Alessandra was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Evanston, IL. She attained her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois UC. In her 20’s she worked in the Cable Television Industry for USA Network in NYC and as a regional Account Executive for a Cable TV affiliate in Santa Fe, NM. In her 30’s she was both a “Hollywood Housewife” married to the actor Kevin Sussman and an aspiring Songwriter / Musician.
In her 40’s she began her journey into Acupuncture at Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, CA where she graduated Cum Laude. She also earned a Doctoral Degree from Pacific College of Health & Sciences. Now, in her 50’s, she has built the career of her dreams and a well-respected private practice in Salt Lake City, UT called Retreatment Wellness. Here she provides holistic health and beauty treatments that are restorative to the body-mind-soul so you feel like you’ve been on a retreat.
Hello Alessandra Young, D.Ac., DAEAM!
Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, how long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
I have been practicing since 2019 and my specialty in practice is incorporating sound bath & guided meditation into my treatments. Most of my referrals are based upon my successes with anxiety, chronic pain, neurological disorders, and endocrine disorders. It seems these conditions are my specialty.
What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?
Like so many others… My experience as a patient inspired me. Western Medicine did not offer me the care or solutions that I required to heal myself from a long list of “women’s health” problems. With my PCP and OB/GYN, it seemed that the only solutions I was ever given for my concerns were pills – pain or hormone. I found relief and true healing in Eastern Medicine. This experience inspired me to want to provide the seemingly miraculous care that I received, to others.
Tell us more about microneedling, or as you call it, a vegan vampire facial. What are the benefits, and where did you come up with this name?
I love Microneedling and am an early adopter, having used it as a part of my personal facial rejuvenation care for over a decade. The benefit is that I have great skin for my age – so I am a testament to the benefits.
I have found that people don’t know what Microneedling is, but they have seen the “Vampire Facial” or PRP treatment that was on the TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Because of those bloody images, a lot of people have been turned-off by the procedure. By saying “Vegan” I am suggesting that there is no blood involved and that it is plant based – I use Apple Stem Cells instead of PRP.
I also needed a way to peak interest with my advertisements and indicate that I use Apple Stem Cells without using the term “Stem Cells.” This is because if you are advertising on Google and their web crawlers see the term “stem cells” on your advertisements (or on your website), then your content will likely be blocked and you may be barred from advertising. I learned this the hard way. When I removed the term “stem cell” from my ads, they were no longer blocked and my website traffic went up.
For full transparency, I do explain on intake that “Vegan” might be a misnomer because I use Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which is often derived from cocks comb (animal). HA is the foundation for the custom serums I create using AcuMicro products. Some HA is derived from bacteria but I have not found a formulation that is transparent about this origin, yet. Whenever possible, I do my best to find alternatives to animal products in my practice.
“For those who feel like they ‘can’t meditate,’ this experience often changes their mind.“
-Alessandra Young, D.Ac, DAEAM
You have also integrated sound bath meditation into your acupuncture practice – so cool! What are the benefits, and what made you decide to add this modality?
I have been guiding sound bath meditation since before I was a licensed acupuncturist. I use crystal sound bowls to create binaural beats that entrain the brain into deep meditative states. It is sedative, so I find that it is another way to efficiently shift a person’s operating system from sympathetic (fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and relax). I recommend this add-on for anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain treatments.
I decided to use this modality the first time I experienced a sound bath. At the time, I was struggling with my own meditation practice. My life was particularly chaotic from going through a divorce. With the sound bath, I felt restored in my meditation practice. I realized that I could use this tool to assist my patients in accessing a deep level of meditation, to affect their inner alchemy, and possibly improve their healing. For those who feel like they “can’t meditate,” this experience often changes their mind.
Share a recent success story you had with a patient. What acupuncture points, herbs, or other interventions (meditation, yoga, nutrition, etc) did you use to help them achieve results?
