Why did you become an acupuncturist?
During my first acupuncture treatment, I remember experiencing such a profound state of relaxation and sense of comfort within my body that I was awe struck. Before this, I hadn’t realized how good I could feel. Acupuncture transformed my life by helping me feel better than I had ever felt before. During the course of my treatments, I also experienced the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in treating conditions for which Western medicine had no treatment or cure. For many years, I had been practicing qigong and yoga, as well as studying Western herbalism, holistic philosophies, and how our environment affects human health. The decision to become an acupuncturist and herbalist seemed like a natural progression. I wanted to be able to relieve pain for others and help them reach their highest potential, just as acupuncture and herbal medicine had done—and still does—for me and my family.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I listen to patients. I believe that what patients’ bodies are telling them, and what they tell me, is valuable information. At a time when Western medicine fails to see the whole person, I find myself being both a holistic practitioner and a medical advocate—helping patients understand when they must pursue a Western medical diagnosis, a second opinion, surgery, or pharmaceutical, and when they are best treated with acupuncture or herbal medicine. I practice Balance Method style acupuncture, which can treat most issues without needling directly into the problem area. This style of acupuncture often provides amazingly instantaneous results. Additionally, I am an herbalist as much as an acupuncturist. Many practitioners do not practice herbal medicine and this is a disadvantage to patients with chronic health problems. By using herbs in addition to acupuncture, I can achieve the best results for all my patients.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Hands down, the best part of my job is helping relieve pain and suffering for people. I feel that it is truly a gift to be able to ease someone’s suffering. As a general practitioner, I have had the unique opportunity to treat patients of all ages, from infants to elders, and I enjoy the diversity this brings to my practice. I enjoy helping patients with the health challenges that present at each stage of one’s life. This allows me to stay connected to the progression and cycles of human life. Each patient’s health problems are a unique puzzle. I am never bored. I spend my days solving these puzzles and that makes each day different—it always teaches me something. I love this. I feel very grateful to be able to learn and practice this ancient and profound medicine.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I find that one of the more unfortunate misconceptions that people have about acupuncture is that it is only covering up the pain or problem—not actually fixing it. I have had many patients who were getting excellent results with acupuncture and then stopped treatment because they felt that they were just masking the problem. On the contrary, acupuncture can correct the problem by helping the body heal itself. This is a powerful concept. One needs to understand that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Trauma, stress, poor diet, and overwork inhibit this process, so we sometimes need a little help to move us in the right direction. Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, speed healing, relieve pain, balance hormones, reduce stress, and improve the immune system. Very few problems cannot be helped or resolved with that sort of track record!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
My husband, my daughter, and I stay healthy by cooking all our own meals using fresh, unprocessed, organic, or non-GMO ingredients. We follow the dietary principles of Chinese medicine, eating a diversity of fresh and unprocessed foods, and supplementing or eliminating certain foods in order to help balance each of our individual constitutions. I stretch and exercise gently, enjoy moderate sunshine and fresh air, and use acupuncture for stress reduction. When my family or I do get sick, we use acupuncture and herbs to get better quickly and avoid complications.

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concordcenteracupuncture.com
info@concordcenteracupuncture.com
(978) 369-9400
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676 Elm Street, Suite 100, Concord, MA 01742

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
While living abroad in Japan, my own health journey had a life-altering course correction by a Japanese acupuncturist. I knew I wanted to share this powerful medicine with those in the West and pay my good luck forward!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I worked at an investment bank in New York to put myself through school for Asian medicine. I understand first hand how stress can wreak havoc on the body. I also believe that dis-ease is a blessing and a lesson in disguise—it puts us out of our comfort zone, which is the sweet spot for growth.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My patients are my greatest teachers and sources of inspiration. They continually leave me in amazement of the human spirit. I love the journeys I’m privileged to witness on a daily basis.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That you need to “believe” in acupuncture in order for it to work. Acupuncture calls on your body’s own innate ability to heal, despite your mind. Some of the most responsive patients are animals and children, neither of which “believe” in it.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Kundalini yoga and qigong have become vital staples in my daily health practices. As someone with autoimmune, diet is absolutely critical for me, as is regular acupuncture.

