Why did you become an acupuncturist?
When I was 17, my mother became ill. I became disenchanted with the lack of communication and respect she was given while at her most vulnerable. Doctors were so busy chasing her symptoms, they forgot that she was an actual person, a whole being who was more than the sum of her physical parts. Intrigued by a medicine that treats the whole, I applied to grad school for acupuncture, wondering if I was doing the right thing—how could inserting tiny needles really affect someone’s health? I quickly learned the necessity of disregarding my preconceived notions. A back problem led me to my first experience with acupuncture. Within two treatments, the pain was gone. At that point, I didn’t yet know the “how” or “why”—I only knew that it worked. It was the first time in my life that I couldn’t rely on science or logic, and I loved it.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
As an acupuncturist and hypnotherapist, my goal is to act as a catalyst for positive change in every patient. I specialize in a unique treatment that I refer to as “hypnoacupuncture,” which is a combination of acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Combining the power of hypnosis with acupuncture has proven to create treatments that are effective on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional. Many patients describe these sessions as life-altering, and find them to be more deeply relaxing than anything they have ever experienced before.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The work that I do here truly feeds my soul. I refer to my office as the happiest place in the world, and my patients agree. When I started, I knew that I could help patients with physical pain. I never imagined that I would see people catalyzed into monumental life changes, every single day. Witnessing the metamorphosis of so many struggling people, seeing their gratitude as they reach their highest potential, makes me love every second of what I do.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it only works if you believe in it! New patients come in all the time and tell me that they don’t think acupuncture will work for them, because they are skeptics. I tell them all the same thing: believe in it or don’t, it doesn’t matter. Just tell me how you feel after your session. I let the results speak for themselves.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
As an acupuncturist, I know how important it is to be proactive about my health. I work so much that I simply can’t afford to get sick. Regular acupuncture, massage, and yoga help me to function at my highest level. Laughter also keeps me healthy and youthful, so I make sure to take time to enjoy myself, and to surround myself with positive, happy people!

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healingpointtherapeutics.com
healingpointtherapeutics@gmail.com
(877) 433-1554
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185 Commonwealth Road, Wayland, MA 01778

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Chinese medicine has always been of interest to me since my early twenties, when I was suffering terrible migraine headaches. As I got older, I had more and more health issues that negatively affected my everyday living experience. Time and again, Western medicine failed me. My acupuncturist helped me heal in ways that Western medicine told me were impossible. After my son was born, which was thought to be impossible, I was convinced that I wanted to be part of this healing for other people.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My acupuncture experience has offered me a wide range of methods and treatments. I have had the good fortune to study Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbs, Five Element acupuncture, Kiiko Matsumoto-style Japanese acupuncture, and tuina massage. I also spent many hours in the service of a local veteran’s hospital that has helped me understand different levels of pain, both emotionally and physically. I am always looking for new things to learn and am always amazed at the way this medicine helps individuals heal on so many levels.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
To me, Chinese medicine offers everyone the gentlest, most effective treatment for many ailments that commonly affect people. Many of these ailments, left untreated by Western medicine, turn into major medical problems in the patient’s future. Knowing that I’m helping people potentially avoid these major problems—without side effects, medications, or major expense—gives me the highest reward.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception of some is that acupuncture needs to be proven effective. It’s my experience, after seeing people suffering from the side effects of Western medicinal treatments, that it’s Western medicine that should prove itself. Chinese medicine has been treating people for centuries and has had thousands of masters adding to the medicine along the way. Western medicine has been studied for only several hundred years, and offers chemical compounds that treat symptoms of disease while causing many other issues that then get treated with other chemicals. The choice seems clear to me. Chinese medicine can take an already healthy person and make him or her healthier. Whereas, Western medicine takes healthy people, gives them chemical compounds, and makes them unhealthier.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
How do I stay healthy? The same way I tell my patients—I see my acupuncturist regularly, and exercise and eat well.

