photo: www.hospitalin.cz/Dr. Belmarie Millan
Another personality in the field of TCM, shared with Western medicine, is our new consultant. She graduated from Pacific College in New York, and she is very interested in practice in the Czech Republic. For practitioners from other continents, such exchanges are not commonplace.
TCM's Shared Care Center in Prague has already facilitated stays of several practitioners (US, Canada, Australia, China) in Prague, and before the pandemic also helped send several to Chinese clinics. The exchange of experience and comparison of professional levels is important both for the doctors and especially for our clients. Through lectures and presentations, the public can see that acupuncture and other TCM methods are commonplace in the Euro-Atlantic area. We asked Dr. Belmarie Millan, a therapist currently working in the Czech Republic's capital city of Prague:
Where are you from and where did you come to Prague? Where do you live and work now?
I came from Beacon, New York. However, I am originally from Puerto Rico, where I was born, and moved to the US less than eight years ago. I work in two practices, Centered Health in Poughkeepsie, where I work, and then I have my own clinic, Solarena Acupuncture, opening in December 2020. I work with a team of massage therapists and chiropractors in both practices. In addition, separately, my clinic also offers craniosacral therapy services and holistic facial massage.
In which countries have you worked as an acupuncturist?
After attending two colleges, I haven't had many opportunities yet. In Taiwan it was a two-week internship in a Chinese hospital alongside doctors, and now here in Prague!!!
Why did you choose acupuncture? Do you think TCM methods can be more effective than western medicine?
I come to the TCM world with a biological background where evidence-based practice is essential. Research is also very important. I believe in both TCM and Western medicine, which complement each other. Acupuncture, an essential part of Eastern medicine, is approved by the World Health Organization to treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms. It is a great complement to Western medicine. The best results are achieved by those patients who use both medical systems wisely. As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine, I promote integrative medicine and provide professional holistic health care services. I also provide the necessary tools to communicate with Western physicians and colleagues when needed.
Which diagnoses do you successfully treat?
During my years of study at school and later as an acupuncturist, I have had the opportunity to treat various types of ailments. These include orthopedics and pain management, gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological issues such as infertility, PCOS and fibroids, autoimmune diseases and emotional imbalances. I was also fortunate enough to complete a nine-month internship during my studies at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in New York City, where I treated war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Can you briefly describe your approach to treatment?
My goal in healing is to achieve harmony between your mind, body and soul and to support the body's ability to heal itself. The spiritual center will be awakened and you will leave feeling more deeply connected to your inner self.
Which TCM methods do you use most often?
I use four TCM healing methods in my practice, which include acupuncture as the main one, then tuina massage, dietary modification with exercise, and herbs. I also use essential oils, cupping therapy, and moxibustion as part of my treatments. One of my favourites alongside acupuncture is moxing - it is very effective and usually suitable for any patient. It involves heating acupuncture points by burning wormwood and has been used for thousands of years. It facilitates healing, strengthens the blood, stimulates energy flow and maintains overall health. I also like to work with herbs. They are a wholesome tool that patients can take home for aftercare.
What is the best prevention from TCM?
Self-care is a great tool - a little of everything and things that bring happiness and joy to the patient. I believe that good balance and consistency are the keys to prevention with TCM methods, and if you fall, it's okay - the important thing is to get back up again!
How would you invite your clients, what can they expect from you?
My main goal is to allow the patient's body, mind and spirit to rehabilitate, and to help people lead healthy and happy lives. I want to offer compassion, education, inspiration and hope for positive change.
By JAN HOVORKA
Photo: Author/www.hospitalin.cz
www.acupunctureprague.com