I hope you like it! Let me know what you think by adding a comment below.

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Jenny Jackson

1214 Main Street

Washington, DC 00000

Dear Jenny,

I really want to thank you for choosing me as your acupuncturist, and trusting me with your health care.  The fact that you chose me from the many other acupuncturists available to you really means a great deal to me.

And that’s why I’m so excited to invite you to our Patient Appreciation Day which will be held all day <insert your date here>.

All you have to do is stop by and you’ll receive a <insert your “free” giveaway here – FREE 15-minute stress reduction treatment or FREE Health Assessment ($185 value)>.  This is my way of saying thank you for all the trust you’ve put in me.

There’s going to be food and drink, and will be an all around good time.

So make sure you stop by on <insert your date here>, and bring all your friends and family members with you.  You’ll have fun and they’ll have fun.  See you there.

Best Regards,

<insert your name here>

P.S.  Make sure you come in on <insert your date here>.  I’ll have a <insert your “free” giveaway here – FREE 15-minute stress reduction treatment or FREE Health Assessment ($185 value)> ready for you, plus I’ll also have food and refreshments, as well as gifts and door prizes.  So make sure you stop by.

P.P.S.  Feel free to bring your friends and family with you, and I’ll have a <insert your “free” giveaway here – FREE 15-minute stress reduction treatment or FREE Health Assessment ($185 value)> ready for them as well.

1. A short blog
2. Our survey results from you
3. Helpful survey links
4. Sample survey questions you can use for your patients
5. Sample survey letter that you can modify and use

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Knowing what your patients want is a key factor for ANY successful business. And knowing how they feel or felt when they were in your care is a great way to find out what you can do differently and what you have been doing wonderfully well all along!

A survey will:

• Give you answers to your well thought out questions
• Remind your patients that you are here to help
• Give your patients a more committed stake in your practice
• Empower your patients to share their thoughts with you
• Get them back in the door by way of a “thanks for taking the time to fill out the survey gift”

I did this a year or so ago and learned a lot about what patients did and did not like about our clinic– from the lighting, to paint colors, to our front desk staff, to the way I inserted the needles. It was very eye opening! At the same time, it was really wonderful to really hear what my patients had to say.

In exchange for them answering the survey, my patients were able to choose from one of the following “thanks for taking the time to fill out the survey gift”:

• A free 20 minute stress reduction treatment certificate for them or ANYONE they wanted to give it to (this is a great way to get new people from referrals into the clinic if I don’t say so myself!).
• A free herbal consultation, herbs not included. Again, this was transferrable to someone they know.
• A half-price seasonal tune-up (this one seemed to be the most popular).

Any way, if you feel inclined to do so, I would recommend sending a simple survey to your patients. It will be enlightening to say the least.  You will get information from your patients that will put a big smile on your face and you also might hear some news that can be a bit of a shocker.

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Our Survey results from YOU! Thanks!

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Survey links:

http://www.statpac.com/surveys/question-qualities.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/559/06/

http://www.accesswave.ca/~infopoll/tips.htm

Free online survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/

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Sample survey questions that YOU can use:

1. Did your practitioner/I seem interested and concerned about your care?
2. Is our clinic presented in a “professional” manner?
3. Did the practitioner/I explain to you what we were doing and what’s wrong in a way that was easy for you to understand?
4. Did you feel adequate time was spent with you?
5. Did you feel you were able to inform me/practitioner as to what your needs were/are?
6. Was your acupuncture treatment comfortable?
7. Did you feel as if it was effective?
8. Did you have to wait long to be seen by your practitioner/me?
9. Did your practitioner/I explain the treatment and procedure with you to your satisfaction?
10. Were you able to make appointment times that were/are convenient for you?
11. Was/Is the clinic atmosphere comfortable?
12. Did/do you think our fees for service are reasonable?
13. Would you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to me/us?

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Sample survey letter that you can modify and use.

Dear {patients name},

We’re/I’m in the business of helping others. And I want to make the most out of each and every patients visit to our clinic.

But I need your help!

Your opinion is VERY important to us/me and we are always seeking ways that we can improve the quality of care we provide here and the experience received by new and current patients.

Below you will find a few short questions that will help us pinpoint areas where we can improve our services so we can help more people to become well and healthy!

Please take a few short minutes to fill out the questions below. It should take you no more than {XX} minutes.

Your response will be greatly appreciated and you can include your name or not.

