Why did you become an acupuncturist?
My diverse background and experiences as an adolescent led to an interest in the human condition. While working at a medical clinic in Tennessee, I became interested in medicine. I observed that our struggles with illness and pain, though difficult, have the potential to unite us in our shared experiences and align us with our truest selves. Pain can be an important catalyst for change if we choose to listen to its messages and cultivate awareness in our lives.

I reluctantly became a patient of acupuncture myself while suffering from chronic pain. The pain started to disappear and after I realized the importance of my own role in recovery, my body healed itself. I discovered a new definition of health. I also began to view Chinese medicine not only as a way to achieve individual health and happiness, but as a vehicle to establishing the balance and wellbeing of our communities, on a social and environmental level.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I am dedicated to listening in my practice. I believe my patients experience relief and empowerment when they speak to someone who acknowledges their pain and health struggles. I also incorporate various tools in treatment. I often use massage, when appropriate, because it provides patients with a little something extra that makes them feel pampered. I also sometimes use essential oils and aromatherapy to help people relax or as a therapy for headaches, colds, allergies, and sinus problems.

Often a series of treatments is needed before people experience the true medical benefits of acupuncture. So, I try my best to provide a comfortable, enjoyable experience each time a person comes in. I’d like people to view my clinic as a retreat, a place where they release stress and anxiety, and leave feeling nurtured and restored.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like listening to peoples’ stories. I find that listening is very rewarding, and it’s essential to developing a sound treatment plan. If we listen to our patients’ stories, often they will tell us exactly what their bodies need. I enjoy seeing an individual leave the clinic happier than when they came in.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I hear quite a few misconceptions about acupuncture. Two in particular are important. The first one is that acupuncture only treats pain. Not true! Acupuncture is a tool of Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine is a sophisticated and complex system of medicine that has its own philosophy of internal medicine. Acupuncturists use various tools, including acupuncture, herbal formulas, moxibustion, and cupping to help the body heal itself according to these principles of internal medicine. Therefore, acupuncturists treat a variety of illnesses, including problems of the viscera and systemic diseases like autoimmune conditions.

The second misconception is that you have to believe in acupuncture in order for it to work. I know that’s not true because I was a skeptic myself. Acupuncture is not a religion and you don’t have to have faith for it to work. That is good news for skeptics! Some amount of skepticism is normal and healthy for anyone considering medical intervention of any kind. People should have questions and doubts, whether it’s Western medicine or a holistic approach. I’m happy to answer questions, and skeptics are always welcome!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to do as I say, and say as I do. I eat organic whole foods and avoid processed foods with ingredients that I can’t pronounce. If I indulge, I look for good-quality foods with few, natural ingredients. In general, I pay attention to sugar intake and portion size. Portion control is easier to implement than counting calories and fat grams. I try to eat green, leafy vegetables every day. I never buy “non-fat” or “fat-free” products. I cook whenever possible at home, because that’s the best way to control what goes in my body. I take my Omega 3s, probiotics, and Chinese herbs when necessary. I walk my dog every day and try to be silly and have fun—it reduces stress! Laughter is good medicine—they weren’t kidding.

Lastly, if I get off track with my health, I take notice and make changes. Guilt surrounding food choices and habits is counterproductive to health, so that’s something I work on. I think we all need to be more gentle with ourselves as we make changes for our health. Shaming ourselves or others is rarely a catalyst for change.

Learn more and get in touch
guesthouseacupuncture.com
info@guesthouseacupuncture.com
(925) 567-3337
Facebook
Google+
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Blog on Walnut Creek Patch

