When looking to book a service, one important factor we consider is how much it costs. How can we evaluate whether the exchange, what we are giving versus what we are receiving, is balanced and fair for both parties?
In order to get all the elements in place to help us discern this, let’s break it down.
First, what is the service that I am looking for, and what is its value? To make that call, we need to understand what it takes for the provider to be proficient and skilled in that specific endeavor.
Second, what area of my life will it impact the most, and how high is it on my list of priorities? Will the benefits of this service affect how I feel, think, move, work, and relate to others and to myself? Will it make my life easier in any way?
Third, how much do I need, want, and value the effects of those benefits in my life?
When talking about Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, what is it really? As a healing art and medical practice still fairly new in the West, it is natural that much about it remains unknown to many. The job of a practitioner goes far beyond placing needles on the body to balance energy channels, organs, and tissues.
A practitioner is an educator, a listener, an investigator, a thinker, and a strategist. They provide a stable and reliable presence, a place where people can come to receive deep nourishment on a physiological, mental, emotional, and even spiritual level.
What does it take to become a practitioner? The answer can vary depending on how deeply the future practitioner chooses to commit. In Ontario, it typically requires 3 to 4 years of full time study and passing board exams to begin practicing. In China, it can take anywhere from 5 to 12 years to become a practitioner.
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But that is only the starting point. A good practitioner never stops learning, continuing to study, take courses and workshops, and invest in materials, books, and teachers. And is all of this enough? The short answer is no. As important as having a solid academic background is, the commitment to self cultivation is another essential level.
How does one remain present and nonjudgmental, creating a safe space where not only good stories and happy news are shared, but also pain, trauma, shame, grief, anger, and all shades of human emotion? How can a practitioner hold space for this, patient after patient, day after day, without experiencing despair, heaviness, or burnout?
Observing without absorbing. Nurturing. Holding space. Being fully present for each patient, seeing one person at a time. Kindly explaining new concepts, planting seeds of knowledge and wisdom, and continuing to nurture them. Educating with understanding, respect, and an open mind. Remaining calm and patient. Suggesting without imposing.
Remembering to stay humble and grateful for the privilege of guiding another human being on their path, encountering challenges, learning more about themselves, letting go of what no longer serves them, and healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. It takes integrity, dedication, and truly walking the talk.
Each practitioner offers something unique, not only through their training or lineage, but also through their energy, personality, life experiences, and values. The best way to determine if it is worth your trust, time, and money is to experience it for yourself and see if what is offered aligns with your needs and desires.
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