Q: How do you use acupuncture & Chinese Medicine principles in your life?

A: First off, I receive regular acupuncture treatments.  As a caregiver, it is  too easy for me to ignore myself and focus on healing others.   In order for me to keep self care as a priority in my life, I schedule it.  As a preventative treatment, I generally get acupuncture once a month.  But, of course, if a health issue pops up, I receive more treatments as soon as possible, as well as using other healing modalities that have proven helpful in my life.

One of my favorite principles  of acupuncture is the theory of balance. When our body is in balance, better health prevails. When there is excess (too much)  in the mind or body, we “drain the excess” into the meridian that is weakest.  If there is a weakness, we bring energy to that meridian/organ.  As an acupuncturist, I am facilitating  balance to support a patient’s body to function optimally.  In my own life, I use the idea of balance to create the way I live my life.  How much time and energy is healthy for me to devote to work?  What do I need to aim for in my sleep?  How often do I need self care?  What kind of exercise is most supportive for me today?  What foods are best for me? These are all questions that when raised, I use the principle of balance to help me find my answer.  With balance in mind, the answers become clear.