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goldencabinetacupuncture.com
brenda@goldencabinetacupuncture.com
(484) 707-0468
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8794 Easton Road, Revere, PA 18953

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
There was a difficult period of my life—a five year span—when I lost many people, including my parents, who I loved dearly. Regular acupuncture treatments helped me maintain my physical and mental health during this challenging time. It became clear to me that death can come at any time and you better not waste any time. My dream was to be of direct service and to facilitate healing for others. My parents were wonderful people who contributed to the world in many ways, and I felt a responsibility to carry on this legacy in a purposeful way. My father, an allopathic doctor, was described as a “mensch” by his colleagues, and I aspired to make him proud. He was always interested in Eastern thought and medicine and would be absolutely delighted to see me following in his footsteps providing loving care for those in need.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My ongoing training with a Chinese master acupuncturist has increased my knowledge, confidence, and determination to share this incredible medicine. When looking for an acupuncturist to add to your health team, it’s important to find someone you trust and resonate with. That connection is an important factor in the healing process. I am accessible by phone or email prior to making an appointment to see if we are a good fit.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Everything! Seriously! I am doing work that I love—spending time with people, listening, being hands-on, and facilitating healing with acupuncture, herbs, and other modalities. I always strive to deeply listen and offer support on the physical and spiritual level. I love doing hands-on work (Reiki, craniosacral, etc.) to enhance the needles and feel that I receive benefit from this as well. I keep my rates reasonable to make acupuncture accessible to those who need it.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Most people aren’t aware of the vast scope of conditions I can effectively treat in my practice. These include anxiety, bone fracture, common cold, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, hip and low back pain, knee issues, muscle strain, general pain, PMS, postpartum issues, sprains, and stress. If my patients have a new health concern, they know now to call me and ask, “Can acupuncture help with this?” The answer is usually, “Yes!” Acute issues can often be addressed in two-to-four treatments, while chronic issues may take longer.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I need regular exercise or I get really crabby. Having a daily spiritual practice is also a key. I try to regularly schedule time off to renew myself. I follow the 80-20 rule with food and try to eat a simple healthy diet 80 percent of the time. When I splurge on something every once in a while, I bless it and then fully enjoy it. Laughter is a great way to reduce stress, and thankfully my goofy dog keeps me from getting too serious. Being connected with nature is essential for me.

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feelbetteracu.com
mbenforado@gmail.com
(831) 212-3090
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630 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
1288 Kifer Road, Suite 202, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is the medicine I was looking for my whole life. Health has always been my interest and priority, but acupuncture resonated with me, and it made me feel better than I had in years. Acupuncture opened my eyes to how my job, my relationships, and my lifestyle were all connected and impacting my health. I craved that “balance” my practitioner spoke of, and I realized I knew many people who felt the same way. After acupuncture, I felt so hopeful about the power of the human body to heal, and I wanted to share that with others.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
You will feel cared for when you come to me for treatment. I work very hard for my patients, and understand the challenges they face in their everyday while trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Just like most people, I also strive to find balance in my life. We can’t always control our circumstances, but I have seen this medicine do amazing things for people. The human body is capable of tremendous healing. I believe in taking an integrated approach, utilizing both Western and Eastern medicine, in order to give patients the most comprehensive care possible, and make them feel wholly taken care of. Many people search for the right thing to help them with their health, and often they end their search here.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My interactions with patients are the best part of my job. Working with people to improve their quality of life is an incredible way to invest energy. I am inspired by the people I meet, and filled up by the stories and strength of the patients who come in my door. We are all trying to get through life in the best way that we can, and to be able to help someone along that road makes this a most rewarding profession.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
People often believe acupuncture does not work because they did not “get better” in one or two treatments. We might spend years pushing our bodies and neglecting our health, yet we expect to be symptom-free overnight. There are certainly times you will see amazing results after just a few treatments. More often than not, it takes time for our bodies to come back into balance, as well as commitment from the patient to the treatment plan.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Running, spinning, and climbing make me feel stronger both physically and mentally. Music, travel, and people inspire me and make me happy. I spend time outdoors and with the people I love. I get acupuncture. Eating whole foods keeps me energized, and finding a good Pinot noir keeps me from being too serious.

