The Medicine

Dear Patient,

Is there medicine in the needles? a person will ask.

No, I’ll explain, the needles are solid, not hollow, and very, very thin. Nothing is injected.

There’s no medicine in the needles because the medicine is already within you, dear patient. The medicine courses through your meridians and infuses every cell of your body. It is you. 

I am not saying that there is no need for medicine. Diabetics need insulin. Asthmatics need inhalers. Modern medicine is a marvel.

But you are the healer of yourself. My needles merely encourage your body to heed its own wisdom. My needles aren’t even necessary, not really, although they do help. Truly, all you must do is listen.

You are the medicine.

Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist