“But you’re an acupuncturist, you must hate Western medicine, right?” This question comes up in almost every conversation I have when I tell someone that I am an Acupuncturist.
The answer is: Absolutely not! And, to be perfectly honest, I think that narrative is extremely detrimental to the practice of Chinese Medicine in the United States.
I love Western medicine. I think it can do some pretty amazing things. I also love Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, QNRT, Reiki, meditation, biofeedback, anything that can help people live happier, healthier lives. There is a time and a place for all modalities, and there is no single option that works for everyone. Each person has unique needs. At EastWest Acupuncture, we strongly believe that the future of healthcare is integration and collaboration between all of these different medical modalities to ensure those needs are met.
As practitioners of Chinese Medicine, we are medical professionals. That means it is our responsibility to do our due diligence with all patients, collecting a thorough medical history and asking about any other medications, supplements, and therapies they are using. More often than not, as soon as they begin listing any medications they are taking, they immediately start defending themselves. “I take this _________ medication. I know it’s bad for me, but I really think it helps and I don’t want to stop taking it because I’m afraid of how I’ll feel if I stop!!”
Hard stop. I will never tell you to just stop taking your prescribed medication.
Patients are always shocked by this response. Then they tell me that other alternative medicine providers have told them they need to stop taking those medications because they’re so toxic and terrible for the body. While it is true that medications can be tough on your body and can cause unwanted side effects, if they are helping you, then they are doing the job that they were prescribed for.
IF, for whatever reason, you want to get off those medications, we can help you. We can help to facilitate that discussion with your doctor and work together to find a safe way to reduce your dosage and find alternative options that work for you. This is the entire mission of EastWest Acupuncture: To bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medicine. Our goal is to help YOU. We have formed a strong network of many different types of providers whose modalities work together beautifully to form a comprehensive care plan. This integrative, collaborative approach supports all aspects of your health and wellness, and ultimately gets you the best possible results.
So no, Acupuncturists don't hate Western medicine.
If you have any questions about how Chinese medicine can fit into your care plan, give us a call or book online here! Our practitioners would be happy to work with you and your other providers to come up with a solution that meets your individual needs!
We got you!