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acupuncturenwpdx.com
acupuncturenorthwest@gmail.com
(503) 493-9389
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2262 N. Albina Ave, Suite 110, Portland, OR 97227

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
My path to becoming an acupuncturist began with my own low back injury as a teenager. After years of finding no relief, I happened upon a book on acupressure then had the incredible luck to study with a Master acupressurist from Japan and a 37th generation Chinese medicine doctor. I then began to study Taoist philosophy from a 74th generation Taoist master from whom I learned the foundation of early Chinese science, including natural healing. All this took place while I was completing two apprenticeships in the construction trades, but I left that line of work to become an acupuncturist and open my own practice in 1986. Since then I have been fortunate to have helped thousands of people and support my family by practicing the world’s most advanced and tested form of natural therapy.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
While there have been nearly 20,000 licenses issued for acupuncturists in the U.S., very few of those have been successful in building and maintaining a full-time practice. I have been working full time in the same area of the East San Gabriel Valley for 27 years. I have been successful because I get good results for a high percentage of my patients and am honest about when I may not be able to help someone. My goal is to see that everyone who walks in my door will go out that door benefiting from my services, even if that service is telling them I cannot help them and referring them to someone who can.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The best part of my work is that I am able to help the vast majority of those who seek my help for virtually any health problem, and I do it with a safe, natural therapy. When the patient is happy, it makes me happy, so I end up being a pretty happy guy.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it hurts—that is not at all the case, especially when the modern, ultra-thin needles are used. Acupuncture causes the body to produce a natural chemistry that typically puts people (and even animals) into a state of deep relaxation. Many patients tell me they get their best rest during these treatments. Most people cannot believe that laying there with several needles poked in them can be so relaxing!

The next biggest misconception is about how it works. Acupuncture stimulates your body’s own resources, helping your body to do a better job of healing and maintaining itself. That is why acupuncture has the potential to be useful in so many conditions.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Helping people heal in a calm, relaxed environment greatly helps my own energy. I also learned many years ago that keeping a simple, healthy routine is very important. When we eat, exercise, work, play, rest, and serve others in a set routine, our bodies make the most of our energy. I also take Chinese herbs and give myself regular acupuncture. This has helped me stay healthy enough to have only missed four or five days of work due to illness in the last 27 years!

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laverneacupuncture.com
laverneacupuncture@gmail.com
(909) 599-2347

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3827 Emerald Avenue, La Verne, CA 91750

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
In the 4th grade, at the age of 10, I began to meditate. Not because I came from some long line of healers, but because I had been waking up in the middle of the night in agony. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, was mean as a nest of hornets, and I was having nervous stomach pain. I was lucky that the ER doc told me I needed to learn to relax, instead of throwing a bunch of Ritalin or Prozac at me. So, I began exploring ways to relax.

I was into martial arts with my friend Jim, and had learned how to use my mind to overcome pain while fighting. I was a big science nerd, and I began to read about meditation and visualization exercises and bio feedback. Out of that, I began practicing a simple form of meditation. No gurus, no “grass hopper,”—just a simple from of mental and physical relaxation. It worked. I overcame my fears of Mrs. Wolfe, quieted my nervous stomach, and learned that the mind and the body are connected in ways we have just now begun to understand.

Out of that, my interest in Chinese philosophy and ways of life were born. It also didn’t hurt that my grandfather, who had been stationed in China, had brought lots of Chinese artwork back from WWII. It was always there as a backdrop during my visits to his house. Funny how staring at a big Buddha for 18 years can make you wonder about the world!

After that early exposure to meditation and the power of the mind over the body, I began using sports as a sort of moving meditation. My favorites were basketball and volleyball because of the steady action and movement. Later, I became an avid cyclist.

My father’s mother taught me that you could eat things out of your yard, and that some plants were medicinal. My father’s father taught me about vitamins and standing on your head. He said it clears the brain and helps you live a long time, which evidently worked. Or maybe he lived a long time in spite of it! My mother taught me that eating right and getting rest were the most important things to good health. My dad taught me how to hit golf balls, be nice to people, and do the hard work in life, first.

