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.

Learn more and get in touch
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 many great reasons, I decided to become an acupuncturist and make these studies a huge part of my life. But the main reason was that I wanted to help people understand their bodies better. Our bodies have amazing abilities, and it important to understand how yours functions to the best of its ability.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I have studied both Western psychology as well as Chinese medicine. This knowledge gives me a different approach to acupuncture than many other practitioners.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
It is such an amazing feeling to see the process of healing. There is no way to not enjoy your work when you feel that you are constantly helping people.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I constantly hear that acupuncture only works as a placebo. This truly is a misconception, and many facts and studies can prove that. Acupuncture works on many different levels, including physical, mental, and biological.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
There are many ways to stay healthy, but personally, I have dedicated a lot of time to the study and practice of martial arts. I also enjoy spending time creating exercise programs that focus on health and maintenance for your body.

Learn more and get in touch
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?
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.

Learn more and get in touch
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?
I was exposed to healing arts as a young girl when my mother, a shiatsu practitioner, taught me about meridian theory, and how to massage certain points to feel better. After graduating from Douglass College at Rutgers University, I had a formative experience working with Tibetan refugees in northern India. Seeing first hand how effective regular access to acupuncture could be, I decided to formally study acupuncture and Chinese herbology upon my return to the states.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
What distinguishes me from all other practitioners is my hands-on experience and training in another country which gave me the opportunity to see how needed the practice of acupuncture is. I have the opportunity to provide community medicine that is affordable and accessible.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my job is being able to witness patients’ healing processes and see them become empowered around their wellness. I truly believe healing comes from within.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That the needles are huge! Often people expect a syringe, when actually acupuncture needles are practically hair thin, solid, and quite flexible.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Eating well-balanced meals that are in sync with the season, staying active, and receiving regular acupuncture of course!

Learn more and get in touch
oloacupuncture.com
yuka@oloacupuncture.com
(212) 595-3432

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

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
In the 4th grade, at the age of 10, I began to meditate. Not because I came from some long line of healers, but because I had been waking up in the middle of the night in agony. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Wolfe, was mean as a nest of hornets, and I was having nervous stomach pain. I was lucky that the ER doc told me I needed to learn to relax, instead of throwing a bunch of Ritalin or Prozac at me. So, I began exploring ways to relax.

I was into martial arts with my friend Jim, and had learned how to use my mind to overcome pain while fighting. I was a big science nerd, and I began to read about meditation and visualization exercises and bio feedback. Out of that, I began practicing a simple form of meditation. No gurus, no “grass hopper,”—just a simple from of mental and physical relaxation. It worked. I overcame my fears of Mrs. Wolfe, quieted my nervous stomach, and learned that the mind and the body are connected in ways we have just now begun to understand.

Out of that, my interest in Chinese philosophy and ways of life were born. It also didn’t hurt that my grandfather, who had been stationed in China, had brought lots of Chinese artwork back from WWII. It was always there as a backdrop during my visits to his house. Funny how staring at a big Buddha for 18 years can make you wonder about the world!

After that early exposure to meditation and the power of the mind over the body, I began using sports as a sort of moving meditation. My favorites were basketball and volleyball because of the steady action and movement. Later, I became an avid cyclist.

My father’s mother taught me that you could eat things out of your yard, and that some plants were medicinal. My father’s father taught me about vitamins and standing on your head. He said it clears the brain and helps you live a long time, which evidently worked. Or maybe he lived a long time in spite of it! My mother taught me that eating right and getting rest were the most important things to good health. My dad taught me how to hit golf balls, be nice to people, and do the hard work in life, first.

Later in life, I worked for Greenpeace, and was surrounded by people who were into all kinds of alternative healing work. That exposure to new ideas, and to the problems our planet faces, changed my life. After that, I began looking for a new career, one that would allow me to help other people and provide solutions to problems, and that would be a life-long learning and growth process. This is something I can do until I am very old.

After much soul searching, I discovered acupuncture. I explored many therapies, including chiropractic, massage, allopathic medicine, etc., but acupuncture seemed to be the very best fit for how I viewed health. Acupuncture took into consideration all of who a person is, and all the influences on their life, including diet, exercise, parents’ health, job and relationship stresses, sleep, and on and on. It is also profoundly effective, well established (3,000 year history) and extremely safe.

It turned out that my wife’s college roommate’s mother was an acupuncturist. I went to visit her and she was radiant, happy, and very wise. I knew I wanted those qualities in my life. Then I met the faculty and students at the Tai Sophia Institute in Columbia, MD, and that sealed the deal! I studied at Tai Sophia (then it was the Traditional Acupuncture Institute) for three and a half years, earned a master’s degree, and started my first practice. All together, with the clinical portion of my studies, I have been practicing for over 14 years.

