Statement on Racial Equality and Gender Equality

I believe in racial equality and gender equality. The most meaningful part of the practice of Chinese Medicine for me is the practice of seeing the individual as a unique microcosm nested within the great macrocosm sometimes called the Dao. In the process, the context of the individual is revealed. Understanding context equips my patients and I with the vision we need to work with the presenting health challenges. In my continuing journey to understand racial and gender equality I find context is everything and, we need it to work on the health of our society. Recently my understanding of the macrocosm - that is - the context we all share, is deepening. I see more clearly every day the real and true impact of structural racism and gender inequality. I see the work cut out for us all. For now, my work is to continue to educate myself, to listen and observe, and to live with the discomfort of this process - taking full responsibility for myself. I am open to feedback, if you have suggestions I am grateful for your contributions as I apply this context into my own practice and into my life as a whole.

Regarding Cultural Appropriation of Traditional Chinese Medicine

A definition of cultural appropriation is, the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society. It is my intention, and my practice, to both acknowledge and to appropriately adopt the practice of Chinese Medicine with respect and to have a positive impact on the world around me while doing so.

As a white American practitioner of Chinese Medicine, I strive to study and practice this body of medicine, born out of China’s vast history and culture as well as the many cultures of East Asia as a whole, with the utmost respect. It is my responsibility to convey the context, the science and philosophy, the cultures that are the foundation of acupuncture and this body of medicine - accurately to the best of my ability. I continue to educate myself about the practices of East Asian medicine, and share its wisdom in my own community, crediting the Asian teachers and lineage whenever I can. If at any time, you feel as though I have done something hurtful or culturally inappropriate, I urge you to bring this to my attention. I seek to do better always; as a practitioner in a healing profession, I see it as my responsibility.