Dr. Samantha Buchanan, DACM, L.Ac, is the founder and lead practitioner of Pointe Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition from San Francisco State University, her Masters degree from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her doctorate from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists where she is committed to advocating for the protection of this beautiful medicine within modern healthcare. She is committed to providing her patients with holistic comprehensive care for everyday well-being to enhance how patients feel in their daily lives.
Hello Dr. Samantha Buchanan DACM L.Ac.!
Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, tell us about the spark that led to your pursuit of the acupuncture and TCM field.
The spark that ignited my journey into acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came after breaking my leg and requiring two surgeries. The second surgeon told me I would never run again, which led me to explore alternative healing methods. Acupuncture not only accelerated my recovery but also inspired me to dedicate my life to this powerful medicine. (+I have run MANY marathons since:)
How long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
I have been practicing for over 10 years. My specialties include comprehensive care for general well-being, chronic pain, mental health support, hormones, and metabolic conditions. My goal is to help patients feel better than they did yesterday.
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was overcoming skepticism—from both myself and others—about the power of acupuncture in a Western-dominated medical landscape. I persevered by deepening my education, witnessing transformative patient outcomes, and building confidence in the science and art of TCM.
How has your education in nutrition at San Francisco State University influenced your practice today?
My undergrad education in nutrition at San Francisco State University significantly influences my practice today. Nutrition is a foundational aspect of all health outcomes, and I always combine individual dietary guidance with acupuncture and herbal medicine to address the root causes of my patients’ conditions.
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?
Serving patients at Haight Ashbury free clinic in the mission District of San Francisco very early in my career had the greatest impact on me. It taught me the importance of accessibility and connection that was unmatched for this population. Witnessing the collective healing power of TCM in those settings solidified my commitment to this field!
Tell us about your experience serving as the President of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists.
Serving as the President of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists has been a very unexpected and profound experience. It has allowed me to advocate for our profession and work with like-minded practitioners to protect and advance this beautiful medicine. Legislative advocacy has been especially rewarding- (who knew?), as we are making strides to ensure safe and ethical practices in Michigan and it is very exciting!
You have an apothecary, so cool! What types of products do you offer? What items do you see patients gravitating to the most?
Our apothecary offers a range of herbal formulas, tinctures, teas, skin care lines, traditional foods and wellness products that we have done all of the research on to make sure they are only the highest quality good for patients. Patients gravitate most toward Evil Bone Water, Po Chai, traditional one pot foods and the top of the line skin care lines.
How does Celluma Light Therapy and the crystal mat work, and what do patients say about it?
Celluma Light Therapy uses LED light to enhance cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production. The crystal mat provides far-infrared heat and negative ions to promote relaxation and detoxification. Patients love how these therapies enhance their treatments, often reporting a deep sense of calm and noticeable improvements in their skin and energy.
You have an amazing team of professionals at your practice. How has being surrounded by other holistic practitioners of different specialties benefited the care and treatment of patients?
Having a team of practitioners creates a synergy that benefits our patients immensely. Combining specialties like acupuncture, functional medicine, and aesthetic acupuncture allows us to address issues from multiple angles, providing truly integrative care- inside and out 🙂
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?
A patient struggling with Sinus tachycardia scheduled to get a pacemaker recently achieved significant relief. I used a combination of acupuncture points like HT-5, PC-6, Ren-14, Ren-17, YT , along with herbal formula Sheng Ma San. By also addressing lifestyle factors like stress, diet, exercise and sleep, the patient went from multiple episodes a day and currently we are 2+ weeks without any signs of. He is considering no pacemaker.
What makes you feel inspired about acupuncture?
I feel inspired by acupuncture’s ability to empower people to take control of their health. Watching patients experience profound healing- often when they’ve tried everything else- is endlessly rewarding.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Trust the process and have patience. Building a thriving practice and mastering your craft takes time. Surround yourself with mentors, stay curious, and never stop learning.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
Consistency, patient connection, and adaptability are key. Build strong relationships, continually refine your skills, and stay passionate about your work.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
New acupuncturists should watch for burnout and financial challenges. Stay balanced, pace yourself, and seek mentorship to navigate the business side of practice.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
SP-6 for its versatility, DU-20 for calming the mind, and ST-36 for grounding and boosting energy.
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?
– Herbal Formulas- Po Chai for digestion- esp during the holidays! Yin Qiao San for cold season 😉
– Food Recs- High protein, good fats, Bone broth, Lemon ginger tea, and EAT SEASONAL- &always consider, Why are you eating what you are eating? What is it doing for me? Where does it come from? What is in it?
– Self-Care Tips during the winter months-Meal prep soups, prioritize sleep, and gentle movement
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 another acupuncture practitioner that has helped you in your professional growth, or in your care for patients?
A fellow Acu and Mentor Bob McAllister has taught me to be the best listener, to always make the patient feel as comfortable as possible- and with out question always make sure the patient gets in at least one good laugh before or after treatment (with you or with front desk:)
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self”, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
Waking up before the whole house does to have my morning lemon h20, coffee/ tea ritual, setting intentions for the day with some light stretching and then eating the foods that provide me with all the best medicine to make me feel my best every single day, walking my dog (no matter the weather even in -15 he is a husky), & once I am to work I make sure to clear my energy between each patient.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
A patient who is going through cancer treatment currently said “Every time I go for Chemo I imagine I am walking into Pointe Acupuncture it immediately helps me feel calm- I can even smell it!”
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
I walked in to treatment room patient was waking and said “Oh I was dreaming and hopeful you would forget about me”
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
Everyday I’m most proud of creating a space where patients feel safe, heard, and supported in their healing journey.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
“Feel better than yesterday, everyday.”
Diet – exercise – sleep
Because aging is not a disease, we should continue to listen to our bodies address the epigenetic factors that make up how we feel daily 🙂
What is your definition of success?
Success is helping others while staying true to your values and maintaining joy in your work.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to convince humans to stop producing/consuming Ultra Processed Foods- this would help reduce the chronic inflammation that most people are struggling with.
*Rapid fire questions! *:
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Tea
Sun or moon? Sun
Cupping or Tui na? Cupping
Yin or Yang? Yang
Meditation or exercise? Exercise
Instagram or Facebook? Insta
Top 3 Favorite Books? 4 agreements, No Mud No Lotus, Between Heaven and Earth
Spirit animal? Giraffe
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
Point Acupuncture
Point Acupuncture Instagram
Point Acupuncture Facebook
