In 2022, ACE featured an all new set of acupuncturists to be Acupuncturist of the Month, and to share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge of practicing Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sometimes, the best way to grow within a profession is to learn from your fellow colleagues, and hear how they help and achieve results for their patients. This year we interviewed some amazing acupuncturists, each of which was packed full of insight, skill, and accomplishments. As 2022 comes to an end, we are taking a look at the highlights of the 2022 “Acupuncturist of the Month” interviews to set ourselves up for exponential growth in learning from one another as professionals in the year ahead of us.
Margot Dragon, MAOM, L.Ac
Margot is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of North Carolina and is also an NLP practitioner, hypnotist, and author; publishing a book called “The Silent Suicide, the Link Between PTSD, Addiction, and Breast Cancer”. She specializes in cancer patients, hypnosis, pain management, addiction, and more. Additionally, she has participated in clinical research with Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Women’s University, and is also a retired athlete who competed at a world championship level in martial arts.
Favorite quote by Margot Dragon, L.Ac:
“Don’t reinvent the wheel. Start as simple and small as you can then grow from there. Especially if you want to work on your own. Ask for Google reviews. Word of mouth is your best advertising.”
What advice or lessons-learned would you like to pass along to other acupuncturists who also want to publish a book?
There is no right or wrong way to publish. When you are determined you will find away, so don’t give up. Publish because you believe in your work and don’t let someone change what you want to accomplish.
Get a copy of Margot Dragon’s book here: The Silent Suicide, the Link Between PTSD, Addiction, and Breast Cancer
Dr. Chloe Stubberfield
Dr. Stubberfield is a licensed acupuncturist in Australia practicing acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and supplements. She completed a double degree in Chinese medicine and Human biology, then completed an internship in Nanjing, China for 4 months. Additionally, she has received post graduate training in fertility, pediatric care, functional medicine, and musculoskeletal complaints as a qualified Level 1 sports trainer.
Favorite quote by Dr. Chloe Stubberfield:
“For me, success is all about being happy, healthy, and contributing to society in a positive way.”
On your Instagram, you discuss how IVF and acupuncture work together. Why do you believe it’s most beneficial to have acupuncture as IVF support?
Working with women and fertility is HARD but nowhere near as hard as going through IVF. Some research suggests IVF is more stressful than a cancer diagnosis. The amount of stress that puts on a body is insane. This impacts sleep, diet, exercise and quality of life. Acupuncture is amazing for regulating stress hormones and balancing everything as well as increasing blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Get a copy of Dr. Chloe Stubberfield’s e-book here: The Which Doctor’s Guide to The Five Elements
Sarah Langthorne, L.Ac
Sarah is a licensed acupuncturist and board certified herbalist in the state of Illinois where she combines her background in acupuncture, movement, martial arts, and bodywork to explore the body’s connections as they relate to Chinese medicine. Additionally, she is a writer, presenter, and host of the upcoming podcast “The Acupuncture Translator.”
Favorite quote by Sarah Langthorne, L.Ac:
“You might be the best acupuncturist in the world, but if your patients don’t trust you, or feel like you’re not listening, or don’t understand your treatment plan, they won’t stick with you for long. We’re in the unique position where we’re both a medical and service industry. Patients come and go for a variety of reasons, but the ones who return come back for their experience with you.“
How important is patient education within the acupuncture practice, and how does it help?
Extraordinarily. Especially in the Midwest, there are a lot of people who aren’t aware that seeing an acupuncturist can help them, how treatments work and what to expect from the process. Patient education is crucial to bring patients in the door and keep them coming back for as long as they need to. Education is also the way to teach patients how to take care of themselves through the lens of Chinese medicine, so that they aren’t again reliant on a practitioner for constant treatments and care.
Check out her podcast on Spotify and Apple: The Acupuncture Translator
Also, check out her youtube channel: The Acupuncture Translator
Dr. Serena LoDuca, L.Ac, DAM
Dr. LoDuca is a licensed acupuncturist and board certified in Chinese herbal medicine in the state of Michigan where she practices acupuncture for pain management; musculoskeletal, neurological, and emotional. Additionally, lifestyle habits, nutritional counseling, and meditation are all a prominent part of her practice as well.
Favorite quote by Dr. Serena LoDuca, L.Ac, DAM:
“A person in pain is also not their true selves, they are just in survival mode. As their pain alleviates, I get the opportunity to meet the person under the pain. I am honored to help these patients and get to know who they truly are.“
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?
I was told by another acupuncturist to be careful not to diagnose patients with your pattern and not their own. This made me go back in my patient files and see how often I diagnosed patterns. I found that I frequently recommending herbal formulas and foods that I needed. This helped me take a step back and really evaluate my system. In the end I became a better listener and more methodical in my evaluations. Now when I look back on my patient files, I see that I am infrequently projecting my pattern onto my patients.
Check out her practice site: American Acupuncture Center
Check out her Instagram: American Acupuncture Center
Dr. Kathy Teisinger, DAOM, AP
Dr. Kathy is the owner of Acupuncture Therapy Center in Winter Haven, FL, treating patients since 1997 utilizing acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, acugraph, and more to treat her patients. She has received both her Master’s degree and Doctorate, and also interned in a hospital in China while in school. Additionally, she has published a book called “Balance Me the Body Edition, Let Your Body Tell You What to Eat”, and has produced her own line of skin care products.
Favorite quote by Dr. Kathy Teisinger, DAOM, AP:
“Never stop learning. Know that what we bring to the health care profession is greatly needed. Someone needs to teach people how to better take care of their body.“
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 have a large herbal pharmacy because I muscle test every single herbal formula that goes out of my clinic. One size does not fit all. Most people have food sensitivities. The worst are dairy products, wheat products, sugar and deep fat fried foods. Again I muscle test to determine what is good for them and what is not. When the human body test positive for a herbal formula or food, then it is going to do the body good.
Get a copy of Dr. Kathy Teisinger’s book here: Balance Me, The Body Edition
Get her skincare line here: Dr. Kathy’s Beauty
Get her Ply-U-Flex massage stick here: Ply-U-Flex Massage Stick
Thank You to all of our Acupuncturists.
Well, that’s a wrap!
We learned so much from our fellow acupuncturists this year, and had a great time learning about their specialties and triumphs as acupuncture providers, and as individuals.
The next year of acupuncturists is sure to bring in providers from all walks of life to give us more takeaways in 2023.
Until then, have a happy and healthy new year from all of us at ACE, and as always, take care of each other.