Articles by Practitioners
		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.    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