Last week, a new patient arrived with foot pain 7/10. She saw an orthopedic surgeon for a suspected partial plantar plate tear in August 2022. Her interventions were cortisone shots, new shoes / inserts, foot taping and rest. The first cortisone shot worked and she was pain-free for 3 months. The second cortisone shot made it worse. She suffered chronic 7+/10 pain in her foot for nearly half a year and this pain has prevented her from addressing her weight and health concerns. The patient is overweight and also has high blood pressure and hypothyroidism that are well managed by prescription medication.
Examination notes include no bruising, no swelling, no boney protuberances or misalignment. Findings included distended veins on the dorsum of her foot between the 3rd & 4th Metatarsal Phalanges.
Patient describes pain felt in the bottom of the foot below the 2nd – 4th toe and pulling into the arch as throbbing, aching and aggravated by walking. Pain felt on the top of the foot between 3rd and 4th phalanges is chronic, dull and less severe.
My diagnosis is Qi & Blood Stagnation in the Sinews of Foot Yang Ming & Foot Shao Yin, SP Qi Xu with Damp Accumulation, and KD Yang Qi Deficiency. My approach was to move Qi and Blood in the Affected Sinews to Arrest Pain, promote Spleen Qi to resolve dampness, and promote Kidney Yang Qi.
Acupuncture treatments have included:
SET ONE: Right: perineural needling at Ba Feng with Moxa Salve and an infrared heat lamp. SP3, SP 6, SP 9, SP 10, ST 36, ST 40
Left: LI 4
Bilateral: ESM, E-Sympathetic, E-KD, E-Endocrine, YT
SET TWO: Right: Ah Shi Needling into Foot Pad and between phalanges, KD 3, KD 7, UB 57 Bi-lateral: UB 23, UB 20, UB 18, UB 15, GB 21, GB 20, DU 20
She was pain free when she left the first treatment and the relief persisted for a day. The pain returned two days later and was a 2/10. The pain had increased to 4/10 by the 2nd appointment. After the 2nd appointment, again, her foot pain was 0/10 and it persisted a little longer. She has just left her third appointment and texted me that her foot “feels normal.” We scheduled 2 treatments per week for 3 weeks and we are half-way through treatment.
To address her weight concerns, I recommended mindful eating practices as described by Thich Nhat Hanh in his book “Mindful Eating.” She is a nurse, so she has excellent dietary knowledge and knows how to eat healthfully. My focus is on assisting her in developing a healthier relationship with eating through awareness and attitude – to make eating an act of self love.
I also suggested one change in her “diet” and that is a breakfast shake as a meal replacement. I recommended a 24 oz plant-based protein (20 grams) shake combined with Organic Super Greens powder by Ancient Nutrition. This product by Ancient Nutrition contains tonifying herbs (reishi & cordyceps), liver detox herbs, digestive enzymes, SBO probiotics and it is nutrient dense. I recommend this approach because it curbs overeating in two ways: (1) high protein is satiating and improves levels of appetite-regulating hormones; and (2) sometimes cravings happen because the body is signaling a nutritional need and by providing dense nutrition with digestive enzymes the body is better able to be nutritionally “satisfied.” Of course I insist that the shake be room temperature – never cold.
She has given me permission to share her case and wanted me to also share that she loves French Fries and Horses!
You have a world of experience in the eastern medicine field, which work or educational experience do you feel impacted you and your practice the most to get you to the point you are today?
My experience as an “Acupuncturist at Sea” helped me to excel as a new Acupuncturist. It was impactful because of how I approached that time and the opportunity. I boarded the ship fresh out of school with my mini-Kim, Maciocia, and CAM books. Every night I reviewed. Everyday I worked the basics and I studied for my California Boards.
As an “Acupuncturist at Sea” I got to experience what had been promised: the great impact of this medicine when a patient uses it in the proper dosage and is treated multiple times per week. On a ship, people have loads of time to invest in self-care – and they do! The effects of Acupuncture daily are phenomenal. And when a person with chronic debilitating migraines is moved to tears (and an enormous cash tip) because you made it possible for her to get out of bed and enjoy the trip… Well, it feels so good you can almost forget about the student loans!