I searched for many months for the right office space, and found a beautiful space on the second floor of a chiropractor’s building. The best part is that the office is just up the block from my house, which means I can walk to work!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I think what sets me apart is my confidence and compassion for others. I really understand what it’s like to be in pain, and I’ve been healed, and helped others to heal and recover, so I know what it takes to pull through.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I most enjoy the surprise and delight patients experience when they find out that a few little needles can make them feel so much better. I also really like when people tell me that acupuncture has changed their lives.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I think that the biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it’s only good for pain. Acupuncture is so great for wellbeing in general, and especially for anxiety, menstrual and infertility issues, digestive issues and so much more!

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I get a lot of exercise, eat whole foods that are in season as much as possible, and I get acupuncture, bodywork and chiropractic. I race bicycles, swim, lift weights, and take hikes as often as I can. I also do yoga and meditate.

What drew you to community acupuncture?
I like the fact that people can afford to come in often enough to really get good results. I also really like that people are so thankful that they can afford it. I also love the pace!

Learn more and get in touch
acupuncturerox.com
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acupuncturerox@gmail.com
(267) 417-0147

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445 Lyceum Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Born into a family of health professionals, my interest in holistic healthcare began in 1999 when friends and family members sought support in navigating health issues, some of which were not responding to Western medicine. While I believe the cornerstone to a happy and healthy life are choices made on a day-to-day basis, I became an acupuncturist to aid others in healing with this powerful classical East Asian medicine. I founded Vivacity Acupuncture & Holistic Health Care to provide high-quality and affordable treatment.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
What distinguishes me most from other acupuncturists is my eclectic treatment approach. I studied intensively with world-renowned master acupuncturist Kiiko Matsumoto. My practice is largely based upon her innovative clinical strategies and incorporates my background in nutrition, fitness and herbology allowing me to utilize the best of both Eastern and Western medicine. In addition to my private practice, I work alongside orthopedic surgeons and therapists in an integrative clinic. In both settings, I am intent upon providing self-care options for people who would like to be proactive about maintaining their health outside of the treatment room.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I thrive on the investigative nature of customizing treatment to each individual. I am driven by getting to the bottom or root of a condition so that my treatments yield sustainable healing. Due to this approach, I typically see a 50-90% improvement within the first three-to-five treatments.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
A common misconception about acupuncture is that it primarily, or even exclusively, treats pain conditions. While it is true that acupuncture is very useful for this, it is a traditional medicine used for hundreds of years to treat every health issue known. Many of my patients initially come to me to relieve pain, but are thrilled to realize that since acupuncture treatment is holistic many other health concerns or imbalances are being alleviated at the same time. This realization often leads to a lasting interest in addressing any other conditions that arise that they previously had no idea acupuncture would be helpful for.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Despite a lifelong interest in health and wellbeing, nothing has had a greater effect on me than living in New York. Life and work in this city places many demands on my health, and it has placed me in contact with a wide diversity of people and myriad approaches to healing illuminating both ancient and modern wisdom. My experiences over the years led me to realize that even seemingly simple choices every day can be significant boosts to your health. I am an avid cyclist, maintain a regular yoga practice, and I pay attention to my diet and lifestyle. I also receive regular acupuncture and bodywork treatments! Generally, I shy away from being overly rigid or fanatical about health and healing because I realize we are all leading different lives.

Learn more and get in touch
vivacityacupuncture.com
margie@vivacityacupuncture.com
(646) 481-4228
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123 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY (4/5/6, L, or N/Q/R to Union Square)
520 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, NY (2/3/4/5 to Franklin Avenue)

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
When I was 29, I suffered from IBS, depression and chronic fatigue. Acupuncture was the only thing that helped and the more I learned, the more I loved it. I decided to leave a high-paying sales position to pursue my dream of helping the world one person at a time.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I am different from other acupuncturists because I am part of a Sufi community that focuses on cultivating the ideal of Divine Embodiment. Many of the community members are healers in one form or another, and our lifestyle, outlook and daily practices cultivate a deep ability to bring healing from a Divine place. I’ve also studied spiritual healing at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really enjoy developing relationships with individuals and seeing them make transformations in their lives.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception that I hear about acupuncture is that it is only for pain. Acupuncture is thousands of years old and can treat the whole range of physical ailments in the human body.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
In order to stay healthy in my own life, I am focused on eating a healthy diet. I believe that the root of all sickness comes from the food we eat. Additionally, I focus on incorporating movement into my daily routine in the form of qigong and yoga (I am a certified yoga instructor) and maintaining my spiritual health (through a variety of Sufi spiritual practices).