As a thank you for taking the time to fill out the simple survey, I would like to offer you {a mini stress-reduction treatment, a reduced rate seasonal tune-up, etc..}

Thanks in advance! We really do appreciate your feedback.

In hopes of seeing you soon and enhancing the way we practice,

{Your name here}

Let me know what you think!

Here are the Two Green Lights of Acknowledgement. Green is good, it allows things to flow well and when you have acknowledgement, you have agreement. When you have agreement, you have a new patient.

• Agree or Disagree. The first thing that you need to do is to get your patients to acknowledge and agree that they have a problem. Potential patients often ask what acupuncture is and what it can treat, and acupuncturists ask these potential patients what they have wrong. When asked what you do, or what acupuncture can do, you should answer their questions and then ask if they have had any health problems over the past 5 months.
• I have the answer for you. The next thing you need to do is to get them to realize that you have an answer for their problem(s). The goal is to get them to call you, or best of all, get them to come into your clinic for an evaluation. Once they are in your clinic, it is you goal to get them to stay for more care.

It can go like this:

Potential patient (PP): “Hey, you’re an acupuncturist! Wow, I know so and so, who knows so and so, who has tried acupuncture and it worked really well for them. What does it do?”

You: “That’s wonderful, isn’t it amazing how this ancient form of healthcare can help so many people in so many ways?” Tell me <their name here>, are there any health conditions that you may be concerned about?”

PP: “Well, not really. I feel fine, no problems here!”

You: “That’s great <their name here>. You must be the picture of health. Can I ask you a few questions? Do you sleep well? Do you ever get any headaches? Do you ever get any pain, stiffness or discomfort? Are you stressed out?” If they answer that they feel fine, give them a business card or a brochure that talks about what acupuncture is, and what it can treat, tell them that “it’s wonderful that they feel so well, and if they ever need any care or if you want to know if acupuncture can help with specific symptoms of signs, do not hesitate to contact me, and if they know anyone who may need to get well and stay well, give them my card and have them call me.”

The goal is to try and have them bring up a health condition that they are concerned about. If they do, then:

PP: “Well I have had a few headaches in my time. But no big deal.”

You: “Wow, let me share with you something that I think is important. You may think that headaches <or whatever condition they mention>, are no big deal. But, if you had tooth pain that came and went and came and went, on and off for months, would you ignore it? You may, but, over time, it may manifest into something more severe, like a cavity or worse, or the need for a root canal.”

“Now, I’m trying to change your mind, and I am not saying that your headaches are something to worry about, but if you knew that there might be a way to eliminate your headaches, and potentially detect what may be a small problem now, before it becomes a larger one, wouldn’t you want to know? I may have the answer for you and your health care needs.”

“Well, I invite you to come on in to my clinic so I can take a closer look at your problem. If I were standing in your shoes, I would do everything I could to protect my health before it got any worse. So, what I am offering is…<make an offer they can’t refuse-see our website in Tips and Free Stuff section and look for Health Pass Information>

The goal is to get them to acknowledge that they have some sort of health problem. Once you get them to the “Yes, I do have <headaches, digestive troubles, etc…>,” you then need to get them into your clinic for an evaluation, and eventually for care.

It’s a win-win. They receive something that makes their day, you spend little more than .70 cents, and few minutes of your time. Direct marketing mailings help you professionally share your message of health and acupuncture with your local community.

Below are a few sample letters to help kick your direct marketing mailing into gear and make it easier for you.

Send one of the 2 letters below out after your new patient’s first visit. It’s a warm way to welcome them into your practice.

Welcome Letter #1

Dear <patient name>,

Welcome to our clinic, and to the family and friends who have found success with the natural methods acupuncture care has to offer.

Most patients seek out acupuncture care for a variety of health concerns. My goal at this clinic is to help you, your family, and friends achieve and maintain optimal health with this safe, natural, drug-free, and holistic health care system.

The trust and confidence you have placed in selecting me as your acupuncturist is most appreciated.

It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to our practice, and a wonderful opportunity to work together with you to provide a life free of pain and full of vitality! I look forward to our next appointment together.

I want to thank you for investing in your most valuable possession—your health!

Yours in Health and Wellness,

<handwritten signature>

<printed name>

Include the following items with this letter:

• A schedule card reminding them of their next appointment
• Three business cards
• Acupuncture Question and Answer brochure
• Condition-specific brochure (if applicable)
• Acupuncture in a Nutshell

Welcome Letter #2

Dear <patient name>,

I want to take a moment to congratulate you for investing in your health – your most valuable possession.

