Why did you become an acupuncturist?
My choice to become an acupuncturist has been a pursuit of passion. As have many others, I have repeatedly observed and experienced how Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has existed for thousands of years, is a compassionate and effective healing method.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
By combining my knowledge and experience as both a Western and Eastern healthcare practitioner, I serve my clients well. I have found that many routine health problems and chronic conditions for which drugs and surgery are only partially effective or not effective at all benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I am in awe of this incredible medicine every moment of my practice and life. Every day I see what can be construed as minor or even major miracles, whether it is alleviation of stress, anxiety, depression, acute or chronic pain, or the breaking up of vicious cycles of illness and emotional turmoil. Having been an RN in critical and emergency care for decades, and now as a practitioner of Oriental medicine for more than 10 years, I have developed a deep confidence in the effectiveness of this medicine. Its success lies in its emphasis on identifying and treating the root cause as well as the symptoms of a problem.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception regarding Oriental medicine is that it is mostly a treatment for pain. Often, it is regarded as a last-resort treatment. Oriental medicine needs to become well known as a truly preventive and first-resort medicine that covers a wide range of health issues.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I am constantly working to maintain and improve my health and wellbeing. I get acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and craniosacral treatments regularly. I take herbs when needed. I see an MD who practices functional medicine. I take regular supplements and eat only organic and whole foods that I cook at home. I bike and walk regularly. I start my mornings slowly, making a wonderful breakfast, having quiet, meditative time to myself. Most days I practice a rather simple and short qigong routine.

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nianticacupuncture.com
maggie@nianticacupuncture.com
(860) 451-5558
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369 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357

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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?
My family was saved by acupuncture tremendously—with my lower back, during our daughter’s birth, and my husband with a spinal cord injury. I was thankful and inspired by those who helped us when we were facing challenging times. I felt like I was missing something meaningful and useful to share with the community.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I only treat one patient at a time. I have two reasons for this: to build rapport and trust with each of my patients, and to allow extra time for other modalities, such as tuina massage or moxa therapy, in addition to acupuncture. These lead to speedy recoveries. Additionally, I specialize in pediatrics. As a mother myself, I can understand parents’ concerns over children’s health issues. I also love treating children. I use non-needle methods for treating them. I also speak Japanese fluently.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Every time my patients say they are doing/feeling better after a treatment, I feel very warm inside. Witnessing proud happy expressions from little ones when they get needled for the first time brings me big smiles. Getting referrals from my patients also make me really happy. Also, getting to know my patients and laughing together is special.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
There are two: 1. “It hurts!” Acupuncture needles are very thin. Many feel a little prick with a needle is inserted. After that, feelings of warmth, ache, and fuzziness are common. If you feel a sharpness lingering, let your acupuncturist know right away, and he or she can adjust the needles.

2. “I tried it and it didn’t work” Acupuncture is a cumulative therapy for some conditions. As you receive more treatments, greater effectiveness is expected. It’s important to give it faith and find an acupuncturist you can trust.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Cooking and eating real food, especially miso soup (almost daily). Having relaxation time is important, too. I love reading books/magazines in a nice, warm bath. Watching silly Japanese shows and laughing out loud is relaxing to me as well. Gardening, dancing, singing, and doing tai chi and yoga all keep me happy and healthy. I believe getting massage and acupuncture regularly is crucial to healthy living.

You mentioned using non-needle methods for treating children. Can you explain that?
I needle kids only when they feel okay and give me permission to do so. I show them the needles before hand. The youngest person I’ve needled was three years old. He was so curious after seeing his mom being needled and wanted to give it a try. In addition to the needles, I often use a laser pen (microcurrent) to treat younger kids. These pens don’t cause any sensation, and often kids are fascinated by red light. I also use pediatric tuna massage, moxa heat therapy, shonishin (another non-needle technique), acupressure, and Chinese formulas in tincture form. In general, children respond more quickly than adults to acupuncture treatments.

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eugenefamilyacupuncture.com
eugenefamilyacupuncture@gmail.com
(541) 525-9580
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492 W. Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401

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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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elenlauperacupuncture.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?
While growing up in a family of Western medical doctors, I always believed there had to be another way to treat maladies besides using antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. With acupuncture, I found that way. Using your own body, acupuncture helps to bring you back into balance by treating not only the symptoms of your pathology but also the root of your imbalance. ​​I received my bachelor’s degree at University of California Santa Barbara and moved to Los Angeles in 2001. Having lived here for over a decade, I know the stressful demands that this city can put on your body and mind. Acupuncture has helped me to maintain a healthy, pain-free, and relatively stress-free lifestyle. My goal is to help you do the same!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Attending the master’s program at Emperor’s College allowed me to see hundreds of patients in the college clinic, while affording the opportunity to work with patients outside the clinic at The Disney Cancer Center in Burbank, and at UCLA’s Arthur Ashe Medical Center. I have recently received training in the Mei Zen Facial Rejuvenation techniques of cosmetic acupuncture, which not only helps to reduce visible signs of aging but also strengthens the body’s immune system, thereby promoting longevity. ​​I am also a certified yoga instructor, having trained at Yogaworks Center For Yoga. I incorporate this training into my practice, using yoga as an adjunct to acupuncture as a healing modality.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love to help people. Helping people transform their lives through regular acupuncture and guided lifestyle changes is the most rewarding experience.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it is painful. I myself suffered from a fear of needles growing up, but when you experience acupuncture, you realize how comfortable the experience can be. The needles are hair-thin, and the sensations that you experience are often quite pleasurable and relaxing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I see an acupuncturist every week to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I also exercise three-to-four times a week, and I eat balanced meals with lean meats and vegetables and fruits daily. I practice yoga three-to-four times a week and meditate daily.