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ancienthealingformodernliving.com
acuheidi@gmail.com
(917) 207-9715
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928 Broadway, Suite 1200, New York, NY, 10010

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
When I was young in the 1950s, my grandmother was a health-food advocate and yoga teacher, and I was imbued with that sensibility. At age 19, I suffered with a severe illness, and at age 22, I almost died in a car accident. Along the way, I discovered herbs, Shiatsu and acupressure and began my healing process. In the 1970s, when I was in Cuba, I met the early teachers and providers of addiction acupuncture in the South Bronx. That began my journey towards Asian medicine, working with people with hepatitis, AIDS and other serious illnesses. So, I was guided along this path to Lincoln Hospital in 1975 to begin my study of acupuncture and Asian medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
At Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, we provide integrated Chinese medicine comprehensive treatment programs to people seeking support for such complex medical challenges as viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), HIV/AIDS, cancer and post-cancer support, metabolic issues such as diabetes, and reproductive health. Many people who are struggling with complicated and/or chronic health issues find themselves stepping through a minefield of questions—about their medical problems, how different physicians will treat them, how they’re going to support their quality of life in the midst of dealing with their illness. Our practitioners offer complex consultations and treatment plans that incorporate all the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine—acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, diet, exercise, acupressure/massage—within a framework of integrated medicine. Through our consultations and ongoing case management, we develop relationships with physicians, practitioners and clients across the country as well as in San Francisco.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working with people who are striving to become healthier and working to heal themselves, often despite severe obstacles. My first work with people who were severely ill was with people with AIDS and cancer. They have taught me incredible lessons about life and who we are (and are not) on this planet.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it is just needles. At my clinic, we provide integrated Chinese medicine—acupuncture is just one modality and sometimes it isn’t even the best one for a person. However, I started my career in Asian medicine with Shiatsu and then acupuncture—and saw amazing things in the 1970s—so it really is my first love.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I am the organizer for the San Francisco Shih Tzu Meetup. That is a blast and great for my mental health. I also love to walk around the city and visit areas I have not seen before. And, I take a least one long meditative soak in the Japanese hot tub every day.

Learn more and get in touch
Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine
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chickensoupchinesemedicine@docmisha.com
(415) 861-1101
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965 Mission Street, Suite 405, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
After spending over a decade as a research scientist, I had an “ah-ha” moment. I realized that in order to help a whole person, I needed to stop focusing on individual cells. Studying immunology and physiology gave me such an appreciation for the human body, but Chinese medicine continues to give me a deep gratitude for life in its entirety. My background gives me a unique skill set of being able to bridge the gap between Western and Chinese medicine. I always knew I wanted to make a difference; I just didn’t know how. Now I have a clear path and purpose.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I believe having a connection with your practitioner is imperative in the healing process. We talk about many different issues, from bodily functions to emotional roller-coaster rides. I pride myself on being open, approachable, understanding and honest. I consider myself a partner in my patients’ journeys to get back to a place where they live life to the fullest. With my guidance, my patients not only feel better physically but also have new tools to ensure they stay that way. I strongly believe in educating my patients about their bodies, how I’m utilizing Chinese medicine to help them, and suggesting lifestyle changes.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Every day I get to spend time with amazing people who inspire me to learn more and teach more. At my core I am a problem solver, and each person is a puzzle for me to put back together. I enjoy the challenges and the struggles along the way, but I love that moment when a patient looks at me and says, “thank you.” I feel lucky to get so much personal satisfaction from my job.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I get frustrated when someone says, “I’ve tried acupuncture once, and it didn’t work.” Many people are looking for a magic bullet and give up after a single try. Acupuncture is an additive process; it will take a commitment and multiple sessions. Yes, plenty of times after just one treatment the results can seem magical, but you should still keep on the treatment plan your acupuncturist has set out for you. Conversely, don’t give up after one session if you didn’t experience a miracle. Usually, we’re running a marathon not a sprint.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I’m an adventurer, whether trekking a mountain, wandering the streets of a new city, or tasting a new food. While doing an internship in China, one of the doctors I observed “prescribed” more dancing to a patient. Since then, I’ve learned the Texas Two Step and love it. I believe that having variety in our lives keeps us excited and passionate about the future.

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agnesknows.com
agnesnow@yahoo.com
(512) 731-2462
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3821 Juniper Trace, Suite 107, Austin, TX 78738

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