I see many patients with a variety of health concerns, many of which respond favorably to acupuncture care. My goal at this clinic is to help you and your family, achieve and maintain optimal health with safe, natural and holistic acupuncture care.

The trust and confidence you have placed in the unique healing that acupuncture can provide, is most appreciated. Acupuncture works, and this ancient health care system can:

1. Help to prevent illness and disease
2. Activate the self-healing and self-regulating abilities of the body.
3. Adjust and balance the flow of vital life energy, called Qi.
4. Help you achieve optimal health, vitality, and well-being.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to my practice, and a wonderful opportunity to work together with you to provide a life free of pain and full of vitality!

I look forward to our next appointment together.

Yours in Health and Wellness,

<handwritten signature>

<printed name>

Include the following items with this letter:

• A schedule card reminding them of their next appointment
• Three business cards
• Acupuncture Question and Answer brochure
• Condition-specific brochure (if applicable)
• Acupuncture in a Nutshell

Send referral letters out on a regular basis. This is a great way to get your name noticed around town. Go through the yellow pages, holistic directories, those business cards you collected, anything you have at your disposal. Make a list of medical doctors, massage and talk therapists, chiropractors, anyone whose practice will complement yours.

This letter is for your patients, asking them to help grow your practice. For other referral letters, visit our online store at www.acupuncturemediaworks.com. Click the “Tips and Free stuff” link and open the “Referral Letters to Grow Your Practice” file.

Referral Letter

Dear <Patient name>,

First of all, I want to thank you for being a patient of mine.

I have really enjoyed working with you over the past few <weeks, months, years>, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you choosing me as your acupuncturist.

I realized that I would love to have a practice full of <patient’s first name> if I could.  Since people tend to attract and socialize with like-minded folks, I figured that asking for your help may bring in more patients like you. To be quite honest, I’m figuring that you know others who may also benefit from acupuncture care.

So, short of cloning you, if you know anyone that I can help, let me know, or just send them my way. I will even provide them with a <complimentary, reduced rate, or discounted> initial exam, just because they’re a friend or family member of yours.

Thanks again for helping me help your friends and family, and having the trust and confidence in referring them to me. If there is any way I can be of service to you, don’t hesitate to let me know!

In Health & A Practice Filled With  <patient’s first name>.

<handwritten signature>

<printed name>

PS. I have included three discounted Health Passes. Please hand these out to your friends and family members who may also benefit from acupuncture care. Thanks again!

Include the following items with this letter:

• “Acupuncture & Modern Research” brochure
• Three “Acupuncture in a Nutshell” booklets
• Three business cards
• Three coupons or Health Passes

Here are the answers to most of the questions that came up during the webinar. Please make comments or ask me questions should they arise.

Here’s to your health and your practice growth!

Q: Where do you do your screenings? What type of locations/events do you set these screenings up at?

A: There are a few places where I do or have done screenings in the past – gyms, health food stores, local businesses, other practitioners’ practices, schools, you name it. Wherever large groups of people are either working at a particular location, or just passing through, to me, they are all viable options for hosting an acupuncture health screening. I’ve also done them at fundraisers for non-profit organizations and marathons.

Q: How do you schedule them?

A: I don’t, well, not anymore. We have one of our clinic staff members make all the calls for us. Here’s what they do: locate and identify local businesses within a general radius from our clinic, in our case, it’s the south end of downtown Seattle. (Seattle’s not that big for those of you who have never been here before) They would contact the human resource department or someone who is in charge of marketing and event planning, and ask them a few questions:

1. Do they provide benefits to their employees?
2. Who’s their insurance company or HMO?
3. If their plans cover acupuncture?
4. Have they ever done, or plan to do an employee health fair?

In some states, acupuncture may not be covered in insurance plans, when that happens, question 4 is the one to ask. If they say yes, ask them if you can attend the next one, if not, ask them if they would be interested in hosting one for their employees. (This is a whole other topic, I will get into this in a future webinar. But you can read about it in our Acupuncture Health Screenings for Practice Success e-book. http://www.acupuncturemediaworks.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=248&category_id=32&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1 )

Q: Are these slides available for us to keep?

A: Well, yes and no. They are available for you to view online for as long as I keep them online. I am not sure how long that will be.

Q: Where do we get the visual aids such as education cards, ashi point charts, etc.?

A: Oops, sorry about that! I guess I didn’t make it clear enough that we sell them. J If you click on the links below, you can learn more about our products. We have over 80 items that help practitioners, like you, to grow their practice with patient education tools.

http://acupuncturemediaworks.com/

Brochures

Education cards

Laminated charts

Acupuncture in a nutshell

Q: Which brand of EMI do I use?

