Today we’d like to introduce you to Katarina Ryan.
Katarina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all began in Sweden where I lived at the time. I had a chronic back pain for years. And nothing seemed to be helping. One day, a friend mine suggested to try acupuncture, at that point I was clueless as to what an acupuncturist did. I was excited to try it, after all what did I have to lose? The treatment was surprisingly relaxing! I had 20 needles sticking up in my lower back and a few in my hands and feet. I felt a difference right away and was surprised that the relief was immediate. Needless to say, I was impressed.
This personal experience marked a pivotal point in my life. I went from working in Theatre and TV in Sweden and Finland to moving to Los Angeles, and enrolling in a master program in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I had heard that Southern California has a great acupuncture community and it was here the very first Acupuncture School started in the United States. I wanted to learn this fascinating medicine form the very best.
Great, 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?
Moving to a new country is never easy, but I loved the adventure! I enrolled in the master’s program of Chinese Medicine at “Samara University of Asian Medicine” the oldest school for Chinese Medicine in the United States. The curriculum was rigorous and required my full attention, and the information was fascinating indeed. This is a Four-thousand-year-old medicine, full of human wisdom and effective medical protocols, a lot to absorb! Approx. 5 years later. I received my Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I successfully cleared the Acupuncture licensing exam, given by the Acupuncture Board of California, and was finally able to start to practice. I was exited!
A marriage, a Master’s Degree and child later, I am now fully settled in the US with a thriving practice. In the beginning I rented a small room, which has now grown into a full holistic medicine clinic.
Please tell us about Acupuncture Therapeutics.
Acupuncture Therapeutics is a Pain Relief Specialist and Integrative Medicine Clinic, located in Pasadena CA. We have been in business since 2010.
We use effective modalities of Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture, cupping, heat therapy (moxa), tui-na massage and Botanical Medicine in our treatments. We have helped thousands of patients find relief from arthritis pain, sports injuries, trauma from surgery, low back pain, shoulder, neck and knee pain or headaches, allergies and digestive issues.
We are 3 licensed and highly qualified acupuncturists working here at Acupuncture Therapeutics. We have a combined acupuncture experience of 26 years.
Katarina Ryan, founder/owner specializes in orthopedic and neurological issues. She is certified in Cosmetic acupuncture as well.
Londa Laveck, L.Ac., In addition to treating pain conditions, she also specializes in treating stress and anxiety. She administers herbal formulas as well.
Hiroko Ogura, L.Ac. Treats pain, has a certification in nutrition, and specializes in digestive issues.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up in Finland, I was an avid horseback rider. I was in the horse stable as often as my parents let me. My favorite memories were summers, enrolled in a horseback riding camps. Riding was so uplifting to me in so many ways – the “hello” nicker, the horse smell when I hugged its neck, finally getting a new challenge right, spending time with barn friends, taking care of the horses, grooming, feeding them etc. I also loved swimming in the lakes during summertime.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1224 East Green St, suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91106
- Website: www.acupuncturetherapeutics.com
- Phone: 626 755 6260
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katarina.acupuncture/
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