Well, this is my first go at blogging. I put this up after seeing the blog site of an old friend of mine. I haven't seen or spoke to her in ages but loved that I was able to see her wonderful photography work and get a bit of insight into what she has been up to. I was able to be on the computer messing around because I took a mental health day. It was hard to call in sick, because I am a very, must go to work even if puking kind of girl. But, last night I had a bit of a mental break down and let too many negative messages, external and internal, in. So, this morning as I recovered from last night, I decided that I would take some concrete steps in the direction of fulfilling my dreams of treating hundreds of people and making the world a healthier and happier place.
I've been in practice for about three years and depending on where I've worked I've been very busy or not at all. Recently, I decided I wanted to work for myself, but man this is hard work and I often feel stuck in glue. So, I figured if I'm stuck, must be because of where I'm standing. Today, I am continuing to try and remedy the situation. I finished revising my application to a closed job posting at the Mayo. Hey, you never know maybe this person they went with won't work out and now they have my amazing stellar resume.
I also got an e-mail back about another job I applied for. A Health and Wellness Coordinator for an inner city alternative high school. It's a grant position and the pay isn't great but the job description sounds like it's right up my ally. And the pay is more than I've been making this last month. Yikes!
Tonight I get to see some friends and unwind with a glass of wine and some good food. It takes a lot out of you when you have a mental breakdown, so this will be welcome.
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The trials and travails of an acupuncturist
I've started this blog for three reasons. First, this is easier for me to run than my website that has become a slow and laborious process. Second, I want to educate the lay person on what it is we acupuncturists and oriental medicine practitioners do. Third, documenting and commenting on my journey to "making" it as an acupuncturist is an experiment that may be educational, inspiring, embarrassing or simply none of the above. We'll see.
About Me
- Amy Theis L.Ac.
- I am a dedicated and passionate practitioner of Oriental Medicine. I have my masters in Oriental Medicine from Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, am NCCAOM certified and licensed in the state of Minnesota by the Minnesota Medical Board. I have worked in integrated community clinics, private practice clinics, an HIV/AIDS clinic and a world renown spa. I am also an international speaker and community organizer dedicated to educating individuals about oriental medicine and how to achieve total health and wellness. My passion for guiding people to better health and educating them how to take their health back into their own hands makes me a driven and successful practitioner.
What does an acupuncturist do?
Make sure that you always go to a licensed acupuncturist for the best outcomes. We have thousands of hours of training and internships to treat a huge variety of diseases and ailments. The others like some chiropractors or MD doctors may have as little as 100 hours. A licensed acupuncturists scope is as follows.
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practiced for thousands of years in China and other Eastern countries. It has quickly become one of the fastest growing alternative therapies since being introduced in the United States. Acupuncture subscribes to the ancient view that the basis of good health is the harmonious balance of qi, the vital life force that is necessary for all functions of the body. When the qi can flow freely, health abounds. If this energy becomes depleted, stagnant or blocked then the effects will result in loss of energy and the deterioration of well-being. The acupuncturist’s goal is to aid the bodies recovery from illness by applying sterilized needles to key points on the body to restore balance and improve health. An acupuncturist, also, may use one or more other modalities in conjunction with needling. An acupuncturist’s scope of practice also includes prescribing Chinese herbs, cupping, moxabustion, nutritional and lifestyle advise, tui na and qi gong.
Chinese Herbs
The use of natural plant, mineral and animal substances either alone or in conjunction with acupuncture for a powerful synergistic effect to improve results and shortening treatment time. Chinese herbs can be used for a specific condition as well as preventing illness or dis-ease. Your Oriental medical practitioner will prescribe a single herb or a formula tailored just for you.
