Join me on this enlightening episode of Mindfulness Monday as I sit down with Charles, an acupuncturist and herbalist from Grand Marais, Minnesota. Charles shares his journey of moving to this community and taking over the local acupuncture practice. He introduces us to the neoclassical style of acupuncture he practices, which emphasizes palpation and the interconnectedness of human and environmental factors. Charles reflects on his path to acupuncture, his background in human ecology, and his experiences with Qigong, offering insights into the profound impact of acupuncture on both practitioners and patients.

Listen in as we explore the complexities of working with other people's energy and bodies in acupuncture and bodywork. Charles discusses the challenges of distinguishing and separating personal energy from that of clients, sharing techniques for managing energy transference. We touch on the historical and philosophical aspects of acupuncture, including the significance of the Neijing Studies and the universal breath concept. Our conversation also delves into the emotional dimensions of health, the impact of seasonal changes on the body, and how recent unusual weather patterns have influenced current patterns of illness and allergies.

This episode also highlights the importance of community and mindfulness in fostering healing and introspection. We discuss how individual mindfulness and empathy can contribute to a larger cultural shift, creating safe spaces for healing. Additionally, Charles shares his experiences with mindfulness in parenting, emphasizing the importance of grace. Finally, we explore the interconnectedness of mindfulness, energy work, and the traditional Chinese medicine concept of the five elements, offering practical advice on finding balance and health. Tune in for a thought-provoking and heartwarming conversation that underscores the power of mindfulness and community support.

Guest Bio: Charles Bishop is an acupuncturist, husband, father, small business owner, and hopelessly captivated by everything life brings his way. He has studied beekeeping in New Zealand, Buddhism in Japan, Human Ecology in Mexico and Maine, and Acupuncture in Minnesota and Oregon. And at each place an unexpected lesson or direction arose. Whether he is learning career planning from an ex-con beekeeper or Qigong after school from his philosophy professor, there is no scarcity of teachers and the serendipity to connect with them.

Charles earned a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine and holds a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (now the American Academy of Health and Wellness) in Roseville, Minnesota. He later continued his acupuncture studies with Korean Sa’am style under Dr. Toby Daily and most recently Neoclassical Acupuncture under the instruction of Dr. Slate Burris.

Living on the indescribably beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior, Charles is busy raising four young boys with his amazing wife Grace and running Artemisia Acupuncture & Apothecary, a general practice acupuncture clinic and herbal medicine shop. He often stays up too late reading and occasionally sneaks out to kayak under moonlight.