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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I was attracted to acupuncture after I was involved in two car accidents and was unable to get rid of my neck and upper back pain with other therapies. Chinese medicine was also able to help me get off of the prednisone and antibiotic cycle that I was on for year-round rhinitis. After my great experience with acupuncture and herbs, I wanted to share these therapies with others.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I am a mother and have raised my child from the very beginning using Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have a huge interest in pediatrics and helping resolve childhood issues. I also want to help parents resolve their own health issues, and teach them how to live a healthy lifestyle so that they can be good examples to their children and families.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I most enjoy the great joy of hearing how much better patients feel, even after their first treatment. Most report that they are more relaxed, sleeping better, and feel more levelheaded.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception I encounter is that acupuncture is a “magic bullet.” Sometimes individuals think that their chronic issues can be completely resolved in just one or two treatments. One treatment may not be enough—if you’ve been dealing with an issue for a long time, it will take time for the body to heal.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I stay healthy in my own life first and foremost by eating healthy, organic fruits and vegetables, and grass or organically fed meats. I eat seasonally and locally as much as possible. As well, I take every opportunity to laugh and live in the moment. This keeps me mentally healthy. I also walk and hike in the great outdoors as often as possible and practice yoga regularly.

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(512) 814-5570
mariposafamilyacupuncture.com
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3445 Executive Center Drive, Suite 229, Austin, TX 78731

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I became an acupuncturist, herbalist, and author of health and wellness books because I have a passion and desire to help people reach their own individual optimal health and fertility.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
As well as practicing for almost a decade, I am a published author of health, wellness, and fertility focused books. I am an avid professional who is considered one of the nation’s leading alternative health, wellness, and fertility experts.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Helping my patients find peace, joy, and optimum health in a way that works for them.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Acupuncture to me is much more than just needles—it is a way of life, as acupuncture is just one facet of Traditional Oriental Medicine. I work with my patients on a much deeper emotional, spiritual, and nutritional level. Acupuncture is just one of my many tools.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I practice what I preach. I eat clean. I meditate. I find joy in my every day. I get acupuncture. I am constantly tuned in to the environment around me. I am always eager to learn more.

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aimeeraupp.com
aimee@aimeeraupp.com
(845) 988-6913
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928 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10012
15 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960

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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.

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leonamarrs.com
leonamarrs@gmail.com
(206) 383-6746

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3542 Hollydale Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90039

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is the medicine I was looking for my whole life. Health has always been my interest and priority, but acupuncture resonated with me, and it made me feel better than I had in years. Acupuncture opened my eyes to how my job, my relationships, and my lifestyle were all connected and impacting my health. I craved that “balance” my practitioner spoke of, and I realized I knew many people who felt the same way. After acupuncture, I felt so hopeful about the power of the human body to heal, and I wanted to share that with others.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
You will feel cared for when you come to me for treatment. I work very hard for my patients, and understand the challenges they face in their everyday while trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Just like most people, I also strive to find balance in my life. We can’t always control our circumstances, but I have seen this medicine do amazing things for people. The human body is capable of tremendous healing. I believe in taking an integrated approach, utilizing both Western and Eastern medicine, in order to give patients the most comprehensive care possible, and make them feel wholly taken care of. Many people search for the right thing to help them with their health, and often they end their search here.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My interactions with patients are the best part of my job. Working with people to improve their quality of life is an incredible way to invest energy. I am inspired by the people I meet, and filled up by the stories and strength of the patients who come in my door. We are all trying to get through life in the best way that we can, and to be able to help someone along that road makes this a most rewarding profession.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
People often believe acupuncture does not work because they did not “get better” in one or two treatments. We might spend years pushing our bodies and neglecting our health, yet we expect to be symptom-free overnight. There are certainly times you will see amazing results after just a few treatments. More often than not, it takes time for our bodies to come back into balance, as well as commitment from the patient to the treatment plan.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Running, spinning, and climbing make me feel stronger both physically and mentally. Music, travel, and people inspire me and make me happy. I spend time outdoors and with the people I love. I get acupuncture. Eating whole foods keeps me energized, and finding a good Pinot noir keeps me from being too serious.

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acupuncturenwpdx.com
acupuncturenorthwest@gmail.com
(503) 493-9389
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2262 N. Albina Ave, Suite 110, Portland, OR 97227

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
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.

