Acupuncture as a profession is a unique field, and one that requires a special skill set. When a student is just out of school, even if they have received some insight in their education as to where to go next, it can often be hard to navigate. Here, we’re going to get some exclusive advice from acupuncturists experienced working in the field. They will give us obstacles they’ve faced, advice, and more.
Ann McKinney, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I had a hard time getting my head around the language of TCM in school – such as wind/cold, dampness, Liver fire etc., but of course now it’s second nature! While in school I worked for an acupuncturist as her receptionist and found that to be very helpful – she was able to shed light on many questions I had!
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Starting a business takes a lot of time, effort and patience – make sure you have a strong business plan and take a course in marketing as that’s the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
Trying to set a regular schedule – when you’re enthusiastic in the beginning, you see people any day of the week so for the first many years I worked 6 days a week and then realized I was burning out. I then changed my schedule so that I didn’t have to work weekends but could accommodate all patients by working some evenings.
Dr. Sandra Carter, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
The obstacles I faced were many. I left my home, family and tribe to move to Florida to a city I had never even visited. I didn’t have a job at the time, so I did the rigorous 5 year program in 3 1/2 years. I ended up losing my house in N. C to foreclosure around the same time as graduation so I had no where to go back home to. There were few to no jobs available in 2014 in my field so I was forced to open my own business without any loans and only 3,000 to my name. I had no outside support on any level, encouragement, family, money, etc.. Fast-forward to today, I recently celebrated my 5th year in business on June 2, 2019 and I don’t regret one moment of the challenges I was presented with.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
The advice I would give to a younger me would be to keep pushing through, no matter what challenges you face. When you are persistent in working hard to obtain the dreams you have been given you will reach your goal!! Continue to love yourself and invest in yourself!!
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I think the financial aspects would probably present the biggest issue for a new practitioner. Renting space, utilities, supplies and licensing and insurance require a lot of up front money that some students may not be prepared for.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac, FABORM
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
Becoming an acupuncturist requires a big commitment. I went to acupuncture school for four years, graduated and opened my practice. Then, I returned to school for a two year program in herbal medicine. So, it was about a six year journey. I thought I’d never leave school. Then I graduated and opened my practice with, of course, no patients. Having to build a practice is no easy task. But, after twenty-two years in the game, that struggle is behind me.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
None. I made the right decision. Be true to thine self is my motto. I wanted to explore complementary medicine and I did. As a result, I have helped hundreds conceive where conception was not thought possible. Young man…you made the right decision!
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
Getting known and building trust. These are two big challenges that all newcomers must suffer through
Getting patients and getting reproductive endocrinologists to refer patients to me was also a challenge. When I started, (22 years ago), there was no real research on acupuncture in the context of infertility. As such, it was difficult to get people on board. Today, as a result of abundant and substantive research, acupuncture is undeniably accepted as an adjunct therapy that helps patients conceive and helps to prevent miscarriage. Today, doctors and patients, are, generally speaking, accepting of the value that traditional Chinese medicine has to offer.
Jeanie Mossa, MS, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
Of all the animals on the planet, humans are the hardest to deal with! I have had a few challenging pet owners down through the years that have pushed my buttons, boundaries and self-esteem. I have been hit on the head by kids with a Tonka truck and a broom. Had a few owners just disappear during their pets’ sessions. One woman left and took a bath another thought it was OK to go to the grocery store.
However, that is all part of working with the public and it has forced me to put certain rules and guidelines in place for house-calls or office visits. I send out an email with these rules to all new patients and other suggestions that help keep the pet calm during house-calls, like scheduling around noisy children or dinner time. Some of the rules I email include: The owner must be in the room at all times during the session; no TV, music or video games, food during the session.
I recommend that all those who make house-calls have a few of these in place.
I think being self-employed can be a challenge. There are busy times and very slow times, so juggling finances can be a dance.
Learning to manage time effectively and using the slower times of the year to work on writing books, teaching classes and marketing materials helped keep me busy, sane and my business growing.
I had moved out of state and then back recently, so starting over has taken time and patience. Also, as I age, being on the floor with dogs reminds me that I need to take care of myself too.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Save your money! This is not a profession you are going to get rich doing.
Have patience while building a practice. You may need to keep your day job to support yourself during the process. It does not happen overnight. It will take a few years for your business to grow. Being self-employed is not a 40 hour a week gig. You will be working on your days off doing marketing, office work, scheduling and answering emails.