A: Acugraph 3, by Miridia Technologies. We will be hosting a webinar March 30^th featuring Adrian Larson, the man behind Acugraph,

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Well, it’s a pricey little thing, but ROI is well worth it. They start at $1,995. But if you contact me, directly, I can get you one for $300 off normal retail pricing. No kidding! J

Q: Do you have Alarm Point chart for sale?

A: We most certainly do. See below:

Laminated charts

Q: Would it be possible for you to send a couple of these slides by email? I missed the survey and health pass slides. Thanks.

A: I can’t send them by email, but you can see them in detail at the links below:

Acupuncture Health Survey

Health pass

Q: Where is the location of “Point Zero”? Is this different than ear Shenmen?

A: See link below:

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/theory/auricular/master_points

Q: How do I get an electro-imaging scanning device?

A: They start at $1,995. But if you contact me, directly, I can get you one for $300 off normal retail pricing. No kidding! J

Q: Are you open to answering questions later?

A: Of course I am. Please, feel free to contact me anytime or post a question here. I would be pleased to try and answer what I can. If not, I will point you in the right direction.

Q: Can you have people touch their own Ashi points?

A: Yes. That’s another way of getting a really good WOW factor, without making people feel uncomfortable. The thing is, you have to show them the exact location of the point. I’ve done it like this, and it works pretty well.

Q: How accurate is the EMI?

A: I think it’s pretty darn accurate. But, if you tune in next Tuesday, March 3oth, we’ll hear it from the man who owns Acugraph.

Q: What about point localizing on Ashi points?

A: I am not familiar with “point localizing.” Please do tell.

Q: If you have to leave a VM, how many times do you try calling to follow up after an event?

A: Twice. We pre-call the day before they are scheduled to come in, and you should get into the habit of pre-calling EVERY patient the day before EVERY appointment, or have someone else do it for you. If they fail to show up to their appointment we will call them to let them know that they missed their appointment and see if they wish to reschedule.

Q: I’d like to know about what you cover in a health care class and about how long you do them. What day of the week and time of day do you find is best for people?

A: Gosh, we can do a healthcare class on almost anything-seasonal foods, seasonal changes, meridian exercises, point location, self-care techniques, etc…but I have done them for each of the meridians using these handouts we have, see link below.

New Patient Orientation class and Meridian handouts

These are two great healthcare classes. The first is a powerpoint presentation and the later are handouts and a book that make for great tools to host 5 different healthcare classes-one class each season for each meridian. Does that make sense?

Q: What type of sign/lead in question have you found is the most successful in street fairs and health expos?

A: The sign is a picture of a meridian system or model that says, “Have you ever had an acupuncture evaluation?” The question is the same. I have also had signs that said, “Have you had your Qi checked lately?” I have found that the first one works the best, but I like the later one. Let me know what you wind up doing!

Q: You mentioned a “kit” that you had for sale that had all of the screening products in it, where can I find that?

A: Right here, we offer two types of kits.

Acupuncture Health Screening Kit #1

Acupuncture Health Screening Kit #2

Q: How has the Acugraph assessment compared with other diagnostic methods in your experience?

A: If you are referring to other computerized meridian imaging programs, I have used both Acugraph 3 ( http://acugraph.com/default.php?gclid=CO2I6Mqz8KACFQlZiAodz2H0Og )  and Electro-Meridian Imaging by Dr. Ammaro, ( http://www.emi4.com/product-overview.php ). I prefer Acugraph because:

a). It works with Mac and I think the EMI is only good for PC

b). The database and graphics on the Acugraph are nicer and easier to work with

c). It has more features

Q: How would you rate the assessment consistency (i.e, reproducibility of results)?

A: Well, good question. It seems reliable and consistent in the fact that when a patient has particular symptoms, the “out-of-balance” meridian does show up on the graph. I use it primarily as an adjunct to my dx., and most certainly as a patient gathering tool at health fairs. I do know that some practitioners use it for treatment protocols.

Here is the response from Acugraph:

“The reproducibility is perfect when measuring fixed resistances (i.e. in the lab.)

The translation is that I think AcuGraph measurement is at least as reliable as pulse palpation, and certainly reliable enough to be clinically useful.”

The time your patient spends sitting in your waiting room is valuable. Look around. What do they see? What do they read? What can they take with them to share with a friend or loved one? What do your walls say?

