This February, we sit down with acupuncturist Jennifer E. Winer L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSOM! Jennifer specializes in infertility, anxiety, and pain treatments, and helps to treat many other conditions.
She takes pride in going above and beyond for her patients, and has done extensive studying on Chinese medicine and acupuncture for the treatment of Facial Rejuvenation, low back pain, and Hepatitis C. Jennifer is a certified Hepatitis C practitioner, certified Facial rejuvenation practitioner and certified level 1 &2 Voila practitioner.
In addition to acupuncture, Jennifer utilizes Chinese herbal therapy, moxibustion, nutritional counseling, auricular therapy, cupping, tui na, and gua sha, VOILA, and the Body Sound Chair.
Welcome Jennifer Winer, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSOM! Thanks for taking the time to sit with us for Acupuncturist of the Month!
So, how long have you been practicing acupuncture for?
16 years.
What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?
I have experienced chronic pain and my mother had Hepatitis C. It was a very helpful alternative for she and I. Knowing there were alternatives to get help with health changed my life.
How did you get into practicing acupuncture for pain, infertility, and anxiety? What makes these conditions in particular a strength of yours?
I had always wanted to have a career doing something medical and when I experienced it and it was helpful to me, I knew it would be my life work. Helping others the way that I was helped.
You are also certified as a Level 1 and 2 Viola practitioner. Tell us a little but more about this certification. What inspired you to become certified?
I was inspired because it was another tool I could use for my patients in their healing. It is a non needle technique and a lot of children like that.
You also incorporate the Body Sound Chair in your practice. What does this treatment entail & how has it helped your patients?
The body sound chair is a relaxing way to help with pain, stress, and other issues by inducing a meditative state. I for one am not great at meditating and after 2 minutes in this chair I was. It uses vibration and music specific for meditation and is very relaxing.
Share a recent success story you had with a patient. What acupuncture points, herbs, or other interventions (meditation, yoga, nutrition, etc) did you use to help them achieve results?
A patient for the third time came in to get pregnant and now is pregnant with her third child. We combined acupuncture with her western medicine IVF treatment. Her third child was with the help of acupuncture and western medicine.
A patient with chronic sciatica for years, 3 treatments and has not come back. I used some supplements and some herbs.
A patient with stress and anxiety, after 4 treatments anxiety was very low, sleeping better, and low sugar cravings as she wanted to work on weight loss as well.
What is one thing about acupuncture & oriental medicine, that to this day, still amazes you?
That there are some techniques that are so amazing and work with no explanation. It just works. For example, pricking behind the knees any vessels that may need it can eliminate back pain. It works!
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I have experienced chronic pain and my mother had Hepatitis C. I made it my mission to help people with this amazing medicine. Some obstacles have been practitioners other than acupuncturists using Chinese medicine and acupuncture, yet not going through the 4 year masters degree that we do. It is very important to educate patients, and it is all about patient relationship & quality of care. I go above and beyond for my patients.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
Networking is essential. When I graduated there were no jobs in hospitals or clinics so many students were self-employed. I would tell myself to be patient, because you will build a clientele and have a wonderful practice, which I do.
Running a practice is not a simple or easy task – what do you feel was the biggest challenge in getting your practice up and running?
I think as is for most people just taking the leap and going for it. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What has been the most rewarding moment so far in your career as an acupuncturist?
Helping each client I see is a reward in itself. I do have a baby board with over 60 babies that I have helped patients reach their goal of having a child with acupuncture whether it was alone or combined with western medicine. Very grateful and very rewarding. Acupuncture can be a very important part to combine to make pregnancy happen.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
Listen. Always be a good listener. Support the patient to the best of your ability, and if the patient needs more than what you can offer or you need to refer them to other doctors to help find the root of the problem, then that is essential. Always stay calm and always listen.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
There are so many, but if I had to pick I would say gallbladder 34 – relaxes all the muscles in the body, CV17 – good for emotions and lungs, and LV3/LI4 – the combination opens all of the meridians. Also Shen Cong – great for mood and fogginess.
Sometimes, the best resource for improving our skills is by learning from the other acupuncturists we meet along our professional journey. What is one thing you learned from a fellow acupuncturist or holistic practitioner, that has helped you in your professional growth, or in your care for patients?
I learned about Candida and gut bacteria. How much Candida can affect the mood and body. Holistic medicine believes all disease begins in guts. I help a lot of my patients with getting this under control and have had a lot of success.
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self”, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
I use the body sound chair, I take care of myself by going to other practitioners, I have a gratitude journal, and I always get rest – very important.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
You mellowed my soul with your treatment.
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
Will this hurt – this patient has a lot of tattoos.
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
Having a successful practice for 16 years, and helping many patients improve their quality of life and/or get better.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
Winer Acupuncture, inc.
We go above and beyond for our patients!
Life doesn’t have to be a pain!
What is your definition of success?
Helping as many people as I can, and having a means to provide whichever technique I need to get to the root of the problem while also knowing when to recommend seeing a doctor & working together with both western and eastern medicine when needed.
If you had to choose a spirit animal, what would it be and why?
The elephant: Wisdom & Loyalty: Elephant symbolism also represents sensitivity, wisdom, stability, loyalty, intelligence, peace, reliability and determination, which are all seen in the animal’s nature when observed in the wild. Elephants are gentle giants, who show great care toward their herd, offspring and elders.
To learn more about Jennifer Winer, L.Ac., DIpl.Ac., MSOM and her work as an acupuncturist, be sure to check out her practice website, www.wineracupuncture.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and Facebook!
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