This week, Christie chats with Melissa Soong about becoming more attuned to natural patterns to better care for ourselves and our mental health. Melissa shares how eastern medicine, such as acupuncture, can help us explore root causes of maladies and addiction, observe and treat our bodies through a holistic lens, and achieve sustained health and balance in our lifestyles. They also discuss the ways in which the practice of east asian medicine can open the doors to a stronger sense of community and willingness to seek health support, especially for marginalized and at-risk communities.

Melissa (she/her) is a LMSW, with over a decade of experience as a program director and social worker in supportive housing for people with HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders and substance use disorders. She is a Registered Trainer and AcuDetox Specialist for the NADA protocol (ear acupuncture for stress) where she helped to build and provide holistic services in a harm reduction setting. Also, she is a Science of Self yoga teacher and teacher trainer, specializing in the study of applying the meridian anatomy of East Asian Medicine to the physical practice of yoga. Connect with Melissa on her website or on Instagram @mel_durga

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Science of Self
• Yu and Me Books
• Dope is Death Documentary

Bridges Mental Health connects Asian, Pacific Islander, South Asian Americans (APISA) with culturally responsive mental health professionals and resources. We hope to make mental health care more accessible and approachable across the Asian diaspora.
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