Margaretville, NY: Joan Medsker
Fast facts
Practice type: Hybrid
Specialties: Allergies, digestive conditions, general wellness, musculoskeletal pain, stress
Styles: Scalp acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), trigger point acupuncture
Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I became interested in natural healing in the early eighties. I saw an acupuncturist who helped me with some menstrual issues I was experiencing and was fascinated with the changes I saw within my body. In the early nineties, the closest acupuncture school was three hours away. At that time I had three small children and a husband who traveled, so I decided to pursue a career as a physical therapist assistant. Then after my children were grown I went back to school to fulfill my personal dream. Having a career as an acupuncturist has become my passion.
What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I’m a compassionate person with great listening skills and I am a very good note taker. I review all the signs and symptoms frequently to direct or redirect my patients’ individual treatment plans. It’s like being a detective, looking at all the clues to solve the disharmonies whether in the mind, body and/or spirit. Having a background in physical therapy also distinguishes me from other acupuncturists, along with the knowledge of trigger point therapy. My patients see remarkable results from using sterile thin acupuncture needles to release constrictive muscles and improve range of motion.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Interacting with people—I’m a people person! I like listening to their stories, seeing them become relaxed and letting go after the needles are in. Acupuncture is most rewarding when patients you have treated come back with smiles on their faces to say their pain/numbness has significantly decreased, they had the best night sleep in six months, they feel like a weight has been lifted from their chest, and/or they were able to pick up their grandchild.
What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Acupuncture in most cases is not a magic bullet. It is important to realize that acupuncture regulates and balances the energies of the body’s organ systems. There are times when someone with heel pain receives on trigger-point treatment that is sufficient to relieve the pain. However, that is usually not the case. In most cases, six to ten sessions are needed to see changes within the body. Giving acupuncture a fair try can make all the difference for overall healthier outcomes.
How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Living in the beautiful Catskill mountains in upstate New York allows me enjoy many great outdoor activities in the fresh country air. To keep myself healthy I walk, hike, kayak, snow shoe, cross-country ski, read or laugh with friends and family. Cooking and eating nutritious foods and supporting local farmers are very important to me and my husband. Having a massage and receiving acupuncture treatments are part of the monthly rewards I give myself.
Learn more and get in touch
jmedsker@catskill.net
(845) 586-2626
Visit
75 Bridge St., Margaretville, NY 12455 (in the Granary Bldg., next to The Flour Patch)