Learn more and get in touch
sufiacupuncture.com
sufiacupuncture@gmail.com
(301) 358-5549

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28 South Potomac Street, 2R, Hagerstown, MD 21740

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I felt acupuncture’s effectiveness when I first had it in 1978! Long story. Though I am from Minneapolis, I was living in San Francisco and had a specific health concern at the time. I am honored to say that I received acupuncture from Naboru Muramoto, a Japanese practitioner and the author of Healing Ourselves. I had great success with those treatments and that was the beginning of my interest in acupuncture. I later moved to Chicago to study at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine and graduated in January 1988.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
After 23 years of private acupuncture practice (I also provided acupuncture to county addictions programs), I connected with the community acupuncture movement and opened Abundant-Chi Community Acupuncture in December 2010. This distinguishes me as a provider of NADA (the ear acupuncture protocol of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association), with experience in providing both private and community acupuncture services. I’ve done it all! Seriously, I treat all sorts of conditions.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love introducing patients to Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It really is a new way of looking at our wellness. It is so much about self-care and self-awareness. Call me to find out more!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
After 25 years of providing acupuncture treatment, I still think the biggest misconception is that acupuncture is painful. Ha! Almost everyone falls asleep! Our center is quiet and relaxing.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I practice mindfulness meditation and Tai Chi. I am actually a cancer survivor and use Chinese medicine practices and concepts in my day-to-day life. Herbs, foods, self-care, acupressure and movement are all components of Traditional Chinese Medicine for maintaining balance and wellbeing.

Learn more and get in touch
abundant-chi.com
info@abundant-chi.com
(507) 990-3299

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604 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
The love of the art and science behind Eastern theory and thought brought me to become an acupuncturist. Using this extensive historical knowledge to help the community is an honor. After several years of practice I am still in awe every day of Eastern medicine’s healing power.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Having many tools in the proverbial bag of traditional Eastern medicine is very helpful. My training started with Feng Shui, the art and science of placement. This helped me achieve a deep understanding of the microcosm / macrocosm aspect of nature. Further applying this concept to the system of acupuncture and the human body solidifies the notion of interconnections surrounding us. It is my job to “connect the dots.”

What do you enjoy most about your work?
It brings me great joy to investigate connections. Whether figuring out what is going on internally or how external conditions are affecting one’s wellness. I love coming up with treatment protocols that are graceful and visually balanced. I love when patients come in once they are balanced and have no complaints anymore. I love when first-time skeptical patients come in and become our best advocates. I love providing a space for people that go “Ah” when they walk in the door and “Ah ha” when they leave.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception I hear about acupuncture is that it is just for pain. Many people don’t know that is it an entire system of medicine and can address almost any health problem.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Staying healthy in my own life is very important to me. Yoga is an almost daily practice for me. Eating well, having an arsenal of herbal formulas at home, good communication with those I surround myself with, using other holistic health practitioners if need be, keeping my spaces serene, and making sure I give myself time for vacations and relaxation are all important ways to keep me sane and healthy in our fast-paced society.

Learn more and get in touch
indyacu.com
info@indyacu.com
(317) 255-3030
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Facebook (downtown community clinic)

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6155 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
In my experience, life leads you along certain paths for a reason. I truly believe that the way I fell into my passion for acupuncture is proof of this. I grew up in Northern Ontario roaming through forests and swimming in cool waters with no knowledge of acupuncture. It wasn’t until I moved to South Korea to teach ESL and began suffering from constant migraines that I was introduced to acupuncture by a concerned co-worker. She suggested going to see her acupuncturist and I hesitantly agreed. After only a few treatments, my migraines subsided and my passion for acupuncture was ignited. I returned to Canada to begin my studies in acupuncture and never looked back.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
For me acupuncture is about creating community. This is why I chose to open a community style acupuncture clinic. I really wanted to make acupuncture available to everyone and create a space where people want to gather and heal together. In practice, I prefer to use Five Element style acupuncture because it addresses all levels of the patient including the physical, emotional, and spiritual. As a practitioner, my journey continues and every day I am furthering my studies in other healing modalities including Reiki, Acutonics, and the teachings of the Medicine Buddha.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
What can I say…I love my job! I wake up in the morning and I am actually excited to go to work. I am just so grateful to have found a profession that inspires me to be a better person on a daily basis and to be able to help others at the same time.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Acupuncture mainly treats pain. There are so many conditions that acupuncture can treat, from digestive issues to insomnia to menstrual irregularities. Many patients are unaware of this. It is always interesting when a patient comes in for some type of pain problem but with further discussion other health issues are brought up that can also be treated with acupuncture. I love seeing patients’ eyes light up when they ask, “Acupuncture can help me with that too?”

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I enjoy going for rides on my retro bike (makes me feel like a kid again!) and furthering my not-so-good flexibility in yoga as my main forms of physical health. As for my mental health, I try to partake in daily meditation and pour myself into my passion for photography and vintage cameras.

Learn more and get in touch
gatheredrootsacupuncture.com
gatheredrootsacupuncture@gmail.com
(604) 521-6639
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328 Columbia Street, New Westminster, British Columbia V3L 1A6, Canada

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