Educating your patients is a multidimensional project that does not stop or start in your treatment room. Everything from décor to reading materials and product placement can affect your clientele’s relationship with the healing process. Before you begin to treat your patients, they need to know that your business is legitimately concerned with their health and vitality.

Preparing your space does not need to involve a large expense or extended periods of time. Keep it clean and simple, and then let the environment you create help to promote and grow your business.

Here are some suggestions to make your office environment, from waiting room to treatment room, a place that not only educates your patients, but also promotes health and well-being.

What do they see? – When they walk in the front door, are they greeted with plants that have restricted Qi flow, outdated products and empty brochure stands? It’s easy to keep things simple and clean. Display only those products and materials that promote your current business, keep living plants and flowers trimmed, watered and happy, and never let your brochure racks and business card holders stand empty.  TIP: Consult books on Feng Shui to help you design your space and lay out materials.

What do they read? – Don’t display People and Time Magazines, where gossip and advertisements reinforcing the “symptoms = drugs” scenarios are rampant. Instead, display magazines about Yoga, Health, Spirituality and Nature, promoting healthy life-style choices and support the “health = no (serious) symptoms” scenario. Books on these topics, such Meridian Exercises or Energy Medicine, are great too.  TIP: Stay current. Don’t forget to get rid of old, outdated magazines.

What can they share? – Place literature, educational materials, recent articles and studies in an easy-to-see location.  Education cards are an excellent and effective way to introduce people to a new way of relating to health and wellness.  While your patients wait, they can read through education cards on topics such as “Acupuncture and Menopause” or “Acupuncture and Depression.” Everyone knows someone who can benefit from what acupuncture can offer. TIP: Create packets of information based on specific topics like Pain or Allergies, which include education cards, articles, studies and other literature. Attach notes encouraging your patients to take them home and to spread the news to family and friends. Make sure that your contact information is included on each item in the information packet, as well as on the packet itself.

What do your walls say? – Hang framed posters that promote acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. How about a Meridian Chart displaying meridian pathways and organ networks, or a poster expressing the Safety of Acupuncture? In this way, you can beautify your clinic while also educating your patients. TIP: Remember to change them often. After all, change is good and it keeps your office fresh, new and exciting!

These pointers will help you keep your space fresh, new, exciting and educational.  Knowledge is a powerful tool.  If used correctly, it can help you to grow an abundant and flourishing practice.

Honestly, I am still wrapping my head around this one and have a call into our lawyer to help clarify this for me. Once I get in touch with him, I’ll post his response. In the meantime, I have included the link to the FTC’s new rulings. Have a look for yourself and PLEASE let me know what you think and understand about their new guidelines.

Thanks!

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm

These are excerpts from various talks I’ve given over the years. Pick through the information and formulate some good analogies that you can use to tell your patients what it is you do and what you will do for them.

Then, feel free to let me know what you may already tell them and what you think of this information!

QUESTION: How many have heard the word Qi?

There is no one word in the English language that truly captures the essence of what Qi is.

The best way I have to describe it is by calling it Vital Energy. It’s the energy that animates every living thing.

Here’s a good analogy: Imagine a person (in my clinic I hold up a plastic meridian model and use that as the visual) that has lived to be 105 years old. They are upright and seem somewhat vitalized. Their body parts are functioning normally, for the most part. One day they pass peacefully on from natural causes. Inside of him, he still has all of his organs, blood, cells, etc., but there is something missing.

QUESTION: What do you think that is?

A spark, yes the spark that animates every part of his being, our being!

That spark is what we call Qi. The spark of life!

From the tallest tree, to the smallest cell, Qi is the Vital Energy that enlivens your entire being.

It’s an unseen energy that supports our body’s ability to function properly. It provides nourishment for every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland.

Our body uses Qi to accomplish everyday activities. Each organ and meridian pathway needs to be fed and filled with an ample supply of Qi in order to function optimally.

And it’s the quality, quantity and strength of Qi can be seen in your physical, mental and emotional health.

Qi has various physiological functions:

• Activates & animates
• Transforms & transports
• Warms the body
• Protects & defends
• Contains & retains

Health is maintained as long as each of us has a sufficient supply that freely travels throughout the body in order to provide proper nourishment.

Now that you understand what Qi is, how we get it, and what we use it for, let me ask you this…

QUESTION: Do you think it just sits there? How do you think it moves?

Over the past few thousand years, the Chinese have mapped out a series of pathways in the body and have called this the Meridian network. I like to call it our internal river of life!

