Dylana Accolla Passes

Dylana Accolla, the acupuncturist and healer, died Sunday, September 26, at her home in High Falls.

by Jason Stern, September 30, 2010

Dylana Accolla, the acupuncturist and healer, who has lived and treated patients in the Hudson Valley since moving here in 2001, died Sunday, September 26, at her home in High Falls. She was 47.

The cause was pancreatic cancer for which she had a genetic predisposition.

A deeply studied practitioner, Ms. Accolla was the author of Back to Balance: A Holistic Self-Help Guide to Eastern Remedies (Kodansha, 1996). She wrote about health and wellness for numerous publications including serving as Health Editor for Chronogram magazine from 2001 to 2003.

After studying Chinese Medicine in Japan and China Ms. Accolla graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 1999. She continued intensive study throughout her career with
master practitioners Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, Dr. Angela Wu, and others.

Ms. Accolla practiced community acupuncture in San Francisco and moved to Woodstock in 2001. She treated patients in Woodstock, New Paltz, and Rhinebeck before opening her office at 314 Wall Street in Kingston in 2007.

Ms. Accolla’s practice focused on fertility and cancer. Patients knew her for her conscientious attention to their health concerns, and the extensive research she did in each case.  In response to success with a large number of patients Ms. Accolla was setting up a dedicated Lyme Disease treatment and research clinic when she became ill.

Ms. Accolla graduated SUNY Binghamton in 1985 with a degree in journalism. A lifelong love of eastern culture and spirituality took her to Japan in 1986. She became fluent in Japanese and worked as a writer and journalist in Tokyo. It was there that she began her study of Chinese medicine, traveling to China regularly for training.

Ms. Accolla began her book with the words “balance is the great regulator of life”, and she lived her life in the light of these words. An accomplished Yoga, Chi Kung , and Kung Fu practitioner she embodied the health she helped create in her patients. She was a strong meditator and member of the Shambala Buddhist sangha at Sky Lake Lodge in Rosendale. Ms. Accolla shared the results of her work on herself—her knowledge, presence, and openheartedness—with ease and generosity.

Ms. Accolla was born in Buffalo, New York, June 26, 1963, the first of four children, of Donald and Diane Lembitz, children of Polish immigrants. In her twenties she married Paolino Accolla, and lived with him in
Rome for several years, before they divorced. She is survived by her partner, Evan Marks of High Falls, mother Diane, brother Scott, and sisters Amy, and Laurie, living in the Buffalo area.

By all accounts Dylana Accolla died as she lived—with impeccability. Her loving partner of 9 years, Evan Marks, along with a harmonious circle of friends and family, were by Ms. Accolla’s side as she made her graceful transition from this world.

Dylana's life and death death were a powerful teaching for the whole community.

A memorial service will be held October 24^rd.
Follow www.caringbridge.org/visits/dylana for specific information.