Needling Feminism

What does a room full of sleeping people under the hypnotic spell of fine little needles gently placed into their arms and legs have to do with feminism?
More than meets the eye.
So, what’s the deal?
Community acupuncture, is a concept that acupuncture should be a service accessible to all individuals regardless of race, creed, age, ability, orientation, health status and of course gender. It is a practice model that embodies equality from the sliding scale fees to its group treatment setting.
Healing similar to activism is not an isolated act and together we can strengthen our solidarity and community ties. Healing work is in its very nature a quiet, subtle and yin form of action, which is not to say it is weak and submissive, but it in fact takes a hell-of-alotta courage to claim the responsibility to heal a community.
“No woman calls herself free who does not control her own body.” ~Margaret Sanger
Abortion rights aside, why suffer from debilitating menstrual pain, poison yourself with birth control or exist in the throes of hormonal imbalances? Women’s health is a cornerstone of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and it effectively treats conditions free of synthetic hormones, pelvic exams or Midol. Take charge of your reproductive organs and live in harmony with them. Live in honour of your moon, not in fear of it. Empower yourself and consider your choices.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” ~Audre Lorde
The “re-occupation” of body, mind and soul is necessary to be a healthy, vital and productive human being. It is also the key to higher consciousness. You only have one body in this lifetime, respect it. Let’s get real. You can’t do the good work if you’re fucked up, burnt out and torn down. It takes experience and courage to let your guard down, to show your vulnerability and admit defeat. Check in and ask for help. Don’t let another activist bite the dust – instead, take their ass to Community Acupuncture. Wellness translates into longevity and longevity ensures you lead a long and fruitful lifetime doing the good work for our ailing society.
Less isolation
Being treated in a group is a profound social experience. To be in the quiet presence of others during a treatment reminds us that we are not alone. Reducing isolation can strengthen a person’s resistance to disease and improve mental-emotional well-being. Recharging in the company of others; no talking, no stories, and no judgment, just the mutual appreciation of each other’s company in sweet, peaceful silence….free of hand-held electronic devices (fuck your iPhone).
Community Acupuncture Helps to Build & Strengthen Community
All living things generate and exchange magnetic and electrical energy. Acupuncture increases the flow of these energies, which promote healing. When people receive acupuncture together, this life energy is collectively amplified and the therapeutic value of the treatment increases.
By receiving acupuncture in a group you share a grounding experience together. It’s a group experience that revitalizes of mind, body, and spirit in addition to relieving tensions, conflicts and lessening burn out. There is something rarefied and precious about that momentary stillness and rest that so many of us lack in our daily lives.
To share that universal pause with a group of sleeping strangers is uniquely safe, welcoming and lovely. And better yet, it embodies EQUALITY, the mutual respect to everyone’s personal space, fundamental needs and right to compassionate, unconditional healing. This isn’t a privilege or a luxury, this is a NECESSITY that needs to take a greater priority in our society as they are basic human rights. There is more to life than the rat race and we could be experiencing life differently if we took more time to pause. When we share an experience that results in a greater sense of well-being and we are better able to feel connected to something larger than ourselves. Positive exchange of energy = solidarity.
Community Acupuncture albeit it an unorthodox, alternative and softer version of activism, it isn’t anything new age-y, it is traditionally rooted in barefoot medicine and an ancient health care for the people. Healing professions have always been associated with the feminine and it is necessary to bring balance to our present oppressive patriarchal society. In a profession where the going rate for acupuncture is $95-150 with practitioners specializing in cosmetic and IVF treatments and serving the upper 20% of society, acupuncture needs more feminism. But when acupuncture is offered communally, simply and affordably, it becomes a tool for positive social change – feminism needs acupuncture.
There’s a reason why community practitioners claim the title of “acu-punk”. We break free of the typical social conforms, operate in an alternative, fringe profession, gather the community to heal and uphold the very notion that all people should be treated equally. We’re honoured and proud to treat society’s ails by poking needles into people’s bodies. You can’t get more radical and bad-ass than that.
Curious about Community Acupuncture? Join the revolution and re-occupy body-mind-soul:
www.heartandhandscommunity.ca
Your work is not to drag the world kicking and screaming into a new awareness. Your job is to simply do your work… Sacredly, Secretly, and Silently…and those with “eyes to see and ears to hear’ will respond. ~The Arcturians