Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared West.
Hi Jared, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up with my mother’s acupuncture practice. At the time, very few people knew about acupuncture. It has been wonderful to watch awareness transform over the course of my life. Acupuncture is no longer “alternative” medicine. There has been a tremendous growth of research into acupuncture that is driving policy changes and redefining acupuncture as part of conventional care. Acupuncture is helping to reduce opiate use and abuse. It is used by the VA and a growing number of hospitals. Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old remedy that is offering solutions for the modern day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I moved to Cleveland after graduating acupuncture school and really struggled in my first year of practice. There were very few job opportunities for acupuncturists, almost no insurance plans that paid for treatment and patients were required to first get a referral from their doctor before receiving acupuncture treatment. I had a second job and was still struggling to pay my school loans. I almost gave up but was fortunate to have my wife’s support and a number of exceptional teachers who gave me the skills to keep developing as a practitioner. I now teach other acupuncturists the styles I have learned and advocate for better laws and insurance coverage through state and national organizations. I am glad to say that things have significantly improved in Ohio since I started practicing for both acupuncturists and our patients, and the future looks even brighter.
As you know, we’re big fans of Acupuncture and Integrative Solutions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Acupuncture and Integrative Solutions offers acupuncture, tai qi, yoga therapy, yoga for wellness, and reiki. We also have a wonderful retail space and offer regular classes in essential oils, Chinese diet, acupressure, and a variety of other health topics.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I was concerned when I moved to Cleveland that I wouldn’t know anyone. I grew up in a small town in Idaho, but I’ve enjoyed learning how interconnected we all are. The more value we can create for others, the more they will share that out. It can be hard to see some of that when you are starting out. But, after 15+ years of practice, it is wonderful to be seeing people I haven’t treated in years coming back or sending their children or parents. I don’t advertise, but I do work on building relationships and that is very worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acucleveland.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwacupuncture/?eid=ARDttNfn1oOkeWBmF8yobmny8W-MnJdKKEn2S_42ScQ2zR6QKvYz7s6EK8yQSjwd5VGYKvIQ86U-Wsmw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXnWToPDMZABXcnMFUbGnWg
