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.
Jane Grissmer, MAc, Dipl. Ac.
Jane Grissmer is the founder and co-director of Crossings Healing & Wellness in Silver Spring, Md. She is also division chair of theory in the Master of Acupuncture program at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Contact Jane with questions and comments regarding this article at jgrissmer@crossingshealing.com.