Imagine little rivers of Qi running inside of your body. Meridians are a network of invisible pathways that distribute Qi to every cell, tissue, organ, gland and system within your body. They are long internal rivers, with many branches, that travel throughout your entire body, connecting cells, tissues, muscles and organs.

Qi is carried along these internal rivers, providing nourishment and sustenance for all of our life processes.

Qi is the invisible flowing current, moving around your body, energizing, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland.

Your meridian system is extremely detailed and similar in complexity to the blood and nervous system.

I mentioned earlier that health is achieved as long as both Yin and Yang are in balance. It is also achieved when we have a free flow of Qi traveling throughout the entire body. When there is a blockage in the meridians, the supply of Qi that is required to properly nourish and support the cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands becomes restricted.

I’ll use the simple analogy of watering a plant.

• Just like plant in your garden, the body needs adequate sun, nutrients, and water to grow and function.
• Imagine a blocked and constricted garden hose, that is unable to provide an adequate supply of water to the plant.
• Without water, the plant will be unable to grow, blossom and thrive. It will wilt, deform and decay.

QUESTION: Then what do you think happens?

You got it! You folks are really catching on. Illness, pain and disease!

******************************************************************************

Blockage of Qi = imbalance which leads to pain, illness, and disease.

When the Qi becomes disrupted, stuck or weakened, our body will not receive adequate nourishment of the life force, and over time poor health and disease can occur.

We have already established that Qi flows in a certain and specific way throughout the body.

QUESTION: Now, what if I were to block off Qi “upstream”, what do you think will happen “downstream” in the body?

Right! Something downstream will be affected.

What do you think the symptoms of having blocked Qi would look like?

fatigue, listless, low energy, low creativity, depression, pain, irritability, etc….

So illness and disease according to the medical theories of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine stem from Qi either becoming:

• Stuck or blocked- what kind of symptoms do you think will appear?  Bloating, pain, fullness, throbbing.

And it can also be due to:

• Deficient – what kind of symptoms do you think will appear? Depression, blurry vision, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, lack of energy, unmotivated.
• Collapsed – what kind of symptoms do you think will appear? Lassitude, dizziness, prolapsed, distending sensations.

QUESTION: What do you think  would happen if you had an abundant amount of flowing Qi?

Life feels good, happy, grounded, creative, bounce back from illness and pain easily, etc..

You’ll blossom and grow!

The difference between the proper quantity, quality and movement of Qi throughout our bodies, compared to an imbalance of it, can be dramatic. Resulting in various signs and symptoms.

Here’s a little mantra for you – Free flow and proper balance of Qi = healthy body, mind and spirit.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. The good thing is that as an acupuncturist my job is to detect and correct where Qi has become stuck, deficient or out-of-balance.

The bad news is is that you folks make my job easy because so many things cause a blockage and/or imbalance of Qi.

It’s a whole new New Years celebration all over again. In a little less than a month, it will be the beginning of Chinese New Year – this year it’s the year of the Tiger.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and goes through February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac and is a natural born leader, symbolizes power, passion, daring and bravery.

Chinese New Year is right around the corner and yet another opportunity to make contact with your patients, especially those who you have not seen in a while.

Whether through email, letters, newsletters or postcards, it’s important to make contact with both active and inactive patients as often as you can, keeping your name and clinic fresh in their minds

Keeping in touch means that your patients, as well as their family and friends, when faced with a healing crisis or in the need of some general balancing, will look to you for relief.

Keeping in touch reminds your active and inactive patients to schedule an appointment and re-educates them on the benefits of wellness care versus only responding to symptoms and signs.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Mail a postcard wishing them a Gung Hay Fat Choy
• Have your office assistant give a courtesy call. Better yet, call them yourself
• Draft a letter and include a bookmark with your business card attached
• Share a few resolutions that you’ve developed for the Chinese New Year and ask them to share some of their own
• Send your patients a letter that talks about what the year of the Tiger has in store for their body, mind and spirit
• Send them a seasonal or monthly newsletter
• Throw a Patient Appreciation Chinese New Year party at your clinic

These are just a few suggestions to help you kick off the year of the Tiger.

I would love to hear how some of you with be embracing the year of the Tiger more powerfully, passionately, daringly and braver!

Are you going to do more talks, health fairs, referral generating events?

Are you planning on doing anything to celebrate you, your practice, your patients and the year of the Tiger?

Post a blurb on the blog to share with others.

Blessings and good fortune in the Tiger year!

Jeffrey