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?
I first stumbled upon acupuncture through a book I read in the 70s. It made so much sense to me, that there was a blueprint for maintaining health, rather than just managing disease. Practicing acupressure and reflexology on myself, I learned to recognize the warning signs of injury and illness. It has been a remarkable experience, witnessing the results of acupuncture on myself, and my family and friends. When the opportunity arose to enroll in a training program to become an acupuncturist, I jumped at it. This has been the most interesting and rewarding profession, learning how the body, mind, emotions, and psyche work together to maintain us.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I believe that wellness is about what kind of relationship we have with ourselves as well as how well we adapt to change. Learning self-care techniques and learning to recognize signs of imbalance in the ways we use our energy—these are as important as the treatments themselves. My role is to create the space where healing happens, and teach that to my clients. In addition to my private practice I also conduct wellness clinics, where groups of people get the tools they need for self- care as well as a mini-treatment.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Watching the process of healing, and especially when I see the look of curiosity and surprise as acupuncture changes the way clients perceive their body’s responses. People go from “please fix me” to “oh, that’s why this is happening.” Most importantly, the satisfaction I get from teaching people to see the connections between our thoughts and our feelings, and our body. I view acupuncture as a systems review, like having a schematic diagram of how the body is supposed to work when all systems are a go. Except unlike a machine, this process is organic, and acupuncture is both a science and an art.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is outside the mainstream. That was true 20 years ago. But over these last 20 years, it’s gained acceptance. It’s offered in hospitals, for example, most often for pain. And that leads to another misconception, which is that it is primarily for pain. Because East Asian medicine focuses on balance, it releases muscles. As the muscles release, pain is alleviated—and digestion, breathing, and mental focus all improve. So pain relief is only the beginning of what acupuncture offers. Like so many modalities, people sometimes come to acupuncture with the attitude that all they need to do is passively receive treatment. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Healing is achieved, no matter what the treatment, when we participate in the process. Without that, real change can’t be maintained.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to synchronize my life with the seasons, and in times of change I make organic chicken soup with lots of roots and veggies (and a small shitake mushroom). It also helps me to look at the night sky regularly, for perspective and inspiration. And when I am having trouble, I beat a drum to remind myself of who I am.

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elenlauperlac.com
elenlauper.lac@gmail.com
(818) 459-4953
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3171 Los Feliz Blvd, Suite 211, Los Angeles, CA 90039

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was trying to make it as an artist in New York City. With all that was happening in the world after 9/11/01, making art by myself in my studio and trying to work the gallery scene wasn’t resonating. I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. I considered pursuing journalism, but somehow ended up teaching English as a foreign language in Prague, where I met an art therapist. A lightbulb went off. She introduced me to a Shiatsu practitioner, from whom I learned about the Five Elements and so much more. Fascinated, I considered studying Shiatsu in Japan and learned that acupuncture had the same roots in Chinese medicine as Shiatsu. I remembered a few years back when one acupuncture treatment almost completely resolved a terrible cough I had for weeks. As things began to unfold before me, I knew I had stumbled upon the right path.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Because I am a classically trained visual artist, I have a keen eye for structural imbalances in the body and a heightened sense of observation. I spent four years learning how to draw, paint and sculpt the human form with extensive training in anatomy for artists to help see the structural forms underneath the skin. When people hear that my first degree was in art, they often think it sounds like a drastic shift, but everything I learned in art school is directly applicable to what I do now. A developed observation helps not only to see the person structurally, but also to take in the experience of the person before you. I have also been practicing Yoga for more than 10 years. Through practice and trainings, I have done a considerable amount of self-work and discovery, which helps to hear and relate to what another person is experiencing.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love providing a space where people come and spend time for themselves. I also love it when people come out of an acupuncture treatment and have had a profound and transformative experience. I love listening to people and providing a platform for their concerns to be validated and addressed. I love when someone leaves feeling better than when they came in. I love providing these services and I love that I can share whatever qualities and attributes I have in a way that may somehow benefit another.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Most people aren’t aware that acupuncture is a branch of a system called Chinese medicine, which is an entire system of medicine that has been constantly developed and improved for over 2,000 years, much like modern biomedicine is constantly evolving and advancing. Many people believe that acupuncture is only good for pain, but because it’s been applied and refined over generations with human specimens as subjects, during a time when many illnesses were prevalent that we rarely even see anymore in the developed world, it has the potential to treat numerous conditions ranging from sleep to hormonal and emotional imbalances to digestive disorders and allergies. Of course today, while it isn’t a substitute for conventional healthcare, acupuncture should be considered a sophisticated and viable option for many diseases and conditions.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I understand the difficulties of maintaining a healthy lifestyle because I am a busy person in a busy world too. I try to live as closely by the principles of health in accordance with the philosophy of Chinese medicine as I can. I try to keep a regular sleep schedule and go to bed early, practice yoga and qigong (a form of exercise) and meditate. I also try to keep a fixed eating schedule and eat fresh foods that are local and in season. I know from experience that maintaining health involves a great deal of effort on my part outside of my weekly acupuncture sessions. My own state of happiness and health reflects how much of my life I dedicate to those things.

