it a final shot before succumbing to my fears of an x-ray revealing I had three months to live (because yes, I’m dramatic like that).

Enter April Stear—the owner of Bronxville Acupuncture, whom I’ve been going to for various muscular treatments for over eight years—and why she wasn’t my first stop once the pain began is a mystery to me because she is now, officially, my fire-venom whisperer ROCKSTAR!

My life has been transformed. Huge portions of my day no longer focus on the repeated mantra of “F***ck this annoying leg pain is so annoying!”. Now I waltz about and ponder things such as, “What is this joyous ability to focus on things other than pain during my walks!?”

Thanks to her compassion, empathy, and arsenal of Chinese Medicine techniques, cupping, and E-stim (electrical stimulation), pain and I are no longer disgruntled bedfellows.

That’s why today on Aging Fiercely, I’m thrilled to talk with April about her holistic approach to healing, the magic of acupuncture, and why self-love and self-care are non-negotiable when it comes to healing.

If needles give you the heebie-jeebies, don’t worry! April’s calming presence and wealth of knowledge will ease your fears (and any residual fire-venom from rogue spider encounters).

So, if you’re curious about acupuncture or just need a little boost of inspiration, click the link below and let April work her magic through your earbuds!

Aging Fiercely is a Substack and a podcast driven by a passion to turn the “midlife crisis” into a “midlife comeback!” 👊 Subscribe today and give old middle age a kick in the pants!

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Episode: https://amcostanzo.substack.com/p/acupuncture-healing-and-yummy-thoughts

Podcast: https://amcostanzo.substack.com/podcast