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.
Cynthia Neipris, LAc
Cynthia Neipris is the director of outreach and community education for Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York, and serves on the advisory board of Acupuncturists Without Borders. She can be reached at cneipris@pacificcollege.edu.