Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaina Greenberg.
Hi Elaina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello and thank you for this opportunity! I’m Elaina and I have been practicing classical Chinese herbal medicine, Western herbal medicine, and acupuncture for over 25 years now. From my first introduction to the theory of Chinese medicine, I was completely fascinated. In fact, I had such a deep visceral response to what I was hearing, I remember wanting to eat it. I wanted to get that information inside of me. Consequently, I applied, was accepted and was six months into my masters program in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine before receiving my first acupuncture treatment. It was quite a cliff to jump off at the time. Luckily for me, it was the ultimate launching point.
There can be a clear discrepancy between serving and self-serving. The line isn’t so concrete in my world, for what truly feeds me is to be of service. I am grateful to have a career that nourishes my mind and quest for knowledge and one where that also provides such care and support to others.
My son was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease nearly 10 years ago. This began a deep dive for me into all aspects regarding immunity and health. To my family’s benefit, I have a strong science background (Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine). I found the best doctors (pediatric and adult), physical therapists, nutritionists, etc., researched effective remedies for flare states and treatment protocols during periods of remission, as well as created a community to support my son and family. To my patients’ benefit, I bring all this into my practice every day with each individual.
Another “me-first” benefit my patients are reaping is that I am a middle aged woman (so counter-culture for me to admit). My fertile window is closing and I am embarking on a new phase of life. Here too I continue to consult, research, explore, and find resources on the myriad of life stages women go through. I work with patients that range in age from tweens to octogenarians. My decades of practice and life experience contribute to the health and wellness of my patients.
In my spare time I have been studying the Classics of Chinese medicine. It is essentially learning the code that the medicine was built from. Prior to these studies, my diagnostic methods and herb prescriptions were more of a “user” level (if we are continuing the software metaphor). The lineage of the Classics weave into my daily practice and truly amplify the lens that I see and treat through. They have broadened and yet honed my toolbox for maximum efficacy. I resonate so deeply with the heart-centered nature of Chinese medicine. To be able to explore the influence of history in medicine and its translation into modern practice is a great privilege.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that my biggest struggle has been the other aspects of running a business outside of the treatment room. My natural place to be is in my office with my patients. It is a fluid and organic experience to work with people and the community on their health goals. I enjoy public speaking and have taught for many years at a university. This all feels so good.
Marketing has been a hurdle for me. I didn’t have a website for my first 10 years of practice! Back then, I didn’t need one. Now there is social media “influencing,” marketing, SEO optimization, all that stuff is not where my heart is. This element is still a hurdle that I’m actively working on overcoming. I’m learning to outsource and get support for the things I’m not so good at. This allows me to focus on what I am good at – helping people.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I essentially specialize in working with those that are desperate. People who have had unsatisfactory results from other modalities or other providers often seek me out. Doctors will often refer patients to me who have either had an underwhelming experience on medication and / or don’t want to add more to their prescriptive protocol. Or better yet, they send me patients who don’t want medication at all. I am most often referred patients after other providers’ toolboxes have been exhausted.
What makes me different from other acupuncturists is my commitment to a Heart centered approach to healing. To see and listen to each patient as an individual, not a diagnosis. I am able to work independently and also work closely with their team of other healthcare providers to make sure that the patient is in the center of their wellness journey and not in the middle between competing providers.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be to not be afraid of your own unique voice.
For many years I would present myself as who I thought my clients, patients, referring doctors would want me to be. It wasn’t fake, but it wasn’t completely authentic. What I’m realizing as I age and in my decades of practice, is that the mask only lasts for so long. That not only am I doing a disservice to myself, but I’m also doing a disservice to the population that I care so deeply about when I am trying to fit into a mold that is an illusion in the first place. My mentor has said, “if you are not you, then you are ill.” So the goal for myself is to be more me, and the goal for my patients is for them to be more them.
In my opinion, this is the only way to be in alignment. That said, “being me” is a dynamic state. I can change my mind and change my perspective. True health is a harmonization of our genuine past and present uniting for a better future. Healing is finding wholeness in the revealing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elainagreenberg.com
- Instagram: @elainaglac
- Facebook: ElainaGreenbergAcupuncture
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elaina-greenberg-ms-lac-los-angeles?osq=Elaina+Greenberg
Image Credits
Michelle Pullman, Aaron Trager
