What’s Eating This Acupuncturist? 5/5 (38)

So, I have this problem that’s been bothering me more and more lately. Every time I think about it, I’m reminded of my kids…

As you may know, I have a lot of kids–9 of them in fact. It’s a fairly common occurrence for my kids to complain to me about one problem or another. After years of experience with this, I have settled on a standard answer I give all of them now. “There is no use talking about a problem unless you talk about the solution. So, what is your solution?”

This response used to stump them because they wanted ME to solve their problems for them. Not only are the kids getting better at solving their own problems, but they’re also complaining to me less often.

So, what does this have to do with me? Well, recently I was complaining at work about a problem. As I talked with my colleagues about it, I realized that talking about the problem wouldn’t help unless we came up with a solution. It’s funny how often parenting experiences like this turn back around on us, isn’t it?

The Problem:

Because of my educational background, I belong to several social networking groups for TCM. I try to keep myself active in these groups, both to learn and to share my experience.

If you, too, are in any TCM discussion groups–I’m sure you’re aware that many practitioners are very “traditional” and have strong opinions against adding technology into their clinic. Honestly, I don’t have a problem with this. Here’s my problem: Sometimes it’s hard to have educated conversations about modern equipment and technologies with practitioners who are so closed-minded about ‘considering’ modern advances or even modern research about acupuncture. What really gets me is when a relatively small group of strict traditional TCM practitioners dominate the discussion groups, making it hard for anyone to hear a differing opinion. Have you ever experienced this?

Now, don’t get me wrong here. I have absolute respect for practitioners who are holding strong to the classics of TCM and I love having this knowledge as my foundation. In fact, I love having real conversations with many traditional practitioners about the industry as a whole and various movements within it. I find that every one of us has a slightly different perspective, and learning and sharing together is enlightening.

Looking back, when I was in college, I admit I was far more “traditional” than I am now. I had then, and still have, the same endearing thoughts toward my own classical TCM education. However, what I didn’t realize at that time is there are MANY different approaches to “traditional” acupuncture theory. I’ve found I can get excellent clinical results by incorporating modern research and technology into my clinic, and I’d love to have more conversations with other practitioners who feel the same. There is nothing like rubbing shoulders with (and learning from) colleagues within our field. But, how do we do it without causing political problems and divisions among practitioners?

Solution:

Well, I asked myself: “Self, what is your solution?”

I didn’t realize it, but it started about a year ago when I began writing articles for Acupuncture Today. I’m now a regular contributor and columnist there, and I LOVE the conversations I’ve had with practitioners from all walks of life in response to articles I’ve written. I get TONS of emails every time I write an article about incorporating technology into the modern acupuncture clinic. This tells me practitioners are HUNGRY for new, innovative information to further the field of acupuncture.

So, I’ve decided to take it a step further than what I’ve done already. I’m using my position at Miridia Technology to start a NEW LinkedIn group entitled “Acupuncture Technology.”

This group focuses on answering questions, sharing personal experience and reviewing new technological tools and services in the field of acupuncture.

You’ll notice the LinkedIn group has the same title as my column for Acupuncture Today. I expect the two will work hand in hand as I look for the next hot topic to write about, and after I write, practitioners from all walks of life can join the discussion back in this forum.

It’s great to be part of the SOLUTION! Would you join me???

Click here to come on over and take a look. I promise you will enjoy rubbing shoulders with like-minded practitioners from all over the world.

Have a great day!

Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac.