acupuncture - INDEX

An integrative approach that works

From the beginning of a child’s life, if that child is born with a disability, parents often receive mixed messages. Dr. Broderick has dedicated her life to helping these families and children by using an integrative approach to caring.

Dr. Broderick specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum and has been successful in addressing a common issue with these children: sensory impairment. One of the ways she treats sensory impairment is through a method called Qigong.

Qigong offers a new method of healing

Years of research show that Qigong Sensory Training can reduce sensory impairment. It can also improve adaptive behaviors in children. Dr. Broderick explains.

“Through Qigong Sensory Training, parents can realize the opportunity to direct their love for their children and their desire for closeness into an intervention that requires only their hands, their heart, their persistence and a few simple instructions to deliver.”

Very simply, qigong provides a way of touching that is not corrective or punitive. Caregiver and child do specific exercises together as a way to expend energy, bond more deeply and grow beyond the developmental delay. This method of healing helps parents learn how they can contribute, through their healing touch, to the health of their child.

Making life more joyful

“My purpose in life is to help anyone whose life is touched by autism and special needs…I want to help find the latest and greatest information available. There are so many ways to save time, money and frustration while making life easier, better and more joyful.”

Dr. Broderick is someone you can count on to help you to support the best vision of the healthy development of our children; all of our children.

This month I am pleased to introduce a friend and colleague, Kathy Kopitsky, Director of Adult Foster Care and Shared Living, who is returning as a guest blogger. While Kathy is a professional in the field of disabilities, this month she shares her personal experience in becoming aware of the value of alternative healing.

Facing a life challenge

My Neurologist finished reading the test results, took off his glasses, looked at me and shrugged, “There is nothing more I can do for you.”

“Really?” Tears were welling in my eyes.

I had been living with a left facial palsy as the result of a viral infection for months. It seemed that everything from my speech to my eating was affected. I wanted this to go away. I had plans for my life, my career. Plans that did not include smiling like Shrek; plans that did not include spitting while I sang in the choir on Sunday morning; plans that had no room for facial palsy.

He put his glasses on and reread part of the report. He looked at me over his glasses and said, “Perhaps you could try acupuncture.”

Really?!

Acupuncture as an option

I was totally skeptical. I did not know much about acupuncture as a method of healing. And I had no idea if it could be of use to me. Who would willingly want needles inserted into their body?

After weeks of researching, I decided to visit with a practitioner who was opening a new office near my work place. I set up an appointment after work so that I could stop on my way home.

I chose the Reservoir Family Wellness clinic in West Concord. I made this choice because of the founder of the clinic, Dr. Maria Broderick. According to their website, Dr. Broderick could help me with the pain associated with my facial palsy.

Alternative therapies for people with disabilities

I was also interested to read about how Dr. Broderick has dedicated her practice and her life to working with families, specializing in children with developmental delays including autism. I was not sure what exactly that could mean. However, I have spent my life working in the human services field and wanted to support someone else who did too.
In the waiting room of Dr. Broderick’s new office, among other books and magazines on healing, was a copy of Autism Advocate with an article written by Dr. Broderick. I was warmly welcomed and my treatments began.

In the 6 months of my own treatment —which has gone well— I have had a chance to speak to Dr. Broderick about her work with families dealing with autism.

I want to share what I found with you, dear reader. In the coming weeks I will do just that.

Tag: acupuncture

Wellness Center offers Alternative Healing to People with Disabilities