Welcome!

Posted by Lisa on Feb 6, 2013 in blog | 0 comments

 

I graduated from acupuncture school in 2003, which means I’m heading into my 10th anniversary this year.  In some ways it doesn’t feel that long ago that I quit my prior professions in human services and computer programming, packed up my belongings and moved cross-country to Seattle to attend acupuncture school.   I borrowed much money to pursue this dream and calling, and headed into the unknown.  Something inside of me fully resonated with this ancient healing modality, and with this beautifully holistic way of viewing people and illness.

 

The field of acupuncture has come a long way in the past 10 years; acupuncture is more sought out by patients, more research studies have examined and shown its effectiveness, more doctors and other medical professionals recommend it, more insurance companies cover it, and acupuncture gets more press now than ever before.  It’s so effective that other medical professionals want to study and learn acupuncture.   And yet acupuncture is still clouded in mystery.

 

The truth is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – of which acupuncture is a part of – is at its best a model of thriving, of learning how to live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us, how to connect with, nurture and replenish our own vital energy or “qi”.  TCM offers theories and practices to become more vital and alive, and these practices are designed to keep us well and prevent us from getting sick.  They also help us to notice the very early stages when we are getting out of balance, long before symptoms arise.  My teachers used to tell me that in ancient China an acupuncturist’s job was to keep people healthy, and they did not get paid if their patients got sick!  Whether this is true or not, it illustrates the primary strengths of this amazing healing system – prevention and optimal health.

 

Chinese Medicine has had to adapt to the modern medical model, which is an illness based model, not a wellness based model.   This means most people find their way to an acupuncturist after they have had an illness or been out of balance for quite some time.

The beauty of acupuncture and TCM is that diagnosis theory and treatments are so comprehensive and solid that we can treat in any stage of wellness or illness and get results for clients.   It’s effective and often times very quick.

 

While treatment is a huge part of acupuncture and holistic medicine, the other piece is education and self-care.  Every day I see the positive effects of correct treatment.  Yet what happens when treatment is over?  It is up to the client or patient to maintain their new health on their own, and they need tools and information to do that.   My goal with this blog is to offer a space to share my thoughts, observations and tips for others on the wellness path.  I’d like to help de-mystify acupuncture and TCM by offering case studies, and encourage healthy habits by offering wellness and health info.   I’m sure it will be an evolving process, but the intention is clear; to share the knowledge and information that I’ve received over the years with as many people as possible.

 

Please check in often, and I wish you the best on your health and wellness journey!

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