Visit
110 La Casa Via, Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

The post Walnut Creek, CA: Nikoo Saleh Kasmai appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I studied biology and literature as an undergraduate, and then after graduation moved to my mother’s homeland, Japan. I went there to teach English and experience living abroad. While I was there, I began taking acupuncture classes for fun at a branch of Beijing University. I loved it. Chinese medicine totally made sense to me and took a lot of information into consideration that I found was ignored in Western medicine. It seemed like a perfect combination of my interests and values. I excitedly moved back to Seattle to start Chinese medical school at Bastyr University.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I am not an extremist and feel that balance is a lifelong goal for all of us in this modern world. I feel that if one accepts that, it can ease a lot of pressure we put on ourselves. My diverse history has exposed me to a lot of experiences and people, and I have no judgement of others. I know that in each of us there is a place where we can feel whole and fulfilled, and I wish to guide my patients to that peaceful place.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love seeing one become more aware of their mind and body. It is such a special transformation and really a key to being present and living life fully. It is an awareness that can only enhance one’s life experience and I am constantly honored to be a part of that.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it doesn’t work. Humans are intelligent enough to abandon ideas and philosophies when they don’t hold up. Anything that has a 3,000 year old history and still exists clearly has some substance and value.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Accepting that balance is always a goal. Exercise, enjoying food, living life honorably, finding inspiration, having passion, being respectful and honest, and not being too hard on myself.

Learn more and get in touch
leonamarrs.com
leonamarrs@gmail.com
(206) 383-6746

Visit
3542 Hollydale Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039

The post Los Angeles, CA: Leona Marrs appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
We became acupuncturists because of our combined positive experiences with Traditional Chinese Medicine, our desire to pursue a deeply meaningful career, and our academic interest in a philosophical medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
We practice classical Chinese medicine, an unabbreviated form of Chinese medicine. In classical practice, medicine and health are regarded as arts that are informed by an understanding of our place in the natural world and each individual patient. We treat by choosing among 74 channel systems, using a straightforward, elegant, and thorough understanding of human physiology and pathology as laid out in a variety of classical texts.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most rewarding moment for us is when a patient begins to notice the subtle but pervasive changes in his or her daily experience. As patients progress through treatment and become more deeply connected to themselves, they generally begin to feel less divided between “mind and body.” This is a beautiful and humbling time for us as practitioners. It’s an honor to be a part of a person’s process as they become an assimilated whole, casting off pain, darkness, and old misconceptions in favor of a belief in their own capacity to heal.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The idea that acupuncture and herbalism are only for a certain kind of person is probably the saddest misconception about the medicine. The belief of who this “certain kind” of person is varies. Some people think you have to be rich, or young, or a hippie, or an atheist, or a Buddhist, or have back pain. Acupuncture and herbalism are for anyone who’s interested—and the medicine can help an uninterested person. Certainly active participation yields better results than resistance or disinterest, but we’ve seen skeptical and disbelieving people have excellent results.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
We live as simply as possible, staying connected to our resources and our values. As small business owners ourselves, we support other small businesses so that we can help to grow healthy, vibrant, and self-sufficient communities. We love to cook, using foods we grew and locally grown foods. If we eat out, we favor neighborhood eateries. We believe in the importance of receiving the medicine that we practice, and both get weekly acupuncture treatments and custom herbal formulas. We also get monthly massages. Living in the mountains of Virginia means that we have access to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. We spend as much time as we can on the Appalachian Trail. We also enjoy practicing yoga and qigong, but get much of our exercise keeping up with our toddler.

Learn more and get in touch
vcacu.com
info@vcacu.com
Blog
Facebook
(540) 206-6569

Visit
22 S. Roanoke Street, Fincastle, VA 24090

The post Fincastle, VA: Brian Huwe and Mary Beth Ladenheim appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Before becoming an acupuncturist, I worked with horses. I was amazed at how much better my horse felt after his acupuncture treatments, so I decided to try it for myself. As time went on, training and competing became less of a priority, and holistic medicine became a deeper interest. I wanted to learn more. Now, I am very happy to be able to share my knowledge and my skills with my patients. Nothing brings more satisfaction that knowing you’ve helped someone feel better!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I am very comfortable talking to people, so they generally feel very comfortable with me. I am happy to work with a patient on any level, whether it’s physical pain, emotional imbalance, or spiritual seeking. I have done much personal exploration into these areas, and my life experience allows me a unique perspective on whatever my patients might bring to the table.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the interaction with the patient. The trust my patients place in me is something I never take for granted. I also love that each day is different, and that I get to witness the positive changes that happen in patients’ lives.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception I hear is that it “doesn’t work.” This statement is often made by people who only tried one treatment, or one practitioner, or expected acupuncture to “heal” them without taking any responsibility for their health.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I do my best to eat healthy, get enough sleep, get outside daily (weather permitting!), and stay engaged in activities that I love. Meditation, qigong practice, growing my own food, and walking in the woods with my dog are all activities that contribute greatly to my physical and emotional wellbeing.

