The most important relationship I seek to nurture in the treatment room is the one a patient has with their own body. We live in a culture that teaches us to override pain, defer to outside authority, and push through discomfort. Patients often arrive hoping I can “fix” them, but the truth is, we can’t do the work for them. We can offer guidance, insight and support, but healing requires their full participation.
Acupuncture Poll
The Acupuncture Poll question for November 2004 was:
What percentage of your patients do you refer out to medical doctors or chiropractors each month?
Results:
These results are based upon 605 responses. As this is a voluntary, non-scientific survey, caution should be used in generalizing the results. Here is a sample of the comments made by those who took the survey and how they voted. Some comments have been edited for brevity.
0%-20%: I rarely refer out to chiropractors or medical doctors, as I am usually a last resort to most patients that come through my door.
21%-40%: Most of my clients are referred out at some point (beyond the obligatory initial referral). However, they do not necessarily need a referral each month.
To vote in the current Acupuncture Poll, or to review comments and responses to previous poll questions, visit acupuncturetoday.com/acupuncturepoll.