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Meet Erin Piccola of Silver Needle Acupuncture in Irvine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Piccola.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been drawn to holistic healthcare ever since I was an undergrad at Colgate University, where I studied neuroscience. I am fascinated by the brain and the ways in which it communicates with the body. Seemingly paradoxically, the study of neuroscience led me to explore careers in so-called “alternative” healthcare. Once I graduated from Colgate, I entered a Master’s Degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. My studies of Chinese Medicine confirmed my belief that we can tap into the power of the nervous system and the body’s own vital energy to restore health and well-being.

Upon completing my board exams, my husband and I moved to Orange County, where I began practicing at OC Sports and Wellness, an integrative medical center in Foothill Ranch. Here, I had the opportunity to practice alongside medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and chiropractors. It was wonderful to collaborate with other healthcare providers to maximize patient care.

Seven years, 2 kids, and a home purchase later, I decided to relocate to Irvine to be closer to home. Fortunately, I found another integrative medical setting at Momentum Sports Therapy. Here, I work alongside chiropractors, functional medicine specialists, and massage therapists. I love the collaborative environment that an integrative medical center provides.

Has it been a smooth road?
One thing that I did not anticipate when I began pursuing my career was the entrepreneurial aspect of my practice. Once I became board certified, there was no hospital or clinic waiting for me, no patients on the schedule, no paycheck to negotiate. I had to find a place to practice and patients to treat, and I had to do it with very little business knowledge. I have learned everything about running my business through trial-and-error and advise from others in the industry. It has definitely been my biggest challenge, since I never thought of myself as a businesswoman. But the experience of becoming an entrepreneur has made me a more confident and well-rounded person.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Silver Needle Acupuncture story. Tell us more about the business.
In my practice, I use a variety of healing modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, cupping, and moxibustion.

I treat patients of all ages for ailments ranging from infertility to insomnia, allergies to anxiety, common cold to constipation, headaches to hormone imbalance, and pretty much everything in between! Chinese medicine also excels in the treatment of chronic illness and autoimmune conditions, which are more prevalent in our society than ever before.

I am proud of the individualized approach that I take with my patients. No two people are the same, and neither are their ailments. I pride myself on the time I spend listening to my patients and guiding them towards better health. I am honored to be able to help people in their healing journey.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A true passion for helping people. I wouldn’t leave my kids to come to work if I didn’t truly love and care about my patients and their well-being. I think that comes across in my treatments. My husband and children are incredibly supportive of me. My husband is a family nurse practitioner, and we love blending our healing philosophies to maximize care for our family. My kids are also a couple of my best patients!

Pricing:

  • New patient evaluation and treatment: $125
  • Follow-up treatment: $80

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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