Los Angeles on Fire: Somatic Awareness and the Acupuncture Session

In January 2025, Los Angeles experienced two devastating fires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which significantly impacted the community, causing widespread evacuations and structural damage. Following this catastrophe, patients at the Yo San University Community Clinic reported new breathing difficulties and a resurgence of previously managed conditions. In response to the collective trauma, practitioners incorporated a somatic approach into their acupuncture sessions. This involved starting each session with a guided body scan, breathing exercises, and visualization, such as imagining roots drawing in Earth's energy and the spine lifting. During treatment, patients engaged in guided meditation, focusing on breath and color to release tension. This emphasis on somatic awareness aimed to create a sense of connection and calmness for both patient and practitioner. By acknowledging self-care efforts between sessions, practitioners empowered patients to actively participate in their healing journey and cultivate a natural state of balance. The somatic approach highlighted the interconnectedness of mind and body in the healing process.