We recently connected with Deborah Rinehart and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deborah, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Thank you for the question.
Self-care is one of my favorite topics for anyone in health care.
I was a registered nurse for 23 years and believed I should give my all to my patients regardless of the cost to myself. I eventually suffered a bad case of burnout. One of the biggest lessons I learned from my nursing career is the value of a life/work/self-care balance. I knew in Chinese medicine school the importance of the healer.
How does the healer assist the patient in healing if the healer isn’t well?
So, when I started my acupuncture business, I consciously prioritized self-care and life/work balance. Sometimes I remind myself to slow down or take a vacation. Self-care is my responsibility; if I don’t take care of myself, no one else will. Only I know what I need. I have learned to set boundaries and to say “no” to the things I do not want to do.
I practice self-care by scheduling an extra day off. Get that massage or go to a yoga class.
Meditate, read a book, or go to the park and be with nature!
Self-care does not have to cost much or anything. Since I am an acupuncturist, I treat myself and do facial gua sha and cosmetic acupuncture to prevent premature aging, making me feel good.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My background in nursing helps me produce a well-balanced treatment plan for my patients. I also rely on my Western medicine background to meet the needs of the individual. A patient may need more than one modality to heal their chief complaint.
Acupuncture is best known and often pursued for pain issues. I treat pain, but it is also very effective for treating other ailments like anxiety, stress, women’s health, fertility, neuropathy, and sleep.
I offer various services, including acupuncture, herbal formulas, cupping, ear seeds, & LED light therapy. I start with a consult to evaluate the patient for the best treatment option, and I see a wide range of patients from teens on up for various reasons.
My specialty is cosmetic facial acupuncture and micro-needling. I see a void in this area for more natural beauty options. I want to raise awareness about this holistic approach to beauty, aging, and well-being.
I hope more people find this medicine as valuable and helpful as I do. I love the challenge of assisting patients in their healing regardless of the chief complaint.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the most essential qualities is patient safety. I build trust with my patients by providing a safe environment. I practice hand washing and clean needle technique. The atmosphere is relaxing so my patients can let go of their issues and have the space that allows healing to take place.
I had terrific mentors when I was in school. Some of what they said is still in my head and guides my practice. It is essential to pass knowledge along to those who come after you.
Education is important. Patients desire to understand how to heal and prevent their issues from coming back. Providing good communication is vital for successful treatment.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
An ideal patient is on a health and wellness journey seeking natural holistic care and understands that healing takes time. The patient is a vital part of the healthcare team.
Some people come in with 30 years of back pain and want two treatments. That is not how acupuncture works or how the body heals. I am looking for patients who wish to make the commitment needed to allow healing. The longer someone has had an illness or injury, the more required treatment. If the issue is less than six months old, fewer treatments are typically needed.
We do a consultation with time and financial commitment discussed upfront. I answer the patient’s questions and proceed with the recommended plan.
I do not take insurance but offer a superbill for patients to file a reimbursement claim with their insurance company. Acupuncture has a multitude of benefits that treat and prevent illness and injury. And I am happy to offer this holistic service to the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://willowtreeacupuncturewellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acupuncture.willow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowtreeacu/
Image Credits
Deborah Rinehart
