Hi ,
Did you know that the roots of our Open Acupuncture (affordable group acupuncture program) stems directly from the work of The Black Panthers and other activist groups in the early 1970’s?
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. It’s also a time to also get their (our) stories right.
I was not taught the whole history of acupuncture’s popularization in the US when I was in Acupuncture school.
The version I was taught was that in 1971 Nixon went to China, and a reporter traveling with him, James Reston, had to get emergency surgery and was amazed at how effective acupuncture was to help his pain. He wrote “Now, About My Operation in Peking,” published in the New York Times, July 26, 1971. This article sparked the interest that allowed acupuncture to gain a foothold in the states.
It was much later in my career that I learned a FULLER story. What was left out, was the pivotal influence of Lincoln Detox, a free clinic started by the Black Panthers, The Young Lords (a Puerto Rican/Latino activist group) and others in 1970 in response to community needs. They popularized the NADA protocol which has helped countless people out of debilitating conditions since it was introduced, including me!
As a participant in Holistic Medicine in the US, and to celebrate Black History Month, take some time to educate yourself with the following:
- Learn about Mutulu Shakur & the popularization of the NADA Protocol
- Learn about - COINTELPRO (wiki)
Take 10 minutes to watch this:
They say history is written by the victors.
In this time of greater inclusion it is vital for us to get a fuller picture of our history, of “ourstory”.
It is important to pay tribute and honor our ancestors, those who have brought us to where we are today, as best we can.
And finally it is important to remember that we don’t know what we don’t know, and with this understanding greater compassion for all can be born.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter!
Have a beautiful day!
Love,
lance Isakov (on behalf of our awesome team at VW)
Say Hello to me at Village Wellness Online
P.S. In October we started Village Wellness Online, a safe and inclusive, online gathering space for those of us who are holistically inspired. We have grown to OVER 400 members who are looking to connect with like-minded individuals and learn skills for greater well-being. We would LOVE to have you join us if you are called! 👉🏼 Request to Join
🌈 Good News ✨
Join us Daily for our Donation based offerings this week!:
- 8:30-9:00 am ET - Awake!- a daily, 30 min, online kundalini yogic movement & breath-work practice with Lance
- 9:00-9:15 am ET - Daily Relax, Recharge, and Reset - A Short Meditation Experience with Lance & freinds
- 7:00-7:30 pm ET (Thursdays only) - Community Led - Quiet - an open space online for cultivating peace!
YES WE ARE OPEN for IN PERSON Acupuncture, Open Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy,Shamanic Energy Medicine, and Past Life Regression - Schedule
NEW VIRTUAL HOLISTIC SERVICES
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - Private Sessions with the awesome Heather Bloodworth!
- Shamanic Energy Medicine & Spiritual Mentoring with our earth loving shamanic practitioner, Tao Drum
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