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.
News in Brief
AAAOM Talks Herbal Safety
The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) board members recently met with the Korean Customs Service, which is similar to the FDA, to discuss herbal safety and importation issues.
Mr. Sung Sik Kim and Mr. Young Mi Kim explained how their new, revamped computerized system will enable a smoother importation and exportation of goods. One of their chief concerns is herbal safety, whether including issues of purity or contamination.
Their discussion included proper labeling protocols and AAAOM's continued effort to provide safe and effective herbal supplements. The AAAOM hopes to meet with other organizations that can improve patient safety and practitioner efficacy. Check back for future reports.