Curious about acupuncture? A visit to Wellness Vermont
In my previous career in book publishing, I followed lengthy international flights with all-hours press checks. Luckily I was often traveling with a colleague who agreed that the best recovery plan was a quick local spa trip, wherever we were. I’ve enjoyed many wellness experiences around the world, from hammams to hotel pedicures, but there’s been a gap in my experience: I’ve never tried acupuncture! Kerry Boyle’s new location at 200 Elm Street has just opened, and she invited me in for my first try.
Integrative Acupuncture has offered its two wellness centers, in Williston and Montpelier, since 2010. The Montpelier move from 156 Main to 200 Elm was a short distance—but a huge change. Kerry offered me a tour of the complete renovation, including some nearly-done spaces opening soon.
The moment you enter 200 Elm Street, you know you’re headed into a special place. Every detail—every sound, sight, and smell—has a calming aura that speaks to Kerry’s thoughtfully crafted intentions for the space. She gives kudos to contractor E. F. Wall for their timely and beautiful renovation work. I told Kerry that I’d been in many Elm Street buildings but none had such a tranquil energy. She explained there was crushed rose quartz in all of the flooring!
Continuing on our tour I was able to see a soon-to-be-revealed room that’s the jewel of the new space: a sensory deprivation tub, with 12,000 pounds of Epsom salts in 10-12 inches of water. What happens to a person in this tub? They completely float. This is an offering aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. The room is booked for 60-minute intervals where participants can alternate between the tub and an infared sauna, as well as shower in the peaceful room. This offering will be available in May.
After the tour was my turn for an experience, so I settled in for my first-ever acupuncture session. The staff of Integrative Acupuncture have been involved with the office for a long time and have a kind and knowledgeable vibe that put me at ease. The practitioner explained about the Chinese medicine that informs their acupuncture practice. Then she gave me careful instructions about where to lay and what to do and began the treatment.
The practitioner left the room and I leaned back wondering when something would happen. I reflected on my tour and lovely conversation with Kerry, and contemplated the renovation of this historic 1840s building. I thought about the many ways we’re all connected in Vermont, and how important Vermont is to me. I thought about the state, and the color green, and the mineral selenite and — wait, what was happening to me? Was I asleep?
Somehow half an hour had passed, and the practitioner returned and plucked the needles out, which I’d definitely forgotten were in. My head was a little swollen with thoughts but someone had thoughtfully left a pen and pad of (branded) notepaper beside me so I could record a few before they danced away.
Afterward, I felt amazing. When I stood up after driving home, my neck and back cracked pleasantly. It felt a bit like a massage, but sort of from the inside out rather than the outside in? A completely new experience. And certainly one I’d return again for.