Acupuncture works. I’ve had only good results with it, and today I’m introducing you to a very good acupuncturist — one who has faced her own challenges with chronic illness. Angie Love, LAc brings first-hand experience to her patient care and understands the priceless value of reclaiming both physiological and emotional health and well-being. She sees the two as linked, and today she shares her unique view of finding meaning in chronic illness and pain.
Finding meaning in chronic illness & pain
by Angie K. Love, LAc
Many of the patients who come to our practice are dealing with complex health issues. Often, they have seen all kinds of doctors and specialists with little to no relief from their symptoms. It’s not uncommon for all their test results to come back “normal,” and for the doctors to tell them there is nothing wrong with them and possibly suggest they seek out a therapist.
While I am a big proponent of therapy and believe strongly in the inherent connection of mind and body, this kind of suggestion can feel like a blow to patients who know their issues are not “just in their heads.” Their symptoms are real. They feel poorly, day after day. And they are frustrated that their doctors aren’t offering them anything helpful.
The doctors are not to blame. They simply do not have the tools in their repertoire to help these patients.
Many of the people who come to me yearn for an explanation of why they are feeling as they are. They want concrete answers, so they can come up with a concrete plan of action.
I understand them. I, too, have been “battling” chronic health issues for years, searching for answers, hoping to understand what exactly is going on inside my body that is causing me to feel so often unwell. It’s a “functional un-wellness.” For the most part, I am able to show up to my life, do what needs to be done, and contribute to the world around me, just as do my patients. But there are many days when that requires a tremendous amount of effort, and it can be tiring and take a toll on one’s spirit.
I deeply believe that a major reason for my own health challenges in this lifetime has been to learn things on my own journey that I can then share with my patients to help them in their healing. More than anything, my personal challenges have taught me empathy for others. When patients tell me about their frustrations of feeling poorly day after day and the defeat that comes from that, I understand, because I, too, have been there. Many have told me how much it means just to be heard and seen for what they are going through. To be understood and not dismissed.
More than anything, I wish I could give my patients concrete answers to all of their questions and offer them the tools to make all their woes go away. Wave a magic wand that will ensure they will feel great for all the days of their lives. But that is not how it works. (Trust me, I wish it did, for my own sake as much as my patients’.)
I may not be able to provide all the answers, but I do have some answers. And I am able to frame my patients’ issues in a different context and shed a light on them that can many times help to make more sense of the situation. Very often, patients do feel significantly better with regular acupuncture treatments and sometimes various herbs or supplements. What I wish to offer my patients, which may be ultimately more valuable than any physical relief they gain from their treatments, is a shift in perspective.
We spend so much time in battle, with our bodies, with our circumstances, with what is. While I never would encourage resignation and defeat, there is another approach that can work hand in hand with a continuous exploration of what will help us to achieve greater wellbeing, and that is acceptance of what is. Healing happens when we stop fighting. The healing may not always come in the form of completely restored physical health. But the healing comes in the form of being at peace with what is. With wherever we are on our journey.
I encourage my patients to ask themselves the following question:
“Why is this happening FOR me?”
This question instantly takes us out of victim mode (“Why is this happening TO me?”) and empowers us to see a different perspective. To create an opening for what might be possible as a result of our experiencing exactly what we are going through at this very moment.
I leave you with the following thought to ponder (a quote I have posted in my home as a daily reminder):
“Your greatest healing remains your deepest surrender.”
Wishing you peace on your healing journey.
Learn more about Angie or book an appointment with her in San Jose, Calif. here: https://evokeacupuncture.com/
Hypnotherapy is yet another alternative avenue of treatment. If you’d like to explore if hypnotherapy might be helpful to your chronic pain, yes, even by Skype, contact me at Carol (at) ahealingspirit (dot) org
Really resonate with this, not least the bit about not being a victim. Life is full of lessons not punishments.
I know a lot of people who swear by Acupuncture helping them with their chronic back pain. Treatment programs should look to both Eastern and Western resources for treatments.
This is a propos today, as I head to my first acupuncture appointment. Angie’s change of the questioning, from victim to empowerment, as well as the awesome quote, have given me a lot to think about.
Awesome, Donna! I hope you enjoyed your first acupuncture treatment! Wishing you the best on your healing journey!
I think that there is a lot to be said about having a positive mental attitude. I am not saying that it will heal chronic stuff because I have chronic issues that just popped up but the more positive I stay the more I feel like I can get through them.
I have heard a lot of positive reviews on acupuncture. If I could find a good, licensed acupuncturist, I would give it a try.
