Steps to Healing: Part 3

This is the final of 3 posts related to defining healing and the steps in the healing process.  Previously we discussed Acute care, treating the root cause.  In this article, we will discuss the importance of Maintenance or Wellness Care.

In a previous discussion, we used an automobile analogy: symptom care is the equivalent of turning off the dashboard indicator light while treating the root cause would be adding more oil to make the dashboard light turn off on its own.  Following through with this analogy, the maintenance or wellness care part of the healing process is about regularly checking the oil levels, inspecting the gaskets and changing the oil to ultimately assure everything stays in working order. In this way, we prevent oil loss before it happens and thus assure the car doesn’t break down, particularly during times of stress such as driving long distances on a hot day.

Acupuncture for Wellness

So how do we use Acupuncture to keep you strong and healthy you ask?  Diagnostics such as pulse diagnosis, palpation, skin complexion, body odor, voice strains, stuck emotions and repetitive thoughts are used throughout the healing process to help identify imbalances in Qi or vital life force. In many cases, imbalances found through Chinese Medicine diagnostics are the predecessors to illness and symptoms. Acupuncture treatments balance the excess and deficiencies to restore harmony. Combining Acupuncture treatments with lifestyle changes can create a solid program to promote long-term health and wellness.

Many people are excellent at maintaining their homes, cars and electronics. If I were to ask you how much battery remains on your mobile phone, you would probably immediately answer without looking at your device. That said, many of us miss the indicators provided by our bodies to let us know we need a break, more sleep, better nutrients, adequate water and sufficient movement. Maintenance care is not only about working with a healthcare expert to monitor and review signs and possible symptoms but it’s also creating a plan that works with you and your lifestyle to keep you strong and healthy for years to come.

Chinese proverb:
“Dig A Well Before You’re Thirsty.”

I’ve heard this wisdom applied to health, waiting till you’re sick to see a Doctor is like waiting til you’re thirsty to dig a well.  This why I believe Wellness Care is the single most important part of the healing process. Are your healthcare providers engaging in conversations with you about prevention? If long-term health and wellness are important to you, a panel of experts willing to take time and review your signs, symptoms, lifestyle choices and diagnostics is essential. If you’re struggling to find health care providers willing to support you with a prevention program; ask around, get references and don’t be afraid to advocate for your care.

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This article was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2022 for your reading pleasure.