Acupuncture: When to Look Within 

 July 22, 2019

By  Steve Hoffman

Patients come to me looking for answers. Answers for their pain, mood, energy, infertility, the list goes on and on. This is a huge and important first step in any healing process. First, admitting that there is a problem and second realizing that they need help with the problem. Often, however, patients are looking to be “fixed”. They are seeking out a “magic” cure for their problem. They are looking for that one supplement, that one herb, that one type of treatment that will make their problems go away. This sets unrealistic expectations and sets patients up to failure and frustration. Any healing, first and foremost, comes from within.

Too much noise

Most of us are conditioned, through societal, family and even cultural pressures, to expect a quick fix. Have a problem, take a pill. Feeling blue, eat some comfort food that spikes your blood sugar and gives you a rush. Accomplish something, you deserve to indulge or have a few drinks. Want to feel better, buy something, heck you don’t even have to get off your couch to do that anymore. And when that package comes to the front door the next day, it’s a quick hit of endorphins. All of this sets us up for highs and lows that tend to leave us looking for the next high. It also conditions us to look outside of ourselves for our well being.

Striving for more

You are enough. Just as you are, right now in this moment. Flawed, imperfect, mistakes, blemishes and all. You don’t need that gadget or that drink or that new car or that next goal to make you more than you are. Once you firmly believe this, true and lasting healing can take place. Constant striving, dissatisfaction, frustration and belief that your need something outside of yourself can lead to a lifetime of searching for something that is already inside of you.

When to seek help

Societal pressures, stress, lack of proper nutrition and exercise can throw our bodies out of balance, even in the best of circumstances. This is the society and life we have chosen for ourselves, so we are left to deal with the consequences to our health and well being. Acupuncture can help you cope better with stress. It can help you digest your food better and get the most out of the nutrients you are putting in your body. Acupuncture can help you sleep better and reduce or even eliminate pain. But I think the key word here is help. Patients who take an active role in their healing process simply respond better to treatment. They spend less time and money coming to see me. How well will that fancy diet plan work if you don’t follow it. How much good is that gym membership doing you if you don’t use it. How well will that physical therapy work if you don’t do the exercises in between appointments. Help, guidance, support is there if you need it. Just remember, there is no magic cure. Healing takes work and a willingness to change. These things come from you.


Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!

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