Where to start? This is the first blog that I have ever written, so it may take me a little while to get the hang of it, so bear with me! This last month has been a whirlwind of every kind of emotion possible. It makes me excited to think that I am fulfilling a dream I’ve had for many years. There have been so many people that have helped and supported me along the way and I am grateful for them every single day!
I figured the best way to start a blog is to tell you a little bit about myself. I am married to an amazing man who I have known since kindergarten. We have beautiful little boy who is 6 months old. They are the light of my life and make everyday amazing.
I knew at the age of 13, during an apprenticeship with a group midwives, that I wanted to be involved in helping women’s health issues in some way. It wasn't until some years later that I realized that acupuncture would be my medicine of choice. Observing my mom's personal experience with acupuncture and the wonderful results that she received from treatment had a huge impact on me. The first time I received acupuncture was a magical experience. I went from being a stressed 16 year old with a pounding migraine, to a pain free and relaxed teen. I was so relaxed that I had to call my mom to drive me home. Each successive treatment proved to me that acupuncture was able to help me with my migraines and other health issues.
While working on my psychology degree at Southern Oregon University I signed up for a Chinese herbs class to fulfill an elective requirement. I was intrigued by the healing properties of herbs and began to do more research on my own. I ended up taking an intro to acupuncture class the next quarter and spending time observing my professor while treating patients. During my senior year I began to contemplate my future. After going back and forth between attending Medical School or getting a masters in Psychology, my dad finally just looked at me and said, " Why don't you consider a degree in acupuncture”. I researched and visited several schools over the next couple months and ultimately decided to attend the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Those next four years of Grad school were amazing, even the hours and hours of studying and stressful comp exams. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an endless ocean of information. There is always something new to learn and master. During school and after graduation I have had many opportunities to work with many talented and skilled practitioners and I am so grateful for what I have learned from all of them.
Before graduation I passed my national board exams this allows me to practice in most states. California however has their own board exam. After moving back to Redding a little over two years ago I began the journey of studying for my California board exam. This proved to be very challenging and took me over a year to accomplish. During this time I worked with a very skilled and seasoned practitioner, and continued my education. At the beginning of this year I decided it was time to fulfill a dream and start my own practice. So now my new journey begins.
On that note I will conclude my first blog with a reminder that Radiant Sun Acupuncture is having an open house this Thursday March 10 from 3 pm-7pm! I hope to see you there and answer any questions that you may have about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine!
