I was well aware of the Tiny Needle Community Acupuncture location in Mt. Lookout, but until a friend went for treatment for an injury I didn’t know anyone who had been.

After injuring my back and hamstring, again, I decided to go and see if acupuncture could help me heal. I knew that like chiropractor care for back pain, versus on-going maintenance, this wasn’t going to be a one-time visit for relief.

Tiny Needle Community Acupuncture is owned by Kristin Gundrum B.S., L.Ac. who I’ve also seen for of migraines and sinus pressure/allergies. I’m completely amazed at what questions/assessments regarding my health she has after checking my tongue and pulse on both wrists.

I don’t 100% understand what she is doing, other than listening or tuning into the energy of my body. I try to be very thorough in sharing what type of pain I’m having and where it is located. She is quite possibly one of the nicest people I’ve encountered and given me some tips of movements to make while at work to help my body.

I’ve had migraines since I was 14 and only acupuncture has been able to help me prevent migraines from occurring on a regular basis without the use of prescription medication.

I have since referred two friends to Tiny Needle because I really believe it is helping me lead a medication-free treatment for migraines and back pain.

If you are interested in treatment, visit the website to complete the patient profile papers before your first visit. Then, schedule a visit and make payment through her online scheduling system.

Tiny Needle is community acupuncture, so be prepared for a group setting of people relaxed (and possibly snoring) in chairs when you arrive.

If you are interested in private room acupuncture that is an option Kristin offers, but community makes treatment more affordable for someone like me.

As quietly as possible find an empty chair, slip off your shoes/socks and make your arms and legs available. In the summer, I found wearing dresses and flip flops to be the easiest because there have been a few times I’ve had needles in my thighs just above my knees.

When she visits your chair, you’ll have time to communicate about what’s going on and this is where your indoor voice is invaluable. I’ve brought bullet point written notes so I can quickly and easily communicate with her and not disrupt others.

The needles going in are felt very minimally, like a small instant feeling that subsides. Not like getting blood draw. The act of getting my eyebrows threaded is a more present and eye-watering feeling for the 15 or 20 minutes that takes.

After your needles are in, be prepared to close your eyes and relax. Do not worry about what is happening in the room around you whether the other people arriving/leaving, adjusting the chairs, talking to Kristin, petting the dog, the traffic outside, the toilet flushing, etc. I have no trouble relaxing and falling asleep. I’m that person who snores and probably wakes up someone else, but I don’t apologize going to acupuncture is one of the most relaxing, best naps I get all month.

Yes, there is a dog in the office. A very friendly, sleepy dog who I’ve watched at the start of the day hear the soothing music turn on and go to bed and curl up.

Due to the nature of these visits, I do not have photos while I’m there and the photo above is from Kristin’s collection.