Jill brings together the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the modern science of psychology, creating a holistic path to total wellness that encompasses mind, body and spirit.

Here’s is how one patient recently described Jill’s work:

Jill’s extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine combined with her natural intuition make her an extremely gifted healer. She specifically, compassionately, and without judgment calls attention to health issues in body, mind, and spirit. In a very short time, digestive problems I had considered chronic have been completely relieved. I had tried everything and thought I just had to live with these problems until I found Jill. She has guided me to a clearer understanding of my body, and I feel empowered and positive about my ability to heal myself and live in a healthy, balanced state.

– Kim

To learn more about the Joyful Life Healing practice and the work of Jill Harrison, visit the FAQ section or contact Jill.

]]> http://www.joyfullifehealing.com/2009/07/30/balancing-mind-body-and-spirit/feed/ 0 http://www.joyfullifehealing.com/2009/07/30/meet-jill-harrison/ http://www.joyfullifehealing.com/2009/07/30/meet-jill-harrison/#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:49:05 +0000 admin http://www.joyfullifehealing.com/?p=16 Dr. Jill Harrison is an acupuncturist and herbalist practicing in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and President of Joyful Life Healing, a Chinese medical practice that consciously invites and guides the individual through a journey toward wholeness in body, mind and spirit.

Jill holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University and a doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Joyful Life Healing came together as an amalgam of Jill’s educational and professional experience as well as her passion for these subjects. Jill has a B.A. from Ithaca College in Comparative Religious Studies and Philosophy, a M.A. in Developmental Psychology from Pacific Oaks College and a M.S and DAOM (doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Harrison first became interested in Chinese Medicine while working at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as a psychotherapist in their Division of Adolescent Medicine. She worked along side physicians participating in a team treatment for patients. Jill’s natural and intuitive understanding of internal medicine prompted her mentors to encourage her to go to medical school.

Attracted by this idea, Jill also realized that she wanted to be able to treat the whole person, not just the presenting symptoms. With a bit of research she learned that Chinese Medicine, at its core treats the body, mind and spirit. Prior to starting her own practice, for five years, Jill was the general manager of Herb King, an herbal pharmacy and acupuncture clinic and a Santa Monica institution for eighteen years.

Jill has had a daily meditation practice for twenty years and coaches her patients and other clients in learning to meditate as well as the importance of a meditation practice in one’s life. Her loving and direct guidance and encoragement helps her patients along in this endeavor. She also has a regular yoga practice.

Jill was the Director of Religious Exploration for a Unitarian Fellowship for six years where she mentored youth toward understanding themselves and the importance of understanding world religions and encouraging a conscious spiritual path. No longer in this position, Jill continues to have relationships with and mentor these youth, who are now in college or graduated.

Her dream of combining her love of spirituality, psychology and medicine has been realized with Joyful Life Healing.

Jill lives with her husband Mark and her dog Fred in Los Angeles.

The central principle of TCM is to create a dynamic harmony between body & mind (represented by the yin-yang symbol) while strengthening the 5 elements of the body and their corresponding internal organs.

The origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine date back thousands of years and have their roots in the ancient philosophy of Taoism, a philosophy which views the human body as an “energy system.”

In this energy system the the body, mind  and spirit are all interconnected, each influencing the another.

Western or allopathic medicine has a tendency to treat the symptoms of a disease separating the disease from the individual.

Chinese Medicine treats the whole person, emphasizing the   maintenance  of optimum life force energy or qi to cure and prevent disease.

Joyful Life Healing is a unique method of Traditional Chinese Medicine that focuses on BOTH the qi and the shen, or the spiritual/emotional component to human health.

• Your first treatment
• Why  acupuncture?
• About Chinese herbs

So effective is acupuncture treatment that the World Health Organization now recommends the use of acupuncture in treating over 47 major illnesses.

Here’s how it works.

Qi and blood can be in excess in certain parts of the body, in which case they may get ’stuck’ and cause pain. In other parts of the body, qi and blood may be deficient, causing weakness and fatigue.

Acupuncture helps the qi and blood to flow freely throughout the body, thereby bringing the body into balance.

The first thing people ask who have not been treated with acupuncture needles is, “Will it Hurt?” The answer is almost never. At Joyful Life Healing we use very thin needles, so the patient feels almost nothing and the effect is very, very relaxing.

Here is one patient’s testimonial about the power of Jill Harrison’s acupuncture treatment:

Chinese Medicine, or Acupuncture to be more exact, is one of those things that once you discover it, you can’t believe you have lived your whole life without it. Then you really can’t believe there are people who aren’t aware of it and others who don’t believe in it. It’s one of the few times in life where you get instant gratification, and it’s considered a good thing! As soon as you lie down, within a few seconds of the needles in your skin, you feel a high that is pure and relaxing… especially if Jill is your Acupuncturist. There is something magical about her. Something so healing, so loving, so open that instantly relaxes your whole being, resulting in a complete state of relaxation and the ability to enjoy the maximum benefits. All you have to do is get to Jill; she will take care of the rest. Whether it’s physical, mental, or you just need to get balanced, you can trust your mind, body, and soul to her.

– Laurie

Learn more about Acupuncture, or contact Jill Harrison to set up an introductory session.