Meet Alison Doherty of Alison Doherty Acupuncture in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Doherty.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story began with my own initial experience with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In my early twenties, I suffered from health challenges that included unexplained nerve pain. I sought help for my condition and was discouraged with the options I was finding until I tried acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Within a few treatments, I was symptom-free and on the road to learning about holistic remedies and ancient modalities.

I wanted to learn about how and why these techniques worked, about the principles of qi, and how herbs could potentiate health and restore physiological balance. I began with self-study, then was given the opportunity to work for my acupuncturist at the time, doing research on Chinese medicine nutrition. Finally, I decided to get my Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles. During the next four and half years, I was inundated with Chinese medicine theory and diagnosis, acupuncture techniques, herbal medicine, Western medicine, bodywork, energy work, tai chi and qigong, Taoist philosophy, and nutrition. It was a commitment, to say the least, but was exciting and rewarding all the while and I gained skills that I am proud to have.

I graduated with my degree in the Fall of 2011 and advanced my clinical skills and knowledge working with various employers. After graduation, I extended my externship and volunteered in the pediatric pain clinic at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. I then worked at Costa community acupuncture clinic learning many important pain protocols, at Yo San University as Assistant Academic Dean, technical supervisor for student interns, and teacher of Introduction to herbs as well as at Tao of Wellness, the clinic of the founder’s of Yo San University where I was fortunate enough to be mentored by Dr’s Dao and Mao Ni. There, I increased my understanding and practical application of fertility, pediatric, oncology and women’s health treatments, before dedicating myself to my private practice.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had many obstacles along the way. There were financial challenges and setbacks with the cost of education along with the constant grind of working multiple jobs at once to make ends meet. Throughout school, I worked in childcare when I wasn’t in class, and after I was often working at a few places to earn enough to pay bills. I’ve been on the precipice of burn out a few times. Building a career as a Practitioner of Chinese medicine really has taken time, dedication, and perseverance.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alison Doherty Acupuncture – what should we know?
I love my business. My practice is a place where patients come to get better. I see health as a partnership between patient and practitioner. I believe in educating patients on health strategies and lifestyle recommendations that they can use to maintain health once our course of treatment is complete. These recommendations include nutritional modification, exercises and stretching, techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises to aid mental, emotional and physical health.

I have a general practice, where I see many conditions such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, high and low blood pressure, migraine and headaches, hormonal imbalance and digestive and immune issues. I also have had advanced training in chronic pain management, pediatric care, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery and women’s health.

My favorite part of my practice is the personal connection that develops over time. It is so rewarding to build and foster trusting relationships with my patients and to help them accomplish their personal health goals.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would have to credit my previous professors, employers, and colleagues for helping to continue my education post-degree. I am fortunate to have a tight-knit community of fellow practitioners to bounce ideas and questions off of. It helps to be able to inspire each other and get help with complicated cases.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1137 2nd Street, Suite 119
  Santa Monica, CA 90403
• Website: alisondohertyacupuncture.com
• Phone: 310-600-2052
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @alisondoherty
• Facebook: @AlisonDohertyAcupuncture
• Yelp: Alison Doherty Acupuncture

Image Credit:
@littletribediaries, @marjoriepier

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