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?
After months of back pain with no relief from various Western treatments, I saw a flier from a nearby acupuncture clinic. I decided to give it a try, hoping for relief from my pain, and got so much more out of it. The experience transformed my life and I became so fascinated with the process that I enrolled in acupuncture college—at the age of 60!—to find out more. This has become my passion. I am thrilled to be able to introduce new patients to the healing powers of Chinese medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
For me, acupuncture is about nurturing the community. I treat my patients in a peaceful group setting, and I welcome all who come to my door. My sliding scale fees allow me to treat a wide variety of people who normally would not have expected to be able to afford acupuncture. By removing the barrier of cost, I am able to provide healing for any who desire it.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
It makes my heart happy to look out into my clinic and see a room full of peaceful, sleeping people! Patients are so appreciative, and often pleasantly surprised at acupuncture’s effectiveness. My work inspires me to be a better person, and I am so grateful to be able to help others.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
There are two major misconceptions that I hear. The first is that it hurts. There might be a sense of heaviness or mild achiness around the needles, but it rarely causes pain. In truth, most people sleep right through a treatment! The second misconception is that acupuncture is only affordable for people with high-paying jobs, or a lot of disposable income. But acupuncture does not need to be expensive in order to be effective. The community acupuncture model makes acupuncture accessible to the entire community.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I integrate the concepts and practices of Chinese medicine into my everyday life. I receive regular acupuncture treatments and massage therapy. I also meditate and practice qigong.

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desertwindsacupuncture.com
info@desertwindsacupuncture.com
(505) 554-1381
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6911 Taylor Ranch Drive, NW C-8, Albuquerque, NM 87120

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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?
When I was 17, my mother became ill. I became disenchanted with the lack of communication and respect she was given while at her most vulnerable. Doctors were so busy chasing her symptoms, they forgot that she was an actual person, a whole being who was more than the sum of her physical parts. Intrigued by a medicine that treats the whole, I applied to grad school for acupuncture, wondering if I was doing the right thing—how could inserting tiny needles really affect someone’s health? I quickly learned the necessity of disregarding my preconceived notions. A back problem led me to my first experience with acupuncture. Within two treatments, the pain was gone. At that point, I didn’t yet know the “how” or “why”—I only knew that it worked. It was the first time in my life that I couldn’t rely on science or logic, and I loved it.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
As an acupuncturist and hypnotherapist, my goal is to act as a catalyst for positive change in every patient. I specialize in a unique treatment that I refer to as “hypnoacupuncture,” which is a combination of acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Combining the power of hypnosis with acupuncture has proven to create treatments that are effective on all levels: physical, mental, and emotional. Many patients describe these sessions as life-altering, and find them to be more deeply relaxing than anything they have ever experienced before.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The work that I do here truly feeds my soul. I refer to my office as the happiest place in the world, and my patients agree. When I started, I knew that I could help patients with physical pain. I never imagined that I would see people catalyzed into monumental life changes, every single day. Witnessing the metamorphosis of so many struggling people, seeing their gratitude as they reach their highest potential, makes me love every second of what I do.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it only works if you believe in it! New patients come in all the time and tell me that they don’t think acupuncture will work for them, because they are skeptics. I tell them all the same thing: believe in it or don’t, it doesn’t matter. Just tell me how you feel after your session. I let the results speak for themselves.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
As an acupuncturist, I know how important it is to be proactive about my health. I work so much that I simply can’t afford to get sick. Regular acupuncture, massage, and yoga help me to function at my highest level. Laughter also keeps me healthy and youthful, so I make sure to take time to enjoy myself, and to surround myself with positive, happy people!

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healingpointtherapeutics.com
healingpointtherapeutics@gmail.com
(877) 433-1554
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185 Commonwealth Road, Wayland, MA 01778

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Chinese medicine has always been of interest to me since my early twenties, when I was suffering terrible migraine headaches. As I got older, I had more and more health issues that negatively affected my everyday living experience. Time and again, Western medicine failed me. My acupuncturist helped me heal in ways that Western medicine told me were impossible. After my son was born, which was thought to be impossible, I was convinced that I wanted to be part of this healing for other people.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My acupuncture experience has offered me a wide range of methods and treatments. I have had the good fortune to study Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese herbs, Five Element acupuncture, Kiiko Matsumoto-style Japanese acupuncture, and tuina massage. I also spent many hours in the service of a local veteran’s hospital that has helped me understand different levels of pain, both emotionally and physically. I am always looking for new things to learn and am always amazed at the way this medicine helps individuals heal on so many levels.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
To me, Chinese medicine offers everyone the gentlest, most effective treatment for many ailments that commonly affect people. Many of these ailments, left untreated by Western medicine, turn into major medical problems in the patient’s future. Knowing that I’m helping people potentially avoid these major problems—without side effects, medications, or major expense—gives me the highest reward.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception of some is that acupuncture needs to be proven effective. It’s my experience, after seeing people suffering from the side effects of Western medicinal treatments, that it’s Western medicine that should prove itself. Chinese medicine has been treating people for centuries and has had thousands of masters adding to the medicine along the way. Western medicine has been studied for only several hundred years, and offers chemical compounds that treat symptoms of disease while causing many other issues that then get treated with other chemicals. The choice seems clear to me. Chinese medicine can take an already healthy person and make him or her healthier. Whereas, Western medicine takes healthy people, gives them chemical compounds, and makes them unhealthier.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
How do I stay healthy? The same way I tell my patients—I see my acupuncturist regularly, and exercise and eat well.

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goldencabinetacupuncture.com
brenda@goldencabinetacupuncture.com
(484) 707-0468
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8794 Easton Road, Revere, PA 18953

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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guesthouseacupuncture.com
info@guesthouseacupuncture.com
(925) 567-3337
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110 La Casa Via, Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

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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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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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