Recently, I was asked “Why did I get into Acupuncture?” That question forced me to reflect and to do a self-analysis on why I have chosen this occupation – a “field” of body and emotional healing. Acupuncture has been recognized for thousands of years as an alternative, or complimentary, form of medical treatment, though not widely accepted in the Western world; yet. Well, perhaps I cannot save the whole world but maybe a small part of it.
My own personal experiences as a youth practically pushed me into investigating sports injury prevention and management. I was a long distance runner in high school and had to deal with painful stress fractures to my knees. I had what is commonly known as “repetitive use problems”… basically overtraining. After five visits with a Doctor who, although I’m sure he was capable and well-meaning, never once did a hands-on examination. The treatment resulted in temporary relief until I had to go for another visit. Mainly, I was told not to run for eight weeks and forced to put on hold my competitive passion. I felt there had to be another way more active, direct yet not involving serious interventions like surgery… heck I was a kid whose problem came from running all good things.
While enrolled at Lehigh University, I studied physical therapy, biology, and a psychology minor with a class in “Humanistic Psychology”. It changed my world. I discovered that, through a process known as Rolfing, a body structure could be realigned to help relieve pain. This subsequently lead me to the art and science of Acupuncture, and from there I was hooked. I had found my calling.
I believe that the human body is a perfect machine. It gives us warning signs when something is wrong. Our brain sends the necessary chemicals to try and fight off illness and heal what is broken. I am fascinated with the inner workings of our bodies, and how it is designed to function. However, as wonderful a machine with mechanisms trying to keep us healthy, quite often the body needs help from other sources.
It is my intent to provide that assistance where common standard medicine may fall short. I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can provide a method for body healing, carrying on with my desire to help people.
This is not meant to imply that conventional, or “Western” medicine, does not have value and a place in all societies. It most certainly has proven that it is appropriate and new medical breakthroughs will help and save countless people with their illnesses.
Nevertheless, if you are not satisfied with your current treatment whereby the problem(s) continue to plague you with unacceptable progress, or, you may want to try to reduce or eliminate sustaining drugs, and are looking for an alternative, or complimentary, approach in dealing with a physical ailment, please consider contacting me, Rhonda B. Hogan, Acupuncturist here at my office on Easton Avenue in Somerset, New Jersey.
And, keep in mind that the philosophy of Acupuncture encompasses not just the body, but also may heal emotional distress at the same time. The connection between physical pain and emotional wellbeing should not be overlooked.