Looking back on the podcast series with Marjolein Frencken

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During the Week of Acupuncture (10-14 November), we launched the podcast series From burn-out to balance. Marjolein, Communication board member, was the podcast host. A role that suited her perfectly, given her background in the media world. We talked with her about the insights she gained, the added value of the series, and her personal connection with the five elements.

Marjolein: '..it pushes you back to who you really are. With love, but sometimes also with a club.'

Which insights from the conversations do you find most valuable to share with the public?
Marjolein: 'The insights that I found most valuable... That burn-out is more about losing yourself than about work pressure. In the end, it all came down to the same thing with each element: the body is smart. It gives signals before you collapse. We just need to learn to listen... and not only when things are on fire. You are not broken; your system is pulling the emergency brake. Recovery starts with safety: in your body, your life, and sometimes just with a cup of tea. Prevention is not airy-fairy, but advanced self-protection.

Burn-out is a personality trait trying to learn to say 'no.' It sounds funny until you're in the middle of it. But that's when you see how powerful the body is: it pushes you back to who you truly are. With love, but sometimes with a club.'

For this edition of the Acupuncture Week, the NVA consciously chose to focus on visuals and sound by creating a podcast series. In your opinion, what is the added value of this?
Marjolein: 'What I find beautiful about this series is that you hear the person behind the professional. Not just the technique of acupuncture, but also nutrition, life experiences, humor, and also the trials and tribulations of the therapists themselves. They are just like us! That makes it relatable for everyone.

Within the association, I notice that it also gives a sense of pride: we matter and that should be heard. It creates connection because look at what we have to offer. We are full of walking encyclopedias! The outside world should hear more about that.'

Which of the five elements do you recognize yourself in the most and why?
Marjolein: 'I always thought I was mainly Fire and Wood: I ignite, I jump, I act... and sometimes a bit too enthusiastically. But honestly: that is exactly my strength. Things start moving when I start moving.

Over the past year, I also discovered my Metal side: structure, daring to choose more sharply, saying goodbye to what no longer fits. Not my natural state, but apparently one that life is asking of me at this moment. So I would say: Fire and Wood in the lead, with a surprisingly solid layer of Metal as a new superpower and that just makes me smile.'

Listen to the podcast (again)?
The podcast, along with all the stories from clients and experts, can still be found at: www.weekvandeacupunctuur.nl