Cupping
Through negative pressure suction of the skin, cupping stimulates the bodies qi channels. It balances the bodies energy, thus improving energy and local tissue’s level of metabolism and vitality of cells. Cupping does this by encouraging waste and toxin removal. Cupping, though great for general health and prevention is widely used for any pain condition. Pain is caused by an obstruction impairing qi and blood flow in the area. Cupping helps to improve circulation and relieving tense muscles.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion or moxa is a non-invasive treatment using the warming and tonifying herb artemisia vulgaris or mugwort. It is used either rolled into a tight cigar shape or in its loose form. Moxabustion is great for eliminating pain that is cold in nature. An example may be arthritis or joint pain, PMS cramps or abdominal pain. It is also used for prevention for many conditions when used daily at home.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Advise
The oriental medical practitioner’s goal is to give you back your health. By making key changes to prevent illness and promote long-term well-ness, each person can achieve optimal health. An important part of any recovery is committed involvement and partnership of the practitioner and patient in his/her health.
Tiu na
Chinese Medical Bodywork or tui na is used alone or in conjunction with other therapies. It is used not just to align the body and relieve pain, but also to harmonize and balance the bodies stagnant qi by using many different techniques from light touch to gentle traction. It is an effective therapy for many illnesses, disease, chronic and acute pain and it is useful for pediatric health issues.
Qi Gong
Qigong is a static or moving meditation, which is regularly practiced in eastern countries. It is believed that regular practice of Qigong helps to cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and help individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Oriental medicine practitioners may prescribe easy qi gong exercises in conjunction with acupuncture or any of the healing modalities.
Written by Amy Theis L.Ac. 2008
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practiced for thousands of years in China and other Eastern countries. It has quickly become one of the fastest growing alternative therapies since being introduced in the United States. Acupuncture subscribes to the ancient view that the basis of good health is the harmonious balance of qi, the vital life force that is necessary for all functions of the body. When the qi can flow freely, health abounds. If this energy becomes depleted, stagnant or blocked then the effects will result in loss of energy and the deterioration of well-being. The acupuncturist’s goal is to aid the bodies recovery from illness by applying sterilized needles to key points on the body to restore balance and improve health. An acupuncturist, also, may use one or more other modalities in conjunction with needling. An acupuncturist’s scope of practice also includes prescribing Chinese herbs, cupping, moxabustion, nutritional and lifestyle advise, tui na and qi gong.
Chinese Herbs
The use of natural plant, mineral and animal substances either alone or in conjunction with acupuncture for a powerful synergistic effect to improve results and shortening treatment time. Chinese herbs can be used for a specific condition as well as preventing illness or dis-ease. Your Oriental medical practitioner will prescribe a single herb or a formula tailored just for you.
Cupping
Through negative pressure suction of the skin, cupping stimulates the bodies qi channels. It balances the bodies energy, thus improving energy and local tissue’s level of metabolism and vitality of cells. Cupping does this by encouraging waste and toxin removal. Cupping, though great for general health and prevention is widely used for any pain condition. Pain is caused by an obstruction impairing qi and blood flow in the area. Cupping helps to improve circulation and relieving tense muscles.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion or moxa is a non-invasive treatment using the warming and tonifying herb artemisia vulgaris or mugwort. It is used either rolled into a tight cigar shape or in its loose form. Moxabustion is great for eliminating pain that is cold in nature. An example may be arthritis or joint pain, PMS cramps or abdominal pain. It is also used for prevention for many conditions when used daily at home.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Advise
The oriental medical practitioner’s goal is to give you back your health. By making key changes to prevent illness and promote long-term well-ness, each person can achieve optimal health. An important part of any recovery is committed involvement and partnership of the practitioner and patient in his/her health.
Tiu na
Chinese Medical Bodywork or tui na is used alone or in conjunction with other therapies. It is used not just to align the body and relieve pain, but also to harmonize and balance the bodies stagnant qi by using many different techniques from light touch to gentle traction. It is an effective therapy for many illnesses, disease, chronic and acute pain and it is useful for pediatric health issues.
Qi Gong
Qigong is a static or moving meditation, which is regularly practiced in eastern countries. It is believed that regular practice of Qigong helps to cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and help individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Oriental medicine practitioners may prescribe easy qi gong exercises in conjunction with acupuncture or any of the healing modalities.
Written by Amy Theis L.Ac. 2008
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“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
- Thomas A Edison
- Thomas A Edison
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