Meet Katie Star of Super Star Acupuncture in Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Star.

Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My business story starts in 2009, at a Shiatsu massage class I took during my Massage Therapy undergraduate program in Upstate NY. As we stretched and opened up these “channels” on the body to improve blood flow and circulation, we learned about the Chinese medicine theory (the base of Shiatsu massage). I became fascinated with this theory. Similar to reading a Harry Potter book, it took me to another world.

This theory was an entirely new way of thinking about health, and yet it was like a lightbulb had turned on in my brain. It just made sense… the concept of people as whole beings with illnesses as imbalances, instead of people defined by their illness. You aren’t a “diabetic,” you have an imbalance that creates symptoms of this Western medicine disease. AND the symptoms may be regulated, with the imbalance being re-balanced. You aren’t “bi-polar” and stuck taking a drug to manage symptoms your entire life, there is a way to diagnose the symptoms through Chinese medicine that has the potential to create harmony in the body. My previous views of life, death, and disease disappeared. I was not scared of dying anymore. A peace was brought to my life. I wanted to share this beautiful theory of health to others around the world and found I could by becoming an acupuncturist, the equivalent of a doctor for Chinese medicine.

Fast-forward to the following year, (Past learning acupuncture includes needles eek! As someone who faints with hypodermic needles, I required a solid faith in this newfound love of Chinese medicine theory to choose this career with needles. Luckily, I soon learned acupuncture needles are tiny and surprisingly made me relax.)… when I started my graduate program for Acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Thus began not only my graduate program but a life-transforming journey. It’s been ten years since that Shiatsu class, and my business Super Star Acupuncture has been open a little over one year.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like many others going through their 20’s to finally reach the hill, I experienced wonderful and horrible times figuring out my life and career. I felt lucky to always have Chinese medicine by my side, guiding me. I broke up with my long term boyfriend, moved away from friends and family to Los Angeles, California to finish my graduate degree (for a deeper comprehension of classical Chinese medicine practice), learned how to stand on my own two feet in the working world, started creating a life for myself to enjoy, and arrived in Burbank.

After working at a few acupuncture positions, I decided it was time to jump into deep waters and start my own business. Oh how much there is to learn! A cup of trial and error and a dash (or few spoonfuls) of fear is a daily drink. I think one of the biggest struggles for me was learning professional etiquette and communication with patients. What is said and how it’s spoken goes a long way. Being an employee at the well-managed mom and pop’s grocery store Handy Market, and receiving support from the chiropractor I work with, Dr. Ryan Chapman, have made the process of developing my business smoother.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Super Star Acupuncture story. Tell us more about your practice.
My business, Super Star Acupuncture, provides quality holistic healing treatments for balancing and promoting health. Treatments offered include acupuncture, cupping, as well as TCM lifestyle consultations. I specialize in treating pain, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, and insomnia. I like to use a mix of gentleness, strength, and efficiency in my treatments.

The holistic style sets me apart from other acupuncturists that take a more western medicine style approach and only treat the symptoms of an illness. I treat the root cause of those symptoms as well, whether it be a weakness, blockage, etc. Also, I trained with Master Jia Yu, an acupuncturist whose family’s acupuncture lineage dates back to 1492. His powerful treatment style is especially beneficial for pain relief and is a nice addition to the classical style I use.

I’m most proud of Super Star Acupuncture for how much work and progress has been completed in one year of being open, and dedication to fulfilling its purpose.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say, luck has been on my side (knock on wood). But comes with the cost of facing fears, walking through the fire.

Pricing:

• Holistic New Patient Acupuncture Treatment $120/75 mins
• Holistic Follow-up Acupuncture Treatment $90/60 mins
• New Patient Consultation Only $60/30min
• Standard Follow-up Acupuncture Treatment $60/30 mins
• Cupping $50/30 mins

Contact Info:

• Address: Super Star Acupuncture
  3607 W Magnolia Blvd Suit C
  Burbank, CA 91505
• Website: www.superstaracupuncture.com
• Phone: (818) 200-7972
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superstaracupuncture/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/super-star-acupuncture-burbank

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