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By James Pearl, Ph.D., L.Ac. CH
As printed in The Meridian Times: The Journal of the Acupuncture
Society of New York.
The Healthy Tao Center for Well-being is an integrative
medical center located in midtown Manhattan. My
business partner, Jeff Jacob, L.Ac. and I designed our
center with a Zen-type tranquility in mind. The purpose
was to create a treatment space that allows our patients
quietude and a respite from the city’s stimulus-laden
lifestyle that most of our patients lead. Our center’s
philosophy is that a serene environment heightens one’s
self-reflection and thus enhances an individual’s ability to
make necessary changes for growth.
is the directionality and intent of an individual’s spiritual,
psychological, and physical images and awareness. The
teachings of Ling Shu, Su Wen, and Nan Jing help us as
clinicians, to understand that each patient has unique
attributes. Individuals are born with a certain fate and
Inherent in the classical texts of Chinese medical literature
is the directionality and intent of an individual’s spiritual,
psychological, and physical images and awareness. The
teachings of Ling Shu, Su Wen, and Nan Jing help us as
clinicians, to understand that each patient has unique
attributes. Individuals are born with a certain fate and
destiny. It is our function to help individuals manifest their
uniqueness and expression in the most positive manner
possible.
The patients who enter the door are the focus. The most
important aspect of a healing environment is the patients.
Our receptionist personally greets each individual that
enters. She offers gen mai tea or a cold drink. She
personally hangs up the coats as if the patient is entering
her home. We feel that the welcoming process is part of
the treatment. There are times when a clinician is running
late. We always offer reading material or a room for
personal meditation. The reception-waiting area is
designed with enough space to allow interaction with
others or not, based on personal preference.
Each clinician provides a second greeting when
personally leading the patient to a treatment room. The
rooms have been designed to help the patient feel
comfortable and relaxed. Each room has an array of
plants, colors, and gentle music for this purpose. Some
patients may be agitated and burdened with particular
health or life problems. The clinicians are always present
with full attention and awareness for the patient. We know
that compassion and respect are among the most
important qualities that can be conveyed in the treatment
room.
We are evolving continuously as health care practitioners.
Through patient feedback we have found that the initial
greeting and the clinic ambiance set the stage for a
successful treatment. The greeting in this way is one of
the most ingredients for a successful treatment.
By James Pearl, Ph.D., L.Ac. CH
As printed in The Meridian Times: The Journal of the Acupuncture
Society of New York, Spring-Summer 2006/ Volume 15 Number 1