🧧 Diary Entry
As I settled into the clinic today, I was starkly reminded of a disconcerting trend that’s been on my mind: the overwhelming reliance on prescription medications in modern medicine, particularly among the younger population.
One of my clients, under the age of 20, is already on Bupropion and Fluoxetine, with an ADHD medication soon to be added to the mix.
Really?
It baffles me!
Why are we so quick to pile on more medications to someone so young, who is merely slightly out of balance?
We’re in the 2020s—shouldn’t modern medicine at least be open to exploring alternatives?
Clinical research has shown that herbal supplements like passionflower, black cohosh, lavender extract, ginseng, and many others can be as effective, if not more so, than prescription meds for issues like depression and anxiety.
And what about considering formulas like Xiao Yao San, which is known for harmonizing the liver and alleviating stress, and Chai Hu Shu Gan San, known for its effectiveness in breaking up liver Qi stagnation?
Don’t these natural, holistic approaches offer viable alternatives to managing mental health?
(I know I am preaching to the choir)
These herbs and supplements not only provide alternatives to pharmaceuticals but also underscore the need for a broader acceptance of their benefits in treating conditions traditionally managed with prescription medications.
This situation leaves me feeling a mix of sadness and frustration, but also a fiery motivation.
Why?
Because the potential of acupuncture and herbal medicine to change this narrative is immense and real.
Today, after administering just two acupuncture points—ear Shen Men and Point Zero—my client said a sense of calm washed over them.
They described it as a profound peace they wished could last forever. 😌😌
Right?!? Isn’t that beautiful?!?
Wow!
Just those two points (though I addressed some local pain conditions as well), but imagine the impact!
The positive outcome my client received affirms my belief in, and commitment to acupuncture’s healing potential, which is why I’ll be reintroducing the 20,20,2 technique as my primary lead generation tool.
This strategy served me well in the past. It involves offering 20-minute treatments for just $20, focusing on these two impactful points: Shen Men and Point Zero.
I understand that some of you might be concerned that offering treatments at a lower cost could devalue our profession. However, I see it differently.
This approach allows me the opportunity to engage with potential clients, introduce them to my practice and the profound effects of acupuncture, and provide them relief from the stress and anxiety that weigh them down.
In the past, I sometimes saw 6-8 people an hour. Remember, it’s “community-style” acupuncture, so it’s a roomful of chairs.
I view it as a mutually beneficial arrangement.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to introduce new patients to the benefits of acupuncture and to help them experience first-hand the calming and restorative effects that brought my young client so much relief. For those interested in learning more about this technique, I discuss it in detail in a dedicated webinar available HERE.
These moments fuel my hope and drive to possibly help wean them off their medications eventually.
What a lovely possibility that would be!
As I reflect on the common side effects of their medications—drowsiness, anxiety, headaches, nausea, and a litany of more severe risks—it’s hard not to wonder: are these treatments contributing more to their conditions than they’re helping?
What do you think? I’d love to hear about it below, in the comments section.
This is something I’ll need to ponder more deeply.
But for now, this reinvigorates my commitment to providing an alternative. An alternative that doesn’t just mask symptoms but seeks to restore balance and wellness fundamentally.
Here’s to the healing power of alternative medicine and our continued journey to advocate for healthier, less invasive options.
Cheers my fellow travelers! 🍻🚀
