Interview #1 with be with "A".
Me: How did you
first discover acupuncture?
A: I was born
and raised in Vancouver BC, where we've always had a thriving Chinese
population who have brought so much good to our city, including Chinese
medicine. Acupuncture was a regular part of my medical care all through my teen
years and beyond (it eventually became so ubiquitous that it is now partially
covered by the BC medical plan, so that everyone can receive it!). Everyone I
knew growing up received treatments, from kids to adults to seniors. I got to
see its effects on people as they aged, and how much better they fared than
those who did not receive it, especially with things like arthritis, menopause,
and sleep issues. It was our most common and effective form of health care, and
I learned that it can uplift an entire population.
Me: How long
have you been getting acupuncture?
A: I got my
first treatment when I was 13 years old, for help with stomach issues and a bad
cold. So that's 30 years as of this writing, but I can't remember life before
acupuncture, and I don't want to ;)
Me: How often do
you get acupuncture?
A: I consider
acupuncture to be a vital part of my overall health and wellness, so I aim for
once a week or twice a month. I have a few chronic conditions in my body that
have dramatically improved with regular sessions, especially when combined with
Chinese herbs. There are so many things that acupuncture helps me with,
including menstrual cramps, boosting my immunity during cold and flu
season, and seasonal allergies. In fact, I can't remember the last time I took
any kind of medication or drug for these conditions, because the acupuncture
has made my body's natural healing powers so much stronger!
Me:Have you
noticed any impact on your life? Can you describe this a bit?
A: More than
anything, acupuncture has helped me tune into my body and better understand its
natural powers of healing. When something doesn't feel right, I know that my
body is sending me a powerful message that I can listen to and take action on
(my first action is always acupuncture!). I'm also much more aware of the food
I eat, and the way it affects my total system. I don't crave the things that
used to give satisfaction but cause inflammation, because I honor what my body
needs to thrive. Acupuncture has also helped me connect to a deep sense of calm
and wellness, especially during times of high stress, because the treatments
put me right in the moment, and calm everything down while the needles are
doing their work. This is increasingly important to me since the recent
election results, especially since it's looking like my Obamacare might be
taken away, and it's quite stressful to contemplate going forward in life with
no health insurance.
Me: What do you
like about the U-District Community Acupuncture Clinic?
A: The minute I walk into the treatment room I feel all the
worries of my day melt away. The warmth of the room, the gentle music and water
sounds, and the healing energy relax my body and mind in a deep way. I feel
like the room itself is a mirror of the inner "healing room" that
exists in every person, where we can retreat and recharge. I so look forward to
my weekly appointment with Susie, who is the most gifted healer I've ever
worked with, and I believe everyone deserves to experience the benefits of the
clinic. I spend a lot of time recommending it to my friends in person and on
social media, because I've seen and experienced first-hand how acupuncture can
change lives!
