Self-Preservation

Dear Patient,

Sometimes it can feel like your own body is working against you. But often, what we think of as a symptom to be treated is really the body’s effort to heal and repair.

When you twist your ankle, the swelling in the surrounding tissue creates a self-contained cast to immobilize the joint. Allergy symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes expel environmental irritants. A fever mobilizes your white blood cells to kill off invading pathogens. Stiff joints and muscles restrict movement to prevent further damage. Anxiety alerts you to potential danger. Much of the time, the body knows what it’s doing.

The body perpetually makes adjustments to maintain relatively stable conditions necessary for survival. In biology we call this homeostasis. We might also call it health, or balance, or wellness. We might imagine it as a peaceful, painless existence, free from the restrictions of a body that doesn’t always cooperate with our wishes. But the body may chart a different path.

Balance isn’t always a yoga pose on a mountaintop. Wellness isn’t always a plate of fresh vegetables and a good night’s sleep. Health isn’t always pretty, and it might not feel great. Sometimes it’s self-preservation. And your body does it remarkably well.

Love and gratitude,

Your Acupuncturist