The Dragon Rises Again
— Barbara de la Torre, MD, FAAMA, AAMA Treasurer, AAMA Board of directors, CME Committee Member
At the 2023 AAMA Symposium, I lectured on how Medical Acupuncturists are the key ingredient to bring acupuncture into mainstream medicine. I analyzed complex systems like health care and the potential for change through the recognition and management of common system patterns. The audience responded with praise and doubt.
If you haven’t attended the AAMA Annual Symposium, or if it’s been a few years, you are definitely missing out on the palpable qi that tonifies the deficiency of hope in the medical profession. The room of attendees collectively manifested a power that none of us held alone. Never have I seen so many physicians in a room smile and feel empowered with purpose. No matter what you may say to convince yourself, you can’t get the same qi experience from livestream or a recording!
But speaking also gives me the opportunity to hold a precious space where individuals can share their fears and worries. One physician told me that the health care system in the United States is such a mess that they couldn’t imagine how they could resolve mounting problems at their institution. Another lamented that the AAMA’s decline in membership was a sign that, perhaps, we’ve lost the battle to bring acupuncture to the forefront of mainstream medicine.
You have to wonder if it’s worth being a part of an organization facing such challenges. Why even bother? Who’s right — the group or the individuals?
Perhaps it’s a matter of perspective. Consider one theoretical model you are familiar with. Yin Yang Theory not only applies to your clinical situations, but to everything around you. The principles of Yin Yang are one of the most elegant models of complex systems ever recorded in history. They offer a window into the roots of imbalance.
If you observe the world with a Yin Yang lens, the health care system in the United States seems fragmented due to uncontrolled dispersion from a Yang excess with a Yin deficient state. Yet, according to Yin Yang, there is no such thing as permanence. The nature of day and night reveal the “four moments of time” that include the Yang within Yang of the morning and the Yin within Yin of the darkest night. By recognizing the patterns of nature, you can synchronize with its rhythm again and offer possibilities to course correct pathology over time.
But this deeply rooted disharmony requires people with knowledge of both Chinese and Western medicine to guide the restoration back into balance.
What is Yin Yang but a characterization of the behavior of qi? The current state of the health care system in America challenges your ability to be a successful Medical Acupuncturist. You, alone, cannot overcome this adversity. The more collective unity there is for Medical Acupuncture, the stronger the qi input will be to move the needle of the health care system towards more effective and efficient patient care. Nothing is in isolation. If the health care system fails, we will all be affected. No one is immune. This is reflected in dynamic systems theory, which demonstrates the lack of true boundaries between you and your environment. It’s also echoed repeatedly by the ancients.
Esteemed classical Chinese scholar, Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée, commented on Yin Yang and boundaries from an ancient philosophical classic: “The qi are in a state of perpetual circulation and exchange. We know that we can be penetrated by the qi from the outside, but our qi is also moving out into the external world. Our qi blends with the qi around us.” (Yin Yang in Classical Texts, p.35)
You are the vital qi needed to promote a healing effect for yourself and for the world around you. You understand how the dynamic Yin Yang relationship of Chinese and Western medicine can create a perfect complement to practice individually or in combination.
“Where those who have true knowledge see sameness,
those who do not know see difference.”
(Nei Jing, Su Wen, Chapter 5)
AAMA is the only medical association in the United States offering resources for physician acupuncturists that include CME, advocacy, and guidance for your unique professional journey. AAMA’s vitality, however, depends on your presence and participation. Don’t mistake challenges as a permanent situation. What may seem like the darkest night can shift into a new brighter day.
Register for the 2024 Symposium. Talk to physicians about Medical Acupuncture training. Inspire physicians to become a member of the AAMA. Guide aspiring physicians to practice noble medicine. Help increase the qi level to a tipping point for healing the wounded health care system.
The Chinese New Year heralds the dawn of the Emerald Wood Dragon. The dragon represents potential for power, nobility, and prosperity. When it’s combined with a Wood year within the Wood season, there is a chance for a double Spring rebirth of creativity and growth. But potential cannot manifest in a positive direction without your careful intention and effort.
AAMA was founded in 1987, shortly before the year of the Earth Dragon, when the organization rose for the first time. It took incredible dedication of the founding members to successfully navigate through uncharted and challenging paths. After 37 years, health care now needs your attention and dedication to recognize and treat the current patterns of imbalance.
The dragon will rise again in prosperity and nobility when we all take part in transforming health care together. United, we stand stronger to shape the medicine of the future.
