Our founder, Laura, sat down with Dr. Sabrina Lau to talk more about her thoughts on Chinese Medicine and her background. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Sabrina’s philosophy and approach to healing, and to life.
What made you decide to become a Doctor of Chinese Medicine?
I think it was more of a calling. At 25, I had a thought that I was going to go to Chinese Medicine school, so that’s what I did. At that time I was really interested in what healing was. I learned that holistic healing involved the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of well-being. At that age, I didn’t really know what that meant, but subconsciously, I think I was looking for it for myself.
I think many of us have experienced that unconscious calling toward this medicine because it's a step on our own path toward wellness. How do you think this medicine differs from more conventional types of medicine?
It differs entirely. One of the great things about Chinese Medicine is it addresses life in its entirety. Chinese Medicine is based on the yin and yang principle. The light and the dark. If we break down the universe into simple terms, that philosophy is present. But I realize that may be difficult for some people to understand.
I think you mean that it encompasses that holistic approach you mentioned before.
Yes. I think what I really learned is that Chinese medicine is a practice that is beyond just our own health. It considers our environment and our society and how the world works and functions. It mirrors our universe, and we as people are a microcosm of the macrocosm of the universe. The beauty of Chinese medicine is it’s much greater than what is happening in our bodies. There are many different aspects to consider in healing itself. I think this is how it differs. It’s not just the physical. It can be emotional, and that may be derived from our environment; or spiritual in that we are not just physical beings; and also the mental aspect. Many people get lost in their minds, which can cause disruptions in the body. So it’s very interconnected.
Chinese medicine is all about harmony and balance. It sounds like you are very in tune with that balance and have the desire to help others cultivate harmony in their being.
What do you think you bring to your practice that makes it unique?
I’m very intuitive. I think I was born to be that person. I see more than just what people tell me. I have a great foundation in knowing how the body works. I started as a trainer. So I know movement. I did yoga, so I understand breathwork and meditation, and how that can help the body. I know massage therapy, so I understand the tissue of the body. And I understand the energetics of acupuncture. So I have the physical to energetic understanding. And I think my strength as a practitioner is that, through these aspects, I can help people shift into a new reality. They can see life a little bit differently, maybe a little more optimistically, or more in line with what they prefer in their life.
It sounds like you can help them gain some of that same intuition for themselves.
What sort of expectations would you set for someone just starting out as your patient?
I have a strong energy. But when it comes to being a practitioner, that's good. I’m not here to judge. I’m here to guide people to explore their own healing. I think some people may not think about healing in its entirety. They may come in saying, “I have leg pain." But they may also say, "and my mother died.” As a practitioner, I can be a catalyst for healing, maybe even more than people are looking for. I want people to know that is what I’m here for. But it can be intense so I always try to meet people where they are at. If I feel they are receptive and open, I will share some insights to help them shift into a lighter feeling. If they aren't, that's ok too.
I think we could all benefit from feeling lighter.
What is one piece of advice or words of wisdom you have for others?
Sometimes the hard moments and emotions are actually a doorway to liberation. It’s deep, I know, but I feel like what I see in the clinic is some kind of resistance on varying levels. We want to keep it together or control things and not “go there.” But if we let ourselves go there and explore the parts that we’re afraid of, maybe that is what we need to liberate ourselves from what holds us down.
If you're interested in exploring the more deeper aspects of healing, call our office to book an appointment with Dr. Sabrina. 925-280-6026. Visit our booking website to view her schedule.
