Community Highlights: Meet Dr. Ashley Barandiaran of The Acupuncture Nest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashley Barandiaran Licensed Acupuncturist & Doctor of Chinese Medicine. 

Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My interest in medicine began at a very early age when my younger sister was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. Riddled with seizures, delayed mental abilities, and skeletal issues, I knew medicine was the field I had to enter in order to make a difference in the lives of those around me. 

A doctor told my family my younger sister would never be able to walk, read or talk. Due to repeated unsuccessful visits with traditional doctors, a homeopathic M.D. was our first approach to alternative medicine. After eighteen short months, my sister was fever and seizure-free. Watching my sister’s success with homeopathic care convinced my family and I that this would be our method of care for the family. Chiropractic, homeopathic, acupuncture, and herbal remedies aided us in a way traditional medicine never could, blessing my family, and sister with health and joy. 

In 2009 I was rear-ended in an auto accident, resulting in over two years of chronic neck pain and I found myself looking at life very negatively. Remembering my sister’s hardships I turned to Acupuncture, Massage, and Chinese herbal formulas. These alternative modalities brought me the results I had been longing for. These methods left me feeling powerful and positive. I was able to find vitality within myself again. 

Being the caring, open-minded individual I am, I thrive helping patients in the same way my family was helped. In life, we have experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment, and naturally, we want to share these experiences with others. My personal growth and success with holistic health is what I want to share, more specifically with the knowledge and expertise in the field of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Acupuncture. This is something I am deeply passionate about sharing with the world. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I joined a high-volume community acupuncture franchise right after getting licensed. This allowed me to gain skills as a practitioner and as a business owner at a much faster pace than I could have ever learned on my own. The hustle of treating up to 40 patients a day was HARD work but I truly believe it shaped me and paid off tenfold. I was getting paid doing what I love; promoting the benefits of acupuncture to the public WHILE growing my private practice. Bit by bit I started lessening my hours as my private clientele increased. Now, I can proudly say that I am now solely SELF-employed full-time. 

Is it always smooth sailing? Not always. I am learning each and every day how to make my business run smoother (i.e., setting better systems, making things seamless for my clients, administrative work, social media, newsletters, phone calls, learning tech, etc.). There are SO MANY things that go into running a business and always room for growth. I feel SO full that this field is where I can continue to learn and improve with. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Acupuncture Nest?
The Acupuncture Nest is a boutique wellness Studio providing Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Wellness; as a 3rd generation resident in Point Loma, I take pride in being of service in my local neighborhood. 

I work with individuals who are stressed and in daily discomfort rebalance their bodies using acupuncture, herbs, and ancient techniques so they can feel relaxed, radiant, and self-aware. I help people overcome imbalance to actualize their highest potential by adapting 3000-year-old medicine to current medical needs. 

I specialize in the treatment of pain management (especially neck, low back, and knees), women’s reproductive, mental health, cosmetic acu, and stress-related conditions overall. I feel that this medicine genuinely treats all aspects required for healing: body, mind, and spirit. 

The Acupuncture Nest offers very individualized medicine. Having more time than a traditional doctor’s visit, we are able to hone in on your individual needs by getting a full-body intake to determine all health concerns and questions. This is what makes this medicine so unique and tailored. Using all your unique information I am able to create a personalized treatment plan based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). I always educate you on the process and how I am facilitating your body. On the initial treatment plan, I write up Acupuncture, lifestyle, diet, and herbal recommendation to further facilitate your health goals. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
“If you focus on your own gifts and unique expression and the True Self, and continue to let go of your smallness and start owning the greatness inside of YOU, you WILL find your own way to succeed.“ When you are able to focus on living purposefully things begin to truly start aligning. When you are in this alignment you become part of something bigger. It’s your unique way of serving others in the world that makes up your unique purpose. Living like this allows for a truly meaningful life. (Excerpt: You are More Than You Think You Are by Kimberly Snyder). 

I believe creating a clear vision, mission, and tactile steps to achieve your vision are key components to any success. Getting clear with what you see yourself doing in the long haul is a very important component too. If you are doing something you are not truly interested in, you will end up not being satisfied and burn yourself out (even if you are making tons of $$$). Take real-time with this. Connect with what you are passionate about and make something from that. What do others need from you? How can you help? Passion creates a natural influx of ideas, progress, and continual growth. I believe when you are in THIS space it is success. 

Pricing:

• New Client- Acupuncture & Consultation – $90
• Acupuncture -Returning Patient- 70$
• Fire Cupping Session- $45
• Herbal Consult- $40

Contact Info:

• Email: ashley@theacupuncturenest.co
• Website: https://theacupuncturenest.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacupuncturenest/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theacupuncturenest
• Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=google+the+acupunture+nest&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS894US894&biw=1280&bih=613&sxsrf=APq-WBvDhzBUj-tEClPNz3DU0O-3qdr3Ng%3A1650945140402&ei=dGxnYsyVGKHI0PEPgf-n4AM&ved=0ahUKEwjMn4z16bD3AhUhJDQIHYH_CTwQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=google+the+acupunture+nest&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBwgAEEcQsAMyCggAEEcQsAMQyQMyCAgAEJIDELADSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUABYAGDxC2gBcAF4AIABAIgBAJIBAJgBAMgBA8ABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#lrd=0x80deab5a19196549:0x10bd64a244c4b851,1,,,

Image Credits
Soulshine Effect Photography
Mariah Oelke