Take your time in choosing the perfect business name. Make sure nobody else has it! Get a website, blog and Facebook page with that name as soon as possible.
Learn to say NO and have boundaries when it comes to your time and rates. Trust your gut feeling when dealing with people. If you are not comfortable making a house-call don’t do it.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I think once I decided to only treat animals, I had to get the word out. I had to think outside the box with ways to market to dog owners, veterinarians and those who worked with dogs. It took more time than I hoped, as patience is not one of my virtues, but eventually I learned to enjoy marketing, writing newsletters, blogs and giving talks about veterinary acupuncture & Chinese medicine for pets.
Jordan New, L.Ac, MSAOM, Dipl. O.M.
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
School and board exams were not easy, but I believe the challenge of accomplishing those feats made me into the successful and skilled clinician that I am today! It takes commitment, drive, passion, discipline and continual refinement of vision for the future.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Focus just as much on business development as I do on developing clinical skills and patient management. I fell in love with the medicine, and only recently have I realized how important the business component is.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
The biggest challenge has been learning how to run a business! I did not expect there to be so many details to take care of when I started, and I did not get into this profession to be a business man. However, refining my business skills is developing me into the powerful human and strong leader that I know I am destined to be. I gratefully accept the challenge
Mary Denison, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I assume you mean besides the cost of the extensive schooling… grants, student loans, etc. It took me about two years to shift my thinking of western medicine explanations into more quantum thinking and understanding the Yin and Yang theory of the universe.
Once I grasped that, I can’t NOT think that way, any longer. I was 41 when I decided to go back to school for this. I had two toddlers and a teenaged daughter, and had lost a full-time job previous to that. It was just plain rough trying to do it all. I was tired much of the time.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in the profession?
Hmmm…
I don’t really think I have any advice to myself because when the student is
ready, the teacher will come. I wasn’t ready earlier because I was
working full-time and having babies again later in life.
Maybe get more rest, when I could. I always eat fairly good, and took
herbal formulas to keep from wearing out, but I was busy in massage work, too.
Once the company I worked for closed the doors to the building we were at, they
gave me the opportunity to attend the schooling or training of my choice, and
helped pay for some of it. The Chinese doctor I mentioned earlier helped
me make that decision. My first intention was to go into Physical Therapy
but the details just didn’t work out. Acupuncture did, and was less than
a mile from me. When it’s supposed to happen, it will.
Running a practice is not a simple task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
Trying to be everything because I am a sole proprietor. I was not very computer savvy, either. I didn’t need much start-up money, because I have a large space in a finished basement where I could work, privately. I also had tables because I had a massage business.
But, it was my home, and I wasn’t sure I was comfortable in having strangers come to it. I worked on referrals, mainly, and joined network services from private healthcare insurances, like Blue Cross.
It was based on offering discounts to their members, but I felt safer because they were finding me through their insurances. It was still a cash pay business.
At the time I decided to go into cosmetic acupuncture, it was not popular then. I was competing with injectables, too, like botox, etc. That was a quick fix, mine was not.
Where to advertise became an issue because everyone wanted to do that for you, but not all are created equal, and I spent and lost a lot of money, making wrong choices. I hired a business consultant at one point that helped me understand a lot of things that I was simply ignorant about. It’s a learning curve, for sure, even now.
Bethany Leddy, L.Ac
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Pay more attention during herb and formula study and take an extra year to complete your degree. I wasn’t that into herbs when I was in school but now I find them absolutely essential. I ended up having to do a lot of study and restudy on them based on the different patients I have had. I did an accelerated three year program at school. It would have been smarter to slow it down.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I moved to New York in 2002. Smart phones didn’t exist and the internet was relatively new. Because I didn’t go to school in New York I wasn’t really plugged in to the AOM community. Finding a place to practice took me a few months. I started out renting hourly at a Pilates and Yoga Studio called Stretch. It was run by two wonderful women who really believed in acupuncture and my practice. They helped by referring a number of their clients and I also built relationships with a lot of other companies in the building. It was a great launching place for my practice. I am eternally grateful to both Michelle and Jessica for their help.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe its from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to improve a situation like this?
