Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Thomas.
Rose, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always liked to help. I loved learning about people’s lives and what paths lead to their current situations. I pondered what I would one day do when I grew up. My parents and grandma always reinforced what a good listener I am and that I had a healing energy. I was very fortunate to grow up with exposure to healing practices like chiropractic, acupuncture and vegetarianism. My first wow moment came when I was 8 when I would sit in on my mom’s acupuncture treatments. It was exciting, fascinating and relaxing. A seed was planted. As a teenager, my first job was at OB Peoples food store. I was very fortunate to have lots of training there in herbalism, nutrition and aromatherapy. At 22, I began school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. I thought I would have more of just an herbal and nutritional practice until I put my first needle in. I felt like I had arrived home. We also are trained in body work at Pacific College and I loved the combination of nutrition, herbs, acupuncture and body work. I continue to integrate all 4 into almost every treatment I do. I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to be of service in such a holistic way. My practice is fun, nourishing, educational and deeply fulfilling and meaningful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is not east to run a business but it is a necessary part to succeed at doing what I love. I take health insurance which allows many to affordably come with more regularity. Health insurance is a huge blessing but also comes with lots paperwork and challenges with reimbursement. I am required by many plans to fight on why the patient needs continued care. I understand that ‘medically necessary ‘ is important however can you imagine a world where we looked at health as the goal, not an illness. I believe and it has been my personal experience as well that wellness care keeps you healthy and resilient to face the challenges of moving thru life.
My other struggles were working full time as I went to school 3/4 time. It took me 6 years rather than 4 and I never was with the same group of students. That was challenging and isolating at times. This longer period helped me to get more clinical experience and really have Chinese medicine integrate and settle into me. I also was very fortunate to work in the natural foods industry as a sales representative. I worked for Gaia herbs and I was able to deepen my knowledge of western herbalism during this time as the focus of my job was consumer and staff education.
Rose the Acupuncturist – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My work is about meeting people where they are at in there lives and helping them thru lifestyle, acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition to find optimal health. I try to honor where people are and what that can do and afford to do to create greater wellbeing.
I have a general practice but have had lots of experience with pain management and stress/emotional support.
I am most proud of being really present to my patients, so I can help them get to more optimal health. I am humble and when I feel I am not able to be of optimal service I refer out. I have very good communication with my clients and that has been key. I take my time to really get to know people so I can be of greater service.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as a meaningful and purposeful life. The criteria are the feedback I get from my clients on their health improvements. But, more than anything,success is a feeling of deep heart opening satisfaction that I am present and really showing up for wherever someone is right now. I believe that over half the healing is being right here, right now, with the clients I am serving. This is one of the major challenges in the healing industry where people are on the clock rather than at the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: rosetheacupuncturist.com
- Phone: 619-548-6733
- Email: rosethomasacupuncturist@gmail.com
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