Care is for the Caregivers: An interview with Dr. Hana Lurie, L.Ac.
We, as acupuncturists, professional caregivers make sure to take great care of ourselves. We follow our own advice and set ourselves up to be able to live our lives and do our jobs! Here we sat down with Dr. Hana Lurie - a new mama - on the ways she cares for herself.
Do you have any daily routines you stick to that keep you nourished?
A splash of cold water on the face in the morning and - not your typical answer from an acupuncturist - my single 12oz morning cup of creamy coffee is the most consistent daily ritual I have right now. I am very newly a mother to a baby, and much of what used to be routine is currently out the window. My cup of coffee is my northern light through uncharted territory - a hot beverage to slowly sip and contemplate while my brain wakes up. There’s something meditative and frankly cleansing about the bitter and bold taste. Pleasure is important.
What is your way of filling your own cup?
I love physical movement - too many varieties to list - and preferably outside with some fresh air. It regulates the breath and qi, it clears the mind by bringing us out of it, it strengthens and circulates.
At the same time I love stillness. Reading, meditation, and a good movie are cherished.
Do you have a favorite treatment or way to receive care?
Call me biased but I love acupuncture. In truth I’m very receptive to the nervous system reboot I get from needles and I love the release of cupping. If it's been a while since I've received treatment, my body will make it glaringly obvious. I’m also a huge fan of Thai massage. I love being cooked for.
What routines or tips or tricks do you like to share with patients?
This world is so stimulating and this age of information can be exhausting to engage with. Creating intentional breaks and dedicated restful places can make a huge difference. For me, one way is allowing my bedroom to be a sacred space - meaning no phones in the bedroom! No scrolling myself sleep, no waking up to a text message immediately after opening my eyes. Giving my brain a break and pretending that it’s some decade from my past before cell phones existed. Soft lighting, a good book and minimal distractions.
Also, I believe that caring for yourself doesn’t have to be complex, incredibly regimented, filled with one million supplements, strict schedules or limitations. There’s so much power in a pause, a quick close of the eyes, a body scan, a deep breath. It’s easy and free. Offering this quick tune-in even a couple times per day doesn’t take much effort and can clarify a lot.
If you want to work with Hana Lurie, she’s an incredible acupuncturist and herbalist.
“Dr. Hana is the best practitioner I've ever worked with. She's incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and caring. Her way of meeting me where I'm at and gently guiding my mind and body through life's transitions has changed the way I move through this world and my relationship with my body. She's a natural healer, is beyond well versed in both eastern and western medicine, makes me feel safe and seen, and provides thorough care and follow up like I've never experienced before in a doctor's office.” S.C.