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Johanna Biemans
Why did you choose to become an acupuncturist? What or who inspired you?
I was very young when I already knew I wanted to study acupuncture. I think growing up in nature was an inspiration. During my physiotherapy studies, this desire became even stronger. The human perspective used in physiotherapy at that time was too limited for me. A holistic approach was a prerequisite for me to be able to practice effectively.
Johanna Biemans
NVA member since April 2004
Interview: August 2014
What is your most beautiful experience with a patient?
My most beautiful experiences are always with patients who fall between the cracks. They are actually considered untreatable and are eligible for a medical procedure or heavy medication. Not always, but regularly, you can help this group well. A procedure is then prevented or medication can be reduced.
What still amazes you in your profession?
I am amazed by the fact that so much knowledge from TCM has now become independent science. I think of Dry Needling, Neuromodulation, and massage techniques. Recently, I read that Nestlé has acquired databases of Chinese herbs. Scientific knowledge will emerge from this as well. I believe we should integrate this much more into TCM. The time is ripe for it.
Is there something in your practice that embodies the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine for you?
Yes, the book A source book in Chinese Philosophy by Wing-Tsit Chan (Princeton Paper Press, 1973).
For me, the essence of acupuncture lies in Chinese philosophy. In my opinion, more attention could have been paid to this during the training. I found the additional information in this book. I now understand better where the yin-yang thinking comes from, when the five elements model was introduced, and what the definition of Qi is. In one word, you could summarize Chinese philosophy as humanistic. Not in the sense of denying a higher power, but in the sense of the unity and connectedness of humans with nature and the 'heaven'. Without drawing too lofty or far-fetched conclusions, I think this could be of great significance for our perception of health.
I turned it into a haiku:
Stick to your Heart.
Stick to your Way. And Nature re-
Sonates your Health.
Johanna Biemans: working at Acupuncturist.nl