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fullheartacupuncture.com
abby@fullheartacupuncture.com
(508) 341-3481
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494 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I chose to study acupuncture during my third year of naturopathic medicine training, when I realized that acupuncture addresses physical and emotional discomfort in efficient, effective and sustainable ways that are often unmatched in Western medicine. In particular, I was drawn to how Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body and mind holistically, gracefully integrating the treatment of mind, body, and spirit into every acupuncture session. Acupuncture is also appealing because it is accessible to and effective for people with conditions that are not well served by Western medicine, such as sexual issues or addictive and compulsive behaviors. My interest in these areas predates my acupuncture training by over a decade. I’ve worked with harm-reduction organizations, focusing on safer sexual practices and needle exchange programs. So finding an effective, empowering, and sustainable avenue of care made the decision to become an acupuncturist an easy one.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I work in an integrative medicine setting. My clinic and practice are multidisciplinary: MDs, NDs, and acupuncturists working side by side and often collaborating to treat patients. So I live with one foot in the Western medicine world and one in the Traditional Chinese Medicine world. This gives me experience in explaining acupuncture, which is generally delivered in a language of metaphor that defies easy translation into Western terms, to people who have no previous experience with it. It also gives me good insight into how acupuncture fits into the context of all the other types of healthcare a patient may be receiving. This allows my patients and I to have an informed discussion about what to expect from acupuncture, covering what acupuncture can and cannot provide in comparison with other forms of medicine and self-care.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of my job is watching people become more self-sufficient and confident in their wellbeing and recovery. I love talking with people after their first, second, or third acupuncture session when they describe the changes they noticed after their last treatment, even if they struggle to articulate what exactly those changes were. It’s not a report of improvement that I expect or look forward to, but the awareness, hope, and empowerment that arise when people notice a change in how they feel. It’s an old joke that good healthcare providers tend to put themselves out of business, but I appreciate the sentiment behind it. I genuinely enjoy the moment when a patient feels empowered to set their own schedule for follow up, confident they’ll know when their body tells them they need to return

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception I hear is that acupuncture needles are magic—that the needles do the work that makes a person feel better. The needles are tools that allow the body to unstick and refocus its energy in more productive ways. The needles are tools that help unlock unrealized healing potential within the body. The needles facilitate the body’s innate ability to heal. I agree with my patients when they say that acupuncture feels like magic, because sometimes I feel that way too after my own acupuncture sessions. But I take care to explain that despite that feeling we can get from the needles, the magic of good health and healing isn’t in the needle itself. Rather, it’s in the body, mind, and spirit. The needles are efficient tools to access our own healing potential and allow the body to do what it is designed to do—sustain life and wellbeing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Maintaining a work-recreation balance keeps me happy and healthy. My work is balanced between seeing patients, the majority of what I do time-wise, and teaching addictions and disorders classes as adjunct faculty for Bastyr University’s Health Psychology Department. Doing one keeps me energized to do the other. I love providing care for individuals in my office, and also having the opportunity to work in the classroom training the next generation of healthcare providers. Outside of work, my lifestyle sustains me: eating in a way that nourishes me, exercising, sleeping, giving myself downtime from screens and social media, and being with my friends and family. I also use acupuncture and Western medicine to maintain my health. My hobbies include reading and participating in general fiction and science fiction book clubs, knitting, and playing harp in a Seattle-based ceilidh band, Seirm.

In what kind of setting do you deliver acupuncture care?
I work in a clinic that caters to women’s health, though I see both men and women in my practice. I also see children and adolescents over the age of eight. The types of conditions I see most often are musculoskeletal pain, allergies (digestive and environmental), headaches, mental health issues, women’s health concerns, including infertility, and cravings for psychoactive drugs and compulsive behaviors. In addition to being a licensed acupuncturist, I am also a naturopathic physician. I frequently see patients for both naturopathic and acupuncture care, but do so in separate appointments. An acupuncture appointment usually lasts 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled back-to-back with a naturopathic medicine appointment if desired. I am credentialed with and accept most private insurance plans, and offer a time-of-service cash discount to patients who do not have insurance or do not receive acupuncture benefits from their insurance plan.

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balancinghealth.net
balancinghealth@frontier.com
(425) 398-9355
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12900 NE 180th Street, #100, Bothell, WA 98011

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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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