Head type vs. hand type personalitiy and energy maintenance techniques

Hi Matthew,

I am still thinking of becoming an acupuncturist but am concerned that I am  too much of an intellectual rather than a hands-on type of person.  I tend to read and think a lot.  Although I very much want to help people heal in a direct way and acupuncture would afford me this opportunity, I wonder whether, given my personality, I am “cut out” to be an acupuncturist. 

Also, I wonder if you could talk a little bit about maintaining one’s health as an acupuncturist, since you work with sickly individuals whose qi affects you as a practitioner.  I’ve heard that if you do not regenerate your energy that you can die young.

Finally, I just recently finished your first book and enjoyed it very much.  Thanks for writing it.

All the best,

Jake

Hi Jake  – thanks for your post and your interest in helping others. While I enjoy working with my hands, you don’t have to be that type to be a good acupuncturist. In fact, in my first book, I put forward the theory that acupuncture evolved from the hands-on techniques of acupressure and massage and became more used because the needle was a labor saving tool that allows one to do the work without having to use one’s hands so much kind of like using a power tool instead of a hand tool. I think it is useful to know both but the most important thing is the desire to help others. If the will to do that is there, one will find a way to make it happen. Chinese medicine is so rich with different techniques that you can always find a way to match your inclinations with the approach that works best for you. And by the way, it is an old belief that acupuncturists live longer than acupressurists because they end-up with less direct contact and don’t take on so much sickly qi. While this is probably true,  the best way to stay healthy helping others is to regularly practice qi cultivating techniques like qi-gong or Tai-Chi and work on stress control.

As for being an intellectual-type, you might want to check into some of the offerings or Dr. Homes Keikobad at www.acu.free.com . He is a very intellectual type and could be a good role model for you. 

Lastly – I am glad you enjoyed my book. Let me know if you have further questions.  

Matthew Bauer