Fall for Change
As we head into a seasonal change from the long days of Summer to Fall it can be an uncomfortable time. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine it can be a difficult transition if our mind, body and spirit are not in balance.
This year has been challenging and full of unexpected turns. In April I had a very mundane accident. I was in my front yard starting spring clean up when I tripped on the downspout and landed on my outstretched arm on our sidewalk. I knew instantly that I really injured myself, most likely a broken arm. I knew from so many accidents in my life that I couldn’t walk this one off. I stayed on the ground wailing, screaming and crying…I didn’t want to go into shock so I let my pain, angst and fear out through my voice and tears. My husband was in the yard and came to my rescue immediately as well as my next door neighbour. I knew it was a trip to urgent care. After some X-rays the Doctor confirmed my worst fear (as my hands are my living). I had fractured my radius including soft tissue damage in my wrist.
My injury nearly broke me—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Injuring one of my two essential tools that provide me income to financially support my family has been one huge shake up! My mind was flooded with the darkest and most negative of thoughts. Will I ever be able to work doing what I love and to the same capacity again? What if I can’t? What else will I be able to do? Flooding negative and fearful thoughts consumed me. I was at my lowest mentally and emotionally at this time. The pain I was experiencing in my wrist was an 11 out of 10 for almost three weeks. I did get strong pain meds, unfortunately they didn’t give me any relief. I didn’t get any cast or follow up so I new my progress was in my own hands (no pun intended). Weird but the actual fracture was not that painful, it was my wrist where my pain was the worst. I defiantly felt sorry for myself at this moment. I found an old wrist guard and the second I put it on was instant relief and the beginning to my journey back to health.
Ironically right before I tripped I was thinking YES! I got this, my work schedule was good, I feel strong. I knew it was my turn to support my spouse at this time as his health, both mentally and physically needed my assistance. I think the last 3 years of grief caught up with both of us as we’ve been riddled with numerous deaths of so many cherished close friends. It was a challenging and overwhelming time. I had to slow down, breathe and take my own advice. I had to practice my own medicine. This gave me time for some retrospection and to work on my whole being. Some days the anxiety/fear was truly palpable but other days I felt so damn grounded and grateful it scared me! This "Break" gave me time to confront old patterns of anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma and unworthiness of unconditional self love. I immersed myself in deep psychological and inner work. Through this, I found clarity and recognized that I am a far better caregiver than receiver (unworthiness of self love). Learning this I knew I had to change that deep seeded mindset.
My health regimen is, and always will be a work in progress that has included regular psychology sessions, acupuncture and massage treatments from colleagues, self-administered acupuncture treatments based on my recent studies and learning. I’ve also prioritized plenty of rest and sleep, getting outside in nature and eating nutritious food. Additionally, I’ve spent time reading and writing/journalling to support my healing process. I’ve found that writing has become a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery. As I put my thoughts into words, I’m not only sharing them with others, but I’m also allowing myself to hear my own voice more clearly.
This period of introspection has profoundly influenced my practice. From the outside, things may look the same, but my approach has transformed to focus more deeply on Emotion-Based Healing.
What is Emotion-Based Healing?
Over the years, I’ve learned that true healing begins when a patient takes that first step to seek help—whether they’re dealing with chronic pain, digestive disorders, or mental health struggles. I've noticed that when I ask patients to identify where they feel certain emotions in their bodies, and I begin to palpate, I often find tender areas in unexpected places which is not the main concern or chief complaint. By placing needles in these areas based on the ancient practice of the “Balance Acupuncture System” the pain or issue often improves or disappears. This is what we call "clearing the channel." Humans are complex beings with layers of emotions, and these emotions can become locked or stuck within our tissues, manifesting as physical pain or discomfort. When we recognize that we are a whole being, and not just the sum of our parts healing can take place.
“Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within.” Gabor Mate
I believe in offering stress-free, natural treatments that help with trauma, anxiety, depression, pain management (both chronic and acute), women’s and men’s health including fertility, painful periods, PMS, menopause, migraines, stress, insomnia, and digestive issues. Each treatment is custom-made based on inquiry, pulse, and tongue diagnosis. My focus is on treating both the branch and the root of the issue, creating balance and allowing healing to take place.
Stay well,
Melanie
Comentários