In her own words…
Staying on track
“Many folks come in and they want a longer-term relationship. They’ve decided they want to do a 180 on their health. They are looking for relief and partnership. So, oftentimes I can be an accountability coach for them as they create new healthy habits. Acupuncture can do all these wonderful things, but if folks continue on their processed food and sedentary lifestyle, it can only do so much.”
Alternative path
“People are looking for a more holistic alternative—not only one that will reduce their pain, but also help to reduce stress, which usually go hand in hand. We have the opioid crisis and antibiotic resistance. So people are understanding that medication comes with side effects. Sometimes it’s absolutely necessary, but [it’s better] if there is a way to limit the amount they have to take—or not take it at all. Acupuncture can be an effective alternative in many cases.”
No quick fix
“I always manage expectations. Acupuncture is not a miracle cure, and a lot of people come after they have tried everything else. In an acute situation, we might be able to calm that down in a couple of sessions. With a chronic, persistent issue, it can take more time. It takes, on average, six to 12 treatments to get some traction and get some shifting in the pattern of disease that has developed over the course of several years.”
Going mainstream
“Since I started, doctors are suggesting acupuncture more [often] for patients. When my kids were in preschool and I was this mother who just graduated from acupuncture school, people looked at me as a little bit fringe. And now some of them are coming to me. It’s becoming more mainstream.”
Healing power
“I had one patient who had an acupuncture appointment scheduled for shingles and pain management. He called me on the way home from the hospital—a grown man, crying—to say he had to cancel his appointment because he had facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy. I said, ‘Turn your car around and come right in—we are going to work for the next 14 days.’ It really accelerated the healing process. Within two weeks, his doctor was super impressed with his recovery—his eye and mouth were no longer drooping.”
