Why did you become an acupuncturist?
For almost a decade before becoming a TCM practitioner, I practiced as a massage therapist specializing in injury and chronic pain, and “Bodywork for the Childbearing Year” for pregnant women. My clients were interested in herbs, acupuncture, and other natural methods for health, but I lacked the education and skills to teach and treat them with anything more than massage. And as a young woman, I also had personal experience with acupuncture and Chinese herbs curing my very heavy and painful menstrual periods. Since women’s health was my interest, and because Chinese medicine was the only medicine that finally cured me, I knew that medical school was no longer the path for me, and that studying Chinese medicine was the way to go.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My private practice was founded in 2001. I’ve taught and lectured at professional colleges for Chinese medicine and for massage therapy. In 2007 I authored a book, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine & Healthy Weight Loss. You won’t be rushed. These days, many healthcare practitioners (acupuncturists included) rush patients in and out of treatment, leaving you feeling uncared for and leaving your questions unanswered. That won’t happen here. I’ll take my time with you: one-and-a-half hours in the first visit and 45-minute follow ups. You’ll be educated. You’ll learn what’s wrong, why and how it can be healed according to Chinese medical principles, and what self-care techniques you can use. You’ll get value. When you get acupuncture treatments, I offer the following therapies on an as need basis, at no extra charge: nutritional counseling, herbal consulting, cupping, moxibustion, tuina massage, myofascial bodywork, hot stone massage, assisted stretching, and aromatherapy.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My passion drives me to teach and to write about all types of healthy stuff, about living a naturally fit and healthy lifestyle in body and mind, about instinctual mothering and attachment parenting, about optimal fertility, and about health activism. Over the years, through teaching patients in my private practice and teaching workshops for professionals and families, I’ve learned that patients and students prefer to leave my office, or my seminar, with practical information that they can immediately integrate into life. Learning to take care of ourselves should be fun and active, so my teaching style is lively and interactive, incorporating group activities and learning games.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Many people think that acupuncture is a magic bullet and that only one or two visits will cure years of ailments. Really, it may take 8-10 visits, and sometimes more. With Chinese medicine, I aim treatment at the symptoms of disease and the underlying cause of disease because symptoms tend to reoccur if underlying health issues are ignored. Instead of trying to fit you into a rigid treatment model, I tailor your treatment to fit your unique set of signs and symptoms. As your health develops and changes, so will my treatments. That dynamic progression of energetic evolution manifests as healthy balance in body, mind, and spirit.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Laughter is the best medicine! I love to laugh and to be around fun and funny people, to spend time with my family, to cook, to dance, to practice yoga and mediation, and of course I receive acupuncture and take herbs as needed.

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healthystuffu.com
frontdesk@healthystuffu.com
(212) 894-0767
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41 Union Square West, Suite 519, New York, NY 10003

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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.

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vcacu.com
info@vcacu.com
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(540) 206-6569

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22 S. Roanoke Street, Fincastle, VA 24090

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I had a premed degree and wanted to choose a profession from which I would not burn out, as each patient is totally different from any other. After using natural healthcare for my family for 20 years, this seemed like a perfect choice.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I treat every patient as an individual, and take them from where they are to where they want to be. I continue learning in order to help increase my knowledge. I treat emotional issues, fertility, and more. I have a certificate in Oriental reproductive medicine, which requires increased knowledge in that area.

I using vibration and cold laser when needed, after many hours of study using them. I also use herbs and homeopathy as needed to increase resolution of problems more quickly. I help with symptoms in a natural way. I can help with almost any problem, and will refer out if needed. All ages benefit, as do problems from head to toe.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy helping patients become pain free, have peace of mind, and resolve problems of all kinds. This is a fulfilling way to spend my time.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I do not hear misconceptions much.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I practice qigong as a certified instructor, eat well, exercise with my dog, and do Pilates. We all need exercise, to eat well, and to drink plenty of water. I could not function at work without doing so.

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miamiorientalmedicine.com
info@miamiorientalmedicine.com
(305) 323-3123
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195 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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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.

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siriusacupuncture.com
elaine@siriusacupuncture.com
(703) 642-8404

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5021 Backlick Road, Annandale, VA 22003

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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.

