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.
Patricia Bates, MSAOM, LAc.
Patricia Bates, MSAOM, LAc. is a graduate of Bastyr University and has been practicing meditation for more than 30 years. She teaches meditation and is the author of Qi Gong Meditations for the Healthcare Provider, Their Patients, and EveryBODY and Toolbag for Life, Living, and Love. She is a contributing writer for Happiness and Wellbeing and is scheduled to appear on PBS where she will talk about meditation.