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seva-acupuncture.com
karen@seva-acupuncture.com
(347) 766-3075
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32 Union Square East, Suite 615 North, New York, NY 10003

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I chose to become an acupuncturist because I always wanted to help people live healthy and “disease-free” lives. I come from a family of clinicians. Initially, I chose to work in the field of molecular biology, thinking that all the answers to curing disease could be found in the DNA or genetic makeup. Eventually, I realized that to truly help people lead healthier lives, there has to be a holistic approach. I chose Traditional Chinese Medicine because it is a health system that has been practiced for thousands of years. In addition, it is safe, effective and natural.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I have a research background and naturally, I am quite methodical and structured in my approach. I like to truly understand the causes of a person’s signs and symptoms and I enjoy the challenge of researching and uncovering each and every patients’ path to health. I also incorporate Reiki, essential oils and mind-body techniques to achieve a positive change in my patients’ health.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy that every day, every patient and every visit is different. There are always new developments and I strive to meet these challenges with stride. I particularly enjoy building long-lasting relationships with my patients and getting to know their family and friends as well. I am honored by the trust my patients give me and every day I learn from my patients. It makes me very humble to see how my patients deal with their destinies, what paths of life they have chosen and to realize that I am a partner on their journey to better health.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it is meant to be received only when there is a problem. Acupuncture is really about prevention. Right now, my regular patients are amazed that they are staying healthy and strong, while their family and friends are being struck by upper respiratory infections and the flu. Also, most people don’t realize that acupuncture can treat more than just a physical ailment, because it is a holistic approach to wellness. And wellness includes not just physical health, but also mental fitness, physical wellbeing, spirituality, relationships, family life, social interactions and work.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to strive for a balanced life, and certain days I’m good at it and sometimes I have a lot of room for improvement. I know that the human body and mind are truly a gift and with proper nutrition, exercise, rest, work and family and social life, we are rewarded with wonderful days in which we can contribute to making the world a better place for us and all that surrounds us. I receive regular acupuncture treatments, some massage and chiropractic adjustments as well. I also use essential oils several times a day and I never miss my dental cleaning appointments!

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redmountainacupuncture.com
nhf@redmountainacupuncture.com
(480) 331-2246

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3654 North Power Road, Suite 128, Mesa, AZ 85215

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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?
I was working in the film industry on such award-winning fare as “The Fast and the Furious” and “Cruel Intentions” when at breakfast one day, I eavesdropped on the table next to me where a woman was talking about becoming an acupuncturist. I went to the school that day, enrolled and quit my job. The universe opened a window and I felt obliged to jump. I have no idea what I was thinking.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I’m not a hippie and never was. I’m a regular guy who was born and raised here in LA I have crow tattoos because I’m a “hipster cliche,” NOT because I’m a “pseudo-spiritualist.” I don’t own billowy yoga pants or lavender crystals and I’ve never heard a Caucasian person use the words “Namaste” or “Love and Light” in a way that doesn’t sound completely deranged. That said, I think this medicine is absolutely amazing, and is grounded in a lot more science than the woo-woo hippie-ness, faux-Asian zen-ness, or strip-mall sketchiness that would personally make me uncomfortable as a patient.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Helping people. What else is there?

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Two things: 1) The needles hurt. 2) I am a charlatan stealing money from people for hocus pocus and distracting them from true medical treatment. I am amazed how many people, upon hearing what I do, ask, “does that really work?” As if I would dedicate my life to a job I knowingly believe is false. I sympathize to an extent: It’s hard for people to get their heads around a medicine—or any concept really—that was born before the Age of Reason. However, I like to explain that just because Western medicine doesnt agree on how it works does not undermine the fact that it does work. I see enough success on a daily basis that I sleep pretty well at night.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
“Everything in moderation,” both virtue and vice. That includes exercise, being lazy, eating nutritiously, eating terribly, sleeping well, staying up too late, doing charity and being selfish. We pick our battles and I don’t believe it is my job or my pleasure to be perfect all the time.

Learn more and get in touch
pokeacupuncture.com
russell@pokeacupuncture.com
(323) 387-3765

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6917 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

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