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.
Catherine Niemiec, JD, LAc
Catherine Niemiec is the President/CEO and Founder of the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture. After her studies (University of Arizona, University of California-Hastings), she practiced law in California and served as director for a national legal education company. She became a certified practitioner of Chinese herbology, through the residency program at the Institute of Chinese Herbology in Oakland. She co-authored Arizona's acupuncture law that was enacted in 1998. She has served as president for numerous acupuncture boards and associations, and established the Foundation for PIHMA Research & Education.