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oloacupuncture.com

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

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture helped me recover from a mysterious health condition. I was getting bounced from doctor to doctor and test to test, and no one could figure out what was wrong with me or how to improve my symptoms. A nurse I knew recommended I try acupuncture. I’m happy to say that acupuncture did the trick! Once I had recovered, I kept going because I found the treatments so relaxing. I had originally been premed in college and had always wanted to go back into the medical field. One day while getting acupuncture I had an a-ha moment—I knew this was the path that I should follow.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My patients say that I give truly personal service, the kind of attention that they wish they got from their Western doctors. I treat each patient as an individual, taking the time to really listen and get to know them. I’m a solo practitioner, not a big clinic. My patients appreciate that when they call or email, they get a fast response from me directly. I am also a true specialist in the conditions that I treat, and my expertise in these areas are a real benefit to my patients. I limit the conditions that I see so that I can give the best care possible. I also combine both Western and Eastern diagnostic tools so that my patients receive the best wisdom of both worlds.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of being an acupuncturist is seeing my patients emerge from the treatment room, totally relaxed, with a huge smile on their faces. I really enjoy when I have a new patient who is nervous about getting acupuncture, and then they emerge from the room a convert! I love introducing people to the benefits of acupuncture and helping them take control of their health.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That acupuncture only treats pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists over 40 conditions that acupuncture can successfully treat, from asthma and allergies to painful periods and infertility to migraines and digestive disorders. Even if your specific health condition is not on the WHO list (mine wasn’t!), there is a good chance acupuncture can help!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I take supplements and Chinese herbs daily. I make it a priority to take the time to relax at the end of each day. I love doing martial arts for exercise and stress relief. And, of course, acupuncture!

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healthinharmonytcm.com
cindi@healthinharmonytcm.com
(408) 761-6251
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621 East Campbell Avenue, Suite 12, Campbell, CA 95008

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I wanted to make a significant difference in the world and in people’s lives, and I felt like acupuncture was the modality that I connected to the most. This is partly because Chinese medicine is a part of my culture and my upbringing, and partly because I really enjoy working with the body and the energetic system. When someone’s energy changes for the better, it affects everyone around them. It’s rewarding when I’m a part of that change.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My unique upbringing has laid the foundation for my acupuncture practice. My step father was a Chinese herbalist and a master of Hung Gar Kung Fu, qigong and Tai Chi. My mother was a visionary, grassroots organizer and an advocate for those in need. My father was a Jesuit priest and is currently a Taoist spiritual teacher. The common denominator between them is their compassion for others and their need to give back to the community. In addition, each of them has influenced me in their own special way which is reflected in how I live my life and how I practice acupuncture. I am thankful that I was able to observe and experience the magic of Chinese medicine and how qi (energy) works. It has truly shaped me.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy working with people on a personal level and supporting them through their physical and emotional hurdles while providing them with a safe space to heal. I love to educate people about Chinese medicine and challenge them to think about their body, mind and spirit as one entity and how this way of thinking can change their overall wellness. I am also passionate about being a part of the community and being accessible and affordable to everyone. And lastly, I love that acupuncture is an art form, allowing me to use my creative energy to help others.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception is that acupuncture is very painful. Many people have a fear of needles due to their history of getting vaccinations or getting their blood drawn, but they don’t realize that acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair, nowhere close to a hypodermic needle. Another big misconception is that acupuncture only treats pain. It’s true that it does treat pain very successfully, but it also treats so many internal conditions, such as digestion and gynecological problems.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
My intention is to maintain a balance in all aspects of my life. I try my best to keep stay connected with my body, mind and spirit so that I can detect imbalances when they occur. This allows me the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments needed to “recalibrate.” One of the best things I have done to stay healthy is deleting the word “should” from my vocabulary. And, of course, I get acupuncture!

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taoofpo.com
pohong@taoofpo.com
(718) 635-1910
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205 E. 16th Street, New York, NY 10003

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
As a pre-med student I became disenfranchised with Western medicine. I had personal experiences with doctors and a course load that crammed in information but didn’t consider compassion. Fortunately, I also had exposure to Eastern philosophy, Tai Chi and meditation. This exposure led to exploration and quickly into a career path.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I find that most acupuncturists tend to fall into one of two categories: the traditionalists and the medical practitioners. I am a hybrid, with one foot in modern techniques and research and one foot in traditional training and theory. I hope this translates into better care and clinical results for my patients.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The theories of acupuncture lend themselves to all aspects of life, not just sickness and health. I enjoy being able to use acupuncture to help patients find balance in their health and daily life. I also love having the ability to use the principles of acupuncture in my day-to-day life.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I have tons of interactions with people who have seen one too many bad kung fu movies. All too often I get questions like, “If you hit someone there can you really _____________?” I normally give them a stone-cold look and say, “Yes.”

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Tai Chi, meditation, qigong, Xing Yi, quality family time.

Anything else people should know about you? I'm also certified to treat animals. I treat a wide array of issues in pets as well as people.