Later in life, I worked for Greenpeace, and was surrounded by people who were into all kinds of alternative healing work. That exposure to new ideas, and to the problems our planet faces, changed my life. After that, I began looking for a new career, one that would allow me to help other people and provide solutions to problems, and that would be a life-long learning and growth process. This is something I can do until I am very old.

After much soul searching, I discovered acupuncture. I explored many therapies, including chiropractic, massage, allopathic medicine, etc., but acupuncture seemed to be the very best fit for how I viewed health. Acupuncture took into consideration all of who a person is, and all the influences on their life, including diet, exercise, parents’ health, job and relationship stresses, sleep, and on and on. It is also profoundly effective, well established (3,000 year history) and extremely safe.

It turned out that my wife’s college roommate’s mother was an acupuncturist. I went to visit her and she was radiant, happy, and very wise. I knew I wanted those qualities in my life. Then I met the faculty and students at the Tai Sophia Institute in Columbia, MD, and that sealed the deal! I studied at Tai Sophia (then it was the Traditional Acupuncture Institute) for three and a half years, earned a master’s degree, and started my first practice. All together, with the clinical portion of my studies, I have been practicing for over 14 years.

I searched for many months for the right office space, and found a beautiful space on the second floor of a chiropractor’s building. The best part is that the office is just up the block from my house, which means I can walk to work!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I think what sets me apart is my confidence and compassion for others. I really understand what it’s like to be in pain, and I’ve been healed, and helped others to heal and recover, so I know what it takes to pull through.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I most enjoy the surprise and delight patients experience when they find out that a few little needles can make them feel so much better. I also really like when people tell me that acupuncture has changed their lives.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I think that the biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it’s only good for pain. Acupuncture is so great for wellbeing in general, and especially for anxiety, menstrual and infertility issues, digestive issues and so much more!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I get a lot of exercise, eat whole foods that are in season as much as possible, and I get acupuncture, bodywork and chiropractic. I race bicycles, swim, lift weights, and take hikes as often as I can. I also do yoga and meditate.

What drew you to community acupuncture?
I like the fact that people can afford to come in often enough to really get good results. I also really like that people are so thankful that they can afford it. I also love the pace!

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acupuncturerox.com
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acupuncturerox@gmail.com
(267) 417-0147

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445 Lyceum Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Wanting to help athletes and weekend warriors, I’ve found that acupuncture is one of the best natural medicines for pain management and treating stress. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, acupuncture and herbs have limited to no side effects, which is very important to a patient’s wellness.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Having a niche in pain management and stress allows me to focus my treatments on specific conditions. I also like watching TV and sports. You don’t have to be a hippie or hipster to enjoy acupuncture.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love getting to know my patients, figuring out the best way to treat them, and seeing how excited and happy they are when they start seeing results.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it hurts, and that it’s a bunch of mumbo jumbo. It’s good to have some sensation from acupuncture, but pain should not be one of them. Also, just because we don’t know exactly how acupuncture works doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. I’ve seen it work for a lot of people.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Eat good foods and exercise my body and mind.

Do you accept medical insurance for acupuncture?
The majority of major medical providers cover acupuncture. If you don’t know if your medical benefits include acupuncture, give us a call and we will find out for you.

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lifewellbalanced.com
jesse.lifewellbalanced@gmail.com
(541) 762-1755
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150 Shelton McMurphey Blvd., Eugene, OR 97401

