About Bereavement and Grief Support

“There is not a typical response to loss, as there is no typical loss. Our grieving is as individual as our lives.”
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Maria’s practice includes supporting families through grief, by providing natural supports for the physical and emotional pain that can accompany the loss of a loved one. Chinese medicine treats grief by addressing the unique ways in which the body, emotions and spirit respond to loss. The Taoist tradition that informs Chinese medicine views the person as a garden, and the experience of grief can be understood as a cataclysmic event that disrupts the balance between sun (spirit), soil (relationships) and flowers (the heart). Bringing the garden back into balance is how Chinese medicine eases the grieving process.

In ancient traditions, specific acupuncture points were identified for grief work. These points help the natural expression of sadness. They also prevent the stagnation leading to pain that can unfold with traumatic grief. Similarly, herbs and essential oils can be selected which ease emotional pain and relieve common physical symptoms experienced during grieving. These can include fatigue and exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, disturbed appetite, muscle tremors, chills and/or sweating, difficulty breathing or rapid respiration, stomach and/or intestinal problems, nausea and/or dizziness. Children especially can be helped with gentle application of essential oils or light, non-insertive techniques of acupuncture. Gentle qi gong can also be applied, through hands on healing that brings about deep relaxation and restores energy.

When grieving, many forms of support can be helpful. Time with loved ones, space to heal, and appropriate therapeutic support are all important. In our practice, we are happy to work with other care providers to support your family through this painful time.