Perfectionism

Dear Patient,

Someone once asked me if acupuncture could cure her of perfectionism.

Here’s what I’ve learned about perfectionism:

It keeps you frozen in inaction, unable to make a decision or a move for fear of getting it wrong.

It’s a way of controlling your environment so you don’t have to contend with the stress of operating in a chaotic and unpredictable world.

It’s rooted in fear.

It’s a security blanket you don’t need.

It causes you to doubt yourself.

It robs you of your life.

We are all perfectionists in our own ways.

The cure for perfectionism starts with a willingness to try something new, to let someone help you, to do something weird like fall asleep in the middle of the day with a bunch of needles in you. And then do it again. Because practices like this help condition you for bigger, scarier steps. They help you let go of the things you don’t really need.

Will acupuncture make you less of a perfectionist? No. Only you can do that. But acupuncture is one of many techniques that can help you practice surrender, acceptance and self-love. Acupuncture is a vehicle to carry you, but you’re the one with your foot on the gas as you drive off into the sunset, away from perfectionism.

Love and gratitude,

Your Acupuncturist