Regarding Cultural Appropriation of Chinese Medicine

The defining and illumination of cultural appropriation has increasingly made its way to the forefront of public conversations and awareness over the last decade, thanks to social media playing the special role of acting like a great connector and amplifier for the collective unconscious that has been reflecting and carrying the hurt and violence that comes with marginalization of objectified peoples. Cultural appropriation has been defined by Oxford Languages as, “The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” As a practitioner of Chinese medicine / East Asian healing arts, I’m committed to engage with the teachings, and patients that partner with me, appropriately, responsibly, and with humility. 

As a white/Hispanic/ non Asian American adopting the cultural rituals, perspectives, and methods of East Asian healing arts, I bow in appreciation and gratitude to all those (ancestors) who passed down this medicine, as well as to the rightful descendants, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders who are connected to these practices by blood and bone. 

I acknowledge and vow to share and practice as a clinician /facilitator of healing with respect, purpose. and compassion to the best of my ability. That means I will continue to dedicate my time, energy, and resources to self cultivation, education, and experience that better allows me to be a reliable and respectable representative of the medicine and mantic arts. I will continue to put effort into accurately providing context, teaching the science, conveying the philosophy, and informing the public and patients on the cultures that are the  roots of this body of medicine from the breadth and profundity of China’s (and other parts of East Asia) history/lineage, while also crediting Asian teachers, lineages, and my professional influences whenever able.

If at any time, you feel as though I can be doing a better job at harm reduction, or if I have done something hurtful or culturally inappropriate, I ask you to please bring this to my attention.  As a practitioner of the healing arts, I see this as my responsibility and I endeavor to be supportive, capable, and kind, always.