People want to be heard and listened to. They need someone to talk to and share their experience. I try not to give my patients too much advice, but I often offer a breathing exercise based in pranayama to help calm the nervous system. The technique is called square breathing and it is great to do together before you put the needles in. The timing can vary but all the parts need to be in an equal count whether you do a count of two, three, four, or five. You breathe in for a count of, for example, 4, hold the in breath for 4, exhale for 4, and hold the exhalation for 4. Repeat at least three times. This will help to calm the patients nervous system, and initiate the para-sympathetic response.
Amanda Brown, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I changed professions several times and was in Biotechnology for several years. I worked third shift and struggled with IBS and depression and anxiety. This is when I found acupuncture which helped me overcome these issues and change my life.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Do what you’re passionate about and not what you think you should do based on other’s opinions.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe its from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advise would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to improve a situation like this?
I think patient’s that are frustrated often just need someone to listen. Usually when you actively listen, the patient will realize you are there to help and will relax with treatment.
Jennifer Winer, L.Ac, Dipl.Ac, MSOM
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I have experienced chronic pain and my mother had Hepatitis C. I made it my mission to help people with this amazing medicine. Some obstacles have been practitioners other than acupuncturists using Chinese medicine and acupuncture, yet not going through the 4 year masters degree that we do. It is very important to educate patients, and it is all about patient relationship & quality of care. I go above and beyond for my patients.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Networking is essential. When I graduated there were no jobs in hospitals or clinics so many students were self-employed. I would tell myself to be patient, because you will build a clientele and have a wonderful practice, which I do.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I think as is for most people just taking the leap and going for it. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Dr. Tamsin Lee, DAOM, L.Ac, AEMP
On your journey to become an acupuncture researcher, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
So many! When I started acupuncture school, I always knew I was interested in research, however, I had a difficult time navigating a career path. The obstacles were primarily from people that did not understand my career vision. But I’ve always viewed negativity as a strong motivator. Fortunately, I had the support and guidance of wonderful mentors. I also reached out to people I admired, formed connections with researchers and sought opportunities outside of school.
For new acupuncturists interested in doing research, do you have any advice on how to get started in collaborating with over researchers and get funding?
First, familiarize yourself with the current literature, various design methods and researchers working in your area of interest.
Second, seek opportunities to gain research skills by working with the research department at your school, taking biostatistics or epidemiology classes or applying for a grant to receive the training you need.
Third, reach out to professionals through social media, cold emails or at conferences. Networking is critical and there are more opportunities for acupuncturists to work in research. I’m personally passionate about helping students interested in research or working in large institutions and offer various opportunities for support on my website.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Do you… Pay attention to your intuition, surround yourself with people that believe in you, celebrate the highs and the lows, find supportive mentors and trust that you’re on the right path.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
Breathe and hold space. I say this for the patient but more importantly, for yourself. As clinicians, we really have to take care of ourselves first. You can’t hold space for your patients if you don’t know how to hold space for yourself.
Leslie Murphy, L.Ac
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
Once I decided to go to acupuncture school, I knew it was the right decision for me even though I was still struggling with my chronic pain issue and unsure if I would even be able take notes in class. Of course I had people who thought I was completely crazy and to some extent I still face people unsure of what I do, but it’s about staying confident with what I always knew in my gut that this was the path I was meant to be on.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Hmmm. Good question. I really just jumped into starting my own private practice and didn’t overthink things which I think looking back on was the way to go.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I think the biggest challenge may have been finding the right office space. I was looking for two rooms in a quiet location not far from my house at an affordable price. It’s not always easy to find the perfect match right away. I ended up starting in one location but then as I figured out more of what I wanted and networked I later ended up moving to a location that best suited my needs.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
The best advice for dealing with any patient who comes in angered, frustrated, upset, hurt, etc. is to just listen. People just want to be heard so providing a listening ear is the best way to help these patients and to deal with these situations.
Miriam Pineles, DACM, L.Ac
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Pace yourself. Self-care is so important and is integral to success.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
Professionalism, Good customer service, Continuous learning/refining technique, A passion for life and healing, Healing one’s self to live in balance.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
Trying too many techniques. Find a method that speaks to you- that you resonate with and that also shows you it’s effective. Study that well and stick to it.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
To remember your job is to serve and heal. To use compassion and humility. No matter how a patient comes in, it’s important not to judge, and to meet them where they are – not only will you learn a lot about them by not reacting, you will have helped them a great deal by holding space for the difficult time they are in.
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