Acupuncture now part of Decorah health/medical community

Harris in one of her treatment rooms

Acupuncture is now a part of the Decorah health/medical community. Brenda Harris, LAc (licensed acupuncturist) began practice last January but until now has been low on the community radar screen as she expands and develops her practice. Harris had practiced in Portland, Oregon, for 8 years prior to moving here. She had a friend in Decorah, and upon visiting here, found a lot of expressed interest in her services--so she made a leap of faith and now has many friends and a well established practice.

Acupuncture remains a mystery to many people. In fact, exactly how acupuncture works to promote health and healing is somewhat of a mystery, particularly for those in Western culture who have a difficult time comprehending the different mindset that accompanies Chinese medicine. Harris says that "acupuncture treats an individual and not a condition"--which is in dramatic contrast to Western medical models that identify a specific disease/malady, with the approach to isolate and attack that illness.  Acupuncture can, in part, be conceptualized as a holistic treatment that enables the body to more "vibrant" by stimulating and coordinating the work of all the body systems, in the belief that the systems all do work together. This is referred to as "moving the Qi" (pronounced chee). The hair-thin needles that are used in acupuncture are rarely painful to the patient.

Harris has a variety of patients, including those referred from more traditional health providers (she also engages in referral to traditional providers). Beyond those seeking a holistic approach to daily health needs, many come for relief from chronic illnesses (a comprehensive list is noted on her website), or pain relief, including the pain experienced with cancer and chemotherapy.  She feels that acupuncture, by aiding the immune system and coordinating entire body systems, can help people from regressing as they fight illnesses, thereby enabling the body to engage in natural healing processes.  While acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other health care providers, she sees some patients who have not felt helped by traditional health care and see acupuncture as a primary health care source.

Harris has a degree in Chinese Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Oregon, plus previous related schooling. She says that typically the training to attain licensure will take 3-5 years. She has both national and state licensure. One frequently asked question relates to insurance. Harris says that acupuncture is often covered in West Coast communities and that it is a matter of time before it becomes accepted in other parts of the U.S.  But for now most insurance coverage is related to specific treatments such as pain and nausea relief from chemotherapy, or reimbursement via flexible spending accounts.

Her practice, known as "Still Motion, Vitality Center" is currently located at 116 Washington Street. She may be reached at brendaharrislac@gmail.com, or (503) 423-7033 for inquires regarding rates and appointments. The practice also includes other Chinese medical approaches including Quigong, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy and bodywork.

http://brendaharrislac.com/