It is my sixth trimester and it’s just the beginning of the new trimester for the of fall 2019…then one more trimester…just one more!

Even though it’s an exciting countdown, in a way it’s an anxious and kind of sad countdown. January 2018 was already surreal enough, starting with all the new people I met and encountered at orientation, who I knew were going to be my “family,” staying with me through the program. It’s a lot to take in.  You cannot help but notice as the program starts to move forward, you start to have stragglers.

As I stated previously, it’s surreal to be starting the acupuncture program at NUHS. Who would have thought acupuncture was a thing? Google’s definition of acupuncture is: “A system of integrative medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.”

As practitioners, some mainly focus on the physical and emotional symptomatology and forget the spiritual, mental, and other transformative treatments that are available to our patients. Some doctors may listen to the physical symptoms of their patients only, and are not interested or aware of the holistic viewpoint where the spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of health are also considered in the treatment plan. In my biography, I had explained the nudge to start acupuncture. I was raised and grew up with this ancient medicine. As my mom would say in her accent, “It is in your blood. You know what you do. So follow your calling to help others.”

(You can actually visualize her in traditional Asian wardrobe…palms together with her Sensei accent…get into the Zen people!)

: )

I feel very fortunate to be able to attend NUHS, as there are three programs that are able to merge together and work hand-in-hand. Patients go to the chiropractic side for physical issues, for internal and mental issues to the naturopathic side, and acupuncture wraps things all together with spirituality.

As I continue to dive deeper into my studies and have only one more trimester left, I strive to become an excellent practitioner. I believe the practice of acupuncture is holistic medicine at its finest, and believe in the mind/body connection. It utilizes all aspects of wisdom, combining healing on many levels from spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional. Yes, there can be arguments of “this is not that” or “that is not this.” Everyone has his own opinions, and what is needed for one may be different for another. But eventually, if we all work together, collaborating and supporting one another, we will make sure that no patient is left behind. We either push or pull each other, rise or fall, but in the end, do not forget to enjoy the journey with everyone you encounter.