I love this. I am so blessed to not have to deal with a chronic illness. I have a couple of friends however, who do have illness in their lives every day. They’ve often told me how hopeless it can feel at times.
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I have friends and family members who would benefit from acupuncture. I’ll be referring this to them to read, as a means of research.
Finding a doctor that can help with chronic pain is so difficult. A goddoctor works with the patient to help with these issues and will try anything to get you some relief without giving up.
Melissa Chapman recently posted…The Only Five Parenting Tips You will Ever Need
This is such a great post – sometimes it is hard to find anything in chronic illnesses, but I think sometimes they can teach us a lot about ourselves, those around us and the world as a whole.
Sarah Bailey recently posted…5 Reasons as to Why Your Content Just Isn’t That Great
I have actually heard of hypnotherapy a number of times this year. The concept is totally new to me but I have heard very positive things about it.
I was just reading somewhere where this girl swears by acupunture for her allergies. I’ve been to one many years ago for knee and I guess it worked – I don’t have any problems now.
I know someone who swears by acupuncture. I have thought about trying it as well.
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I know many people swear by acupuncture. I would totally give it a try for some chronic pain that I have in my back/shoulder area.
A few friends of mine swear by acupuncture for their chronic pain. I’ve never had to deal with it so I couldn’t imagine!
I have heard that acupuncture works great for some chronic illnesses. There is so much that doctors really can’t help with.
I have had Lyme and it causes lots o chronic pain and other undesirables. I agree that a positive attitude can take your healing to the next level and acupuncture is a huge help.
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This is really interesting to have that perspective. Definitely something to consider. I, too, have used acupuncture and it is really incredible.
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I spent the first 10 years of my illness wallowing in self pity. Only when I stopped playing victim and accepted that I have a life long condition, then started working around my issues, did I start to feel better. This is an article I will definitely sit back and reflect on.
Theresa recently posted…Muffins With A Cherry On Top
It really is capable of making your spirit grow and change the lives of others. This post is important to a lot of people.
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It takes a lot of strength to see the good in something like this. People need to know that they are loved and can get help along the way.
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There are so many people who have gone through different doctors and still couldn’t find answers or results and I think that’s where this kind of treatment goes in. Acupuncture is really helpful!
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These are all interesting ideas. I suffer from fibromyalgia and have been through a ton to try and get it under control. I agree that having a positive attitude goes a long way. I have also tried acupuncture, yoga and eating pretty clean and that has all helped a lot.
This is really inspiring for those who has having same challenges in life. Such a great read that gives hope!
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Chronic pain is a difficult thing to deal with. I know for some it can be difficult getting the right diagnosis and treatment, sometimes you need to see a few doctors first.
I have chronic migraine that makes my life miserable sometimes. The positive thing I get from it is it makes me want to do a lot of thinking and self reflection when I go for a walk or alone in the garden.
Why is this happening for me is the best question of all, it isn’t angry, it isn’t unkind, it is an opportunity to explore.
I truly believe that someone who has experience with what they do has a better understanding of what is truly needed and appropriate. Great story.
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Great post, people should realize that life is full of lesson, you just need to accept and grow. I’ve heard a lot about what acupuncture can do.
I know so many people that suffer from chronic illness and pain. I hope they find something that works for them and they are able to find peace.
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I have friends with chronic illness’s. They self medicate if you know what I mean, but it works for them. Whatever keeps them going ya know? 🙂
My husband suffers from chronic back pain due to lumbar stenosis and scoliosis. He’s tried acupuncture before but sadly, we can’t do that anymore. Other than being expensive, my husband cannot travel a long way anymore because of his pain. If I can convince him to try hypnosis, I will definitely seek you out.
I actually never tried yet of acupuncture and Hypnotherapy, however, I would want to try these just as about the bone setter too. I guess there are so many things to choose from nowadays unlike before.
This is such a great inspiration. So many people wonder why it happens to them in the negative but thinking of the positive can be hard.
I have always asked the same question – Why do I have to suffer this illness? It gives me so much anxiety to accept that I will not get any better. Of course there are good days and bad days, and then there are really bad days. I am at a point that I am willing to try other non-conventional treatments like accupuncture and accupressure. Homeopathic and traditional Chinese medicine is also being seriously considered.
I think hypnotherapy sounds like a wonderful tool! I think it can be very useful in working through things that you can’t in other ways.
Great insight on chronic illness and how you try to help your clients. I do think there is a link between illnesses and unresolved personal traumas and stress.
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