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?
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?
We became acupuncturists because of our combined positive experiences with Traditional Chinese Medicine, our desire to pursue a deeply meaningful career, and our academic interest in a philosophical medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
We practice classical Chinese medicine, an unabbreviated form of Chinese medicine. In classical practice, medicine and health are regarded as arts that are informed by an understanding of our place in the natural world and each individual patient. We treat by choosing among 74 channel systems, using a straightforward, elegant, and thorough understanding of human physiology and pathology as laid out in a variety of classical texts.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most rewarding moment for us is when a patient begins to notice the subtle but pervasive changes in his or her daily experience. As patients progress through treatment and become more deeply connected to themselves, they generally begin to feel less divided between “mind and body.” This is a beautiful and humbling time for us as practitioners. It’s an honor to be a part of a person’s process as they become an assimilated whole, casting off pain, darkness, and old misconceptions in favor of a belief in their own capacity to heal.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The idea that acupuncture and herbalism are only for a certain kind of person is probably the saddest misconception about the medicine. The belief of who this “certain kind” of person is varies. Some people think you have to be rich, or young, or a hippie, or an atheist, or a Buddhist, or have back pain. Acupuncture and herbalism are for anyone who’s interested—and the medicine can help an uninterested person. Certainly active participation yields better results than resistance or disinterest, but we’ve seen skeptical and disbelieving people have excellent results.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
We live as simply as possible, staying connected to our resources and our values. As small business owners ourselves, we support other small businesses so that we can help to grow healthy, vibrant, and self-sufficient communities. We love to cook, using foods we grew and locally grown foods. If we eat out, we favor neighborhood eateries. We believe in the importance of receiving the medicine that we practice, and both get weekly acupuncture treatments and custom herbal formulas. We also get monthly massages. Living in the mountains of Virginia means that we have access to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. We spend as much time as we can on the Appalachian Trail. We also enjoy practicing yoga and qigong, but get much of our exercise keeping up with our toddler.

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vcacu.com
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22 S. Roanoke Street, Fincastle, VA 24090

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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?
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 had a premed degree and wanted to choose a profession from which I would not burn out, as each patient is totally different from any other. After using natural healthcare for my family for 20 years, this seemed like a perfect choice.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I treat every patient as an individual, and take them from where they are to where they want to be. I continue learning in order to help increase my knowledge. I treat emotional issues, fertility, and more. I have a certificate in Oriental reproductive medicine, which requires increased knowledge in that area.

I using vibration and cold laser when needed, after many hours of study using them. I also use herbs and homeopathy as needed to increase resolution of problems more quickly. I help with symptoms in a natural way. I can help with almost any problem, and will refer out if needed. All ages benefit, as do problems from head to toe.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy helping patients become pain free, have peace of mind, and resolve problems of all kinds. This is a fulfilling way to spend my time.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I do not hear misconceptions much.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I practice qigong as a certified instructor, eat well, exercise with my dog, and do Pilates. We all need exercise, to eat well, and to drink plenty of water. I could not function at work without doing so.

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miamiorientalmedicine.com
info@miamiorientalmedicine.com
(305) 323-3123
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195 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134

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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!

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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?
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?
I fell in love with my work. The Doctor of Chinese Medicine program had everything I was looking for to continue to enhance my education. The combination of acupuncture, herbs, massage, nutrition and much more seemed to be the perfect complement in order to help my clients further their progress to achieve maximum health.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I undoubtedly add all of my personality into my work. Since we are all different with the same education, this would distinguish me as a unique acupuncturist. I have a fun, easy going personality, ensuring that anyone will immediately feel comfortable even when I am poking them with needles. I am passionate about my field which is a benefit to my clients. They know that I genuinely care for their wellbeing and health.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Educating clients, and seeing their surprise when they feel the results. Every day offers a new challenge with different symptoms to consider. This keeps me on my toes. Last but not least, being engaged and talking with my clients, always learning from them.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
“Acupuncture doesn’t work.” When I hear this, I like to remind clients that sometimes things come very easy and sometimes one must work harder. In the end, great results can be enjoyed and appreciated. It’s just a matter of time, patience and effort, like anything else in life.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Laughter, love, and trying anything! I like to look at the bright side of a sticky situation while keeping my smile bright. Exercise is very important to me as well as educating myself as often as possible. You can never stop learning in life. I always strive to find what modality will work in different situations and use it. There is so much out there for us to try. I believe that keeping an open heart and mind will always help me stay healthy.

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krowe.tcmd@gmail.com
backatitmassage.com
(403) 688-1561

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203-1205 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, Alberta T1W 1P5, Canada

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