Learn more and get in touch
fullheartacupuncture.com
abby@fullheartacupuncture.com
(508) 341-3481
Facebook
Jill’s List

Visit
494 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702

The post Framingham, MA: Abby Greiner appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Just like the gentleman on the razor commercials, I was a satisfied customer. I first received acupuncture more than 20 years ago and loved the benefits I could see and feel in body, mind, and spirit. I had been preparing to begin my studies to become a certified nurse midwife, but soon realized that a career in acupuncture would allow me to serve a greater variety of clients in a greater range of circumstances. I loved discovering that I could help the body self-heal rather than becoming another provider of procedures and pills.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I understand and like science, and I am able to explain the sometimes mystical-sounding world of acupuncture in clear non-mystical language. I continue to receive acupuncture treatment regularly and know what it is like to be on the patient side of the equation. I’ve thought a lot and written a lot about the policy side of the field.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working with people of all ages and circumstances. I enjoy getting to know what makes people tick. I enjoy seeing people thrive and regain good health, often after years of illness or just not feeling well.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it is primarily used for pain.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I take a long walk with Buford, the dog, every day and I make an effort to get a reasonable amount of sleep. I eat three mostly healthy meals per day. I take yoga three times a week. And I try to laugh and spend time with family and friends regularly, and I get outside as much as I can.

Learn more and get in touch
siriusacupuncture.com
elaine@siriusacupuncture.com
(703) 642-8404

Visit
5021 Backlick Road, Annandale, VA 22003

The post Annandale, VA: Elaine Wolf Komarow appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I saw how effective acupuncture and herbal medicine were while working in wellness centers through college. Many people who came through the doors had tried everything Western medicine had to offer but were still in pain or having uncomfortable side effects from medication. Acupuncture and herbs were able to help such a wide variety of issues naturally and had lasting effects. I wanted to be able to offer people the same kind of relief I saw during that time.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I have the privilege of working at a busy community clinic and was able to administer 2,000 treatments in my first year there. Because of the varied nature of the symptoms of each patient and the amazing team of acupuncturists at the clinic, I have gained priceless experience and treatment tools for even the very hard cases. Working as a teaching assistant at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has kept me close to the academic side of Chinese medicine, helping me to continually develop a deeper understanding for the medicine.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Seeing patients’ responses to the treatment. First timers are usually surprised by how painless the needles are, how long they slept for during treatment, and how relaxed they feel after.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That practitioners insist on patients following strict lifestyle changes or only using one modality to heal. I like to tell patients to do what works! Everyone is different and is at various stages of the healing process. Acupuncture is assisting the body’s own incredible ability to heal itself and is a great adjunctive treatment. You don’t have to stop or start doing anything other than coming in for your appointment. The healthy changes usually start to happen on their own as patients become more in tune with their bodies.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Finding fun ways to exercise! Practicing yoga, eating whole foods, and getting lots of relaxation.

Learn more and get in touch
oloacupuncture.com

Visit
119 West 23rd Street, New York, New York 10011

The post New York, NY: Jane Terrana appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was watching a show on public television that featured the initial interview between an acupuncturist and a new patient. The acupuncturist was asking the patient questions that my regular doctor never asked me, such as, “Do you like your job?” “How do you handle/relieve stress?” “How many times a day do you have a bowel movement?” It struck me that these are the things that really matter, and the proverbial lightbulb went on over my head. I had to become an acupuncturist.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My practice blends acupuncture with tui na, cupping, far-infrared heat, essential oils, clearing breaths and a take-home sheet of health promotion strategies. The health promotion strategies are customized for each person, but they will frequently focus on tips for better digestion. I practice Western herbal medicine, and I use pulse testing to determine the appropriate herbs. I also utilize professional-grade supplements by Standard Process to enhance the effects of the acupuncture and herbs.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
It never ceases to amaze me how powerful this medicine is. I often see a person at their very worst on their first visit only to see a sparkle in their eye and a smile on their lips when they return for follow-up treatment. Total job satisfaction.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
It seems that childhood visits to the doctor to get shots cast a dim view of needles in most people’s minds. However, I feel that acupuncture needles are very powerful communication tools that the body gladly accepts in its quest for healing. Often times people who are the most nervous during their first visit will practically throw themselves onto the treatment table at their follow-up visit because they enjoyed the needles so much.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I take the same recommendations that I give to my patients to stay healthy: regular acupuncture appointments, eating well, fresh air and exercise, a good night’s sleep, a connection with nature and plenty of hugs. Oh, and job satisfaction.

