Pam Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA & GSD-CI, LMT
My global graduates often ask me how I would craft my group practice if I started anew today; others ask for ideas to help them rejuvenate an existing practice. Hmmm.
Given our post-COVID dynamic, and to reassure the public, I’d probably opt for a storefront group practice with LAc and ABT colleagues in a busy, colorful shopping area so passersby could see us doing chairwork or tai chi / qigung in the front window. Teaching at AOMA during its fledgling years in Austin was an inspiration, as our teaching rooms and dojo encircled a beautiful pond and walkaways linking shops, restaurants and cafe – which meant we were on view to the public, integrated with the neighborhood and never short of clients for the student and professional clinics!
So yes, I encourage graduates and colleagues to opt for a similarly beautiful setting whenever possible. Shoji screens can add privacy to practitioners working on tables or futons in the main area. I’d encourage a group clinic once a week on a pay-what-you-can basis; and of course, discounts for veterans, seniors and students.
I’d also package short sessions in an affordable way to attract clients unfamiliar with your work and all it can achieve in unexpected areas. I’ve retired from private practice now and encourage everyone to be wildly creative!
1. Your Allergy Ally
“Spring? Fall? New in town? Cedar fever? Sahara dust? Mold? Let’s harmonize the affected meridians and key acupoints (especially in your metal zone of the five elements) and teach you to access points to help ease congestion, headaches, watery eyes, sniffles and general misery!”
2. Beyond Baby Blues
“Don’t be shy to talk to your clinician about this. More common than you think and totally understandable. Typically, certain meridians, especially the stomach and spleen of the earth zone in the five elements, are depleted after you give birth and may need a boost. Also, did you twist and turn during delivery that could have resulted in ongoing lower back pain?”
3. Headache Help
“Battling migraines? Parietal or full frontal? Distorted vision and facial numbness? Nausea? Let’s discuss all your symptoms and ease some common warning signs, like shoulders up to your ears after computer overload and ‘text neck.’ We’ll work key points along your occipital ridge and across your shoulders in a wood meridian of the five elements, and show you some simple stretching exercises to help at the first glimmer of a migraine.”
4. Computer Job Special
“For those aching shoulders, ‘text necks’ and weary feelings at the end of the day, how about some brisk shoulder, back, and neck chairwork to ease and stretch those tight muscles; plus eye exercises to combat that cross-eyed feeling at the end of the day? And wrist exercises to combat carpal tunnel syndrome? A field day for wood meridians. As a prelim, email a pic or video clip of you actually working on a computer so we can offer ergonomic advice about desk layout, distance from screen, use of mouse, wrist-supporting keyboard and so on.”
5. Chronic Pain Relief
“Let’s talk about it and see which meridians and points give you some relief. Perhaps start a session working on your feet and hands to help modify ongoing or niggling pain, and understand the reasons why working distally can be so effective. We can also teach you some specific exercises and points you can work on at home to help you minimize and prevent pain.”
6. Tune-UP / Oil Change
“Let’s discuss your energy highs and lows, and your work patterns. Let’s check the interplay of your meridians and points, and see if you fit any of the patterns of the five elements that will add depth and insight to your own ongoing self-care. It’s helpful if you list the three reasons why you feel you need a tune-up and three activities that give you joy in life (Theater? Music? Art? Crafts? Hiking? Volunteering? Reading? Gardening? Traveling? Learning new languages? Circle all that apply and add more.)”
7. Getting Beyond Grief
“You’ve tried everything including grief groups and assorted counseling, but can’t seem to move along? Let’s see how harmonizing specific meridians and acupoints (especially in the metal zone of the five elements) can help expand your sense of inner space and calm; or help you overcome insomnia and fatigue.”
8. Intestinal Relief
“Chronic? Recent? Let’s explore patterns and origins, and check your earth, fire and metal zones in the five elements to pinpoint solutions.”
9. Perform Your Best
“Are you a dancer? Cabaret star? Stand-up comic? Musician? Jazz musician? Any aches and pains associated with your work? Invite us to one of your performances so we can talk later about our observations / any potential for repetitive-stress injuries (RSI). Let’s check your wood and fire zones in the line-up of the five elements to maximize movement and creativity.”
(Note: During my time in group practice in NYC with a chiropractor and movement therapist, we worked with dancers, classical and jazz musicians, and singers, and often watched them at work as a way of expanding our clinical understanding of their aches and injuries.)
10. Pre-Surgery Prep / Post-Surgery Refresh
“Happy to work on you in the hospital if necessary; or teach close family members some simple techniques to help you before surgery and through recovery.”
11. PTSS Strategies
“Challenged by some past trauma that bounces back into your consciousness from time to time? Tried all the various therapies, but still feel niggled? Let’s see how your water zone in the five elements continues to hold memories of that trauma; and help you acquire some coping and self-care strategies.”
12. Long COVID No More
“Still battling fatigue? Brain fog? Inability to taste or inhale your favorite fragrances? Let’s see how the interplay of the five elements has been affected, and access the appropriate meridians and points that may offer release / relief.”
13. Red-Eye Delight
“Flying somewhere? Can’t stand the thought of being cramped in those tight seats for hours? We’ll work your san jiao meridian (supplemental fire zone of the five elements) before you go to the airport to help you adapt to a new time zone, altitude and season. Plus, we’ll teach you key points and stretching exercises to work on midair to keep circulation moving and ensure you step off your flight energized. Similarly, if you are suffering from jet lag, let’s offer some exercises and tips on your return.”
14. Get Back in the Game
“You’ve maximized your physical therapy sessions, but still experience some mobility problems that keep you away from your favorite sport? Ongoing pain? Let’s pinpoint solutions together and see which meridians and points can be supportive; and also talk about qigung exercises that may help balance the problem and prevent further injuries.”
