4099.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #32389

Acupuncture and Spirituality

Laura Cooley, LAc, NADA, 1209 Parkway, Austin, TX 78703, 512-322-9648, lauramon@mindspring.com

In the Oriental medical framework, no separation of body, mind and spirit is recognized. Because Oriental thought acknowledged that all illness has spiritual, as well as emotional, mental, and physical components, they developed treatments that include nurturing the spirit. Not at the expense of our emotional or mental realm, but through the infusion of all parts by spirit.

A simple ear acupuncture protocol is being provided daily in a public health setting around the world, among a variety of settings and cultures, by public health care professionals. Learn how acupuncture provides the foundation of recovery in more than 800 treatment programs and what is known through 25 years of utilizing acupuncture to facilitate therapeutic group processes that depend on connection with the spirit.

It is recognized that spirituality can be the most important foundational element in the process of recovery from alcoholism and chemical dependency. The ability to cultivate a relationship with spirit may be the most necessary ability for maintaining abstinence and living a rich life.

Yet, in our culture, because the spiritual dimension is often ignored, we have lost the tools for cultivating a daily and sustaining relationship with spirit. Because of this, many people experience, along with physical or psychological symptoms, emptiness, despair, or intense longing for connection with something which is bigger than themselves. Rather than promoting any form of religion, acupuncture helps us explore our relationship to spirit.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to identify the spiritual aspects and implications of traditional chinese healing, specifically in acupuncture.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA