Wellness is a way of life

Over the years, I've seen thousands of patients in the clinic as an acupuncturist and herbalist. I see people from all walks of life and with all types of illnesses and injuries. One thing I've learned is that it is the people who get involved and want to get well that do the best.

The doctor can do everything he can in his power but, in the end, it is the lifestyle of the patient that ultimately determines the outcome. Let me give you an example.

A new patient was referred to me by her neurologist for her persistent headaches that were not responding to conventional treatment. Upon taking her history, it became abundantly clear that it was her actual life that was the real headache. She was in a difficult marriage, her kids kept getting into trouble at school, and, after some testing, we found that she was allergic to wheat. All she ate was bread and cheese and she hardly exercised. I'd have a headache too!

So what did we do? We immediately took her off of gluten (wheat) and adjusted her diet. I balanced her system with acupuncture and taught her Qi Gong (Chinese energy yoga) and some meditation techniques and then we started to work on her boundaries and relationships. Already feeling more vitality after taking away the offensive foods, she had more energy to deal with her husband's criticism of her. Gaining more energy and vitality through Qi Gong gave her more wherewithal to handle her stressful days. Meditation taught her to be less impulsive and to remain calm in the face of her anxious tendencies.

After three months, she was doing great with her husband and the kids were doing well in school. Headaches? Oh yeah, I used to get those didn't I?...

So how much did I do as a physician? Well, I put in some needles on occasion and adjusted her diet. I taught her what to do and, fortunately, SHE DID IT.

The Latin root of the word Doctor is "to teach". Lifestyle is in our hands and it is up to us to seek out specialists to help us if we don't know what to do, but, from that point on, it is up to us to do the work and get better.

Vitality glows from the inside out. The doctor is your friend and ally but, in the end, your lifestyle will determine the outcome. Enjoy your life and live it well!