Interview with Amy Chitwood Burslem, L.Ac. of Portland Acupuncture Blog

May 29

amy chitwoodQ: You have quite the following on your Portland Acupuncture Blog.  What inspired you to start it and how has it transformed over the years?

A: The inspiration for the blog was to inform the general public about the benefits of Chinese Medicine and other natural health modalities. Portland is such a great place for alternative medicine, and is full of so many different and wonderful health care practitioners. It’s important for us to know what our options are.

I began writing posts on Portland Acupuncture Blog when I was still a student at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. It has evolved into a hub of information for people who don’t know a lot about acupuncture, and I hope it’s a good source! The idea is to inform the general public as much as possible about acupuncture and the modalities we use as practitioners of acupuncture. I try to find good links and interesting ideas, but really I just want to reach as much of the population as possible so they are informed of what acupuncture and Chinese medicine can do for them.

Q: Tell me about your business Calm Acupuncture, LLC.

A: I am currently practicing at Whole Family Wellness Center in Southwest Portland, and while my practice has a focus on women’s health and fertility, I also treat pain conditions, and respiratory conditions, such as allergies and asthma. I often incorporate massage techniques into my treatments, and am certified to practice reiki. We have a large herbal pharmacy and can provide specialized formulas designed to help each individual.

Q: What do you love most about what you do?

A: I love helping people. When they walk out of my office and feel better than they did when they came in, I know I did the best I could to help them. Treating patients over time and watching them evolve in the way they care for and treat themselves at a part of the healing process is the best part for me. I believe that healing involves both the practitioner and the patient working together to create balance. I truly enjoy learning from my patients, and sharing my knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine.