Today we’d like to introduce you to Stace Nelson-Hicks.
Hi Stace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After working in the entertainment industry for over a decade, first as a publicist and then as a television producer I had acquired great behind-the-scenes anecdotes, a museum’s worth of frameable memorabilia and what I considered the worst stress-related PMS a woman could have.
Because I knew that the birth control pill was all that allopathic medicine had to offer to control my unbearable monthly symptoms, and I didn’t want a pharmaceutical band-aid, I looked elsewhere for help. I found a Licensed Acupuncturist who treated me twice a week for six weeks and prescribed personalized herbal formulas that I took daily. Within two months, my symptoms were gone and my life was forever changed. At the time, I was producing medical segments for a morning talk show and soon realized that I would rather be the medical practitioner than the medical producer! My Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training expedited my acceptance into Asian medical school and I’ve never looked back!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Establishing a practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a calling and, I believe, must come from a passion for the medicine and a commitment to helping others. It is not an easy path to follow. The biggest barrier to overcome is ignorance about scope of our practice and the extensive medical training– both Eastern and Western—completed for licensure.
Most people don’t know our scope of practice. When they hear ‘acupuncture’ they tend to think only about needles and non-narcotic pain management. But like other primary care providers, we can diagnose and treat a very wide range of conditions using massage, exercise, herbs, supplements, and nutrition. We are able to order blood work, urinalysis, stool and saliva testing to look at hormones, blood sugar issues, the gut microbiome, and toxic exposures including mycotoxins, Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
Another little known fact is how rigorous our education is; TCM schooling is a four-year Master’s degree that includes two years of Western Internal Medicine, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology; two years of herbology (400 individual herbs and 100 formulas), Chinese Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Acupuncture (Dry Needling) and completing over 900 hours in clinic before we can sit for the California State Boards. Many of us continue our studies and earn a Doctorate; my focus was integrative medicine.
For example, many people still don’t think of TCM as a first-line treatment, but Acupuncturists are considered a primary care health professionals in California. Sadly, many people come to see a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) or Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) when other treatments have failed to work instead of the other way around. I explain to my patients that it’s easier to start with natural medicine and gently guide your body back into balance than to try to recalibrate after prolonged symptoms or more extreme interventions. Of course, there are conditions that must be treated with allopathic care, and we can work in conjunction with MDs and others on a treatment team as necessary, even treating the side effects of certain medications and surgical procedures, both during and after standard care.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Elixir Lifestyle Medicine, Inc. was created to optimize health outcomes. We do this by becoming our patients’ partners in health. We emphasize the fact that Optimal Health is a long-term goal, not just a quick fix. You are not coming to our office for a spa experience. You are here to heal and elevate your wellness. By utilizing Functional Medicine and Nutrition, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese herbology and exercise routines, we meet our patients where they are, building a personalized framework to help them achieve their lifestyle goals. From menu ideas based around food sensitivities to starting (and maintaining) a meditation practice to seasonal immune-boosting herbal remedies and acupuncture, we gently guide patients on their path to well-being.
With three practitioners on staff, we treat all complaints by diagnosing with Traditional Chinese Medical terms. Many maladies are little understood or deemed “subclinical” from a traditional Western point of view but are none-the-less disconcerting and can be very successfully treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, including but not limited to: PMS, menopausal symptoms, male and female fertility issues, pregnancy support, joint pain, sciatica, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, IBS, migraines and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was very fortunate to have attended Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine, with many of the most highly educated and knowledgeable professors and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Los Angeles area. Their ability to teach and pass on these ancient techniques while integrating them with modern medicine gave me a sure footing. Using my background in public relations and television production, I was able to hit the ground running marketing my skills: I made multiple appearances on Good Day L.A., CBS Morning News, HGTV and SoapNet. I wrote articles for local newspapers, guest-starred on local radio shows, spoke in front of many service groups including cancer support groups, social clubs and even Grand Rounds at both of my local hospitals; spreading the word about the positive, non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
After building a solo practice over twenty years, I recently incorporated as Elixir Lifestyle Medicine and now employ two associate acupuncturists and staff. The team approach is superior because there is always new research available regarding acupuncture and herbology, and working together, we make the time to discuss and integrate best practices to better help our patients, including weekly case reviews and study sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elixirlifestyle.com
- Instagram: elixirlifestylemedicine
- Facebook: ElixirLifestyleMedicine
Image Credits
Dan HIcks Jeanne Spencer