Learn more and get in touch
diamondstoneom.com
katherine@diamondstoneom.com
(612) 872-9133

Visit
2415 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405

The post Minneapolis, MN: Katherine Krumwiede appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I never went to the doctor growing up. I learned from an early age that with excellent health, we can thrive. I have devoted my life to helping people achieve a life with less pain, stress, or illness and to teaching them a lifestyle of balance. When I discovered acupuncture in college, it felt like instant magnetism. I was drawn to its unique and deep healing abilities.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Instant and lasting results. Trained in Kiiko Matsumoto’s style of acupuncture, I utilize a feedback system of diagnosis that ensures that I precisely pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort, and that you leave my office feeling dramatically better. I consider myself a health detective—unraveling the story of who you are, offering you physical relief, and providing you tools for transforming how you feel in your life. You provide me your health map, and, like a pilot, I locate the precise coordinates to unlocking your physical and emotional recovery.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Interacting with my patients and watching miracles happen. People change right in front of my eyes. As they continue their treatments, I watch them feel happier and live healthier. A woman recently came into my office for back pain. She had been in a car accident and after going to her chiropractor for a month he suggested she try acupuncture to help alleviate her pain. Her body movements, personality, and physical findings showed me issues that existed before the accident, and together with her words, I was able to quickly locate her personal prescription for healing. She is now pain free and back to her everyday life. Miracles like this are the fuel that keeps me excited about this medicine.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
1) Acupuncture doesn’t work. 2) Acupuncture uses big needles and hurts. Acupuncture has been around for 5,000 years. It is a highly regarded medical practice that has been referred to by Western medical doctors, chiropractors, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals for over 30 years in America. Many newcomers walk into my office thinking that the size of an acupuncture needle is the same as that of a hypodermic needle, which is the needle used for vaccinations. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and often cannot be felt when inserted. A fun fact: It takes 15 acupuncture needles to fit in the hole of a hypodermic needle.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Being an athlete, yogini, and swimmer, I have always been very involved with my physical and nutritional health. I exercise daily for at least an hour, I eat well, I work hard, I make sure to spend time with my friends and family, and I try to receive bodywork once a week. I am energized by my life’s work. It is such a privilege and joy to practice acupuncture every day. I truly feel blessed to have such wonderful patients who fill my day with connection, laughter, and discoveries. Thank you!

Learn more and get in touch
pointoflifeacupuncture.com
paola@pointoflifeacupuncture.com
(415) 823-1796
Facebook

Visit
166 Geary Street, Suite 1102, San Francisco, CA 94108

The post San Francisco, CA: Paola Acuna appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I suffered for most of my life with chronic conditions for which conventional medicine seemed to have no treatment or explanations. I was allergic to everything, my immune system was shot, I had major digestive problems and at 23 years old, I hadn’t had a period in two years. Despite seeing multiple specialists, taking fistfuls of medications, and spending thousands of dollars, I had no relief and soon realized that conventional medicine offered no answers to why I felt the way I did or what could be done to resolve it.

I began experimenting with several different alternative medicine modalities, including acupuncture. After my first acupuncture treatment, I started my period the next day! With continued therapy, my entire body began to recover! My health was returning and it made such an incredible difference in my life that I decided to go to acupuncture school myself so that I could provide people with the compassionate and root-cause-centered treatment that had literally changed my life.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Whereas many acupuncturists utilize mostly acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other TCM therapies, I have found that the vast majority of conditions that I treat involve, to some degree or another, nutritional deficiency or toxicity. In these cases, I have found the best results come from first determining any dietary sensitivities or other sources of toxic influence that are interfering with their body’s natural ability to heal, and then focusing on re-educating my patients on what constitutes a biologically appropriate human diet.

Healing in the body cannot occur without adequate nutrition! Your body intends to use the nutrients obtained from your diet to create the building blocks for the repair and maintenance of all of your body systems. Without adequate nutrition—nutritional deficiency being a major problem in our society as a result of incorrect dietary information and our nutritionally bankrupt food supply—your body systems are unable to function as they should.