More importantly, I learned how to trust myself as a practitioner because when you’re on a ship at sea there is nobody there to guide you. All you can do is hit the books and learn to trust yourself. The experience gave me great confidence. Confidence is an energy that patients feel and appreciate.
What do your retreats involve, and what is the goal for patients who sign up?
My aim is to hold a retreat quarterly and the programming of each will be different. I have healed deeply at retreats and wanted to share this immersive approach with my patients.
This November, my retreat at Maple Grove Hot Springs is an opportunity for patients to: enrich their knowledge of practices to calm their nervous system; develop a community around healing; and to connect with nature. The goal is simple: Rest, Relax, Recharge.
Maple Grove Hot Springs is a 45 acre, off-the-grid (no electronic devices!), natural mineral hot springs, “Glamping” site. Programming includes sound bath meditation twice daily and the evening sound bath also offers ear acupuncture. The day will start with a soak in hot springs followed by a Yin Yoga practice and a Qi Gong practice later in the day. I have partnered with a WATSU massage therapist who will be providing bodywork in the hot springs throughout the day. The hot springs are beside a river so we will be cold plunging throughout the day too. This retreat is sold out.
I am planning my next retreat in Tulum, MX with an MD who specializes in esthetics. This will be for women 45+ who seek to dive deeply into regenerative medicine, graceful aging / embracing the second spring, and self-care practices. More information will be available on my website soon.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
I would have encouraged myself to begin my own practice and not to work for another practitioner. A caveat would be that if you have an opportunity to work with a master who is also a mentor – do that.
My advice to people just getting out of school is to find ways to finance your business – make a business plan. There is a wonderful tool through the Woman’s SBA that is called “Dreambuilder.” It will help you create a robust business plan. As a new business you will (probably) not be eligible for financing through the SBA or Banks because they (typically) require 2 years of experience in the profession. But, you can find “micro loan” products by private lenders that will allow you to launch your dream business.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
REFERRALS. So you have to be getting better and better, always studying, to ensure that you are providing the best care. I get more than 85% of my new business from referrals. The rest is from marketing.
Marketing tips – use AI to help generate blogs and post regularly because the “web crawlers” will give your new website a higher ranking. You need this for visibility on Google Maps. Apple maps is more dependent on Yelp reviews for ranking. So you also want to make sure your getting reviews consistently.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
It’s difficult to secure financing for a new business. Start this process before you graduate.
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?
When you encounter a patient in this state, lead with your heart, ground your energy and lower your voice. Their energy will follow yours. I have patients who arrive angry, or frightened, or in tears… I consider this an honor that they feel safe enough to share their emotions with me. (Plus it’s a great diagnostic!) I work to create a safe space where I can hold all of this energy and help them transmute it. I always make sure that they know their difficult emotions are not shameful or wrong. This is a part of my approach to healing.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
I have favorite point combinations and favorite orders of insertion. For back pain I like to begin with Du 20 and then contralateral insertions of SI 3 (SI 4) and UB 60 (UB63) (making a 5 point star). For anxiety patients with dream-disturbed or restless sleep, I like to begin treatment with the Ghost Points: Yin Tang and Yin Bai (SP 1). Maybe my favorite single point is Sanyinjiao / SP 6? Tough question. All the points are useful.
Tell us about some herbal formulas and foods you find yourself consistently recommending to your patients, friends, and colleagues. What makes these herbs/foods so helpful?
I use food as medicine often. I have introduced many patients to cooking with Yiyiren / Job’s Tears / Croix seeds. Yiyiren addresses damp and heat, which are common problems. They can be prepared savory or sweet so patients have lots of options for integrating them as a side dish. And most people find them delicious! The trick is to sort through them and throw away the odd colored ones – they can make the pot bitter.
