- Cita Oudijk
Summary
Like many people, I discovered Chinese Medicine by accident, after a knee injury, and became a convert. I received my Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 1998. I now practice at Open Gate Acupuncture Clinic, where I have been since 2001.
Education
Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR. 1998.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology: Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR. 1989.
Philosophy
Chinese Medicine works by rebalancing your body’s energy systems so your body can heal itself. Rather than just treating the symptoms of a problem, acupuncture and Chinese medicine work to heal its root cause in a non-invasive way.
The philosophy and practice of Chinese medicine was developed over thousands of years, as Chinese philosophers observed nature and the way the patterns of nature were replicated in the human mind and body. They saw how when one season or element, like water, for example, was out of balance, that could dramatically alter the other elements as well – for example, a winter and spring drought leads to limited plant growth in spring/summer. This philosophy can be applied to a person’s physical and mental health as well as to external problems such as injuries. For more information on acupuncture and how it works, go to What is Acupuncture.
How does this philosophy apply in real life?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you feel better. The Chinese medical philosophy gives us tools to see possible patterns between seemingly unrelated symptoms, so we can better understand the root of the problem and customize your treatment for you, so you can feel better.
Ways we can help you
I treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, acute and chronic pain, women’s health, gastro-intestinal disorders and others.
When you come in for treatment, we’ll discuss your concerns and the various factors your concerns are related to. If appropriate, we’ll discuss nutrition and lifestyle; both can be major factors to supporting wellness. I have also found that many patients benefit from simple mindfulness practices which I may include in treatment sessions. I have studied several mindfulness practices, including Shambala meditation, Focusing, Hakomi, and Action Theater, all of which I draw from in my work.
Personal Story
Like many people, I discovered Chinese Medicine by accident. I’d bent over to grab something and when I stood up my knee wouldn’t straighten or take weight. After a week on crutches and a negative MRI, a friend suggested I try acupuncture. When I hobbled into the clinic, the practitioner sat me down and asked me not just about my knee, but about my life, my emotions, and my diet. Then he gave me acupuncture. By the time I left, I felt happy, relaxed and well cared for, and I was excited to come back the following week.
After college, my dual interests in psychology and health care had lead me to volunteer at the Portland Women’s Crisis Line and Planned Parenthood, as I looked for a career choice that fit those interests. I also worked at a group home for people with cerebral palsy and as a case manager for people with developmental challenges. As I continued my acupuncture treatments and learned more, I discovered how truly holistic, fascinating and effective this medicine was, and decided to study at OCOM.
After graduation I was fortunate to find a residency-type position at the Chinese Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Clinic, in Asheville, NC. There, under the supervision of the clinic’s director of 16 years, I treated patients with cancer, diabetes, MS, chronic pain and a wide range of other ailments. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. I became homesick for Portland, however, and returned at the end of 2000. In 2001, I started practicing at Open Gate Acupuncture Clinic, where I have my office today. I also am on teaching staff at OCOM and I supervise students in the Chinese Medical Clinic at the National College of Natural Medicine.
