Discover a More Caring Approach to Health and Wellness
Much of what goes on in our Society is about identifying problems and creating businesses around the solutions that one is able to offer. Some of these businesses or solutions are short-term while others exist over Eons. I happen to Practice from BOTH ends of this spectrum, using Acupuncture, Cupping and other ancient tools that still exist BECA– USE THEY ARE VERY EFFECTIVE, and more modern techniques like Low-Level Light Therapy, Laser stimulation, Electro-Acupuncture, Neuro-Tapping Techniques and more. The extensive tool box I draw from means very little if 1) the underlying causes are not identified and 2) the proper relationship isn’t created between me and my Patient. Number one comes about through excellent training and many years of experience.
Thankfully, I’ve had both. Number two comes through recognition and practice. It is important for Practitioners to realize that we live in very challenging times that demand patience from both Patient and Practitioner if true healing is going to occur. It is time for a more caring approach to health and wellness and I hope to explain what that looks like.
First, let’s identify what makes today’s average Patient in the United States different (realizing that Patients are very different across this great Land; rural vs urban, warm climate vs cold climate, and so on, but what I’m keying on is more cultural and covers more of us, together) than Patients from the past.
A Patient from 50 years ago was under less stress; less electro-magnetic field disturbance, less dietary stress, both from nutrient deficiencies (the same food had more vitamins and minerals 50 years ago than it does, today, mostly from commercial farming and poor soil maintenance) as well as more chemicals in our foods, leading to a part of the following which is less chemical/toxic stress. That Patient from 50 years ago dealt with other challenges, no doubt, like a society that was far more accepting of smoking (my NURSE used to smoke at the front desk!) and less awareness around infectious and iatrogenic (Dr caused) disease.
Today’s Patient is bombarded with information nearly all day long. They are thus, not easy to educate. In one way, today, we are more resistant (close-minded) to that which is different to us. It’s one of the reasons why it appears we are taking steps backwards in cultural matters. I won’t open that box of worms and further, here, but I hope you understand what I’m getting at. This alone is very stressful as the average person does not get enough quiet/solitude. This peace is what allows us to slow down and make better decisions. We are able to turn our thoughts inwards and decide what needs to be pushed out and what we need more of. This is why meditation has been taking many parts of the Country by storm over the past 20-30 years (it’s been around far longer, of course).
Why all this matters is in visits with my Patients, we not only discuss their issues in depth, but specifics around that person’s stressors are identified and discussed, often at length, and specific exercises/choices are suggested. The Patient is also given a safe space in which to slow down and be involved in the healing process. This may sound trivial, but I have come to realize it is anything but. Quiet and relaxation are imperative for a good many out there, most of whom are dealing with overwhelm, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, low energy, poor relationships and more!
Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system and balance function in the body. This, in turn, helps one heal. Acupuncture also helps disperse stagnation and remove blockages which impede or slow healing and often cause pain. I have proven the efficacy of Acupuncture to thousands of Patients, many who were stone cold skeptics and now, are life-time Acupuncture fans.
Cupping seems odd…even barbaric to some, at first glance. But when that nasty, achy, knotted up tissue that hasn’t responded to numerous other approaches, gets better after a cupping session or two, guess who thinks cupping is pretty awesome? Quite simply, cupping forces energy and fluids to move where they were previously blocked. This removes the old and toxic and allows fresh nutrients, fluids and oxygen to come in and heal and rejuvenate.
Nutrition is a big piece of my Practice and is oft misunderstood, which is why I offer a free consultation to those who are struggling with whether they want to become a Patient of mine. I am so confident in both my abilities and the tools that I use, that it just makes sense to give anyone balking a closer look. This also allows me to recognize someone who may not be a good fit for me; the non-committal, the bargain-hunters, those who think they want to heal, but a part of them is benefiting from being sick, so thus, they stay sick (secondary gain), and more.
I bet you didn’t know that experienced Practitioners are just as involved with selecting you as you were in selecting them!
Once someone has been identified and being invested in their health and truly wanting to do what it takes to get well, a relationship is formed. Depending on the Practitioner, this varies and may feel like joking around with a friend or may always maintain a degree of stoicism that many call “Professionalism.” I prefer a more casual and honest flow as much of what I do also involves identifying aspects of my Patients that cause them to get in their own way.
This brings about a counseling part of their treatment. It is a big part of what many identified as to why they advanced with me versus stayed stuck with past Practitioners. And to be fair, some, I’m sure found their connection and advancement, elsewhere. We all gravitate to those and/or that which we need, if we open ourselves up to it.
In a time where the average visit with our PCP is 8 minutes long, I think it is important to consider who are real care-givers are and where TRUE healing occurs. I practice ACTIVE forms of care. I am treating you when are in my office. You are paying for a service or services that go beyond many years of training and involve bringing about real change for you, not handing you a Rx so you can go take a pill that often masks your symptoms and doesn’t really heal anything.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we all need this, sometimes, and Western Medicine offers some very necessary and sometimes, life-saving techniques for which we all should be grateful, but my point is aimed at acknowledging that we have more chronic disease in the United States than any other Country on the planet. That is inexcusable and means we need to change, not only our thinking about this, but our approach. It’s time for the mainstream to realize and reach for a more caring approach to health and wellness.
Paul Gerst L.Ac. is co-owner of The Balanced Path Wellness Center at 89 Main St. Ste 304 in Medway, MA and also Practices out of Easton Health Solutions in N. Easton, MA.
In Medway, he may be reached by calling 774-283-2726 or emailing thebalancedpath@gmail.com.