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Although I respect Western medicine and what it can offer, I became more and more discouraged with the limitations of the current healthcare system. I thought to myself, “there must be a better way,” especially for those in pain. I decided to enter into a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree program that strongly incorporates a Western-medical protocol as part of its curriculum.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
With dual Masters Degrees—acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and community counseling—I am able to offer my patients a more comprehensive and holistic approach in helping them out of pain (physically, mentally and emotionally). In my previous experience working in the mental health field as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFTI), I realized the importance of providing quality and compassionate care in a professional setting. I have experience counseling individuals, couples, families and children. I am passionate about getting my patients out of pain and guiding them to a life filled with peace and balance. My intention is to help create and maintain a renewed vitality within each individual.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I appreciate and love that I have found a career that allows me to help people in every aspect of their life. Chinese medicine is often a last resort for many and it is gratifying to give patients the results they are hoping for.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles; roughly 10 acupuncture needles can fit into one hypodermic needle. The largest misconception about acupuncture is that it hurts. Of course, every individual has his or her own pain tolerance level and I am very sensitive to this in my own practice. For the majority of people though, minimal discomfort is felt. In fact, some people have commented that the feeling is unfamiliar, pleasant and relaxing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I incorporate a variety of vegetables into my diet, drink a lot of water, and breathe deeply often. I love to spend time in nature and enjoy walking, hiking, snowboarding, biking, running, and paddle boarding. I practice yoga as a way to stretch and strengthen the body, and as a tool to help manage the stress of daily life. I also use Chinese herbs and acupuncture for general wellness.

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acupunctureinnature.com
info@acupunctureinnature.com
(949)-505-4004
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23151 Verdugo Drive, Suite 114, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I’ve always been athletic. Many years ago I developed heel spurs. My podiatrist told me that he could operate but that I might need several operations as well as physical therapy. He suggested I try acupuncture; my heel pain disappeared after a few treatments. Over the years I’ve learned that Chinese medicine is more effective than Western medicine for my pain. I was never interested in pain medication and rarely got relief with physical therapy. I became an acupuncturist after I had raised my kids. I had been a graphic designer for many years and wanted to do something else. I had been receiving regular acupuncture for years, happened to go to a new acupuncturist and asked her how she got into Chinese medicine. She told me she was older, she had to work while attending school, that it was very difficult but the best thing she’d ever done. I started grad school a couple of months later.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
In grad school we’re taught that 10 practitioners treating a headache can find 10 different causes and treatments for the headache. Practitioners are individuals—each bringing a different set of experiences and skills into the treatment room. I don’t think the question is which practitioner is better than the other, but which is the best fit for the patient. I encourage prospective patients to call or email me to determine if I am the best practitioner for them.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Being an acupuncturist is the best! Each day I’m presented with a complex set of symptoms that I must analyze and formulate a treatment plan for. No mater how long I practice I will always have the opportunity to learn more. Each day brings a new challenge. I’m a people person so I enjoy interacting with patients. I work with some of the best people! Most of all, there is really no better feeling than working with someone and helping them heal.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Most folks are fairly knowledgeable about Chinese medicine. A few, however, are under the impression that acupuncture is some sort of magic art one must believe in for it to be effective. Chinese medicine has been used to treat physical ailments for thousands of years. In Chinese medicine our basic understanding of the human body is different than Western medicines’. Both conceptions are valid. Chinese medicine is not hocus pocus—no pun intended.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I am physically active—I row for River City Advanced Women’s team. I am very committed to eating well—organic, local, home cooked, including meat. I receive regular massage and acupuncture. I try to balance work and relaxation. I constantly work to maintain peace of mind. I absolutely insist on enjoying life.

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lvernasco@gmail.com
(916) 244-9363

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2011 P Street, Suite 305, Sacramento, CA 95811

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I became an acupuncturist to preserve and maintain my own health and the health of others. I truly enjoy making acupuncture accessible to my community.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
The mission of my clinic, Costa Acupuncture, is to provide safe, affordable, effective care to everyone. We provide affordable treatments tailored to each individual’s needs.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Providing highly effective acupuncture treatments that are affordable to just about everyone is the most rewarding aspect of my work. Acupuncture is effective for many conditions. My goal is to make it available to as many patients as possible.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
New patients tend to think acupuncture is going to feel similar to getting an injection or blood drawn with needles that are much thicker than those used in acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture needles are almost hair thin and most patients barely feel them at all.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Self care through meditation, eating a nutritious diet, and getting adequate rest. I use acupuncture, herbs, and nutritional supplements to support wellbeing when everything is going well and when things get out of balance.

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yoursourceforwellness.org
michaelcosta@theacucenter.com
(310) 838-2817
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10200 Venice Blvd., Suite 109B, Culver City, CA 90232

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