Sometimes, the best resource for improving our skills is by learning from the other acupuncturists we meet along our professional journey. What is one thing you learned from a fellow acupuncturist or holistic practitioner that has helped you in your professional growth, or in your care for patients?
When I was in school and shadowing a senior level student, we had a patient with a story that was heart wrenching. I could hardly stop myself from crying but I noticed the other student settle into a Qi Gong stance, relax, and breathe. She was grounding. I took the cue and later we discussed the importance of this practice. This has been impactful to my work in clinic. (Thanks Jessica!)
Tell us about your time at Pacific College of Health & Sciences. How did developing research studies and interpreting lab data impact how you treat and care for your patients today?
The PCOM degree coursework has been useful for me and I recommend the program. While in the program, a student has nearly unlimited access to research databases so you can find information on nearly every topic of interest. But, you lose access after graduation and encounter pay walls, so researching on behalf of a patient can be frustrating. So, I’m taking this opportunity to “put it out there:” it would be a beneficial tool for alumni to have extended access. Pretty please.
I like to share the research I find through the NIH and Pubmed with my patients to give them confidence in the care they are receiving and to show that Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is evidence-based healthcare.
I try to strike a balance between seeking the newest research around protocols and herbs that are helpful for conditions, while always honoring the wisdom of the protocols described by the “ancients” and trusting in my own TEAM diagnosis.
After the program, I enrolled a patient to do a clinical study for the treatment of “sub clinical” hypothyroidism. It was a three month course of treatment with the results verified in blood work. Her thyroid markers, energy and mood improved! Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time or energy to pull it all together and write the study.
The program taught me how to develop research but it didn’t teach me how to find the time to execute it while running a business!
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self”, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
I am grateful for having dogs to walk every day – rain or shine and without fail. Walking vigorously daily is important for my health and peace-of-mind. If you aren’t walking every day, then get a dog friend to motivate you! Dogs can help you live happier and longer.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
“You’re amazing. I recommended you to my whole family. You’re going to be seeing all of us now.”
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
“Why do you keep eyeballs in a jar?” I keep a jar filled with water where I deposit the burned cotton balls from fire cupping. Without her glasses and from across the room, my patient thought it was a jar of eyeballs! I said laughingly “You thought I had a jar of eyeballs and you still came to see me?!”
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
Creating the business of my dreams is what I am most proud of! This is year 2 of creating a beautiful, relaxing, sacred space that has become a refuge and place of healing.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
My billboard would be to educate people in Utah about the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture. When I moved to Utah I thought that people would flock to my business because there are only approximately 100 Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturists in practice in the whole state. What I discovered is that in this state Acupuncture is not considered medical and that any person putting a needle into a body can call it Acupuncture.
So, there are Chiropractors and PTs who advertise that they perform Acupuncture but they are Dry Needling and have little education, if any, on the foundation of the medicine. In the end, it is the health of the public that suffers from un-informed policies. I am currently on the board for the Utah Association of East Asian Medicine and we have been working toward legislative changes. But the future of the board is uncertain as Acupuncturists here do not join the association… We’re at an inflection point and need more support.
Actually, we need more “Real” and Board Certified Acupuncturists in Utah. Maybe it would be a better use of a billboard to try to recruit more Acupuncturists to the state?
What is your definition of success?
Achieving what you set out to do. And doing things for the sake of happiness. For me, happiness comes from having purpose for the greater good. With each clinical success I feel more and more successful and honored to be a part of this profession.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Eidetic memory so that I can read and remember everything. I would be a better herbalist, for sure.
*Rapid fire questions! *:
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Sun or moon? Sun
Cupping or Tui na? Cupping
Yin or Yang? Yin
Meditation or exercise? Meditation
Instagram or Facebook? IG
Top 3 Favorite Books? Waking the Tiger, The Alchemist, and Leaves of Grass
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
Retreatment Wellness
Reatreatment Wellness Facebook