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The way of the compassionate spirit

Whether it was through a physical examination, therapeutic bodywork, or even just a hand shake, making physical contact helps the practitioner make a connection with each and every patient.

When I was in naturopathic medical school training, I remember my professors saying that it is important to touch every patient.

Whether it was through a physical examination, therapeutic bodywork, or even just a hand shake, making physical contact helps the practitioner make a connection with each and every patient.

In naturopathic medicine, mind-body dualism is dismissed in favour of unicism where the person is viewed as a myriad of interconnected systems that work in harmony with nature.

It is accepted that mental-emotional states have physical effects and visa versa.  And, for true inner harmony, the mind and body must be balanced for optimal functioning.

One such form of bodywork that is very holistic and seeks to balance the mind-body connection is that of Jin Shin Do.

Jin Shin Do literally means “the way of the compassionate spirit.” It is a field of acupressure that is rooted in psychology.

Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, a psychotherapist, originated Jin Shin Do.

She was intrigued by the psychotherapeutic effects of this hands-on form of bodywork.

Her physical relaxation therapy was born from ancient oriental wisdom while at the same time incorporated western psychological theories on emotions.

lt recognizes components of five element theory, from traditional Chinese medicine, and the emotions that are associated with the 12 organ meridians, or Qi energy pathways.

Dr. Tara Macart owns Opti-Balance Naturopathic Medicine in Qualicum Beach along with her husband Jonathan.