I recently tallied up approximately how many needles I have inserted over the course of my acupuncture career to date (23 years!). I came to the rough number of 500,000+. Some colleagues report upwards of 1,000,000 needle insertions. It is truly mind-boggling to me--and humbling--to reflect on the honor of treating (and needling!) so many diverse human beings this lifetime.
In the big picture of this ancient healing modality I could insert 500,000 more, and yet I would still be a beginner. That was one of the reasons I was drawn to this career--being an acupuncturist involves lifelong learning. It’s an open-ended journey with no clear-cut destination.
Over the last 23 years I’ve watched Acupuncture Medicine go from fringe to mainstream. I’ve seen my profession grow--by leaps and bounds--and the number of graduates in this medicine dramatically rise. Most people study Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as a natural outgrowth of their own positive, personal experience. That was the case for me as well. I love being a practitioner of acupuncture medicine, and I firmly believe in its magical ability to treat both acute and chronic health problems.
On this national day of Acupuncture Medicine, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to me for treatment and honoring your body’s ability to heal and serve! With your help, I might just get to 1,000,000 this lifetime!
Warmly,
Maureen McLaughlin, Licensed Acupuncturist