Why I do the medicine

Greetings, Internet! I am taking a few moments to reflect on why I do the medicine. What do I mean by “do the medicine”? I use this expression to be inclusive of all who are engaged in healing work. Acupuncturists, doctors, massage therapists, counselors, shamans, energy workers… all of us are “doing the medicine”. We are engaged with suffering people in an effort to bring them back to health and happiness. So why do I do the medicine?

First, I love puzzles. My innate optimism leads me to believe that most problems can be understood, most problems can be alleviated or cured, and there are very few that cannot be either. I love the process of discovery, where I attempt to both understand and ease whatever trouble is bothering my patient. Each problem is a unique puzzle, with different parts, and a different landscape. When I do the medicine, I get to explore those parts of the puzzle, and their landscape. Nothing is ever the same! The thrill of being on the hunt for the solution draws me in again and again. And when I can land on a solution, the key that unlocks the whole thing, that is very satisfying!

Second, I love people. Each one of us is precious, and in all our diversity we have the capacity to bring something wonderful to the world. It is a pleasure and privilege to meet all the wonderful people who come to see me. They are unique, interesting, and a joy. I am often in awe of the crazy, beautiful patchwork that is the human family. Up close, each one of us may seem flawed or damaged, but when we are all together, our strengths magnify and our weaknesses are supported and we are absolutely magnificent!

Third, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s level of suffering. There is an awful lot of suffering out there, and if I can make a little piece of it a little better, I have done something valuable. I am humbled by role I am allowed to fulfill, and thankful each and every day.

I love my job. To every one of my colleagues who do the medicine, I say you better bring the love. Bring the love of discovery, the love of people, the love of healing, something. But you better bring the love. I try to, every day.

Welcome to the blog of Peninsula Family Acupuncture!

Greetings! Peninsula Family Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic located in the St Johns neighborhood of North Portland. I am your hostess, Donna Stewart, L.Ac., PT. I opened the clinic in St Johns in 2002, and have been here ever since. I offer acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and shiatsu massage. I have a general medical practice, treating a whole range of patients and conditions. You can visit the website www.pfacu.com for some more information about the clinic.

This blog is a place you can visit for some of my thoughts on random things, most of which should be at least tangentially related to Chinese medicine. But, I am passionate about wellness as a whole, body, mind and spirit, individual, family, community, and world. So the blog may venture into some far-flung places! I invite you to come back and visit once in awhile, and see if I have any tidbits to interest you.