Hello and happy early Spring! We are excited to be bringing on two new acupuncturists to join our team at Turning Pointe. The first is Jessica Dies, LMT, LAc, who some of you already know and love as one of our amazingly skilled massage therapists. The other is Erin Cranford, who brings experience working an a rural health facility in Nepal as well as expertise in orthopedic acupuncture and herbal medicine. We have had a lot of new patients lately so we thought we’d do a series of introductory blog posts where each practitioner answers some questions about Chinese medicine and other topics. Let’s start with Emily Bartha, LAc, who is the owner and founder of Turning Pointe Acupuncture.
Q: What drew you to the study of Chinese medicine and acupuncture?
A: I was a professional ballet dancer in my early 20's and suffered a severe hamstring injury. I found acupuncture during my recovery process and was completely amazed at how it helped to heal my injury, but also improved my sleep, eased my anxiety and made me feel connected to my body and spirit. After that experience I was fascinated by the medicine and eventually decided to pursue a it professionally so that I could bring the power of acupuncture and herbal medicine to others who needed it.
Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote/lyric and why?
A: I am continually drawn to this line from the Huang Di Nei Jing: "Tong Ze Bu Tong, Bu Tong Ze Tong " It is translated as: “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is lack of free flow.” It can be applied to so many areas of life - of course to my work with acupuncture and herbal medicine, but also to movement and exercise, communication and personal relationships, work/life balance, breathing....It is so simple, yet so powerful.
Q: What is your favorite condition to treat?
A: I love treating sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues. Pain can affect your life so deeply, and being unable to do activities you love can be devastating. Working with patients to come up with a multi-disciplinary, holistic treatment plan to start moving forward is so rewarding.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I am a native Oregonian and grew up exploring the Pacific Northwest with camping, kayaking and backpacking. My partner, son and I love to go camping in remote areas. We have a teardrop trailer that makes it a little easier to camp with a 2 year old. I also love practicing regular yoga, running and trying new restaurants.
Q: What is one of your favorite acupuncture points?
A: My favorite acupuncture point is Small Intestine 11, named Tian Zong, which is translated as Celestial Gathering. It is located located at the center of the shoulder blade. Small Intestine 11, strongly breaks up stagnation throughout the body and opens up the chest to calm an anxious heart. Orthopedically speaking, the point lies on the infraspinatus muscle, which is one of the rotator cuff muscles. I find that most people have a lot of tightness through this area and using this acupuncture point can help to release it.
Q: What advice do you have for living in health during the early spring season?
A: In Chinese medicine spring is thought of as Yang energy (warming, moving, energizing) growing within Yin (stillness, contemplation, rest). While we’re still a week away from the spring equinox, it is a good time to start preparing for the growth and movement to come - to plant the seeds so to speak. Take time to get some sunlight each day, move your body in more active ways, be more social with friends, eat seasonal produce and start acting on your intentions and goals set over the winter.