I combine the time-tested therapeutic benefits of acupuncture and other TCM modalities with a teach-a-man-to-fish philosophy in healthcare, educating my patients on how to set the stage for optimal nutrition and therefore optimal healing.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
How did I ever get so lucky to have my dream job?! I get to work every day in a soothing, relaxing, spa-like setting. I get to make my own hours, bring my dogs to work with me, and continuously feed that eternal student inside of me. I’m blessed to form close relationships with new and fascinating people who are willing to step outside the proverbial “box.”

I get to play a role in transforming people’s lives and bodies for the better, helping them regain the body they used to know, but thought they had lost. Their frustration and discomfort turns to gratitude and joy and I get to be a witness to that transformation. I get to turn worst-case-scenario diagnoses and suggested invasive procedures into relaxing, successful acupuncture treatments. As if the gratitude that comes my way isn’t rewarding enough, I get paid for it as well! Best job in the world!!!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
“Oh, I could never do acupuncture. I’m terrified of needles.” Uh, hello, I’M terrified of needles! When I have to get blood drawn, I’m that girl who turns pale white, throws up and passes out all at the same time. Hypodermic needles, however, are completely different from acupuncture needles. Ten acupuncture needles can fit into the hole of a hypodermic needle and you can curl an acupuncture needle like a ribbon with just your fingertip. If I can needle myself, anyone can get acupuncture and feel totally comfortable and relaxed.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
By eating a biologically appropriate diet, daily nutritional supplementation, exercise, lots of time spent out in nature, and acupuncture as needed!

Learn more and get in touch
turningpointacupuncture.net
melanie@turningpointacupuncture.net
(480) 219-1237
Facebook
Twitter

Visit
8591 E. Bell Road, Suite 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The post Scottsdale, AZ: Melanie L. Miller appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.

Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I’ve always been passionate about healing. Even as a child, I could often be found comforting people or animals in distress. Having always been fascinated with the mind and how what we think and feel impacts our physical being, I was naturally drawn to holistic medicine. I explored many options but when I came across acupuncture, I was immediately enamored with the concept of qi and a method of healing that utilizes resources already present (although unorganized) in the body. A system of healing that could provide symptom relief, respond to existing disease and prevent further disease was intriguing.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I encourage my patients to have an active role in their own health and wellbeing. I view my job to not only include healing but also teaching. I try to find ways to explain my process clearly to my patients and I’m always open to answering any questions they may have. The more a patient understands about their particular imbalances the more they are able to take steps towards maintaining balance by making positive changes in their daily lives. My goal as a practitioner is to help my patients discover a state of balance where acupuncture treatment becomes a form of prevention instead of a response to disease.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
More often than not, patients try acupuncture as a last resort. That means that many of my patients have been told by other health practitioners that medication is their only option or that a diagnosis is inconclusive due to negative test results. I think that being able to help some of those who have been told “there is nothing else we can do” is the most satisfying part of the job. A close second is witnessing the transformation acupuncture patients make, into a better place of mental-emotional balance.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That acupuncture is only effective for pain. Working in a wellness clinic that emphasizes sports medicine, many of my patients start coming to me for pain-related complaints and are often stunned by the improvements that occur during the course of treatment, not only regarding their pain but also in other body systems, relieving other symptoms such as poor digestion, insomnia, low energy, tension, etc. My hope is that it will eventually be common thought to try acupuncture for many more of our symptoms.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to immerse myself in activities that bring me happiness, such as walking or playing with my dog and spending time with family and friends. I maintain a healthy diet rich in whole foods (but I’m not afraid to indulge in a tasty treat now and again) and I frequent trusted health practitioners in a variety of fields, including acupuncture, to ensure my body stays in balance. Most importantly, I believe that an active mind is a healthy mind, so I push myself to learn or experience something new every day.

Learn more and get in touch
performancechiropractic.ca
dani@performancechiropractic.ca
(604) 535-7705
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
LinkedIn

Visit
110-15252 32nd Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia V3S 0R7, Canada

The post Surrey, BC: Dani Foster appeared first on AcuTake Acupuncturist Directory.