Essence & Qi

A blog by Pacific College

Scroll to Info & Navigation

PCOM Alumna Makes a Difference in Women’s Lives with Her Innovative Healing Practice and New Book

image

Today, we are proud to host Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) alumna Aimee Raupp! Aimee’s new book Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: Natural Ways to Improve Your Fertility Now and into Your 40s (Demos Health) just hit shelves on May 28 th .

Aimee sat down with PCOM to explain what inspired her book, how Chinese medicine is so incredible for fertility patients, and why this is her passion.

Thanks so much for joining us, Aimee! We couldn’t be more proud of your success in sharing this ancient medicine and its benefits.

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to this profession?

As a neurobiology research scientist in my twenties, I began experiencing personal health issues. Frustrated by Western medicine’s inability to provide answers and unable to find relief, I sought solutions from Eastern medicine. I began acupuncture treatment and discovered how a mind-body-nutrition approach was key to overcoming illness and maintaining good long-term health. Inspired by my personal experience, I enrolled at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and since, have dedicated my life to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine ever since.

What inspired you to focus on fertility in your acupuncture practice and to write Yes, You Can Get Pregnant ?

In all honesty, fertility clients started coming to me. I never had the intention of having a completely fertility focused practice. My ultimate goal is to help my patients and readers restore the presence of their optimal health. When I assist them in doing that, their fertility thrives.

Writing Yes, You Can Get Pregnant stemmed from my ultimate goal to help patients restore their optimal health—and when a women is in optimal health—mentally, emotionally, physically and nutritionally—she should be able to get pregnant, even in her 40s.

What are 3 things you wish everyone knew about Chinese medicine?

1. The mental/emotional correlation to all disharmony in the body and how clearly tied our emotional states are to disease and its manifestations.

2. That it is first and foremost a preventative disease and by incorporating the theories of Chinese medicine into one’s life, you can bring balance and optimal health so that disease doesn’t manifest in the first place.

3. How intense the education is for practitioners of Chinese medicine.

What kind of patients do you frequently work with in your clinic? Can you tell us a little bit about ‘a day in the life’ of your practice?

As my practice has developed, I do tend to treat more fertility related issues (male and female) than anything else. However, I do have a subset of my patient population that comes in for other health related issues or for just general wellness.  I definitely see myself as a general practitioner with a focus on women’s health and wellness.

A ‘day in the life’ of my practice usually consists of me first meditating and grounding myself before going to work. I open myself up to the healing medium that my patients need and deserve. I usually see about 15 patients per day, where I am doing a detailed intake, along with tongue and pulse and what my patients often refer to as their ‘therapy session’. I believe that the emotional component is imperative to address when dealing with any health related issue. So, each and every one of my patients has their ‘therapy’ time with me during their treatments.

How do you feel Yes, You Can Get Pregnant stands out from other holistic fertility books? We’d love to hear what’s unique about your approach.

My approach is that this is a lifestyle, not a 3-month program to follow so one can get pregnant. My goal is to empower my readers with the tools that will help them change their health and improve their fertility, not just to be able to get pregnant, but to maintain their optimal health throughout their pregnancy so that they birth healthy children.

Yes, You Can Get Pregnant is a lifestyle program that addresses not just diet, but how we can live more in accord with nature and how we can stay emotionally and spiritually balanced and live with joy, peace, and courage. My end goal is healthy women who have healthy pregnancies who then raise children in that same healthy environment.

Can you tell us where and when we can find your book?

It is available at online retailers: Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as in bookstores.

Get your own copy today!

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

It’s the Friday Wrap Up!

May 6th-12th: Happy National Nurses Week!

image

May 6th-12th is a special week. Why? It’s “National Nurses Week” and we couldn’t be more excited! In honor of this weekly celebration, we thought it smart to write a blog about holistic nursing. What is holistic nursing, you might ask. Read on and let us fill you in…

Just like East Asian medicine, holistic nursing focuses on the wholeness of the patient. This nursing specialty is concerned with the integration of a person’s mind, body, and spirit with their environment.

When treating the physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs of their patients, holistic nurses may integrate alternative modalities into Western treatment plans. This integration does not undermine conventional medicine, but complements, enriches, and broadens the scope of nursing practice and ensures that patients have the opportunity to reach their full healing potential.

Becoming a holistic nurse requires a person to incorporate self-care, responsibility, spirituality, and reflection into their lives. This powerful combination results in a greater awareness of the interconnectedness with the self, others, nature, and spirit. It is this awareness that enhances and facilitates the healing process that a patient undergoes with holistic nursing.

The holistic nurse is a strong symbol of healing and health in the medicine world.

Fun Fact: Florence Nightingale is considered to be one of the first holistic nurses. She was the founder of modern nursing and set an example of compassion, commitment to patient care, and diligent and thoughtful hospital administration.

PCOM Fun Fact: Did you know that our PCOM New York campus offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (with an emphasis in holistic nursing) ? If that isn’t news enough, our nursing program has advanced to candidacy for ACEN accreditation. Read more about it here!

We would like to thank ALL of the nurses out there for your compassion and selflessness. You know how to keep us going, literally! Happy Nurses Week!

-PCOM

It’s the Friday Wrap Up!

More Than Clovers and Rainbows: March is National Craft Month

The month of March may bring thoughts of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, and the color green, but did you know that this month is also National Craft Month? With our continuous schedules, it’s hard to find time to sit down to handcraft something, but if you happen to find yourself with some free time, consider taking part in these DIY projects; perfect for the massage enthusiast and practitioners!

1. Reusable, Soft Cloth Face Cradle Cover

Whether a massage patient or practitioner, this is the perfect project for you! Create your own face cradle cover to bring with you to your massage session or provide to your patients. Add a personal touch by choosing a fabric pattern that represents your personality. For practitioners, we guarantee your clientele will appreciate the aesthetically pleasing and comfortable goodies that you incorporate into your practice.

image

2. Bolster Pillow

A bolster pillow is wonderful because it can serve a number of purposes. Once you have completed your homemade bolster pillow, feel free to throw it on your bed or use it to accent your couch. When the time for your massage appointment comes, take it along with you for extra comfort.

image

3. Lavender Eye Pillow

A silky eye pillow is perfect for relaxation. You can stick your personal eye pillow in the freezer when you need a refreshing cool down or use it when your allergies start acting up. To the practitioners out there, eye pillows are a great way to enhance your patients’ massage experience!

image

4. Hip Holster for Massage Oil, Pen and Paper

This is a great DIY craft for massage therapists. With your handy hip holster, you won’t have to worry about having your hands full (considering they are already full for the majority of the time!). You can conveniently place your lotion or oil in the holster as well as other small items that may come in handy, such as cough drops (when you or your patient gets a tickle in their throat).

image

5. Lotion Bars

Handcrafted lotion bars are great to have in your bathroom at home or in your practice. They are a great form of aromatherapy and will fill the room with delightful scents!

image

If you decide to take on one of these DIY projects, such as the face cradle, make sure to bring it to your next massage appointment at one of our clinics ! We can’t wait to see your creative side!

Love,

PCOM