Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine: Life & End of Life

Can inserting thin, fine, sterile needles into the skin help with appetite, transform emotions and mental constructs, provide tranquility and aid in the transition -the final frontier- of letting go?

Acupuncture can help an individual - who has a will to live but has little or no appetite - strengthen their center, their gut, their digestive system, so that they can begin to nourish themselves again.

Acupuncture can help an individual delve into the realm of emotions and thoughts that have negatively impacted their health and well being. There is a system in Traditional Chinese Medicine - five element theory - that serves as a catalyst for individuals to transform emotions and thoughts that may have contributed to their dis-ease. Using acupuncture, individuals can develop a sense of ease - a sense of peace and comfort- as they learn to participate in the last phase of decision making, action and breath.

Is there one acupuncture treatment protocol for end of life care?

Absolutely not! As there are a myriad of paths, personalities and philosophies in living, there are a myriad of paths, personalities and philosophies in dying. 

Depending on what the individual's goals and beliefs may be in the immediate time period approaching death - and at death - there are accompanying and supportive acupuncture treatment protocols to aid an individual realize and nourish their destiny.

Kaylah Sterling, L. Ac is in private practice at The American College of Traditional Chinese in the Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic. Practicing acupuncture for over 17 years, She has held numerous roles at ACTCM including Clinic Dean and Professor and was formerly the Director of Integrative Medicine and Acupuncturist at the Jewish Home for the Aged, where she cared for and developed personal relationships with many patients dealing with chronic illness, pain, and emotional and psychological issues.

This event is part of Reimagine End of Life, a community-wide exploration of death and celebration of life through creativity and conversation. Drawing on the arts, spirituality, healthcare, and design, it creates weeklong series of events that break down taboos and bring diverse communities together in wonder, preparation, and remembrance.

Participants will learn about various ways to approach the end of life experience and be exposed to various modalities that promote creativity, compassion, inspiration and self-acceptance. 

For more information visit Reimagine End of Life.