Personal Practice Philosophy Statement
Douglas E Knapp
and
Blaine Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Oriental Medicine is based on ancient and experiential philosophical principles which have a regard for balance and harmony with nature. These principles have been applied specifically to medical practice and individual well-being in the practice of acupuncture, herbal therapies and other modalities included in this healing tradition. The roots of the Asian outlook on health and the quality of life are not limited to the interaction within the patient/physician relationship. Inherent within the system is the outlook that the energetic balance of the individual is connected to the energetic balance of the environment and in fact that they share the same spirit. The forces active within the world are the same forces active within the individual body. Thus the concern for balance an harmony is not only reflected in the Oriental therapeutic approach to the individual patient but also in the view that the balance and well-being of the resources of the natural world and society are vital to the overall health of all who reside on the earth. Thus Oriental Medicine views the healthy activity of the individual, community, society and nature as tied together in a multifaceted relationship.
With this in mind, the I have formulated a statement of philosophy which reflects the inherent wisdom of the tradition it upholds and also dedicated the organization to working on the issues this knowledge brings into focus. The philosophy statement has five primary components:
1. Continued Professional Integrity and Development: As acupuncture physicians, we are committed to maintaining high standards of competency. Our field is constantly evolving as we seek to blend the rich heritage of experience from the Orient with the new challenges and discoveries we meet in America today. In our classes, in continuing education and in our state and national organizations we will continue to develop the healers of the future.
2. Equal Access and Freedom of Choice in Health Care Provision: One of the startling dilemmas of our democratic world is the high cost and limited access to quality health care services. We support a collaborative model where diverse traditions and professions of health care work together to provide comprehensive preventative, acute, rehabilitative educational services. We work to gain affordable services for all with access to full-range of qualified providers.
3. Preservation of Well Being: The primary way to treat disease is to prevent it, and the primary place to start balance and harmony is within oneself. Thus the commitment is to public classes and on-going support in nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, meditation and philosophy. Through personal responsibility and commitment to health one is able to find the center from which to engage in preservation on a larger scale.
4. Enhancement of Public Health: Societal issues of abuse, malnourishment, chemical dependency, homelessness and sanitation are primary alarms of imbalance on a community level which affects us all. Utilizing experience from our healing system through volunteer work, research, education and treatment will foster macro-level rebalancing.
5. Support of Environmental Protection and Conservation: Traditional Oriental Medicine has its roots in a natural philosophy grounded in respect for and understanding of the world. In a very fundamental way we are working for the preservation and existence of our world. Air quality, water purity, wilderness preservation, wildlife conservation and recycling are all issues we actively support.
Statement
adopted from the statement written by the Board of Directors &
House of Delegates
(Philosophical
Statement of the American Association of Oriental Medicine
(AAOM)),
April 1991