Meet Emily Huffman of Slo Poke Community Acupuncture in South Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Huffman.

Emily, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Slo Poke Acupuncture was a discovery process. After attaining a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from SAMRA University in 2010, I knew I wanted to open an acupuncture clinic that could stand apart from the sea of practices that permeated Los Angeles. The ability to offer regular affordable treatments to my patients was paramount. Of all the wisdom I gleaned in school, one particular ancient principle offered the perspective shift that motivated me to create this clinic – discovering that ancient Chinese practitioners were paid on retainer to keep patients healthy and dismissed if health suffered.

That simple idea is the antithesis of how much modern medicine is currently practiced today! My goal was to make maintaining wellness feasible with reasonably priced treatments. Around this same time, I learned about Community Acupuncture and its grassroots efforts to make acupuncture more of a regimen, not a splurge. Lowering health costs for patients by utilizing a communal setting was precisely what I had witnessed being done in Beijing during my studies. It was time LA caught on. I honed my skills at some of the few existing community clinics until I opened my own space. In 2014, I put my Feng Shui skills to work and created Slo Poke Community Acupuncture – an intimate living room setting with affordable, quality health care in South Pasadena, CA.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have been lucky enough to celebrate my third year of business at Slo Poke. With many steadfast patients, word of mouth keeps the clinic growing stronger through the years.

These folks understand the benefits of maintaining their health rather than waiting to visit, only to address certain issues as they inevitably arise. It is a paradigm shift that doesn’t come easy in our culture, but those who commit to this ideal see its benefits.

Being able to get regular acupuncture treatments is an investment for sure, but one that pays substantial dividends in health and longevity. Spreading this vital message has been the biggest struggle I have faced since opening my doors.

Slo Poke Community Acupuncture – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Slo Poke is a reprieve from the busy world outside its doors. My most loyal patient is Stress, so it is typically addressed. Relaxation takes hold once the treatment begins. Like an onion being peeled back, the layers of imbalance reveal themselves as we get the body to let go and chi begins to flow. Most patients are coming in for various issues, but all can agree that the first order of business is to calm the mind and body. Because of the unique space, some patients arrive with family members or co-workers to receive treatments together and the collective healing energy created in the treatment room is palpable. The space is shared in a way that fosters real community where we can talk, laugh, rest, heal and even have some tea.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means that my patients are taking charge of their own health and thriving. They aren’t waiting for others to tell them how to treat their bodies and minds. They are inquisitive about changes that can improve their lives. When you come in for a visit, acupuncture is not the only order of business.

We will chat about your diet, home and work life balance, herbal supplements, sleep patterns, exercise, mindfulness and general choices that affect your health. Learning to tune in to your body’s signals means that you are paying attention to what matters most – being present.

Pricing:

• Slo Poke offers very affordable visits ($45) so that you may come as often as your treatment plan requires.

Contact Info:

• Address: Slo Poke Community Acupuncture
  1000 Fremont Avenue,. Suite 130A
  South Pasadena, CA 91030
• Website: http://slo-pokeacupuncture.com
• Phone: 626.427.7653
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slopokeacupuncture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slopokeacupuncture
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/slopokeacupunk
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/slo-poke-community-acupuncture-los-angeles-2

Image Credit:
Shenbaga Boucher

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