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🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:
Community Acupuncture School Course
TCM Online Continuing Education Courses
Podcast Episode 16: Circadian Rhythms in Chinese Medicine
Podcast Episode 14: Harmonizing your Clinic Space with Feng Shui
Zen Den’s Instagram | Dr. Michelle’s Instagram
Show Notes
Community acupuncture is a topic we don’t often discuss. Michelle began by explaining how community acupuncture operates and its benefits. When asked about how community acupuncture helps both practitioners and patients, Michelle shared, “First, community acupuncture helps build a connection between the practitioner and patients by offering a more affordable, accessible way for patients to receive treatment. This hybrid model can blend community and private practices.”
Michelle loves that this approach helps more people and makes acupuncture more accessible, “I initially wasn’t interested in opening a community acupuncture clinic. However, during a period when I was going through a personal crisis, I realized the importance of accessible care.”
She discussed the financial challenge she faced during her divorce and her realization that even essential healthcare should be accessible, especially during life’s toughest moments. Michelle’s community clinic, The Zen Den, offers treatments on a sliding scale to ensure affordability for everyone.
The Journey to Community Acupuncture 🛣️
Michelle’s journey to establishing a successful community acupuncture clinic began with humble beginnings. “I started my clinic on a patio outside of my initial one-on-one clinic. Eventually, it grew to require a separate location, and now, we even have a hybrid clinic that has been steadily growing for five years, even through the pandemic.”
Her approach combines acupuncture with massage, setting her practice apart. “Originally, I practiced both acupuncture and massage therapy separately. Over time, I started blending the modalities, offering unique acupuncture-massage sessions.”
Her clinic’s success shows that community acupuncture can thrive while maintaining high-quality care for patients.
The Unique Approach with a Treatment Menu 🧾
Michelle uses a practical treatment menu in her community clinic. “The treatment menu helps direct patients and educate them about different things that acupuncture can treat. For example, we have treatments labeled for insomnia, stress, and low back pain.”
This helps streamline the intake process and tailors treatments to meet specific needs quickly and efficiently.
Introducing Lunar Acupuncture: Aligning with the Moon 🌙
One of the most fascinating aspects of Michelle’s practice is her use of lunar acupuncture, which aligns treatments with the phases of the moon. “Lunar acupuncture is about harmonizing the rising energy during a full moon and tonifying the yin energy during a new moon. Each phase of the moon affects us differently.”
Michelle tracks the lunar cycles and uses them to guide her treatment plans. “Around the full moon, symptoms often heighten, so I use points that ground and anchor that rising energy. Conversely, during the new moon, I focus on nourishing and tonifying the body.”
Her method includes selecting specific crystals and essential oils based on the zodiac sign and the energy of the moon, adding a layer of intention and holistic care to her treatments.
Educating and Empowering Practitioners 💻
Recognizing the need for more accessible education on community acupuncture, Michelle created a comprehensive course. “This course includes all my business strategies, treatment plans, and administrative tools. It guides practitioners from the idea phase to fully functional community acupuncture clinics.”
This course addresses the lack of business education in TCM schools and aims to help practitioners avoid common pitfalls, ensuring they can build successful practices from the start.
Michelle’s dedication to improving accessibility in acupuncture and her innovative approach to lunar acupuncture make her a true pioneer in the field. Her community acupuncture clinic, The Zen Den, stands as a testament to how integrating traditional practices with modern, community-focused methods can create a thriving, supportive environment for both practitioners and patients.
Disclaimer
The Acupro Show podcast and material shared through Acupro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. As well as, users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.
Loved this topic and speakers passion for it! Thanks for sharing it Clara.
So happy it resonated with you 🙂