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jenniferhogeracupuncture.com
jenniferhogeracupuncture@yahoo.com
(323) 445-9048
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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I have always been fascinated with the human body, health and medicine. Originally, in my undergraduate studies, I majored in biology, planning to continue onto medical school. During the second half of my program I met a doctor of Chinese medicine who was also an expert of internal cultivation practices. The time I spent studying with him was truly transformative, so much that I changed my degree program and continued on to get my masters in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
In its essence, acupuncture is really an art form. Once a practitioner understands the theory, he naturally will immerse himself in practice. It is in practice that we learn through experience how one practices this medicine. For myself, I find that spending the time and listening to the patient is most beneficial. I typically spend almost the entire appointment time in the treatment room utilizing different modalities to optimize the treatment.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The reward is two-fold. First, I consider myself very fortunate to be able to wake up each morning and have a practice that is also my passion. Secondly, and more importantly, being able to help facilitate positive change in peoples’ lives is the greatest reward.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
First, it is common for people to think acupuncture is only a system of healthcare of last resort. To the contrary, TCM is a diverse system of healthcare that can treat a variety of symptoms, with its primary focus being on prevention. Secondarily, I see that patients are often confused or skeptical by the language used in TCM. While the descriptive language is expressive and symbolic, it stems from observations of human experience. Hence, while the language may be different, human experience is universal across continents and time.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I have found that health is a combination of maintaining an easy nature, eating healthy, and gentle exercise. My approach is to foster balance and nourish the self through meditation and Taoist exercises.

What is unique about your practice?
We are committed to spending the necessary time, creating the space, and allowing the process that supports health and vitality. In our modern world, focus on the patient is often overlooked and undervalued. We aim to restore quality care and patient satisfaction. We see individuals one at a time, and that time is focused entirely upon your treatment.

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healingtortoise.com
healingtortoise@gmail.com
(206) 926-9494
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8113 Stone Avenue N, Seattle WA, 98103

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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?
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.

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performancechiropractic.ca
dani@performancechiropractic.ca
(604) 535-7705
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110-15252 32nd Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia V3S 0R7, Canada

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
To help everyone find balance and create health. To educate that we can heal ourselves. To improve community and personal health in a tangible, clear way.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I easily translate Chinese medical theory into everyday metaphors. I make this medicine accessible and understandable. I help you understand what is happening with your body in a quiet and gentle way that allows for deep healing, compassion and understanding.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love helping people feel better. I love seeing the “aha” as my patients understand and believe that they can have a better quality of life. I enjoy educating my patients on diet, exercise and mental skills that allow for lower stress and greater health.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
“Acupuncture is only for pain. Acupuncture doesn’t work long term. Acupuncture helps that?” These are the common misconceptions I hear about acupuncture. Acupuncture is for wellness; it’s for stress relief, insomnia, allergies, etc. Basically, if you’re out of balance, acupuncture can help. Please, just ask!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I live my medicine. I take Chinese herbs when I get sick, I use acupuncture to manage my health. I use pediatric acupuncture and herbs with my children. For me, this medicine is the first and usually the only medicine I use. I eat well, exercise, sleep well and take care of my mental wellbeing.

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goodlifelongmont.com
info@goodlifelongmont.com
(720) 583-5608
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702 10th Street, Longmont, CO 80501

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was pursuing an education in dietetics when I saw a seminar on acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was completely fascinated by the information presented which compelled me to change my course of education to follow a career in acupuncture and holistic health. Now I can combine my love of food and its natural healing abilities with the amazing process of acupuncture and TCM.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I strive to maintain a gentle touch during an acupuncture treatment. Many people are apprehensive about the usage of needles or “pins,” causing them to be uneasy about receiving acupuncture. I always give a complimentary half-hour consultation for clients to ask any questions they may have as well as get a chance to look at the needles and experience having a needle inserted. I believe that if you are tense during a session then you are not receiving the full benefits of an acupuncture treatment. I work with the client to maintain a level of relaxation while still achieving the required amount of stimulation to get the desired results.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love being able to help people overcome their ailments before they turn to more drastic options. I can’t help but beam when a client tells me after a session that they feel relaxed and calm or that their pain is gone. More and more people are becoming aware of acupuncture and other holistic therapies and making them a part of their every day healthcare. I am proud to be a part of that movement.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it only treats pain. Acupuncture definitely has great results with pain and muscle tension but I have also had wonderful results treating digestive disorders, nerve damage, anxiety and so much more. Often regular clients enjoy coming for a relaxing “tune up” treatment to maintain their general health and wellbeing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to practice what I preach. I encourage my patients to follow through with their acupuncture treatment plans to achieve the desired results and I do the same. I receive acupuncture once a week and I love it. It gets to the point that you feel a difference when you miss a session and you can’t wait to go back. For physical activity I do high intensity circuit training and hikes. I strive to maintain a diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains but I do love to sneak in an ice cream treat every once in awhile.

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nicolelongstaff.ca
info@nicolelongstaff.ca
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Vital Health: 1855 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 1M5, Canada

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